Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholine and Phospholipase A2 Activity in Chagas Disease Patients: A Comparative Analysis

Chagas disease (CD) affects 21 countries in the Americas and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. A key molecule involved in CD is lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which has been studied in various contexts: in the saliva of insect vectors, during the establishment of infection in the vertebrate host, and for the parasite itself. This lipid can be produced by the action of phospholipases A2 (PLA2), enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids releasing fatty acids and lysophospholipids, such as LPC. This study investigates LPC levels and PLA2 activities in the plasma of CD patients and compares these levels with those in healthy individuals and patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Plasma from 64 CD patients, 54 healthy individuals, and 16 IDCM patients were analyzed. LPC levels and the activity of two types of phospholipase A2: secreted (sPLA2) and lipoprotein-associated (Lp-PLA2) were measured. LPC levels and sPLA2 activity were similar between CD patients and the control groups. However, there were notable differences in LPC levels and sPLA2 activity between subgroups of CD patients and IDCM patients. This study is the first to identify LPC in patients with CD across various stages of the disease. It also offers new insights into the biochemical changes observed in the plasma of patients with IDCM.

The Use of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in a Chinese Population to Predict Cardiovascular Events

Objective To explore associations between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)and the risk of cardiovascular events in a Chinese population,with a long-term follow-up.Methods A random sample of 2,031 participants(73.6%males,mean age=60.4 years)was derived from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study(APAC)from 2010 to 2011.Serum Lp-PLA2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The composite endpoint was a combination of first-ever stroke,myocardial infarction(MI)or all-cause death.Lp-PLA2 associations with outcomes were assessed using Cox models.Results The median Lp-PLA2 level was 141.0 ng/m L.Over a median follow-up of 9.1 years,we identified 389 events(19.2%),including 137 stroke incidents,43 MIs,and 244 all-cause deaths.Using multivariate Cox regression,when compared with the lowest Lp-PLA2 quartile,the hazard ratios with95%confidence intervals for developing composite endpoints,stroke,major adverse cardiovascular events,and all-cause death were 1.77(1.24–2.54),1.92(1.03–3.60),1.69(1.003–2.84),and 1.94(1.18–3.18)in the highest quartile,respectively.Composite endpoints in 145(28.6%)patients occurred in the highest quartile where Lp-PLA2(159.0 ng/m L)was much lower than the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommended cut-off point,200 ng/m L.Conclusion Higher Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular event/death in a middle-aged Chinese population.The Lp-PLA2 cut-off point may be lower in the Chinese population when predicting cardiovascular events.

Destabilization of acrosome and elastase influence mediate the release of secretory phospholipase A2 from human spermatozoa

Aim： To determine the cellular distribution of secretory phospholipase A2 （sPLA2） in dependence on the acrosomal state and under the action of elastase released under inflammatory processes from leukocytes. Methods： Acrosome reaction of spermatozoa was triggered by calcimycin. Human leukocyte elastase was used to simulate inflammatory conditions. To visualize the distribution of sPLA2 and to determine the acrosomal state, immunofluorescence techniques and lectin binding combined with confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used. Results： Although sPLA2 was detected at the acrosome and tail regions in intact spermatozoa, it disappeared from the head region after triggering the acrosome reaction. This release of sPLA2 was associated with enhanced binding of annexin V-fluoroscein isothiocyanate （FITC） to spermatozoa surfaces, intercalation of ethidium-homodimer I, and binding of FITC-labelled concanavalin A at the acrosomal region. Spermatozoa from healthy subjects treated with elastase were characterized by release of sPLA2, disturbance of acrosome structure, and loss of vitality. Conclusion： The ability of spermatozoa to release secretory phospholipase A2 is related to the acrosomal state. Premature destabi- lization of the acrosome and loss of sPLA2 can occur during silent inflammations in the male genital tract. The distribution pattern of sPLA2 in intact spermatozoa might be an additional parameter for evaluating sperm quality.

