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Intestinal absorption of dietary cholesteryl ester is decreased but retinyl ester absorption is normal in carboxyl ester lipase knockout mice.

Carboxyl ester lipase (CEL; EC 3.1.1.13) hydrolyzes cholesteryl esters and retinyl esters in vitro. In vivo, pancreatic CEL is thought to liberate cholesterol and retinol from their esters prior to absorption in the intestine. CEL is also a major lipase in the breast milk of many mammals, including humans and mice, and is thought to participate in the processing of triglycerides to provide energy for growth and development while the pancreas of the neonate matures. Other suggested roles for CEL include the direct facilitation of the intestinal absorption of free cholesterol and the modification of plasma lipoproteins. Mice with different CEL genotypes [wild type (WT), knockout (CELKO), heterozygote] were generated to study the functions of CEL in a physiological system. Mice grew and developed normally, independent of the CEL genotype of the pup or nursing mother. Consistent with this was the normal absorption of triglyceride in CELKO mice. The absorption of free cholesterol was also not significantly different between CELKO (87 +/- 26%, mean +/- SD) and WT littermates (76 +/- 10%). Compared to WT mice, however, CELKO mice absorbed only about 50% of the cholesterol provided as cholesteryl ester (CE). There was no evidence for the direct intestinal uptake of CE or for intestinal bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze it, suggesting that another enzyme besides CEL can hydrolyze dietary CE in mice. Surprisingly, CELKO and WT mice absorbed similar amounts of retinol provided as retinyl ester (RE). RE hydrolysis, however, was required for absorption, implying that CEL was not the responsible enzyme. The changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels to diets with increasing lipid content were similar in mice of all three CEL genotypes. Overall, the data indicate that in the mouse, other enzymes besides CEL participate in the hydrolysis of dietary cholesteryl esters, retinyl esters, and triglycerides.

Animals↗

Temperature-enhanced alumina HPLC method for the analysis of wax esters, sterol esters, and methyl esters.

Previous attempts at separating nonpolar lipid esters (including wax esters, sterol esters, and methyl esters) have achieved only limited success. Among the several normal-phase methods tested, a single recent report of a method employing an alumina column at 30 degrees C with a binary gradient system was the most promising. In the current study, modification of the alumina method by increasing the column temperature to 75 degrees C improved the separation of standards of wax esters and sterol esters. Elevated column temperature also enhanced the separation of FAME with differing degrees of unsaturation. Evidence was also presented to indicate that the method similarly separated phytosterol esters, based on their levels of unsaturation. With the increased interest in phytosterol- and phytostanol-ester enriched functional foods, this method should provide a technique to characterize and compare these products.

Aluminum Oxide↗

Application of ethyl esters and d3-methyl esters as internal standards for the gas chromatographic quantification of transesterified fatty acid methyl esters in food.

Ethyl esters (FAEE) and trideuterium-labeled methyl esters (d3-FAME) of fatty acids were prepared and investigated regarding their suitability as internal standards (IS) for the determination of fatty acids as methyl esters (FAME). On CP-Sil 88, ethyl esters of odd-numbered fatty acids eluted approximately 0.5 min after the respective FAME, and only coelutions with minor FAME were observed. Depending on the problem, one or even many FAEE can be added as IS for the quantification of FAME by both GC-FID and GC-MS. By contrast, d3-FAME coeluted with FAME on the polar GC column, and the use of the former as IS requires application of GC-MS. In the SIM mode, m/z 77 and 90 are suggested for d3-methyl esters of saturated fatty acids, whereas m/z 88 and 101 are recommended for ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids. These m/z values give either no or very low response for FAME and can thus be used for the analysis of FAME in food by GC-MS in the SIM mode. Fatty acids in sunflower oil and mozzarella cheese were quantified using five saturated FAEE as IS. Gravimetric studies showed that the transesterification procedure could be carried out without of loss of fatty acids. GC-EI/MS full scan analysis was suitable for the quantitative determination of all unsaturated fatty acids in both food samples, whereas GC-EI/MS in the SIM mode was particularly valuable for quantifying minor fatty acids. The novel GC-EI/MS/SIM method using fatty acid ethyl esters as internal standards can be used to quantify individual fatty acids only, that is, without determination of all fatty acids (the common 100% method), although this is present. This was demonstrated by the exclusive quantification of selected fatty acids including methyl-branched fatty acids, erucic acid (18:1n-9trans), and polyunsaturated fatty acids in cod liver oil and goat's milk fat.

