Resolvin d1 and resolvin d2 govern local inflammatory tone in obese fat

The unprecedented increase in the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related disorders is causally linked to a chronic state of low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue. Timely resolution of inflammation and return of this tissue to homeostasis are key to reducing obesity-induced metabolic dysfunctions. In this study, with inflamed adipose, we investigated the biosynthesis, conversion, and actions of Resolvins D1 (RvD1, 7S,8R,17S-trihydroxy-4Z,9E,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid) and D2 (RvD2, 7S,16R,17S-trihydroxy-4Z,8E,10Z,12E,14E,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid), potent anti-inflammatory and proresolving lipid mediators (LMs), and their ability to regulate monocyte interactions with adipocytes. Lipid mediator-metabololipidomics identified RvD1 and RvD2 from endogenous sources in human and mouse adipose tissues. We also identified proresolving receptors (i.e., ALX/FPR2, ChemR23, and GPR32) in these tissues. Compared with lean tissue, obese adipose showed a deficit of these endogenous anti-inflammatory signals. With inflamed obese adipose tissue, RvD1 and RvD2 each rescued impaired expression and secretion of adiponectin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner as well as decreasing proinflammatory adipokine production including leptin, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. RvD1 and RvD2 each reduced MCP-1 and leukotriene B(4)-stimulated monocyte adhesion to adipocytes and their transadipose migration. Adipose tissue rapidly converted both resolvins (Rvs) to novel oxo-Rvs. RvD2 was enzymatically converted to 7-oxo-RvD2 as its major metabolic route that retained adipose-directed RvD2 actions. These results indicate, in adipose, D-series Rvs (RvD1 and RvD2) are potent proresolving mediators that counteract both local adipokine production and monocyte accumulation in obesity-induced adipose inflammation.     

Omega-3 fatty acid-derived mediators 17(R)-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid, aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 and resolvin D2 prevent experimental colitis in mice

Resolvins of the D series are generated from docosahexaenoic acid, which are enriched in fish oils and are believed to exert beneficial roles on diverse inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1), its precursor (17(R)-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid [17R-HDHA]) and resolvin D2 (RvD2) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)- or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Our results showed that the systemic treatment with AT-RvD1, RvD2, or 17R-HDHA in a nanogram range greatly improved disease activity index, body weight loss, colonic damage, and polymorphonuclear infiltration in both colitis experimental models. Moreover, these treatments reduced colonic cytokine levels for TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-2, and CXCL1/KC, as well as mRNA expression of NF-κB and the adhesion molecules VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-1. Furthermore, AT-RvD1, but not RvD2 or 17R-HDHA, depended on lipoxin A4 receptor (ALX) activation to inhibit IL-6, MCP-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with LPS. Similarly, ALX blockade reversed the beneficial effects of AT-RvD1 in DSS-induced colitis. To our knowledge, our findings showed for the first time the anti-inflammatory effects of resolvins of the D series and precursor 17R-HDHA in preventing experimental colitis. We also demonstrated the relevant role exerted by ALX activation on proresolving action of AT-RvD1. Moreover, AT-RvD1 showed a higher potency than 17R-HDHA and RvD2 in preventing DSS-induced colitis. The results suggest that these lipid mediators possess a greater efficacy when compared with other currently used IBD therapies, such as monoclonal anti-TNF, and have the potential to be used for treating IBD.     

