Design, synthesis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of novel 5-benzylidene-3,4-dihalo-furan-2-one derivatives

Design, synthesis and molecular modeling of novel aryl carboximidamides and 3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles derived from indomethacin as potent anti-inflammatory iNOS/PGE2 inhibitors

The development of NSAIDs/iNOS inhibitor hybrids is a new strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases by suppression of the overproduction of PGE₂ and NO. A novel series of aryl carboximidamides 4a-g and their cyclized 3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 5a-g counterparts derived from indomethacin 1 were synthesized. Most of the target compounds displayed lower LPS-induced NO production IC₅₀ in RAW 264.7 cells and potent in vitro iNOS and PGE2 inhibitory activity than indomethacin. Moreover, in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method, most of them exhibited higher in vivo anti-inflammatory activity than the reference drug indomethacin. Notably, 4 hrs after carrageenan injection, compound 4a proved to be the most potent anti-inflammatory agent in this study, with almost two- and eight-fold more active than the reference drugs indomethacin (1) and celecoxib, respectively. Compound 4a proved to be inhibitor to LPS-induced NO production, iNOS activity and PGE2 with IC₅₀ of 10.70 μM, 2.31 μM, and 29 nM; respectively. Compounds 4a and 5b possessed the lowest ulcerogenic liabilities (35% and 38%, respectively) compared to 1. Histopathological analysis revealed that compounds 4a and 5b demonstrated reduced degeneration and healing of ulcers. Molecular docking studies into the catalytic binding pocket of the iNOS protein receptor (PDB ID: 1r35) showed good correlation with the obtained biological results. Parameters of Lipinski's rule of five and ADMET analysis were calculated where compound 4a had reasonable drug-likeness with acceptable physicochemical properties so it could be used as promising orally absorbed anti-inflammatory therapy and entitled to be used as future template for further investigations.

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang exerts effects on a rat model of postpartum depression by regulating inflammatory cytokines and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang (SJF) is composed of eight Chinese medicinal herbs. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating postpartum depression (PPD). Previous studies have shown that SJF treats PPD through the neuroendocrine mechanism.

AIM

To further investigate the effect of SJF on the immune system, including the inflammatory response system and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were used to create an animal model of PPD by inducing hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal. After hormone withdrawal, the PPD rats were treated with SJF or fluoxetine for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Levels of Treg cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry analysis. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI, IL-6Rα, and gp130 in the hippocampus were observed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

Serum IL-1β in PPD rats increased at 2 weeks and declined from then on, while serum IL-6 increased at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Both IL-1β and IL-6 were downregulated by SJF and fluoxetine. Changes in gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI and gp130 in PPD rats were consistent with changes in serum IL-1β, and were able to be regulated by SJF and fluoxetine. The levels of Treg cells were negatively correlated with serum IL-1β and IL-6, and were decreased in PPD rats. The levels of Treg cells were increased by SJF and fluoxetine.

CONCLUSION

Dysfunction of proinflammatory cytokines and Tregs in different stages of PPD was attenuated by SJF and fluoxetine through the modulation of serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6, expressions of IL-1RI, and gp130 in the hippocampus, and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in peripheral blood.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-nitropyrimidine-2,4-dione analogues as inhibitors of nitric oxide and iNOS activity

Fifty two compounds based on 5-nitropyrimidine-2,4-dione moiety have been synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potency on the production of nitric oxide. Among them, compound 36 inhibited the production of nitric oxide (IC50 : 8.6 μm) on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity (IC50 : 6.2 μm), as well as exerted no potential cytotoxicity (IC50 > 80.0 μm). Docking study confirmed that compound 36 was an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor with perfect binding to the active site of inducible nitric oxide synthase. At a dose of 10 mg/kg, oral administration of 36 possessed protective properties in carrageenan-induced paw edema of male ICR mice.