Animals↗

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective Henry reactions of alpha-keto esters: an easy entry to optically active beta-nitro-alpha-hydroxy esters and beta-amino-alpha-hydroxy esters.

The catalytic enantioselective Henry reaction of alpha-keto esters with nitromethane has been developed. The reaction conditions have been optimized by the screening of different chiral Lewis acids, solvents, and bases, and it was found that the copper(II)-tert-butyl bisoxazoline complex in combination with triethylamine catalyzed a highly enantioselective reaction giving optically active beta-nitro-alpha-hydroxy esters in high yields and with excellent enantiomeric excesses. The scope of the reaction is demonstrated by the reaction of a variety of different alpha-keto esters. The catalytic enantioselective Henry reaction of beta,gamma-unsaturated-alpha-keto esters proceeds as a 1,2-addition reaction exclusively, in contrast to the uncatalyzed reaction where both the 1,2- and 1,4-addition products are formed. It is demonstrated that the beta-nitro-alpha-hydroxy esters can be converted into, e.g., Boc-protected beta-amino-alpha-hydroxy esters in high yields and without loss of optical purity. The mechanism for the reaction is discussed, and it is postulated that both the alpha-keto ester and nitromethane/nitronate is coordinated to the metal center during the reaction course.

Journal Article↗

Studies on the substrate specificity of a carboxyl ester hydrolase from human pancreatic juice. II. Action on cholesterol esters and lipid-soluble vitamin esters.

Evidence is presented that human carboxyl ester hydrolase (carboxylic-ester hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.1) is able to hydrolyze cholesterol esters and lipid-soluble vitamins A, D-3 and E esters. Those activities require the presence of bile salts and the 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxylated bile salts have been found the most efficient activators. The results presented in this paper and in the preceding one suggest the existence of two sites of bile salts recognition. One site, specific of the 3 alpha, 7 alpha-hydroxyl group of cholanic acid would induce dimerization and activation of the enzyme. The other site, unspecific towards bile salts hydroxylation would be located at the active center and would be implicated in substrate recognition.

Bile Acids and Salts↗

Oxidation of LDL enhances the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-mediated cholesteryl ester transfer rate to HDL, bringing on a diminished net transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL to oxidized LDL.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a controversial role in atherogenesis by contributing to the net transfer of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl ester (CE) to the liver via apolipoprotein-B-containing lipoproteins (apoB-LP). We evaluated in vitro the CETP-mediated bidirectional transfer of CE from HDL to the chemically modified pro-atherogenic low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Acetylated or oxidized (ox) LDL, either unlabeled or [3H]-CE labeled, were incubated with [14C]-CE-HDL in the presence of the lipoprotein-deficient plasma fraction (d>1.21 g/ml) as the source of CETP. The amount of radioactive CE transferred was determined after dextran sulfate/MgCl(2) precipitation of LDL. The results showed a 1.4-2.8-fold lower HDL-CE transfer to acetylated LDL while no effect was observed on the CE transfer to oxidized LDL. However, the reverse transfer rate of [3H]CE-LDL to HDL was 1.4-3.6 times greater when LDL was oxidized than when it was intact. Overall, HDL(2) was better than HDL(3) as donor of CE to native LDL, probably reflecting the relatively greater CE content of HDL(2). Oxidation of LDL enhanced the CETP-mediated cholesteryl ester transfer rate to HDL, bringing on a reduced net transfer rate of cholesteryl ester from HDL to ox LDL. This may diminish the oxLDL particle's atherogenic effect.

Carrier Proteins↗

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new (4,4,4-trihalo-3-oxo-but-1-enyl)-carbamic acid ethyl esters, (4,4,4-trihalo-3-hydroxy-butyl)-carbamic acid ethyl esters, and 2-oxo-6-trihalomethyl-[1,3]oxazinane-3-carboxylic acid ethyl esters.

