Neuropathy target esterase in human lymphocytes and platelets

The target enzyme in organophosphorous-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) has been designated neuropathy target esterase or neurotoxic esterase (NTE). NTE activity can be measured in blood lymphocytes and platelets, which could be of use as biomonitors in man at risk for the development of OPIDN. Separation of lymphocytes and platelets from whole blood, recovery, purity, storage and expression of data were examined. A substantial amount of the NTE activity of a human lymphocyte preparation made using Ficoll/Pacque was due to contamination by platelets; further purification was achieved by sucrose-gradient centrifugation. In an easily prepared sample of human platelets less than 10% of NTE was associated with contaminating white cells. We were unable to preserve NTE activity of platelets or lymphocytes at -80 degrees C either 'dry' or with added buffer and glycerol. In 68 male subjects, NTE activity in platelets averaged 8.36 +/- 1.54 nmol min-1 mg protein-1 and NTE activity in lymphocytes, obtained from blood after removal of platelets, 13.34 +/- 2.42 nmol min-1 mg protein-1. A good correlation was found between platelet and lymphocyte NTE activity. NTE activity in platelets may be a preferable method for measuring exposure to axonopathic organophosphorous compounds because of the ease and purity of separation. No correlation with other neuropathic risk factors such as age, smoking and alcohol intake was noted.     

Synthetic analogs of phytanic acid and their effect on human hepatic cholesterol esterase in vitro

Ten acyclic isoprenoid fatty acids were synthesized and tested in vitro as possible regulators of the cholesterol/cholesteryl alkanoate ratio in blood serum lipoproteins. Racemic C₂₀ analogs of (3R/S,7R, 11R)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic (phytanic) acid proved to be powerful activators of human liver cholesterol esterase (HLCE) in vitro. Achiral (E,E)-5,9,13-trimethyltetradeca-4,8,12-trienoic (farnesylacetic) acid, a low-toxicity antiulcerative substance, also significantly accelerates the HLCE-catalyzed hydrolysis of cholesteryl palmitate. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 23–28, January, 2006.     

Inhibition of pancreatic cholesterol esterase reduces cholesterol absorption in the hamster

Background

Type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors have been shown to stimulate bone formation in vivo and to stimulate osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. As one possible mechanism for the stimulation of bone formation is the recruitment of osteoprogenitor cells from the bone marrow, we have investigated the effect of the PDE4 inhibitors EMD273316, EMD95833, EMD249615 and EMD 219906 on fibroblastic colony formation by whole bone marrow cells and on the ability of these colonies to adopt an osteoblastic phenotype.

Results

All four agents stimulated colony formation in a concentration dependent manner, however, in the case of EMD273316 & EMD95833, the effect was evident at lower concentrations and the addition of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) was not necessary for maximal stimulation. It was subsequently found that co-incubation with indomethacin reduced the stimulatory effects of EMD273316 & EMD95833 but had no effect on the actions of EMD249615 and EMD 219906 and that EMD273316 & EMD95833 stimulated the synthesis of endogenous PGE₂ by whole bone marrow cells whereas EMD249615 and EMD 219906 had no significant effect.

Conclusions

These data suggest that EMD249615, EMD 219906, EMD273316 & EMD95833 can promote the recruitment of bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells leading to a stimulation of bone formation via their direct inhibitory effects on PDE4. The actions of EMD273316 & EMD95833 however, are augmented by their ability to stimulate endogenous prostanoids synthesis which acts synergistically with their direct effects on PDE4.     

Trecrezan: Progenitor of a new class of adaptogens and immunomodulators

Data on the pharmacological activity of trecrezan-a new domestic adaptogen and immunomodulator-are presented. A brief history of the drug creation, the chemical structure, and the immunostimulant and antistressor effects are considered. Trecrezan is recommended for complex therapy of patients with myocardial infarction, hepatitis, radiation-induced diseases, and pancreonecrosis. The administration of trecrezan stimulates proliferative and reparative processes, thus offering good prospects in surgical practice for the accelerated healing of purulent-necrotic disorders and postoperation wounds. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 3–7, January, 2007.     

Influence of hypocholesterolemic drugs on aortic cholesterol esterase in rabbits

We have studied the influence of three hypocholesterolemic drugs (Fenofibrate, Pirinixil and Probucol) on aortic cholesterol esterase (E.C.3.1.1.13) activity in cholesterol-fed rabbits. After three weeks, cholesterol-fed controls exhibited a 28% increase in cholesteryl ester synthetase activity (S) and a 13% decrease in cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity (H) giving a 47% increase in S/H ratio. None of the drugs influenced cholesterol-induced synthetase activity, but fenofibrate treatment increased hydrolase activity resulting in a fall in the S/H ratio to the level observed in rabbits fed corn oil but no cholesterol. The other two hypocholesterolemic agents did not affect the aortic S/H ratio.     

Relative potencies of statins in reducing cholesterol synthesis and enhancing linoleic acid metabolism

Simvastatin enhances the conversion of linoleic acid to their long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives, e.g. arachidonic acid, in addition to typically inhibiting the de novo cholesterol synthesis, in cultured cells. The dose-response relationships for the above effects show that simvastatin, atorvastatin and fluvastatin affect linoleic acid conversion and the delta5 desaturase step more potently than the synthesis of cholesterol, simvastatin being the most effective in inhibiting sterol synthesis, whereas atorvastatin in stimulating the conversion of linoleic acid.     

Influence of rifampin on serum markers of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis in men

OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated in preliminary studies that rifampin, a semisynthetic antibiotic and known inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4, reduces serum concentrations of total bile acids only in individuals with liver disease and elevated serum bile acid levels. METHODS: We studied the effect of rifampin on concentrations of surrogate serum markers of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis as well as of cholesterol absorption in 10 male subjects before and after administration of rifampin (600 mg/day) for 6 days. Cholesterol and its precursors were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), bile acid intermediates and individual bile acids by isotope-dilution methods using GLC-mass spectrometry (MS) or by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Treatment with rifampin resulted in a 70% increase (p = 0.008) of the serum concentration of the bile acid precursor 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, which is a marker for bile acid production. Serum total cholesterol was not altered, however, treatment with rifampin elevated the ratio of lathosterol to cholesterol, an indicator of cholesterol synthesis, by 23% (p = 0.037). Interestingly, serum concentration of total bile acids decreased slightly by 29% (p = 0.022), mainly due to a lowering of the secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid (-60%; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A 6-day treatment with rifampin induces a reduction of deoxycholic serum concentrations in healthy men associated with a moderate increase of serum markers of bile acid and endogenous cholesterol synthesis.     

Assessment of modes of action and efficacy of plasma cholesterol-lowering drugs: measurement of cholesterol absorption, cholesterol synthesis and bile acid synthesis and turnover using novel stable isotope techniques

Several processes are involved in control of plasma cholesterol levels, e.g., intestinal cholesterol absorption, endogenous cholesterol synthesis and transport and bile acid synthesis. Adaptation of either of these processes allows the body to adapt to changes in dietary cholesterol intake. Disturbances herein may lead to hypercholesterolemia and increase the risk for atherosclerosis. Several approaches are available for plasma-cholesterol lowering therapies, particularly aimed at reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Currently used therapies aim to decrease (hepatic) cholesterol synthesis, to inhibit cholesterol absorption or to stimulate bile acid synthesis. The latter can be achieved by reducing bile acid absorption to alleviate the negative feedback control exerted by bile acids circulating in the body. Approaches to directly stimulate bile acid synthesis may become available. Novel drugs should be tested on the efficiency to influence their actual targets. Several techniques are available to measure cholesterol absorption, cholesterol synthesis and bile acid synthesis and absorption in vivo in human subjects. The most reliable techniques are based on the use of stable isotopes and mass spectrometry. This paper provides a condensed background on physiological parameters that determine cholesterol homeostasis, and potential new mechanisms of drug action and focuses, especially, on new techniques to monitor the effects of drugs in humans.     

Effects of imide analogs on enzymes required for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis

Twelve imide analogs were examined for their ability to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice. Potent activity was observed for compounds containing a phthalimide or saccharin ring structure. The ability to lower serum cholesterol appears to be related to the ability to suppress acetyl-CoA synthetase activity. The availability of acetyl-CoA in the cytoplasm is a key regulatory component for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. The capacity to reduce serum triglycerides was related directly to the ability of the compound to inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, the regulatory enzyme of fatty acid synthesis.     

Neurotoxic esterase activity in brain, spinal cord and platelets of certain birds and mammals

The level of neurotoxic esterase in brain, spinal cord and platelets of certain birds and mammals has been determined. The enzyme activity for the birds was maximal in hens and for the mammals was maximal in rats. The activity decreased progressively in the cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, spinal cord and blood platelets of the birds as well as the mammals. The difference in the susceptibility of birds and mammals to organophosphate-induced delayed neurotoxicity may be related to differences in the relative concentrations of the enzyme in the different species.     

Retinoid acid esterase activities: tissue and subcellular distribution in mice.

Methyl retinoate, ethyl retinoate and a trimethylmethoxyphenyl (TMMP) analog of ethyl retinoate are cleaved by enzymes widely distributed in tissues of mice; brain, liver and ovary contain high activity and plasma contains low activity for all three substrates. In the lung, enzymatic activity is primarily localized in the microsomal fraction, with some activity also in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction. From studies on subcellular distribution, the effect of pH, sensitivity to inhibitor and thermal stability, it appears that there are several esterases that act upon retinoid acid esters.     

