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Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent and widely used in treatment of various solid organ malignancies, including head and neck, ovarian, and testicular cancers. However, the induction of acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of its main side effects. Leukotriene B 4 receptor 1 (BLT1) mediates the majority of physiological effects of leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ), a potent lipid chemoattractant generated at inflammation sites, but the role of the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis in cisplatin-induced AKI remains unknown. Here we found upregulated LTB 4 synthesis and BLT1 expression in the kidney after cisplatin administration. Cisplatin was found to directly upregulate gene expression of leukotriene A 4 hydrolase and stimulate LTB 4 production in renal tubular epithelial cells. Reduced kidney structural/functional damage, inflammation, and apoptosis were observed in BLT1 -/- mice, as well as in wild-type mice treated with the LTA4H inhibitor SC-57461A and the BLT1 antagonist U-75302. Neutrophils were likely the target of this pathway, as BLT1 absence induced a significant decrease in infiltrating neutrophils in the kidney. Adoptive transfer of neutrophils from wild-type mice restored kidney injury in BLT1 -/- mice following cisplatin challenge. Thus, the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis contributes to cisplatin-induced AKI by mediating kidney recruitment of neutrophils, which induce inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney. Hence, the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis could be a potential therapeutic target in cisplatin-induced AKI., (Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) are sensitive to heat, capsaicin, pungent chemicals and other noxious stimuli. They play important roles in the pain pathway where in concert with proinflammatory factors such as leukotrienes they mediate sensitization and hyperalgesia. TRPV1 is the target of several novel analgesics drugs under development and therefore, TRPV1 genetic variants might represent promising candidates for pharmacogenetic modulators of drug effects., Methods: A next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel was created for the human TRPV1 gene and in addition, for the leukotriene receptors BLT1 and BLT2 recently described to modulate TRPV1 mediated sensitisation processes rendering the coding genes LTB4R and LTB4R2 important co-players in pharmacogenetic approaches involving TRPV1. The NGS workflow was based on a custom AmpliSeq™ panel and designed for sequencing of human genes on an Ion PGM™ Sequencer. A cohort of 80 healthy subjects of Western European descent was screened to evaluate and validate the detection of exomic sequences of the coding genes with 25 base pair exon padding., Results: The amplicons covered approximately 97% of the target sequence. A median of 2.81 x 106 reads per run was obtained. This identified approximately 140 chromosome loci where nucleotides deviated from the reference sequence GRCh37 hg19 comprising the three genes TRPV1, LTB4R and LTB4R2. Correspondence between NGS and Sanger derived nucleotide sequences was 100%., Conclusions: Results suggested that the NGS approach based on AmpliSeq™ libraries and Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) sequencing is a highly efficient mutation detection method. It is suitable for large-scale sequencing of TRPV1 and functionally related genes. The method adds a large amount of genetic information as a basis for complete analysis of TRPV1 ion channel genetics and its functional consequences.

Dioxin and related chemicals alter the expression of a number of genes by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) to produce a variety of disorders including hepatotoxicity. However, it remains largely unknown how these changes in gene expression are linked to toxicity. To address this issue, we initially examined the effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachrolodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), a most toxic dioxin, on the hepatic and serum metabolome in male pubertal rats and found that TCDD causes many changes in the level of fatty acids, bile acids, amino acids, and their metabolites. Among these findings was the discovery that TCDD increases the content of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), an inducer of inflammation due to the activation of leukocytes, in the liver of rats and mice. Further analyses suggested that an increase in LTB4 comes from a dual mechanism consisting of an induction of arachidonate lipoxygenase-5, a rate-limiting enzyme in LTB4 synthesis, and the down-regulation of LTC4 synthase, an enzyme that converts LTA4 to LTC4. The above changes required AHR activation, because the same was not observed in AHR knock-out rats. In agreement with LTB4 accumulation, TCDD caused the marked infiltration of neutrophils into the liver. However, deleting LTB4 receptors (BLT1) blocked this effect. A TCDD-produced increase in the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers, including tumor-necrosis factor and hepatic damage, was also suppressed in BLT1-null mice. The above observations focusing on metabolomic changes provide novel evidence that TCDD accumulates LTB4 in the liver by an AHR-dependent induction of LTB4 biosynthesis to cause hepatotoxicity through neutrophil activation., (© 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Sensitization of the heat-activated ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) through lipids is a fundamental mechanism during inflammation-induced peripheral sensitization. Leukotriene B4 is a proinflammatory lipid mediator whose role in peripheral nociceptive sensitization is not well understood to date. Two major G-protein-coupled receptors for leukotriene B4 have been identified: the high-affinity receptor BLT1 and the low-affinity receptor BLT2. Transcriptional screening for the expression G-protein-coupled receptors in murine dorsal root ganglia showed that both receptors were among the highest expressed in dorsal root ganglia. Calcium imaging revealed a sensitization of TRPV1-mediated calcium increases in a relative narrow concentration range for leukotriene B4 (100-200 nm). Selective antagonists and neurons from knock-out mice demonstrated a BLT1-dependent sensitization of TRPV1-mediated calcium increases. Accordingly, leukotriene B4-induced thermal hyperalgesia was mediated through BLT1 and TRPV1 as shown using the respective knock-out mice. Importantly, higher leukotriene B4 concentrations (>0.5 μm) and BLT2 agonists abolished sensitization of the TRPV1-mediated calcium increases. Also, BLT2 activation inhibited protein kinase C- and protein kinase A-mediated sensitization processes through the phosphatase calcineurin. Consequently, a selective BLT2-receptor agonist increased thermal and mechanical withdrawal thresholds during zymosan-induced inflammation. In accordance with these data, immunohistochemical analysis showed that both leukotriene B4 receptors were expressed in peripheral sensory neurons. Thus, the data show that the two leukotriene B4 receptors have opposing roles in the sensitization of peripheral sensory neurons forming a self-restricting system., (© 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-mediated leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory cytokine production make crucial contributions to chronic inflammation and sepsis; however, the role of LTB4 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, the present study addressed this issue using an LTB4 receptor 1 (BLT1) inhibitor. Administration of LPS to mice resulted in decreased cardiovascular function. Inhibition of LTB4/BLT1 with the BLT1 inhibitor U75302 significantly improved survival and attenuated the LPS-induced acute cardiac dysfunction. During LPS challenge, the phosphorylated AMPK/ACC signaling pathway was slightly activated, and this effect was enhanced by U75302. Additionally, pNF-κB, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated by LPS, and Bcl-2, IκB-α, mitochondrial complex I, complex II, and OPA1 were downregulated; however, these effects were reversed by U75302. The results indicated that the BLT1 antagonist suppressed cardiac apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment. Furthermore, the protection provided by the BLT1 inhibitor against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction was significantly reversed by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C. In conclusion, inhibiting the LTB4/BLT1 signaling pathway via AMPK activation is a potential treatment strategy for septic cardiac dysfunction because it efficiently attenuates cardiac apoptosis, which may occur via the inhibition of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Unresolved experimental Lyme arthritis in C3H 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) -/- mice is associated with impaired macrophage phagocytosis of Borrelia burgdorferi In the present study, we further investigated the effects of the 5-LOX metabolite, leukotriene (LT)B 4 on phagocytosis of B. burgdorferi Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from 5-LOX -/- mice were defective in the uptake and killing of B. burgdorferi from the earliest stages of spirochete internalization. BMDMs from mice deficient for the LTB 4 high-affinity receptor (BLT1 -/- ) were also unable to efficiently phagocytose B. burgdorferi Addition of exogenous LTB 4 augmented the phagocytic capability of BMDMs from both 5-LOX -/- and BLT1 -/- mice, suggesting that the low-affinity LTB 4 receptor, BLT2, might be involved. Blocking BLT2 activity with the specific antagonist, LY255283, inhibited phagocytosis in LTB 4 -stimulated BLT1 -/- BMDMs, demonstrating a role for BLT2. However, the lack of a phagocytic defect in BLT2 -/- BMDMs suggested that this was a compensatory effect. In contrast, 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid, a natural BLT2-specific high-affinity ligand, and resolvin E1, a BLT1 agonist, were both unable to boost phagocytosis in BMDMs from either 5-LOX -/- or BLT1 -/- mice, suggesting a specific role for LTB 4 in mediating phagocytosis in murine macrophages. This study demonstrates that LTB 4 promotes macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria via BLT1, and that BLT2 can fulfill this role in the absence of BLT1., (Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Tissue inflammation is a key component of obesity-induced insulin resistance, with a variety of immune cell types accumulating in adipose tissue. Here, we have demonstrated increased numbers of B2 lymphocytes in obese adipose tissue and have shown that high-fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) insulin resistance is mitigated in B cell-deficient (Bnull) mice. Adoptive transfer of adipose tissue B2 cells (ATB2) from wild-type HFD donor mice into HFD Bnull recipients completely restored the effect of HFD to induce insulin resistance. Recruitment and activation of ATB2 cells was mediated by signaling through the chemokine leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and its receptor LTB4R1. Furthermore, the adverse effects of ATB2 cells on glucose homeostasis were partially dependent upon T cells and macrophages. These results demonstrate the importance of ATB2 cells in obesity-induced insulin resistance and suggest that inhibition of the LTB4/LTB4R1 axis might be a useful approach for developing insulin-sensitizing therapeutics.