This work presents a three-step synthesis of a new series of 4-substituted 2-oxo-6-trihalomethyl-[1,3]oxazinane-3-carboxylic acid ethyl esters, from beta-alkoxyvinyl trihalomethyl ketones of general formula X3C-C(O)-CH=C(R)-OR(1), where R = H, Me, Ph, and 4-Me-Ph; R(1) = Me and Et; and X = F and Cl. The Michael addition-substitution of the ethyl carbamate on beta-alkoxyvinyl trihalomethyl ketones furnished the corresponding (4,4,4-trihalo-3-oxo-but-1-enyl)-carbamic acid ethyl esters. These compounds underwent reduction with NaBH4 leading to the respective (4,4,4-trihalo-3-hydroxy-butyl)-carbamic acid ethyl esters. The 3-hydroxy-butyl carbamates were submitted to cyclization reaction with triphosgene to give a series of 4-substituted 2-oxo-6-trihalomethyl-[1,3]oxazinane-3-carboxylic acid ethyl esters. The in vitro antimicrobial activity, of some of the three new series of the title compounds, was assessed against a panel of microorganisms including yeast like fungi, bacteria, and algae, and their minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal fungicidal, bactericidal, and algacidal concentrations were determined. Some of the analyzed carbamates exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial activity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Catalytic cross-coupling reaction of esters with organoboron compounds and decarbonylative reduction of esters with HCOONH4: a new route to acyl transition metal complexes through the cleavage of acyl-oxygen bonds in esters.

The Ru3(CO)12-catalyed cross-coupling reaction of esters with organoboron compounds leading to ketones is described. A wide variety of functional groups can be tolerated under the reaction conditions. Aromatic boronates function as a coupling partner to give aryl ketones. Acyl-alkyl coupling to dialkyl ketones is also achieved by the use of 9-alkyl-9-BBN in place of boronates. The Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed decarbonylative reduction of esters with ammonium formate (HCOONH4) leading to hydrocarbons is also described. No expected aldehydes are produced, and controlled experiments indicate that aldehydes are not intermediate for the transformation. A hydrosilane can also be used as a reducing reagent in place of HCOONH4. A wide variety of functional groups are compatible for both reactions. The key step for both catalytic reactions is the directing group-promoted cleavage of an acyl carbon-oxygen bond in esters, leading to the generation of acyl transition metal alkoxo complexes.

Journal Article↗

High density lipoprotein cholesteryl ester metabolism in the pony, an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity: transfer of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters to lower density lipoproteins and the effect of the amount of fat in the diet.

The metabolism of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters (HDL CE) was studied in the pony, an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity. Studies were done in ponies fed a low- (1.5% fat, w/w) and a high-fat diet (11.5%, w/w fat). The ponies fed the high-fat diet had higher plasma HDL CE concentrations (1.08+/-0.15 vs. 0.84+/-0.11 mmol/l, mean+/-S.D., n=6, P<0.01) and plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities (14.3+/-4.0 vs. 5.7+/-3.4 micromol free fatty acids (FFA)/ml per h, P<0.05) than those on the low-fat diet. Plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were lower on the high-fat diets (0.129+/-0.043 vs. 0.180+/-0.050 mmol/l), but these differences were not statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between the levels of plasma TAG (r=0.598, P<0.05) and VLDL CE (r=0.658, P<0.05) on the one hand and the HDL CE concentrations on the other hand. The transport rates of HDL CE were not significantly different between ponies fed high-fat (0.029+/-0.008 mmol HDL CE/h per l plasma) and those fed low-fat diets (0.024+/-0.004). HDL CE were transferred to low density lipoproteins (LDL) and we calculated that the percentage of LDL CE derived from HDL was 0.69+/-0.13 in the ponies fed the low-fat diet and 0.53+/-0.05 in the ponies fed the high-fat diet (P<0.05). The results of these in vivo studies suggest that in ponies, similarly as reported in rats and pigs, HDL CE can be transferred to LDL despite the absence of plasma CETP activity, and that the magnitude of this transfer is related to the levels of HDL CE as induced by the amount of fat in the diet.

Animals↗

Esters of cephalosporins. Part I. Permeability of cefuroxime liberated from its 1-acetoxyethyl ester through biological membranes; influence of the form and size of the ester particles.

Concentrations of cefuroxime [II] in blood of rats were measured 30 and 60 min. after administration of amorphous form possessing various particles size (ranging from 0.09 to 0.4 nm) and crystal form of 1-acethoxyethyl ester of cefuroxime [I]. In vitro the concentrations of [II] were measured 15 and 45 min. after application of [I]. HPLC method was used for cefuroxime estimation. Close correlation between the particles size of the amorphous [I] and the concentrations of [II] in vivo as well as in vitro was found, the particles with lover size possessed higher bioavailability. The cefuroxime front the crystal form of ester is poorly absorbed and the concentrations of [II] after its application were similar to those observed after of the bigest particles of amorphous form both in vivo and in vitro.

Animals↗

Cholesteryl ester analogs inhibit cholesteryl ester but not triglyceride transfer catalyzed by the plasma cholesteryl ester-triglyceride transfer protein.

