Phospholipase D1 activity is crucial for cytosolic phospholipase A2 -dependent prostaglandin E2 formation in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

In bone, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is highly osteogenic and formed by osteoblasts, a key modulatory event in the regulation of bone cell activity. MC3T3-E1 cells are widely used as an in vitro model of osteoblast function. It is still not clear which pathways contribute to the release of AA in these cells. In this study we have focussed on the contribution of phospholipase D (PLD) enzymes to osteoblastic PGE2 formation after stimulation with endothelin-1 (ET-1). Using specific inhibitors of PLD1 and PLD2 we could show that PGE2 formation was strictly dependent on PLD1 but not PLD2 activity and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) was activated by triggering through PLD1. We have identified diacyl glycerol (DAG) as a possible effector molecule which may serve as a triggering signal for PKC activation and subsequent cPLA2 phosphorylation.

15d-PGJ2 Promotes ROS-Dependent Activation of MAPK-Induced Early Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cell In Vitro and in an Ex Ovo CAM Assay.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of bone tumor, and has limited therapy options. 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) has striking anti-tumor effects in various tumors. Here, we investigated molecular mechanisms that mediate anti-tumor effects of 15d-PGJ2 in different OS cell lines. Human U2-OS and Saos-2 cells were treated with 15d-PGJ2 and cell survival was measured by MTT assay. Cell proliferation and motility were investigated by scratch assay, the tumorigenic capacity by colony forming assay. Intracellular ROS was estimated by H2DCFDA. Activation of MAPKs and cytoprotective proteins was detected by immunoblotting. Apoptosis was detected by immunoblotting and Annexin V/PI staining. The ex ovo CAM model was used to study growth capability of grafted 15d-PGJ2-treated OS cells, followed by immunohistochemistry with hematoxylin/eosin and Ki-67. 15d-PGJ2 substantially decreased cell viability, colony formation and wound closure capability of OS cells. Non-malignant human osteoblast was less affected by 15d-PGJ2. 15d-PGJ2 induced rapid intracellular ROS production and time-dependent activation of MAPKs (pERK1/2, pJNK and pp38). Tempol efficiently inhibited 15d-PGJ2-induced ERK1/2 activation, while N-acetylcystein and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate were less effective. Early but weak activation of cytoprotective proteins was overrun by induction of apoptosis. A structural analogue, 9,10-dihydro-15d-PGJ2, did not show toxic effects in OS cells. In the CAM model, we grafted OS tumors with U2-OS, Saos-2 and MG-63 cells. 15d-PGJ2 treatment resulted in significant growth inhibition, diminished tumor tissue density, and reduced tumor cell proliferation for all cell lines. Our in vitro and CAM data suggest 15d-PGJ2 as a promising natural compound to interfere with OS tumor growth.

Mechanistic Insights into the Chaperoning of Human Lysosomal-Galactosidase Activity: Highly Functionalized Aminocyclopentanes and C-5a-Substituted Derivatives of 4-epi-Isofagomine.

Glycosidase inhibitors have shown great potential as pharmacological chaperones for lysosomal storage diseases. In light of this, a series of new cyclopentanoid ß-galactosidase inhibitors were prepared and their inhibitory and pharmacological chaperoning activities determined and compared with those of lipophilic analogs of the potent ß-d-galactosidase inhibitor 4-epi-isofagomine. Structure-activity relationships were investigated by X-ray crystallography as well as by alterations in the cyclopentane moiety such as deoxygenation and replacement by fluorine of a "strategic" hydroxyl group. New compounds have revealed highly promising activities with a range of ß-galactosidase-compromised human cell lines and may serve as leads towards new pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis and Morquio B disease.

Potent GH20 N-Acetyl-ß-d-hexosaminidase Inhibitors: N-Substituted 3-acetamido-4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-cyclopentanediols.

From 1,2;3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-d-galactopyranose, a preliminary series of highly functionalized amino(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentanes was easily available. These amine-containing basic carbasugars featuring the d-galacto configuration are potent inhibitors of the GH20 ß-d-hexosaminidases probed and may bear potential as regulators of N-acetyl-d-hexosaminidase activities in vivo.

Combined Respiratory Chain Deficiency and UQCC2 Mutations in Neonatal Encephalomyopathy: Defective Supercomplex Assembly in Complex III Deficiencies.

