Regulating inflammation through the anti-inflammatory enzyme platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2005 Mar:100 Suppl 1:83-91. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762005000900014. Epub 2005 Jun 14.

Abstract

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is one of the most potent lipid mediators involved in inflammatory events. The acetyl group at the sn-2 position of its glycerol backbone is essential for its biological activity. Deacetylation induces the formation of the inactive metabolite lyso-PAF. This deacetylation reaction is catalyzed by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), a calcium independent phospholipase A2 that also degrades a family of PAF-like oxidized phospholipids with short sn-2 residues. Biochemical and enzymological evaluations revealed that at least three types of PAF-AH exist in mammals, namely the intracellular types I and II and a plasma type. Many observations indicate that plasma PAF AH terminates signals by PAF and oxidized PAF-like lipids and thereby regulates inflammatory responses. In this review, we will focus on the potential of PAF-AH as a modulator of diseases of dysregulated inflammation.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / chemistry
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / genetics
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / enzymology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Platelet Activating Factor / chemistry
  • Platelet Activating Factor / physiology*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Platelet Activating Factor
  • Phospholipases A2
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase