Genetic variation in the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) is associated with myocardial infarction in the German population

Genetic variation in the genes ALOX5AP (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein) and LTA4H (leukotriene A4 hydrolase) has previously been shown to contribute to the risk of MI (myocardial infarction) and stroke in Icelandic and Scottish populations. Both genes encode proteins playing a role in the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory leukotriene B mediators, possibly providing a link between MI and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether these associations could be confirmed in a large study of German MI patients. Two previously described four SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) haplotypes of the ALOX5AP gene (termed haplotype A and B) and one SNP (rs2660899) of the LTA4H gene conferring the greatest risk of MI in previous studies were genotyped in 1211 unrelated MI cases from the German MI Family Study and in 1015 healthy married-in spouses serving as controls. Haplotype B in the ALOX5AP gene was associated with an increased risk of MI in the German population, confirming previously reported associations of this haplotype with CAD (coronary artery disease) in populations from Scotland and Italy. No association with the risk of MI was detected for haplotype A of the ALOX5AP gene or for SNP rs2660899 representing the LTA4H gene. In conclusion, haplotype B of the ALOX5AP gene is associated with an increased risk of MI in a large German study. The present study is the third independent report from a European population describing an increased risk of CAD for carriers of haplotype B of the ALOX5AP gene, which substantiates further a role of this gene in the pathogenesis of CAD in Europeans.     

Macrophages cultured in vitro release leukotriene B4 and neutrophil attractant/activation protein (interleukin 8) sequentially in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and zymosan

The capacity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), zymosan, and calcium ionophore A23187 to induce neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and neutrophil attractant/activation protein (NAP-1) release from human alveolar macrophages (AM) retrieved from normal nonsmokers was evaluated. LPS induced a dose-dependent release of LTB4 that began by 1 h, 4.0 +/- 3.2 ng/10(6) viable AM; peaked at 3 h, 24.7 +/- 13.5 ng/10(6) viable AM; and decreased by 24 h, 1.2 +/- 1.0 ng/10(6) viable AM (n = 8). Quantities of LTB4 in cell-free supernatants of AM stimulated with LPS were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and corresponded well with results obtained by radioimmunoassay. By contrast, NAP-1 release began approximately 3-5 h after stimulation of AM with LPS, 197 +/- 192 ng/ml, and peaked at 24 h, 790 +/- 124 ng/ml. Release of NAP-1 was stimulus specific because A23187 evoked the release of LTB4 but not NAP-1, whereas LPS and zymosan induced the release of both LTB4 and NAP-1. The appearance of neutrophil chemotactic activity in supernatants of AM challenged with LPS for 3 h could be explained completely by the quantities of LTB4 present. After stimulation with LPS or zymosan for 24 h, AM had metabolized almost all generated LTB4. Preincubation of AM with nordihydroguiaretic acid (10(-4) M) completely abolished the appearance of NCA, LTB4, and NAP-1 in supernatants of AM challenged with LPS. Therefore, LPS and zymosan particles were potent stimuli of the sequential release of LTB4 and NAP-1 from AM.     

Eicosanoids in sickle cell disease: potential relevance of neutrophil leukotriene B4 to disease pathophysiology

Neutrophil activation with the release of intracellular granule contents has been observed in sickle cell disease (SCD). Because leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), a 5-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid in neutrophils, is a chemoattractant and enhances neutrophil adhesion to endothelium, we assessed plasma levels of this metabolite in controls (n = 9) and individuals with SCD, SS genotype, both in basal "steady state" (n = 37) and during episodes of vaso-occlusion (n = 10) and acute chest syndrome (n = 5). Thirteen patients with SCD, SC genotype, in steady state were also studied. Although no significant differences were noted between the control (136 +/- 32 fmol/mL) and SC genotype (177 +/- 83 fmol/mL, P >.15), LTB(4) levels were markedly increased in patients with SS genotype in basal steady state (207 +/- 64 fmol/mL, P <.003) compared with those in controls. Values were further increased during vaso-occlusion (264 +/- 94 fmol/mL) and acute chest syndrome (363 +/- 124 fmol/mL). These levels were significantly different from measurements taken during steady state (P <.04 and P <.0001, respectively). No correlation was noted between LTB(4) level and total white cell or neutrophil count. Additionally, the significant correlation noted in SCD between increased levels of plasma LTB(4) and soluble L-selectin (P <.03) reflects neutrophil activation. We also observed an effect of LTB(4) on red cell-endothelial adhesion at concentrations that appear clinically relevant (1-10 pmol/mL) with concomitant up-regulation of mRNA for the endothelial vitronectin receptor. These properties of LTB(4) are relevant to disease pathophysiology, providing further evidence of the contribution of the neutrophil to the proinflammatory and proadhesive phenotype in SCD.     

