Enhancement of the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of theophylline by a low dose of a nitric oxide donor or non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor

Rosuvastatin Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Manifestations via Modulation of the Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Network: A Combination of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The current investigation employed rosuvastatin for evaluation as an antiarthritic agent by in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro studies comprised egg albumin and bovine serum albumin protein denaturation assays along with membrane stabilization assays, while in vivo studies comprised formaldehyde and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-provoked arthritis. The antioxidant potential was estimated via DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing assays. Rosuvastatin significantly inhibited heat-provoked protein denaturation of egg albumin and bovine serum in a concentration-dependent way with the highest inhibition of 1225 ± 9.83 and 82.80 ± 4.03 at 6400 μg/mL. The percentage protection of the RBC membrane from hypotonicity-prompted lysis was found to be 80.67 ± 2.7. Rosuvastatin promisingly subdued formaldehyde-provoked arthritis, with maximum reduction (65.47%) of the paw volume being observed at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Rosuvastatin also significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated arthritis induced by CFA injection by reducing the paw volume and arthritic index. The reduction in the body weight due to CFA injection was also preserved by rosuvastatin treatment. Hematological and biochemical changes due to arthritis induction by CFA injection were also maintained near normal values by rosuvastatin. The histopathological and radiographic investigation also revealed the protective effect of rosuvastatin on preventing structural changes. Gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 was reduced, while IL-4 and IL-10 levels were elevated by rosuvastatin in comparison to those for the disease control group. Concentration-dependent antioxidant potential was shown by rosuvastatin. Thus, rosuvastatin possesses a notable antiarthritic potential as evidenced via in vitro and in vivo studies.

Hyaluronate-functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles laden with methotrexate and teriflunomide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder is currently incurable. Methotrexate and Teriflunomide are routinely prescribed drugs but their uses are limited due to severe hepatotoxicity. Hyaluronic acid (HYA) is a targeting ligand for CD44 receptors overexpressed on inflamed macrophages. The present investigation aimed at design and fabrication of HYA coated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NPs) loaded with Methotrexate (MTX) and Teriflunomide (TEF) (HAMT-NPs) to form HYA-HAMT-NPs for the treatment of RA. HYA-HAMT-NPs showed the nanoscale size of 274.9 ± 64 nm along with a zeta potential value of -26.80 ± 6.08 mV. FTIR spectra of HYA and HYA-HAMT-NPs proved the coating of HYA on HYA-HAMT-NPs. HYA-HAMT-NPs showed less cell viability compared to drugs on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. A biodistribution study by gamma scintigraphy imaging further strengthened the results by revealing significantly higher (p<0.05) percentage radioactivity (76.76%) of HYA-HAMT-NPs in the synovial region. The results obtained by pharmacodynamic studies ensured the better efficacy of HYA-HAMT-NPs in preventing disease progression and promoting articular regeneration. Under hepatotoxicity evaluation, liver histopathology and liver enzyme assay revealed ~29% hepatotoxicity was reduced by HYA-HAMT-NPs when compared to conventional FOLITRAX-10 and AUBAGIO oral treatments. Overall, the results suggest that HYA-HAMT-NP is a promising delivery system to avoid drug-induced hepatotoxicity in RA.

Physical stability enhancement and antimicrobial properties of a sodium ionic cocrystal with theophylline

In the present study, we have described the synthesis and characterisation of the theophylline hydrate (Theo hydrate), cocrystal (Theo–Phen·2H₂O) and hydrated sodium co-crystal of theophylline (Na–(Theo)₂ClO·2H₂O), where Theo = theophylline and Phen = 1,10-phenathroline.

Cocrystals of diacerein: Towards the development of improved biopharmaceutical parameters

The effectiveness of Diacerein as an anti-osteoarthritis drug is limited due to its acutely poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability. The present study demonstrates cocrystallization as a successful technique to improve the biopharmaceutical parameters of diacerein. Three cocrystals of diacerein were prepared by an eco-friendly technique with three suitable coformers namely isonicotinamide, nicotinamide, and theophylline. The formation of a new solid phase was inferred from the DSC thermograms and powder diffraction pattern and was supported by FTIR. The crystal structures of the cocrystals determined from the PXRD pattern using Material Studio software. Detailed analysis showed the formation of supramolecular hetero-synthons of complementary functional groups of the coformers with the carbonyl and carboxyl groups of diacerein. The structural conformation of the cocrystalline state was also provided by the shifts in the ssNMR pattern of the cocrystals. The three new cocrystals were found to have a relatively high solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate which showed remarkable improvement in anti-arthritic activity as compared to diacerein. Thus, proving cocrystallization to be a potential solution to the solubility limited bioavailability problems of diacerein.

Amelioration of adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats through modulation of inflammatory mediators by Ribes alpestre Decne

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ribes alpestre Decne has been commonly used in the treatment of joint complaints.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiarthritic potential of ethanolic extract and fractions of Ribes alpestre and to explore its probable mechanism of action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Complete Freunds adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats was used to assess antiarthritic activity of aqueous ethanol extract, butanol and aqueous fractions at 200 mg/kg oral dose for 28 days. Paw volume and diameter, arthritic index, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, radiographic and histological analysis of ankle joints were carried out. An array of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-Kβ, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-4, IL-10 and PGE2) were estimated by RT-PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and reducing power assays. Qualitative phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content and HPLC analysis of aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre were also carried out.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in paw volume and thickness and arthritic score by aqueous ethanolic extract and its fractions has been found. Aqueous ethanolic extract and fractions in particular aqueous fraction considerably prevented decrease in body weight, alterations in hematological parameters. Radiographic and histological examination revealed no significant architectural changes in joints of treated rats. Significant (p < 0.05-0.001) down regulation of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE2 and NF-Kβ alongwith noteworthy increase in levels of IL-4 and IL-10 was recorded among treated animals. Aqueous ethanol extract and its fractions demonstrated notable and concentration dependent (50-6400 μg/ml) antioxidant potential. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of active fraction (aqueous) displayed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Besides total phenolic and flavonoid contents has been found to be 179.3 mg GAE/ml and 389.40 μg QE/ml in aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre respectively. HPLC profile demonstrated presence of quercitin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and cinamic acid in aqueous fraction.