Anti-inflammatory actions of neuroprotectin D1/protectin D1 and its natural stereoisomers: assignments of dihydroxy-containing docosatrienes

Protectin D1, neuroprotectin D1 when generated by neural cells, is a member of a new family of bioactive products generated from docosahexaenoic acid. The complete stereochemistry of protectin D1 (10,17S-docosatriene), namely, chirality of the carbon-10 alcohol and geometry of the conjugated triene, required for bioactivity remained to be assigned. To this end, protectin D1/neuroprotectin D1 (PD1) generated by human neutrophils during murine peritonitis and by neural tissues was separated from natural isomers and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Comparisons with six 10,17-dihydroxydocosatrienes prepared by total organic and biogenic synthesis showed that PD1 from human cells carrying potent bioactivity is 10R,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid. Additional isomers identified included trace amounts of Delta15-trans-PD1 (isomer III), 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer IV), and a double dioxygenation product 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer I), present in exudates. 18O2 labeling showed that 10S,17S-diHDHA (isomer I) carried 18O in the carbon-10 position alcohol, indicating sequential lipoxygenation, whereas PD1 formation proceeded via an epoxide. PD1 at 10 nM attenuated (approximately 50%) human neutrophil transmigration, whereas Delta15-trans-PD1 was essentially inactive. PD1 was a potent regulator of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration (approximately 40% at 1 ng/mouse) in peritonitis. The rank order at 1- to 10-ng dose was PD1 approximately PD1 methyl ester > Delta15-trans-PD1 > 10S,17S-diHDHA (isomer I). 10S,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid (isomer VI) proved > or = PD1 in blocking PMN infiltration, but was not a major product of leukocytes. PD1 also reduced PMN infiltration after initiation (2 h) of inflammation and was additive with resolvin E1. These results indicate that PD1 is a potent stereoselective anti-inflammatory molecule.     

Resolvin d1 and aspirin-triggered resolvin d1 promote resolution of allergic airways responses

Asthma is a disease of airway inflammation that in most cases fails to resolve. The resolution of inflammation is an active process governed by specific chemical mediators, including D-series resolvins. In this study, we determined the impact of resolvin D1 (RvD1) and aspirin-triggered RvD1 (AT-RvD1) on the development of allergic airway responses and their resolution. Mice were allergen sensitized, and RvD1, AT-RvD1 (1, 10, or 100 ng), or vehicle was administered at select intervals before or after aerosol allergen challenge. RvD1 markedly decreased airway eosinophilia and mucus metaplasia, in part by decreasing IL-5 and IκBα degradation. For the resolution of established allergic airway responses, AT-RvD1 was even more efficacious than RvD1, leading to a marked decrease in the resolution interval for lung eosinophilia, decrements in select inflammatory peptide and lipid mediators, and more rapid resolution of airway hyperreactivity to methacholine. Relative to RvD1, AT-RvD1 resisted metabolic inactivation by macrophages, and AT-RvD1 significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of IgG-OVA-coated beads in vitro and in vivo, a new proresolving mechanism for the clearance of allergen from the airways. In conclusion, RvD1 and AT-RvD1 can serve as important modulators of allergic airway responses by decreasing eosinophils and proinflammatory mediators and promoting macrophage clearance of allergen. Together, these findings identify D-series resolvins as potential proresolving therapeutic agents for allergic responses.     

Metabolic inactivation of resolvin E1 and stabilization of its anti-inflammatory actions

The resolvins (Rv) are lipid mediators derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that act within a local inflammatory milieu to stop leukocyte recruitment and promote resolution. Resolvin E1 (RvE1; (5S,12R,18R)-trihydroxy-6Z,8E,10E,14Z,16E-eicosapentaenoic acid) is an oxygenase product derived from omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid that displays potent anti-inflammation/pro-resolution actions in vivo. Here, we determined whether oxidoreductase enzymes catalyze the conversion of RvE1 and assessed the biological activity of the RvE1 metabolite. With NAD+ as a cofactor, recombinant 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase acted as an 18-hydroxyl dehydrogenase to form 18-oxo-RvE1. In the murine lung, dehydrogenation of the hydroxyl group at carbon 18 position to form 18-oxo-RvE1 represented the major initial metabolic route for RvE1. At a concentration where RvE1 potently reduced polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) recruitment in zymosan-induced peritonitis, 18-oxo-RvE1 was devoid of activity. In human neutrophils, carbon 20 hydroxylation of RvE1 was the main route of conversion. An RvE1 analog, i.e. 19-(p-fluorophenoxy)-RvE1, was synthesized that resisted rapid metabolic inactivation and proved to retain biological activity reducing PMN infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production in vivo. These results established the structure of a novel RvE1 initial metabolite, indicating that conversion of RvE1 to the oxo product represents a mode of RvE1 inactivation. Moreover, the designed RvE1 analog, which resisted further metabolism/inactivation, could be a useful tool to evaluate the actions of RvE1 in complex disease models.     

