Convolutamydine A and synthetic analogues have antinociceptive properties in mice

Enantioselective organocatalytic Friedel-Crafts reaction of electron-rich phenols and isatins by Takemoto's thiourea catalyst

Takemoto's catalysts were used to organocatalyze the enantioselective Friedel-Crafts reaction with different electron-rich phenols and substituted isatins. The resulting 3-aryl-3-hydroxyl-2-oxindoles were obtained in good yields (85-96%) with up to 99% ee. The substrate scope was broadened with this methodology compared to reported examples catalyzed by cinchonidine thiourea.

Oral treatment with Berberine reduces peripheral nociception: Possible interaction with different nociceptive pathways activated by different allogeneic substances

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Berberine was identified in extracts of Berberis ruscifolia Lam., a plant used in traditional medicine as an analgesic. Its presence may be involved in the reported pharmacological activity of this species. However, there is still a lack of scientific research concerning its analgesic activity in the peripheral nervous system.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate Berb-induced antinociception in the formalin test and to evaluate several pathways related to its pharmacological antinociceptive effects in chemical models of nociception in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of Berb was assessed by inducing the paw licking in mice with different allodynic agents. In the formalin test, the antiedematous and antithermal effect of Berb was evaluated simultaneously in the same experiment. Other nociceptive behavior produced by endogenous [prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), histamine (His), glutamate (Glu) or bradykinin (BK)] or exogenous [capsaicin (Caps) and cinnamaldehyde (Cin)] chemical stimuli, and activators as protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC), were also evaluated.The in vivo doses for p.o. were 3 and 30 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Berb, at 30 mg/kg p.o., showed a significant inhibition of the nociceptive action in formalin in both phases being stronger at the inflammatory phase (59 ± 9%) and more active than Asp (positive control) considering the doses evaluated. Moreover, Berb inhibited the edema (34 ± 10%), but not the temperature in the formalin test. Regarding the different nociceptive signaling pathways evaluated, the most relevant data were that the administration of p.o. of Berb, at 30 mg/kg, caused significant inhibition of nociception induced by endogenous [His (72 ± 11%), PGE2 (78 ± 4%), and BK (51 ± 7%)], exogenous [Cap (68 ± 4%) and Cinn (57 ± 5%)] compounds, and activators of the PKA [(FSK (86 ± 3%)] and PKC [(PMA(86 ± 6%)] signaling pathway. Berb did not inhibit the nociceptive effect produced by Glu.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated, for the first time, the potential of Berb in several nociceptive tests, with the compound present in B. ruscifolia contributing to the analgesic effect reported for this species.

3-Hydroxy-3-(2-oxopropyl)indolin-2-one, a product of a human-derived Enterocloster strain, is an inhibitor of nitric oxide production

When cultured anaerobically, Enterocloster sp. RD014215 was found to produce 1. Using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy, the planar structure of 1 was determined to be 3-hydroxy-3-(2-oxopropyl)indolin-2-one. The chirality of 1 was implied as S by comparing the optical rotation value of 1 with literature reports of the synthesized compounds. To our knowledge, this work represents the first discovery of the metabolite produced by Enterocloster strain. 1 exhibited inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, demonstrating a 50% inhibitory activity (IC50) of 34 µm for NO production by murine macrophage cells subjected to lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

Antifouling activity of isonitrosoacetanilides against microfouling and macrofouling