Leukotriene B 4 (LTB4) and its functional receptor BLT1 are closely involved in tissue inflammation by primarily mediating leukocyte recruitment and activation. Elevated LTB4 was reported in patients with lung fibrosis; however, the role of the LTB4/BLT1 axis in lung fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that BLT1 -/- mice exhibited significantly attenuated bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis. Interestingly, BLT1 blockade with its specific antagonist U75302 in the acute injury phase (days 0-10 after BLM treatment) significantly attenuated lung fibrosis, which was accompanied by significant decreases in early infiltrating neutrophils and later infiltrating CD4 + T cells and the production of TGF-β, IL-13, and IL-17A. In contrast, BLT1 blockade in the fibrotic phase (days 10-21 after BLM treatment) had no effect on lung fibrosis and TGF-β production, although it significantly decreased CD4 + T cell infiltration. Furthermore, depletion of neutrophils or CD4 + T cells had no effect on BLM-induced lung fibrosis, suggesting the independence of profibrotic activity of the LTB4/BLT1 axis on BLT1-dependent lung recruitment of these two leukocytes. Finally, although BLT1 blockade had no effect on the recruitment and phenotype of macrophages in BLM-induced lung fibrosis, the LTB4/BLT1 axis could promote TGF-β production by macrophages stimulated with BLM or supernatants from BLM-exposed airway epithelial cells in an autocrine manner, which further induced collagen secretion by lung fibroblasts. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the LTB4/BLT1 axis plays a critical role in acute injury phase to promote BLM-induced lung fibrosis, and it suggests that early interruption of the LTB4/BLT1 axis in some inflammatory diseases could prevent the later development of tissue fibrosis., (Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) is a leukocyte chemoattractant and plays a major role controlling inflammatory responses including pancreatitis. LTB 4 is known to be correlated with cancer progression. LTB 4 induces keratin phosphorylation and reorganization by activating extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, the role of LTB 4 in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and vimentin expression in pancreatic cancer cells is unknown. We examined whether LTB 4 induces EMT and vimentin expression by Western blot, si-RNA, and RT-PCR. LTB 4 induced morphological change, decreased E-cadherin expression and increased N-cadherin and vimentin expression. LTB4 increased migration and invasion of PANC-1 cancer cells. LTB 4 dose-dependently upregulated expression of vimentin in PANC-1 cancer cells. LTB 4 -induced vimentin expression was suppressed by LY255283 (BLT2 antagonist). Comp A, a BLT2 agonist, further increased vimentin expression. Gene silencing of BLT2 suppressed LTB 4 -or Comp A-induced vimentin expression in PANC-1 cells. The MEK inhibitor, PD98059 suppressed Comp A-induced vimentin expression. Comp A or transfection of plasmid containing BLT2 cDNA (pC BLT2 ) activated ERK, and BLT2 gene silencing suppressed Comp A-induced ERK activation. ERK2 siRNA abrogated Comp A-induced vimentin expression and ERK2 overexpression enhanced vimentin expression. One of well-known cause of ras mutation, cigarette smoke extracts increased BLT2 expression in PANC-1 cancer cells. Taken together, these results suggest that BLT2 is involved in LTB 4 -induced vimentin expression through ERK2 in PANC-1 cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Leukotriene B 4 receptor 1 (BLT1), a high-affinity G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) for leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ), plays important roles in inflammatory and immune reactions. Although the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis is known to promote inflammation, the binding proteins that modulate LTB 4 -BLT1 signaling have not been identified. Recently, we discovered that receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) interacts with BLT1 and modulates LTB 4 -BLT1 signaling. We propose RAGE as a new class of GPCR modulator and a new target of future GPCR studies.

Although pneumococcal infection is a serious problem worldwide and has a high mortality rate, the molecular mechanisms underlying the lethality caused by pneumococcus remain elusive. Here, we show that BLT2, a G protein-coupled receptor for leukotriene B 4 and 12(S)-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), protects mice from lung injury caused by a pneumococcal toxin, pneumolysin (PLY). Intratracheal injection of PLY caused lethal acute lung injury (ALI) in BLT2-deficient mice, with evident vascular leakage and bronchoconstriction. Large amounts of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), classically known as a slow reactive substance of anaphylaxis, were detected in PLY-treated lungs. PLY-dependent vascular leakage, bronchoconstriction, and death were markedly ameliorated by treatment with a CysLT1 receptor antagonist. Upon stimulation by PLY, mast cells produced cysLTs that activated CysLT1 expressed in vascular endothelial cells and bronchial smooth muscle cells, leading to lethal vascular leakage and bronchoconstriction. Treatment of mice with aspirin or loxoprofen inhibited the production of 12-HHT and increased the sensitivity toward PLY, which was also ameliorated by the CysLT1 antagonist. Thus, the present study identifies the molecular mechanism underlying PLY-dependent ALI and suggests the possible use of CysLT1 antagonists as a therapeutic tool to protect against ALI caused by pneumococcal infection.