Time-dependent changes of glial fibriliary acidic protein and cytosolic phospholipase A2 in hippocampal area of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats

BACKGROUND： Interaction between astrocyte and neuron may two-dimensionally influence on ischemic injury; however, glial fibriliary acidic protein （GFAP） and cytosolic phospholipase A2 （cPLA2） are both important markers to reflect changes of astrocyte and neuron after cerebral ischemia, respectively. OBJECTIVE： To observe the changes of GFAP and positive cPLA2 cells in hippocampal area of model rats with focal cerebral ischemia in various phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN ： Randomized contrast observation SETTING： Department of Basic Medical Science of Human Anatomy and Histology ＆ Embryology, Medical College of Wuhan Polytechnic University; Faculty Medical College of Wuhan University. MATERIALS： The experiment was carried out in the Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College of Wuhan Industry College from May to June 2004. A total of 28 healthy SD rats of either gender and weighing 200-250 g were provided by Animal Department of Medical College of Jianghan University. METHODS： All 28 rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, including sham operation group, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24- and 48-reperfusion groups, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） group, with 4 in each group. Two hours after ischemia, ischemia/reperfusion models were established in left middle cerebral artery （MCA）; common carotid artery was ligated and line cork was inserted into it with the depth of （1.8±0.5） cm. Rats in sham operation group were inserted with the depth of 1.0 cm, and other operations were as the same as those in 2-hour ischemia/reperfusion groups. Models in TTC group were established as the same as those in 2-hour ischemia/24-hour reperfusion group, and they were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Changes of GFAP and cPLA2 in hippocampal area in various phases were detected with immunohisto- chemical method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： Changes of GFAP and positive cPLA2 cells in hippocampal area of rats with focal cerebral ischemia in various phases of ischemia/reperfusion. RESULTS： All 28 rats were involved in the final analysis without any loss. （1） Animal models successfully showed the effect of focal cerebral ischemia. （2） Changes of GFAP and cPLA2 in hippocampal area in various phases： Two hours after ischemia/reperfusion, changes of GFAP and cPLA2 were increased gradually, reached at peak at 24 hours, and decreased gradually. CONCLUSION ： Courses of GFAP and cPLA2 are changed at the onset of focal cerebral ischemia, and this suggests that both of them participate in injury or protection of brain tissue of focal cerebral ischemia.

Relation of phospholipase A2-Ⅴ and indoxam to hippocampal neuronal death

BACKGROUND: Ⅴ secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-Ⅴ) is abundant in many mammal tissues. However, it remains unknown whether sPLA2-Ⅴ causes biological or pathological response in central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of phospholipase A2-Ⅴ (PLA2-Ⅴ) and its inhibitor (indoxam) on hippocampal neuron survival. DESIGN: A repetitive measurement. SETTING: The Animal Center of South Carolina University. MATERIALS: Sprague-Dawley pregnancy day-7, 14, 21 female rats were selected; Reagents: sPLA2- Ⅴ and indoxam were obtained from the Dennis Research Laboratories METHODS: The experiment was finished at the animal center in South Carolina University from January to December, 2004. 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/L sPLA2-Ⅴ were added to neuron with none-MgCl2 Eagle’s medium at 37 ℃, then changed to normal neuron culture medium after 3 hours. 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L indoxam was added at 6 hours after 100 μg/L sPLA2-Ⅴwas put to Day-21 SD rat hippocampal embryonic neurons with none-MgCl2 Eagle’s medium at 37 ℃. After 3 hours in the inhibition experiment, it was changed to normal neuron culture medium. The embryonic hippocampal neurons were primarily cultured, and the neuron survival ratio was detected with morphological method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival ratio of hippocampal neurons. RESULTS: ① Effects of sPLA2-Ⅴon neuron survival: When sPLA2-Ⅴ was 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/L, the neuron survival ratios in embryonic neurons of day-7 SD rats were (95.3±1.1)%, (81.4±3.1)%, (74.2±2.2)%, (62.4±1.7)% and (48.9±1.6)%, those in embryonic neurons of day-14 rats were (93.2±1.4)%, (74.3±1.9)%, (68.1±1.7)%, (56.1±1.4)% and (42.5±1.1)%, and those in embryonic neurons of day-21 rats were (91.2±1.2)%, (69.4±2.1)%, (60.3±2.2)%, (49.1±1.2)% and (35.5±1.9)%. There were significant differences among different concentrations (P < 0.05). ② Effects of indoxam on neuron survival: In case of sPLA2-Ⅴ 100 μg/L, the neuron survival ratios were (58.65±1.4)%, (69.34±1.1)%, (82.11±1.2)% and (95.28±0.9)% when indoxam was 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L, respectively. There were significant differences among different concentrations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ① The of neuronal death ratio is in a concentration-dependent manner with sPLA2-Ⅴ, and increases as the embryonic aging. ② Indoxam inhibits the proapoptotic effect of sPLA2-Ⅴ.

