AM404 Analogs as Activators of the 20S Isoform of the Human Proteasome.

The proteasome is a multisubunit protease system responsible for the majority of the protein turnover in eukaryotic organisms. Dysregulation of this enzymatic complex leads to protein accumulation, subsequent aggregation, and ultimately diseased states; for that reason, positive modulation of its activity has been recently investigated as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative and age-related diseases. The small molecule AM404 was recently identified as an activator of the 20S isoform of the proteasome and further exploration of the scaffold revealed the importance of the polyunsaturated fatty acid chain to elicit activity. Herein, we report the investigation of the aromatic region of the scaffold and the evaluation of the small molecules in a variety of proteasome activity and protein degradation assays. We found that derivatives A22 and A23, compared to AM404, exhibit enhanced proteasome activity in biochemical and cellular proteasome assays and more favorable cellular viability profiles. Additionally, these compounds demonstrate the ability to degrade intrinsically disordered proteins, regardless of their molecular weight, and the ability to restore the proteasome activity in the presence of toxic oligomeric α-Syn species in a biochemical setting.

1-, 2- and 3-AG as substrates of the endocannabinoid enzymes and endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptor 1.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most potent and abundant endocannabinoid that acts as a full agonist at the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors. It serves as a substrate for several serine hydrolases, including monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), α/ß hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). However, 2-AG's rapid conversion to 1-AG (the S stereoisomer) and 3-AG (the R stereoisomer) complicates in vivo signaling. Here, we present the interaction profiles of 2-AG and its isomerization products, 1- and 3-AG, with the endocannabinoid MGL, ABHD6 and FAAH enzymes as well as the CB1 receptor. The 1- and 3-AG enantiomers are less prone to isomerization, and their affinities to endocannabinoid enzymes and potencies at CB1 receptor are quite different compared to 2-AG. Although MGL is the principal hydrolytic enzyme of 2-AG, 3-AG (the R isomer) appears to be the best substrate for hMGL. Contrarily, 1-AG (the S isomer) demonstrates the worst substrate profile, indicating that the stereochemistry of 1(3)-monoacylglycerols is very important for MGL enzyme. On the other hand, both 1- and 3-AG (the sn1 monoacylglycerols) are efficiently hydrolyzed by hABHD6 without preference, while 2-AG (the sn2 monoacylglycerol) has the lowest rate of hydrolysis. FAAH, the principal hydrolytic enzyme for arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide, AEA), catalyzes the hydrolysis of all three isomers with similar efficiencies. In a functional cAMP assay at CB1 receptor, all three isomers behaved as agonists, with 2-AG being the most potent, followed by 3-AG then 1-AG. The presented data provides stereochemical insights to design chemically stable AG analogs with preferential stability against enzymes of interest.

Primary saturation of α, ß-unsaturated carbonyl containing fatty acids does not abolish electrophilicity.

Metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids results in the formation of hydroxylated fatty acids that can be further oxidized by dehydrogenases, often resulting in the formation of electrophilic, α,ß-unsaturated ketone containing fatty acids. As electrophiles are associated with redox signaling, we sought to investigate the metabolism of the oxo-fatty acid products in relation to their double bond architecture. Using an untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry approach, we identified mono- and di-saturated products of the arachidonic acid-derived 11-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (11-oxoETE) and mono-saturated metabolites of 15-oxoETE and docosahexaenoic acid-derived 17-oxodocosahexaenoinc acid (17-oxoDHA) in both human A549 lung carcinoma and umbilical vein endothelial cells. Notably, mono-saturated oxo-fatty acids maintained their electrophilicity as determined by nucleophilic conjugation to glutathione while a second saturation of 11-oxoETE resulted in a loss of electrophilicity. These results would suggest that prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1), known only for its reduction of the α,ß-unsaturated double bond, was not responsible for the saturation of oxo-fatty acids at alternative double bonds. Surprisingly, knockdown of PTGR1 expression by shRNA confirmed its participation in the formation of 15-oxoETE and 17-oxoDHA mono-saturated metabolites. Furthermore, overexpression of PTGR1 in A549 cells increased the rate and total amount of oxo-fatty acid saturation. These findings will further facilitate the study of electrophilic fatty acid metabolism and signaling in the context of inflammatory diseases and cancer where they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative signaling properties.