Immunotherapies have shown considerable efficacy for the treatment of various cancers, but a multitude of patients remain unresponsive for various reasons, including poor homing of T cells into tumors. In this study, we investigated the roles of the leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1, and CXCR3, the receptor for CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, under endogenous as well as vaccine-induced antitumor immune response in a syngeneic murine model of B16 melanoma. Significant accelerations in tumor growth and reduced survival were observed in both BLT1(-/-) and CXCR3(-/-) mice as compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes revealed significant reduction of CD8(+) T cells in the tumors of BLT1(-/-) and CXCR3(-/-) mice as compared with WT tumors, despite their similar frequencies in the periphery. Adoptive transfer of WT but not BLT1(-/-) or CXCR3(-/-) CTLs significantly reduced tumor growth in Rag2(-/-) mice, a function attributed to reduced infiltration of knockout CTLs into tumors. Cotransfer experiments suggested that WT CTLs do not facilitate the infiltration of knockout CTLs to tumors. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) treatment reduced the tumor growth rate in WT mice but not in BLT1(-/-), CXCR3(-/-), or BLT1(-/-)CXCR3(-/-) mice. The loss of efficacy correlated with failure of the knockout CTLs to infiltrate into tumors upon anti-PD-1 treatment, suggesting an obligate requirement for both BLT1 and CXCR3 in mediating anti-PD-1 based antitumor immune response. These results demonstrate a critical role for both BLT1 and CXCR3 in CTL migration to tumors and thus may be targeted to enhance efficacy of CTL-based immunotherapies., (Copyright © 2016 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4R and LTB4R2) and cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CYSLTR1 and CYSLTR2) contribute to malignant cell transformation. We aimed to investigate the expression of LTB4R, LTB4R2, CYSLTR1 and CYSLTR2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adjacent non-transformed squamous epithelium of the esophagus, as well as in control biopsy samples from esophageal squamous epithelium of patients with functional dyspepsia., Methods: Expression of LTB4R, LTB4R2, CYSLTR1 and CYSLTR2 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in biopsy samples of 19 patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer and 9 sex- and age-matched patients with functional dyspepsia., Results: LTB4R, LTB4R2, CYSLTR1 and CYSLTR2 were expressed in all biopsy samples. Major findings were: 1) protein levels of all leukotriene receptors were significantly increased in esophageal squamous cell cancer compared to control mucosa (p < 0.05); 2) CYSLTR1 and CYSLTR2 gene expression was decreased in cancer tissue compared to control at 0.26-fold and 0.23-fold respectively; 3) an up-regulation of LTB4R (mRNA and protein expression) and a down-regulation of CYSLTR2 (mRNA expression) in non-transformed epithelium of cancer patients compared to control (p < 0.05) was observed., Conclusions: The expression of leukotriene receptors was deregulated in esophageal squamous cell cancer. Up-regulation of LTB4R and down-regulation of CYSLTR2 gene expression may occur already in normal squamous esophageal epithelium of patients with esophageal cancer suggesting a potential role of these receptors in early steps of esophageal carcinogenesis. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these observations.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor 1 (BLT1), a high-affinity GPCR for LTB4, plays important roles in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Although the LTB4-BLT1 axis is known to promote inflammation, no studies have defined the binding proteins that modulate LTB4-BLT1 signaling. In this study, the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) interacted with BLT1 in human cervical epithelial HeLa cells. RAGE increased LTB4-BLT1-dependent ERK phosphorylation and inhibited LTB4-BLT1-dependent activation of NF-κB and up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. RAGE-dependent inhibition of NF-κB was blunted by treatment with an MEK inhibitor, suggesting that RAGE suppresses LTB4-BLT1-dependent NF-κB signaling by enhancing the MEK-ERK pathway. Meanwhile, in a chemotaxis assay of mouse bone marrow-derived neutrophils, the velocity of LTB4-dependent neutrophil migration was attenuated by soluble RAGE, which is an inhibitory decoy protein for RAGE signaling, in a dose-dependent manner (0.2-5 μg/ml), or by RAGE deficiency. Furthermore, both LTB4-dependent ERK phosphorylation in neutrophils and LTB4-dependent neutrophil accumulation in a murine peritonitis model were significantly attenuated in RAGE-deficient mice compared with C57BL/6J wild-type mice, indicating that RAGE potentiates LTB4-dependent neutrophil migration by enhancing ERK phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that RAGE interacts with BLT1 and modulates LTB4-BLT1 signaling through potentiation of the MEK-ERK pathway.-Ichiki, T., Koga, T., Okuno, T., Saeki K., Yamamoto, Y., Yamamoto, H., Sakaguchi, M., Yokomizo, T. Modulation of leukotriene B4 receptor 1 signaling by receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)., (© FASEB.)

Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has significantly improved clinical outcome for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, patients develop resistance when the disease progresses to the blast phase (BP) and the mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that BCR-ABL activates BLT2 in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to promote leukemogenesis and this involves the p53 signaling pathway. Compared to normal bone marrow (NBM), the mRNA and protein levels of BLT2 are significantly increased in BP-CML CD34(+) stem/progenitor cells. This is correlated with increasing BCR-ABL expression. In contrast, knockdown of BCR-ABL or inhibition of its tyrosine kinase activity decreases Blt2 protein level. BLT2 inhibition induces apoptosis, inhibits proliferation, colony formation and self-renewal capacity of CD34(+) cells from TKI-resistant BP-CML patients. Importantly, the inhibitory effects of BCR-ABL TKI on CML stem/progenitor cells are further enhanced upon combination with BLT2 inhibition. We further show that BLT2 activation selectively suppresses p53 but not Wnt or BMP-mediated luciferase activity and transcription. Our results demonstrate that BLT2 is a novel pathway activated by BCR-ABL and critically involved in the resistance of BP-CML CD34(+) stem/progenitors to TKIs treatment. Our findings suggest that BLT2 and p53 can serve as therapeutic targets for CML treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We have previously shown the influence of leukotrienes (LTs) on reproductive functions in vivo: LTB4 is luteotrophic and supports corpus luteum function inducing PGE2 and progesterone (P4) secretion, whereas LTC4 is luteolytic and stimulates PGF2α secretion in cattle. The aim of this study was to examine expression and production profiles of LTs and their actions in the endometrium. LT receptors (LTB4R for LTB4 and CysLTR2 for LTC4), 5-lipoxygenase (LO), 12-LO synthase (LTCS) and LTA4 hydrolase (LTAH) mRNA and protein expression, as well as LT production were measured in bovine endometrial tissue during the luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. The action of LTs on uterine function was studied by measuring the level of PGs after stimulating uterine slices with LTs on Days 8-10 of the cycle. Expression of 5-LO and LTB4R mRNA and protein were highest on Days 2-4 of the cycle, while CysLTR2 and LTCS were highest on Days 16-18 (P<0.05). LTB4 concentration was highest on Days 2-4 of the cycle, whereas the greatest LTC4 level was on Days 16-18 (P<0.05). Both LTB4 and C4 increased the content of PGE2 and F2α in endometrial slices at a dose of 10(-7)M (P<0.05). In summary, mRNA expression and activation of receptors for LTB4 and production occur in the first part of the cycle, whereas LTC4 and its receptors predominate at the end of the cycle. The 12-LO and 5-LO pathways are complementary routes of LT production in the bovine uterus.