Cobra phospholipase A2 protect cerebellar granule neurons from apoptosis with mechanism independent of enzymatic activity

A fraction of cobra （Naja naja atra） venom has been discovered to have protective effect on rat cultural cerebellar granule neurons （CGNs） from apoptosis induced by removing serum and reducing the extracellular potassium concentration from 25 to 5 mM. This component has been purified and identified as secreted phospholipase A2 （cobra sPLA2）. In order to study the relationship between the protection on CGNs and enzymatic activity of phospholipase A2, CGNs stained by Hoechst 33258 were quantified to determine survival rate under the fluorescence microscopy; the protective potencies on apoptosis of cultural CGNs were compared among cobra sPLA2, the cobra sPLA2 modified in carboxylate groups with water soluble carbodiimide and semicarbazide, and the heated cobra sPLA2 at 80℃ for 30 rain. The results showed that the CGN survival rate was unaffected significantly both in modified cobra sPLAz whose enzymatic activity of PLA2 had decreased by 80%, and in cobra sPLA2 adding 7, 7-Dimethyleicosadienoic acid, an inhibitor of sPLA2 at concentration of 10-fold IC50; contrary, the neuronal survival rate fell about 60% in heated cobra sPLA2, although its PLA2 activity only decreased by 10%. The protection on CGNs were also found in some of sPLA2s derived from venoms of bee, Naja naja mossambica, Crotalus atroxalso and Vipera Ammodytes Ammodytes but could not be found in other sPLA2s from bovine pancreas and Streptomyces violaceoruber. Above results suggest that the protection on CGNs of cobra sPLA2 is independent of its enzymatic activity.

A mix & act liposomes of phospholipase A2-phosphatidylserine for acute brain detoxification by blood‒brain barrier selective-opening

In the treatment of central nervous system disease,the blood-brain barrier(BBB)is a major obstruction to drug delivery that must be overcome.In this study,we propose a brain-targeted delivery strat-egy based on selective opening of the BBB.This strategy allows some simple bare nanoparticles to enter the brain when mixed with special opening material;however,the BBB still maintains the ability to completely block molecules from passing through.Based on the screening of BBB opening and matrix delivery mate-rials,we determined that phospholipase A2-catalyzed 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine li-posomes can efficiently carry drugs into the brain immediately.At an effective dose,this delivery system is safe,especially with its effect on the BBB being reversible.This mix&act delivery system has a simple structure and rapid preparation,making it a strong potential candidate for drug delivery across the BBB.

Research Advance of Chinese Medicine in Treating Atherosclerosis:Focus on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2

As a serious cardiovascular disease,atherosclerosis(AS)causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and poses a threat to human health.Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)is a member of the phospholipase A2(PLA2)family,and its elevated levels have been shown to contribute to AS.Lp-PLA2 is closely related to a variety of lipoproteins,and its role in promoting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in AS is mainly achieved by hydrolyzing oxidized phosphatidylcholine(ox PC)to produce lysophosphatidylcholine(lyso PC).Moreover,macrophage apoptosis within plaque is promoted by localized Lp-PLA2 which also promotes plaque instability.This paper reviews those researches of Chinese medicine in treating AS via reducing Lp-PLA2 levels to guide future experimental studies and clinical applications related to AS.

