Self-organizing molecular field analysis of NSAIDs: Assessment of pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties using 3D-QSPkR approach

Analgesic Effect of 5-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one in Experimental Animal Models of Nociception

Curcuminoids derived from turmeric rhizome have been reported to exhibit antinociceptive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We evaluated the peripheral and central antinociceptive activities of 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one (DHHPD), a novel synthetic curcuminoid analogue at 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg (intraperitoneal), through chemical and thermal models of nociception. The effects of DHHPD on the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems were evaluated through the capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking tests. Results showed that DHHPD significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the writhing response produced by the 0.8% acetic acid injection. In addition, 1 and 3 mg/kg of DHHPD significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the licking time spent by each mouse in both phases of the 2.5% formalin test and increased the response latency of mice on the hot-plate. However, the effect produced in the latter was not reversed by naloxone, a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist. Despite this, DHHPD decreased the licking latency of mice in the capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking tests in a dose response manner. In conclusion, DHHPD showed excellent peripheral and central antinociceptive activities possibly by attenuation of the synthesis and/or release of pro-inflammatory mediators in addition to modulation of the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems without an apparent effect on the opioidergic system.

Generation of comparative pharmacophoric model for steroidal 5α-reductase I and II inhibitors: A 3D-QSAR study on 6-azasteroids

Steroidal 5α-reductase, a key enzyme involved in the transformation of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, is unstable during the purification leading to loss of the activity. Therefore, due to unstable nature, the crystal structure of the 5α-reductase is unknown. In the present study, we have generated a comparative pharmacophoric model for both isoforms of steroidal 5α-reductase using 6-azasteroids. The steric and electrostatic maps generated for both isoforms provides structure framework for designing of new inhibitors. Further, 3D-maps are also helpful in understanding variability in the activity of the compounds. Statistical measures generated for both enzymes showed good internal and external prediction. Overall, the analyses of models provides structural requirement of dual and selective steroidal 5α-reductase inhibitors in an interactive fashion.