Inflammation and inflammatory mediators are intimately linked with chemoresistance through complex pathways in the tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which inflammatory mediators (e.g., eicosanoids) contribute to chemoresistance remains elusive. In this study, we found that the low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor-2 (BLT2) and its ligand leukotriene B4 were highly up-regulated in cisplatin-resistant SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells and play critical roles in mediating the chemoresistance through the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and the subsequent up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6). BLT2 depletion with siRNA clearly abolished the chemoresistance to cisplatin in SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells and further increased cell sensitivity to cisplatin chemotherapy by down-regulating the 'STAT-3-IL-6' cascade. Enlarged tumor formation due to the cisplatin resistance of SK-OV-3 cells in cisplatin-treated athymic mice was also substantially reduced by co-treatment with the BLT2 inhibitor in vivo. Our study demonstrates that BLT2 is a novel contributor to cisplatin resistance in SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells and thus may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

GPCRs are involved in numerous physiologic functions and are important drug targets. Although the epithelial barrier is important for protection from invading pathogens, the correlation between GPCRs and epithelial barrier function remains unknown. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor type 2 (BLT2), mainly expressed in epithelial cells, is a GPCR for 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT) and LTB4. In our study, BLT2 localized at the lateral membrane in BLT2-overexpressing Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) II cells and in the small intestine of BLT2-transgenic mice. BLT2-deficient mice exhibited higher transepidermal water loss and were more sensitive to epicutaneous sensitization. MDCK-BLT2 cells recovered transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) after a calcium switch faster than did MDCK-Mock cells, and 12-HHT stimulation accelerated TER recovery only in MDCK-BLT2 cells. Quantitative PCR and immunoblot analyses revealed that the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis up-regulated claudin-4 (CLDN4) expression in MDCK-BLT2 cells and human primary keratinocytes, and CLDN4 knockdown abolished 12-HHT-dependent TER recovery. Acceleration of TER recovery and induction of CLDN4 expression by 12-HHT stimulation were abolished by inhibition of Gαi protein or p38 MAPK. These results show that 12-HHT/BLT2 enhances epithelial barrier function by increasing CLDN4 expression via the Gαi protein-p38 MAPK pathway., (© FASEB.)

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent pro-inflammatory eicosanoid that is derived from arachidonic acid, and its signaling is known to have a tumor-promoting role in several cancer types. In this study, we investigated whether enhanced LTB4 signaling confers resistance to the cytostatic transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) response. We found that LTB4 pretreatment or ectopic expression of BLT1, a high affinity LTB4 receptor, fully abrogated TGF-β1-induced cell cycle arrest and expression of p15INK4B and p27KIP1. Mechanism study revealed that LTB4-mediated suppression of TGF-β1-induced Smad3 activation and growth inhibition was due to enhanced phosphorylation of Smad3 linker region (pSmad3L) through activation of BLT1-NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)-extracellular signal-activated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)-linked signaling cascade. Furthermore, the LTB4/BLT1 signaling pathway leading to pSmad3L was constitutively activated in breast cancer cells and was correlated with TGF-β1-resistant growth of the cells in vitro and in vivo. In human breast cancer tissues, the expression level of pSmad3L (Thr179) had a positive correlation with BLT1 expression. Collectively, our data demonstrate for the first time that the induction of pSmad3L through BLT1-NOX-ROS-EGFR-PI3K-ERK1/2 signaling pathway is a key mechanism by which LTB4 blocks the anti-proliferative responses of TGF-β1, providing a novel mechanistic insight into the connection between enhanced inflammatory signal and cancer cell growth.

Bioactive matrix fragments (matrikines) have been identified in a myriad of disorders, but their impact on the evolution of airway inflammation has not been demonstrated. We recently described a pathway where the matrikine and neutrophil chemoattractant proline-glycine-proline (PGP) could be degraded by the enzyme leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H). LTA4H classically functions in the generation of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4, thus LTA4H exhibits opposing pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. The physiological significance of this secondary anti-inflammatory activity remains unknown. Here we show, using readily resolving pulmonary inflammation models, that loss of this secondary activity leads to more pronounced and sustained inflammation and illness owing to PGP accumulation. PGP elicits an exacerbated neutrophilic inflammation and protease imbalance that further degrades the extracellular matrix, generating fragments that perpetuate inflammation. This highlights a critical role for the secondary anti-inflammatory activity of LTA4H and thus has consequences for the generation of global LTA4H inhibitors currently being developed.

Lung epithelial cells are considered important sources of inflammatory molecules and extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to diseases such as asthma. Understanding the factors that stimulate epithelial cells may lead to new insights into controlling lung inflammation. This study sought to investigate the responsiveness of human lung epithelial cells to the TNF family molecules LIGHT and lymphotoxin αβ (LTαβ). Bronchial and alveolar epithelial cell lines, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells, were stimulated with LIGHT and LTαβ, and expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis/remodeling was measured. LTβ receptor, the receptor shared by LIGHT and LTαβ, was constitutively expressed on all epithelial cells. Correspondingly, LIGHT and LTαβ strongly induced a limited but highly distinct set of inflammatory genes in all epithelial cells tested, namely the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1; the chemokines CCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, and CXCL11; the cytokines IL-6, activin A and GM-CSF; and metalloproteinases matrix metalloproteinase-9 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-8. Importantly, induction of the majority of these inflammatory molecules was insensitive to the suppressive effects of the corticosteroid budesonide. LIGHT and LTαβ also moderately downregulated E-cadherin, a protein associated with maintaining epithelial integrity, but did not significantly drive production of extracellular matrix proteins or α-smooth muscle actin. Thus, LIGHT and LTαβ induce a distinct steroid-resistant inflammatory signature in airway epithelial cells via constitutively expressed LTβ receptor. These findings support our prior murine studies that suggested the receptors for LIGHT and LTαβ contribute to development of lung inflammation characteristic of asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis., (Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Introduction: Lipoxygenase pathway yields both pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and pro-resolving lipoxins. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of T-lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory stimuli on the expression levels of the lipoxin FPR2/ALX receptor, and the leukotriene BLT1 receptor in monocytes and macrophages, and to characterize LXA4-induced effects on pro-inflammatory mediators., Methods: Human macrophages were co-cultured with activated CD4(+) cells. THP-1 cells were stimulated with different cytokines, LXA4 and supernatant from activated CD4(+) cells. mRNA was extracted for qPCR experiments and protein was analyzed by flow cytometry., Results: Co-culture of macrophages with activated CD4(+) cells or their supernatants up-regulated macrophage FPR2/ALX expression but did not alter BLT1 receptor expression. Monocyte stimulation with IFN-γ up-regulated FPR2/ALX mRNA and protein levels, whereas BLT1 mRNA was down-regulated. Finally, LXA4 decreased mRNA levels of MMP-9, CXCL16, IL-1β, and IL-8 in THP-1 cells., Conclusion: The present study shows that pro-inflammatory stimuli lead to FPR2/ALX expression. LXA4 induces an anti-inflammatory response, which could participate in the resolution of inflammation., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase (EPOX)-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), the product of 5-LO, all play a pivotal role in the vascular inflammatory process. We have previously shown that EETs can alleviate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial inflammation in primary rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAECs). Here, we investigated whether ox-LDL can promote LTB4 production through the 5-LO pathway. We further explored how exogenous EETs influence ox-LDL-induced LTB4 production and activity. We found that treatment with ox-LDL increased the production of LTB4 and further led to the expression and release of both monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). All of the above ox-LDL-induced changes were attenuated by the presence of 11,12-EET and 14,15-EET, as these molecules inhibited the 5-LO pathway. Furthermore, the LTB4 receptor 1 (BLT1 receptor) antagonist U75302 attenuated ox-LDL-induced ICAM-1 and MCP-1/CCL2 expression and production, whereas LY255283, a LTB4 receptor 2 (BLT2 receptor) antagonist, produced no such effects. Moreover, in RPAECs, we demonstrated that the increased expression of 5-LO and BLT1 following ox-LDL treatment resulted from the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our results indicated that EETs suppress ox-LDL-induced LTB4 production and subsequent inflammatory responses by downregulating the 5-LO/BLT1 receptor pathway, in which p38 MAPK phosphorylation activates NF-κB. These results suggest that the metabolism of arachidonic acid via the 5-LO and EPOX pathways may present a mutual constraint on the physiological regulation of vascular endothelial cells.