Synthesis, structural identification and biological activity of 11,12-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids formed in human platelets

An enantiospecific route for the synthesis of 11,12-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids was developed and used to synthesize 11,12-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acids. The 11,12-DHETEs were synthesized with the stereochemistry of the hydroxyl group being 11(R),12(S) and 11(S),12(S). The synthetic compounds were used to elucidate the structure of 11,12-DHETEs formed in human platelets by comparison of the chromatographic retention time in HPLC and GC as well as their ion fragmentation pattern in GC-MS. The major 11,12-DHETE formed in human platelets was found to be identical with 11(R),12(S)-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid. Two more compounds were tentatively identified as 11(S),12(S)-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid and 11,12-dihydroxy-5(E),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid. Furthermore, the 11(S),12(S)-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid was found to possess biological activity on neutrophil functional responses. However, the major compound, 11(R),12(S)-dihydroxy-5(Z),7(E),9(E),14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid, formed in platelets lacks biological activity in the test systems used. The present data further support that 11,12-dihydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids are formed in human platelets via a leukotriene like mechanism presumably by the 12-lipoxygenase. Furthermore, the biological effects of one of the compounds showed a unique activity profile compared to other lipoxygenase products.     

Stereospecific formation of (24E)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholest-24-en-26-oic acid and (24R,25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,24-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid from either (25R)- or (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid by rat liver homogenate

Studies of the stereochemistry of the intermediates, 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholest-24-en-26-oic acid and 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,24-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid, in the biosynthetic sequence between 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid and cholic acid have been undertaken. (25R)- or (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha, 12 alpha-Trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid was incubated with rat liver homogenates. The reaction products were converted to p-bromophenacyl ester derivatives and the esters were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. By comparison with authentic samples of two (24E)- and (24Z)-isomers of the alpha, beta-unsaturated acid and of four isomers at C-24 and C-25 of the beta-hydroxy acid, (24E)-3 alpha,7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid and (24R,25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,24-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid were found to be formed from either (25R)- or (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid. No formation of the (24Z)-isomer of the trihydroxycholestenoic acid or the other three isomers of the tetrahydroxycholestanoic acid was detected. The findings are discussed in relation to the assumed pathway for side chain cleavage in cholic acid biosynthesis.     

Maresin Biosynthesis and Identification of Maresin 2, a New Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Mediator from Human Macrophages

Maresins are a new family of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by macrophages. Here we identified a novel pro-resolving product, 13R,14S-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (13R,14S-diHDHA), produced by human macrophages. PCR mapping of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) mRNA sequence in human macrophages and platelet showed that they are identical. This human 12-LOX mRNA and enzyme are expressed in monocyte-derived cell lineage, and enzyme expression levels increase with maturation to macrophages or dendritic cells. Recombinant human 12-LOX gave essentially equivalent catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_M) with arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA as substrates. Lipid mediator metabololipidomics demonstrated that human macrophages produce a novel bioactive product 13,14-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid in addition to maresin-1, 7R,14S-dihydroxy-4Z,8E,10E,12Z,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (MaR1). Co-incubations with human recombinant 12-LOX and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) demonstrated that biosynthesis of 13,14-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (13,14-diHDHA) involves the 13S,14S-epoxy-maresin intermediate produced from DHA by 12-LOX, followed by conversion via soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). This new 13,14-diHDHA displayed potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions, and at 1 ng reduced neutrophil infiltration in mouse peritonitis by ∼40% and at 10 pM enhanced human macrophage phagocytosis of zymosan by ∼90%. However, MaR1 proved more potent than the 13R,14S-diHDHA at enhancing efferocytosis with human macrophages. Taken together, the present findings demonstrate that macrophages produced a novel bioactive product identified in the maresin metabolome as 13R,14S-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid, from DHA via conversion by human 12-LOX followed by sEH. Given its potent bioactions, we coined 13R,14S-diHDHA maresin 2 (MaR2).     

