Inactivation of human synovial fluid phospholipase A2 by the marine natural product, manoalide

Bioactive Compounds from Marine Sponges: Fundamentals and Applications

Marine sponges are sessile invertebrates that can be found in temperate, polar and tropical regions. They are known to be major contributors of bioactive compounds, which are discovered in and extracted from the marine environment. The compounds extracted from these sponges are known to exhibit various bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, antitumor and general cytotoxicity. For example, various compounds isolated from Theonella swinhoei have showcased various bioactivities, such as those that are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. In this review, we discuss bioactive compounds that have been identified from marine sponges that showcase the ability to act as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-malarial and antifungal agents against human pathogens and fish pathogens in the aquaculture industry. Moreover, the application of such compounds as antimicrobial agents in other veterinary commodities, such as poultry, cattle farming and domesticated cats, is discussed, along with a brief discussion regarding the mode of action of these compounds on the targeted sites in various pathogens. The bioactivity of the compounds discussed in this review is focused mainly on compounds that have been identified between 2000 and 2020 and includes the novel compounds discovered from 2018 to 2021.

Manoalide-related Sesterterpene from the Marine SpongeLuffariella variabilis

A new manoalide-related sesterterpene, (4 E,6 E)-dehydro-25- O-methylmanoalide (1), was isolated from the organic extracts of the Bornean marine sponge Luffariella variabilis, together with the known compound (4 E,6 E)-dehydromanoalide (2). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by interpretation of its spectroscopic data.

The Chemistry of Marine Sponges∗

Marine sponges continue to attract wide attention from marine natural product chemists and pharmacologists alike due to their remarkable diversity of bioactive compounds. Since the early days of marine natural products research in the 1960s, sponges have notoriously yielded the largest number of new metabolites reported per year compared to any other plant or animal phylum known from the marine environment. This not only reflects the remarkable productivity of sponges with regard to biosynthesis and accumulation of structurally diverse compounds but also highlights the continued interest of marine natural product researchers in this fascinating group of marine invertebrates.

Among the numerous classes of natural products reported from marine sponges over the years, alkaloids, peptides, and terpenoids have attracted particularly wide attention due to their unprecedented structural features as well as their pronounced pharmacological activities which make several of these metabolites interesting candidates for drug discovery. This chapter consequently highlights several important groups of sponge-derived alkaloids, peptides, and terpenoids and describes their biological and/or pharmacological properties.

Therapeutic application of natural inhibitors against snake venom phospholipase A(2)

Natural inhibitors occupy an important place in the potential to neutralize the toxic effects caused by snake venom proteins and enzymes. It has been well recognized for several years that animal sera, some of the plant and marine extracts are the most potent in neutralizing snake venom phospholipase A(2) (svPLA(2)). The implication of this review to update the latest research work which has been accomplished with svPLA(2) inhibitors from various natural sources like animal, marine organisms presents a compilation of research in this field over the past decade and revisiting the previous research report including those found in plants. In addition to that the bioactive compounds/inhibitor molecules from diverse sources like aristolochic alkaloid, flavonoids and neoflavonoids from plants, hydrocarbones -2, 4 dimethyl hexane, 2 methylnonane, and 2, 6 dimethyl heptane obtained from traditional medicinal plants Tragia involucrata (Euphorbiaceae) member of natural products involved for the inhibitory potential of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes in vitro and also decrease both oedema induced by snake venom as well as human synovial fluid PLA(2). Besides marine natural products that inhibit PLA(2) are manoalide and its derivatives such as scalaradial and related compounds, pseudopterosins and vidalols, tetracylne from synthetic chemicals etc. There is an overview of the role of PLA(2) in inflammation that provides a rationale for seeking inhibitors of PLA(2) as anti-inflammatory agents. However, more studies should be considered to evaluate antivenom efficiency of sera and other agents against a variety of snake venoms found in various parts of the world. The implications of these new groups of svPLA(2) toxin inhibitors in the context of our current understanding of snake biology as well as in the development of new novel antivenoms therapeutics agents in the efficient treatment of snake envenomations are discussed.

Bioactive sesterterpenes and triterpenes from marine sponges: occurrence and pharmacological significance

Marine ecosystems (>70% of the planet's surface) comprise a continuous resource of immeasurable biological activities and immense chemical entities. This diversity has provided a unique source of chemical compounds with potential bioactivities that could lead to potential new drug candidates. Many marine-living organisms are soft bodied and/or sessile. Consequently, they have developed toxic secondary metabolites or obtained them from microorganisms to defend themselves against predators [1]. For the last 30-40 years, marine invertebrates have been an attractive research topic for scientists all over the world. A relatively small number of marine plants, animals and microbes have yielded more than 15,000 natural products including numerous compounds with potential pharmaceutical potential. Some of these have already been launched on the pharmaceutical market such as Prialt (ziconotide; potent analgesic) and Yondelis (trabectedin or ET-743; antitumor) while others have entered clinical trials, e.g., alpidin and kahalalide F. Amongst the vast array of marine natural products, the terpenoids are one of the more commonly reported and discovered to date. Sesterterpenoids (C(25)) and triterpenoids (C(30)) are of frequent occurrence, particularly in marine sponges, and they show prominent bioactivities. In this review, we survey sesterterpenoids and triterpenoids obtained from marine sponges and highlight their bioactivities.

The molecular mechanism of human group IIA phospholipase A2 inactivation by bolinaquinone

The molecular basis of the human group IIA secretory phospholipase A(2) inactivation by bolinaquinone (BLQ), a hydroxyquinone marine terpenoid, has been investigated for the comprehension of its relevant antiinflammatory properties, through the combination of spectroscopic techniques, biosensors analysis, mass spectrometry (MS) and molecular docking. Indeed, sPLA(2)s are well known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, psoriasis and asthma. Our results suggest a mechanism of competitive inhibition guided by a non-covalent molecular recognition event, disclosing the key role of the BLQ hydroxyl-quinone moiety in the chelation of the catalytic Ca(2+) ion inside the enzyme active site.The understanding of the sPLA(2)-IIA inactivation mechanism by BLQ could be useful for the development of a new chemical class of PLA(2) inhibitors, able to specifically target the enzyme active site.

