Therapeutic potential of phytochemicals for cystic fibrosis

The aim of this review was to review and discuss various phytochemicals that exhibit beneficial effects on mutated membrane channels, and hence, improve transmembrane conductance. These therapeutic phytochemicals may have the potential to decrease mortality and morbidity of CF patients. Four databases were searched using keywords. Relevant studies were identified, and related articles were separated. Google Scholar, as well as gray literature (i.e., information that is not produced by commercial publishers), were also checked for related articles to locate/identify additional studies. The relevant databases were searched a second time to ensure that recent studies were included. In conclusion, while curcumin, genistein, and resveratrol have demonstrated effectiveness in this regard, it should be emphasized that coumarins, quercetin, and other herbal medicines also have beneficial effects on transporter function, transmembrane conductivity, and overall channel activity. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted on mutant CFTR to unequivocally define the mechanism by which phytochemicals alter transmembrane channel function/activity, since the results of the studies evaluated in this review have a high degree of heterogenicity and discrepancy. Finally, continued research be undertaken to clearly define the mechanism(s) of action and the therapeutic effects that therapeutic phytochemicals have on the symptoms observed in CF patients in an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Bioactive Diarylpentanoids: Insights into the Biological Effects beyond Antitumor Activity and Structure-Activity Relationships

Diarylpentanoids, a class of natural products and their synthetic analogs which are structurally related to chalcones, have gained increasing attention due to their wide array of biological activities, including antitumor, anti-infective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-hyperuricemic, and neuroprotective properties. Previously, we reviewed diarylpentanoids with promising antitumor activity. However, in view of the wide range of biological activities described for this class of compounds, the purpose of this review is to provide a more detailed overview of the synthetic bioactive diarylpentanoids that have been described over the last two decades, beyond simply their antitumor effects. A total of 745 compounds were found, highlighting the main synthetic methodologies used in their synthesis as well as the structure-activity relationship studies and structural features for all activities reported. Collectively, this review highlights the diarylpentanoid scaffold as a promising starting point for the development of new therapeutic agents.

Rotational constriction of curcuminoids impacts 5-lipoxygenase and mPGES-1 inhibition and evokes a lipid mediator class switch in macrophages

Polypharmacological targeting of lipid mediator networks offers potential for efficient and safe anti-inflammatory therapy. Because of the diversity of its biological targets, curcumin (1a) has been viewed as a privileged structure for bioactivity or, alternatively, as a pan-assay interference (PAIN) compound. Curcumin has actually few high-affinity targets, the most remarkable ones being 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1. These enzymes are critical for the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandin (PG)E2, and previous structure-activity-relationship studies in this area have focused on the enolized 1,3-diketone motif, the alkyl-linker and the aryl-moieties, neglecting the rotational state of curcumin, which can adopt twisted conformations in solution and at target sites. To explore how the conformation of curcuminoids impacts 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition, we have synthesized rotationally constrained analogues of the natural product and its pyrazole analogue by alkylation of the linker and/or of the ortho aromatic position(s). These modifications strongly impacted 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition and their systematic analysis led to the identification of potent and selective 5-LOX (3b, IC50 = 0.038 µM, 44.7-fold selectivity over mPGES-1) and mPGES-1 inhibitors (2f, IC50 = 0.11 µM, 4.6-fold selectivity over 5-LOX). Molecular docking experiments suggest that the C2-methylated pyrazolocurcuminoid 3b targets an allosteric binding site at the interface between catalytic and regulatory 5-LOX domain, while the o, o'-dimethylated desmethoxycurcumin 2f likely binds between two monomers of the trimeric mPGES-1 structure. Both compounds trigger a lipid mediator class switch from pro-inflammatory leukotrienes to PG and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in activated human macrophages.

EGFR and COX-2 Dual Inhibitor: The Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Chalcones

For most researchers, discovering new anticancer drugs to avoid the adverse effects of current ones, to improve therapeutic benefits and to reduce resistance is essential. Because the COX-2 enzyme plays an important role in various types of cancer leading to malignancy enhancement, inhibition of apoptosis, and tumor-cell metastasis, an indispensable objective is to design new scaffolds or drugs that possess combined action or dual effect, such as kinase and COX-2 inhibition. The start compounds A1 to A6 were prepared through the diazo coupling of 3-aminoacetophenone with a corresponding phenol and then condensed with two new chalcone series, C7–18. The newly synthesized compounds were assessed against both COX-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for their inhibitory effect. All novel compounds were screened for cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines. Compounds C9 and G10 exhibited potent EGFR inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 0.8 and 1.1 µM, respectively. Additionally, they also displayed great COX-2 inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 1.27 and 1.88 µM, respectively. Furthermore, the target compounds were assessed for their cytotoxicity against pancreatic ductal cancer (Panc-1), lung cancer (H-460), human colon cancer (HT-29), human malignant melanoma (A375) and pancreatic cancer (PaCa-2) cell lines. Interestingly, compounds C10 and G12 exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect against PaCa-2 with average IC₅₀ values of 0.9 and 0.8 µM, respectively. To understand the possible binding modes of the compounds under investigation with the receptor cites of EGFR and COX-2, a virtual docking study was conducted.

The Involvement of l-Arginine-Nitric Oxide-cGMP-ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel Pathway in Antinociception of BBHC, a Novel Diarylpentanoid Analogue, in Mice Model

The present study focuses on the possible involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP-ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel pathway in the antinociceptive activity of a novel diarylpentanoid analogue, 2-benzoyl-6-(3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexen-1-ol (BBHC) via a chemical nociceptive model in mice. The antinociceptive action of BBHC (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was attenuated by the intraperitoneal pre-treatment of l-arginine (a nitric oxide synthase precursor) and glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker) in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction tests. Interestingly, BBHC’s antinociception was significantly enhanced by the i.p. pre-treatment of 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a selective inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase (p < 0.05). Altogether, these findings suggest that the systemic administration of BBHC is able to establish a significant antinociceptive effect in a mice model of chemically induced pain. BBHC’s antinociception is shown to be mediated by the involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP-ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel pathway, without any potential sedative or muscle relaxant concerns.

Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 and its inhibitors: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic significance

Inflammation is closely linked to the abnormal phospholipid metabolism chain of cyclooxygenase-2/microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1/prostaglandin E₂ (COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE₂). In clinical practice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as upstream COX-2 enzyme activity inhibitors are widely used to block COX-2 cascade to relieve inflammatory response. However, NSAIDs could also cause cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects due to its inhibition on other prostaglandins generation. To avoid this, targeting downstream mPGES-1 instead of upstream COX is preferable to selectively block overexpressed PGE₂ in inflammatory diseases. Some mPGES-1 inhibitor candidates including synthetic compounds, natural products and existing anti-inflammatory drugs have been proved to be effective in in vitro experiments. After 20 years of in-depth research on mPGES-1 and its inhibitors, ISC 27864 have completed phase II clinical trial. In this review, we intend to summarize mPGES-1 inhibitors focused on their inhibitory specificity with perspectives for future drug development.

A Review on Biological Properties and Synthetic Methodologies of Diarylpentadienones

Medicinal chemists have continuously shown interest in new curcuminoid derivatives, diarylpentadienones, owing to their enhanced stability feature and easy preparation using a one-pot synthesis. Thus far, methods such as Claisen-Schmidt condensation and Julia- Kocienski olefination have been utilised for the synthesis of these compounds. Diarylpentadienones possess a high potential as a chemical source for designing and developing new and effective drugs for the treatment of diseases, including inflammation, cancer, and malaria. In brief, this review article focuses on the broad pharmacological applications and the summary of the structure-activity relationship of molecules, which can be employed to further explore the structure of diarylpentadienone. The current methodological developments towards the synthesis of diarylpentadienones are also discussed.

Novel Phenolic Compounds as Potential Dual EGFR and COX-2 Inhibitors: Design, Semisynthesis, in vitro Biological Evaluation and in silico Insights

Introduction

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition is an imperative therapeutic approach targeting various types of cancer including colorectal, lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer types. Moreover, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently overexpressed in different types of cancers and has a role in the promotion of malignancy, apoptosis inhibition, and metastasis of tumor cells. Combination therapy has been emerged to improve the therapeutic benefit against cancer and curb intrinsic and acquired resistance.

Methods

Three semi-synthetic series of compounds (C1-4, P1-4, and G1-4) were prepared and evaluated biologically as potential dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and COX-2 inhibitors. The main phenolic constituents of Amaranthus spinosus L. (p-coumaric, caffeic and gallic) acids have been isolated and subsequently subjected to diazo coupling with various amines to get novel three chemical scaffolds with potential anticancer activities.

