Playing "telephone": bioactive lipids as mediators of intercompartmental communication in the alveolus.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
M Peters-Golden
Publications and source records attributed to M Peters-Golden.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor upregulates reduced 5-lipoxygenase metabolism in peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophils in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Leukotrienes (LT) are mediators derived from the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, which play a role in host defense, and are synthesized by both monocytes (peripheral blood monocyte [PBM]) and neutrophils (PMN). Because 5-LO metabolism is reduced in alveolar macrophages and PMN from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) subjects, we investigated the synthesis of LT by PBM and PMN from these subjects. There was a reduction (74.2% +/- 8.8% of control) in LT synthesis in PBM from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected compared with normal subjects. Expression of 5-LO (51.2% +/- 8.8% of control), and 5-LO activating protein (FLAP) (48.5% +/- 8.0% of control) was reduced in parallel. We hypothesized that this reduction in LT synthetic capacity in PBM and PMN was due to reduced cytokine production by CD4 T cells, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We treated 10 AIDS subjects with GM-CSF for 5 days. PBM 5-LO metabolism ex vivo was selectively increased after GM-CSF therapy and was associated with increased 5-LO and FLAP expression. PMN leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) synthesis was also augmented and associated with increased 5-LO, FLAP, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) expression. In conclusion, as previously demonstrated for PMN, PBM from AIDS subjects also demonstrate reduced 5-LO metabolism. GM-CSF therapy reversed this defect in both PBM and PMN. In view of the role of LT in antimicrobial function, cytokine administration in AIDS may play a role as adjunct therapy for infections.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Identification of a bipartite nuclear localization sequence necessary for nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase.
5-Lipoxygenase catalyzes the synthesis of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid. This enzyme can reside either in the cytoplasm or the nucleus; its subcellular distribution is influenced by extracellular factors, and its nuclear import correlates with changes in leukotriene synthetic capacity. To identify sequences responsible for the nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase, we transfected NIH 3T3 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages with expression vectors encoding various 5-lipoxygenase constructs fused to green fluorescent protein. Overexpression of wild type 5-lipoxygenase with or without fusion to green fluorescent protein resulted in a predominantly intranuclear pattern of fluorescence, similar to the distribution of native 5-lipoxygenase in primary alveolar macrophages. Within the 5-lipoxygenase protein is a sequence (Arg(638)-Lys(655)) that closely resembles a bipartite nuclear localization signal. Studies using deletion mutants indicated that this region was necessary for nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase. Analysis of mutants containing specific amino acid substitutions within this sequence confirmed that it was this sequence that was necessary for nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase and that a specific arginine residue was critical for this function. As nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase may regulate leukotriene production, natural or induced mutations in this bipartite nuclear localization sequence may also be important in affecting leukotriene synthesis.
3T3 Cells↗
Arachidonic acid is preferentially metabolized by cyclooxygenase-2 to prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2.
The two cyclooxygenase isoforms, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, both metabolize arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, which is subsequently processed by downstream enzymes to the various prostanoids. In the present study, we asked if the two isoforms differ in the profile of prostanoids that ultimately arise from their action on arachidonic acid. Resident peritoneal macrophages contained only cyclooxygenase-1 and synthesized (from either endogenous or exogenous arachidonic acid) a balance of four major prostanoids: prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin D2, and 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid. Prostaglandin E2 was a minor fifth product, although these cells efficiently converted exogenous prostaglandin H2 to prostaglandin E2. By contrast, induction of cyclooxygenase-2 with lipopol- ysaccharide resulted in the preferential production of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2. This shift in product profile was accentuated if cyclooxygenase-1 was permanently inactivated with aspirin before cyclooxygenase-2 induction. The conversion of exogenous prostaglandin H2 to prostaglandin E2 was only modestly increased by lipopolysaccharide treatment. Thus, cyclooxygenase-2 induction leads to a shift in arachidonic acid metabolism from the production of several prostanoids with diverse effects as mediated by cyclooxygenase-1 to the preferential synthesis of two prostanoids, prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2, which evoke common effects at the cellular level.