3-Alkyl-6-chloro-2-pyrones: selective inhibitors of pancreatic cholesterol esterase.

A series of 3-alkyl-6-chloro-2-pyrones with cyclohexane rings tethered to the 3-position was synthesized. The tether ranged from 0 to 4 methylene units. Inhibition of pancreatic cholesterol esterase by this series of pyrones was markedly dependent upon the length of the tether. Dissociation constants as low as 25 nM were observed for 6-chloro-3-(1-ethyl-2-cyclohexyl)-2-pyranone. This class of cholesterol esterase inhibitors functioned as simple competitive inhibitors of substrate binding rather than as suicide substrates or active site inactivators. Trypsin and chymotrypsin were not strongly inhibited by this class of pyrones. Selectivities for cholesterol esterase were greater than 10(3). This is in contrast to 3-aryl-6-chloro-2-pyrones which are nonselective, irreversible inactivators of serine hydrolases. Thus, replacement of the 3-aryl group by an appropriately tethered 3-alkyl ring can produce highly selective inhibitors of cholesterol esterase. A second series of halogen-containing esters was prepared in which cholesterol was esterified with alpha-haloacyl halides. These haloesters were simple substrates of cholesterol esterase with no evidence of irreversible inactivation.     

Stereospecificity of the inhibition by etomoxir of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in isolated rat hepatocytes

The racemates of substituted 2-oxiranecarboxylates are potent inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. We show in the accompanying paper [Agius L, Peak M and Sherratt HSA, Biochem Pharmacol 42: 1711-1715, 1991] that only the R-enantiomer of etomoxir, a potent hypoglycaemic compound, inhibits fatty acid oxidation in hepatocytes. We demonstrate in this paper that although the R-enantiomer of etomoxir is esterified to its CoA-ester more readily than the S-enantiomer, both the R- and S-enantiomers are equally potent inhibitors of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis from acetate in rat hepatocytes. The inhibition of fatty acid synthesis is not due to direct inhibition of fatty acid synthetase and the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis occurs at a site proximal to formation of mevalonate. Since the S-enantiomer inhibits fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis but not fatty acid oxidation the inhibition of the biosynthetic pathways is not coupled to inhibition of fatty acid oxidation.     

Fecal bile acid excretion and liver cholesterol synthesis after sucralfate and cholestyramine administration in the rat

The relative ability of the resin cholestyramine and sucralfate (disucrose octasulfate) to bind bile acids in the gastro intestinal tract and increase fecal bile acid excretion has been studied in normal rats under standard diet. Plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations and in vitro cholesterol synthesis from 14C-acetate by liver slices, have been determined before and after one and three weeks of drug administration (0.5 or 1.0 g/100 g food). Plasma and liver cholesterol levels were unchanged after one week of treatment, but a moderate decrease in liver cholesterol content was observed after 3 weeks administration of cholestyramine and, to a lesser extent of sucralfate. Both drugs increase fecal bile acid excretion with a definitely higher effect of cholestyramine at either dose or period of administration. However, the resin produced a higher bile acid excretion after one week than after three weeks, whereas sucralfate effect increases with the time of administration. In vitro cholesterogenesis was clearly increased by cholestyramine and moderately by sucralfate although 14C-acetate incorporation into cholesterol was not quantitatively correlated to the amount of bile acid excreted in feces. The potential interest of sucralfate as bile acid sequestrant and hypocholesterolemic agent in man deserves further investigations.     

Cycloalkanones. 9. Comparison of analogues which inhibit cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis.

A number of 2,8-dibenzylcyclooctanone analogues inhibited the HMG-CoA reductases activity of Holtzman male rat liver, whereas only 2-octanone, 2-hexadecanone, 2,8-dibenzylcyclooctanone derivatives, and 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyltetrahydro-4-pyrone inhibited fatty acid synthetase activity. 2-Octanone significantly lowered serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycerol levels in Holtzman male rats and serlm cholesterol in male CF1 mice. Serum lipase activity was significantly elevated in rats administered 20 mg/kg/day of 2-octanone for 16 days. The activity of liver HMG-CoA reductase was inhibited in mice administered 10 mg/kg/day of 2-octanone for 10 days and in mouse and rat liver in vitro by 10 mg of 2-octanone. In mice, fecal excretion of [14C]cholesterol and tripalmitin was accelerated whereas palmitic acid and cholesteryl oleate were not affected by 10 mg/kg/day of 2-octanone. The LD50 in male mice for 2-octanone was 1.6g/kg.     