ESI FTICR-MS analysis of larvae from the marine sponge Luffariella variabilis

The viviparous Great Barrier Reef sponge Luffariella variabilis (Poléjaeff 1884) contains a range of secondary metabolites, including manoalide (1) and manoalide monoacetate (3). ESI (+) FTICR-MS accurate mass determination has, for the first time, been used to detected the presence of 3 only in an organic extract of a single L. variabilis larva showing that the parentally produced 3 is sequestered in the larva. As 3 has previously been shown to have antibacterial and quorum sensing inhibition activity, and readily converts to 1, which also exhibits similar activity, it may provide a chemical defence against predation and microbial attack.

24-O-ethylmanoalide, a manoalide-related sesterterpene from the marine sponge Luffariella cf. variabilis

A new manoalide-related sesterterpene, 24-O-ethylmanoalide (3), was isolated from the Indian Ocean sponge Luffariella cf. variabilis, together with the known compounds manoalide (1), seco-manoalide, manoalide monoacetate and 24-O-methyl-manoalide (2). The structure of compound 3 was elucidated by interpretation of its spectroscopic data.

A methoxylated fatty acid isolated from the brown seaweed Ishige okamurae inhibits bacterial phospholipase A2

A methoxylated fatty acid that inhibits phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2); EC 3.1.1.4) was purified from the brown seaweed Ishige okamurae. Approximately 8.1 mg of the inhibitory compound, 7-methoxy-9-methylhexadeca-4,8-dienoic acid, was isolated from 1 kg of I. okamurae powder. Recombinant PLA(2) derived from the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio mimicus was used as the target enzyme. The methoxylated fatty acid compound competitively inhibited PLA(2) with a Ki value of 3.9 microg/mL. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition of PLA(2), oedema and erythema were 1.0 microg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL and 4.6 mg/mL, respectively. The compound strongly inhibited PLA(2) activity in vitro and had potent antiinflammatory activity in vivo.

Scalaradial, a dialdehyde-containing marine metabolite that causes an unexpected noncovalent PLA2 Inactivation

Several marine terpenoids that contain at least one reactive aldehyde group, such as manoalide and its congeners, possess interesting anti-inflammatory activities that are mediated by the covalent inactivation of secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)). Scalaradial, a 1,4-dialdehyde marine terpenoid that was isolated from the sponge Cacospongia mollior, is endowed with a relevant anti-inflammatory profile, both in vitro and in vivo, through selective sPLA(2) inhibition. Due to its peculiar dialdehyde structural feature, it has been proposed that scalaradial exerts its enzymatic inactivation by means of an irreversible covalent modification of its target. In the context of our on-going research on anti-PLA(2) natural products and their interaction at a molecular level, we studied scalaradial in an attempt to shed more light on the molecular mechanism of its PLA(2) inhibition. A detailed analysis of the reaction profile between scalaradial and bee venom PLA(2), a model sPLA(2) that shares a high structural homology with the human synovial enzyme, was performed by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, chemical reactions (selective modifications, biomimetic reactions), and classical protein chemistry (such as proteolytic digestion, HPLC and mass spectrometry), along with molecular modeling studies. Unexpectedly, our data clearly indicated the noncovalent forces to be the leading event in the PLA(2) inactivation process; thus, the covalent modification of the enzyme emerges as only a minor side event in the ligand-enzyme interaction. The overall picture might be useful in the design of SLD analogues as new potential anti-inflammatory compounds that target sPLA(2) enzymes.

The Molecular Mechanism of Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 Inactivation by Bolinaquinone

The molecular basis of the inactivation of bee venom PLA2 by the marine natural product bolinaquinone (BLQ) was studied by several spectral techniques (CD, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry), biomimetic reactions, and molecular modeling. Our data suggest competitive inhibition based on a BLQ-PLA2 noncovalent molecular recognition. However, BLQ is also able to react selectively with Lys133 through conjugate addition followed by a beta elimination. The biological implications of both the covalent and noncovalent molecular events are discussed.

L-selectin expression on neutrophils from allergic patients

BACKGROUND

L-selectin (CD62L) is an adhesion molecule involved in leucocyte attachment to endothelium at sites of inflammation, and it has been demonstrated that L-selectin is rapidly shed after neutrophil activation. Recently, it has been reported that there is increasing evidence of neutrophil participation in asthma and the allergic process.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to determine whether an IgE-dependent mechanism can modulate L-selectin expression on the surface of neutrophils. Moreover, we analyse the potential implication of intracellular signal-transduction pathways and whether specific immunotherapy (IT), glucocorticoids and antihistamines might regulate this process.

METHODS

Peripheral blood neutrophils from three groups of donors (asthmatic group without IT treatment, IT-treated asthmatic group and healthy group) were used. Cells were challenged in vitro with the specific allergen that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients and also with the allergen to which the patients were not sensitive. Neutrophils from healthy donors were also challenged with allergens. Expression of CD62L on the neutrophil surface was analysed by flow cytometry, and soluble CD62L (sCD62L) in culture supernatant by ELISA. In an attempt to discover which IgE receptor is involved, we also challenged the neutrophils with monoclonal antibody to FcepsilonRI, FcepsilonRII (CD23) and galectin-3 receptors.

RESULTS

When neutrophils from allergic patients were challenged with specific allergens that produce clinical allergy symptoms, L-selectin was down-regulated from the surface of those cells, accompanied by a concomitant up-regulation of soluble L-selectin in the supernatant. The challenge with antibodies against FCepsilonRI, FCepsilonRII (CD23) and galectin-3, induces down-modulation of L-selectin on the surface of the neutrophils in all three cases. Calphostin C, wortmannin and manoalide attenuated CD62L down-regulation, suggesting the potential implication of protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase A(2) in the process. IT and glucocorticoids modulated allergen-dependent CD62L down-regulation, whereas antihistamines (terfenadine, loratadine and cetirizine) or nedocromil sodium did not affect the shedding of L-selectin.