Vertebrate respiratory chain complex III consists of eleven subunits. Mutations in five subunits either mitochondrial (MT-CYB) or nuclear (CYC1, UQCRC2, UQCRB, and UQCRQ) encoded have been reported. Defects in five further factors for assembly (TTC19, UQCC2, and UQCC3) or iron-sulphur cluster loading (BCS1L and LYRM7) cause complex III deficiency. Here, we report a second patient with UQCC2 deficiency. This girl was born prematurely; pregnancy was complicated by intrauterine growth retardation and oligohydramnios. She presented with respiratory distress syndrome, developed epileptic seizures progressing to status epilepticus, and died at day 33. She had profound lactic acidosis and elevated urinary pyruvate. Exome sequencing revealed two homozygous missense variants in UQCC2, leading to a severe reduction of UQCC2 protein. Deficiency of complexes I and III was found enzymatically and on the protein level. A review of the literature on genetically distinct complex III defects revealed that, except TTC19 deficiency, the biochemical pattern was very often a combined respiratory chain deficiency. Besides complex III, typically, complex I was decreased, in some cases complex IV. In accordance with previous observations, the presence of assembled complex III is required for the stability or assembly of complexes I and IV, which might be related to respirasome/supercomplex formation.

A new type of pharmacological chaperone for GM1-gangliosidosis related human lysosomal ß-galactosidase: N-Substituted 5-amino-1-hydroxymethyl-cyclopentanetriols.

N-Functionalized amino(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentanetriols are potent inhibitors of ß-d-galactosidases and, for the first time, could be shown to act as pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis-associated lysosomal acid ß-galactosidase thus representing a new structural type of pharmacological chaperones for this lysosomal storage disease.

A Morita-Baylis-Hillman based route to C-5a-chain-extended 4-epi-isofagomine type glycosidase inhibitors.

By Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction of 2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-glyceraldehyde with α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl as well as hetero analogous carbonyl compounds such as acrylonitrile, suitable precursors of isofagomine and of 4-epi-isofagomine are available. Elaboration of the structures by amine introduction, followed by intramolecular ring closure and subsequent hydroboration of the double bond provides 4-epi-isofagomine derivatives featuring chain extensions at C-5a which are determined by the structures of the carbonyl compounds employed. As an example, the synthesis of C-(5aR)- and C-(5aS)-5a-C-pentyl-4-epi-isofagomines, powerful inhibitors of ß-galactosidases, is outlined. In line with reported data, the (C-5aR) epimer was found a highly potent experimental pharmacological chaperone for GM1-associated human lysosomal ß-galactosidase mutant R201C.

N-Substituted 5-amino-1-hydroxymethyl-cyclopentanetriols: A new family of activity promotors for a GM1-gangliosidosis related human lysosomal ß-galactosidase mutant.

From 1,2;3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-galactopyranose, a series of highly functionalized (hydroxymethyl)cyclopentanes was easily available. In line with reports by Reymond and Jäger on similar structures, these amine containing basic carbasugars are potent inhibitors of ß-D-galactosidases and, for the first time, could be shown to act as pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis-associated lysosomal acid ß-galactosidase mutant R201C, thus representing a new structural type of pharmacological chaperones for this lysosomal storage disease.

Synthesis of C-5a-substituted derivatives of 4-epi-isofagomine: notable ß-galactosidase inhibitors and activity promotors of GM1-gangliosidosis related human lysosomal ß-galactosidase mutant R201C.

From an easily available partially protected analog of 1-deoxy-L-gulo-nojirimycin, by chain-branching at C-4 and suitable modification, lipophilic analogs of the powerful ß-D-galactosidase inhibitor 4-epi-isofagomine have been prepared. New compounds exhibit considerably improved inhibitory activities when compared with the unsubstituted parent compound and may serve as leads toward new pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis and Morquio B disease.

Ionomycin induces prostaglandin E2 formation in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells via mechanisms independent of its ionophoric nature.

Ionomycin and A23187 are divalent cation ionophores with a marked preference for calcium. Studies using these ionophores have almost exclusively interpreted their results in the light of calcium elevation. It was the aim of this study to investigate the effects of ionomycin in osteoblatic MC3T3-E1 cells that are not attributable to its ionophoric properties. Thus, we have found that in contrast to A23187, ionomycin shows similar effects on prostaglandin E2 formation as bradykinin and endothelin-1, being potentiated by extracellular nickel and inhibited by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin. Our data strongly suggest that inomycin, at least in part, exerts its effects via specific binding to a G-protein coupled receptor, thereby evoking downstream cellular events like arachidonate release with subsequent prostaglandin formation.

Synthesis of C-5a-chain extended derivatives of 4-epi-isofagomine: Powerful ß-galactosidase inhibitors and low concentration activators of GM1-gangliosidosis-related human lysosomal ß-galactosidase.

From an easily available partially protected formal derivative of 1-deoxymannojirimycin, by hydroxymethyl chain-branching and further elaboration, lipophilic analogs of the powerful ß-d-galactosidase inhibitor 4-epi-isofagomine have become available. New compounds exhibit improved inhibitory activities comparable to benchmark compound NOEV (N-octyl-epi-valienamine) and may serve as leads towards improved and more selective pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis.

