Metabolism of oxidized linoleic acid by glutathione transferases: peroxidase activity toward 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid

The oxidation of linoleic acid produces several products with biological activity including the hydroperoxy fatty acid 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE), the hydroxy fatty acid 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), and the 2,4-dienone 13-oxooctadecadienoic acid (13-OXO). In the present work, the peroxidase activity of glutathione transferases (GST) A1-1, M1-1, M2-2, and P1-1(Val 105) toward 13-HPODE has been examined. The alpha class enzyme is the most efficient peroxidase while the two enzymes from the mu class exhibit weak peroxidase activity toward 13-HPODE. It was also determined that the conjugated diene 13-HODE is not a substrate for GST from the alpha and mu classes but that 13-HODE does inhibit the GST-catalyzed conjugation of CDNB by enzymes from the alpha, mu, and pi classes. Finally, both 13-HODE and 13-OXO were shown to be inducers of GST activity in HT-29 and HCT-116 colon tumor cells. These data help to clarify the role of GST in the metabolic disposition of linoleic acid oxidation products.     

Metabolism of oxidized linoleic acid: distribution of activity for the enzymatic oxidation of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid to 13-oxooctadecadienoic acid in rat tissues

Oxidation products of linoleic acid, including hydroperoxy- and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids have been shown to possess biological activities in a number of different systems. In this work we describe an enzymatic activity which catalyzes the conversion of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid to a 2,4-dienone product, 13-oxooctadecadienoic acid. The enzyme activity is widely distributed, with the highest activity in the colon and the liver. The distribution of activity among various tissues is distinct from other dehydrogenases known to use oxygenated unsaturated fatty acids as substrates. This enzyme may play a key role in the metabolism of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in epithelial tissues.     

Translocation of phospholipase A2 to membranes by oxidized LDL and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid to contribute to cholesteryl ester formation

We examined the mechanisms underlying the activation of group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha) contributing to the supply of fatty acids required for the formation of cholesteryl ester in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-stimulated macrophages. The possible involvement of oxidized lipids was also examined. In [(3)H]arachidonic acid-labeled mouse peritoneal macrophages, oxLDL stimulated the release of arachidonic acid, which was suppressed by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), a cPLA(2)alpha inhibitor. oxLDL induced an increase in PLA(2)alpha levels in the membrane fraction without affecting those in whole cells or the activity in the lysate. Among 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), 7-ketocholesterol, and 25-hydroxycholesterol, oxidized lipids present in oxLDL particles, only 13-HODE induced the release of arachidonic acid, which was also sensitive to MAFP. Under conditions where addition of Ca(2+) to the cell lysate induced an increase in cPLA(2)alpha protein in the membrane fraction, preincubation with 13-HODE facilitated the Ca(2+)-dependent translocation of cPLA(2)alpha. Furthermore, 13-HODE increased cholesteryl ester formation in the presence of [(3)H]cholesterol. These results suggest that 13-HODE mediates the oxLDL-induced activation of cPLA(2)alpha through an increase in cPLA(2)alpha protein in the membranes, thus contributing, in part, to the supply of fatty acids required for the esterification of cholesterol in macrophages.     

Oxidative metabolism of linoleic acid by human leukocytes

Upon incubation with human leukocytes, [1-14C] linoleic acid is almost exclusively transformed into 13-hydroxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) if the linoleic acid concentration is lower than 50 microM. Identification of 13-HODE was done by GLC-MS at the level of its methyl ester, trimethylsilyl ether and by comparison with authentic 13-HODE in two different HPLC systems. Analysis of the products by chiral phase HPLC shows that 13(S)-hydroxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic acid is by far the major metabolite formed by human leukocytes. Comparison of reactions performed with intact or lyzed cells suggests that the formation of 13(S)-HODE by human leukocytes occurs in two steps, a dioxygenation catalyzed by a 15-lipoxygenase and a reduction of intermediate 13-HPODE by a glutathione-dependent peroxidase.     