CONCLUSIONS

We present evidence that the neutrophil surface expression of CD62L can be modulated by an allergen-dependent mechanism. The modulation of CD62L expression can be induced through the three receptors of IgE. This process can be affected by IT.

Late-Gestation Rat Myometrial Cells Express Multiple Isoforms of Phospholipase A2 That Mediate PCB 50-Induced Release of Arachidonic Acid with Coincident Prostaglandin Production

Previous reports have shown that ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are uterotonic and activate phospholipase A2 to release arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids. AA serves as the precursor to various eicosanoids, which, in addition to AA itself, are capable of modulating uterine function. To examine whether PCBs stimulate phospholipase A2 (PLA2) to mobilize arachidonic acid from late-gestation rat uterus, primary cultures of gestation day 20 (gd20) rat myometrial cells (RMC) were labeled with 0.5 microCi 3H-AA prior to a 10-, 20-, or 30-min exposure to 2,2',4,6-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 50) (1-50 microM) or 0.1% DMSO (solvent control). PCB 50 stimulated the release of 3H-AA from gd20 RMC in concentration- and time-dependent manners (p < 0.05). PCB 50 stimulation of RMC was attenuated with ethylene glycol bis(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and nifedipine, suggesting that AA release was dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium through L-type voltage-operated calcium channels. PCB 50-induced release of AA from RMC was also attenuated with the PLA2-specific inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), bromoenol lactone (BEL), and manoalide (p < 0.05). Stimulation of PLA2 enzymes in response to PCB exposure occurred via p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation as indicated by the significant attenuation of PCB 50-induced AA release from RMC in the presence of SB 202190. In addition to stimulating AA release, PCB 50 induced a significant production of prostaglandins from gd20 RMC compared with controls (p < 0.05). These results suggest that myometrial cells express multiple PLA2 isoforms that may serve as a target and effector for ortho-substituted PCB-mediated stimulation of uterine function through arachidonic acid and prostaglandin release.

PLA2-mediated catalytic activation of its inhibitor 25-acetyl-petrosaspongiolide M: serendipitous identification of a new PLA2suicide inhibitor

25-Acetyl-petrosaspongiolide M (PMAc) (1), a mild non-covalent PLA(2) inhibitor, unexpectedly recovers, after incubation with bvPLA(2), the ability to covalently modify the enzyme target. This study demonstrates the catalytic effect of bvPLA(2) in converting 1 in its deacetylated congener petrosaspongiolide M (PM) (2), a strong covalent PLA(2) inhibitor whose molecular mechanism of inhibition has already been clarified. Moreover, our findings outline the potential role of PMAc as anti-inflammatory pro-drug, by virtue of its ability of delivering the active PM agent at the site of inflammation, functioning as a suicide inhibitor.

Petrosaspongiolide M reduces morphine withdrawal in vitro

The bee venom phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitory activity of petrosaspongiolide M (PM), a marine metabolite displaying a potent anti-inflammatory activity and able to covalently bind and block group II and III secretory PLA(2) enzymes, has been investigated by mass spectrometry and molecular modeling. The model reveals interesting insight on the PM-PLA(2) inhibition process and may prove useful in the design of new anti-inflammatory agents targeting PLA(2) secretory enzymes. In this paper, the effect of PM has been investigated on opiate withdrawal in an in vitro model. After a 4 min in vitro exposure to morphine a strong contracture of guinea pig isolated ileum was observed after the addition of naloxone. PM treatment 1 x 10(-8), 5 x 10(-8), 1 x 10(-7) M was able to reduce morphine withdrawal. These results suggest that PM effect in this in vitro model of opiate withdrawal may be due to extracellular type II PLA(2) inhibition.

Involvement of arachidonic acid in nonimmunologic production of superoxide in mast cells

BACKGROUND

A number of different molecules are known to be involved in the signal pathway to release histamine from mast cells, among which arachidonic acid (AA) is one of the key mediators. On the other hand, we found that the application of compound 48/80, a typical histamine liberator, generated superoxide in mast cells. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of superoxide production in mast cells with respect to AA signaling in conjunction with a fine structural analysis.

METHODS

Superoxide production was monitored by chemiluminescence in rat peritoneal mast cells and their subfractions after various treatments. For scanning electron micrography, the conditions for fixation and freeze-fracture were optimized to get natural fine images.

RESULTS

Compound 48/80 induced superoxide production in the isolated mast cells and some of their subfractions possibly through intracellular increase in Ca(2+) concentration, activation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2), and release of AA.

DISCUSSION

The present results indicate the critical role of AA in the signal pathway to generate superoxide from mast cells in response to compound 48/80.

Development in primary cell culture of demosponges

We have established primary cell culture of the marine demosponge Dysidea avara and Suberites domuncula. Microbial contamination was controlled by the use of a pool of antibiotics confirming the goodness of this procedure. Effect of pH, temperature and light was studied to establish the better growth conditions. The comparison of lipid composition of sponge and cells suggested a series of experiments to optimise the medium. A glucose dose-dependent experiment showed that the ideal glucose concentration is 1 g l(-1). Supplementing the medium with unsaturated fatty acid and retinol, no promotion of growth was observed, but the compounds were totally metabolised by cells. Increments from 70 to 160% in the number of cells were observed, supplementing the medium with different concentration of cholesterol. These results suggest that the analysis of the chemical composition of sponge and cells give indication on the composition of the nutrient media.