Results

Compounds C4 and G4 showed superior inhibitory activity against EGFR (IC₅₀: 0.9 and 0.5 µM, respectively) and displayed good COX-2 inhibition (IC₅₀: 4.35 and 2.47 µM, respectively). Moreover, the final compounds were further evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer (HT-29), pancreatic cancer (PaCa-2), human malignant melanoma (A375), lung cancer (H-460), and pancreatic ductal cancer (Panc-1) cell lines. Interestingly, compounds C4 and G4 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity with average IC₅₀ values of 1.5 µM and 2.8 µM against H-460 and Panc-1, respectively. The virtual docking study was conducted to gain proper understandings of the plausible-binding modes of target compounds within EGFR and COX-2 binding sites.

Discussion

The NMR of prepared compounds showed characteristic peaks that confirmed the structure of the target compounds. The synthesized benzoxazolyl scaffold containing compounds showed inhibitory activities for both COXs and EGFR which are consistent with the virtual docking study.

Natural Product Inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Enzyme: A Review on Current Status and Future Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Several clinically used COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor drugs were reported to possess severe side effects like GI ulcers and cardiovascular disturbances, respectively. Natural products being structurally diverse always attracted the attention of chemists/ medicinal chemists as a potential source of lead molecules in the drug discovery process. COX-2 inhibitory natural products also possess potential cancer chemopreventive property against various cancers including that of colon, breast and prostate.

METHODS

Various in vitro, in vivo and in silico standardized methods were used to evaluate COX inhibition property of different secondary metabolites isolated from plant, microbial and marine origin.

RESULTS

We had earlier reported a detailed account of natural product inhibitors of COX reported during 1995-2005, in 2006. In the proposed review, we report 158 natural product inhibitors of COX during 2006 to 2019 belonging to various secondary metabolite classes such as alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols as flavonoids, chromones, coumarins, lignans, anthraquinones, naphthalenes, curcuminoids, diarylheptanoids and miscellaneous compounds of plant and marine origin. Further Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) studies of possible leads are also included in the article.

CONCLUSION

COX inhibitors served as a potential source of lead molecules for the discovery and development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Compilation of natural product and semisynthetic inhibitors of COX may serve as valuable information to the researchers who are looking for possible lead molecules from a natural source to conduct further preclinical and clinical studies.

Pharmacological appraisal of ligustrazine based cyclohexanone analogs as inhibitors of inflammatory markers

The targeting of pro-inflammatory enzymes becomes a therapeutic intervention when acute inflammation is proliferating in pathological conditions. This research is intended to carry out an evaluation of inhibiting and inducing enzymes with inflammatory associations with 28 cyclohexanone analogs based on the ligustrazine. Tests were undertaken with inhibitor screening assay kits using a range of synthetic compounds to investigate how they could inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂), and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme. Significant and similar inhibitory activities against sPLA₂ with were noted with synthetic compounds which included 1f and 1g (IC₅₀ = 2.2 μM). The optimal inhibitory activity regarding LOX enzyme was shown with compounds 1d (IC₅₀ = 8.1 μM) and 1e (IC₅₀ = 7.5 μM). Additionally, the compounds 1b, 1d, 1e, 2n, and 2o were shown to be significant inhibitors of COX-1 activity with IC₅₀ values 0.09 to 0.7 μM. The outcomes of assays for COX inhibition demonstrated that the same compounds had a further strong inhibitive influence on the COX-2 enzyme, and certain compounds such as 1d, 1e, and 2n demonstrated enhanced potency compared with positive controls.

High sPLA2-IIA level is associated with eicosanoid metabolism in patients with bacterial sepsis syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine the association between secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA) and eicosanoid pathway metabolites in patients with bacterial sepsis syndrome (BSS). Levels of sPLA2-IIA, eicosanoids prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGD synthase were quantified in the sera from patients confirmed to have bacterial sepsis (BS; N = 45), bacterial severe sepsis/septic shock (BSS/SS; N = 35) and healthy subjects (N = 45). Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 activities were analyzed from cell lysate. Serum levels of sPLA2-IIA, PGE2, and PGDS increased significantly in patients with BS and BSS/SS compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05). COX-2 activity was significantly increased in patients with BS compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05), but not COX-1 activity. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that sPLA2-IIA and PGE2 were independent factors predicting BSS severity. In conclusion, high level of sPLA2-IIA is associated with eicosanoid metabolism in patients with BSS.