Recombinant interferon-gamma primes alveolar macrophages cultured in vitro for the release of leukotriene B4 in response to IgG stimulation

The capacity of interferon-gamma to regulate the generation and release of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) from human alveolar macrophages of normal nonsmoking individuals was evaluated. When alveolar macrophages were incubated for 60 min with heat aggregated IgG (HAIgG), they generated and released 5.7 +/- 1.7 ng of LT B4 per 10(6) cells compared to 1.9 +/- 0.4 ng from cells incubated with buffer alone, P = 0.02. When alveolar macrophages were preincubated with interferon-gamma for 24 h before activation for 60 min with heat-aggregated IgG, the soluble IgG aggregates became a significantly more effective stimulus for LTB4 release, 17.0 +/- 3.9 ng/10(6) cells, P = 0.001, compared to cells incubated in the absence of interferon-gamma and challenged with HAIgG. Interferon-gamma did not alter the response to A23187. This effect of interferon-gamma was both time and dose dependent; it also was specific since neither interferon-alpha nor interferon-beta had a regulatory effect on the release of LTB4 from cells in response to challenge with HAIgG. Preincubation of the alveolar macrophages with interferon-gamma augmented the density of IgG1 receptors by 81.5 +/- 17.3%; neither interferon-alpha nor interferon-beta effected this parameter. Furthermore, monomeric IgG1 blocked HAIgG induced LTB4 release from alveolar macrophages primed with interferon-gamma. Therefore, at least one of the mechanisms by which interferon-gamma primes alveolar macrophages for the production and release of LTB4 in response to stimulation by aggregates of IgG is that of increasing the number of receptors for this stimulus.     

Characterization of leukotriene B4 binding sites on guinea pig lung macrophages

Specific binding sites for [3H]leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were identified on guinea pig lung macrophages, using high specific activity [3H] LTB4 in the presence or absence of unlabeled LTB4. At 0 degrees C, [3H] LTB4 binding reached equilibrium within 30 min, and addition of a large excess of unlabeled LTB4 resulted in a rapid decrease of specific binding. Binding was saturable, reversible and dependent upon the number of lung macrophages. The KD and Bmax were found to be 3.85 +/- 0.6 nM and 35 +/- 3 fmol/10(6) cells, respectively, as determined from Scatchard analysis. In competition studies for the displacement of [3H]LTB4 from binding sites, LTB4 and its analogs had the following order of potency: LTB4 (Ki = 2.9 +/- 0.8 nM) greater than 5-epi LTB4 (Ki = 58.7 +/- 0.3 nM) greater than 5-deoxy-LTB4 (Ki = 91.7 +/- 0.3 nM) greater than 12-epi LTB4 (Ki = 4.7 +/- 1.2 microM) greater than 5,12-deoxy LTB4 (Ki = 7.6 +/- 0.01 microM) greater than or equal to 12-deoxy LTB4 (Ki = 8.9 +/- 0.01 microM). LTC4 and LTD4 did not displace the [3H] LTB4 binding at concentrations up to 10 microM. [3H]LTB4 was not metabolized during the binding process as determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. It was suggested that this binding site might be an LTB4 receptor.     