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes by immunoaffinity chromatography and its reactivity with hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase was purified to near homogeneity from the cytosol fraction of porcine leukocytes by ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody against the enzyme. The purified enzyme was unstable (half-life of about 24 h at 4 degrees C) but was markedly protected from the inactivation by storage in the presence of ferrous ion or in the absence of air. The lag phase which was observed before the start of the enzyme reaction was abolished by the presence of 12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid. An apparent substrate inhibition was observed with arachidonic acid and other active substrates; however, the substrate concentration curve was normalized by the presence of 0.03% Tween 20. Arachidonic acid was transformed to the omega-9 oxygenation product 12-hydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,10Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid. C-12 oxygenation also occurred with 5-hydroxy- and 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids; the respective maximal velocities were 60 and 150% of the rate with arachidonic acid. Octadecaenoic acids were also good substrates. gamma-Linolenic acid was oxygenated in the omega-9 position (C-10), while linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids were subject to omega-6 oxygenation (C-13). A far more complex reaction was observed using 15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid as substrate. Reaction occurred at 70% of the rate with arachidonic acid. The dihydroperoxy and dihydroxy products were identified by their UV absorption spectra, high performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among these products, (8S,15S)-dihydroperoxy-5Z,9E,11Z,13E-eicos atetraenoic acid and (14R,15S)-erythro-dihydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,10E, 12E-eicosatetraenoic acid were produced in larger amounts than the (8R)- and (14S,15S)-threo isomers, respectively; these products were attributed to 8- and 14-oxygenation of the 15-hydroperoxy acid. Furthermore, formation of 14,15-leukotriene A4 was inferred from the characteristic pattern of its hydrolysis products comprised of equal amounts of (8R,15S)- and (8S,15S)-dihydroxy-5Z,9E,11E,13E-eicosatetraenoi c acids together with smaller amounts of (14R,15S)-erythro- and (14S,15S)-threo-dihydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,12E-eicosate traenoic acids. Thus, both lipoxygenase and leukotriene synthase activities were demonstrated with the homogeneous preparation of porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase.     

Resolvin D1 and D2 inhibit tumour growth and inflammation via modulating macrophage polarization

Plastic polarization of macrophage is involved in tumorigenesis. M1‐polarized macrophage mediates rapid inflammation, entity clearance and may also cause inflammation‐induced mutagenesis. M2‐polarized macrophage inhibits rapid inflammation but can promote tumour aggravation. ω‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐derived metabolites show a strong anti‐inflammatory effect because they can skew macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. However, their role in tumour promotive M2 macrophage is still unknown. Resolvin D1 and D2 (RvD1 and RvD2) are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐derived docosanoids converted by 15‐lipoxygenase then 5‐lipoxygenase successively. We found that although dietary DHA can inhibit prostate cancer in vivo, neither DHA (10 μmol/L) nor RvD (100 nmol/L) can directly inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro. Unexpectedly, in a cancer cell‐macrophage co‐culture system, both DHA and RvD significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation. RvD1 and RvD2 inhibited tumour‐associated macrophage (TAM or M2d) polarization. Meanwhile, RvD1 and RvD2 also exhibited anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS‐interferon (IFN)‐γ‐induced M1 polarization as well as promoting interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)‐mediated M2a polarization. These differential polarization processes were mediated, at least in part, by protein kinase A. These results suggest that regulation of macrophage polarization using RvDs may be a potential therapeutic approach in the management of prostate cancer.     