Biofouling is responsible for structural and economic damage to man-made surfaces. Antifouling paints with biocides have been applied to structures to avoid organism adhesion; however, they have high toxicity and are not able to prevent all biofouling processes, necessitating the periodic mechanical removal of organisms and paint reapplication. Thus, there is an urgent demand for novel, effective, and environmentally friendly antifouling alternatives. As isonitrosoacetanilide is the precursor for many compounds with antibacterial activity, we believe that it could have antifouling activity against microfouling and, consequently, against macrofouling. The aim of this work was to investigate the antifouling potential of six isonitrosoacetanilide compounds and their toxicity. The compounds were employed at different concentrations (0.625-1.25-2.5-5-10 µg mL^-1) in this study. The biofilm and planktonic bacteria inhibition and biofilm eradication potential were evaluated by crystal violet assay, while Amphibalus amphitrite barnacle settlement was evaluated by cyprid settlement assay. Toxicity evaluation (LC₅₀ and EC₅₀) was performed with A. amphitrite nauplii II and cyprid larvae. At least one of the tested concentrations of 4-Br-INA, 4-CH₃-INA, and 2-Br-INA compounds showed nontoxic antifouling activity against microfouling (antibiofilm) and macrofouling (antisettlement). However, only 4-CH₃-INA and 2-Br-INA also showed biofilm eradication potential. These compounds with antibiofilm activity and nontoxic effects could be combined with acrylic base paint resin or added directly into commercial paints in place of toxicant biocides to cover artificial structures as friendly antifouling agents.

Synthesis of Carbonyl-Containing Oxindoles via Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Aryl-Acylation and Aryl-Esterification of Alkenes

Carbonyl-containing oxindoles are ubiquitous core structures present in many biologically active natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. Nickel-catalyzed reductive aryl-acylation of alkenes using aryl anhydrides or alkanoyl chlorides as acyl sources is developed, providing 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles bearing ketone functionality at the 3-position. Moreover, nickel-catalyzed reductive aryl-esterification of alkenes using chloroformate as ester sources is further developed, affording 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles bearing ester functionality at the 3-position. This strategy has the advantages of good yields and high functional group compatibility.

Transition metal-free functionalization of 2-oxindoles via sequential aldol and reductive aldol reactions using rongalite as a C1 reagent

A sequential one-pot classical aldol, transition-metal and hydride-free reductive aldol reaction is reported here for C(sp3)- H functionalization of 2-oxindoles using the multifaceted reagent rongalite. Here, rongalite functions as a hydride-free reducing agent and double C1 unit donor. This protocol enables the synthesis of a wide range of 3-methylindoline-2-ones and 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methylindolin-2-ones from 2-oxindoles (65-95% yields), which are the synthetic precursors for many natural products. Some of the important aspects of this synthetic approach include one-pot methylation and hydroxymethylation, low-cost rongalite (ca. $0.03 per 1 g), mild reaction conditions and applicability to gram-scale synthesis.

Treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole Increases the Antinociceptive Effects of Morphine and Inhibits Neuropathic Pain

The efficacy of µ-opioid receptors (MOR) in neuropathic pain is low and with numerous side effects that limited their use. Chronic neuropathic pain is also linked with emotional disorders that aggravate the sensation of pain and which treatment has not been resolved. This study investigates whether the administration of an oxindole, 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, could inhibit the nociceptive and emotional behaviors and increase the effectiveness of morphine via modulating the microglia and activating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and MOR expression. In C57BL/6 mice with neuropathic pain provoked by the total constriction of sciatic nerve we studied the effects of 10 mg/kg 5-fluoro-2-oxindole in: (i) the allodynia and hyperalgesia caused by the injury; (ii) the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors; (iii) the local antinociceptive actions of morphine; (iv) the expression of CD11b/c (a microglial marker), the antioxidant and detoxificant enzymes Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and of MOR in the spinal cord and hippocampus. Results showed that the inhibition of the main nociceptive symptoms and the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors induced by 5-fluoro-2-oxindole were accompanied with the suppression of microglial activation and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway in the spinal cord and/or hippocampus. This treatment also potentiated the pain-relieving activities of morphine by normalizing the reduced MOR expression. This work demonstrates the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, suggests a new strategy to enhance the antinociceptive actions of morphine and proposes a new mechanism of action of oxindoles during chronic neuropathic pain.

Spirocyclic derivatives as antioxidants: a review

In recent years, spiro compounds have attracted significant interest in medicinal chemistry due to their numerous biological activities attributed primarily to their versatility and structural similarity to important pharmacophore centers. Currently, the development of drugs with potential antioxidant activities is of great importance since numerous investigations have shown that oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of numerous diseases such as cancer, senile cataracts, kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. This article provides an overview of the synthesis and various antioxidant activities found in naturally occurring and synthetic spiro compounds. Among the antioxidant activities reviewed are DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, anti-LPO, superoxide, xanthine oxidase, peroxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide tests, among others. Molecules that presented best results for these tests were spiro compounds G14, C12, D41, C18, C15, D5, D11, E1, and C14. In general, most active compounds are characterized for having at least one oxygen atom; an important number of them (around 35%) are phenolic compounds, and in molecules where this functional group was absent, aryl ethers and nitrogen-containing functional groups such as amine and amides could be found. Recent advances in the antioxidant activity profiles of spiro compounds have shown that they have a significant position in discovering drugs with potential antioxidant activities.

Advances in Synthesis, Derivatization and Bioactivity of Isatin: A Review

Background:

Isatin (IST) is a crucial pharmacologically active compound, chemically known as indole- 1H-2,3-dione. Development of different IST based analogues acquired significant awareness because of its pronounced therapeutic importance such as analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral (effective against SARS coronavirus 3C protease) and many other activities, and represents an important class of heterocyclic compounds that can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of many useful drugs.

Objective:

Previously, many articles were reported on IST synthesis and its different pharmacological activities but herein, we mentioned 59 different synthesis schemes of several IST derivatives/hybrids derived from the substitution of the nitrogen, aromatic ring, the second and third position of IST along with most potent molecule among each of synthesized libraries with their structural activity relationship (SAR). Using these standardized approaches, several biologically important compounds were developed like sunitinib, nintedanib, indirubin, etc and several studies have been carried out nowadays to develop newer compounds having fewer side effects and also overcome the problem of resistance.

Conclusion:

This report critically reviews the different strategies for the designs and synthesis of several IST based compounds having different biological activities with SAR, which can favour further investigation and modification for the development of new and more potent entities.

Access to 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles via microwave-assisted Cannizzaro and aldol reactions of formaldehyde with isatins and their imines

The reaction proceeds with the assistance of microwave heating in a mild base. Formaldehyde behaves as both a reductant (via a Cannizzaro process with isatin) and an electrophile.

The Antinociceptive, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 5-Fluoro-2-Oxindole during Inflammatory Pain

Recent studies demonstrate that 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibits neuropathic pain but the antinociceptive actions of this drug and its effects on the plasticity, oxidative and inflammatory changes induced by peripheral inflammation as well as on the effects and expression of µ-opioid receptors (MOR) have not been evaluated. In C57BL/6 male mice with inflammatory pain provoked by the subplantar administration of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), we evaluated: (1) the antinociceptive actions of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole and its reversion with the HO-1 inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP); (2) the effects of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole in the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Nrf2, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), oxidative stress marker (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; 4-HNE), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), microglial markers (CD11b/c and IBA-1), and MOR in the spinal cord and/or paw of animals with inflammatory pain; (3) the antinociceptive effects of morphine in 5-fluoro-2-oxindole pre-treated animals. Treatment with 5 and 10 mg/kg of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibited the allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by CFA in a different, time-dependent manner. These effects were reversed by SnPP. Treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole increased the expression of NQO1, HO-1 and MOR and inhibited the CFA-induced upregulation of phosphorylated MAPK, 4-HNE, NOS2, CD11b/c and IBA-1 in spinal cords and/or paws. The local effects of morphine were improved with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole. This work reveals that 5-fluoro-2-oxindole inhibits the plasticity, oxidative and inflammatory responses provoked by peripheral inflammation and potentiates the antinociceptive effects of morphine. Thus, treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole alone and/or combined with morphine are two remarkable new procedures for chronic inflammatory pain management.

Success or Failure of Chiral Crystallization of Similar Heterocyclic Compounds

Single crystals of two achiral and planar heterocyclic compounds, C9H8H3O(CA1) and C8H5NO2 (CA4), recrystallized from ethanol, were characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis, respectively, and chiral crystallization was observed only for CA1 as P212121 (# 19), whereas it was not observed for CA4P21/c (# 14). In CA1, as a monohydrate, the hydrogen bonds were pronounced around the water of crystallization (O4), and the planar cyclic sites were arranged in parallel to slightly tilted positions. On the other hand, an anhydride CA4 formed a dimer by hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules in the crystal, which were aggregated by van der Waals forces and placed in parallel planar cyclic sites.

Discovery of novel isatin-based thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimycobacterial screening

Background and purpose:

A group of thiosemicarbazones were prepared and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic methods such as IR and H-NMR, mass spectrometry and also analytical method like elemental analysis. The synthesized semicarbazones were then assessed for their inhibitory activity against bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella species, Enterobacter faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.

Experimental approach:

The schiff bases of isatin (2a-j) were prepared by a condensation reaction between thiosemicarbazide and substituted N-aryl isatins leading to the desired thiosemicarbazones with exquisite purity.

Findings / Results:

The results disclosed that all compounds have noticeable inhibitory activity. Compounds 2a, 2b, 2c, 2g, and 2h were among the most potent derivatives against Gram negative bacteria and fungi. Besides, the activity of theses compounds were tested against Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (M. bovis BCG). The antimycobacterial activity indicated compounds 2e and 2j are highly active against M. bovis BCG (minimum inhibitory concentration < 3.9 μg/mL). Among fluorinated structures, compounds 2a and 2j showed the best activities against M. bovis BCG.

Conclusion and implications:

To sum up, amongst the 10 synthesized compounds, fluorinated derivatives exhibited remarkable activities against both gram negative strains and candida albicans microorganism. Therefore, they should be considered as a clue for further modifications in next investigations. Furthermore, inserting a small/medium size halogen atom with electron-withdrawing and lipophilic properties increases anti- salmonella activity of these compounds and moreover 2-halogenated semithiocarbazones presented promising antimycobacterial activity.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive property of Capparis tomentosa Lam. root extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Capparis tomentosa Lam. root is one of the commonly used traditional medicines for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions by the Kunama ethnic group of Ethiopia. Yet, its ethnomedicinal claim has not been scientifically investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociception activities of root extracts of Capparis tomentosa Lam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity of the 70% ethanolic extracts and solvent fractions was determined using invitro hyaluronidase inhibition assay and in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema in Swiss albino mice model. The anti-nociception effect was determined using the acetic acid-induced writhing model and tail immersion model in Swiss albino mice.

RESULTS

The root extract of Capparis tomentosa has exhibited significant hyaluronidase inhibition activity which was comparable with the reference drug, indomethacin. Significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema was observed in all the test sample treated mice compared to the negative control with the highest activity observed from butanol fraction which was equivalent to the effect of acetylsalicylic acid. All the root extract and solvent fractions have possessed a significant and dose-dependent abdominal writhing inhibition with the highest effect observed in the aqueous fraction. Additionally, the crude extract was found better in increasing the reaction latency of the mice to the hot water stimulus than the solvent fractions which were significant after 60-120 min compared to the distilled water treated group. The root extract and solvent fractions were also found safe at a single oral dose of 2 mg/g in Swiss albino mice.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study may partially support the folkloric use of Capparis tomentosa root for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

N-Heterocyclic carbene catalyzed chemo- and enantioselective cross-benzoin reaction of aldehydes with isatins

A highly chemoselective N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed intermolecular cross-benzoin reaction of aldehydes with isatins to afford enantioenriched 3-substituted-3-hydroxyoxindoles is described.