Inflammation and local inflammatory mediators are inextricably linked to tumor progression through complex pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure to tumor cells has been suggested to promote tumor invasiveness and metastasis. However, the detailed signaling mechanism involved has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that LPS upregulated the expression of leukotriene B4 receptor-2 (BLT2) and the synthesis of BLT2 ligands in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells, thereby promoting invasiveness. BLT2 depletion with siRNA clearly attenuated LPS-induced invasiveness. In addition, we demonstrated that myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) lies upstream of BLT2 in LPS-potentiated invasiveness and that this 'MyD88-BLT2' cascade mediates activation of NF-κB and the synthesis of IL-6 and IL-8, which are critical for the invasiveness and aggression of breast cancer cells. LPS-driven metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells was also markedly suppressed by the inhibition of BLT2. Together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that LPS potentiates the invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer cells via a 'MyD88-BLT2'-linked signaling cascade.

The leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor 1 (BLT1) is a high affinity receptor for LTB4, a chemotactic and inflammatory eicosanoid. The LTB4 receptor 2 (BLT2) was originally identified as a low affinity receptor for LTB4, and, more recently, as a high affinity receptor for 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT). The zebrafish BLT receptors have not been previously identified and the in vivo functions of these receptors have been unknown. In this paper, we describe one zebrafish BLT1-like receptor, Blt1, and two zebrafish BLT2-like receptors, Blt2a and Blt2b. Cells expressing Blt1 exhibited LTB4-induced intracellular [Ca2+] increases, inhibition of cAMP production, ligand-dependent [35S]GTPγS binding, and transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) shedding activity in a dose-dependent manner, similar to human BLT1. Cells expressing Blt2a and Blt2b exhibited 12-HHT- and LTB4-induced intracellular [Ca2+] increases, inhibition of cAMP production, [35S]GTPγS binding, and TGFα shedding activity, with a dose-dependency similar to human BLT2. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis and whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that blt1, blt2a, blt2b, zebrafish LTA4 hydrolase (lta4h), and zebrafish 5-lipoxiganase (5lo) are expressed in zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of blt1 by morpholino antisense oligonucleotides resulted in delayed epiboly at gastrulation. Consistently, knockdown of lta4h, an enzyme mediating LTB4 production, induced a phenotype similar to knockdown of blt1. These results suggest that the LTB4-BLT1 axis is involved in epiboly in zebrafish development.

Insulin resistance results from several pathophysiologic mechanisms, including chronic tissue inflammation and defective insulin signaling. We found that liver, muscle and adipose tissue exhibit higher levels of the chemotactic eicosanoid LTB4 in obese high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Inhibition of the LTB4 receptor Ltb4r1, through either genetic or pharmacologic loss of function, led to an anti-inflammatory phenotype with protection from insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. In vitro treatment with LTB4 directly enhanced macrophage chemotaxis, stimulated inflammatory pathways, reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myocytes, and impaired insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose output in primary mouse hepatocytes. This was accompanied by lower insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and higher Irs-1/2 serine phosphorylation, and all of these events were dependent on Gαi and Jnk1, two downstream mediators of Ltb4r1 signaling. These observations elucidate a novel role of the LTB4-Ltb4r1 signaling pathway in hepatocyte and myocyte insulin resistance, and they show that in vivo inhibition of Ltb4r1 leads to robust insulin-sensitizing effects.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is well known as a chemoattractant for leucocytes, recent studies also showed its involvement in adaptive immunity. The purpose of this work is to report the cloning, characterization and gene expression of leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1) in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), as well as the immunological response to challenge following vaccination with a live attenuated vaccine Vibrio anguillarum MVAV6203. The full cDNA sequence of turbot BLT1 was cloned. The open reading frame consists of 1119bp nucleotides, which translate into 372 amino acid protein. A high conservation of amino acid sequence was found in the seven transmembrane (TM) domains and intracellular loops. The intracellular loop 3 consisting of a unique cluster of basic amino acid residues might be associated with signal transduction. High amino acid similarity and a phylogenetic tree confirmed it as a leukotriene B4 receptor member. The BLT1 gene is expressed in a wide range of tissues with the highest expression in kidney followed by spleen. The expression of turbot BLT1 was significantly up-regulated in spleen, gut and gill after vaccination and in kidney and skin after challenge. These results suggest a potential role of turbot BLT1 in protection against infection., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent inflammatory mediator derived from arachidonic acid. Two G protein-coupled receptors for LTB4 have been identified: a high-affinity receptor, BLT1, and a low-affinity receptor, BLT2. Both receptors mainly couple to pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi-like G proteins and induce cell migration. 12(S)-hydroxy-5Z,8E,10E-heptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT) was identified to bind BLT2 with higher affinity than LTB4. Expression of BLT1 was confirmed in type 1 helper T cells, type 2 helper T cells, type 17 helper T cells, effector CD8(+) T cells, dendritic cells and osteoclasts in addition to granulocytes, eosinophils and macrophages, and BLT1-deficient mice showed greatly reduced phenotypes in models of various inflammatory diseases, such as peritonitis, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. In mice, BLT2 expression is restricted to intestinal epithelial cells and epidermal keratinocytes. BLT2-deficient mice showed enhanced colitis after administration of dextran sulfate, possibly due to reduced intestinal barrier function. An aspirin-dependent reduction in 12-HHT production was responsible for delayed skin wound healing, showing that the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis also plays an important role in skin biology. BLT1 and BLT2 are therefore potential targets for the development of novel drugs., (© The Authors 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.)

Neutrophilic infiltration is a leading contributor to pathology in a number of pulmonary disease states, including cystic fibrosis. Hepoxilin A3 (HXA3) is a chemotactic eicosanoid shown to mediate the transepithelial passage of neutrophils in response to infection in several model systems and at multiple mucosal surfaces. Another well-known eicosanoid mediating general neutrophil chemotaxis is leukotriene B4 (LTB4). We sought to distinguish the roles of each eicosanoid in the context of infection of lung epithelial monolayers by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using human and mouse in vitro transwell model systems, we used a combination of biosynthetic inhibitors, receptor antagonists, as well as mutant sources of neutrophils to assess the contribution of each chemoattractant in driving neutrophil transepithelial migration. We found that following chemotaxis to epithelial-derived HXA3 signals, neutrophil-derived LTB4 is required to amplify the magnitude of neutrophil migration. LTB4 signaling is not required for migration to HXA3 signals, but LTB4 generation by migrated neutrophils plays a significant role in augmenting the initial HXA3-mediated migration. We conclude that HXA3 and LTB4 serve independent roles to collectively coordinate an effective neutrophilic transepithelial migratory response., (Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Accumulating evidence indicates that leukotriene B4 (LTB4) via its receptors BLT1 and/or BLT2 (BLTRs) could have an important role in regulating infection, tumour progression, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we showed that LTB4 not only augments cytotoxicity by NK cells but also induces their migration. We found that approximately 30% of fresh NK cells express BLT1, 36% express BLT2, and 15% coexpress both receptors. The use of selective BLTR antagonists indicated that BLT1 was involved in both LTB4-induced migration and cytotoxicity, whereas BLT2 was involved exclusively in NK cell migration, but only in response to higher concentrations of LTB4. BLT1 and BLT2 expression increased after activation of NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15. These changes of BLTR expression by cytokines were reflected in enhanced NK cell responses to LTB4. Our findings suggest that BLT1 and BLT2 play differential roles in LTB4-induced modulation of NK cell activity.