A one-step method of 10,17-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid synthesis by soybean lipoxygenase

A product of lipoxygenase (LOX) oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 10,17-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid [10,17(S)-diH(P)DHA] was obtained through various reaction pathways that involved DHA, 17(S)-hydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11Z,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid [17(S)-H(P)DHA], soybean lipoxygenase (sLOX), and potato tuber lipoxygenase (ptLOX) in various combinations. The structure of the product was confirmed by HPLC, ultraviolet (UV) light spectrometry, GC-MS, tandem MS, and NMR spectroscopy. It has been found that 10,17(S)-diH(P)DHA formed by sLOX through direct oxidation of either DHA or 17(S)-H(P)DHA was apparently identical to the product of ptLOX oxidation of the latter. The sLOX- and ptLOX-derived samples of 10,17-diHDHAs coeluted under the conditions of normal, reverse, and chiral phase HPLC analyses, displayed identical UV absorption spectra with maxima at 260, 270, and 280 nm, and had similar one-dimensional and two-dimensional proton NMR spectra. Analysis of their NMR spectra led to the conclusion that 10,17-diHDHA formed by sLOX had solely 11E,13Z,15E configuration of the conjugated triene fragment, which was identical to the previously published structure of its ptLOX-derived counterpart. Based on the cis,trans geometry of the reaction products, the conclusion is made that in the tested conditions sLOX catalyzed direct double dioxygenation of DHA. Compared with the previously described two-enzyme method that involved sLOX and ptLOX, the current simplified one-enzyme procedure uses only sLOX as the catalyst of both dioxygenation steps.     

On the structure and synthesis of neuroprotectin D1, a novel anti-inflammatory compound of the docosahexaenoic acid family

Potato tuber lipoxygenase was shown to convert 17(S)-hydro(pero)xydocasahexaenoic acid in 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid [10,17(S)-diHDHA] which was formed apparently through a double lipoxygenation mechanism. No traces of 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-enoic acid were found among the reaction products. It is very likely that a described earlier "neuroprotectin D1" [or "10,17(S)docosatriene"], a novel and potent anti-inflammatory compound derived from docosahexaenoic acid, was, in fact, 10,17(S)-dihydroxydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid formed through a double lipoxygenation mechanism instead of a previously thought epoxidation/isomerization mechanism.     

Resolvins, docosatrienes, and neuroprotectins, novel omega-3-derived mediators, and their aspirin-triggered endogenous epimers: an overview of their protective roles in catabasis

The molecular basis for the beneficial impact of essential omega-3 fatty acids is of considerable interest. Recently, novel mediators generated from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that displayed potent bioactions were first identified in resolving inflammatory exudates [J. Exp. Med. 192 (2000) 1197; J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025] and in tissues enriched with DHA [J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025; J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 14677]. The trivial names Resolvin (resolution phase interaction products) and docosatrienes were introduced for the bioactive compounds belonging to these novel series because they demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions. The compounds derived from eicosapentaenoic acid carrying potent biological actions (i.e., 1-10 nM range) are designated E series, given their EPA precursor, and denoted as Resolvins of the E series (Resolvin E1 or RvE1), and those biosynthesized from the precursor docosahexaenoic acid are Resolvins of the D series (Resolvin D1 or RvD1). Bioactive members from DHA with conjugated triene structures are docosatrienes (DT) that are immunoregulatory [J. Exp. Med. 196 (2002) 1025; J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 14677], and neuroprotective [J. Biol. Chem., 278 (2003) 43807; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. [submitted for publication]] and are termed neuroprotectins. The specific receptors for these novel bioactive products from omega-3 EPA and DHA are abbreviated Resolvin D receptors (i.e., ResoDR1), Resolvin E receptor (ResoER1; RER1), and neuroprotectin D receptors (NPDR), respectively, in recognition of their respective cognate ligands. Aspirin treatment impacts biosynthesis of these compounds and a related series by triggering endogenous formation of the 17R-D series Resolvins and docosatrienes. These novel epimers are denoted as aspirin-triggered (AT)-RvDs and -DTs, and possess potent anti-inflammatory actions in vivo essentially equivalent to their 17S series pathway products. Here, we provide a syntomy overview of the formation and actions of these newly uncovered pathways and products as well as highlight their role(s) as endogenous protective mediators generated in anti-inflammation and catabasis.     