Inhibition of crotoxin phospholipase A(2) activity by manoalide associated with inactivation of crotoxin toxicity and dissociation of the heterodimeric neurotoxic complex

Crotoxin (CACB complex) is a convulsant heterodimeric neurotoxic phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)). The role of phospholipid hydrolysis in its epileptogenic properties remains unresolved. We, thus, studied the effect of manoalide (MLD), a PLA(2) inhibitor, on the toxin catalytic activity and its central and peripheral toxicity. Incubation of crotoxin with MLD fully and irreversibly inactivated its enzymatic activity. Interestingly, crotoxin also lost its central neurotoxicity after intracerebroventricular injection and peripheral toxicity after intravenous administration. MLD-treated crotoxin prevented the high affinity binding of [125I]-radiolabeled crotoxin on rat cortex synaptic plasma membranes. Further analysis of MLD-treated crotoxin by non-denaturing PAGE and surface plasmon resonance indicated that the crotoxin complex was dissociated after MLD treatment. Although the loss of MLD-treated crotoxin peripheral neurotoxicity could not be attributed to this dissociation, the presence of free CA subunit might explain the observed competition in binding experiments. In conclusion, the dissociation of the crotoxin complex by MLD, as demonstrated in this study, did not permit to specify the role of the enzymatic activity in crotoxin epileptogenic properties. Other approaches would be required to resolve this question.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha augments contraction and cytosolic Ca(2+) sensitivity through phospholipase A(2) in bovine tracheal smooth muscle

To elucidate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on tracheal smooth muscle contraction, we simultaneously measured isometric tension and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in fura 2-loaded muscle strips. Smooth muscle force generation was evaluated in a high potassium (K(+); 20.0-80.0 mM) solution and with acetylcholine (3 nM-10 microM ). TNF-alpha (1-100 ng/ml) did not directly contract muscle strips. The contractile response to acetylcholine was enhanced after application of 10 ng/ml of TNF-alpha for 30 min but not the response of [Ca(2+)](i). The contractile response and the response of [Ca(2+)](i) to a high K(+) solution were not altered after application of TNF-alpha. The [Ca(2+)](i)-tension curve indicated that TNF-alpha enhanced the responsiveness of tracheal smooth muscle through the acetylcholine-mediated Ca(2+) sensitivity of intracellular contractile elements. The augmentation of the acetylcholine concentration-response curves for muscle tension in the presence of TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) was inhibited in part after application of manoalide, a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor. We conclude that a low concentration of TNF-alpha enhances smooth muscle responsiveness to acetylcholine by agonist-mediated Ca(2+) sensitivity facilitated by phospholipase A(2).

Electrolytic Partial Fluorination of Organic Compounds. 30.(1) Drastic Improvement of Anodic Monofluorination of 2-Substituted 1,3-Oxathiolan-5-ones Using the Novel Fluorine Source Et(4)NF.4HF

The highly regioselective anodic monofluorination of 2-substituted 1,3-oxathiolan-5-ones was successfully carried out using a novel supporting electrolyte, Et(4)NF.4HF, while use of a conventional supporting electrolyte, Et(3)N.3HF, resulted in no formation or extremely low yields of the fluorinated products.

Modulation of acute and chronic inflammatory processes by cacospongionolide B, a novel inhibitor of human synovial phospholipase A2

1. Cacospongionolide B is a novel marine metabolite isolated from the sponge Fasciospongia cavernosa. In in vitro studies, this compound inhibited phospholipase A2 (PLA2), showing selectivity for secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) versus cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2), and its potency on the human synovial enzyme (group II) was similar to that of manoalide. 2. This activity was confirmed in vivo in the 8 h zymosan-injected rat air pouch, on the secretory enzyme accumulating in the pouch exudate. Cacospongionolide B, that is bioavailable when is given orally, reduced the elevated levels of sPLA2 present in paw homogenates of rats with adjuvant arthritis. 3. This marine metabolite showed topical anti-inflammatory activity on the mouse ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) and decreased carrageenin paw oedema in mice after oral administration of 5, 10 or 20 mg kg(-1). 4. In the mouse air pouch injected with zymosan, cacospongionolide B administered into the pouch, induced a dose-dependent reduction in the levels of eicosanoids and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in the exudates 4 h after the stimulus. It also had a weak effect on cell migration. 5. The inflammatory response of adjuvant arthritis was reduced by cacospongionolide B, which did not significantly affect eicosanoid levels in serum, paw or stomach homogenates and did not induce toxic effects. 6 Cacospongionolide B is a new inhibitor of sPLA2 in vitro and in vivo, with anti-inflammatory properties in acute and chronic inflammation. This marine metabolite was active after oral administration and able to modify TNFalpha levels, and may offer an interesting approach in the search for new anti-inflammatory agents.

Pharmacological characterization of the pseudopterosins: novel anti-inflammatory natural products isolated from the Caribbean soft coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae

Pseudopterosin E (PSE), a C-10 linked fucose glycoside and pseudopterosin A (PSA), a C-9 xylose glycoside isolated from the marine gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae were both effective in reducing PMA-induced mouse ear edema when administered topically (ED50 (microg/ear) PSE(38), PSA(8)) or systemically (ED50 (mg/kg, i.p.) PSE (14), PSA (32)). Both compounds exhibited in vivo analgesic activity in phenyl-p-benzoquinone-induced writhing (ED50 (mg/kg, i.p.) PSE(14), PSA(4). PSE inhibited zymosan-induced writhing (ED50 = 6 mg/kg, i.p.), with a concomitant dose-dependent inhibition of peritoneal exudate 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (ED50 = 24 mg/kg) and leukotriene C4 (ED50 = 24 mg/kg). In vitro, the pseudopterosins were inactive as inhibitors of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, cytokine release, or as regulators of adhesion molecule expression. PSA inhibited prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 production in zymosan-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages (IC50 = 4 microM and 1 microM, respectively); however, PSE was much less effective. These data suggest that the pseudopterosins may mediate their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting eicosanoid release from inflammatory cells in a concentration and dose-dependent manner.

Structure-activity relationships in platelet activating factor. 9. From PAF-antagonism to PLA2 inhibition

Many important mediators of inflammation result from the liberation of free arachidonic acid from phospholipid pools, which arise from the action of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Therefore the inhibition of this enzyme would be an important treatment in many inflammatory disease states. Starting from a series of compounds which are known as PAF-antagonists, we have synthesized new molecules. These new compounds inhibited various secretory PLA2s, with IC50's in the mumol range. This allowed us to analyze the structure-activity relationships for PLA2 inhibition. The results showed that inhibition of secretory PLA2 depends on the length of the alkyl chain, with an optimum for 13 to 17 carbons, which is in agreement with X-ray crystallographic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on the active site of PLA2s, and that a free nitrogen on the piperazine ring is required to ensure a good inhibitory potency.

