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Oliver Werz

Publications and source records attributed to Oliver Werz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Evaluation of hyperforin analogues for inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase.

The acylphloroglucinol hyperforin, a constituent of the herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), was recently identified as potent and direct inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes. In this study, naturally occurring analogues of hyperforin, isolated from H. perforatum, as well as a series of synthetic derivatives obtained by chemical modification of hyperforin by acylation, alkylation or oxidation, were analysed for the inhibition of 5-LO. The efficacies of these compounds were evaluated in intact human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but also the inhibitory effects on isolated recombinant human 5-LO were investigated. Our data show that some of the oxidised hyperforin derivatives possess even improved efficacy, whereas alkylation and acylation have detrimental effects.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds↗
PubMed2004

Molecular pharmacological profile of the nonredox-type 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor CJ-13,610.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) is a crucial enzyme in the synthesis of the bioactive leukotrienes (LTs) from arachidonic acid (AA), and inhibitors of 5-LO are thought to prevent the untowarded pathophysiological effects of LTs. In this study, we present the molecular pharmacological profile of the novel nonredox-type 5-LO inhibitor CJ-13,610 that was evaluated in various in vitro assays. In intact human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), challenged with the Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187, CJ-13,610 potently suppressed 5-LO product formation with an IC(50)=0.07 microm. Supplementation of exogenous AA impaired the efficacy of CJ-13,610, implying a competitive mode of action. In analogy to ZM230487 and L-739.010, two closely related nonredox-type 5-LO inhibitors, CJ-13,610 up to 30 microm failed to inhibit 5-LO in cell-free assay systems under nonreducing conditions, but inclusion of peroxidase activity restored the efficacy of CJ-13,610 (IC(50)=0.3 microm). In contrast to ZM230487 and L-739.010, the potency of CJ-13,610 does not depend on the cell stimulus or the activation pathway of 5-LO. Thus, 5-LO product formation in PMNL induced by phosphorylation events was equally suppressed by CJ-13,610 as compared to Ca(2+)-mediated 5-LO activation. In transfected HeLa cells, CJ-13,610 only slightly discriminated between phosphorylatable wild-type 5-LO and a 5-LO mutant that lacks phosphorylation sites. In summary, CJ-13,610 may possess considerable potential as a potent orally active nonredox-type 5-LO inhibitor that lacks certain disadvantages of former representatives of this class of 5-LO inhibitors.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed2004

Suppression of receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and functional leukocyte responses by hyperforin.

We have recently identified hyperforin, a lipophilic constituent of the herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), as a dual inhibitor of the proinflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase. The aim of the present study was to further elucidate antiinflammatory properties and respective targets of hyperforin. We found that hyperforin inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the release of leukocyte elastase (degranulation) in human isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), challenged by the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligand N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) with an IC 50 approximately equal 0.3 microM. When PMNL were stimulated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or ionomycin, hyperforin (up to 10 microM) failed to inhibit ROS production and elastase release, respectively. Moreover, hyperforin blocked receptor-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization ( IC 50 approximately equal 0.4 and 4 microM, respectively) in PMNL and monocytic cells, and caused a rapid decline of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in resting cells. In contrast, the Ca(2+) influx induced by ionomycin or thapsigargin was not suppressed. Comparative studies with the specific phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 and hyperforin revealed similarities between both compounds. Thus, U-73122 and hyperforin blocked fMLP- and PAF-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, ROS formation, and elastase release, but failed to suppress these responses when cells were stimulated by PMA or ionomycin. Also, both compounds rapidly decreased basal Ca(2+) levels in resting cells and led to a rapid decline of the Ca(2+) elevations evoked by fMLP or PAF. Our data suggest that hyperforin targets component(s) within G protein signaling cascades that regulate Ca(2+) homeostasis, coupled to proinflammatory leukocyte functions.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

Coupling of boswellic acid-induced Ca2+ mobilisation and MAPK activation to lipid metabolism and peroxide formation in human leucocytes.