Biosynthesis of UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminuronic acid and UDP-N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid in Micrococcus luteus

The occurrence and formation of UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminuronic acid (UDP-GlcNAcA) and UDP-N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid (UDP-ManNAcA) were studied in Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698. UDP-N-acetylhexosaminuronic acid separated from D-cycloserine-inhibited cells was shown to be a mixture of UDP-GlcNAcA and UDP-ManNAcA in the ratio of 87:13, whereas that obtained from untreated cells was a 96:4 mixture of these two nucleotides. Crude enzyme preparations obtained from the supernatant fraction of cells catalyzed the NAD+-dependent conversion of UDP-GlcNAc into UDP-GlcNAcA and UDP-ManNAcA. Studies on the partial separation and properties of enzymes revealed that UDP-GlcNAcA is synthesized directly from UDP-GlcNAc by the action of UDP-GlcNAc dehydrogenase and that UDP-ManNAcA is synthesized from UDP-GlcNAc through the successive actions of UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase and UDP-ManNAc dehydrogenase. However, enzymatic conversion of UDP-GlcNAcA to UDP-ManNAcA was not detected. Ammonium sulfate protects both dehydrogenases from inactivation during storage and incubation. Partially purified UDP-GlcNAc dehydrogenase required dithiothreitol and the particulate fraction for its full activity. The apparent Km values of UDP-GlcNAc dehydrogenase for UDP-GlcNAc and NAD+ were 0.28 and 1.43 mM, respectively. The optimum pH of this enzyme was higher than 9 in Tris-HCl buffer. p-Chloromercuribenzoate at 27 microM as well as 10 mM ethanol almost completely inhibited the UDP-GlcNAc dehydrogenase reaction.     

Reverse reaction of malic enzyme for HCO3- fixation into pyruvic acid to synthesize L-malic acid with enzymatic coenzyme regeneration

Malic enzyme [L-malate: NAD(P)(+) oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.39)] catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of L-malic acid to produce pyruvic acid using the oxidized form of NAD(P) (NAD(P)(+)). We used a reverse reaction of the malic enzyme of Pseudomonas diminuta IFO 13182 for HCO(3)(-) fixation into pyruvic acid to produce L-malic acid with coenzyme (NADH) generation. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC1.1.1.49) of Leuconostoc mesenteroides was suitable for coenzyme regeneration. Optimum conditions for the carboxylation of pyruvic acid were examined, including pyruvic acid, NAD(+), and both malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase concentrations. Under optimal conditions, the ratio of HCO(3)(-) and pyruvic acid to malic acid was about 38% after 24 h of incubation at 30 degrees C, and the concentration of the accumulated L-malic acid in the reaction mixture was 38 mM. The malic enzyme reverse reaction was also carried out by the conjugated redox enzyme reaction with water-soluble polymer-bound NAD(+).     

9- and 13-hydroxy-linoleic acid possess chemotactic activity for bovine and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) within the airways is a characteristic feature of a variety of lung diseases. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and epithelial cells release many different factors which contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells into infected airways. PAMs and tracheal epithelial cells are able to produce linoleic acid metabolites (9-HODE and 13-HODE) besides arachidonic acid metabolites. The objective of the present study was to determine whether 9-HODE and 13-HODE possess chemotactic activity for isolated PMNs. It was found that 9-HODE and 13-HODE induced a chemotactic response of both human and bovine PMNs in vitro. The HODEs evoked chemotaxis with a linear dose response from 10(-10) to 10(-6) M to the same extent as the arachidonic acid metabolite 15-HETE. At 10(-8) M, 9-HODE and 13-HODE were approximately half as potent in inducing chemotaxis as compared to LTB4.     