Phospholipase D is involved in cytosolic phospholipase A2-dependent selective release of arachidonic acid by fMLP-stimulated rat neutrophils

When rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were treated with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), the release of arachidonic acid in preference to other fatty acids was observed. Levels of arachidonic acid reached a plateau within 5 min, and were accompanied by an approximately 4-fold increase in in vitro phospholipase (PL) A2 and PLD activities in PMN lysates. Treatment of PMN with ethanol (an inhibitor of PLD-mediated phosphatidic acid formation), propranolol (a phosphatidic acid phosphatase inhibitor), or 4-bromophenacylbromide (a PLA2 inhibitor), each suppressed fMLP-stimulated arachidonate release. Treatment with RHC-80267 (a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor), however, had no such effect. The cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) inhibitor, arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone, suppressed PLA2 activity in PMN homogenates and arachidonate release by fMLP-treated PMN. These results suggest that fMLP-elicited arachidonate release is mediated by cPLA2 but not diacylglycerol lipase, and that the activation of cPLA2 is downstream of the PLD-dependent signaling pathway.

The effects of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor, manoalide, on cartilage degradation, stromelysin expression, and synovial fluid cell count induced by intraarticular injection of human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha in the rabbit

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor manoalide on cartilage degradation, stromelysin expression, and inflammatory cell accumulation in rabbits treated intraarticularly with recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (rHuIL-1 alpha).

METHODS

Rabbits were given an intraarticular injection of rHuIL-1 alpha. At various time points over a 24-hour period, the rabbits were euthanized and the articular space was lavaged with sterile PBS. The proteoglycan content of the lavage fluid was measured using a dimethylmethylene blue assay. PLA2 activity and differential cell counts were also measured. The femur was removed and cartilage proteoglycan content determined. In some experiments, levels of synovial stromelysin messenger RNA (mRNA) were assessed. Manoalide or vehicle was administered 30 minutes before the rHuIL-1 alpha injection.

RESULTS

The rHuIL-1 alpha-induced arthritic response is characterized by significant accumulation of inflammatory cells, loss of proteoglycan from the condylar cartilage, and induction of mRNA for stromelysin. PLA2 activity was also elevated in synovial fluids from rHuIL-1 alpha-injected joints. Pretreatment with manoalide (0.3 mg/joint) significantly inhibited PLA2 activity in the synovial fluid, prevented the loss of proteoglycan from the condylar cartilage, and reduced proteoglycan levels in lavage fluids. However, manoalide either had no effect on, or stimulated, cell accumulation. To assess the relationship between the induction of PLA2 and stromelysin, levels of stromelysin mRNA were measured in synovial tissue from manoalide- and vehicle-treated joints. Stromelysin message levels were significantly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

These studies demonstrate that manoalide is a potent inhibitor of inflammation and cartilage catabolism, and suggest that PLA2 is involved in the pathophysiology of rHuIL-1 alpha-induced arthritis in rabbits.

Effect of manoalide on human 5-lipoxygenase activity

The marine natural product manoalide (MLD) has been described to inactivate phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from several sources as well as to inhibit synthesis of eicosanoids in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (HPMNL). MLD also reduces chemically-induced inflammation in vivo. In this investigation we have examined the effect of MLD on A23187-induced generation of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) in HPMNL as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity from HPMNL sonicated preparations. In the intact cell system, MLD inhibited with similar potency biosynthesis of LTB4 and TXB2 (IC50 1.7 and 1.4 microM, respectively). In order to discern if inhibition of 5-LO is involved in the effect of MLD, we examined the action of this compound on 5-LO activity from 10,000 x g and 100,000 x g supernatants of sonicated HPMNL homogenates. The enzymatic activity was not affected at concentrations of MLD up to 50 microM. These data indicate that MLD is not a direct inhibitor of 5-LO activity from HPMNL and support the hypothesis that its anti-inflammatory action could be related with a reduction of eicosanoid biosynthesis via inhibition of PLA2.

Involvement of secretory phospholipase A2 activity in the zymosan rat air pouch model of inflammation

1. In the zymosan rat air pouch model of inflammation we have assessed the time dependence of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) accumulation in the inflammatory exudates as well as cell migration, myeloperoxidase activity, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels. 2. A significant increase in PLA2 activity was detected in 1,200 g supernatants of exudates 8 h after injection of zymosan into rat air pouch. This event coincided with peaks in cell accumulation (mainly neutrophils) and myeloperoxidase activity in exudates and was preceded by a rise in eicosanoid levels. 3. This enzyme (without further purification) behaved as a secretory type II PLA2 with an optimum pH at 7-8 units, lack of selectivity for arachidonate release and dependence on mM calcium concentrations for maximal activity. 4. The PLA2 inhibitors manoalide and scalaradial inhibited this enzyme activity in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Scalaradial also inhibited zymosan stimulated myeloperoxidase release in vitro. 5. Injection of the marine PLA2 inhibitor scalaradial together with zymosan into the pouch at doses of 0.5, 1 and 5 mumol per pouch resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of PLA2 activity in exudates collected 8 h later. Myeloperoxidase levels and cell migration were also decreased, while eicosanoid levels were not modified. 6. Colchicine administration to rats prevented infiltration and decreased PLA2 levels in the 8 h zymosan-injected air pouch. 7. These results indicate that during inflammatory response to zymosan in the rat air pouch a secretory PLA2 activity is released into the exudates. The source of this activity is mainly the neutrophil which migrates into the pouch. 8. Scalaradial exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the zymosan air pouch.

4-Alkoxybenzamidines as new potent phospholipase A2 inhibitors

A series of 4-alkoxybenzamidines was synthesized, varying the number of carbons of the alkyl chain, and their potency as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors was evaluated. The relationship between their capacity to inhibit PLA2 activity and their lipophilicity was examined. The optimum of the inhibitory effect against two extracellular PLA2S from rabbit platelets and bovine pancreas was observed with compounds bearing an alkyl chain of 12 and 14 carbons. These 4-dodecyl and tetradecyloxbenzamidines inhibited bovine pancreatic and rabbit platelet lysate PLA2S with IC50 values of 3 microM and 5-5.8 microM, respectively. The mechanism of inhibition was of the competitive type. In addition, 4-tetradecyloxbenzamidine was shown to exert an antiinflammatory effect in vivo on the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. These results show that 4-tetradecyloxybenzamidine will serve as an interesting tool to investigate the physiological role of mammalian-secreted PLA2, both in vitro and in vivo.