1. We have previously shown that 11-keto boswellic acids (11-keto-BAs), the active principles of Boswellia serrata gum resins, activate p38 MAPK and p42/44(MAPK) and stimulate Ca(2+) mobilisation in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL). 2. In this study, we attempted to connect the activation of MAPK and mobilisation of Ca(2+) to functional responses of PMNL, including the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), release of arachidonic acid (AA), and leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis. 3. We found that, in PMNL, 11-keto-BAs stimulate the formation of ROS and cause release of AA as well as its transformation to LTs via 5-lipoxygenase. 4. Based on inhibitor studies, 11-keto-BA-induced ROS formation is Ca(2+)-dependent and is mediated by NADPH oxidase involving PI 3-K and p42/44(MAPK) signalling pathways. Also, the release of AA depends on Ca(2+) and p42/44(MAPK), whereas the pathways stimulating 5-LO are not readily apparent. 5. Pertussis toxin, which inactivates G(i/0) protein subunits, prevents MAPK activation and Ca(2+) mobilisation induced by 11-keto-BAs, implying the involvement of a G(i/0) protein in BA signalling. 6. Expanding studies on differentiated haematopoietic cell lines (HL60, Mono Mac 6, BL41-E-95-A) demonstrate that the ability of BAs to activate MAPK and to mobilise Ca(2+) may depend on the cell type or the differentiation status. 7. In summary, we conclude that BAs act via G(i/0) protein(s) stimulating signalling pathways that control functional leucocyte responses, in a similar way as chemoattractants, that is, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine or platelet-activating factor.

Calcium Signaling↗
PubMed2003

The C2-like beta-barrel domain mediates the Ca2+-dependent resistance of 5-lipoxygenase activity against inhibition by glutathione peroxidase-1.

Recently, we reported that in crude enzyme preparations, a monocyte-derived soluble protein (M-DSP) renders 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity Ca2+-dependent. Here we provide evidence that this M-DSP is glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1. Thus, the inhibitory effect of the M-DSP on 5-LO could be overcome by the GPx-1 inhibitor mercaptosuccinate and by the broad spectrum GPx inhibitor iodoacetate, as well as by addition of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HPODE). Also, the chromatographic characteristics and the estimated molecular mass (80-100 kDa) of the M-DSP fit to GPx-1 (87 kDa), and GPx-1, isolated from bovine erythrocytes, mimicked the effects of the M-DSP. Intriguingly, only a trace amount of thiol (10 micro M GSH) was required for reduction of 5-LO activity by GPx-1 or the M-DSP. Moreover, the requirement of Ca2+ allowing 5-LO product synthesis in various leukocytes correlated with the respective GPx-1 activities. Mutation of the Ca2+ binding sites within the C2-like domain of 5-LO resulted in strong reduction of 5-LO activity by M-DSP and GPx-1, also in the presence of Ca2+. In summary, our data suggest that interaction of Ca2+ at the C2-like domain of 5-LO protects the enzyme against the effect of GPx-1. Apparently, in the presence of Ca2+, a low lipid hydroperoxide level is sufficient for 5-LO activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Phosphorylation- and stimulus-dependent inhibition of cellular 5-lipoxygenase activity by nonredox-type inhibitors.

Nonredox-type 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors such as ZM230487 or L-739.010 potently suppress leukotriene biosynthesis at low cellular peroxide tone. Here, we show that inhibition of 5-LO product formation by nonredox-type 5-LO inhibitors in human isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) depends on the activation pathway of 5-LO. Thus, compared with 5-LO product synthesis induced by the Ca2+-mobilizing agent ionophore A23187, cell stress-induced 5-LO product formation involving 5-LO kinase pathways required ~10- to 100-fold higher concentrations of ZM230487 or L-739.010 for comparable 5-LO inhibition. No such differences were observed for the iron ligand-type 5-LO inhibitor BWA4C or the novel-type 5-LO inhibitors hyperforin and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid. Experiments using purified 5-LO revealed that Ca2+ is no prerequisite for potent enzyme inhibition by ZM230487, and exposure of PMNL to the combination of ionophore and cell stress did not restore potent 5-LO suppression. Intriguingly, a significant difference in the potency of nonredox-type inhibitors (but not of BWA4C) was determined between wild-type 5-LO and the mutant S271A/S663A-5-LO (lacking phosphorylation sites for ERK1/2 and MAPKAPK-2) in HeLa cells. Collectively, our data suggest that compared with Ca2+-mediated 5-LO product formation, enzyme activation involving 5-LO phosphorylation events specifically and strongly alters the susceptibility of 5-LO toward nonredox-type inhibitors in intact cells.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed2003

Induction of 5-lipoxygenase activation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes by 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol.