The lipoxygenase product 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) is a selective inhibitor of classical PKC isoenzymes

13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), hydroxylinoleic acid, is a major lipoxygenase metabolite which is produced by myeloid inflammatory cells and modifies inflammatory cell activity. The biological effects of 13-HODE in non-haemopoietic cells (HUVEC) have been attributed to the incorporation of 13-HODE into 13-HODE containing diacylglycerol and the selective inhibition of protein kinase C. Our studies, using whole promyeloid cells (HL60) and recombinant PKC isoenzymes in an in vitro assay, showed that 13-HODE inhibited PKC-alpha, beta1, and PKC-betall, but did not affect the activity of PKC-delta. These data suggest that the actions of hydroxylinoleic acid on myeloid cells include the selective inhibition of classical PKC isoenzymes.     

Cyclic AMP regulation of endothelial cell triacylglycerol turnover, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) synthesis and endothelial cell thrombogenicity

The 15-omega-lipoxygenase enzyme in endothelial cells metabolizes endogenous linoleic acid (18:2) into 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) under basal conditions, i.e., in unstimulated endothelial cells. 13-HODE is thought to regulate the non-adhesivity of the endothelium, contributing to vessel wall/blood cell biocompatibility. We performed experiments, therefore, to determine the relationship between basal levels of cAMP, 13-HODE synthesis, and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion. We found that 13-HODE synthesis increased with elevated cAMP levels and that the elevated 13-HODE levels correlated with increased 18:2 turnover in the triacylglycerol pool. In contrast, neither 18:2 nor arachidonic acid (20:4) turnover in the phospholipid nor prostacyclin (PGI2) production were changed with elevated cAMP levels. Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion was inversely proportional to 13-HODE synthesis. We conclude that intracellular 13-HODE influences platelet/vessel wall interactions, is synthesized from 18:2 released from the endogenous triacylglycerol pool, and that this pathway is modulated by intracellular cAMP levels.     

Lipid peroxides induce expression of catalase in cultured vascular cells

Various forms of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) are thought to play a major role in the development of atherosclerosis. The lipid components of Ox-LDL present a plethora of proatherogenic effects in in vitro cell culture systems, suggesting that oxidative stress could be an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, buried among these effects are those that could be interpreted as antiatherogenic. The present study demonstrates that various oxidants, including oxidized fatty acids and mildly oxidized forms of LDL (MO-LDL), are able to induce catalase (an antioxidant enzyme) expression in rabbit femoral arterial smooth muscle cells (RFASMC), RAW cells (macrophages), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In RFASMC, catalase protein, mRNA, and the enzyme activity are increased in response to oxidized linoleic acid (13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid [13-HPODE] and 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid [13-HODE]), MO-LDL, or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Such an increase in catalase gene expression cannot totally be attributed to the cellular response to an intracellular generation of H(2)O(2) after the addition of 13-HPODE or 13-HODE because these agents induce a further increase of catalase as seen in catalase-transfected RFASMC. Taken together with the induction of heme oxygenase, NO synthase, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), and glutathione synthesis by oxidative stress, our results provide yet more evidence suggesting that a moderate oxidative stress can induce cellular antioxidant response in vascular cells, and thereby could be beneficial for preventing further oxidative stress.     

Induction of interleukin 1 beta expression from human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages by 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoproteins (LDL) have recently been proposed to play a role in atherogenesis by promoting foam cell formation and endothelial cell toxicity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether modified LDL could also induce macrophage release of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), a cytokine which enhances vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, another feature of the atherosclerotic process. LDL were oxidatively modified by incubation with either Cu2+ (Cu(2+)-LDL) or human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (M-LDL). Incubation of these modified LDL with macrophages (6 x 10(6) cells/culture) resulted in a dose-dependent induction of IL-1 beta release. At 300 micrograms protein/ml, Cu(2+)-LDL and M-LDL induced 422 and 333 pg of IL-1 beta/culture, respectively. Saponified Cu(2+)-LDL and M-LDL were shown to contain 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), lipid oxidation products of linoleate. When tested for activity in macrophage culture (3 x 10(6) cells/culture), it was found that 9-HODE and 13-HODE (final concentration 33 microM) induced the release of 122 and 43 pg of IL-1 beta/culture, respectively, whereas untreated cells released only 4 pg of IL-1 beta/culture. Incubation of macrophages with cholesteryl-9-HODE also induced IL-1 beta release; however, the degree of induction of IL-1 beta release by 9-HODE or its cholesteryl ester relative to modified LDL suggests that other components in oxidized LDL may also contribute to IL-1 beta induction. 9-HODE was rapidly taken up by macrophages, and the kinetics were similar to IL-1 beta release. A 1.5- to 6-fold increase in the level of IL-1 beta mRNA was detected as little as 3-h post-9-HODE treatment. The induction of IL-1 beta release from human monocyte-derived macrophages by 9-HODE and cholesteryl-9-HODE suggests a role for modified LDL, and its associated linoleate oxidation products, in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.     

