Synthesis of 13(R)-Hydroxy-7Z,10Z,13R,14E,16Z,19Z Docosapentaenoic Acid (13R-HDPA) and Its Biosynthetic Conversion to the 13-Series Resolvins.

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators are biosynthesized during the resolution phase of acute inflammation from n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Recently, the isolation and identification of the four novel mediators denoted 13-series resolvins, namely, RvT1 (1), RvT2 (2), RvT3 (3) and RvT4 (4), were reported, which showed potent bioactions characteristic for specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. Herein, based on results from LC/MS-MS metabololipidomics and the stereoselective synthesis of 13(R)-hydroxy-7Z,10Z,13R,14E,16Z,19Z docosapentaenoic acid (13R-HDPA, 5), we provide direct evidence that the four novel mediators 1-4 are all biosynthesized from the pivotal intermediate 5. The UV and LC/MS-MS results from synthetic 13R-HDPA (5) matched those from endogenously and biosynthetically produced material obtained from in vivo infectious exudates, endothelial cells, and human recombinant COX-2 enzyme. Stereochemically pure 5 was obtained with the use of a chiral pool starting material that installed the configuration at the C-13 atom as R. Two stereoselective Z-Wittig reactions and two Z-selective reductions of internal alkynes afforded the geometrically pure alkene moieties in 5. Incubation of 5 with isolated human neutrophils gave all four RvTs. The results presented herein provide new knowledge on the biosynthetic pathways and the enzymatic origin of RvTs 1-4.

During the resolution of acute inflammation, a novel group of host-protective chemical mediators biosynthesized from the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), termed specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)[1] and their bioactive peptide-conjugates,[2] are resolution mediators and control tissue regeneration and promote the return to homeostasis.[3,4] The resolvins, protectins, and maresins constitute individual families of SPMs that are formed via distinct biosynthetic pathways.[4] During the resolution of acute inflammation, SPMs exhibit a wide range of potent pro-resolving actions, which include promoting the clearance of bacteria and apoptotic cells, counter-regulating the production and actions of pro-inflammatory mediators, and stimulating the resolution of inflammation.[5] The PUFA n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA) is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of DHA from EPA and is also a precursor to novel bioactive mediators.[6−8] The isolation and structure elucidation of four new host-protective molecules was recently reported. These compounds were termed 13-series resolvins (RvTs), namely, RvT1 (1), RvT2 (2), RvT3 (3) and RvT4 (4), given that they share a hydroxy functionality at carbon 13.[8]

These four enzymatically oxygenated products are biosynthesized during neutrophil-endothelial cocultures and are present, after sterile inflammation as well as infection, in both human and mouse tissues. These four new natural products are biosynthesized from n-3 DPA during neutrophil-endothelial interactions where endothelial cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) converts n-3 docosapentaenoic acid to 13-hydro(peroxy)-7Z,10Z,13,14E,16Z,19Z docosapentaenoic acid that is then thought to react rapidly, via COX-2-mediated peroxidase activity, into 13(R)-hydroxy-7Z,10Z,13R,14E,16Z,19Z docosapentaenoic acid (Scheme ).[8] The RvTs contain conjugated diene and triene moieties, as well as isolated Z-olefins, in addition to the common hydroxy functionality at C-13. The RvT family of mediators demonstrated potent protective actions increasing mice survival during Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections, and regulate human and mouse phagocyte responses that result in increased bacterial phagocytosis and regulation of inflammasome components.[8]

Scheme 1

Chemical Structure of 13R-HDPA (5) and Outline of Its Proposed Biosynthesis from n-3 DPA

The presence of a secondary alcohol functionality at C-13 in all four RvTs caught our attention as a common and important chemical feature that most likely is involved early in the biosynthesis of all four RvTs. LC/MS-MS-based experiments using lipid mediator metabololipidomics with materials obtained from human neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions allowed for the identification of a 13-hydroxylated C22-compound biosynthesized in human endothelial cell assays. Incubations of n-3 DPA with human recombinant cyclooxygenase-2 (hrCOX-2), together with UV experiments and chiral-phase LC-MS/MS analyses, provided evidence for the involvement of the hydroperoxide of a 13(R)-hydroxy-docosapentaenoic acid intermediate (13R-HpDPA) in the biosynthesis of the 13 series resolvins.[8] Given the potency of these molecules (pM–nM) and the fact that they are produced in small amounts (pg–ng) within biological systems, it was not possible to determine the exact configurations of the double bonds or the absolute configurations of the secondary alcohols in RvTs 1–4. Based on biosynthetic considerations,[4,5,9] we tentatively assigned the configurations of the double bonds as depicted.