A lipid transfer protein complex (LTC), purified from human plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography, catalyzed the interlipoprotein transfer of cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG). The CE transfer activity of LTC was governed by the structure of the CE. Incubation of LTC with long chain CE both activated and stabilized LTC. Short chain CE also enhanced the CE and TG transfer activity of LTC during the initial time of incubation. However, LTC's incubation with short chain CE induced a subsequent and time-dependent loss of CE transfer activity without concomitant loss of TG transfer activity. The data indicate that the CE and TG transfer activity of LTC can be regulated independently.

Binding Sites↗

Human cholesteryl ester transfer protein measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with two monoclonal antibodies against rabbit cholesteryl ester transfer protein: plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipoproteins among Japanese hypercholesterolemic patients.

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) concentrations were measured in Japanese subjects by an ELISA with two different monoclonal antibodies that were raised against rabbit CETP and cross-reacted against human CETP. Among 63 patients who consecutively underwent coronary angiography, the plasma CETP of 37 patients with luminal stenosis > or = 50% in their coronary arteries was not significantly different from that of the 26 patients with luminal stenosis < 50%. No other lipoprotein-related measurement except HDL-cholesterol differentiated the two groups. Among 40 hypercholesterolemic patients, no lipoprotein-related measurement other than LDL-cholesterol was found to positive correlate with the CETP. Before and after the treatment of 23 patients with simvastatin 5 mg a day for 4 weeks, plasma CETP markedly decreased in those whose pretreatment CETP was > or = 3 mg/L; no change was observed for those with lower pretreatment CETP. In the former group, negative correlation between CETP and HDL-cholesterol was demonstrated only in the posttreatment plasma.

Adult↗

Comparison of the kinetics and mechanism of the papain-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters and thiono esters.

The kinetic constants for the papain-catalyzed hydrolysis of the methyl thiono esters of N-benzoylglycine and N-(beta-phenylpropionyl)glycine are compared with those for the corresponding methyl ester substrates. The k2/Ks values for the thiono esters are 2-3 times higher than those for the esters, and both show bell-shaped pH dependencies with similar pKa's (approximately 4 and 9). The k3 values for the thiono esters are 30-60 times less than those for the esters and do not exhibit a pH dependency. Solvent deuterium isotope effects on k2/Ks and k3 were measured for the ester and thiono ester substrates of both glycine derivatives. Each thiono ester substrate showed an isotope effect similar to that for the corresponding ester substrate. Moreover, use of the proton inventory technique indicated that, as for esters, one proton is transferred in the transition state for deacylation during reactions involving thiono esters and the degree of heavy atom reorganization in the transition state is very similar in both cases. The k3 values for the hydrolysis of a series of para-substituted N-benzoylglycine esters were found to correlate with the k3 values for the corresponding para-substituted thiono esters [Carey, P. R., Lee, H., Ozaki, Y., & Storer, A. C. (1984) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106, 8258-8262], showing that the rate-determining step for the deacylation of both thiolacyl and dithioacyl enzymes probably involves the disruption of a contact between the substrate's glycinic nitrogen atom and the sulfur of cysteine-25. It is concluded that the hydrolysis of esters and thiono esters proceeds by essentially the same reaction pathway. Due to an oxygen-sulfur exchange process the product released in the case of the N-(beta-phenylpropionyl)glycine thiono ester substrate is the dioxygen acid; however, for the N-benzoylglycine thiono ester substrate, the thiol acid is the initial product. This thiol acid then acts as a substrate for papain and reacylates the enzyme to eventually give the dioxygen acid product. It is shown that thiol acids are excellent substrates for papain.

Esters↗

A pool of reversibly cell-associated cholesteryl esters involved in the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoproteins by Hep G2 hepatoma cells.

Selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters without parallel uptake of HDL apolipoproteins occurs by a non-endocytotic pathway that results in net delivery of cholesteryl esters to cells. With respect to the cellular mechanism of this pathway, previous studies with adrenal cells showed a cholesteryl ester pool that is reversibly associated with cells and which appears to mediate irreversible selective uptake. A cholesteryl ester pool with similar properties was observed in plasma membranes isolated from adrenal cells, suggesting that this is the site of the cellular pool. Human Hep G2 hepatoma cells also selectively take up HDL cholesteryl esters. Therefore we asked if these cells have a reversibly cell-associated cholesteryl ester pool as well that could mediate irreversible selective uptake. To do this, human HDL3 (d = 1.125-1.21 g/ml) was labeled in both its protein and cholesteryl ester moieties. Uptake of HDL3 tracers by Hep G2 cells was then studied. After an uptake incubation in the presence of labeled HDL3, either cellular uptake of tracers was immediately determined or cells were 'chase' incubated in the presence of unlabeled HDL before determination of cellular tracer content. Hep G2 cells selectively took up HDL3 cholesteryl esters under these conditions. However, a fraction of cholesteryl ester tracer selectively taken up was chased from the cells by subsequent incubation in the presence of unlabeled HDL. This reversible pool of cholesteryl ester tracer was distinct from that irreversibly internalized, and in excess of that accounted for by dissociation of labeled HDL3 particles bound to the cell surface. Selective uptake was down-regulated by prior incubation with LDL, and cholesteryl ester tracer in the reversible pool was down-regulated in parallel. Plasma membranes were isolated from Hep G2 cells and incubated with doubly labeled HDL3. HDL3 particles bound to these membranes, as indicated by the apolipoprotein tracer. However, HDL cholesteryl esters associated with plasma membranes in excess on that accounted for by HDL3 particles. This selective association of HDL3 cholesteryl ester tracer with membranes was reversible, and the tracer was chased during incubation in the presence of unlabeled HDL. These results suggest that, as with steroidogenic cells, a reversible pool of cholesteryl esters localized in the plasma membrane is involved in selective uptake of HDL3 cholesteryl esters by hepatic cells at a step prior to irreversible internalization.

Animals↗

Putative role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in removal of cholesteryl ester from vascular interstitium, studied in a model system in cell culture.

A model system to study the putative role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in the egress of interstitial cholesteryl ester is described. Confluent cultures of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells were labeled for 24 h with [3H]cholesteryl linoleyl ether and [14C]cholesteryl linoleate by incubation with bovine milk lipoprotein lipase. This method of labeling results in the transfer of cholesteryl linoleyl ether and cholesteryl ester to three compartments: a trypsin-releasable, trypsin-resistant and catabolic compartment (Stein, O., Halperin, G., Leitersdorf, E., Olivecrona, T. and Stein, Y. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 795, 47-59). The efflux of labeled cholesteryl linoleyl ether and cholesteryl ester from the extracellular and cell-surface related compartments into a serum-free culture medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin was studied during 24 h of postincubation. The efflux was expressed as a percentage of pulse value, i.e., radioactivity retained by the cell culture at the end of the labeling period. The efflux of [3H]cholesteryl linoleyl ether, [14C]cholesteryl ester and 14C-labeled free cholesterol (formed by cellular hydrolysis of cholesterol ester) into the culture medium with 1% bovine serum albumin was about 5% of the pulse value. Addition of human lipoprotein-deficient serum resulted in a 3-10-fold increase in the efflux of [3H]cholesteryl linoleyl ether and [14C]cholesteryl ester, but did not change markedly the efflux of 14C-labeled free cholesterol. Rat lipoprotein-deficient serum which does not contain cholesteryl ester transfer protein did not increase the efflux of [3H]cholesteryl linoleyl ether or [14C]cholesteryl ester. The rate of cholesteryl ester efflux in the presence of human lipoprotein-deficient serum was linear for about 6 h and increased further up to 24 h. Addition of Intralipid to medium containing human lipoprotein-deficient serum further enhanced the efflux of [3H]cholesteryl linoleyl ether and, to a lesser extent, that of cholesteryl ester. A similar effect was observed also by addition of rat VLDL to medium containing human lipoprotein-deficient serum. Inhibition of cholesteryl linoleyl ether and cholesteryl ester efflux and marked enhancement of free cholesterol efflux occurred when rat HDL was added to medium containing human lipoprotein-deficient serum, while human HDL was only slightly inhibitory. The results obtained with human lipoprotein-deficient serum were reproduced with partially purified cholesteryl ester transfer protein. Using the partially purified cholesteryl ester transfer protein, the efflux of cholesteryl linoleate was compared to that of cholesteryl oleate and was found to be the same.

Animals↗

Carboxyl ester lipase cofractionates with scavenger receptor BI in hepatocyte lipid rafts and enhances selective uptake and hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters from HDL3.