Human neutrophils convert the sebum-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid Sebaleic acid to a potent granulocyte chemoattractant

Sebaleic acid (5,8-octadecadienoic acid) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in human sebum and skin surface lipids. The objective of the present study was to investigate the metabolism of this fatty acid by human neutrophils and to determine whether its metabolites are biologically active. Neutrophils converted sebaleic acid to four major products, which were identified by their chromatographic properties, UV absorbance, and mass spectra as 5-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid (5-HODE), 5-oxo-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid (5-oxo-ODE), 5S,18-dihydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid, and 5-oxo-18-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid. The identities of these metabolites were confirmed by comparison of their properties with those of authentic chemically synthesized standards. Both neutrophils and human keratinocytes converted 5-HODE to 5-oxo-ODE. This reaction was stimulated in neutrophils by phorbol myristate acetate and in keratinocytes by oxidative stress (t-butyl-hydroperoxide). Both treatments dramatically elevated intracellular levels of NADP(+), the cofactor required by 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase. In keratinocytes, this was accompanied by a rapid increase in intracellular GSSG levels, consistent with the involvement of glutathione peroxidase. 5-Oxo-ODE stimulated calcium mobilization in human neutrophils and induced desensitization to 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid but not leukotriene B(4), indicating that this effect was mediated by the OXE receptor. 5-Oxo-ODE and its 8-trans isomer were equipotent with 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid in stimulating actin polymerization and chemotaxis in human neutrophils, whereas 5-HODE, 5-oxo-18-hydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid, and 5S,18-dihydroxy-(6E,8Z)-octadecadienoic acid were much less active. We conclude that neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase converts sebaleic acid to 5-HODE, which can be further metabolized to 5-oxo-ODE by 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase in neutrophils and keratinocytes. Because of its chemoattractant properties, sebum-derived 5-oxo-ODE could be involved in neutrophil infiltration in inflammatory skin diseases.     

Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by arachidonic acid and 15-lipoxygenase products

The activity of soluble guanylate cyclase can be increased by exposure of the enzyme to arachidonic acid or to some oxidized metabolites of the fatty acid. We have tried to determine whether activation of the enzyme by arachidonate requires that the fatty acid be converted to an oxidized metabolite, either by a possible trace contaminant of a lipoxygenase or by guanylate cyclase itself, which contains a heme moiety. Soluble guanylate cyclase purified from bovine lung was activated 4-6-fold by arachidonic acid. This activation was not dependent on the presence of oxygen in the incubation medium. No detectable metabolites of arachidonic acid were formed during incubation with soluble guanylate cyclase. Addition of soybean lipoxygenase to the incubation did not increase activation by arachidonic acid. The inhibitors of lipoxygenase activity, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and eicosatetraynoic acid, had direct effects on soluble guanylate cyclase and interfered with its activation by arachidonate, whereas another lipoxygenase inhibitor, BW 755 C, did not. The data suggest that arachidonic acid increases the activity of guanylate cyclase by direct interaction with the enzyme rather than by being converted to an active metabolite.     