As bacterial infections in humans remain a serious health concern due to the rise in antibiotic resistance toward existing antibacterial therapeutics, an imminent need for new treatment strategies exists.[10] Of interest toward this aim, the RvTs 1–4 exert anti-inflammatory and potent pro-resolving activities by regulating key innate protective responses during E. coli infections in mice.[8] Due to the interesting and potent biological activities of the RvTs 1–4, it is of considerable interest to further investigate their biosynthetic pathways. Herein, we present direct evidence for the configurational assignment of the key biosynthetic intermediate in the RvT pathway, namely, 13R-HDPA (5), by matching material obtained from total synthesis with that isolated from (a) human endothelial cells, (b) mouse infectious exudates, and (c) human recombinant COX-2. We also demonstrate that 13R-HDPA is converted by human neutrophils to all four RvTs, thereby confirming the role of 13R-HDPA as a key biosynthetic intermediate in RvT formation.

Results and Discussion

To establish evidence of the existence of 13R-HDPA (5) as a pivotal intermediate and its role in the biosynthesis of the novel 13-series resolvins (RvT 1–4), stereochemically pure 5 was obtained by total synthesis. First, a synthesis of the terminal alkyne 10 from commercially available 2-pentyn-1-ol (6), Scheme , was needed. The preparation of diyne 8 was performed as previously reported.[11] Unfortunately, attempted Lindlar reduction of the internal alkyne in 8 gave no conversion to wanted 9. However, the stereoselective Z-reduction of the internal alkyne was successfully achieved with P-2 nickel boride (P-2 Ni),[12,13] which provided 9 in 80% yield. Removal of the TMS-protecting group was achieved using TBAF buffered with acetic acid. Addition of acetic acid was absolutely necessary to suppress the formation of the E-isomer of 10. The modest overall yield of 10 by this sequence is attributed to the high volatility of 10.

Scheme 2

Synthesis of (Z)-Hept-4-en-1-yne (10)

Next, vinyl iodide 13 was prepared from commercially available (R)-α-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone (11), via known alcohol 12.[14] An alkyne hydrozirconation of 12, followed by treatment with iodine, furnished the vinyl iodide 13 in fair yield (Scheme ).

Scheme 3

Synthesis of Vinyl Iodide 13

The Wittig salt 19 was prepared from cycloheptanone (14) in eight steps. Phosphonium salt 15 was obtained as previously reported[7] in a sequence involving a Baeyer–Villager oxidation of 14, subsequent methanolysis of the resulting lactone, conversion of the formed primary alcohol to its iodide that was reacted with triphenylphospine to give 15. A Wittig reaction of 15 with TBS-protected 3-hydroxypropanal (16) and subsequent removal of the silyl group[15] afforded the alcohol 17. This was then converted into the corresponding iodide 18 via an Appel reaction, followed by treatment with triphenylphospine in refluxing acetonitrile that afforded the desired Wittig salt 19 in 81% yield over the two steps (Scheme ).

Scheme 4

Synthesis of Wittig Salt 19

Then terminal alkyne 10 and vinyl iodide 13 were assembled in a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction, which produced the conjugated enyne 20 in 86% yield. Oxidation of the alcohol in 20 gave aldehyde 21, which was immediately reacted in a Z-selective Wittig reaction with the ylide of Wittig salt 19; the latter was generated at −78 °C after treatment with NaHMDS. This afforded the ester 22 in 77% yield. Finally, after removal of the silyl group with in situ-generated HCl from AcCl in MeOH, the internal alkyne in 23 was stereoselectively reduced using the Boland protocol,[16] furnishing the conjugated E,Z-diene 24 in 67% yield (Scheme ). The chemical purity of ester 24 was >98%. Saponification with LiOH[17] afforded chemically (>98%) and stereochemically pure 13R-HDPA (5) (>99% ee) according to LC-MS/MS analyses using a chiral-phase column (Figure ).

Scheme 5

Synthesis of 13R-HDPA (5)

Figure 1

13-HDPA MRM chromatograms from (A) endothelial cells, (B) infectious exudates, (C) hrCOX-2, and (D) synthetic material of 5. (E) Coinjection of endothelial and synthetic 5.

We next tested whether synthetic 5 matched authentic 13R-HDPA (5). We first isolated material from human umbilical endothelial cells[8] that in RP-HPLC-MS-MS metabololipidomics[18] gave a sharp peak with retention time (RT) of 17.5 min (Figure A). 13-HDPA from infectious exudates and from hrCOX-2 also eluted with RT 17.5 min (Figure B,C). The same retention time was observed (RT = 17.5 min) for synthetic 13R-HDPA (5), Figure D. Moreover, coinjection of biological 13-HPDA with synthetic material of 5 gave a single sharp peak with RT 17.5 min (Figure E).

Then we sought evidence for the absolute configuration at C-13 and that synthetic material of 5 eluted with biological 13R-HDPA in a chiral environment. In all biological systems tested, 13R-HDPA was the main product giving a sharp peak at RT 5.1 min in a chiral-phase chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system (Figures A–C). Synthetic 13R-HDPA (5) also gave RT 5.1 min (Figure D), and when this material was coinjected with biological material, a sharp peak only at RT 5.1 min was observed (Figure E). Of note, in the endothelial cell and recombinant enzyme incubations, we also identified the S-isomer of 13-HDPA that was found to be the minor product in both incubations forming ∼10% of the overall 13-HDPA levels in the HUVEC incubations (Figure A) and <5% in the recombinant enzyme incubations (Figure C). This is in accordance with published findings that COX-2 stereoselectively converts n-3 DPA to the R-configured stereoisomer with a small proportion of the substrate being converted to the S-stereoisomer.[8] This is also observed for other enzymes that lipoxygenate their substrate.[19] Altogether, these efforts established that the synthetic material of 5 eluted together with biologically produced 13-HDPA and that the absolute configuration at C-13 is R for biogenic 13-HDPA (5).