Biological activities of isomers of 8,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid

Chemically synthesized 8(S), 15(S)-dihydroxy-5,11-cis-9, 13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid and 8(R), 15(S)-dihydroxy-5,11-cis-9,13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid were inactive, in comparison to leukotriene B4, in a human polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemokinetic assay and a rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte aggregation assay.     

Full characterization of PDX, a neuroprotectin/protectin D1 isomer, which inhibits blood platelet aggregation

Our study aimed to establish the complete structure of the main dihydroxy conjugated triene issued from the lipoxygenation (soybean enzyme) of docosahexaenoic acid, named PDX, an isomer of protectin/neuroprotectin D1 (PD1/NPD1) described by Bazan and Serhan. NMR approaches and other chemical characterization (e.g. GC-MS, HPLC and LC-MS/MS) indicated that PDX is 10(S),17(S)-dihydroxy-docosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid. The use of ¹⁸O₂ and mass spectrometry showed that PDX is a double lipoxygenation product. Its structure differs from PD1, with E,Z,E geometry (PDX) instead of E,E,Z (PD1) and S configuration at carbon 10 instead of R. PDX inhibits human blood platelet aggregation at sub-micromolar concentrations.     

Protectin D1 is generated in asthma and dampens airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness

Protectins are newly identified natural chemical mediators that counter leukocyte activation to promote resolution of inflammation. In this study, we provide the first evidence for protectin D1 (PD1, 10R,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid) formation from docosahexaenoic acid in human asthma in vivo and PD1 counterregulatory actions in allergic airway inflammation. PD1 and 17S-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid were present in exhaled breath condensates from healthy subjects. Of interest, levels of PD1 were significantly lower in exhaled breath condensates from subjects with asthma exacerbations. PD1 was also present in extracts of murine lungs from both control animals and those sensitized and aerosol challenged with allergen. When PD1 was administered before aeroallergen challenge, airway eosinophil and T lymphocyte recruitment were decreased, as were airway mucus, levels of specific proinflammatory mediators, including IL-13, cysteinyl leukotrienes, and PGD(2), and airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Of interest, PD1 treatment after aeroallergen challenge markedly accelerated the resolution of airway inflammation. Together, these findings provide evidence for endogenous PD1 as a pivotal counterregulatory signal in allergic airway inflammation and point to new therapeutic strategies for modulating inflammation in asthmatic lung.     

Analogs of leukotriene B4: effects of modification of the hydroxyl groups on leukocyte aggregation and binding to leukocyte leukotriene B4 receptors