1,2-Diacylglycerols (DAGs) can prime polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) for enhanced release of arachidonic acid (AA) and generation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) products upon subsequent agonist stimulation. Here, we demonstrate that in isolated human PMNL, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) functions as a direct agonist stimulating 5-LO product formation (up to 42-fold). OAG caused no release of endogenous AA, but in the presence of exogenous AA, the magnitude of 5-LO product synthesis induced by OAG was comparable to that obtained with the Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187. Interestingly, OAG-induced 5-LO product synthesis was not connected with increased 5-LO nuclear membrane association. Examination of diverse glycerides revealed that the sn-2-acetyl-group is important, thus, also 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetylglycerol (EAG) stimulated 5-LO product formation (up to 8-fold). Treatment of PMNL with OAG did not alter the mobilization of Ca(2+) but removal of intracellular Ca(2+) abolished the upregulatory OAG effects. Notably, the PKC activator phorbol-myristate-acetate hardly increased 5-LO product synthesis and PKC inhibitors failed to suppress the effects of OAG. Although OAG rapidly activated p38 MAPK and p42/44(MAPK), which can stimulate 5-LO for product synthesis, specific inhibitors of these kinases could not prevent 5-LO activation by OAG. Together, OAG acts as a direct agonist for 5-LO product synthesis in PMNL stimulating 5-LO by novel undefined mechanisms.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed2003

Cell type-dependent activation of 5-lipoxygenase by arachidonic acid.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes. We show that stimulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-1, or transfected HeLa cells with arachidonic acid (AA) caused prominent 5-LO product formation that coincided with the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. 5-LO product formation in AA-stimulated PMNL and RBL-1 cells was independent of Ca2+. However, in HeLa cells expressing a 5-LO mutant lacking potential 5-LO phosphorylation sites, removal of Ca2+ caused a prominent loss of 5-LO activity. For Mono Mac 6 (MM6) cells, AA failed to activate ERKs, and AA-induced 5-LO product formation was only minute. Also, activation of ERKs by phorbol esters did not lead to prominent 5-LO product synthesis. Instead, 5-LO activation in MM6 cells required Ca2+ or alternative signaling pathways induced by hyperosmotic stress. In summary, mechanisms for activation of 5-LO differ considerably between cell types.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Hyperforin is a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase.

The acylphloroglucinol derivative hyperforin is the major lipophilic constituent in the herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). The aim of the present study was to investigate if hyperforin as well as extracts of H. perforatum can suppresses the activities of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenases (COX), key enzymes in the formation of proinflammatory eicosanoids from arachidonic acid (AA). In freshly isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, hyperforin inhibited 5-LO product formation with IC(50) values of about 1-2 microM, in the absence or presence of exogenous AA (20 microM), respectively, being almost equipotent to the well-documented 5-LO inhibitor zileuton (IC(50) = 0.5-1 microM). Experiments with purified human 5-LO demonstrate that hyperforin is a direct 5-LO inhibitor (IC(50) approximately 90 nM), acting in an uncompetitive fashion. In thrombin- or ionophore-stimulated human platelets, hyperforin suppressed COX-1 product (12(S)-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid) formation with an IC(50) of 0.3 and 3 microM, respectively, being about 3- to 18-fold more potent than aspirin. At similar concentrations, hyperforin suppressed COX-1 activity in platelets in presence of exogenous AA (20 microM) as well as in cell-free systems. Hyperforin could not interfere with COX-2 product formation and did not significantly inhibit 12- or 15-LO in platelets or leukocytes, respectively. We conclude that hyperforin acts as a dual inhibitor of 5-LO and COX-1 in intact cells as well as on the catalytic activity of the crude enzymes, suggesting therapeutic potential in inflammatory and allergic diseases connected to eicosanoids.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Monocyte-derived soluble protein confers 5-lipoxygenase activity Ca2+-dependent.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) is a Ca2+-stimulated enzyme that initializes the formation of proinflammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acid (AA). In this report, we demonstrate that a soluble protein of the monocytic cell line Mono Mac 6 confers 5-LO activity Ca2+-dependent in vitro. Thus, in broken cell preparations of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-1 cells, 5-LO converted AA (>20 microM) in the absence of Ca2+, whereas Ca2+ was absolutely required for 5-LO activity in broken cell preparations of MM6 cells. 5-LO partially purified from MM6 cells was substantially active in the absence of Ca2+. Recombination experiments revealed that the cytosolic fraction of MM6 cells contains a factor that suppresses the activity of partially purified 5-LO from PMNL, RBL-1, and MM6 cells in the absence but not in the presence of Ca2+. Further characterization showed that this factor is a 80-100 kDa heat-sensitive protein.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases phosphorylate 5-lipoxygenase and stimulate 5-lipoxygenase product formation in leukocytes.