Figure 2

13-HDPA chiral LC-MS-MS derived from (A) endothelial cells, (B) infectious exudates, (C) hrCOX-2, and (D) synthetic material. (E) Coinjection of endothelial and synthetic 13R-HDPA.

To obtain further evidence for matching physical properties of authentic and synthetic material of 5, MS-MS spectra for 13R-HDPA from HUVEC incubations, infectious exudates and synthetic material of 5 were recorded, that gave essentially identical MS-MS spectra including fragments at m/z 327, 301, 283, 223, 205, and 195 (Figure A–C).

Figure 3

MS-MS spectra employed in the identification of 13-HDPA from (A) endothelial cells, (B) infectious exudates, and (C) synthetic material. n = 3 endothelial cell donors, n = 3 mouse exudates, and n = 3 for synthetic material.

Assessment of the UV chromophore of biogenic 13R-HDPA from hrCOX-2 and that of the synthetic material of 5, both gave λmaxMeOH of 237 nm (Figure A,B), adding additional confidence in our structural assignment.

Figure 4

UV spectra for (A) hrCOX-2 13-HDPA and (B) synthetic 13R-HDPA (5).

We next tested whether the synthetic material 5 was a substrate for the conversion to any of the four RvTs by human neutrophils. Incubation of synthetic 13R-HDPA (5) with human neutrophils gave RvT1 (1), RvT2 (2), RvT3 (3), and RvT4 (4), as determined using both retention time (Figure A) and MS-MS spectra (Figure B). Of note in incubations with neutrophils without 13R-HDPA (5), levels of RvT1 (1), RvT2 (2), RvT3 (3), and RvT4 (4), were >75% lower than those found in incubations with the synthetic material. These results are in accordance with published findings[8] and indicate that while PMN may utilize endogenous 13R-HDPA, which may be esterified and released upon cellular activation as observed for other SPM biosynthetic intermediates,[20] these cells rely on other cell types to donate this key biosynthetic intermediate for RvT biosynthesis. Together these results establish the exact structural assignment of 13R-HDPA as 13(R)-hydroxy-7Z,10Z,13R,14E,16Z,19Z docosapentaenoic acid (5), as well as its key role in the RvT biosynthetic pathway.

Figure 5

Human neutrophils convert 13R-HDPA (5) to RvT1–4 (1–4). Human neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and incubated (2 × 107 cells/mL) with or without 13R-HDPA (5) (45 min, 37 °C, 2 μM A23187, PBS, pH = 7.45). Incubations were quenched with two volumes of ice cold MeOH and products extracted and profiled using lipid mediator metabololipidomics. (A) MRM chromatograms for each of the RvT1–4 with relative abundances to their levels in each of the incubations. (B) MS-MS spectra employed in the identification of RvT1 (1), RvT2 (2), RvT3 (3) and RvT4 (4). Results are representative of n = 3 healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

The biosynthesis of SPMs in human physiological systems affords the E- and D-series resolvins with either a E,E,Z,E-tetraene or a E,E,Z-triene moiety.[2,4] On the other hand, the 13R-series-resolvins display diene and triene moieties, isolated Z-olefins, and a hydroxy functionality at C-13. These features distinguish the 13R-series-resolvins from the established families of SPMs (i.e., the resolvins, protectins, and maresins), as well as other oxygenated natural products of nonhuman origin.[21] Herein, we have demonstrated that the COX-2 enzyme is involved in the first step in the biosynthetic pathways of the 13R-series-resolvins. Most likely, as for the other SPM families,[5] the first step involves the formation of a hydroperoxide intermediate that undergoes distinct enzymatic multistep sequences to the individual natural products 1–4. Because all families of SPMs,[22] as well as other oxygenated PUFA-derivatives,[21,23] exhibit potent and interesting pharmacological actions, these natural products are of interest as lead compounds toward the clinical development of different treatments for human diseases, via a novel mechanism as resolution agonists. Such efforts will be more expedient with knowledge of the complete structural assignment and biosynthetic pathways of SPMs such as the 13R-series resolvins.