New βN-octadecanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide: antinociceptive effect and possible mechanism of action in mice

The present study examined the potential antinociceptive activity of C18 5-HT (^βN-octadecanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide) using chemical and thermal nociception models in mice. Orally administered C18 5-HT (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in formalin-, capsaicin- and glutamate-induced licking models. This compound also induced a significant increase in the response to thermal stimuli in the hot plate test, and its antinociceptive effect was not related to muscle relaxant or sedative actions. In a thermal hyperalgesia model, C18 5-HT presented an anti-hyperalgesic profile as evidenced by the increase in the response time of the animals. Furthermore, intraperitoneal (i.p) pretreatment with naloxone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg), ondansetron (serotoninergic receptor antagonist (5-HT3 subtype), 0.5 mg/kg) or AM241 (CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg) reversed the antinociceptive effects of C18 5-HT in the hot plate model. In the formalin-induced licking model, pretreatment with naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effects of C18 5-HT, as demonstrated by an increase in the paw licking response when compared with the C18 5-HT-treated group. These findings suggest that C18 5-HT has peripheral and central antinociceptive effects and that its mechanism of action involves, ate least in part, opioid, serotoninergic and cannabinoid pathways.

Marine Pharmacology in 2012-2013: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis, and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems, and Other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action

The peer-reviewed marine pharmacology literature from 2012 to 2013 was systematically reviewed, consistent with the 1998–2011 reviews of this series. Marine pharmacology research from 2012 to 2013, conducted by scientists from 42 countries in addition to the United States, reported findings on the preclinical pharmacology of 257 marine compounds. The preclinical pharmacology of compounds isolated from marine organisms revealed antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, antiviral and anthelmitic pharmacological activities for 113 marine natural products. In addition, 75 marine compounds were reported to have antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities and affect the immune and nervous system. Finally, 69 marine compounds were shown to display miscellaneous mechanisms of action which could contribute to novel pharmacological classes. Thus, in 2012–2013, the preclinical marine natural product pharmacology pipeline provided novel pharmacology and lead compounds to the clinical marine pharmaceutical pipeline, and contributed significantly to potentially novel therapeutic approaches to several global disease categories.

Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) root extract exhibits anti-nociceptive and antipyretic activities in murine models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root extract of Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) is traditionally used in the management of pain and fever. However, little scientific data exists in literature to support its use.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study evaluated the anti-nociceptive and antipyretic properties of the hydroethanolic extract of the roots of Albizia zygia in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analgesic effects were investigated in chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (tail-immersion test) and mechanical (carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia) pain models. Possible mechanisms of anti-nociception were also assessed with antagonists in the formalin test. The anti-pyretic effect was evaluated using the baker yeast-induced pyrexia model in young rats.

RESULTS

The extract (30-300mg/kg, p.o.) and positive controls, diclofenac (3-30mg/kg, i.p.) and morphine (1-10mg/kg, i.p.), significantly (at least P<0.01) attenuated acetic acid-induced visceral pain, formalin- induced paw pain (both neurogenic and inflammatory), thermal pain as well as carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in animals. The anti-nociceptive effect of the extract was reversed (at least P<0.05) by the pre-emptive administration of naloxone and atropine; the administration of theophylline, however, exhibited no significant (P>0.05) inhibition of anti-nociception. The extract (30-300mg/kg, p.o) and paracetamol (15-150mg/kg, p.o.) both reversed yeast-induced pyrexia in rats with ED₅₀ values of 48.59±2.59 and 26.19±1.33mg/kg respectively.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that the extract possesses significant anti-nociceptive and antipyretic effects which justify its traditional use in the management of pain and fever. Also, anti-nociceptive effect of the extract involves opioidergic and muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms.

Antinociceptive activity of the essential oil from Artemisia ludoviciana

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aerial parts of Artemisia ludoviciana are widely used in Mexico for treating gastrointestinal disorders, painful complaints and diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To establish the preclinical efficacy as antinociceptive agent of the essential oil (EO) from the aerial parts of A. ludoviciana using well-known animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute antinociceptive effect of EO (1, 10, 31.6, 100, and 316mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated using the hot plate and paw formalin models in mice. The motor effects were assessed with the rota-rod and open field assays. The volatile components obtained by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation were determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