Activation of the MAPK/Akt/Nrf2-Egr1/HO-1-GCLc axis protects MG-63 osteosarcoma cells against 15d-PGJ2-mediated cell death.

Despite considerable efforts to improve treatment modalities for osteosarcoma (OS), patient survival remains poor mainly due to pro-survival pathways in OS cells. Among others, prostaglandins (PGs) are the potent regulators of bone homoeostasis and OS pathophysiology. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the impact of 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2, a stable PGD2 degradation product) on cell death/cell survival pathways in p53-deficient MG-63 OS cells. Our findings show that 15d-PGJ2 induces generation of reactive oxygen species that promote p38 MAPK activation and subsequent Akt phosphorylation. This pathway induced nuclear expression of Nrf2 and Egr1, and increased transcription of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLc), catalysing the first step in GSH synthesis. Silencing of Nrf2, Egr1 and HO-1 significantly elevated 15d-PGJ2-mediated reduction of cellular metabolic activity. Activation of cell survival genes including HO-1 and GCLc inhibited 15d-PGJ2-induced cleavage of pro-caspase-3 and PARP. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining showed an increase in early/late apoptotic cells in response to 15d-PGJ2. The observed 15d-PGJ2-mediated signalling events are independent of PGD2 receptors (DP1 and DP2) and PPARγ. In addition, the electrophilic carbon atom C9 is a prerequisite for the observed activity of 15d-PGJ2. The present data show that the intracellular redox imbalance acted as a node and triggered both death and survival pathways in response to 15d-PGJ2. Pharmacological or genetic interference of the pro-survival pathway, the p38 MAPK/Akt/Nrf2-Egr1/HO-1-GCLc axis, sensitizes MG-63 cells towards 15d-PGJ2-mediated apoptosis.

Calcium-independent phospholipases A2 in murine osteoblastic cells and their inhibition by bromoenol lactone: impact on arachidonate dynamics and prostaglandin synthesis.

CONTEXT: Bromoenol lactone (BEL) is an inhibitor of group VI phospholipases (iPLA2s), but has been shown to have severe side effects. OBJECTIVE: iPLA2 characterization in osteoblasts and effect of BEL on prostaglandin (PG) E2 formation. METHODS: iPLA2 expression: RT-PCR, Western Blotting. PGE2 formation: GC-MS after stimulation, treatment with inhibitors or gene silencing. Arachidonate (AA) reacylation into phospholipids, inhibitor reaction products, PGHS-1 modification proteomic analysis: HR-LC-MS/MS. AA accumulation: (14)C-AA. RESULTS: iPLA2ß and iPLA2γ were expressed and functionally active. BEL inhibition up to 20 µM caused AA accumulation and enhanced PGE2 formation, followed by a decrease at higher concentrations. BEL reacted with intracellular cysteine and GSH leading to GSH depletion and oxidative stress. DISCUSSION: Initial PGE2 enhancement after BEL inhibition is due to iPLA2-independent accumulation of AA. GSH depletion caused by high BEL concentrations is responsible for the decrease in PGE2 production. CONCLUSION: BEL must be used with caution in a cellular environment due to conditions of extreme oxidative stress.

Potentiation of endothelin-1-induced prostaglandin E2 formation by Ni(2+) and Sr(2+) in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Cation recognition mechanisms beyond calcium-sensing receptors are still largely unexplored and consequently there is surprisingly little information on linking of this primary event to key metabolic features of different cell systems, such as arachidonic acid metabolism. However, information on the modulatory role of extracellular cations in cellular function is scarce. In this study we have demonstrated, that Ni(2+) and Sr(2+) potentiate endothelin-1 induced prostaglandin E2 formation in the osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1, even in the absence of extracellular calcium. The effect is strictly dependent of receptor-mediated signal transduction processes evoked by endothelin-1 and arachidonate release involves cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity. The ligation sites, at least for Ni(2+) are extracellular. The data suggest a novel activation mechanism for arachidonate release and subsequent prostaglandin formation that does not require calcium.