Experimental Section

General Experimental Procedures

Optical rotations were measured using a 0.7 mL cell with a 1.0 dm path length on an Anton Paar MCP 100 polarimeter. The UV–vis spectra from 190 to 900 nm were recorded on a Shimadzu UV-1800 spectrophotometer using quartz cuvettes. NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AVII400 spectrometer at 400 MHz or a Bruker AVII600 spectrometer at 600 MHz for 1H NMR, and at 100 or 150 MHz for 13C NMR. Spectra are referenced relative to the central residual protium solvent resonance in 1H NMR (CDCl3 δH = 7.27, and MeOH-d4 δH = 3.31) and the central carbon solvent resonance in 13C NMR (CDCl3 δC = 77.00 ppm, and MeOH-d4 = δC = 49.00). High-resolution mass spectra were recorded on a Waters Prospec Q spectrometer using ES as the method of ionization. Thin-layer chromatography was performed on silica gel 60 F254 aluminum-backed plates fabricated by Merck. Flash column chromatography was performed on silica gel 60 (40–63 μm) produced by Merck. HPLC analyses for chemical purities were performed on an Agilent Technologies 1200 Series instrument with diode array detector set at 254 nm and equipped with a C18 stationary phase (Eclipse XDB-C18 5 μm 4.6 × 150 mm), applying the conditions stated. GLC-analyses were performed on an Agilent Technologies 7820A GC instrument with split injection, FID detector and equipped with an Agilent J&W HP-5 GC column (30 m × 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm) applying the conditions stated. Unless stated otherwise, all commercially available reagents and solvents were used in the form they were supplied without any further purification. All reactions were performed under an argon atmosphere, unless otherwise stated. The stated yields are based on isolated material. Liquid chromatography (LC)-grade solvents were purchased from Fisher Scientific. The Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm × 1.8 μm) was obtained from Agilent and C18 SPE columns were from Waters. Commercially available lipid mediators were obtained from Cayman Chemical.

(Z)-Hept-4-en-1-yn-1-yltrimethylsilane (9)

A suspension of sodium borohydride (32.9 mg, 0.87 mmol) in EtOH (1.3 mL) was added dropwise to a flask containing nickel acetate tetrahydrate (217 mg, 0.87 mmol, 14 mol%) in EtOH (13.0 mL) at 0 °C under stirring. The reaction mixture turned black. After stirring for 15 min at room temperature, ethylenediamine (116 μL, 105 mg, 1.74 mmol) was added, and the stirring was continued for 10 min. The flask was evacuated and refilled with hydrogen gas before the skipped diyne 8(11) was added (1.00 g, 6.09 mmol, 1.00 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under hydrogen atmosphere until completion (∼4 h), then filtered through a short plug of silica gel that was washed with pentane (10 mL). The filtrate was transferred to a separatory funnel and washed with H2O (3 × 5.0 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4), and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel (pentane) afforded the desired product 9 as a colorless oil. Yield: 810 mg (80%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δH 5.51–5.42 (m, 1H), 5.42–5.35 (m, 1H), 2.98 (m, 2H), 2.06 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.15 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δC 133.7, 123.4, 105.7, 84.2, 20.7, 18.4, 14.1, 0.3. TLC (hexane, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.12. The spectroscopic data were in agreement with those previously reported for this compound.[24]

(Z)-Hept-4-en-1-yne (10)

(Z)-Hept-4-en-1-yn-1-yltrimethylsilane (9) (700 mg, 4.21 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was added to a solution of TBAF (1.0 M in THF, 6.74 mL, 6.74 mmol, 1.60 equiv) and acetic acid (0.40 mL, 6.95 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 16 h and quenched with H2O (6.0 mL). Pentane (40 mL) was added, and the organic layer was washed with saturated aq NaHCO3 (7.0 mL), water (10 × 7.0 mL) to remove the remaining THF, and then dried (MgSO4). Pentane was removed by distillation. After distillation, the product still contained traces of solvents, but that was accounted for in the next step. Yield: 189 mg (47%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δH 5.53–5.45 (m, 1H), 5.44–5.36 (m, 1H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 2.13–2.00 (m, 2H), 1.97 (t, J = 2.7 Hz, 1H), 0.99 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δC 134.0, 123.1, 83.2, 68.1, 20.6, 16.9, 14.0. The spectroscopic data were in agreement with those previously reported for this compound.[25]

(R,E)-3-((tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-5-iodopent-4-en-1-ol (13)

Compound 12 was prepared as previously reported.[14] The Schwartz’s reagent was prepared in situ following the procedure by Huang and Negishi.[26] Cp2ZrCl2 (1.24 g, 4.23 mmol, 2.10 equiv) in THF (5.00 mL) was cooled to 0 °C and stirred under argon. A solution of DIBAL-H (1.0 M in THF, 4.23 mL, 4.23 mmol) was added dropwise. The resultant suspension was stirred for 30 min at 0 °C and protected from light with aluminum foil, before the terminal alkyne 12 (431 mg, 2.02 mmol, 1.00 equiv) in THF (1.00 mL) was added. The cooling bath was removed, and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was observed (ca. 1 h) and then cooled to −78 °C. A solution of I2 (665 mg, 5.24 mmol, 1.24 equiv) in THF/CH2Cl2 (3.00 mL, 1:1) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred 45 min before it was filtered through a plug of silica gel that was successively washed with 20% EtOAc in heptane. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 8:2) to afford the vinyl iodine 13 as a pale yellow oil. Yield: 385 mg (56%); [α]20 + 58 (c = 0.29, MeOH); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δH 6.56 (dd, J = 14.4, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.29 (dd, J = 14.4, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (m, 1H), 3.79 (ddd, J = 10.9, 7.9, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 3.70 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 1H), 1.81 (m, 1H), 1.72 (m, 1H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.09 (s, 3H), 0.06 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δC 148.4, 76.5, 74.3, 59.7, 39.1, 25.9 (3C), 18.3, −4.4, −4.9;. HRESITOFMS: m/z 365.0403 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C11H23IO2SiNa, 365.0410); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 7:3, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.37.

Methyl (Z)-10-hydroxydec-7-enoate (17)

The ester 17 was prepared according to a literature procedure.[2c] The known Wittig salt 15(7) (1.70 g, 3.19 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in THF (42.0 mL) and HMPA (4.20 mL) and cooled to −78 °C. NaHMDS (0.60 M in toluene, 5.30 mL, 3.18 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was added dropwise, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30–45 min. Aldehyde 6 (631 mg, 3.35 mmol, 1.05 equiv) in THF (4.20 mL) was then added dropwise, and stirring was continued for 1.5 h at −78 °C. The flask was allowed to slowly warm up to 0 °C, and the reaction was quenched with phosphate buffer (21.1 mL, pH = 7.2). The aq phase was extracted with Et2O (2 × 20.0 mL), and the combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was passed through a short plug of silica that was washed with 5% EtOAc in heptane (Rf = 0.26). The crude product (868 mg, 2.76 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in CH2Cl2/MeOH (1:2, 34.0 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. Camphor-10-sulfonic acid (642 mg, 2.76 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was added in one portion, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at 0 °C before it was allowed to slowly warm up to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with saturated aq NaHCO3 (33.3 mL), extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 × 15.0 mL), dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 7:3) to afford hydroxyl methyl ester 17 as a clear oil. The chemical purity (>99%) was determined by GLC analysis: Initial temperature 100 °C, rate: 5 °C/min, final temperature 200 °C, tr (minor) = 8.90 min, tr (major) = 9.22 min. Yield: 483 mg (76%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δH 7.08–6.90 (m, 2H), 5.21 (s, 3H), 5.09 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.92–3.77 (m, 4H), 3.64 (q, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (q, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.93 (m, 4H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 176.0, 132.7, 126.9, 62.8, 51.9, 34.8, 31.8, 30.4, 29.8, 28.1, 25.9. HRMS (TOF ES+): m/z 223.1305 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C11H20O3Na, 223.1310). TLC (Heptane/EtOAc 7:3, KMnO4 stain): Rf = 0.23.

Methyl (Z)-10-(iodotriphenyl-λ5-phosphanyl)dec-7-enoate (19)

Iodide 18 was prepared from hydroxy ester 17 (483 mg, 2.42 mmol, 1.00 equiv) according to a procedure reported by Mioskowski and co-workers[27] and used directly in the next reaction. Iodide 18 (638 g, 2.06 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in dry MeCN (20.0 mL). Triphenylphosphine (1.08 g, 4.12 mmol, 2.00 equiv) was added, and the reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 12 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (CH2Cl2/MeOH 95:5) to afford the Wittig salt 19 as a clear oil. Yield: 1.12 g (81%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δ 8.00–7.64 (m, 15H), 5.56–5.42 (m, 2H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 3.57–3.45 (m, 2H), 2.49–2.38 (m, 2H), 2.28 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.90 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.52 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.36–1.19 (m, 4H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 175.8, 136.3 (d, 4′JCP = 3.0 Hz, 3C), 134.9 (d, 3′JCP = 10.0 Hz, 6C), 133.5, 131.6 (d, 2′JCP = 12.6 Hz, 6C), 127.4 (d, 3′JCP = 16.1 Hz), 119.8 (d, 1′JCP = 86.2 Hz, 3C), 52.0, 34.6, 29.9, 29.6, 27.9, 25. 7, 23.0 (d, 1′JCP = 49.2 Hz), 21.3 (d, 2′JCP = 3.3 Hz). HRESITOFMS: m/z 445.2287 [M]+ (calcd for C29H34O2P, 445.2296); TLC (CH2Cl2/MeOH 95:5) Rf = 0.47.

