Introduction to Paraoxonases

The objectives of this special issue on paraoxonases (PONs) are to bring the latest aspects of paraoxonases (PON 1, 2, 3) research on the genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and structural biology of PONs. The issue also addresses the role of PONs in human diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, renal failure, and gastrointestinal disorders). Inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are also favorably affected by PON. PONs also provide microbial protection by hydrolyzing bacterial quorum lactone. The pivotal role of the PON family in a variety of inflammatory diseases, and in preventing the toxicity of organophosphorus insecticides and nerve agents, has made PONs an interesting target for both clinicians and scientists alike. Research into the paraoxonase family of enzymes has increased dramatically, especially following the initiation of the paraoxonase conferences. Five international conferences on paraoxonases were organized between 2004 and 2012, where the PON scientific community gathered to discuss PONs research achievements and future scientific directions. Columbus (OH). According to PubMed, only few PON papers were published before 1980. From 1980 till these days, about 3000 papers were published. The PONs gene cluster contains three adjacent gene members, and all of the three PON genes share high sequence, indentify a similar β propeller protein structure, and hydrolyze esterase/lactonase activities. PONs play a clear protective role against cardiovascular diseases. Major cardioprotective PON characteristics include, beside their potent antioxidant properties, the following: for PON 1, favorable effects on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, for PON 2, attenuation of macrophage triglyc-eride accumulation, and for PON 3, improvement in bile acids metabolism. Human serum HDL-associated paraoxonase (PON1) is an esterase that possesses cardiovascular protective properties which result in the following antiatherogenic functions: (1) attenuated oxidative stress in serum, in lipopro-teins, in macrophages, and in atherosclerotic lesions; (2) decreased oxidized LDL uptake by macrophages; (3) inhibited macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis rate; (4) stimulated HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages. Major PON1 inactivators (and reversal of their action) include (1) oxidative stress (and reversal effect by antioxi-dants such as the pomegranate polyphenolic tannin puni-calagin); (2) high cholesterol (and reversal effect by statins); (3) high triglycerides (and reversal effect by fibrates); (4) high glucose (and reversal effect by insulin). Macrophage PON2 regulation (as related to atheroge-nesis) differs from that of serum PON 1 in the following characteristics: (1) stimulation (not inhibition as shown for PON1) by oxidative stress and also by anti oxidants (like PON1); (2) stimulation by high …