New Pyridone-Based Derivatives as Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Agonists.

The activation of the human cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) is known to mediate analgesic and anti-inflammatory processes without the central adverse effects related to cannabinoid receptor type I (CB1R). In this work we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of N-aryl-2-pyridone-3-carboxamide derivatives tested as human cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) agonists. Different cycloalkanes linked to the N-aryl pyridone by an amide group displayed CB2R agonist activity as determined by intracellular [cAMP] levels. The most promising compound 8d exhibited a non-toxic profile and similar potency (EC50 = 112 nM) to endogenous agonists Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) providing new information for the development of small molecules activating CB2R. Molecular docking studies showed a binding pose consistent with two structurally different agonists WIN-55212-2 and AM12033 and suggested structural requirements on the pyridone substituents that can satisfy the orthosteric pocket and induce an agonist response. Our results provide additional evidence to support the 2-pyridone ring as a suitable scaffold for the design of CB2R agonists and represent a starting point for further optimization and development of novel compounds for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

2-Arachidonyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Macrophages and in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema.

2-Arachidonyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine, shortly 2-ARA-LPE, is a polyunsaturated lysophosphatidylethanolamine. 2-ARA-LPE has a very long chain arachidonic acid, formed by an ester bond at the sn-2 position. It has been reported that 2-ARA-LPE has anti-inflammatory effects in a zymosan-induced peritonitis model. However, it's action mechanisms are poorly investigated. Recently, resolution of inflammation is considered to be an active process driven by M2 polarized macrophages. Therefore, we have investigated whether 2-ARA-LPE acts on macrophages for anti-inflammation, whether 2-ARA-LPE modulates macrophage phenotypes to reduce inflammation, and whether 2-ARA-LPE is anti-inflammatory in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. In mouse peritoneal macrophages, 2-ARA-LPE was found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 macrophage polarization, but not induce M2 polarization. 2-ARA-LPE inhibited the inductions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in mouse peritoneal macrophages at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, products of the two genes, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, were also inhibited by 2-ARA-LPE. However, 1-oleoyl-LPE did not show any activity on the macrophage polarization and inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory activity of 2-ARA-LPE was also verified in vivo in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. 2-ARA-LPE inhibits LPS-induced M1 polarization, which contributes to anti-inflammation and suppresses the carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo.

Prediction of essential binding domains for the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) in the brain cannabinoid CB1 receptor.

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main active ingredient of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), interacts with the human brain cannabinoid (CB1) receptor and mimics pharmacological effects of endocannabinoids (eCBs) like N-arachidonylethanolamide (AEA). Due to its flexible nature of AEA structure with more than 15 rotatable bonds, establishing its binding mode to the CB1 receptor is elusive. The aim of the present study was to explore possible binding conformations of AEA within the binding pocket of the CB1 receptor confirmed in the recently available X-ray crystal structures of the CB1 receptor and predict essential AEA binding domains. We performed long time molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of plausible AEA docking poses until its receptor binding interactions became optimally established. Our simulation results revealed that AEA favors to bind to the hydrophobic channel (HC) of the CB1 receptor, suggesting that HC holds essential significance in AEA binding to the CB1 receptor. Our results also suggest that the Helix 2 (H2)/H3 region of the CB1 receptor is an AEA binding subsite privileged over the H7 region.

New Disulfiram Derivatives as MAGL-Selective Inhibitors.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a key enzyme in the human endocannabinoid system. It is also the main enzyme responsible for the conversion of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) to arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandin synthesis. The inhibition of MAGL activity would be beneficial for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, such as inflammation, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders and cancer. Here, the author reports the pharmacological evaluation of new disulfiram derivatives as potent inhibitors of MAGL. These analogues displayed high inhibition selectivity over fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), another endocannabinoid-hydrolyzing enzyme. In particular, compound 2i inhibited MAGL in the low micromolar range. However, it did not show any inhibitory activity against FAAH.

Central nervous system, peripheral and hemodynamic effects of nanoformulated anandamide in hypertension.