(R,4E,9Z)-3-((tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)dodeca-4,9-diene-6-yn-1-ol (20)

To a solution of vinyl iodide 13 (385 mg, 1.13 mmol, 1.00 equiv) in Et2NH (2.50 mL) and benzene (2.20 mL) was added Pd(PPh3)4 (39.2 mg, 33.9 μmol, 3.00 mol%). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min in the dark before CuI (11.2 mg, 58.8 μmol, 5.00 mol%) in a minimum amount of Et2NH was added followed by dropwise addition of alkyne 10 (213 mg) in Et2NH (2.20 mL). After stirring for 20 h at room temperature, the reaction was quenched with a saturated aq solution of NH4Cl (23 mL). The aq phase was extracted with Et2O (3 × 3.0 mL) before the combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 8:2) to afford compound 20 as an orange oil. Yield: 299 mg (86%); [α]20 + 32 (c 0.40, MeOH); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δH 6.04 (dd, J = 15.8, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 5.65 (dq, J = 15.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 5.51–5.43 (m, 1H), 5.43–5.34 (m, 1H), 4.43 (q, J = 4.9 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (m, 1H), 3.68 (m, 1H), 3.05 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 1H), 2.12–1.99 (m, 2H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.69 (m, 1H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.08 (s, 3H), 0.05 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δC 144.1, 133.7, 123.4, 110.1, 89.4, 78.2, 72.0, 59.9, 39.4, 25.9, 20.6, 18.2, 17.9, 14.1, −4.3, −4.9; HRESITOFMS: m/z 331.2063 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C18H32O2SiNa, 331.2064); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 7:3, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.37.

(R,4E,9Z)-3-((tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)dodeca-4,9-dien-6ynal (21)

Alcohol 20 (240 mg, 77.9 μmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (23.0 mL) before NaHCO3 (375 mg, 4.46 mmol, 5.70 equiv) and Dess–Martin periodinane (406 mg, 95.7 μmol, 1.23 equiv) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h before saturated aq Na2S2O3 (5.0 mL) was added to quench the reaction. The aq phase was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 × 7.0 mL), and the combined organic layers were dried and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 8:2) to afford aldehyde 21 as a pale yellow oil. Yield: 219 mg (91%); [α]20 + 19 (c 0.41, MeOH); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δH 9.75 (t, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.07 (dd, J = 15.8, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.72 (dq, J = 15.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 5.55–5.34 (m, 2H), 4.68 (m, 1H), 3.11–3.02 (m, 2H), 2.61 (ddd, J = 16.0, 6.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (ddd, J = 16.0, 5.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 2.07 (p, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.87 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 3H), 0.05 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δC 201.1, 143.1, 133.8, 123.3, 110.7, 90.1, 77.9, 68.6, 51.3, 25.9, 20.7, 18.2, 17.9, 14.1, −4.3, −4.9. HRESITOFMS: m/z 329.1907 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C18H30O2SiNa, 329.1913); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 85:15, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.38.

Methyl-(R,7Z,10Z,14E,19Z)-13-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)docosa-7,10,14,19-tetraen-16-ynoate (22)

Wittig salt 19 (374 mg, 65.4 μmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in THF (8.80 mL) and HMPA (0.88 mL), cooled to −78 °C and added NaHMDS (0.6 M in toluene, 1.09 mL, 65.4 μmol, 1.00 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min before aldehyde 21 (200 mg, 65.5 μmol, 1.00 equiv) in THF (0.88 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred for 1 h at −78 °C and then the reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to 0 °C. Phosphate buffer (4.7 mL, pH = 7.2) was added to quench the reaction and the aq. phase was extracted with Et2O (2 × 4.0 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 95:5, KMnO4 stain) to afford compound 22 as a pale yellow oil. Yield: 239 mg (77%); [α]20 + 2.1 (c 0.39, CHCl3); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δH 5.98 (dd, J = 15.8, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 5.62 (dq, J = 15.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 5.51–5.29 (m, 6H), 4.22 (q, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.05 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (q, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (q, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H), 1.62 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.45–1.28 (m, 4H), 0.99 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.07 (s, 3H), 0.05 (s, 3H) ; 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 175.9, 145.6, 134.2, 131.3, 130.9, 129.0, 126.2, 124.8, 110.8, 89.7, 79.1, 74.0, 52.0, 37.1, 34.8, 30.4, 29.8, 28.1, 26.8, 26.40 (3C), 25.9, 21.4, 19.1, 18.2, 14.4, −4.3, −4.5; HRESITOFMS: m/z 495.3265 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C29H48O3SiNa, 495.3270); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 85:15, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.47.

Methyl-(R,7Z,10Z,14E,19Z)-13-hydroxydocosa-7,10,14,19-tetraen-16-ynoate (23)

The TBS-protected intermediate 22 (64.1 mg, 0.136 mmol, 1.00 equiv) was twice azeotroped with 2-Me-THF and then stirred under argon at 0 °C before a solution of AcCl in dry MeOH (1.00 mL, 20.4 μmol, 15.0 mol%) was added. The solution of AcCl in MeOH was prepared just prior to use by adding AcCl (3.0 μL) to dry MeOH (2.0 mL) under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 7 h at 0 °C. Then CH2Cl2 (2.7 mL) was added, and the reaction was neutralized with a 10% aq solution of NaHCO3 (140 μL) and washed with H2O (1.4 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4), and the solvent was removed in vacuo, before the crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 85:15) to afford the alcohol 23 as a clear oil. Yield: 44.7 mg (92%); [α]20 = −9.0 (c = 0.27, MeOH); UV(MeOH) λmax 229, (log ε 3.97); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δH 6.01 (dd, J = 15.9, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 5.66 (dq, J = 15.9, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 5.52–5.32 (m, 6H), 4.11 (dq, J= 6.4, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.06 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (m, 2H), 2.38–2.27 (m, 4H), 2.15–2.05 (m, 4H), 1.64 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.47–1.29 (m, 4H), 1.00 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 176.0, 145.2, 134.2, 131.4, 131.0, 128.9, 126.0, 124.8, 111.2, 89.6, 79.1, 72.7, 52.0, 36.1, 34.8, 30.4, 29.8, 28.0, 26.8, 25.9, 21.4, 18.2, 14.3; HRESITOFMS: m/z 381.2400 [M+Na]+ (calcd for C23H34O3Na, 381.2406); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 80:20, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.36. The chemical purity (>98%) was determined by HPLC analysis (Eclipse XDB-C18, MeOH/H2O 85:15, 1.0 mL/min): tr (major) = 12.94 min and tr (minor) = 15.74 min.