RESULTS

EO decreased first and second phases of formalin test; in the first stage, the better effect was obtained with the treatment of 316mg/kg but in the second phase, time licking was attenuated at the doses of 31.6, 100 and 316mg/kg. The effectiveness of EO (ED50=25.9mg/kg) for attenuating neurogenic pain was corroborated using the hot plate test. The antinociceptive action of EO was blocked by naloxone suggesting that its mode of action involved an opioid mechanism. Furthermore, EO (316mg/kg) did not affect animal motor and coordination functions when tested by the rota-rod and open field tests. The latter results indicated that the pharmacological effects exerted by EO during the hot plate and formalin test are truly antinociceptive. GC-MS analysis of EO revealed that (±)-camphor, γ-terpineol, 1,8-cineole and borneol were the major volatile compounds of the plant.

CONCLUSION

EO from A. ludoviciana showed significant antinociceptive effect, which appeared to be partially mediated by the opioid system. These findings could support the long-term use of A. ludoviciana for treating painful complaints in Mexican folk medicine.

Isatin thiosemicarbazone-blended polymer films for biomedical applications: surface morphology, characterisation and preliminary biological assessment

Poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyurethane are polymers currently used for a range of biomedical applications.

Marine natural products

This review covers the literature published in 2013 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 982 citations (644 for the period January to December 2013) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1163 for 2013), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.

Central Antinociceptive and Mechanism of Action of Pereskia bleo Kunth Leaves Crude Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds

Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. (Cactaceae) is a plant commonly used in popular medicine in Malaysia. In this work, we evaluate the antinociceptive effect of P. bleo leaf extracts and isolated compounds in central antinociceptive model. Ethanol extract (E), hexane (H), ethyl acetate (EA), or butanol (B) fractions (30, 50, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.), sitosterol (from hexane) and vitexin (from ethyl acetate), were administered to mice. Antinociceptive effect was evaluated in the hot plate and capsaicin- or glutamate-induced licking models. Morphine (1 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference drug. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.), atropine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 30 min earlier (100 mg/kg, p.o.) in order to evaluate the mechanism of the antinociceptive action. Higher dose of B developed an effect significantly superior to morphine-treated group. Naloxone prevented the antinociceptive effect of all fractions. L-NAME demonstrated effect against E, EA, and B. In all fractions, sitosterol and vitexin reduced the licking time after capsaicin injection. Glutamate-induced licking response was blocked by H, EA, and B. Our results indicate that Pereskia bleo fractions, sitosterol and vitexin, possessed a central antinociceptive effect. Part of this effect is mediated by opioid receptors and nitrergic pathway.

Central and peripheral antinociceptive activity of 3-(2-oxopropyl)-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles

Convolutamydine A has been shown to develop a significant antinociceptive effect. Here we demonstrated that new analogues (5-iodo-3-(2-oxopropyl)-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole (5-Iisa), 5-fluoro-3-(2-oxopropyl)-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole (5-Fisa), 5-chloro-3-(2-oxopropyl)-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole (5-Clisa) and 5-methyl-3-(2-oxopropyl)-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole (5-Meisa)), at 0.1-10mg/kg doses, have significant peripheral and central antinociceptive effects in thermal and chemical models of nociception. Oral administered analogues demonstrated more pronounced antinociceptive effects than that obtained with the classical opioid drug morphine (5mg/kg) in the first and second phases of formalin-induced licking. In the tail flick model, 5-Clisa and 5-Meisa antinociceptive effect was almost twice as that observed with the same dose of morphine. The concomitant administration of diverse antagonists and the analogues indicates that 5-Iisa effects involve the activation of opioid pathway. On the other hand, 5-Fisa and 5-Clisa have the participation of opioid, nitrergic, cholinergic adrenergic and serotoninergic pathways and 5-Meisa has the involvement of opioid, serotoninergic and cholinergic pathways. In conclusion, our results suggest that the new four analogues from Convolutamydine A have significant antinociceptive effects in thermal and chemical induced nociception and could be used in development of new drugs to be used in pain treatment with reduced side effects.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2013

This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.