L-Leucine activates branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase in rat adipose tissue

The activity of branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase in extracts of adipose tissue was elevated after homogenization of tissue segments which had been incubated in buffer containing 0.3 mM leucine. A maximum increase (4-fold) was observed in extracts of tissues incubated in buffer containing 2.5 mM leucine, alpha-Ketoisocaproate and leucine caused maximum increases which were of similar magnitude and which required the same length of incubation of the tissue segments (5 to 15 min). The effect of leucine on branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase activity was observed both in the presence and absence of insulin, which also increased the activity of the enzyme in tissue extracts. Intact adipose tissue segments oxidized [I-14C]leucine at a maximum rate approximately 4 times that of [1-(14)C]valine. The rate of valine oxidation by intact tissue segments was doubled by addition of 0.2 to 0.5 mM unlabeled leucine, but not isoleucine, to medium containing 2 mM [1-(14)C]valine. Leucine, but not valine, also stimulated the rate of oxidation of 2 mM [U-14C]isoleucine by intact tissue segments. These results suggest that branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase activity, which is thought to limit the rate of branched chain amino acid oxidation in adipose tissue, may be sensitive to changes in the concentration of leucine in rat blood.     

Effect of salicylic acid on nitrite reductase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities in maize roots

The effects of 0.01 to 5 m M salicyclic acid on the increase in nitrite reductase or glutamate dehydrogenase activities in maize roots by nitrate or ammonium respectively, were examined. Nitrite reductase activity was inhibited by the highest concentration of the acid. The activity of NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase was stimulated slightly (but consistently) by the lowest concentration and was inhibited by higher concentrations. Total protein content was also inhibited at high concentrations. When the crude enzyme extract was stored at 25°C in light, the glutamate dehydrogenase activity in the control decreased after 4 h of incubation. Low concentrations of the acid had no effect on this decrease but higher concentration accelerated the process. The divalent cations Caz²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ protected against loss of enzyme activity during storage, both in the absence and presence of the acid. The inhibitory effect of 5 m M salicylic acid on glutamate dehydrogenase activity is apparent due to interference with the activity of the enzyme rather than with its synthesis.     

Quantitation of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) by radioimmunoassay

Antibodies against 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) were produced in rabbits by immunizing the animal with 13-HODE-thyroglobulin conjugate. The antibodies appeared to be rather specific for 13-HODE since other hydroxy fatty acids showed minimal crossreaction. The radioimmunoassay was capable of detecting 50 pg per assay tube and was applied to the study of the biosynthesis of 13-HODE in platelets and leukocytes. In contrast to reported findings from endothelial cells, A-23187, thrombin and collagen stimulated synthesis and release of 13-HODE from platelets. However, insignificant synthesis of 13-HODE was found in leukocytes following A-23187 stimulation. Exogenous addition of linoleic acid stimulated the synthesis of 13-HODE from both platelets and leukocytes. The majority of 13-HODE synthesized was found in the medium. These studies suggest that both types of blood cells possess active (omega-6) lipoxygenase. Platelets may use endogenously released linoleic acid to synthesize 13-HODE, whereas leukocytes may utilize linoleic acid released from other cell types for 13-HODE synthesis.     

Toxoplasma gondii stimulates the release of 13- and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids by human platelets.

We have recently demonstrated a novel cytotoxic effect of human platelets against Toxoplasma gondii and a role for thromboxane (TX) in this process (Yong et al., 1991). We now report on the spectrum of lipid mediators released by human platelets after interaction with T. gondii. In addition to TXB2, human platelets after incubation with T. gondii for 90 min released 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), and an unidentified peak (UVmax 234 nm) as determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Thermospray-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and straight-phase HPLC identified the unknown peak as a mixture of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) and 9-HODE. Radiolabeling studies with [14C]linoleic acid indicated that the platelets were the cellular source of the octadecanoids with 13-HODE (87.7%) greater than 9-HODE (12.3%). Inhibitor studies with indomethacin indicated that 13-HODE was a lipoxygenase product and 9-HODE was a cyclooxygenase product of linoleic acid. Thus, Toxoplasma-stimulated platelets release oxygenated products of both arachidonic acid and linoleic acid which may be important in the host response to T. gondii infection.     