Methyl (R,7Z,10Z,14E,16Z,19Z)-13-hydroxydocosa-7,10,14,16,19-pentaenoate (24)

The activated Zn was prepared according to the literature.[16] A suspension of Zn dust (2.04 g) in distilled H2O (12.3 mL) was stirred under argon for 15 min. Cu(OAc)2·H2O (204 mg, 1.02 mmol) was added, the flask was sealed immediately, and the mixture stirred vigorously for 15 min. Then AgNO3 (204 mg, 1.2 mmol) was added (exothermic reaction), and the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 30 min. The activated Zn was filtered under argon atmosphere and washed successively with H2O, MeOH, acetone, and Et2O to give a wet material (the activated Zn was not dried completely). Alkyne 23 (30 mg, 83.7 μmol) was dissolved in MeOH/H2O (2:1) (6.00 mL), and then the wet activated Zn was added quickly under a blanket of argon. The reaction was stirred for 10 h in the dark. After completion, the mixture was filtered through Celite with Et2O, and the aq phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 × 3.0 mL). The organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed in vacuo, before the crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 90:10) to afford the methyl ester 24 as a clear oil. Yield 20.2 mg (67%): [α]20 – 0.5 (c = 0.74, MeOH); UV(MeOH) λmax 237, (log ε = 4.41); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δH 6.55 (ddt, J = 15.1, 11.0, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 5.97 (t, J = 10.9 Hz, 1H), 5.68 (dd, J = 15.2, 6.5 Hz, 1H), 5.50–5.26 (m, 7H), 4.15 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 2.94 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.80 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 2H), 2.43–2.21 (m, 4H), 2.18–2.02 (m, 4H), 1.61 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.46–1.26 (m, 4H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 176.0, 137.2, 133.1, 131.2, 131.0, 130.9, 129.2, 129.0, 127.8, 126.4, 126.4, 73.1, 52.0, 36.4, 34.8, 30.4, 29.8, 28.0, 26.9, 26.8, 25.9, 21.5, 14.6; HRESITOFMS: m/z 383.2555 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C23H36O3Na, 383.2562); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 75:25, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.33. The chemical purity (>98%) was determined by HPLC analysis (Eclipse XDB-C18, MeOH/H2O 85:15, 1.0 mL/min): tr (minor) = 13.72 and 17.53 min, and tr (major) = 16.53 min.

(R,7Z,10Z,14E,16Z,19Z)-13-Hydroxydocosa-7,10,14,16,19-pentaenoic Acid, 13R-HDPA (5)

Methyl ester 24 (12.0 mg, 33.3 μmol, 1.00 equiv) was dissolved in THF/MeOH/H2O (2:2:1, 3.90 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. LiOH (24 mg, mmol, 30.0 equiv) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at 0 °C before it was allowed to warm up to room temperature and stirred until completion, as monitored by TLC (∼2 h). Saturated aq NaH2PO4 (6.0 mL) was added. The aq phase was extracted (2 × 3.0 mL), dried (Na2SO4), and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc 50:50, KMnO4 stain) to afford the hydroxy acid 5 as colorless oil. Yield: 10.0 mg (87%); [α]25 - 0.64 (c = 0.47, MeOH); UV(MeOH) λmax 236, (log ε = 4.39); 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) δH 6.55 (ddt, J = 15.2, 11.1, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 5.97 (t, J = 10.9 Hz, 1H), 5.68 (dd, J = 15.2, 6.5 Hz, 1H), 5.49–5.26 (m, 7H), 4.15 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 1H), 2.94 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.80 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.40–2.22 (m, 4H), 2.09 (q, J = 7.6, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 1.61 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.38 (m, 4H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOH-d4) δC 177.7, 137.1, 133.1, 131.2, 131.1, 130.9, 129.2, 129.0, 127.8, 126.4, 126.4, 73.1, 36.4, 35.0, 30.4, 29.9, 28.1, 26.9, 26.8, 26.0, 21.5, 14.6; HRESITOFMS: m/z 369.2400 [M + Na]+ (calcd for C22H34O3Na, 369.2406); TLC (hexane/EtOAc 50:50, KMnO4 stain) Rf = 0.27.