ALOX5 is implicated in chronic myeloid leukemia development in mouse leukemic stem cells, but its importance in human chronic myeloid leukemia is unknown. Functional ALOX5 was assessed using an LTB4 ELISA and ALOX5, and LTB4R1 mRNA expression was determined via a TaqMan gene expression assay. LTB4R1 and 5-LOX protein levels were assessed by cell surface flow cytometry analysis. At diagnosis ALOX5 was below normal in both blood and CD34(+) stem cells in all patients. On treatment initiation, ALOX5 levels increased in all patients except those who were destined to progress subsequently to blast crisis. LTB4 levels were increased despite low ALOX5 expression, suggesting that the arachidonic acid pathway is functioning normally up to the point of LTB4 production. However, the LTB4 receptor (BLT1) protein in newly diagnosed patients was significantly lower than after a period of treatment (P<0.0001). The low level of LTB4R1 at diagnosis explains the downregulation of ALOX5. In the absence of LTB4R1, the arachidonic acid pathway intermediates (5-HEPTE and LTA4) negatively regulate ALOX5. ALOX5 regulation is aberrant in chronic myeloid leukemia patients and may not be important for the development of the disease. Our data suggest caution when extrapolating mouse model data into human chronic myeloid leukemia., (Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.)

Inflammation and inflammatory mediators are inextricably linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through complex pathways in the tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which inflammatory mediators, such as the lipid inflammatory mediators, eicosanoids, contribute to EMT is largely unknown. In the present study we observed that BLT2, leukotriene B4 receptor-2, is markedly up-regulated by oncogenic Ras and promotes EMT in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in mammary epithelial cells. Blockade of BLT2 by the BLT2 inhibitor LY255283 or by siRNA reduced EMT induced by Ras in the presence of TGF-β. In addition, stimulation of BLT2 by the addition of a BLT2 ligand, such as leukotriene B4, restored EMT in the presence of TGF-β in human immortalized mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. We further searched BLT2 downstream components and identified reactive oxygen species and nuclear factor κB as critical components that contribute to EMT. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that a BLT2-linked inflammatory pathway contributes to EMT. This provides valuable insight into the mechanism of EMT in mammary epithelial cells. In addition, considering the implications of EMT with the stemness of cancer cells, our finding may contribute to a better understanding of tumor progression., (© 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor type 2 (BLT2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) for 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT) and LTB4. Despite the well-defined proinflammatory roles of BLT1, the in vivo functions of BLT2 remain elusive. As mouse BLT2 is highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, we investigated the role of the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis in skin wound healing processes. 12-HHT accumulated in the wound fluid in mice, and BLT2-deficient mice exhibited impaired re-epithelialization and delayed wound closure after skin punching. Aspirin administration reduced 12-HHT production and resulted in delayed wound closure in wild-type mice, which was abrogated in BLT2-deficient mice. In vitro scratch assay using primary keratinocytes and a keratinocyte cell line also showed that the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis accelerated wound closure through the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). A synthetic BLT2 agonist accelerated wound closure in cultured cells as well as in C57BL/6J and diabetic mice. These results identify a novel mechanism underlying the action of the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis in epidermal keratinocytes and accordingly suggest the use of BLT2 agonists as therapeutic agents to accelerate wound healing, particularly for intractable wounds, such as diabetic ulcers., (© 2014 Liu et al.)

MicroRNAs are known to control TLR activation in phagocytes. We have shown that leukotriene (LT) B4 (LTB4) positively regulates macrophage MyD88 expression by decreasing suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) mRNA stability. In this study, we investigated the possibility that LTB4 control of MyD88 expression involves the generation of microRNAs. Our data show that LTB4, via its receptor B leukotriene receptor 1 (BLT1) and Gαi signaling, increased macrophage expression of inflammatory microRNAs, including miR-155, miR-146b, and miR-125b. LTB4-mediated miR-155 generation was attributable to activating protein-1 activation. Furthermore, macrophage transfection with antagomirs against miR-155 and miR-146b prevented both the LTB4-mediated decrease in SOCS-1 and increase in MyD88. Transfection with miR-155 and miR-146b mimics decreased SOCS-1 levels, increased MyD88 expression, and restored TLR4 responsiveness in both wild type and LT-deficient macrophages. To our knowledge, our data unveil a heretofore unrecognized role for the GPCR BLT1 in controlling expression of microRNAs that regulate MyD88-dependent activation of macrophages.

The bioactive lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) greatly enhances phagocyte antimicrobial functions against a myriad of pathogens. In murine histoplasmosis, inhibition of the LT-generating enzyme 5-lypoxigenase (5-LO) increases the susceptibility of the host to infection. In this study, we investigated whether murine resistance or susceptibility to Histoplasma capsulatum infection is associated with leukotriene production and an enhancement of in vivo and/or in vitro antimicrobial effector function. We show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice exhibit a higher fungal burden in the lung and spleen, increased mortality, lower expression levels of 5-LO and leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) and decreased LTB4 production compared to the resistant 129/Sv mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that endogenous and exogenous LTs are required for the optimal phagocytosis of H. capsulatum by macrophages from both murine strains, although C57BL/6 macrophages are more sensitive to the effects of LTB4 than 129/Sv macrophages. Therefore, our results provide novel evidence that LTB4 production and BLT1 signaling are required for a histoplasmosis-resistant phenotype.

Leukotrienes (i.e., products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway) are thought to be contributors to lung pathologies. Moreover, eosinophils have been linked with pulmonary leukotriene activities both as potential sources of these mediators and as responding effector cells. The objective of the present study was to define the role(s) of leukotrienes in the lung pathologies accompanying eosinophil-associated chronic respiratory inflammation. A transgenic mouse model of chronic T helper (Th) 2-driven inflammation expressing IL-5 from T cells and human eotaxin-2 locally in the lung (I5/hE2) was used to define potential in vivo relationships among eosinophils, leukotrienes, and chronic Th2-polarized pulmonary inflammation. Airway levels of cys-leukotrienes and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are both significantly elevated in I5/hE2 mice. The eosinophil-mediated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) characteristic of these mice was abolished in the absence of leukotrienes (i.e., 5-lipoxygenase-deficient I5/hE2). More importantly, the loss of leukotrienes led to an unexpectedly significant decrease in collagen deposition (i.e., pulmonary fibrosis) that accompanied elevated levels of IL-4/-13 and TGF-β in the lungs of I5/hE2 mice. Further studies using mice deficient for the LTB4 receptor (BLT-1(-/-)/I5/hE2) and I5/hE2 animals administered a cys-leukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast) demonstrated that the AHR and the enhanced pulmonary fibrosis characteristic of the I5/hE2 model were uniquely cys-leukotriene-mediated events. These data demonstrate that, similar to allergen challenge models of wild-type mice, cys-leukotrienes underlie AHR in this transgenic model of severe pulmonary Th2 inflammation. These data also suggest that an underappreciated link exists among eosinophils, cys-leukotriene-mediated events, and fibrotic remodeling associated with elevated levels of IL-4/-13 and TGF-β.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are important as pro-inflammatory mediators to the innate immune response, inflammation, and allergy. Although it is known that inflammation of the uterus in gilts leads to an increase in LTB4 and LTC4 synthesis, researchers lack knowledge regarding the expression of LT receptors in the inflamed uterus. The aim of this experiment was to determine the levels of cysteinyl LT receptors type 1 (CysLT(1)R) and type 2 (CysLT(2)R), as well as of LTB4 receptor type 1 (LTB4R1) mRNA and protein expression, and the cellular localization of these receptors in the inflamed porcine uterus. On Day 3 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 of the study), 50 ml of either saline or Escherichia coli suspension (109 colony-forming units/ml) was injected into each uterine horn. Injections of bacteria increased CysLT(1)R mRNA levels in the endometrium on Days 8 and 16 of the study and in the myometrium on Day 16, as well as the CysLT(1)R protein level in the endometrium on Day 8. In the inflamed uteri, CysLT(2)R mRNA levels in the myometrium were increased on Days 8 and 16; however, the protein levels of this receptor decreased in the endometrium (Day 16) and myometrium (Day 8). After bacterial treatment, LTB4R1 mRNA and protein levels in the endometrium on Day 8, and LTB4R1 mRNA levels in the myometrium on Days 8 and 16 were found to have increased. Data obtained show that inflammation of porcine uteri changes the expression of LT receptors, suggesting their importance in the course/consequences of uterine inflammation., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The majority of prostate cancer-related deaths are associated with advanced and metastatic malignancies. Although anoikis resistance has been recognized as one of the hallmarks of metastatic prostate malignancies, the molecular events that cause anoikis resistance are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the detachment of PC-3 prostate cancer cells caused a time-dependent increase in the expression level of the leukotriene B4 receptor-2 (BLT2) and that BLT2 played a critical role in establishing anoikis resistance in these cells. Blocking BLT2 with the pharmacological inhibitor LY255283 or with RNAi knockdown clearly abolished anoikis resistance and resulted in severe apoptotic death. Additionally, we demonstrated that the activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were downstream of BLT2 signaling and led to the activation of NF-κB, thus establishing anoikis resistance during cell detachment. Furthermore, we observed that the ectopic expression of BLT2 in normal prostate PWR-1E cells rendered the cells resistant to anoikis and apparently diminished apoptotic cell death following detachment. Taken together, our results suggest that BLT2-NOX-ROS-NF-κB cascade induction during detachment confers a novel mechanism of anoikis resistance in prostate cancer cells and potentially contributes to prostate cancer progression.