Bile acid sequestrants: Mechanisms of action on bile acid and cholesterol metabolism

Summary Interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids by cholestyramine or colestipol influences the hepatic metabolism of cholesterol in many ways. The synthesis of bile acids is increased, as reflected by a several-fold increase in the activity of the cholesterol 7 hydroxylase, the rate-determining enzyme in bile acid synthesis. The increased metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids causes an enhanced demand of cholesterol in the hepatocytes, which respond with both new synthesis of cholesterol, as reflected in a several-fold increase of the HMG-CoA reductase activity, and increased expression of LDL receptors. As a consequence, the plasma level of LDL-cholesterol is lowered. The hepatic secretion rate of VLDL particles is increased. Cholestyramine therapy does not affect the output of biliary lipids or the cholesterol saturation of bile, indicating that treatment with bile acid sequestrants should not be associated with any increased risk of gallstone formation.     

N-ethylmaleimide-stimulated arachidonic acid release in human platelets

Treatment of human platelets with the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) induces arachidonic acid release. The effect was time- and dose-dependent. NEM-stimulated arachidonic acid mobilisation could be prevented by pretreating platelets with the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)-specific inhibitor arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone. Moreover, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein was able to significantly inhibit arachidonic acid mobilisation. NEM-stimulated release of arachidonic acid appears to be a Ca2+-dependent mechanism, as shown by the observation that arachidonic acid mobilisation was significantly reduced by platelet treatment with EGTA and abolished by preloading platelets with the intracellular chelator 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra (acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA/AM). In Fura-2-loaded platelets, NEM was able to significantly increase the intracellular Ca2+ level. The Ca2+ elevation was significantly reduced in the presence of EGTA and suppressed by cell treatment with BAPTA/AM. Arachidonic acid released by NEM produced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) intracellular levels, which was partially inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium and almost completely suppressed by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid. In conclusion, the results in this study demonstrate that NEM stimulates arachidonic acid release by cPLA2 activation through intracellular Ca2+ elevation. In addition, tyrosine specific protein kinases seem to be involved in arachidonic acid release. ROS was also shown to be formed during arachidonic acid metabolisation.     

Biliary lipids, cholesterol and bile synthesis: different adaptive mechanisms to dietary cholesterol in lean and obese subjects

BACKGROUND: Increased biliary cholesterol secretion together with elevated cholesterol synthesis may predispose obese subjects to cholesterol gallstone formation. AIM: To investigate whether processing of dietary cholesterol is altered in obesity, we enrolled eight lean and seven obese subjects in a double-blind crossover study. METHODS: Cholesterol consumption was 300 mg/day on low and 1300 mg/day on high cholesterol diet. After 3 weeks on either diet, hepatic bile was collected to determine biliary lipid secretion, and bile salt composition by high-performance liquid chromatography and cholesterol saturation index was calculated. Cholesterol synthesis was measured employing mass isotopomer distribution analysis. Bile acid synthesis via neutral and acidic pathway was assessed by serum levels of 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and 27-hydroxycholesterol. RESULTS: Cholesterol synthesis was increased in obese compared with lean and feedback inhibited only in obese. On low cholesterol diet, cholesterol secretion was doubled in obese but bile acid composition and synthesis was similar between the two groups. After high cholesterol diet, cholesterol saturation index and bile secretion were unchanged. In contrast to obese, lean increased bile acid synthesis only via the acidic pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary cholesterol appears to preferentially induce bile acid synthesis via the acidic pathway in lean, whereas cholesterol synthesis was inhibited in obese. Thus, stable cholesterol saturation index may be achieved by different mechanisms.     

Synthesis of tricyclic 1,3-oxazin-4-ones and kinetic analysis of cholesterol esterase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition

A series of thieno[1,3]oxazin-4-ones and thieno[1,3]thiazin-4-ones were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors of the alpha/beta hydrolases cholesterol esterase (CEase) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The introduction of a cycloaliphatic five- or six-membered ring fused at the thiophene was favorable for CEase inhibition. Such compounds were analyzed as true alternate substrate inhibitors. 6,7-Dihydro-2-(dimethylamino)-4H,5H-cyclopenta[4,5]thieno[2,3-d][1,3]oxazin-4-one (33) exhibited a K(i) value of 630 nM and excelled in its low susceptibility to CEase-catalyzed degradation. Compound 33 and its analogues did not inhibit AChE. The introduction of a tetrahydropyrido ring with bulky hydrophobic substituents at the basic nitrogen provided inhibitors of AChE which were completely inactive toward CEase. 7-Benzyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(N-3,4-dimethoxybenzyl-N-methylamino)-4H-pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-d][1,3]oxazin-4-one (21) had the IC(50) value of 330 nM for AChE inhibition. A residual enzymatic activity at an infinite inhibitor concentration and thus a catalytically active ternary enzyme-substrate-inhibitor complex was concluded. To specify kinetic parameters of inhibition, a new method was derived to characterize selected thieno[1,3]oxazin-4-ones as hyperbolic mixed-type inhibitors of AChE.