Biogenic 13R-HDPA

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC; 8.5 × 105 cells/9.6 cm2) were incubated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) and TNF-α (10 ng/mL; 16 h, 37 °C, 5% CO2). Incubations were quenched using 2 volumes of MeOH containing deuterium labeled d8-5S-HETE.[8]

In separate experiments n-3 DPA (Cayman Chemical Company) was incubated with human recombinant COX-2 (Cayman Chemicals; in 0.1 M Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 20 μM porcine hematin, 0.67 mM phenol) for 30 min at room temperature. Incubations were stopped with two volumes of MeOH and products extracted using diethyl ether.[8] 13-HDPA was isolated using RP-HPLC (1260 Series; Agilent Technologies) and an Agilent C18 Poroshell column (3.5 μm × 4.6 mm × 150 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of MeOH/H2O (60:40, vol/vol) at 0.5 mL/min that was ramped up to 98:2 (v/v) for 20 min.

Infectious exudates were collected from mice (6–8 week old, male, FvB, Charles River, UK) 12h after administration of E. coli (105 CFU).[28] Exudates were collected in 4 mL of PBS (containing calcium and magnesium) and placed in 2 volumes of ice-cold MeOH containing d8-5S-HETE and commercially available lipid mediators. In these experiments, male FvB mice (6–8 weeks of age) were used. These animals were maintained on a standard chow pellet diet and had access to water ad libitum, with a 12-h light–dark cycle. All animal experiments were approved and performed under the guidelines of the Ethical Committee for the Use of Animals, Barts and The London School of Medicine, and in accordance with the U.K. Home Office regulations (Guidance on the Operation of Animals, Scientific Procedures Act, 1986).

RvT Biosynthesis

Human peripheral blood was collected according to a protocol approved by Barts and the London Research Ethics Committee, London, United Kingdom (QMREC 2014:61). Written informed consent was received from participants prior to inclusion in the study according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Neutrophils were prepared following density separation by layering on Ficoll-Histopaque 1077–1. The cells were then centrifuged at 300g (30 min, 4 °C), and contaminating red blood cells were lysed by hypotonic lyses as in ref (8). Neutrophils 20 × 106 cells/mL (PBS+/+, pH = 7.45) were then incubated with synthetic 13R-HDPA (5) (10 μM) for 45 min (37 °C). Incubations were stopped with 2 volumes of ice-cold MeOH. NaBH4 was then added to reduce the hydroperoxides produced by the neutrophil lipoxygenases (1.0 mg/mL; Sigma-Aldrich), and products were isolated using C18 solid phase extraction as detailed below.

Lipid Mediator Profiling

MeOH (two volumes) was added to cell incubations, plasma (mouse and human), and infectious exudates, and samples were stored at −20 °C until extraction. Prior to extraction, samples were then centrifuged (1200g, 4 °C, 10 min). Supernatants were then collected and brought to less than 1.0 mL of MeOH content using a gentle stream of nitrogen gas using a TurboVap LV system (Biotage). The RvT1–4 and 13-HDPA products were extracted using an ExtraHera (Biotage) automated extraction system as follows. Solid-phase C18 cartridges were equilibrated with 3.0 mL of MeOH and 6.0 mL of H2O. Nine milliliters of aq HCl solution (pH = 3.5) was then added to the samples, and the acidified solutions were rapidly loaded onto the conditioned C18 columns that were washed with 4.0 mL of H2O. Next, 5.0 mL of hexane was added, and the products were eluted with 4.0 mL of methyl formate. Products were brought to dryness using the automated evaporation system (TurboVap LV, Biotage) and immediately suspended in MeOH–H20 (50:50 vol/vol) for LC-MS-MS automated injections as previously reported.[8]

Extracted samples were analyzed by an LC-MS-MS system, Qtrap 5500 (AB Sciex) equipped with a Shimadzu SIL-20AC autoinjector and LC-20AD binary pump (Shimadzu Corp.). A Poroshell C18 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm × 2.7 μm) was used with a gradient of MeOH/H2O/AcOH of 55:45:0.01 (v/v/v) that was ramped to 85:15:0.01 (v/v/v) over 10 min and then to 98:2:0.01 (v/v/v) for the next 8 min. This was subsequently maintained at 98:2:0.01 (v/v/v) for 2 min. The flow rate was maintained at 0.4 mL per minute.

To monitor and quantify the levels of lipid mediators, a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was developed with signature ion fragments (m/z) for each molecule monitoring the parent ion (Q1) and a characteristic daughter ion (Q3). Identification was conducted using published criteria where a minimum of 6 diagnostic ions were employed, see ref (18) for details. Detection limit was ∼0.1 pg.

For chiral-phase lipidomic analysis, a Chiralpak AD-RH column (150 mm × 2.1 mm × 5 μm) was used with isocratic MeOH/H2O/AcOH 95:5:0.01 (v/v/v) at 0.15 mL/min. To monitor isobaric monohydroxy docosapentaenoic acid levels, a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was developed using signature ion fragments 345 > 195 described.[8]