Determination and clinical implication of leukotriene B(4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in condensate of exhaled breath of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.]

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes and clinical implication of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. METHODS: EBC of 20 patients in acute episode of COPD (AECOPD), 20 patients in period of remission of COPD, and 20 persons who were having regular check-up (healthy control group) were enrolled. The concentrations of LTB(4) and TNF-alpha in EBC were assayed. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of COPD patients were observed at the same time, pH, oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO(2)) and leukocyte count were also determined. RESULTS: (1)The concentrations of LTB(4) in EBC of AECOPD (35.43+/-14.19)ng/L and remission of COPD(24.39+/-13.75)ng/L, were significantly higher than that of the healthy control group (16.75+/-7.44)ng/L, and the concentration of LTB(4) in EBC during remission of COPD was significantly lower than that of AECOPD (all P<0.05). (2)The concentration of TNF-alpha in EBC of AECOPD (9.35+/-8.66) ng/L was significantly higher than that of remission of COPD (4.42+/-4.11)ng/L and healthy control group (4.45+/-3.92) ng/L, and the differences had statistical significance (both P<0.05). The concentration of TNF-alpha in EBC showed no significant difference between patients in remission of COPD and healthy control group. (3)The concentration of LTB(4) in EBC had negative correlation with FEV1 of AECOPD patients. Regression equation was y=-0.51x+0.22, r=-0.481 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The concentrations of LTB4 and TNF-alpha in EBC of AECOPD patients are raised when oxidation stress is reinforced, and its level reflects the severity and prognosis of COPD.     

Modulation of ligand binding to leukotriene B4 receptors on guinea pig lung membranes by sulfhydryl modifying reagents

We investigated the mechanism and modulation of 3H-labeled leukotriene B4 (LTB4) binding to guinea pig lung membranes. [3H] LTB4 bound specifically and rapidly (Kobs = 0.06 +/- 0.006 min-1) to high affinity (Kd = 0.63 +/- 0.06 nM) and saturable (Bmax = 224 +/- 16 fmol/mg) sites without cooperativity (nH = 1.05). Bound ligand was partially (70%) dissociated with excess LTB4 or the selective antagonist U-75,302. Complete dissociation could be achieved with either LTB4 or U-75,302 in combination with 10 microM GTP gamma S. A series of structural analogs and selective antagonists inhibited binding in a competitive manner with the following order: LTB4 much greater than 20-(OH)-LTB4 greater than LTB5 greater than LTB-dimethylamide = U-75,302 greater than 12(R)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid greater than 5(S),12(S)-dihydroxy,6-trans,8-cis,10-trans,14-cis-ETE greater than 12(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid much greater than trans-LTB4 isomers. 5(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid, prostaglandins, peptide-leukotrienes and platelet-activating factor (at 10 microM each) did not inhibit, providing evidence that [3H]LTB4 bound to specific receptors on guinea pig lung membranes. N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) and p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid (PCMP) inhibited binding (IC50 = 144 +/- 66 and 4.6 +/- 1.0 microM, respectively) in an irreversible manner, as evident by an inability to overcome the inhibition by extensive washing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mechanism of action of glucocorticosteroids. Inhibition of T cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production by hydrocortisone is reversed by leukotriene B4.

The mechanism whereby glucocorticosteroids are immunosuppressive is unknown. One potential mechanism of action of these compounds is inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism. We found that the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by hydrocortisone or dexamethasone was mimicked by nonspecific lipoxygenase inhibitors and also by a specific 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, but not by a specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Mitogen-stimulated cultures of T cells produce approximately 5 X 10(-9) M leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in 24 h. This production of LTB4 is completely inhibited by concentrations of hydrocortisone or lipoxygenase inhibitors that inhibit mitogen-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation. The inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by either hydrocortisone or by the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor was totally reversed by LTB4 but not by leukotriene C4 or leukotriene D4. LTB4 had no effect on the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by noncorticosteroids such as prostaglandin E2, histamine, or gamma-interferon. The inhibition of interleukin 2 (IL-2) production by hydrocortisone or dexamethasone was also completely reversed by exogenous LTB4. LTB4 alone did not cause IL-2 production or cell proliferation when added to resting lymphocytes. Thus, endogenous LTB4 production appears to be necessary but not sufficient for phytohemagglutinin-induced IL-2 production and lymphocyte proliferation. Glucocorticosteroids inhibit IL-2 production and lymphocyte proliferation by inhibiting endogenous LTB4 production.     

Maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy modifies neonatal leukotriene production by cord-blood-derived neutrophils

Fish oil supplementation has been shown to reduce neutrophil production of inflammatory LTB4 (leukotriene B4) in adults. The present study is the first to examine the effects on neonatal neutrophil function following supplementation in pregnancy. Pregnant women with allergic disease (n=98) were randomized to receive either fish oil [3.7 g of n-3 long-chain PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids)/day] or a placebo supplement for the final 20 weeks of pregnancy. Leukotriene production by neonatal neutrophils was measured after stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187. This was examined in relation to supplementation, cell membrane fatty acid levels and mononuclear cytokine production. Neutrophil LTB4 production was significantly reduced in neonates whose mothers had received fish oil in pregnancy. This was most evident for isomer 2 of LTB4 (P=0.031), although this was also observed for total LTB4 (P=0.051) and isomer 1 (P=0.088). There was also a trend for lower production of other PUFA metabolites, namely 5-HETE (5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid; P=0.054) in the fish oil group. Accordingly, LTB4 levels were inversely related to membrane n-3 PUFA levels. Less inflammatory products (LTB5) were only produced at very low levels, although there was a trend for higher levels of this metabolite in the fish oil group. Consistent with this, LTB5 levels were positively correlated with n-3 PUFA membrane levels, particularly EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and negatively correlated with n-6 PUFAs. Neonates with lower neutrophil LTB4 production also had lower production of pro-inflammatory IL (interleukin)-6 responses (r=0.35, P=0.005) and regulatory IL-10 responses (r=0.37, P=0.003) by LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated neonatal mononuclear cells. In conclusion, maternal dietary changes can modify neonatal neutrophil function. This has implications for the early immune programming, which can be influenced by the inflammatory milieu of local tissues during initial antigen encounter. It also provides evidence of another pathway through which long-chain PUFAs status can influence early immune development.     