Animals↗
Decreased leukotriene C4 synthesis accompanies adherence-dependent nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase in human blood eosinophils.
The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) catalyzes the synthesis of leukotrienes (LTs) from arachidonic acid (AA). Adherence or recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) induces nuclear import of 5-LO from the cytosol, which is associated with enhanced LTB4 synthesis upon subsequent cell stimulation. In this study, we asked whether adherence of human eosinophils (EOS) causes a similar redistribution of 5-LO and an increase in LTC4 synthesis. Purified blood EOS examined either in suspension or after adherence to fibronectin for 5 min contained only cytosolic 5-LO. Cell stimulation resulted in activation of 5-LO, as evidenced by its translocation to membranes and LTC4 synthesis. As with PMN, adherence of EOS to fibronectin for 120 min caused nuclear import of 5-LO. Unexpectedly, however, adherence also caused a time-dependent decrease in LTC4 synthesis: EOS adhered for 120 min produced 90% less LTC4 than did cells adhered for 5 min. Adherence did not diminish the release of [3H]AA from prelabeled EOS or reduce the synthesis of the prostanoids thromboxane and PGE2. Also, inhibition of LTC4 production caused by adherence could not be overcome by the addition of exogenous AA. Adherence increased, rather than decreased, LTC4 synthase activity. However, the stimulation of adherent EOS failed to induce translocation of 5-LO from the nucleoplasm to the nuclear envelope. This resistance to activation of the nuclear pool of 5-LO with diminished LT production represents a novel mode of regulation of the enzyme, distinct from the paradigm of up-regulated LT synthesis associated with intranuclear localization of 5-LO observed in PMN and other cell types.
Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
Stimulation of pregnant rat uterine contraction by the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture aroclor 1242 may be mediated by arachidonic acid release through activation of phospholipase A2 enzymes.
The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture Aroclor 1242 (A1242) increases frequency of contractions of pregnant rat uteri, suggesting a possible mechanism for decreased gestational age and increased spontaneous abortion in women and animals exposed to PCBs. In the present study, we hypothesized that A1242-induced stimulation of uterine contraction is mediated by arachidonic acid released by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes. Isometric uterine contraction was measured in longitudinal uterine strips isolated from gestation day 10 rat. Pretreatment of uterine strips with the PLA2 inhibitor (E)-6-(bromomethylene)tetrahydro-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2H-pyran-2-one (HELSS) or manoalide, or an inhibitor of the G protein of PLA2, isotetrandrine, completely prevented the increase of contractile frequency induced by 50 microM A1242. However, the phospholipase C inhibitors 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenylcarbamate (NCDC) and neomycin were unable to block stimulation of uterine contraction by A1242. In accordance, A1242 (100 microM) did not release inositol phosphates from myo-[3H]inositol-labeled myometrial cells, whereas myometrial cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid released arachidonic acid in a concentration- and time-dependent manner after exposure to A1242 (10-100 microM). A1242 significantly stimulated arachidonic acid release in the absence of extracellular calcium, although the release was attenuated. Analysis of the eicosanoids released by A1242 indicated that only 0.83% of released [3H]arachidonic acid was metabolized to eicosanoids and 99.07% remained as free arachidonate. Uterine contraction increased in strips exposed to exogenous arachidonic acid (1-100 microM). This study suggests that A1242 stimulates contraction in pregnant rat uterus by a mechanism involving PLA2-mediated arachidonic acid release, and that arachidonic acid, rather than eicosanoids, may mediate A1242 uterotonic action in the uterus.
Alkaloids↗
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration to HIV-infected subjects augments reduced leukotriene synthesis and anticryptococcal activity in neutrophils.