Anti-inflammatory properties of convolutamydine A and two structural analogues

AIMS

Convolutamydine A is an oxindole alkaloid that can be isolated from a marine bryozoan. Due to the variety of biological effects, two analogues were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated.

MAIN METHODS

The anti-inflammatory effects of convolutamydine A and its analogues (ISA003 and ISA147) were investigated in a formalin-induced licking behaviour model, where mice received an intraplantar injection of formalin and their licking behaviour was evaluated for 30min. Additionally, inflammatory parameters were evaluated in a subcutaneous air pouch (SAP) model of carrageenan-induced inflammation. Exudates were collected for leukocyte counts; measurement of protein, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cytokines by ELISA; and analysis of nitric oxide (NO) using a nitrate conversion protocol. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from RAW 264.7 cells were quantified by immunoblotting.

KEY FINDINGS

Convolutamydine A and its two analogues inhibited the formalin-induced licking response at doses as low as 0.01mg/kg. An inhibitory effect was also observed on leukocyte migration and the production of NO, PGE2 and cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). The reduction in inflammatory parameters did not appear to be correlated with a direct reduction in the number of cells in the SAP, because a reduction in NO and PGE2 production by cultured macrophages was observed in addition to the inhibition of iNOS and COX2 enzyme expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicate that convolutamydine A and its two analogues have significant anti-inflammatory effects. These substances can be improved to generate lead compounds for the synthesis of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antinociceptive esters of N-methylanthranilic acid: Mechanism of action in heat-mediated pain

Recently, we identified a new natural antinociceptive alkaloid ternanthranin, isopropyl N-methylanthranilate (ISOAN), from the plant species Choisya ternata Kunth (Rutaceae). In this work we concentrated on the elucidation of its mechanism of action in comparison with two other esters of this acid (methyl (MAN) and propyl (PAN)). Mice orally pre-treated with ISOAN, MAN or PAN (at 0.3, 1 and 3mg/kg) were less sensitive to chemical or thermal stimuli in different nociception models (formalin-, capsaicin- and glutamate-induced licking response, tail flick and hot plate). All compounds (1 and 3mg/kg) showed significant activity in the peripheral nociception models, as well as a dose-dependent spinal antinociceptive effect in the tail flick model. We observed that glibenclamide was able to reverse the antinociceptive effect of ISOAN in the hot plate model suggesting the involvement of K(+)ATP channels. The antinociceptive effect of MAN and PAN may be related to adrenergic, nitrergic and serotoninergic pathways. In addition, the antinociception of PAN was reverted by naloxone implying that the opioid pathway participates in its activity. The cholinergic and cannabinoid systems were found not be involved in the onset of the antinociceptive effects of any of the esters. In conclusion, isopropyl, methyl and propyl N-methylanthranilates produced significant peripheral and central antinociception at doses lower than that of morphine, the classical opioid analgesic drug, without causing toxicity.

Immunobiologic and antiinflammatory properties of a bark extract from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus is used in the treatment and prevention of malaria. The effect of an aqueous extract from this plant (SART) on the immune response was investigated by measuring immunoglobulin production induced by immunization with the antigen TNP-Ficoll in Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice. SART treatment increased antigen-specific IgM and IgG levels in TNP-Ficoll-immunized mice. The B cell response during malarial infection was also modified by SART. There was an increase in total serum IgM and IgG and a decrease in the percentage of splenic plasma cells (CD138+ cells) in P. chabaudi-infected, SART-treated animals. SART (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) were also tested in carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the subcutaneous air pouch (SAP). All SART doses significantly reduced leukocyte migration into the SAP. The protein concentration resulting from extravasation into the peritoneum was also significantly reduced. Our data indicate that SART possesses immunomodulatory properties, inducing an in vivo modification of the B lymphocyte response and anti-inflammatory properties, which are partly due to a reduction in cell migration and are most likely due to an inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators. Preliminary HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of SART shows a complex saponin profile with deprotonated molecule [M-H]⁻ ions in the range of m/z 800–1000.