手足口病患儿血清LTB4 和COX 2 水平表达与疾病严重程度及预后的相关性研究

目的　探讨手足口病（hand-foot-and-mouth disease ,HFMD）患儿血清白三烯B4（leukotriene B4,LTB4）、环氧合酶-2（cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2）水平与疾病严重程度及预后的相关性。方法　选取盘锦辽油宝石花医院感染科收治的HFMD 患儿120 例（HFMD 组）作为研究对象,根据疾病严重程度分为普通组48 例、重型组43 例和危重型组29 例,根据患儿28 天预后结局分为预后良好组（n=104）与预后不良组（n=16）;另选取同期体检的健康幼儿120例为对照组。酶联免疫吸附（enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ,ELISA）法测定血清LTB4,COX-2,白细胞介素-6（interleukin-6,IL-6）和肿瘤坏死因子-α（tumor necrosis factor-alpha,TNF-α）水平,Pearson 法分析血清LTB4,COX-2 水平与血清IL-6,TNF-α 水平的相关性,受试者工作特征（receiver operating characteristic,ROC）曲线评估血清LTB4 和COX-2 水平对HFMD 患儿预后的预测价值。结果　与对照组相比,HFMD 组血清LTB4 （43.86±12.35ng/Lvs 24.03±6.05 ng/L）,COX-2（43.39±12.74μg/L vs 22.15±5.41μg/L）,IL-6 （48.56±12.83ng/L vs 13.88±3.27ng/L）和TNF-α（273.83±40.56 ng/L vs 37.49±6.79 ng/L）水平均升高,差异具有统计学意义（t=15.796 ～ 62.955,均P ＜ 0.05）;与普通组相比,重型组、危重型组患儿血清LTB4（49.63±8.74 ng/L ,64.05±9.68 ng/L vs 29.57±6.53ng/L）,COX-2（52.83±9.48μg/L,60.45±10.16μg/L vs 27.32±6.73μg/L）,IL-6（59.30±9.43ng/L,78.75±10.36ng/L vs 21.88±6.14 ng/L）,TNF-α （342.47±23.69 ng/L,448.92±38.76 ng/L vs 106.55±16.24 ng/L）水平均升高,差异具有统计学意义（t=16.509~ 79.715,均P ＜ 0.05）;与重型组相比,危重型组患儿血清LTB4,COX-2,IL-6 和TNF-α 水平均升高,差异具有统计学意义（t=5.173 ~ 24.260,均P ＜ 0.05）;HFMD 患儿血清LTB4,COX-2 水平与IL-6,TNF-α 水平均呈正相关（r=0.548,0.598;0.534,0.718,均P ＜ 0.05）;与预后良好组相比,预后不良组HFMD 患儿血清LTB4（60.27±13.71ng/L vs 41.34±8.54ng/L）,COX-2（56.48±9.28μg/L vs 41.38±12.33μg/L）水平均升高,差异有统计学意义（t=7.534,4.691,均P ＜ 0.05）。血清LTB4 和COX-2 表达水平预测HFMD 患儿预后不良的ROC 曲线下面积分别为0.883,0.832,截断值分别为53.98 ng/L,48.33 μg/L,敏感度分别为68.8%,87.5%,特异度分别为93.3%,68.3%,两者联合预测的ROC 曲线下面积、敏感度和特异度分别为0.936,81.3% 和95.2%。结论　HFMD 患儿血清LTB4 和COX-2 水平升高,与疾病严重程度及炎症因子水平均密切相关,具有一定预后评估价值。     

Analysis of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid of a reference population and patients with inborn errors of metabolism: further evidence for a pathognomonic profile in LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC(4), LTD(4), LTE(4)) are potent lipid mediators derived from arachidonate in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Recently, the first inborn error of leukotriene synthesis, LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency, has been identified in association with a fatal developmental syndrome. The absence of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid was one of the most striking biochemical findings in this disorder. We analysed leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with a broad spectrum of other well-defined inborn errors of metabolism, including glutathione synthetase deficiency (n=2), Zellweger syndrome (n=3), mitochondrial disorders (n=8), fatty acid oxidation defects (n=7), organic acidurias (n=7), neurotransmitter defects (n=5) and patients with non-specific neurological symptoms, as a reference population (n=120). The concentrations of leukotrienes were not related to age. Representative percentiles were calculated as reference intervals of each leukotriene. In all patients with an inborn error of metabolism concentration of cysteinyl leukotrienes and LTB(4) did not differ from the reference group. Our results indicate that absence of cysteinyl leukotrienes (<5 pg/ml) in association with normal or increased LTB(4) (50.0-67.3 pg/ml) is pathognomonic for LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency. The unique profile of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid in this new disorder is primarily related to the defect and represents a new diagnostic approach.     

Fuscoside: an anti-inflammatory marine natural product which selectively inhibits 5-lipoxygenase. Part II: Biochemical studies in the human neutrophil.

Fuscoside (FSD) is a potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits leukotriene production in murine models of inflammation. In the present study, the effects of FSD on the lipoxygenase pathways in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes are explored in order to better understand the mechanism of action of this novel drug. In adherent and suspended polymorphonuclear leukocytes, FSD irreversibly inhibits leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis (IC50 = 10 microM) and the release of 14C-labeled LTB4 from neutrophils prelabeled with [14C]arachidonic acid. Unlike the reversible 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor L-651,896, FSD has no observable effect on LTB4 biosynthesis in whole blood, but does express activity as blood is successively diluted. In 10,000 x g supernatants of human platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, FSD does not inhibit platelet 12-lipoxygenase, but is extremely effective in inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid and 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid to LTB4 via neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase. FSD has no effect on the conversion of leukotriene A4 to LTB4 in this system. Interestingly, concurrent with FSD inhibition of leukotriene synthesis is a concentration-dependent increase in 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, suggesting that FSD may selectively inhibit the leukotriene A4 synthase activity associated with human 5-lipoxygenase. FSD is therefore representative of a new class of nonantioxidant 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors that may be effective local therapeutic agents in the management of diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel and lung diseases.     