Neutrophil (PMN) dysfunction occurs in HIV infection. Leukotrienes (LT) are mediators derived from the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway that play a role in host defense and are synthesized by PMN. We investigated the synthesis of LT by PMN from HIV-infected subjects. There was a reduction (4.0+/-1.3% of control) in LT synthesis in PMN from HIV-infected compared with normal subjects. This was associated with reduced expression of 5-LO-activating protein (31.2+/-9.6% of normal), but not of 5-LO itself. Since HIV does not directly infect PMN, we considered that these effects were due to reduced release of cytokines, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). We examined the effect of G-CSF treatment (300 microgram daily for 5 d) on eight HIV-infected subjects. PMN were studied in vitro before therapy (day 1) and on days 4 and 7. LTB4 synthesis was increased on day 4 of G-CSF treatment, and returned toward day 1 levels on day 7. 5-LO and 5-LO-activating protein expression were increased in parallel. As a functional correlate to this increase in PMN LT synthesis by G-CSF, we examined the effects on killing of Cryptococcus neoformans. Anticryptococcal activity of PMN from HIV-infected subjects was less than that of PMN from normal subjects. G-CSF treatment improved fungistatic activity of PMN. This increase in antifungal activity was attenuated by in vitro treatment with the LT synthesis inhibitor, MK-886. In conclusion, PMN from HIV-infected subjects demonstrate reduced 5-LO metabolism and antifungal activity in vitro, which was reversed by in vivo G-CSF therapy.
5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Proteins↗
Capacity for repeatable leukotriene generation after transient stimulation of mast cells and macrophages.
Leukotriene (LT) synthesis is initiated by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Prolonged cell stimulation causes the translocation of 5-LO to the nuclear envelope and the synthesis of LT, with subsequent inactivation and persistent membrane association of 5-LO. In this study, we examined whether persistent membrane association of 5-LO, as well as the inactivation of 5-LO, could be prevented by shortening the length of cell stimulation or by blocking LT synthesis. As expected, stimulation of rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL) cells, a mast cell model, or alveolar macrophages (AMs) with calcium ionophore for 15 min caused 5-LO translocation, LT generation and the inactivation and persistent membrane association of 5-LO. When RBL cells or AMs instead were stimulated for 0.5-5 min, translocation of 5-LO and synthesis of LT still occurred. However, after washing and resting, the 5-LO enzyme returned to its original intracellular distribution. Furthermore these cells showed a retained capacity for LT synthesis on subsequent re-stimulation. Similar results were obtained when cells were stimulated with either formyl peptide or zymosan, instead of ionophore. In contrast, blockade of LT synthesis during the initial stimulation, with the selective inhibitors zileuton or MK-886, did not inhibit 5-LO translocation, inactivation or persistent membrane association resulting from prolonged cell stimulation. We conclude that, in long-lived immune cells, 5-LO translocation is reversible when cell stimulation is short, but persistent after prolonged stimulation. In addition 5-LO remains active and LT synthetic capacity is retained after transient stimulation, whereas significant inactivation of 5-LO occurs after prolonged stimulation. Finally, results with LT synthesis inhibitors indicate that inactivation and persistent membrane association of 5-LO can result independently of 5-LO activation.
Animals↗
Distinct phospholipases A2 regulate the release of arachidonic acid for eicosanoid production and superoxide anion generation in neutrophils.