5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) can phosphorylate 5-LO in vitro. Efficient phosphorylation required the presence of unsaturated fatty acids and was abolished when Ser-663 was mutated to alanine. In intact HeLa cells stimulated with arachidonic acid (AA), impaired 5-LO product formation was evident in cells expressing the S663A-5-LO mutant compared with cells expressing wild-type 5-LO. For Mono Mac 6 cells, priming with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) before stimulation with ionophore was required for ERK1/2 activation and efficient 5-LO phosphorylation, in parallel with substantial AA release and 5-LO product formation. Inhibition of PKC by GF109203x or MEK1/2 by U0126 (or PD98059) abolished the 5-LO up-regulation effects of PMA. In contrast, these inhibitors failed to suppress 5-LO product formation induced by stimuli such as AA plus ionophore, which apparently do not involve the ERK1/2 pathway. Based on inhibitor studies, ERKs are also involved in AA-stimulated 5-LO product formation in PMNL, whereas a role for ERKs is not apparent in 5-LO activation induced by ionophore or cell stress. Finally, the data suggest that ERKs and p38 MAPK-regulated MAPKAPKs can act in conjunction to stimulate 5-LO by phosphorylation.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed2002

Arachidonic acid promotes phosphorylation of 5-lipoxygenase at Ser-271 by MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2).

We demonstrated previously that 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), a key enzyme in leukotriene biosynthesis, can be phosphorylated by p38 MAPK-regulated MAPKAP kinases (MKs). Here we show that mutation of Ser-271 to Ala in 5-LO abolished MK2 catalyzed phosphorylation and clearly reduced phosphorylation by kinases prepared from stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes and Mono Mac 6 cells. Compared with heat shock protein 27 (Hsp-27), 5-LO was a weak substrate for MK2. However, the addition of unsaturated fatty acids (i.e. arachidonate 1-50 microm) up-regulated phosphorylation of 5-LO, but not of Hsp-27, by active MK2 in vitro, resulting in a similar phosphorylation as for Hsp-27. 5-LO was phosphorylated also by other serine/threonine kinases recognizing the motif Arg-Xaa-Xaa-Ser (protein kinase A, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II), but these activities were not increased by fatty acids. HeLa cells expressing wild type 5-LO or S271A-5-LO, showed prominent 5-LO activity when incubated with Ca(2+)-ionophore plus arachidonate. However, when stimulated with only exogenous arachidonic acid, activity for the S271A mutant was significantly lower as compared with wild type 5-LO. It appears that phosphorylation at Ser-271 is more important for 5-LO activity induced by a stimulus that does not prominently increase intracellular Ca(2+) and that arachidonic acid stimulates leukotriene biosynthesis also by promoting this MK2-catalyzed phosphorylation.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed2002