Binding of 13-HODE and 15-HETE to phospholipid bilayers, albumin, and intracellular fatty acid binding proteins. implications for transmembrane and intracellular transport and for protection from lipid peroxidation

Transport and utilization of fatty acids (FA) in cells is a multistep process that includes adsorption to and movement across the plasma membrane and binding to intracellular fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) in the cytosol. We monitored the transbilayer movement of several polyunsaturated FA and oxidation products (13-hydroxy octadecadienoic acid (HODE) and 15-hydroxytetraenoic acid (HETE)) in unilamellar protein-free phospholipid vesicles containing a fluorescent pH probe. All FA diffused rapidly by the flip-flop mechanism across the model membrane, as revealed by pH changes inside the vesicle. This result suggests that FA oxidation products generated in the cell could cross the plasma or nuclear membrane spontaneously without a membrane transporter. To illuminate features of extra- and intracellular transport, the partitioning of unsaturated FA and oxidized FA between phospholipid vesicles and albumin or FABP was studied by the pyranin assay. These experiments showed that all polyunsaturated FA and oxidized FA (13-HODE and 15-HETE) desorbed rapidly from the phospholipid bilayer to bind to bovine serum albumin, which showed a slight preference for the unsaturated FA over the oxidized FA. FABP rapidly bound FA in the presence of phospholipid bilayers, with a preference of 13-HODE over the unsaturated FA and with a specificity depending on the type of FABP. Liver FABP was significantly more effective than intestinal FABP in binding 13-HODE in the presence of vesicles. The more effective binding of the FA metabolite, 13-HODE, than its precursor 18:2 by FABP may help protect cellular membranes from potential damage by monohydroxy fatty acids and may contribute a pathway for entry of 13-HODE into the nucleus.     

New actions of melatonin on tumor metabolism and growth

Melatonin is an important inhibitor of cancer growth promotion while the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid is an important promoter of cancer progression. Following its rapid uptake by tumor tissue, linoleic acid is oxidized via a lipoxygenase to the growth-signaling molecule, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) which stimulates epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent mitogenesis. The uptake of plasma linoleic acid and its metabolism to 13-HODE by rat hepatoma 7288CTC, which expresses both fatty acid transport protein and melatonin receptors, is inhibited by melatonin in a circadian-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of melatonin is reversible with either pertussis toxin, forskolin or cAMP. While melatonin inhibits tumor linoleic acid uptake, metabolism and growth, pinealectomy or constant light exposure stimulates these processes. Thus, melatonin and linoleic acid represent two important environmental signals that interact in a unique manner to regulate tumor progression and ultimately the host-cancer balance.     

Fatty acid modulation of tumor cell adhesion to microvessel endothelium and experimental metastasis.

Tumor cell interaction with the endothelium of the vessel wall is a rate limiting step in metastasis. The fatty acid modulation of this interaction was investigated in low (LM) and high (HM) metastatic B16 amelanotic melanoma (B16a) cells. 12(S)-HETE increased the adhesion of LM cells to endothelium derived from pulmonary microvessels. All other monohydroxy and dihydroxy fatty acids were ineffective. LTB4 induced a modest stimulation but LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 as well as LXA4 and LXB4 were ineffective. The 12(S)-HETE enhanced adhesion of B16a cells was inhibited by pretreatment with 13(S)-HODE but not by 13(R)-, 9(S)-HODE or 13-OXO-ODE. 13(S)-HODE decreased adhesion of HM B16a cells to endothelium. 12(S)-HETE enhanced surface expression of integrin alpha IIb beta 3 and monoclonal antibodies against this integrin but not against alpha 5 beta 1, blocked enhanced but not basal adhesion to endothelium. Intravenous injection of 12(S)-HETE treated LM cells resulted in increased lung colonization (experimental metastasis). This effect was specific for 12(S)-HETE and was inhibited by 13(S)-HODE but not by other HODE's. 12(S)-HETE also enhanced lung colonization by HM cells and 13(S)-HODE decreased lung colonization by HM cells. Our results suggest a highly specific bidirectional modulation of metastatic phenotype and lung colonization by 12(S)-HETE and 13(S)-HODE.