Arachidonic acid (AA) released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is important as a substrate for eicosanoid formation and as a second messenger for superoxide anion (O2-) generation in neutrophils. Different isoforms of PLA2 in neutrophils might mobilize AA for different functions. To test this possibility, we sought to characterize the PLA2s that are activated by the neutrophil stimuli, Aroclor 1242, a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls, and A23187, a calcium ionophore. Both Aroclor 1242 and A23187 caused release of [3H]AA; however, O2- production was seen only in response to Aroclor 1242. Eicosanoids accounted for >85% of the radioactivity recovered in the supernatant of A23187-stimulated cells but <20% of the radioactivity recovered from cells exposed to Aroclor 1242. Omission or chelation of calcium abolished A23187-induced AA release, but did not alter AA release in Aroclor 1242-stimulated neutrophils. AA release and O2- production in response to Aroclor 1242 were inhibited by bromoenol lactone (BEL), an inhibitor of calcium-independent PLA2. BEL, however, did not alter Calcium-independent activity was inhibited >80% by BEL, whereas calcium-dependent activity was inhibited <5%. Furthermore, calcium-independent, but not calcium-dependent, PLA2 activity was significantly enhanced by Aroclor 1242. These data suggest that Aroclor 1242 and A23187 activate distinct isoforms of PLA2 that are linked to different functions: Aroclor 1242 activates a calcium-independent PLA2 that releases AA for the generation of O2-, and A23187 activates a calcium-dependent PLA2 that mobilizes AA for eicosanoid production.
Animals↗
Role of leukotrienes in antimicrobial defense of the lung.
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Animals↗
Regulation of 5-lipoxygenase activity in mononuclear phagocytes: characterization of an endogenous cytosolic inhibitor.
The proinflammatory leukotrienes (LT) play important roles in host defense and disease states. However, no endogenous mechanisms to downregulate 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the enzyme catalyzing LT synthesis, have been described. We observed that the cytosolic fraction of rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) and peritoneal macrophages (PMs), and of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) contain substantial amounts of 5-LO protein, but little detectable 5-LO activity. We therefore examined these mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) cytosolic fractions for inhibitory activity against 5-LO. MNP cytosol dose-dependently reduced the 5-LO activity in neutrophil (PMN) cytosol and AM membrane. Furthermore, MNP cytosol dose-dependently prolonged the lag phase of soybean lipoxygenase (LO) without affecting the rate of product formation. This effect was overcome by subsequent addition of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9-cis-11-trans-octadecadienoic acid (13-HpOD), suggesting that the active factor scavenges hydroperoxides. Inactivation by boiling and roteinase K suggest that is a protein. We speculate that this cytosolic factor(s) may serve as an endogenous means for the down-regulation of 5-LO in macrophages.
Animals↗
Molecular mechanisms of leukotriene synthesis: the changing paradigm.
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Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
5-Lipoxygenase reaction products modulate alveolar macrophage phagocytosis of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
The leukotrienes are potent lipid mediators of inflammation formed by the 5-lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid. Although the effects of leukotrienes on neutrophil chemotaxis and activation have been established, their role in modulating innate host defense mechanisms is poorly understood. In a previous study (M. Bailie, T. Standiford, L. Laichalk, M. Coffey, R. Strieter, and M. Peters-Golden, J. Immunol. 157:5221-5224, 1996), we used 5-lipoxygenase knockout mice to establish a critical role for endogenous leukotrienes in pulmonary clearance and alveolar macrophage phagocytosis of Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the present study, we investigated the role of specific endogenous leukotrienes in phagocytosis of K. pneumoniae and explored the possibility that exogenous leukotrienes could restore phagocytosis in alveolar macrophages with endogenous leukotriene synthesis inhibition and enhance this process in leukotriene-competent cells. Rat alveolar macrophages produced leukotriene B4 (LTB4), LTC4, and 5-hydoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) during the process of phagocytosis, and the inhibition of endogenous leukotriene synthesis with zileuton and MK-886 dramatically attenuated phagocytosis. We also observed a reduction in phagocytosis when we treated alveolar macrophages with antagonists to the plasma membrane receptors for either LTB4, cysteinyl-leukotrienes, or both. In leukotriene-competent cells, LTC4 augmented phagocytosis to the greatest extent, followed by 5-HETE and LTB4. These 5-lipoxygenase reaction products demonstrated similar relative abilities to reconstitute phagocytosis in zileuton-treated rat alveolar macrophages and in alveolar macrophages from 5-lipoxygenase knockout mice. We conclude that endogenous synthesis of all major 5-lipoxygenase reaction products plays an essential role in phagocytosis. The restorative and pharmacologic effects of LTC4, LTB4, and 5-HETE may provide a basis for their exogenous administration as an adjunctive treatment for patients with gram-negative bacterial pneumonia.