Background: Various inflammatory mediators related to obesity might be closely related to insulin resistance. Leukotrienes (LTs) are involved in inflammatory reactions. However, there are few reports regarding the role of LTs in adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-leukotriene receptor (BLT) signaling in mouse 3T3-L1 fibroblastic preadipocyte differentiation to mature adipocytes., Methods: Mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors, BLT antagonist, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) for BLT1 and BLT2 to block the LTB4-BLT signaling pathway, then the adipocyte differentiation such as lipid accumulation and the increase in triglyceride was evaluated., Results: Blockade of BLT signaling by treatment with a LOX inhibitor or a BLT antagonist suppressed preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes. In addition, knockdown of BLT1 and BLT2 by siRNAs dramatically inhibited differentiation. These results indicate the LTB4-BLT signaling pathway may positively regulate preadipocyte differentiation and be a rate-limiting system to control adipocyte differentiation., Conclusions: The LTB4-BLT signaling pathway provides a potent regulatory signal that accelerates the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Further investigations are necessary to confirm the exact role of LTB4 and BLTs signaling pathways in preadipocyte differentiation.

Interactions between the immune and skeletal systems in inflammatory bone diseases are well appreciated, but the underlying molecular mechanisms that coordinate the resolution phase of inflammation and bone turnover have not been unveiled. Here we investigated the direct actions of the proresolution mediator resolvin E1 (RvE1) on bone-marrow-cell-derived osteoclasts in an in vitro murine model of osteoclast maturation and inflammatory bone resorption. Investigation of the actions of RvE1 treatment on the specific stages of osteoclast maturation revealed that RvE1 targeted late stages of osteoclast maturation to decrease osteoclast formation by 32.8%. Time-lapse vital microscopy and migration assays confirmed that membrane fusion of osteoclast precursors was inhibited. The osteoclast fusion protein DC-STAMP was specifically targeted by RvE1 receptor binding and was down-regulated by 65.4%. RvE1 did not affect the induction of the essential osteoclast transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) or its nuclear translocation; however, NFATc1 binding to the DC-STAMP promoter was significantly inhibited by 60.9% with RvE1 treatment as shown in electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Our findings suggest that proresolution mediators act directly on osteoclasts, in addition to down-regulation of inflammation, providing a novel mechanism for modulating osteoclast signaling in osteolytic inflammatory disease.

Recruited macrophages play a critical role in liver repair after acute liver injury. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent chemoattractant for macrophages. In this study, we investigated the role of LTB4 receptor type 1 (BLT1) in liver repair during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. BLT1-knockout mice (BLT1(-/-)) or their wild-type counterparts (WT) were subjected to partial hepatic I/R. Compared with WT, BLT1(-/-) exhibited delayed liver repair and hepatocyte proliferation accompanied by a 70% reduction in the recruitment of macrophages and a 70-80% attenuation in hepatic expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1). Disruption of BLT1 signaling also reduced the expression of EGF by 67% on recruited macrophages expressing VEGFR1 in the injured liver. Treatment of WT mice with an EGF-neutralizing antibody delayed liver repair and reduced macrophage recruitment, compared with control immunoglobulin G (IgG). BLT1 signaling enhanced the expression of VEGF, VEGFR1, and EGF in isolated peritoneal macrophages in vitro. These results indicate that BLT1 signaling plays a role in liver repair after hepatic I/R through enhanced expression of EGF in recruited macrophages and that the development of a specific agonist for BLT1 could be useful for liver recovery from acute liver injury.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. BLT2, a low-affinity LTB4 receptor, is activated by LTB4 and 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT). Although the high-affinity LTB4 receptor BLT1 has been shown to exert proinflammatory roles, the role of BLT2 in allergic inflammation has not been clarified. To study the function of BLT2 in development of asthma, we used mice model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway disease. The 12-HHT levels were elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids of OVA-sensitized/challenged wild-type mice. BLT2-deficient mice exhibited enhanced eosinophilia in BAL fluids after OVA exposure. Interleukin (IL)-13 levels in BAL fluids and IL-13-producing CD4(+) T cells in the lungs were elevated in BLT2-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice, whereas the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and interferon (IFN)-γ in BAL fluids and serum OVA-specific IgE were comparable. Transfection of BLT2-specific small interfering RNA enhanced IL-13 production in CD4(+) T cells in vitro. Expression of BLT2 mRNA in CD4(+) T cells was significantly reduced in patients with asthma compared to healthy control subjects. These findings indicate that BLT2 has a protective role in allergic airway inflammation and that diminished BLT2 expression in CD4(+) T cells may contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Although chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel, are effective treatments for the majority of breast cancer patients, recurrence is frequent and often leads to death. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets that sensitise tumour cells to existing chemotherapy agents., Methods: The levels of leukotriene B4 receptor-2 (BLT2) in multidrug-resistant MCF-7/DOX cells were determined using quantitative PCR and FACS analysis. The potential role of BLT2 in the paclitaxel resistance of MCF-7/DOX cells was assessed using a pharmacological inhibitor and small interfering RNA knockdown, and the BLT2-associated resistance mechanism was assessed., Results: The expression levels of BLT2 were markedly upregulated in MCF-7/DOX cells. The inhibition of BLT2 by pre-treatment with LY255283 or siBLT2 knockdown significantly sensitised MCF-7/DOX cells to paclitaxel and induced significant levels of apoptotic death, suggesting that BLT2 mediates paclitaxel resistance. We also demonstrated that BLT2-induced paclitaxel resistance was associated with the upregulation of P-glycoprotein. Finally, co-treatment with a BLT2 inhibitor and paclitaxel markedly reduced tumour growth in an MCF-7/DOX in vivo model., Conclusion: Together, our results demonstrate that BLT2 is a novel therapeutic target that sensitises drug-resistant breast cancer cells to paclitaxel.