Use of curcumin in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

This review summarizes and describes the use of curcumin in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β and highly phosphorylated tau protein are the major biomarkers. Curcumin was developed as an early diagnostic probe based on its natural fluorescence and high binding affinity to amyloid-β. Because of its multi-target effects, curcumin has protective and preventive effects on many chronic diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. For prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, curcumin has been shown to effectively maintain the normal structure and function of cerebral vessels, mitochondria, and synapses, reduce risk factors for a variety of chronic diseases, and decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The effect of curcumin on Alzheimer's disease involves multiple signaling pathways: anti-amyloid and metal iron chelating properties, antioxidation and anti-inflammatory activities. Indeed, there is a scientific basis for the rational application of curcumin in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Computational models for the classification of mPGES-1 inhibitors with fingerprint descriptors

Human microsomal prostaglandin [Formula: see text] synthase (mPGES)-1 is a promising drug target for inflammation and other diseases with inflammatory symptoms. In this work, we built classification models which were able to classify mPGES-1 inhibitors into two groups: highly active inhibitors and weakly active inhibitors. A dataset of 1910 mPGES-1 inhibitors was separated into a training set and a test set by two methods, by a Kohonen's self-organizing map or by random selection. The molecules were represented by different types of fingerprint descriptors including MACCS keys (MACCS), CDK fingerprints, Estate fingerprints, PubChem fingerprints, substructure fingerprints and 2D atom pairs fingerprint. First, we used a support vector machine (SVM) to build twelve models with six types of fingerprints and found that MACCS had some advantage over the other fingerprints in modeling. Next, we used naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) methods to build six models with MACCS only and found that models using RF and MLP methods were better than NB. Finally, all the models with MACCS keys were used to make predictions on an external test set of 41 compounds. In summary, the models built with MACCS keys and using SVM, RF and MLP methods show good prediction performance on the test sets and the external test set. Furthermore, we made a structure-activity relationship analysis between mPGES-1 and its inhibitors based on the information gain of fingerprints and could pinpoint some key functional groups for mPGES-1 activity. It was found that highly active inhibitors usually contained an amide group, an aromatic ring or a nitrogen heterocyclic ring, and several heteroatoms substituents such as fluorine and chlorine. The carboxyl group and sulfur atom groups mainly appeared in weakly active inhibitors.

An overview of structure-activity relationship studies of curcumin analogs as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

Curcumin, extracted mainly from Curcuma longa rhizomes, has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Although safe at higher doses and exhibiting multiple biological activities, curcumin still has the problem of poor bioavailability which has been an attractive area of research over the last few years. A number of efforts have been made by modifying structural features of curcumin. This review highlights the structurally modified and more stable newly synthesized curcumin analogs that have been screened against antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Also the structure-activity relationship to gain insight into future guidelines for scheming new compounds has been discussed, and further these analogs being more stable may serve as promising agents for use in different pathological conditions.

Immunosuppressive Effects of Natural α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl-Based Compounds, and Their Analogs and Derivatives, on Immune Cells: A Review

The immune system is complex and pervasive as it functions to prevent or limit infections in the human body. In a healthy organism, the immune system and the redox balance of immune cells maintain homeostasis within the body. The failure to maintain the balance may lead to impaired immune response and either over activity or abnormally low activity of the immune cells resulting in autoimmune or immune deficiency diseases. Compounds containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyl-based moieties are often reactive. The reactivity of these groups is responsible for their diverse pharmacological activities, and the most important and widely studied include the natural compounds curcumin, chalcone, and zerumbone. Numerous studies have revealed the mainly immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aforesaid compounds. This review highlights the specific immunosuppressive effects of these natural α,β-unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds, and their analogs and derivatives on different types of immune cells of the innate (granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells) immune systems. The inhibitory effects of these compounds have been comprehensively studied on neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages but their effects on T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells have not been well investigated. It is of paramount importance to continue generating experimental data on the mechanisms of action of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds on immune cells to provide useful information for ensuing research to discover new immunomodulating agents.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: A Journey Toward Safety

The efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against inflammation, pain, and fever has been supporting their worldwide use in the treatment of painful conditions and chronic inflammatory diseases until today. However, the long-term therapy with NSAIDs was soon associated with high incidences of adverse events in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the search for novel drugs with improved safety has begun with COX-2 selective inhibitors (coxibs) being straightaway developed and commercialized. Nevertheless, the excitement has fast turned to disappointment when diverse coxibs were withdrawn from the market due to cardiovascular toxicity. Such events have once again triggered the emergence of different strategies to overcome NSAIDs toxicity. Here, an integrative review is provided to address the breakthroughs of two main approaches: (i) the association of NSAIDs with protective mediators and (ii) the design of novel compounds to target downstream and/or multiple enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade. To date, just one phosphatidylcholine-associated NSAID has already been approved for commercialization. Nevertheless, the preclinical and clinical data obtained so far indicate that both strategies may improve the safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy.

Anti-inflammatory trends of new benzimidazole derivatives

Aim: In present study, the anti-inflammatory activities of a new series of benzimidazole derivatives were studied, investigating their inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, COXs and lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Results: Synthesized compounds effectively inhibited proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Conclusion: A strong inhibition of secretory phospholipases A2 was exhibited by benzimidazole derivatives with trifluoromethyl and methoxy substitutions at position 4 of attached phenyl, whereas compound 8 containing pyridine ring substituted with amino group showed very potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to elucidate the molecular basis of the observed inhibitory activities.

Revealing the effect of 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol and curcumin on mPGES-1, GSK-3β and β-catenin pathway in A549 cell line

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In our study, anticancer effects of 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol from ginger and curcumin from turmeric were investigated and the results were compared with each other. We aimed to reveal their effects on microsomal prostaglandine E2 synthase 1 (mPGES-1) which is related with cancer progression and inflammation as well as β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) that are the main components of Wnt/GSK3 pathway. As it is known activation of GSK-3β and high levels of mPGES-1 pathway leads to cell proliferation and aggravates cancer progression. Therefore both of them are potential targets for cancer therapy. 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol' s effect on this pathway is not known very well up to now while curcumin that is known as an mPGES-1 inhibitor has anticancer properties via this pathway and many other pathways. Besides being in Zingiberaceae family, ginger's 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol have a molecular similarity with turmeric's curcumin. In our study we investigated their effects using a popular non small lung cancer cell line named A549 which expresses mPGES-1 and has active GSK3β pathway. IL-1β was used for inducing mPGES-1 and enabling the cancer characteristics such as cell proliferation. So compounds that inactivates or decreases the level of these components might be potential anticancer agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A549 cells were incubated with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) for 24 h in order to maintain mPGES-1 enzyme induction. Experiments were performed both on IL-1β and non-IL-1β group. Real time cell analysis was performed to determine the cytotoxicity. Samples for western blotting and RT-PCR were collected after 24 h incubation with compounds to determine the amount of mPGES-1, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and mRNA. PGE2 which is the end product of mPGES-1 was measured by using ELISA kit.

RESULTS

As a result of cell profile assay, cells exposed to IL-1β proliferate faster than non-IL-1β ones. This shows that induced mPGES-1 might play a role through GSK3β pathway and 24 h IC50 value of 6-shogaol is 62 μM. IL-1β increased protein and mRNA levels of mPGES-1, p-GSK-3β, β-catenin and GSK-3β in control group. Effects of curcumin and 6-shogaol on these parameters were against IL-1β's effect while 6-gingerol was not effective at all. Furthermore, 6-shogaol and curcumin might be effective on GSK3β pathway via lowering PGE2 levels.

CONCLUSION

We saw that 6-shogaol is as effective as curcumin on this pathway and our study shows that 6-shogaol might show its anticancer properties via mPGES-1 and GSK3β pathway. May be these results might used for designing in vivo studies in future.

Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment Cystic Fibrosis

The recent FDA approval of two drugs to treat the basic defect in cystic fibrosis has given hope to patients and their families battling this devastating disease. Over many years, with heavy financial investment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, pre-clinical evaluation of thousands of synthetic drugs resulted in the production of Kalydeco and Orkambi. Yet, despite the success of this endeavor, many other compounds have been proposed as therapeutic agents in the treatment of CF. Of note, several of these compounds are naturally occurring, and are present in spices from the grocery store and over the counter preparations in health food stores. In this short review, we look at three such compounds, genistein, curcumin, and resveratrol, and evaluate the scientific support for their use as therapeutic agents in the treatment of patients with CF.