Mogroside IIE,an in vivo metabolite of sweet agent,alleviates acute lung injury via Pla2g2a-EGFR inhibition

In the face of increasingly serious environmental pollution,the health of human lung tissues is also facing serious threats.Mogroside IIE(M2E)is the main metabolite of sweetening agents mogrosides from the anti-tussive Chinese herbal Siraitia grosvenori.The study elucidated the anti-inflammatory action and molecular mechanism of M2E against acute lung injury(ALI).A lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALI model was established in mice and MH-S cells were employed to explore the protective mechanism of M2E through the western blotting,co-immunoprecipitation,and quantitative real time-PCR analysis.The results indicated that M2E alleviated LPS-induced lung injury through restraining the activation of secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA(Pla2g2a)-epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR).The interaction of Pla2g2a and EGFR was identified by co-immunoprecipitation.In addition,M2E protected ALI induced with LPS against inflammatory and damage which were significantly dependent upon the downregulation of AKT and m TOR via the inhibition of Pla2g2a-EGFR.Pla2g2a may represent a potential target for M2E in the improvement of LPS-induced lung injury,which may represent a promising strategy to treat ALI.

Link between mutations in ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes and chronic intestinal ulcers:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention.We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mu-tations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1(ACVRL1)and phospholipase A2 group IVA(PLA2G4A)genes and review the available relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain,diarrhea,and dark stools.At the onset 6 years ago,the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d,under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis,acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation,adhesive intestinal obstruction,and pelvic abscess.The surgical treat-ment included exploratory laparotomy,appendectomy,intestinal adhesiolysis,and pelvic abscess removal.The patient’s condition improved and he was dis-charged.However,the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge.On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy,the clinical diagnosis was established as in-flammatory bowel disease(IBD).Accordingly,aminosalicylic acid,immunotherapy,and related symptomatic treatment were administered,but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly.Further investigations revealed mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation,respectively.This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes.Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION Mutations in the ACVRL1 and PLA2G4A genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD.Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.

In Silico Screening of Potential Inhibitors against dPLA2 from Named Chinese Herbs for Identification of Compounds with Antivenom Effects Due to Deinagkistrodon acutus Snake Bites

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is the key enzyme to the venom from Deinagkistrodon acutus which is one of the highly venomous snakes in China. In addition to being a catalyst for the hydrolysis of phospholipases A2 from snake venom, its well known that it possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as myotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hemolytic, anticoagulant and antiplatelet activities. However, snakebites are not efficiently treated by conventional serum therapy. Acute wounds can still cause poisoning and death. In order to find effective inhibitors of Deinagkistrodon venom acid phospholipase A2 (dPLA2), we obtained 385 compounds in 9 Chinese herbs from the TCMSP. These compounds were further performed to virtual screen using in silico tools like ADMET analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. After Pharmacokinetics analysis, we found 7 candidate compounds. Besides, analysis of small molecule interactions with dPLA2 confirmed that the amino acid residues HIS47 and GLY29 are key targets. Because they bind not only to the natural substrate phosphatidylcholine and compounds known for having inhibitory functions, but also for combining with potential antidote molecules in Chinese herbal medicine. This study is the first to report experience with virtual screening for possible inhibitor of dPLA2, such as the interaction spatial structure, binding energy and binding interaction analysis, these experiences not only provide reference for further experimental research, but also have a guideline for the study of drug molecular mechanism of action.