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a neutrophil chemotactic molecule with important involvement in the inflammatory responses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airway epithelium is emerging as a regulator of innate immune responses to a variety of insults including cigarette smoke, the major risk factor for COPD. In this study we have explored whether cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) or soluble mediators present in distal lung fluid samples (mini-bronchoalveolar lavages) from smokers alter the expression of the LTB(4) receptor 2 (BLT2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) in bronchial epithelial cells. We also evaluated the effects of CSE on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and on the binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) to ICAM-1 promoter as well as the adhesiveness of neutrophils to bronchial epithelial cells. CSE and mini-bronchoalveolar lavages from smokers increased BLT2 and ICAM-1 expression as well as the adhesiveness of neutrophils to bronchial epithelial cells and decreased PPAR-α expression. CSE induced the activation of STAT-1 and its binding to ICAM-1 promoter. These findings suggest that, in bronchial epithelial cells, CSE promote a prevalent induction of pro-inflammatory BLT2 receptors and activate mechanisms leading to increased neutrophil adhesion, a mechanism that contributes to airway neutrophilia and to tissue damage., (© 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Analysis of the structural features of rhodopsin-type G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) revealed the existence of an additional α-helix, termed helix 8, in the C-terminal tail. Furthermore, these GPCRs were determined to possess several conserved residues in their transmembrane domains. The functional deficiencies of receptors in which these domains or residues have been mutated have not been examined in living cells due to their accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), although the ligand affinities of these receptors have been tested in membrane preparations. Recent studies have demonstrated that ER-accumulated receptors are effectively exported from ER using membrane permeable ligands as pharmacological chaperones. Here, we identified several residues of the platelet-activating factor receptor and leukotriene B(4) type-II receptor that are crucial for export from ER. Moreover, we used their specific ligands as pharmacological chaperones to traffic ER-accumulated GPCRs to the cell surface in order to examine the functional deficiencies of each mutant receptor. Here, we introduce the novel technique of site-specific N-terminal labeling of cell surface proteins in living cells with Sortase-A, a transpeptidase isolated from Staphylococcus aureus, to evaluate the trafficking of receptors after agonist stimulation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the role of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4))-leukotriene receptor (BLT) signaling in preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes. Blockade of BLT signaling by treatment with lipoxygenase inhibitors, a BLT antagonist, and small interfering RNAs for BLTs in human and mouse preadipocytes isolated from adipose tissues showed acceleration of differentiation into mature adipocytes. DNA microarray analysis revealed regulation of transforming growth factor, beta-induced 68 kDa (TGFBI) expression through the BLT signaling pathway during adipocyte differentiation. Knockdown of TGFBI also showed acceleration of preadipocyte differentiation. The LTB(4)-BLT signaling pathway may negatively regulate preadipocyte differentiation via induction of TGFBI expression as a rate-limiting system to control adipocyte differentiation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Perinuclear reorganization via phosphorylation of specific serine residues in keratin is involved in the deformability of metastatic cancer cells. The level of leukotriene B₄ is high in pancreatic cancers. However, the roles of LTB₄ and its cognate receptors in keratin reorganization of pancreatic cancers are not known. LTB₄ dose-dependently induced phosphorylation and reorganization of Keratin 8 (K8) and these processes were reversed by LY255283 (BLT2 antagonist). BLT2 agonists such as Comp A and 15(S)-HETE also induced phosphorylation of serine 431 in K8. Moreover, Comp A-induced K8 phosphorylation and reorganization were blocked by LY255283. Gene silencing of BLT2 suppressed Comp A-induced K8 phosphorylation and reorganization in PANC-1 cells. Over-expression of BLT2 promoted K8 phosphorylation. Comp A promoted the migration of PANC-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and LY255283 blocked Comp A-induced migration, respectively. PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) suppressed Comp A-induced phosphorylation of serine 431 and reorganization of K8. Gene silencing of BLT2 suppressed the expression of pERK, and over-expression of BLT2 increased the expression of pERK even without Comp A. Comp A induced the expression of active ERK (pERK) and BLT2. These inductions were blocked by PD98059. Comp A decreased PP2A expression and hindered the binding of PP2A to the K8, leading to the activation of ERK. PD98059 suppressed the Comp A-induced migration of PANC-1 cells and BLT2 over-expression-induced migration of PANC-1 cells. Overall, these results suggest that BLT2 is involved in LTB(4)-induced phosphorylation and reorganization through ERK activation by PP2A downregulation, leading to increased migration of PANC-1 cells., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Polymorphisms spanning genes involved in the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) e.g. ALOX5AP and LTA4H are associated with asthma susceptibility, suggesting a role for LTB4 in disease. The contribution of LTB4receptor polymorphism is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to characterise the genes for the two pivotal LTB4 receptors, LTB4R1 and LTB4R2 in lung tissue and determine if polymorphisms spanning these genes are associated with asthma and disease severity., Methods: Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to characterise the LTB4R1 and LTB4R2 gene structure in lung. The LTB4R1/2 locus on chromosome 14q11.2 was screened for polymorphic variation. Six LTB4R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 370 Caucasian asthma families and 299 Adult Asthma Individuals (n=1877 total) and were evaluated for association with asthma and severity (BTS) outcome measures using Family Based Association Test, linear regression and chi square., Results: LTB4R1 has complex mRNA arrangement including multiple 5'-untranslated exons, suggesting additional levels of regulation. Three potential promoter regions across the LTB4R1/2 locus were identified with some airway cell specificity. 22 SNPs (MAF>0.01) were validated across the LTB4R locus in the Caucasian population. LTB4R1 and LTB4R2 SNPs were not associated with asthma susceptibility, FEV1 or severity., Conclusions: LTB4R1 and LTB4R2 shows splice variation in the 5'-untranslated region and multiple promoter regions. The functional significance of this is yet to be determined. Both receptor genes were shown to be polymorphic. LTB4R polymorphisms do not appear to be susceptibility markers for the development of asthma in Caucasian subjects.

Neutrophil recruitment into the joint is a hallmark of inflammatory arthritides, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a mouse model of autoantibody-induced inflammatory arthritis, neutrophils infiltrate the joint via multiple chemoattractant receptors, including the leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor BLT1 and the chemokine receptors CCR1 and CXCR2. Once in the joint, neutrophils perpetuate their own recruitment by releasing LTB(4) and IL-1β, presumably after activation by immune complexes deposited on joint structures. Two pathways by which immune complexes may activate neutrophils include complement fixation, resulting in the generation of C5a, and direct engagement of Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Previous investigations showed that this model of autoantibody-induced arthritis requires the C5a receptor C5aR and FcγRs, but the simultaneous necessity for both pathways was not understood. Here we show that C5aR and FcγRs work in sequence to initiate and sustain neutrophil recruitment in vivo. Specifically, C5aR activation of neutrophils is required for LTB(4) release and early neutrophil recruitment into the joint, whereas FcγR engagement upon neutrophils induces IL-1β release and subsequent neutrophil-active chemokine production, ensuring continued inflammation. These findings support the concept that immune complex-mediated leukocyte activation is not composed of overlapping and redundant pathways, but that each element serves a distinct and critical function in vivo, culminating in tissue inflammation.