Different apoptotic pathways mediated by Fas and the tumor-necrosis-factor receptor. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 is not involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis

Fas is a cell-surface receptor that belongs to the tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)/nerve growth factor receptor family. Fas can transduce an apoptotic signal through the death domain in the cytoplasmic region, which has similarity with the corresponding region of the TNF type-I receptor. Here, we expressed human Fas in mouse L929 cells or its subline (C12), which express extremely low levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). L929 cells were sensitive to the cytotoxic activity of TNF, while C12 cells were resistant. Cross-linking of human Fas with anti-(human Fas antibody) Ig killed both L929 transformants and C12 transformants expressing human Fas. Various inhibitors of the arachidonate metabolism significantly inhibited the TNF-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells, but they did not have any effect on Fas-mediated apoptosis. These results indicated that cPLA2 is required for TNF-induced apoptosis, whereas it is dispensable for Fas-mediated apoptosis, and suggested that the TNF receptor and Fas use different signaling pathways for apoptosis.

Effects of marine 2-polyprenyl-1,4-hydroquinones on phospholipase A2 activity and some inflammatory responses

Three 2-polyprenyl-1,4-hydroquinone derivatives (2-heptaprenyl-1,4-hydroquinone: IS1, 2-octaprenyl-1,4-hydroquinone: IS2 and 2-[24-hydroxy]-octaprenyl-1,4-hydroquinone: IS3) isolated from the Mediterranean sponge Ircinia spinosula, were evaluated for effects on phospholipase A2 activity of different origin (Naja naja venom, human recombinant synovial fluid and bee venom), as well as on human neutrophil function and mouse ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). IS1 interacted minimally with these responses. In contrast, IS2 and IS3 inhibited human recombinant synovial phospholipase A2 in a concentration-dependent manner, with minor effects on the rest of the enzymes. Both compounds slightly affected superoxide generation and degranulation in human neutrophils, whereas they decreased thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4 synthesis and release in a mixed suspension of human platelets and neutrophils stimulated by ionophore A23187, with IC50 values in the microM range. IS3 was the most effective inhibitor of the synthesis of thromboxane B2 by human platelet microsomes and of leukotriene B4 by high speed supernatants from human neutrophils. IS2 and IS3 showed topical anti-inflammatory activity against the TPA-induced ear inflammation in mice, with similar effects on oedema and a higher inhibition of IS3 on leukocyte migration, estimated as myeloperoxidase activity in supernatants of ear homogenates. Some structure-activity relationships were established since differences in the prenylated chain attached to the hydroquinone moiety result in important modifications of these inflammatory responses.

Phospholipase A2 activation in cultured mouse hepatocytes exposed to tumor necrosis factor-alpha

High concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) are cytotoxic to cultured hepatocytes. Impairment of energy metabolism and generation of an intracellular oxidant stress are important events in the pathogenesis of this toxicity (6). In the present study, we have examined the role of phospholipase A2 activation in TNF alpha-induced toxicity in mouse hepatocytes, since it has been reported to play a key role in TNF alpha cytolytic activity in other cell types. Recombinant murine TNF alpha (0.1 microgram/mL) caused a dose-dependent increase in PLA2 activity in cultured mouse hepatocytes. The increase in PLA2 activity was observed after only 0.5 hour of exposure (152 +/- 10% of control), and continued to increased over the first 4 hours of exposure (292 +/- 32%). However, TNF alpha-induced GSSG efflux and ATP depletion did not occur until after 2 hours of exposure. Furthermore, a small level of cytotoxicity was observed after a 24 hour incubation period. Putative PLA2 inhibitors, chlorpromazine (CPZ) and 4-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), both prevented the TNF alpha-induced increase in PLA2 activity. They also reduced ATP depletion, GSSG efflux, and cytotoxicity. The PLA2 inhibitor, manoalide (a natural marine product), completely prevented PLA2 activation and cytotoxicity induced by TNF alpha. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with cycloheximide, to inhibit protein synthesis, increased TNF alpha-induced cytotoxicity. Cycloheximide pretreatment also potentiated PLA2 activation, ATP depletion, and GSSG efflux. CPZ and BPB both reduced the extent of PLA2 activation, ATP depletion, GSSG formation, and cytotoxicity in the cycloheximide pretreated cells exposed to TNF alpha. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TNF alpha activates PLA2, which occurs prior to other deleterious events in hepatocytes, and that inhibition of PLA2 activity reduces cell injury by TNF alpha. This suggests that PLA2 activation may lead to impairment of energy metabolism, an oxidant stress, and cytotoxicity in cells exposed to TNF alpha. Additionally, protein synthesis inhibition potentiates TNF alpha induction of PLA2 and toxicity, suggesting that there is a protein-synthesis-dependent protective mechanism in hepatocytes which ameliorates the effects induced by PLA2. These findings provide strong evidence that PLA2 activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of toxicity induced by TNF alpha in cultured mouse hepatocytes.