Activation of 5-lipoxygenase by cell stress is calcium independent in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes. This study showed that various forms of cell stress, such as chemical stress (sodium arsenite), osmotic stress, or heat shock lead to substantial formation of 5-LO products in freshly isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), when exogenous arachidonic acid (10 microM) was present. In parallel, cell stress led to activation of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinases (MAPKAPKs) kinases, which can phosphorylate 5-LO in vitro. Interestingly, arsenite also caused redistribution of 5-LO from the cytosol to the nuclear membrane. Only minor activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinases was observed, implying that these MAPKs are less important for 5-LO product formation in stress-stimulated PMNLs. Stimulation of 5-LO product formation by Ca(++)-ionophore A23187 or thapsigargin depended on Ca(++); almost no 5-LO product formation was observed in freshly isolated PMNLs when Ca(++) was depleted by chelating agents. Also the response to N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) was clearly diminished, but some 5-LO product formation remained. In contrast, stress-induced product formation and translocation of 5-LO, as well as activation of p38 MAPK, occurred also after Ca(++) depletion. Moreover, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 blocked stress-induced 5-LO product formation efficiently, whereas ionophore- or thapsigargin-induced formation of 5-LO products was less sensitive. These data show that cell stress can activate 5-LO in isolated PMNLs by a mechanism that does not involve Ca(++) mobilization. This mechanism could function independently of Ca(++)-mediated 5-LO activation for stimulation of leukotriene biosynthesis under physiologic conditions as well as in inflammatory diseases.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed2002

Boswellic acids activate p42(MAPK) and p38 MAPK and stimulate Ca(2+) mobilization.

Here we show that extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resins and its constituents, the boswellic acids (BAs), activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p42(MAPK) and p38 in isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). MAPK activation was rapid and transient with maximal activation after 1-2.5 min of exposure and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The keto-BAs (11-keto-beta-BA and 3-O-acetyl-11-beta-keto-BA) gave substantial kinase activation at 30 microM, whereas other BAs lacking the 11-keto group were less effective. Moreover, 11-keto-BAs induced rapid and prominent mobilization of free Ca(2+) in PMNL. Inhibitor studies revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) is involved in BA-induced MAPK activation, whereas a minor role was apparent for protein kinase C. MAPK activation by 3-O-acetyl-11-beta-keto-BA was partially inhibited when Ca(2+) was removed by chelation. Our results suggest that 11-keto-BAs might function as potent activators of PMNL by stimulation of MAPK and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+).

Adult↗
PubMed2002

5-lipoxygenase: cellular biology and molecular pharmacology.

5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) plays an essential role in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, proinflammatory mediators which are mainly released from myeloid cells. Whereas LTB(4) is a potent chemotactic and chemokinetic agent for a variety of leukocytes, the cysteinyl-leukotrienes C, D(4) and E(4) cause vascular permeability and smooth muscle contraction. In view of these properties, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors have been hypothesized to possess therapeutic potential for the treatment of asthma, allergic disorders and other inflammatory diseases. Whereas cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonists possess potential for antileukotriene therapy in asthma, results from clinical trials with leukotriene synthesis inhibitors were less encouraging. The expression of 5-LO in mammals is tightly regulated. Enzymatic activity in vitro can be modulated by calcium, ATP, phosphatidylcholine and lipid hydroperoxides; nevertheless activation of cellular 5-LO in response to external stimuli is rather incompletely understood. Intensive research revealed that on cell stimulation, 5-LO redistributes to the nuclear membrane where it colocalizes with 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and cytosolic phospholipase A(2). In addition, various cellular proteins interacting with 5-LO have been identified. It was suggested that enzyme phosphorylation could influence redistribution and cellular activity of 5-LO and that the cellular redox tone regulates 5-LO product formation. This review highlights the determinants of cellular 5-LO activity and summarizes the molecular pharmacology of 5-LO.

5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Proteins↗
PubMed2002

Hypertonicity suppresses ionophore-induced product formation and translocation of 5-lipoxygenase in human leukocytes.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) initiates the biosynthesis of proinflammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acid (AA). Here, we demonstrate that hypertonicity suppresses ionophore-induced 5-LO product formation reversibly in isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and in Mono Mac 6 cells. Hypertonicity blocked the liberation of AA and abrogated translocation of 5-LO to the nuclear membrane. Accordingly, in the presence of exogenous AA, 5-LO product formation was less affected. The effects of hypertonicity were a result of cell shrinkage and not cytosolic hyperosmolarity. Hypertonicity did not inhibit the rapid increase in intracellular Ca(2)(+) induced by ionophores but prevented the ionophore-induced activation of p38 MAPK-regulated MAPKAP kinases, which can phosphorylate and activate 5-LO (and cPLA(2)). In summary, we show that hypertonicity blocks agonist-induced release of AA, 5-LO product formation, and translocation and in parallel, prevents activation of p38 MAPK and downstream 5-LO kinases in leukocytes.

Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase↗