PURPOSE: Hypertensive lesions induce alterations at hemodynamic, peripheral, and central levels. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) protects neurons from inflammatory damage, but its free administration may cause central adverse effects. AEA controlled release by nanoformulations could reduce/eliminate its side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanoformulated AEA (nf-AEA) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), behavior, and central/peripheral inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic state in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MATERIALS/METHODS: Male rats were used, both Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and SHR (n â€‹= â€‹10 per group), with/without treatment with nf-AEA (obtained by electrospraying) at a weekly dose of 5 â€‹mg/kg IP for 4 weeks. SBP was measured and behavioral tests were performed. Inflammatory/oxidative markers were quantified at the central (brain cortex) and peripheral (serum) level. RESULTS: SHR showed hyperactivity, low anxiety, and high concentrations of central/peripheral inflammatory/oxidative markers, also higher apoptosis of brain cortical cells compared to WKY. As opposed to this group, treatment with nf-AEA in SHR significantly reduced SBP, peripheral/central inflammatory/oxidative makers, and central apoptosis. Nf-AEA also increased neuroprotective mechanisms mediated by intracellular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which were attenuated in untreated SHR. Additionally, nf-AEA reversed the abnormal behaviors observed in SHR without producing central adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest protective properties of nf-AEA, both peripherally and centrally, through a signaling pathway that would involve the type I angiotensin II receptor, Wilms tumor transcription factor 1, Hsp70, and iNOS. Considering non-nf-AEA limitations, this nanoformulation could contribute to the development of new antihypertensive and behavioral disorder treatments associated with neuroinflammation.

Paracetamol analogues conjugated by FAAH induce TRPV1-mediated antinociception without causing acute liver toxicity.

Paracetamol, one of the most widely used pain-relieving drugs, is deacetylated to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) that undergoes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-dependent biotransformation into N-arachidonoylphenolamine (AM404), which mediates TRPV1-dependent antinociception in the brain of rodents. However, paracetamol is also converted to the liver-toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine already at therapeutic doses, urging for safer paracetamol analogues. Primary amine analogues with chemical structures similar to paracetamol were evaluated for their propensity to undergo FAAH-dependent N-arachidonoyl conjugation into TRPV1 activators both in vitro and in vivo in rodents. The antinociceptive and antipyretic activity of paracetamol and primary amine analogues was examined with regard to FAAH and TRPV1 as well as if these analogues produced acute liver toxicity. 5-Amino-2-methoxyphenol (2) and 5-aminoindazole (3) displayed efficient target protein interactions with a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the mice formalin test, which in the second phase was dependent on FAAH and TRPV1. No hepatotoxicity of the FAAH substrates transformed into TRPV1 activators was observed. While paracetamol attenuates pyrexia via inhibition of brain cyclooxygenase, its antinociceptive FAAH substrate 4-AP was not antipyretic, suggesting separate mechanisms for the antipyretic and antinociceptive effect of paracetamol. Furthermore, compound 3 reduced fever without a brain cyclooxygenase inhibitory action. The data support our view that analgesics and antipyretics without liver toxicity can be derived from paracetamol. Thus, research into the molecular actions of paracetamol could pave the way for the discovery of analgesics and antipyretics with a better benefit-to-risk ratio.

N­linoleyltyrosine protects PC12 cells against oxidative damage via autophagy: Possible involvement of CB1 receptor regulation.

Oxidative stress is one of the main pathogenic factors of neurodegenerative diseases. As the ligand of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors, anandamide (AEA) exerts benign antioxidant activities. However, the instability of AEA results in low levels in vivo, which limit its further application. Based on the structure of AEA, N­linoleyltyrosine (NITyr) was synthesized in our laboratory and was hypothesized to possess a similar function to that of AEA. To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrates for the first time, the activities and mechanisms of NITyr. NITyr treatment attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)­induced cytotoxicity, with the most promiment effect observed at 1 µmol/l. Treatment with NITyr also suppressed the H2O2­induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the expression of the autophagy­related proteins, LC3­II, beclin­1, ATG 5 and ATG13. The autophagic inhibitor, 3­methyladenine, reversed the effects of NITyr on ROS levels and cellular viability. Furthermore, AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, but not AM630 (a CB2 receptor antagonist), diminished the effects of NITyr on cell viability, ROS generation and autophagy­related protein expression. However, NITyr increased the protein expression of both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Therefore, NITyr was concluded to protect PC12 cells against H2O2­induced oxidative injury by inducing autophagy, a process which may involve the CB1 receptor.