ALOX5AP基因T(-1340)G多态性与中国北方汉族人群冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病发病的关联

目的:探讨编码5-脂氧合酶激活蛋白FLAP的基因ALOX5APT(-1340)G多态性与中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病的相关关系.方法:选自2006-01/2007-09在解放军沈阳军区总医院行选择性冠状动脉造影者共680例.根据造影结果分为冠心病组336例均为选择性冠状动脉造影阳性,对照组344例为造影阴性或动脉管腔狭窄<50%且临床上无相关心肌缺血证据者.在随机选择的无亲缘关系的48名中国北方汉族个体中,采用聚合酶链反应-重测序法对ALOX5AP基因进行单核苷酸多态的筛查,共发现7个多态.冠心病组和对照组受试者采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性方法检测ALOX5AP基因T(-1340)G多态性位点在两组间的基因型和等位基因分布.结果:ALOX5AP基因T(-1340)G3种基因型(TT型,TG型和GG型)在冠心病组分布频率分别为26.79%,51.79%和21.43%,在对照组分别为33.72%,47.38%和18.90%,两组间的基因型分布皆符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律,3种基因型在两组间的分布差异无显著性意义(x~2=3.90,P>0.05).G等位基因在两组间的分布频率为47.32%和42.59%,差异无显著性意义(x~2=3.08,P>0.05).按性别分层进行亚组分析,发现ALOX5AP T(-1340)G多态的基因型和等位基因频率在冠心病组和对照组间的比较差异无显著性意义.结论:5-脂氧合酶激活蛋白基因ALOX5AP T(-1340)G多态性与中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病可能无相关关系.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of a potent, selective leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitor in comparison with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton

Leukotriene A(4) hydrolase (LTA(4)H) catalyzes production of the proinflammatory lipid mediator, leukotriene (LT) B(4), which is implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases. We have identified a potent and selective inhibitor of both the epoxide hydrolase and aminopeptidase activities of recombinant human LTA(4)H (IC(50), approximately 10 nM). In a murine model of arachidonic acid-induced ear inflammation, the LTA(4)H inhibitor, JNJ-26993135 (1-[4-(benzothiazol-2-yloxy)-benzyl]-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid), dose-dependently inhibited ex vivo LTB(4) production in blood, in parallel with dose-dependent inhibition of neutrophil influx (ED(50), 1-3 mg/kg) and ear edema. In murine whole blood and in zymosan-induced peritonitis, JNJ-26993135 selectively inhibited LTB(4) production, without affecting cysteinyl leukotriene production, while maintaining or increasing production of the anti-inflammatory mediator, lipoxin (LX) A(4). The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor zileuton showed inhibition of LTB(4), LTC(4), and LXA(4) production. Although zileuton inhibited LTB(4) production in the peritonitis model more effectively than the LTA(4)H inhibitor, the influx of neutrophils into the peritoneum after 1 and 2 h was significantly higher in zileuton- versus JNJ-26993135-treated animals. This difference may have been mediated by the increased LXA(4) levels in the presence of the LTA(4)H inhibitor. The selective inhibition of LTB(4) production by JNJ-26993135, while increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory mediator, LXA(4), may translate to superior therapeutic efficacy versus 5-LO or 5-LO-activating protein inhibitors in LTB(4)-mediated inflammatory diseases.     