Elevated plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity is associated with plaque rupture in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 （Lp-PLA2） has recently been shown to be positively related to coronary events in patients with coronary artery disease （CAD）. However, direct evidence about the relationship between circulation Lp-PLA2 activity and vulnerable plaque in patients with CAD remains lacking. Methods Plasma Lp-PLA2 activity was determined in 146 consecutive patients with CAD who underwent clinically-indicated coronary angiography and preinterventional intravascular ultrasound （IVUS）. Results Eighty-three patients were included in the final analysis after the initial screening. Sixty （72.3%） were acute coronary syndrome （ACS） patients and 23 （27.7%） were stable angina pectoris （SAP） patients. Plaque rupture occurred in 39 （47.0%） patients, and 34 （87.2%） were from ACS patients and 5 （12.8%） from SAP patients. There were no significant differences in clinical and angiographic characteristics between patients with plaque rupture and those without plaque rupture, except for smoking, high-sensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） level and Lp-PLA2 activity （all P 〈0.05）. IVUS measurement uncovered that patients with plaque rupture had more frequent positive remodeling （74.4% vs. 43.2%, P=0.004）, soft plaques （64.1% vs. 36.4%, P=-0.012） and higher remodeling index （1.13~0.16 vs. 0.99＋_0.11, P=0.041） as compared with those without plaque rupture. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma Lp-PLA2 activity was independently associated with plaque rupture after adjusting for smoking, positive remodeling and soft plaque （Model 1： odds ratio （OR） 1.13, 95% confidence interval （CO ： 1.06-1.20） or adjusting for smoking, hs-CRP level, positive remodeling and soft plaque （Model 2： OR 1.11,95%C1： 1.04-1.19）. Conclusions Plasma Lp-PLA2 activity is associated with plaque rupture in patients with CAD, independently of traditional CAD risk factors, hs-CRP level and IVUS parameters. Lp-PLA2 may be a risk marker for vulnerable plaques.

Progress on the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor in idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Objective To highlight current knowledge about M-type phospholipase A2 receptor （PLA2R） which is the first human autoantigen discovered in adult idiopathic membranous nephropathy.Data sources Relevant articles published in English from 2000 to present were selected from PubMed.Searches were made using the terms ＂idiopathic membranous nephropathy,M-type PLA2R and podocyte.＂ Study selection Articles studying the role of M-type PLA2R in idiopathic membranous nephropathy were reviewed.Articles focusing on the discovery,detection and clinical observation of anti-PLA2R antibodies were selected.Results M-type PLA2R is a member of the mannose receptor family of proteins,locating on normal human glomeruli as a transmembrane receptor.The anti-PLA2R in serum samples from MN were primarily IgG4 subclass.Technologies applied to detect anti-PLA2R autoantibody are mainly WB,lIFT,ELISA and so on.Studies from domestic and overseas have identified a strongly relationship between circulating anti-PLA2R levels and disease activity.Conclusion Recent discoveries corresponding to PLA2R facilitate a better understanding on IMN pathogenesis and may provide a new tool to its diagnosis,differential diagnosis,risk evaluation,response monitoring and patient-specific treatment.

Renal Phospholipase A2 Receptor and the Clinical Features of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy

Background： According to the renal phospholipase A2 receptor （PLA2R） immunohistochemistry, idiopathic membranous nephropathy （iMN） could be categorized into PLA2R-associated and non-PLA2R-associated iMN. This study aimed to examine whether the non-PLA2R-associated iMN had any difference in clinical features compared with PLA2R-associated iMN. Methods： A total of 231 adult patients diagnosed as iMN were recruited to this retrospective study. Renal PLA2R expression was examined by immunofluorescence. Among these patients, 186 （80.5%） with complete baseline clinical data were used for further study. Urinary protein excretion, serum albumin, and creatinine were analyzed. For those patients with follow-up longer than 1 year, the relationship between PLA2R and response to immunosuppressants were analyzed. The t-test was used for parametric analysis and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for nonparametric analysis. Categorical variables were described as frequencies or percentages, and the data were analyzed with Pearson＇s Chi-squaxe test or Fisher＇s exact test. Results： Of the 231 iMN patients, 189 showed renal detectable PLA2R expression （81.8%）. The baseline serum creatinine, serum albumin, and urine protein excretion were not significantly different between PLA2R-associated （n = 145） and non-PLA2R-associated iMN patients （n = 41）. However, about 1/3 of the non-PLA2R-associated iMN had abnormal serological tests, significantly more common than PLA2R-associated iMN （31.7% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.000）. The non-PLA2R-associated iMN had lower C4 levels compared with PLA2R-associated iMN （P = 0.004）. The non-PLA2R-associated iMN patients also showed a better response to immunosuppressants （complete remission [CR] 42.9%; partial remission [PR] 14.3%） compared with PLA2R-associated iMN （CR 3.2%; PR 48.4%, P = 0.004） at the 3rd month. Conclusions： There were no significant differences in serum creatinine, albumin, and urine protein excretion between PLA2R-associated and non-PLA2R-associated iMN, while the non-PLA2R-associated iMN patients showed more abnormal serological tests. The non-PLA2R-associated iMN seemed to respond more quickly to the immunosuppressive therapy compared with P LA2R-associated iMN.