The syntheses and agonist and binding activities of 5(S)-hydroxy- 6(Z), 8(E), 10(E), 14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-deoxy LTB4), 5(S), 12(S)-dihydroxy-6(Z), 8(E), 10(E), 14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-epi LTB4), 12(R)-hydroxy-6(Z), 8(E), 10(E), 14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-deoxy LTB4), 5(R), 12(S)-dihydroxy-6(Z), 8(E), 10(E), 14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-epi LTB4), 6(Z), 8(E), 10(E), 14(Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (5, 12-deoxy LTB4) are described. These leukotriene B4 analogs were all able to aggregate rat leukocytes and compete with [3H]-leukotriene B4 for binding to rat and human leukocyte leukotriene B4 receptors with varying efficacy. The analog in which the 12-hydroxyl group was removed was severely reduced both in agonist action (aggregation) and binding. The epimeric 12-hydroxyl analog demonstrated better agonist and binding properties than the analog without a hydroxyl at this position. In contrast, in the case of the 5-hydroxyl the epimeric hydroxyl analog had greatly reduced agonist and binding activities while the 5-deoxy analog demonstrated potency only several fold less than leukotriene B4 itself. The dideoxy leukotriene B4 analog was more than a thousand fold less active than leukotriene B4 as an agonist and in binding to the leukotriene B4 receptor. These results show that binding to the leukocyte leukotriene B4 receptor requires a hydroxyl group at the 12 position in either stereochemical orientation but that the presence of a hydroxyl at the 5 position is less important. However, the epimeric C5 leukotriene B4 analog clearly interacts unfavourably with the binding site of the leukotriene B4 receptor.     

C(15) Acetogenins from the red alga Laurencia obtusa.

Four C(15) acetogenins, 13-epilaurencienyne (3Z) (1), 13-epipinnatifidenyne (3E) (2), (3E, 6S(*), 7R(*), 9S(*), 10S(*), 12R(*))-9-chloro-13-bromo-6:12-epoxy-7, 10-diacetoxypentadec-3-en-1-yne (3), (3Z, 6S(*), 7R(*), 9S(*), 10S(*), 12R(*))-9-chloro-13-bromo-6:12-epoxy-7, 10-diacetoxypentadec-3-en-1-yne (4), along with the known 13-epilaurencienyne (3E) (5), have been isolated from the organic extract of the red alga Laurencia obtusa, collected in the Aegean Sea, Greece. The structures of the new natural products, as well as their relative stereochemistry, were established by means of spectral data analysis, including 2D NMR spectroscopic experiments. Some of the new metabolites exhibited significant insecticidal activity.     

Synthesis and structural identification of four dihydroxy acids and 11,12-leukotriene C4 derived from 11,12-leukotriene A4

Using a partially purified 12-lipoxygenase from porcine leukocytes, (5Z,8Z,10E,14Z)-12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-icosate traenoic acid was synthesized from arachidonic acid with a yield of over 35%. The absolute configuration of C-12 was determined as S by chiral-phase column chromatography. It was chemically converted to at least three epoxides with the conjugated triene structure. Two were identified by proton NMR and mass spectrometry to be (5Z,7E,9E,14Z)-(11S,12S)-11,12-oxido-5,7,9,14-ic osatetraenoic acid (11,12-leukotriene A4) and (5Z,7Z,9E,14Z)-(11S,12S)-11,12-oxido-5,7,9,14-ic osatetraenoic acid (7-cis-11,12-leukotriene A4). 11,12-Leukotriene A4 underwent acid hydrolysis to yield two diastereomers of (6E,8E,10E,14Z)-(12S)-5,12-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14-i cosatetraenoic acid and two isomers of (14Z)-(12S)-11,12-dihydroxy-5,7,9,14-icosatetraenoic acid. Upon incubation with rat liver glutathione S-transferase, 11,12-leukotriene A4 was converted to 11,12-leukotriene C4, a spasmogenic compound.     

Lipoxygenase in trout gill tissue acting on arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids

Lipoxygenase activity was characterized in the gill tissue of fresh-water trout. Incubation of arachidonic acid with gill preparations yielded 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid as the major product, suggesting a 12-lipoxygenase. Eicosapentaenoic acid was similarly converted to the 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid. Both arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were converted with equal apparent velocities and affinities into single monohydroxy derivatives. Analyses of the hydroxy product of docosahexaenoic acid were consistent with 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid. This enzyme activity was localized to the cytosolic fraction and displayed a broad pH optimum around pH 7. The enzyme was insensitive to the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and aspirin but activity was strongly inhibited in the presence of the lipoxygenase inhibitors, SnCl2 (5 mM), esculetin (10 microM) and eicosatetraynoic acid (100 microM).