Animals↗
Altered expression and localization of 5-lipoxygenase accompany macrophage differentiation in the lung.
The alveolar macrophage (AM) exhibits a greater capacity to synthesize bioactive leukotrienes from arachidonic acid than does its circulating precursor the peripheral blood monocyte. Macrophage differentiation in the lung entails cellular residence within both the pulmonary interstitial and alveolar compartments. In the present study, we sought to determine 1) whether this enhanced metabolic activity was acquired during maturation within the alveolar space and 2) the underlying mechanisms responsible for this upregulation. Rat AMs were separated by Percoll gradient centrifugation into four density-defined subpopulations thought to reflect their degree of maturation. On stimulation with a calcium ionophore, synthesis of leukotriene B4 increased with the degree of maturation, although it was diminished in the oldest subpopulation. This maturation-dependent upregulation was not explained by increases in arachidonic acid release but was associated with increased expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) protein as determined by immunoblot analysis. Whereas 5-LO is primarily cytosolic in monocytes, it is known to be primarily intranuclear in unfractionated AMs. Here, the localization of 5-LO was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and was found to be predominantly nuclear in all AM subpopulations; by contrast, the protein was cytosolic in interstitial macrophages isolated by mechanical and enzymatic lung digestion. These divergent localization patterns in AMs and interstitial macrophages were verified in situ by immunohistochemical staining of sections of normal rat lung. When unfractionated AMs were isolated and maintained in culture for 3 days, a shift in 5-LO distribution from nucleus to cytosol was observed. We conclude that 1) nuclear import of 5-LO occurs within the alveolar space and is reversible on removal from the alveolar milieu and 2) leukotriene synthetic capacity increases further during AM residence within the alveolar space as a result of a progressive increase in the amount of 5-LO protein.
Animals↗
Alveolar lining fluid regulates mononuclear phagocyte 5-lipoxygenase metabolism.
The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) catalyses the synthesis of leukotrienes (LT), which are important in phagocytosis and killing of microorganisms. The alveolar macrophage (AM), the primary resident defender of the alveolar space, has a greater capacity for LT synthesis than its precursor, the peripheral blood monocyte (PBM). This study investigated whether the alveolar lining fluid (ALF) upregulates LT synthetic capacity in mononuclear phagocytes. Rat AM, peritoneal macrophages (PM) and ALF were obtained by lavage from pathogen-free animals. Human PBM were isolated from normal subjects. 5-LO metabolism and expression were measured with and without ALF. Rat ALF increased 5-LO metabolism (136.4+/-15.1% of control) in cultured PBM. This was associated with increased 5-LO activating protein (FLAP) (357+/-29.5 %), and 5-LO expression (188+/-31.3%). Culture of AM for 3 days resulted in a greater decrement in LTB4 synthesis (LTB4 15.4+/-6.9% of day 1) than in PM (54.7+/-8.3% of day 1), suggesting a greater dependence of AM 5-LO metabolism on ALF. 5-LO and FLAP expression decreased to a greater degree in AM than PM in culture. Furthermore, AM cultured with ALF maintained their LT synthetic capacity, FLAP and 5-LO expression compared with control cells cultured in medium alone. In conclusion, alveolar lining fluid increased 5-lipoxygenase metabolism in peripheral blood monocytes and maintained it in cultured alveolar macrophages, by a mechanism of increased 5-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activating protein expression. This may boost host defence capabilities.