Effects of scalaradial, a novel inhibitor of 14 kDa phospholipase A2, on human neutrophil function

Scalaradial, a marine natural product with anti-inflammatory activity, has been shown to be a selective inhibitor of 14 kDa type II phospholipase A2(PLA2). We have examined the inhibition by scalaradial (0.1 nM to 10 microM) of neutrophil function (degranulation) in response to receptor-mediated activation [N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP), 30 nM; leuokotriene B4 (LTB4), 100 nM; platelet-activating factor (PAF), 100 nM] and non-receptor-mediated stimuli [A23187 (1 microM) and thapsigargin (100 nM)]. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of scalaradial to inhibit the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to fMLP, LTB4, A23187, and thapsigargin as well as its ability to prevent either fMLP- or LTB4-mediated elevation in inositol phosphate production (InsP). Scalaradial was a potent inhibitor of both receptor- (IC50 = 50-200 nM) and non-receptor- (IC50 = 40-900 nM) mediated degranulation. Although scalaradial inhibited the mobilization of Ca2+ induced by fMLP, LTB4, and PAF, it did not affect the maximal Ca2+ levels attained with A23187 or thapsigargin. Neutrophil-binding studies with [3H]fMLP and [3H]LTB4 would suggest that the effect of scalaradial on agonist-induced degranulation and increase in intracellular Ca2+ was not at the receptor level because 50-fold higher concentrations were required to have a significant effect on the binding of these agonists. To determine if scalaradial affected phosphatidylinositol selective phospholipase C (PI-PLC) activity, assays were conducted to monitor fMLP- and LTB4-induced formation of InsPs using myo-[3H]inositol-labeled U-937 cells. In these cells, 2.5 to 9-fold higher concentrations of scalaradial were required to inhibit PI-PLC activity than to inhibit agonist-induced degranulation of neutrophils, suggesting that the effects of scalaradial on Ca2+ and degranulation are not the sole result of blocking receptor activation of PI-PLC. Results obtained with receptor-mediated stimuli suggest that scalaradial may have direct effects on Ca2+ channels and InsP turnover, but inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ levels was not required for scalaradial to block degranulation since scalaradial was capable of inhibiting degranulation produced by either A23187 or thapsigargin, without changing the maximal Ca2+ levels obtained with these two stimuli. These results demonstrate that scalaradial can inhibit degranulation in the presence of micromolar intracellular Ca2+ concentration, thus supporting the hypothesis that a 14 kDa PLA2 may be important in the regulation of neutrophil degranulation.

Inactivation of bee venom phospholipase A2 by a sesquiterpene furanoic acid marine natural product

A sesquiterpene furanoic acid (SFA) marine natural product isolated from soft corals of the genus Sinularia (Bowden et al., Aust J Chem 36: 371-376, 1983) was found to inactivate bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2, EC 3.1.1.4) in vitro. In this study, we characterized the kinetics of inactivation of bvPLA2 by this compound. The apparent IC50 value was 0.5 microM, and the inactivation of bvPLA2 was time dependent. The drug-enzyme binding appeared to be of a non-competitive, high-affinity nature that was irreversible by aqueous dialysis. The inactivation was prevented by the simultaneous addition of excess lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) during the initial binding step, suggesting that modification of the enzyme by SFA occurs at or near the substrate binding site. Activation of bvPLA2 was observed with lysoPC addition at concentrations equimolar to bvPLA2 and higher. Saturation of activation occurred at concentrations greater than 10 microM lysoPC, and preincubation of bvPLA2 with 100 microM lysoPC did not inhibit the enzyme. Analysis of the post-incubation mixture of SFA-inhibited enzyme in the presence of lysoPC revealed the presence of unaltered enzyme exhibiting typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The significance of these observations is discussed in light of the recent discussion by Ortiz on the manoalide binding site on bvPLA2.

Avarol and avarone, two new anti-inflammatory agents of marine origin

The anti-inflammatory activity of avarol and avarone, sesquiterpenoid derivatives from the Mediterranean sponge Dysidea avara, was investigated. Both compounds potently inhibited paw oedema induced by carrageenan (approximated ED50 = 9.2 and 4.6 mg/kg, p.o., respectively) as well as ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA; ED50 = 97 and 397 micrograms/ear, respectively) in mice, with effects comparable to those of indomethacin. In A23187-stimulated rat peritoneal leukocytes, avarol showed an IC50 = 0.6 and 1.4 microM for inhibition of leukotriene B4 and thromboxane B2 release, respectively, with avarone showing a slightly lower potency. Both marine metabolites failed to show xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity or superoxide scavenging effects but were potent inhibitors of superoxide generation in rat peritoneal leukocytes activated by different stimuli, with an IC50 below the microM range. Only avarol was able to inhibit human recombinant synovial phospholipase A2 activity with an IC50 = 158 microM, and thus this compound showed a potency higher than that of mepacrine. Avarol and avarone effectively control acute inflammation in experimental models after either oral or topical administration and their anti-inflammatory activity may result from inhibition of eicosanoid release and depression of superoxide generation in leukocytes.

The Discovery of Marine Natural Products with Therapeutic Potential

This chapter highlights the discovery of marine natural products with therapeutic potential. Deep water collections have been made by dredging and trawling. These are both cost-effective collection methods if the substratum does not cause damage to or snag the gear. There are several disadvantages to these approaches. It is difficult to photograph the organisms in their habitat, and encrusting organisms or organisms that grow in crevices, under ledges, or on steep rock faces cannot be easily collected unless the hard substrate that supports the organism is collected as well; dredging and trawling put all collected samples in close contact with each other and therefore, some organisms may chemically contaminate others because of exudations or secretions of various compounds and the environmental impact of dredging or trawling can be detrimental because the sampling is nonselective and habitats can be damaged or destroyed. A controversial facet of marine-derived microorganisms is their putative role with respect to the origin of bioactive natural products from marine macroorganism–microorganisms associations. Symbiotic microorganisms have been repeatedly suggested as being the direct or indirect sources of bioactive metabolites in marine sponges and other invertebrates, tunicates, and bryozoans.