High density lipoprotein suppresses lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 in human monocytes-derived macrophages through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ pathway

Background Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 （Lp-PLA2） is mainly secreted by macrophages, serving as a specific marker of atherosclerotic plaque and exerting pro-atherogenic effects. It is known that high-density lipoprotein （HDL） plays an important role against atherosclerosis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors, however, the relationship between HDL and Lp-PLA2 remains elusive. Methods In this study, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, Western blotting, and a platelet-activating factor （PAF） acetylhydrolase assay were performed to determine the Lp-PLA2 mRNA level, protein expression and activity in human monocyte-derived macrophages upon HDL treatment of different concentrations and durations. To investigate the underlying mechanism of HDL-induced Lp-PLA2 action, pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ （PPARy） ligand, was introduced to human monocyte-derived macrophages and mRNA and protein levels of Lp-PLA2, as well as its activity, were determined. Results Lp-PLA2 mRNA levels, protein expression and activity were significantly inhibited in response to HDL treatment in a dose and time dependent manner in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Pioglitazone treatment （1-10 ng/ml） upregulated the Lp-PLA2 mRNA level, protein expression and activity in human monocyte-derived macrophages, while the effects were markedly reversed by HDL. In addition, pioglitazone resulted in a significant increase in PPARy phosphorylation in human monocyte-derived macrophages, which could be inhibited by HDL. Conclusion These findings indicate that HDL suppresses the expression and activity of Lp-PLA2 in human monocyte-derived macrophages, and the underlying mechanisms may be mediated through the PPARγ pathway.

Study on the correlation between the concentration of plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and coronary heart disease

Objective: This study explores the correlation between plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and coronary heart disease (CHD) by comparing the level of plasma Lp-PLA2 in the plasma of patients with different types of CHD. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 56 patients diagnosed with CHD by the Department of Cardiology of the First People's Hospital of Foshan and 34 healthy subjects from February 2013 to January 2014. We measured the concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 and determined the levels of total cholesterol (Tch), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), glucose (Glu), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in the healthy control group and each subgroup of CHD patients were compared and analyzed for correlations of plasma Lp-PLA2 between the patients in different CHD subgroups and several laboratory indicators. Results: The concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in each subgroup of CHD was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). The concentration of Lp-PLA2 in the unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group were significantly higher than in the stable angina pectoris (SAP) group (P<0.05), and the concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in the AMI group was significantly higher than in the UAP group (P<0.05). The concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in the CHD group merely showed a positive correlation (r ? 0.493, P<0.05) with the hs-CRP group, but the levels of Tch, TG, Apo-A1, Apo-B, HDL-c, LDL-c, Lp(a) and Glu did not. Conclusions: The concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in patients with CHD was higher than that in the control group. The concentration of plasma Lp-PLA2 in the subgroups of CHD patients varied greatly from each other. The inflammatory response of atherosclerosis might be resulted from the synergy of plasma Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP. Copyright ? 2015, Chinese Medical Association Production. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Com-munications Co., Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Bee venom phospholipase A2 ameliorates amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation through inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 pathway in Tg2576 mice