5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Proteins↗
Cell biology of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway
The initial enzymatic steps in leukotriene synthesis occur at the nuclear envelope. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 translocates from the cytoplasm to selectively hydrolyze nuclear envelope phospholipids, releasing free arachidonate. 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein, an arachidonate transfer protein, then binds arachidonate and presents it to 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), which catalyzes a two-step reaction to produce leukotriene A4. In resting human and rat peripheral blood neutrophils, 5-LO is localized to the cytoplasm; in rat basophilic leukemia cells and human alveolar macrophages, however, it is found predominantly in the nucleus. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies demonstrate that both cytoplasmic and nuclear 5-LO move to the nuclear envelope following cell activation. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the significance of nuclear 5-LO, potential autocrine actions of leukotrienes, and intracellular trafficking of these enzymes and their products. Peters-Golden M. Cell biology of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.
Journal Article↗
Cell biology of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.
The initial enzymatic steps in leukotriene synthesis occur at the nuclear envelope. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 translocates from the cytoplasm to selectively hydrolyze nuclear envelope phospholipids, releasing free arachidonate. 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein, an arachidonate transfer protein, then binds arachidonate and presents it to 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), which catalyzes a two-step reaction to produce leukotriene A4. In resting human and rat peripheral blood neutrophils, 5-LO is localized to the cytoplasm; in rat basophilic leukemia cells and human alveolar macrophages, however, it is found predominantly in the nucleus. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies demonstrate that both cytoplasmic and nuclear 5-LO move to the nuclear envelope following cell activation. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the significance of nuclear 5-LO, potential autocrine actions of leukotrienes, and intracellular trafficking of these enzymes and their products.
Animals↗
Suppression of human colorectal mucosal prostaglandins: determining the lowest effective aspirin dose.
BACKGROUND: A variety of studies have supported the finding that regular intake of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents can affect colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. These agents inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins are observed in colon cancer tissues. PURPOSE: Experiments were planned to determine the lowest dose of aspirin that can markedly suppress the levels of mucosal prostaglandins E2 and F(2alpha) in colorectal mucosa and to determine whether a relationship exists between these levels and plasma levels of both acetylsalicylic acid and its metabolite, salicylic acid. METHODS: Healthy men and women aged 18 years or older participated in the study. The participants took a single, daily dose of aspirin (40.5, 81, 162, 324, or 648 mg) or a placebo for 14 days. Colorectal biopsy specimens were taken at baseline, 24 hours after the first dose of aspirin, and 24-30 hours and 72-78 hours after the last, i.e., fourteenth, daily dose of aspirin. The biopsy specimens were assayed for prostaglandins E2 and F(2alpha) by use of a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Plasma concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid were determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. All P values are two-sided. RESULTS: A total of 65 subjects (10 receiving placebo, groups of 10 each receiving 40.5, 81, 162, or 324 mg of aspirin, and a group of 15 receiving 648 mg of aspirin) completed the protocol. One subject reported unacceptable drug-induced toxic effects and did not complete the protocol; other subjects reported acceptable side effects. The lowest dose to significantly suppress colorectal mucosal prostaglandin E2 concentrations from baseline at 24 hours after the first dose (by 22.6%; P = .002) and at 24-30 hours after the last dose (by 14.2%; P = .021) was 162 mg. At 72-78 hours after the last dose, there was significant suppression for subjects receiving 81 mg (by 23.7%; P = .008). The lowest dose to significantly suppress colorectal mucosal prostaglandin F(2alpha) concentrations from baseline at 24 hours after the first dose (by 18.3%; P = .032) was 324 mg. The lowest dose causing a marked reduction in the level of prostaglandin F(2alpha) at 24-30 hours (by 15.1%; P = .003) and 72-78 hours (by 23.0%; P = .0002) after the last dose was 40.5 mg. No detectable amounts of acetylsalicylic acid or salicylic acid were present in the plasma at any of the biopsy time points. CONCLUSIONS: The lowest doses of aspirin taken daily for 14 days to significantly suppress concentrations of colorectal mucosal prostaglandins E2 and F(2alpha) were 81 and 40.5 mg, respectively. The suppression occurred without detectable amounts of aspirin or salicylic acid in the plasma at the time points studied. On the basis of these observations, we recommend a single, daily dose of 81 mg of aspirin in future studies of this drug as a chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer.
Adult↗