Non-A, non-B hepatitis transmission in chimpanzees: a project of the transfusion-transmitted viruses study group

Experimental transmission of non-A, non-B hepatitis was apparently accomplished in 5 chimpanzees following inoculation with presumably infectious human sera. Administration of sera from implicated donors with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values, as well as from those with abnormal ALT levels, resulted in the development of ALT abnormalities in the inoculated chimpanzees. Transmission from donors with normal ALT values implies that healthy carriers of non-A, non-B virus exist. Evidence is presented which indicates that a period of viremia precedes the clinical illness by at least 12 days.     

Effects of exogenous arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids on the generation of 5-lipoxygenase pathway products by ionophore-activated human neutrophils.

Exogenous eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DCHA) have been compared with exogenous arachidonic acid for their capacity to modulate the oxidative metabolism of membrane-derived arachidonic acid by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in ionophore-activated human neutrophils and for their suitability as parallel substrates in this pathway. The products from specific 14C- or 3H-labeled substrates were isolated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and were identified by elution of radiolabel at the retention times of the appropriate synthetic standards. Each product was also characterized by its ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum, and 7-hydroxy-DCHA was defined in addition by analysis of its mass spectrum. The metabolites, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 6-trans-LTB4 diastereoisomers, 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, 6-trans-leukotriene B5 diastereoisomers, leukotriene B5 (LTB5), and 7-hydroxy-DCHA were quantitated by integrated UV absorbance during resolution by RP-HPLC. LTB4 and LTB5 were also quantitated by radioimmunoassay of the eluate fractions, and leukotrienes C4 and C5 (LTC4 and LTC5, respectively) were quantitated by radioimmunoassay alone. None of the unlabeled exogenous fatty acids (5-40 micrograms/ml) altered the release of radioactivity from [14C]arachidonic acid-labeled, ionophore-activated neutrophils. The metabolism of 5 and 10 micrograms/ml of exogenous EPA by ionophore-activated, [14C]arachidonic acid-labeled neutrophils not only generated 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, 6-trans-LTB5, LTB5, and LTC5, but also stimulated the formation of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 6-trans-LTB4 diastereoisomers, and LTC4 from membrane-derived arachidonic acid. In contrast, LTB4 production was diminished throughout the EPA dose-response, beginning at 5 micrograms/ml EPA and reaching 50% suppression at 10 micrograms/ml and 84% suppression at 40 micrograms/ml. The selective decrease in extracellular LTB4 concentrations in the presence of EPA was not due to a change in the kinetic appearance of LTB4 or to an increase in conversion to its omega-oxidation metabolites. DCHA was metabolized to 7-hydroxy-DCHA, did not stimulate metabolism of membrane-derived arachidonic acid, did not appreciably inhibit LTB4 formation, and was not a substrate for leukotriene formation. Incremental doses of exogenous arachidonic acid resulted in increased production of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 6-trans-LTB4 by ionophore-activated, [14C]arachidonic acid-labeled neutrophils without any change in LTB4 production. 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid and 7-hydroxy DCHA were inactive as chemotactic factors whereas 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid exhibited 2% of the potency of LBT4. Thus, exogenous DCHA does not appreciably interfere with the metabolism of membrane-derived arachidonic acid by ionophore-activated, [14C]arachidonic acid-labeled neutrophils and is converted only to a monohydroxy derivative. In contrast, exogenous EPA attenuates the generation of LTB4 and is converted to LTB5, which is a weak and partial agonist as compared with LTB4.     

Leukotriene production in human neutrophils primed by recombinant human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stimulated with the complement component C5A and FMLP as second signals