Endocannabinoids Inhibit the Induction of Virulence in Enteric Pathogens.

Endocannabinoids are host-derived lipid hormones that fundamentally impact gastrointestinal (GI) biology. The use of cannabis and other exocannabinoids as anecdotal treatments for various GI disorders inspired the search for mechanisms by which these compounds mediate their effects, which led to the discovery of the mammalian endocannabinoid system. Dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling was linked to inflammation and the gut microbiota. However, the effects of endocannabinoids on host susceptibility to infection has not been explored. Here, we show that mice with elevated levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are protected from enteric infection by Enterobacteriaceae pathogens. 2-AG directly modulates pathogen function by inhibiting virulence programs essential for successful infection. Furthermore, 2-AG antagonizes the bacterial receptor QseC, a histidine kinase encoded within the core Enterobacteriaceae genome that promotes the activation of pathogen-associated type three secretion systems. Taken together, our findings establish that endocannabinoids are directly sensed by bacteria and can modulate bacterial function.

Bioconversion of arachidonic acid into human 14,15-hepoxilin B3 and 13,14,15-trioxilin B3 by recombinant cells expressing microbial 15-lipoxygenase without and with epoxide hydrolase.

OBJECTIVE: To produce high concentrations of 13-hydroxy-14,15-epoxy-eicosatrienoic acid (14,15-hepoxilin B3, 14,15-HXB3) and 13,14,15-trihydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid (13,14,15-trioxilin B3, 13,14,15-TrXB3) from arachidonic acid (ARA) using microbial 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) without and with epoxide hydrolase (EH), respectively. RESULTS: The products obtained from the bioconversion of ARA by recombinant Escherichia coli cells containing Archangium violaceum 15-LOX without and with Myxococcus xanthus EH were identified as 14,15-HXB3 and 13,14,15-TrXB3, respectively. Under the optimal conditions of 30 g cells L-1, 200 mM ARA, 25 °C, and initial pH 7.5, the cells converted 200 mM ARA into 192 mM 14,15-HXB3 and 100 mM 13,14,15-TrXB3 for 150 min, with conversion yields of 96 and 51% and productivities of 77 and 40 mM h-1, respectively. CONCLUSION: These are the highest concentrations, productivities, and yields of hepoxilin and trioxilin from ARA reported thus far.

Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Arachidonoyl Choline, Its Bis-Quaternized Analogues and Other Acylcholines.

The antioxidant activity and protective effect in the toxicity model of H2O2 were studied for arachidonic (AA-CHOL), docosahexaenoic (DHA-CHOL), linoleic (Ln-CHOL), and oleic (Ol-CHOL) fatty acids, as well as arachidonoyl dicholine (AA-diCHOL) and O-arachidonoyl bistetramethylaminoisopropanol (ABTAP). AA-CHOL, DHA-CHOL and Ln-CHOL provided a 20% increase in cell survival. AA-CHOL, AA-diCHOL, Ol-CHOL, and ABTAP had a radical-scavenging effect in the ABTS test, approximately equal to the activity of a standard radical scavenger Trolox.

A Plasma Protein Network Regulates PM20D1 and N-Acyl Amino Acid Bioactivity.

N-acyl amino acids are a family of cold-inducible circulating lipids that stimulate thermogenesis. Their biosynthesis is mediated by a secreted enzyme called PM20D1. The extracellular mechanisms that regulate PM20D1 or N-acyl amino acid activity in the complex environment of blood plasma remains unknown. Using quantitative proteomics, here we show that PM20D1 circulates in tight association with both low- and high-density lipoproteins. Lipoprotein particles are powerful co-activators of PM20D1 activity in vitro and N-acyl amino acid biosynthesis in vivo. We also identify serum albumin as a physiologic N-acyl amino acid carrier, which spatially segregates N-acyl amino acids away from their sites of production, confers resistance to hydrolytic degradation, and establishes an equilibrium between thermogenic "free" versus inactive "bound" fractions. These data establish lipoprotein particles as principal extracellular sites of N-acyl amino acid biosynthesis and identify a lipoprotein-albumin network that regulates the activity of a circulating thermogenic lipid family.