Design, synthesis, and antihypertensive activity of curcumin-inspired compounds via ACE inhibition and vasodilation, along with a bioavailability study for possible benefit in cardiovascular diseases

This study describes the synthesis of a novel series of curcumin-inspired compounds via a facile synthetic route. The structures of these derivatives were ascertained using various spectroscopic and analytic techniques. The pharmacological effects of the target analogs were assessed by assaying their inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). All of the synthesized derivatives exhibited considerable inhibition of ACE, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.23 to 120.32 μM. In a docking analysis with testicular ACE (tACE), the most promising inhibitor (4j) was efficiently accommodated in the deep cleft of the protein cavity, making close interatomic contacts with Glu162, His353, and Ala356, comparable with lisinopril. Compounds 4i, 4j, 4k, and 4l were further selected for determination of their vasodilator activity (cardiac output and stroke volume) on isolated rat hearts using the Langendorff technique. The bioavailability of compound 4j was determined in experimental mice.

Intranasal curcumin ameliorates airway inflammation and obstruction by regulating MAPKinase activation (p38, Erk and JNK) and prostaglandin D2 release in murine model of asthma

Asthma, a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease encompasses multiple complex pathways releasing number of mediators by activated mast cells, eosinophils and T lymphocytes, leading to its severity. Presently available medications are associated with certain limitations, and hence, it is imperative to search for anti-inflammatory drug preferably targeting signaling cascades involved in inflammation thereby suppressing inflammatory mediators without any side effect. Curcumin, an anti-inflammatory molecule with potent anti-asthmatic potential has been found to suppress asthmatic features by inhibiting airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction if administered through nasal route. The present study provides new insight towards anti-asthmatic potential of intranasal curcumin at lower doses (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) in Balb/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) which is effective in inhibiting airway inflammation. These investigations suggest that intranasal curcumin (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) regulates airway inflammation and airway obstruction mainly by modulating cytokine levels (IL-4, 5, IFN-ƴ and TNF-α) and sPLA2 activity thereby inhibiting PGD2 release and COX-2 expression. Further, the suppression of p38 MAPK, ERK 42/44 and JNK54/56 activation elucidate the mechanism behind the inhibitory role of intranasal curcumin in asthma progression. Thus, curcumin could be better alternative for the development of nasal formulations and inhalers in near future.

Studies of synthetic chalcone derivatives as potential inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Arachidonic acid metabolism leads to the generation of key lipid mediators which play a fundamental role during inflammation. The inhibition of enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism has been considered as a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect with enhanced spectrum of activity. A series of 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one derivatives were investigated for anti-inflammatory related activities involving inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases, soybean lipoxygenase, and lipopolysaccharides-induced secretion of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. The results from the above mentioned assays exhibited that the synthesized compounds were effective inhibitors of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. The results also revealed that the chalcone derivatives with 4-methlyamino ethanol substitution seem to be significant for inhibition of enzymes and cytokines. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to elucidate the molecular aspects of the observed inhibitory activities of the investigated compounds. Present findings increase the possibility that these chalcone derivatives might serve as a beneficial starting point for the design and development of improved anti-inflammatory agents.

Pharmacological evaluation and docking studies of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based synthetic compounds as inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A₂, cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase and proinflammatory cytokines

Arachidonic acid and its metabolites have generated high level of interest among researchers due to their vital role in inflammation. The inhibition of enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism has been considered as synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. A series of novel α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity on secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂), cyclooxygenases (COX), soybean lipoxygenase (LOX) in addition to proinflammatory cytokines comprising IL-6 and TNF-α. Six α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds (2, 3, 4, 12, 13 and 14) exhibited strong inhibition of sPLA₂ activity, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 2.19-8.76 μM. Nine compounds 1-4 and 10-14 displayed inhibition of COX-1 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.37 to 1.77 μM (lower than that of reference compound), whereas compounds 2, 10, 13 and 14 strongly inhibited the COX-2. The compounds 10-14 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against LOX enzyme. All compounds were evaluated for the inhibitory activities against LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 release in the macrophages. On the basis of screening results, five active compounds 3, 4, 12, 13 and 14 were found strong inhibitors of TNF-α and IL-6 release in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking experiments were performed to clarify the molecular aspects of the observed COX and LOX inhibitory activities of the investigated compounds. Present findings increases the possibility that these α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds might serve as beneficial starting point for the design and development of improved anti-inflammatory agents.