Cholesteryl esters are selectively removed from high density lipoproteins by hepatocytes and steroidogenic cells through a process mediated by scavenger receptor BI. In the liver this cholesterol is secreted into bile, primarily as free cholesterol. Previous work showed that carboxyl ester lipase enhanced selective uptake of cholesteryl ether from high density lipoprotein by an unknown mechanism. Experiments were performed to determine whether carboxyl ester lipase plays a role in scavenger receptor BI-mediated selective uptake. When added to cultures of HepG2 cells, carboxyl ester lipase cofractionated with scavenger receptor BI and [(3)H]cholesteryl ether-labeled high density lipoprotein in lipid raft fractions of cell homogenates. Confocal microscopy of immunostained carboxyl ester lipase and scavenger receptor BI showed a close association of these proteins in HepG2 cells. The enzyme and receptor also cofractionated from homogenates of mouse liver using two different fractionation methods. Antibodies that block scavenger receptor BI function prevented carboxyl ester lipase stimulation of selective uptake in primary hepatocytes from carboxyl ester lipase knockout mice. Heparin blockage of cell-surface proteoglycans also prevented carboxyl ester lipase stimulation of cholesteryl ester uptake by HepG2 cells. Inhibition of carboxyl ester lipase activity in HepG2 cells reduced hydrolysis of high density lipoprotein-cholesteryl esters approximately 40%. In vivo, hydrolysis was similarly reduced in lipid rafts from the livers of carboxyl ester lipase-null mice compared with control animals. Primary hepatocytes from these mice yielded similar results. The data suggest that carboxyl ester lipase plays a physiological role in hepatic selective uptake and metabolism of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters by direct and indirect interactions with the scavenger receptor BI pathway.

Animals↗

Evaluation of glycolamide esters and various other esters of aspirin as true aspirin prodrugs.

A series of glycolamide, glycolate, (acyloxy)methyl, alkyl, and aryl esters of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) were synthesized and evaluated as potential prodrug forms of aspirin. N,N-Disubstituted glycolamide esters were found to be rapidly hydrolyzed in human plasma, resulting in the formation of aspirin as well as the corresponding salicylate esters. These in turn hydrolyzed rapidly to salicylic acid. The largest amount of aspirin formed from the esters were 50 and 55% in case of the N,N-dimethyl- and N,N-diethylglycolamide esters, respectively. Similar results were obtained in blood with the N,N-dimethyl- and N,N-diethylglycolamide esters. Unsubstituted and monosubstituted glycolamide esters as well as most other esters previously suggested to be aspirin prodrugs were shown to hydrolyze exclusively to the corresponding salicylic acid esters. Lipophilicity parameters and water solubilities of the esters were determined, and structural factors favoring ester prodrug hydrolysis at the expense of deacetylation to yield salicylate ester are discussed. The properties of some N,N-disubstituted glycolamide esters of aspirin are highlighted with respect to their use as potential aspirin prodrugs.

Aspirin↗

Phorbol esters and related analogs regulate the subcellular localization of beta 2-chimaerin, a non-protein kinase C phorbol ester receptor.

The novel phorbol ester receptor beta2-chimaerin is a Rac-GAP protein possessing a single copy of the C1 domain, a 50-amino acid motif initially identified in protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes that is involved in phorbol ester and diacylglycerol binding. We have previously shown that, like PKCs, beta2-chimaerin binds phorbol esters with high affinity in a phospholipid-dependent manner (Caloca, M. J., Fernandez, M. N., Lewin, N. E., Ching, D., Modali, R., Blumberg, P. M., and Kazanietz, M. G. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 26488-26496). In this paper we report that like PKC isozymes, beta2-chimaerin is translocated by phorbol esters from the cytosolic to particulate fraction. Phorbol esters also induce translocation of alpha1 (n)- and beta1-chimaerins, suggesting common regulatory mechanisms for all chimaerin isoforms. The subcellular redistribution of beta2-chimaerin by phorbol esters is entirely dependent on the C1 domain, as revealed by deletional analysis and site-directed mutagenesis. Interestingly, beta2-chimaerin translocates to the Golgi apparatus after phorbol ester treatment, as revealed by co-staining with the Golgi marker BODIPY-TR-ceramide. Structure relationship analysis of translocation using a series of PKC ligands revealed substantial differences between translocation of beta2-chimaerin and PKCalpha. Strikingly, the mezerein analog thymeleatoxin is not able to translocate beta2-chimaerin, although it very efficiently translocates PKCalpha. Phorbol esters also promote the association of beta2-chimaerin with Rac in cells. These data suggest that chimaerins can be positionally regulated by phorbol esters and that each phorbol ester receptor class has distinct pharmacological properties and targeting mechanisms. The identification of selective ligands for each phorbol ester receptor class represents an important step in dissecting their specific cellular functions.

Animals↗