Altered productions of prostaglandins and prostamides by human amnion in response to infectious and inflammatory stimuli identified by mutliplex mass spectrometry.

INTRODUCTION: Prostaglandins are critical for the onset and progression of labor in mammals, and are formed by the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The products of arachidonic acid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and anandamide (AEA) have a similar lipid back bone but differing polar head groups, meaning that identification of these products by immunoassay can be difficult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, we present the use of mass spectrometry as multiplex method of identifying the specific end products of arachidonic and anandamide metabolism by human derived amnion explants treated with either an infectious agent (LPS) or inflammatory mediator (IL-1ß or TNF-α). RESULTS: Human amnion tissue explants treated with LPS, IL-1ß, or TNF-α increased production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; p < 0.05) but decreased PGFM. Overall, PGE2 production was greater compared to the other prostaglandins and prostamides irrespective of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study are in keeping with the literature which describes amnion tissues as predominantly producing PGE2. The use of mass spectrometry for the differential identification of prostaglandins, prostamides, and other eicosanoids may help better elucidate mechanisms of preterm labor, and lead to new targets for the prediction of risk for preterm labor and/or birth.

Synthesis, physicochemical characterisation and biological activity of anandamide/ɛ-polycaprolactone nanoparticles obtained by electrospraying.

Drug encapsulation in nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles (Nps) may help to overcome the limitations associated with cannabinoids. In this study, the authors' work aimed to highlight the use of electrospraying techniques for the development of carrier Nps of anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid with attractive pharmacological effects but underestimated due to its unfavourable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties added to its undesirable effects at the level of the central nervous system. The authors characterised physicochemically and evaluated in vitro biological activity of anandamide/ɛ-polycaprolactone nanoparticles (Nps-AEA/PCL) obtained by electrospraying in epithelial cells of the human proximal tubule (HK2), to prove the utility of this method and to validate the biological effect of Nps-AEA/PCL. They obtained particles from 100 to 900 nm of diameter with a predominance of 200-400 nm. Their zeta potential was -20 ± 1.86 mV. They demonstrated the stable encapsulation of AEA in Nps-AEA/PCL, as well as its dose-dependent capacity to induce the expression of iNOS and NO levels and to decrease the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in HK2 cells. Obtaining Nps-AEA/PCL by electrospraying would represent a promising methodology for a novel AEA pharmaceutical formulation development with optimal physicochemical properties, physical stability and biological activity on HK2 cells.

Double-blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract.

Earlier studies suggested that specific Echinacea preparations might decrease anxiety. To further study the issue, we performed a double blind, placebo controlled trial with a standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract. Participants were volunteers scoring above 45 points on the state or on the trait subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). They were treated with 40 mg Echinacea or with placebo tablets twice daily for 7 days followed by a 3 week-long washout period. Participants were also administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In the Echinacea group, state anxiety scores decreased by approximately 11 points by the end of the treatment period, whereas the decrease was around 3-points in the placebo group (p< 0.01). The effect maintained over the washout period. The difference from placebo was significant from the 7th day of treatment throughout. Changes were less robust with trait anxiety scores, but the preparation performed better than placebo in patients with high baseline anxiety. Neither BDI nor PSS scores were affected by the treatments. Adverse effects were rare and mild, and all were observed in the placebo group. These findings suggest that particular Echinacea preparations have significant beneficial effects on anxiety in humans.

Development of Robust 17(R),18(S)-Epoxyeicosatetraenoic Acid (17,18-EEQ) Analogues as Potential Clinical Antiarrhythmic Agents.

17(R),18(S)-Epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (EEQ) is a cytochrome P450 metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and a powerful negative chronotrope with low nanomolar activity in a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte (NRCM) arrhythmia model. Prior studies identified oxamide 2b as a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) stable replacement but unsuitable for in vivo applications due to limited oral bioavailability and metabolic stability. These ADME limitations have been addressed in an improved generation of negative chronotropes, e.g., 4 and 16, which were evaluated as potential clinical candidates.