Background:Neuroinflammation and accumulation ofβ-amyloid(Aβ)play a significant role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Our previous study demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(STAT3)plays a major role in neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis.Methods:In the present study,we investigated the inhibitory effect of bee venom phospholipase A2(bvPLA2)on memory deficiency in Tg2576 mice,which demonstrate genetic characteristics of AD and the mechanism of its action at the cellular and animal level.For in vivo study,we examined the effect of bvPLA2 on improving memory by conducting several behavioral tests with the administration of bvPLA2(1 mg/kg)to Tg2576 mice.For in vitro study,we examined the effect of bvPLA2 on amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation by treating bvPLA2 on LPSactivated BV2 cells.Results:We found that bvPLA2 alleviated memory impairment in Tg2576 mice,as demonstrated in the behavioral tests assessing memory.In the bvPLA2-treated group,Aβ,amyloid precursor protein(APP),and β-secretase 1(BACE1)levels and β-secretase activity were significantly decreased.Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related proteins decreased in the brain of bvPLA2-treated group,whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines increased.In addition,bvPLA2 reduced STAT3 phosphorylation in the brains of the bvPLA2-treated group.At the cellular level,bvPLA2 inhibits production of nitric oxide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,and inflammation-related proteins including p-STAT3.Additionally,bvPLA2 inhibits the production of Aβin cultured BV-2 cells.Results from the docking experiment,pull-down assay,and the luciferase assay show that bvPLA2 directly binds STAT3 and,thus,regulates gene expression levels.Moreover,when the STAT3 inhibitor and bvPLA2 were administered together,the anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were further enhanced than when they were administered alone.Conclusion:These results suggest that bvPLA2 could restore memory by inhibiting the accumulation of Aβ and inflammatory responses via blockage of STAT3 activity.

Three metabolites from an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, inhibit larval development of Spodoptera exigua （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae） by inhibiting a digestive enzyme, phospholipase A2

An entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, has been known to induce significant immunosuppression of target insects by inhibiting immune-associated phospholipase A2 （PLA2）, which subsequently shuts down biosynthesis of eicosanoids that are critical in immune mediation in insects. Some metabolites originated from the bacterial culture broth have been identified and include benzylideneacetone, proline-tyrosine and acetylated phenylalanine-glycine-valine, which are known to inhibit enzyme activity of PLA2 extracted from hemocyte and fat body. This study tested their effects on digestive PLA2 of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Young larvae fed different concentrations of the three metabolites resulted in significant adverse effects on larval development even at doses below 100 #g/mL. In particular, they induced significant reduction in digestive efficiency of ingested food. All three metabolites significantly inhibited catalytic activity of digestive PLA2 extracted from midgut lumen of the fifth instar larvae at a low micromolar range. These results suggest that the inhibitory activities of the three bacterial metabolites on digestive PLA2 of S. exigua midgut may explain some of their oral toxic effects.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Dual Inhibitors of Secretory Phospholipase A2 and Sphingomyelin Synthase

A novel series of eight SMS and sPLA2 dual inhibitors containing indole and a-amino cyanide fragments of different length and substitution position was synthesized and evaluated by three different in vitro assays. Biological evaluation showed that all compounds provided inhibitory effects against SMS （about 50% inhibition at 100 μmol/L） and sPLA2 （14-32 μmol/L）. All the compounds had the SMS activity better than the positive control compound D609 in SMS2 homogenate, with compounds 5b and fie ideal for liver homogenate and SMS2 high expression cell homogenate, respectively.

Bromocriptine protects perilesional spinal cord neurons from lipotoxicity after spinal cord injury

Recent studies have revealed that lipid droplets accumulate in neurons after brain injury and evoke lipotoxicity,damaging the neurons.However,how lipids are metabolized by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury remains unclear.Herein,we investigated lipid metabolism by spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury and identified lipid-lowering compounds to treat spinal cord injury.We found that lipid droplets accumulated in perilesional spinal cord neurons after spinal cord injury in mice.Lipid droplet accumulation could be induced by myelin debris in HT22 cells.Myelin debris degradation by phospholipase led to massive free fatty acid production,which increased lipid droplet synthesis,β-oxidation,and oxidative phosphorylation.Excessive oxidative phosphorylation increased reactive oxygen species generation,which led to increased lipid peroxidation and HT22 cell apoptosis.Bromocriptine was identified as a lipid-lowering compound that inhibited phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by reducing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway,thereby inhibiting myelin debris degradation by cytosolic phospholipase A2 and alleviating lipid droplet accumulation in myelin debris-treated HT22 cells.Motor function,lipid droplet accumulation in spinal cord neurons and neuronal survival were all improved in bromocriptine-treated mice after spinal cord injury.The results suggest that bromocriptine can protect neurons from lipotoxic damage after spinal cord injury via the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2-cytosolic phospholipase A2 pathway.