Molecular characterisation of group IVA (cytosolic) phospholipase A2 in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Formation of the powerful osteogenic prostaglandin E2 by osteoblasts, a key modulatory event in the paracrine and autocrine regulation of bone cell activity, is preceded by release of the precursor arachidonic acid from phospholipid stores. The main routes of arachidonate liberation may involve phospholipase enzymes such as group IVA phospholipase A2 which is believed to be the main effector in many cell system due to its preference for arachidonate-containing lipids. MC3T3-E1 cells are non-transformed osteoblasts and are widely used as an in vitro model of osteoblast function. In these cells there is still no clarity about the main release pathway of arachidonic acid. Besides cytosolic phospholipase A2, phospholipase C and D pathways may play a key role in arachidonate release. Despite the crucial role of osteoblastic prostgalandin synthesis information on the occurrence of involved enzymes at the molecular level is scarse in MC3T3-E1 cells. We have characterised group IVA phospholipase A2 at the mRNA in these cells as a constitutively expressed enzyme which is cytosolic and translocates to the membrane upon endothelin-1 stimulation. Using immunopurification combined with Western blotting and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the enzyme was also identified at the protein level. Using specific gene silencing we were able to show that osteoblastic cytosolic phospholipase A2 is crucially involved in ET-1-induced prostaglandin formation.

Enantioselective quantitative analysis of amphetamine in human plasma by liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry.

A method for the quantitative enantioselective analysis of amphetamine in human plasma by LC-HRMS is presented. High-resolution detection, alone and in combination with targeted MS/MS, was validated and compared to a highly sensitive GC-NICI-Method. Derivatization with (S)-N-(heptafluorobutyryl)-prolyl chloride was accomplished to yield derivatives suitable for enantioselective analysis of amphetamine on a nonchiral reversed phase column with MS-compatible mobile phase. Equal analytical performance was observed for the methods presented and the GC-NICI-MS method. A dynamic range of 4,000 was found for the established calibration curves. A fivefold deuterated analogue of both enantiomeres was used as an internal standard. Full validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, autosampler stability, matrix effect, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy. The method has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetic profiling of the drug after oral application.

15-deoxy-Δ¹²,¹4-PGJ2 promotes inflammation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via the DP2/MAPK/TNFα axis.

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandins (PGs), lipid autacoids derived from arachidonic acid, play a pivotal role during inflammation. PGD2 synthase is abundantly expressed in heart tissue and PGD2 has recently been found to induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis. PGD2 is an unstable prostanoid metabolite; therefore the objective of the present study was to elucidate whether its final dehydration product, 15-deoxy-Δ¹²,¹4-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2, present at high levels in ischemic myocardium) might cause cardiomyocyte damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using specific (ant)agonists we show that 15d-PGJ2 induced formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of p38 and p42/44 MAPKs via the PGD2 receptor DP2 (but not DP1 or PPARγ) in the murine atrial cardiomyocyte HL-1 cell line. Activation of the DP2-ROS-MAPK axis by 15d-PGJ2 enhanced transcription and translation of TNFα and induced apoptosis in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Silencing of TNFα significantly attenuated the extrinsic (caspase-8) and intrinsic apoptotic pathways (bax and caspase-9), caspase-3 activation and downstream PARP cleavage and γH2AX activation. The apoptotic machinery was unaffected by intracellular calcium, transcription factor NF-κB and its downstream target p53. Of note, 9,10-dihydro-15d-PGJ2 (lacking the electrophilic carbon atom in the cyclopentenone ring) did not activate cellular responses. Selected experiments performed in primary murine cardiomyocytes confirmed data obtained in HL-1 cells namely that the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic cascades are activated via DP2/MAPK/TNFα signaling. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the reactive α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl group of 15d-PGJ2 is responsible for the pronounced upregulation of TNFα promoting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We propose that inhibition of DP2 receptors could provide a possibility to modulate 15d-PGJ2-induced myocardial injury.

Quantitative determination of amphetamine in plasma using negative ion chemical ionization GC-MS of o-(pentafluorobenzyl-oxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl derivatives.

Quantitative determination of amphetamine in plasma by the use of a novel electrophoric derivatization reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride is described. Amphetamine can be quantitatively measured down to 49 pg/mL plasma using only 250 µL of sample due to the extraordinary sensitivity of the derivatives under negative ion chemical ionization MS. Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and treated with n-hexane and reagent solution for 20 min, which, after concentration was measured by negative ion chemical ionization GC-MS. The method is rapid as extraction and derivatization occur in one single step. [(2)H(5)]-Amphetamine was used as an internal standard. Validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, benchtop stability, freeze-thaw stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy.

Quantitative method for determination of amphetamine in plasma using negative ion chemical ionisation GC-MS of o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl derivatives.

The use of a novel electrophoric derivatisation reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl chloride is described for the quantitative determination of amphetamine in plasma. Amphetamine can be quantitatively measured down to 49 pg/mL plasma using only 250 µL of sample due to the extraordinary sensitivity of the derivatives under negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and treated with n-hexane and reagent solution for 20 min, which, after concentration was measured by negative ion chemical ionisation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method is rapid as extraction and derivatisation occur in one single step. [(2)H(5)]-Amphetamine was used as an internal standard. Validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, benchtop stability, freeze-thaw stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis and prospective analytical batch size accuracy.