Structure and Dynamics of the Acyl Chains in the Membrane Trafficking and Enzymatic Processing of Lipids.

The regulatory chemical mechanisms of lipid trafficking and degradation are involved in many pathophysiological processes, being implicated in severe pain, inflammation, and cancer. In addition, the processing of lipids is also relevant for industrial and environmental applications. However, there is poor understanding of the chemical features that control lipid membrane trafficking and allow lipid-degrading enzymes to efficiently select and hydrolyze specific fatty acids from a complex cellular milieu of bioactive lipids. This is particularly true for lipid acyl chains, which have diverse structures that can critically affect the many complex reactions needed to elongate, desaturate, or transport fatty acids. Building upon our own contributions in this field, we will discuss how molecular simulations, integrated with experimental evidence, have revealed that the structure and dynamics of the lipid tail are actively involved in modulating membrane trafficking at cellular organelles, and enzymatic reactions at cell membranes. Further evidence comes from recent crystal structures of lipid receptors and remodeling enzymes. Taken together, these recent works have identified those structural features of the lipid acyl chain that are crucial for the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of essential desaturation reactions. In this context, we will first illustrate how atomistic and coarse-grained simulations have elucidated the structure-function relationships between the chemical composition of the lipid's acyl chains and the molecular properties of lipid bilayers. Particular emphasis will be given to the prominent chemical role of the number of double carbon-carbon bonds along the lipid acyl chain, that is, discriminating between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated lipids. Different levels of saturation in fatty acid molecules dramatically influence the biophysical properties of lipid assemblies and their interaction with proteins. We will then discuss the processing of lipids by membrane-bound enzymes. Our focus will be on lipids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These are the main molecules that act as neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, recent findings indicate a crucial interplay between the level of saturation of the lipid tail, its energetically and sterically favored conformations, and the hydrophobic accessory cavities in lipid-degrading enzymes, which help form catalytically active conformations of the selected substrate. This Account will emphasize how the specific chemical structure of acyl chains affects the molecular mechanisms for modulating membrane trafficking and selective hydrolysis. The results examined here show that, by using molecular simulations to investigate lipid plasticity and substrate flexibility, researchers can enrich their interpretation of experimental results about the structure-function relationships of lipids. This could positively impact chemical and biological studies in the field and ultimately support protein engineering studies and structure-based drug discovery to target lipid-processing enzymes.

Determination of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like substances in human K3EDTA plasma - LC-MS/MS method validation and pre-analytical characteristics.

The determination of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like substances in biological human samples is a vibrant field of research with great significance due to postulated relevance of these substances in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. For a possible use as biomarker in early prediction or diagnosis of a disease as well as examination of a successful treatment, the valid determination of the analytes in common accessible human samples, such as plasma or serum, is of great importance. A method for the determination of arachidonoyl ethanolamide, oleoyl ethanolamide, palmitoyl ethanolamide, 1-arachidonoyl glycerol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol in human K3EDTA plasma using liquid-liquid-extraction in combination with liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry has been developed and validated for the quantification of the aforementioned analytes. Particular emphasis was placed on the chromatographic separation of the isomers 1-arachidonoyl glycerol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, arachidonoyl ethanolamide and O-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (virodhamine) as well as oleoyl ethanolamide and vaccenic acid ethanolamide. During the validation process, increasing concentrations of 1-arachidonoyl glycerol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol while storing plasma samples were observed. In-depth investigation of pre-analytical sample handling revealed rising concentrations for both analytes in plasma and for arachidonoyl ethanolamide, oleoyl ethanolamide and palmitoyl ethanolamide in whole blood, dependent on the period and temperature of storage. Prevention of the increase in concentration was not possible, raising the question whether human K3EDTA plasma is suitable for the determination of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like substances. Especially the common practice to calculate the concentration of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol as sum of 1-arachidonoyl glycerol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is highly questionable because the concentrations of both analytes increase unequally while storing the plasma samples in the fridge.