Neutrophils (PMN) preincubated with recombinant human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) for 2 h and then stimulated with the chemotactic factors, C5a or FMLP, produce substantial amounts of the lipoxygenase products 5-Hete, LTB4, and omega-oxidised LTB4 metabolites (4.36 +/- 0.95 (SEM) pM (n = 21) LTB4 and LTB4 metabolites/10(6) PMN). No lipoxygenase metabolites are detected by HPLC and RIA if purified PMN are stimulated by either GM-CSF or chemotactic factors in the absence of exogenous arachidonate. The priming effect of GM-CSF upon chemotactic factor induced generation of lipid mediators is a relatively slow process, clearly evident after 1 h and optimal after 2 h. Leukotriene generation is measurable with 0.8 U GM-CSF/10(6) PMN and is maximal with 80 U (10(-11)-10(-9) M). Upon activation of primed PMN with chemotactic factors, leukotriene synthesis is induced very rapidly. Already 2.5 min after activation the major lipoxygenase metabolites present are 20-OH LTB4 and 20-COOH LTB4. Our study shows that the synthesis of lipoxygenase metabolites from endogeneous AA can be initiated in PMN through receptor mediated processes by the appropriately timed combination of biological soluble inflammatory mediator peptides. Furthermore, these results indicate that GM-CSF not only enhances effector cell functions but can qualitatively change the mediator profile formed after activation with a second triggering signal. Such a mechanism might be important in amplifying inflammatory responses. Alternatively, lipid mediators formed might also have an intracellular or autocoid role and be responsible for the enhancement of other PMN functions like oxygen radical release.     

Multiple actions of the leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist SC-41930.

7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8- propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid (SC-41930), a leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of colitis, was evaluated for effects on superoxide, LTB4 and prostaglandin E2 production. SC-41930 inhibited human neutrophil (PMN) superoxide generation maximally stimulated by f-Met-Leu-Phe (IC50 4 microM) and C5a (IC50 approximately 12 microM). Moreover, postreceptor stimulation of superoxide production by NaF (a G protein activator), but not by phorbol myristate acetate, was significantly inhibited by SC-41930, indicating that SC-41930 may act via attenuation of a G protein-mediated signal transduction. SC-41930 also inhibited A23187-stimulated LTB4 production (IC50 5.3 microM) in human PMN as well as LTB4 (IC50 2.1 microM) and prostaglandin E2 (IC50 2.9 microM) production in HL-60 cells. When coinjected intradermally (400 micrograms/site), SC-41930 inhibited A23187-stimulated increases in LTB4 levels in guinea pig skin. SC-41930 inhibited human synovial phospholipase A2 (IC50 72 microM), A23187-stimulated 5-hydroxy-eicosatetranoic acid production in human PMN (IC50 8.5 microM), and rat peritoneal leukotriene A4 hydrolase (IC50 20 microM), but not ram seminal vesical cyclooxygenase. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of SC-41930 could be attributed to postreceptor inhibition of inflammatory mediator production by PMN and other cells in addition to antagonism of PMN LTB4 receptors.     

Association of ALOX5AP with ischemic stroke in eastern Chinese

BACKGROUND:

5-lipoxygenase protein (ALOX5AP) has been recognized as a susceptibility gene for stroke and coronary artery diseases. The present study was to explore the role of this gene in the eastern Chinese patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS:

Using a case-control design, we studied 658 patients with ischemic stroke and 704 unrelated population-based controls who were age- and sex-matched. The 658 patients were classified by the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering ALOX5AP were genotyped.

RESULTS:

The genotype frequencies of TG of the SNPs rs17222919 located in the promoter of the ALOX5AP gene were significantly higher in patients with ischemic stroke than in controls (OR^*=1.34, 95%CI^*=1.02-1.75), especially in patients with ischemic stroke caused by small-artery occlusion (SAO) (OR^*=1.40, 95%CI^*=1.02-1.93). Meanwhile, the genotype frequencies of TG and TG/GG were higher in female patients than in the controls. After specification, the genotype frequencies of TG and TG/GG were higher in the patients than in controls with hypertension. The genotype frequencies of AG and AG/GG of the SNPs rs9579646 located in the intron of the ALOX5AP gene were higher in the controls than in the patients. After specification, the genotype frequencies of TG were higher in the controls than patients without hypertension.

CONCLUSION:

The present study suggests that sequence variants in the ALOX5AP gene are significantly associated with ischemic stroke.KEY WORDS: 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP), Leukotrienes (LTs), Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST), Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Ischemic stroke