Suppression of inflammatory responses to 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and carrageenin by YM-26734, a selective inhibitor of extracellular group II phospholipase A2

1. YM-26734 [4-(3,5-didodecanoyl-2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyph eny l) chroman] dose-dependently inhibited the activities of extracellular phospholipase A2 (PLA2): rabbit platelet-derived group II and porcine pancreas-derived group I PLA2, with IC50 values of 0.085 (0.056-0.129, n = 5) and 6.8 (5.0-9.6, n = 5) microM, respectively. 2. In contrast, YM-26734 did not reduce the activity of intracellular PLA2 prepared from mouse macrophages, which preferentially hydrolyzed arachidonoyl phospholipids at concentrations up to 50 microM. YM-26734 also showed no effect against either sheep seminal vesicle cyclo-oxygenase or rat leukocyte 5-lipoxygenase. 3. Linewater-Burk analysis showed that YM-26567-1 behaved as a competitive inhibitor of group II PLA2 derived from rabbit platelets, with a Ki value of 48 nM. 4. In mice, YM-26734 inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 1 microgram/ear)-induced ear oedema in a dose-dependent manner, with ED50 values of 45 (30-67) micrograms/ear (n = 5) and 11 (4-32) mg kg-1, i.v. (n = 5), but did not decrease arachidonic acid (4 mg/ear)-induced ear oedema at 1 mg/ear and 30 mg kg-1, i.v. 5. In rats, the accumulation of exudate fluids and leukocytes in the pleural cavity in response to carrageenin injection (2 mg) was significantly less in a group treated with YM-26734 (20 mg kg-1, i.v.) than in the control group (0.43 +/- 0.02 vs 0.59 +/- 0.03 g per cavity and 3.8 +/- 0.2 vs 4.9 +/- 0.3 x 10(7) cells per cavity, respectively; n = 5). 6. These results suggest that YM-26734 is a potent and competitive inhibitor of extracellular PLA2 with selectivity for group II PLA2, and that the inhibition of group II enzymes activity may cause the suppression of inflammatory responses to TPA and carrageenin.

Inhibition of phospholipase A2 purified from human herniated disc

The effect on human herniated intervertebral disc phospholipase A2 (HD-PLA2) of a number of retinoids, antirheumatic drugs and reported PLA2 inhibitors was evaluated using autoclaved [1-14C]-oleate-labeled Escherichia coli membranes as the substrate. Dexamethasone, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, aristolochic acid and retinol were inactive, whereas a marked inhibition was found for manoalide, retinal, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and p-bromophenacyl bromide after preincubation with the enzyme (IC50 values 0.25, 4, 5 and 5 microM, respectively). The results are parallel to those obtained with the PLA2 purified from human synovial fluid.

Phospholipase A2 and arthritis

Over the last 30 years, interest in PLA2 has grown beyond its enzymatic capacity to cleave phospholipids. It has been recognized as the rate-limiting step in the release of arachidonic acid and subsequent formation of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other bioactive lipids. Subsequently, PLA2 has not only been found to be present in high concentrations in inflammatory arthritis, but also to induce inflammation when injected into animals. At the same time, investigators into mechanisms of signal transduction demonstrated that a variety of cytokines including IL-1 and TNF, which are found in high concentrations in synovial fluid from patients with RA, stimulate PLA2 activity. These investigations demonstrated further the central role for PLA2 in inflammatory events, especially inflammatory arthritis. Numerous other PLA2 proteins, in addition to the low molecular weight synovial fluid/platelet enzyme, also have been characterized. Their clinical role in arthritis is yet to be elucidated. Human proteins which either inhibit or stimulate PLA2 have also been identified, characterized, and cloned. More recently, exciting investigations, primarily from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, into inhibitors of PLA2 have been reported. New PLA2-regulating compounds, which will hopefully move from the laboratory and through clinical trials and then be used to treat patients with arthritis, are on the horizon.

Novel inhibitor of phospholipase A2 with topical anti-inflammatory activity

Activation of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a key step in the production of precursors for the biosynthesis of lipid mediators of inflammation. Inhibition of this enzyme could result in the suppression of three important classes of inflammatory lipids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and platelet activating factor (PAF), and offers an attractive therapeutic approach to design novel agents for the treatment of inflammation and tissue injury. In this report we describe a novel compound, BMS-181162 4(3'-carboxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-9(2",6"6"-trimethyl-1"-cyclohexenyl),++ +2Z,4E,6E, 8E-nonatetraenoic acid which specifically inhibits a 14 kD human PLA2 and effectively blocks phorbol ester induced skin inflammation in mice. BMS-181162 is the first reported specific inhibitor of PLA2 and its specificity may make useful tool in the dissection of the role of PLA2 in the inflammatory process.

Analysis of human synovial fluid phospholipase A2 on short chain phosphatidylcholine-mixed micelles: development of a spectrophotometric assay suitable for a microtiterplate reader

The development of a reliable assay for human synovial fluid phospholipase A2 (HSF PLA2) is important for the kinetic characterization of the enzyme and for the identification of enzyme inhibitors. This enzyme behaves differently from other extracellular PLA2s in many standard phospholipase assays and is generally assayed using radiolabeled, autoclaved Escherichia coli as a substrate. We have now developed a nonradioactive, continuous, spectrophotometric assay for this enzyme that is adaptable for use with a microtiterplate reader and is suitable for screening enzyme inhibitors. The assay uses a thioester derivative of diheptanoyl phosphatidylcholine as a substrate, with which the enzyme displays a specific activity of about 25 mumol min-1 mg-1. The substrate concentration curve fits a Hill equation with an apparent Km of 500 microM and a Hill coefficient of two. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 7.5 in this assay and requires about 10 mM Ca2+ for maximal activity. The presence of 0.3 mM Triton X-100 was necessary to solubilize the substrate; however, higher concentrations of the detergent inhibited enzyme activity. Using this spectrophotometric assay, inhibition of HSF PLA2 by a thioether phosphonate phosphatidylethanolamine analog was observed with an IC50 of 18 microM.

Phosphonate-phospholipid analogues inhibit human phospholipase A2

A phosphonate-containing phospholipid (PL) analogue (Compound 1) designed as a transition-state inhibitor competively inhibits non-human extracellular PLA2 at a mole fraction of 0.003 in the kinetic "scooting mode" (Jain et al., Biochem 28:4135 (1989]. To further profile the activity of Compound 1, we examined its activity with purified human enzyme and in whole cell systems. Compound 1 effectively inhibited a 14 kDa human PLA2 purified from joint synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis using 3H-AA labeled E. coli as substrate (IC50 = 1.7 microM) and a high MW PLA2 (110 kDa) isolated from the cytosol of a human monocytic cell line, U-937, which selectively hydrolyzes AA-containing PL (IC50 = 165 microM). It failed to reduce A23187-induced PGE2 or LTC4 production by human adherent monocytes or LTB4 release from human neutrophils which may be due, in part, to poor membrane partitioning.