CONCLUSION

Present communication suggests Ribes alpestre a potent antiarthritic therapy by ameliorating adjuvant arthritis in rats by downregulating proinflammatory mediators with up regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Theophylline exhibits anti-cancer activity via suppressing SRSF3 in cervical and breast cancer cell lines

Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are the most well-known members of methylxanthines. Caffeine-induced serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2, SRSF2, and SRSF3 are required for the alternative splicing of a subset of cancer-associated genes. However, it remains to be investigated whether and how theophylline and theobromine as well as caffeine exert their antitumor effects through mediating the alternative splicing process. Here, we reveal that theophylline down-regulated SRSF3 expression and switched p53 from alpha into a beta isoform as caffeine did in HeLa and MCF-7 cells via the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Further functional studies show that theophylline induced cellular apoptosis, senescence, and decreased colony formation. Interestingly, theophylline had a suppressive effect on cellular proliferation, whereas caffeine enhanced cellular proliferation rates via the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine analysis. Theophylline and caffeine had no effect on MCF-10A cells, which is a normal breast cell line. Our results provide an insight that theophylline as well as caffeine could be repurposed as antitumor leading compounds via the downregulation of splicing factor SRSF3 and its target genes.

Aryl-1,3,5-triazine ligands of histamine H4 receptor attenuate inflammatory and nociceptive response to carrageen, zymosan and lipopolysaccharide

Objective and design

Histamine H₄ receptor (H₄R) offers a great potential for new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammation-based diseases. The aim of this study is to present the pharmacological profile of two recently synthesized ligands of H₄R with particular reference to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

Materials and subjects

We used mice and rats in the in vivo tests. We also used murine RAW 264.7 cells and isolated guinea-pig ileum in in vitro test.

Treatments

In the in vivo tests, animals were pre-treated with the increasing doses of investigated compounds (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and reference compounds: JNJ7777120 (25 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Macrophages were pre-treated with two concentrations of tested compounds 100 and 10 µM.

Methods

We examined anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the new H₄R antagonists in the in vivo models of inflammation induced by carrageenan or zymosan. We assessed the level of cAMP and release of cytokines, ROS and NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, we assessed the affinity of the investigated compounds for histamine H₁ receptor in functional studies.

Results

Both investigated compounds reduced paw edema, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. Moreover, administration of the investigated compounds resulted in decreased granulocyte influx and attenuated nociceptive reaction in the zymosan-induced peritonitis model. In the same model of inflammation, the investigated compounds reduced vascular permeability; however, this effect was observed only after the highest applied dose. Furthermore, the test compounds had no impact on cell viability in the experiments on RAW 264.7 macrophages. In these cells, stimulated with LPS, the test compounds decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. They increased the cellular concentration of cAMP and attenuated the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β. All results were comparable to those obtained for the reference compound JNJ7777120 with the exception of the impact on NO production. Nevertheless, this effect was similar to that obtained for the other reference compound rolipram, which is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4) inhibitor. Further experiments revealed that both of the investigated compounds possessed relatively low affinity for histamine H₁ receptor and do not inhibit the activity of the PDE 4B1 enzyme. In addition, all the effects of the investigated compounds in in vivo experiments were observed at doses that did not cause neurologic deficits in rotarod test and did not reduce spontaneous locomotor activity.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the new aryl-1,3,5-triazine derivatives, which are primarily H₄R–dependent.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant activities of the pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone derivatives: Possible mechanisms of action

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory activities of the new pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone derivatives. Moreover, the present study attempted to assess some of the mechanisms involved in the pharmacological activity of these compounds. In the previous studies it was shown that these compounds were highly active in the phenylbenzoquinone-induced 'writhing syndrome' test and had much lower activity in the hot plate, which indicates that mainly peripheral mechanisms of analgesia are involved in their effects. In these extended studies the analgesic activity of two tested compounds (4c, 4f) was confirmed in some animal models of pain. The studied compounds showed a significant and dose-related antinociceptive effect in the models of pain induced by formalin, capsaicin and glutamic acid. Both compounds decreased the edema formation and one of them (4c) attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia in carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats. Furthermore, both compounds inhibited cell migration, plasma exudation and nociceptive reaction in zymosan A-induced mouse peritonitis. In the subsequent studies, including experiments on isolated organs (ileum, trachea, aorta), radioligand assays and biochemical tests, it was demonstrated that analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the investigated structures are largely due to their competitive antagonism for histamine H1 receptor. The influence on the level of cAMP in inflammatory cells (shown in RAW 264.7 macrophages) and subsequent inhibition of cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β) release can also be one of the important mechanisms of their action. Moreover some additional mechanisms may also be involved in the eventual analgesic effect of tested pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone derivatives.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals of diflunisal and diclofenac with theophylline

Pharmaceutical cocrystals of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diflunisal (DIF) and diclofenac (DIC) with theophylline (THP) were obtained, and their crystal structures were determined. In both of the crystal structures, molecules form a hydrogen bonded supramolecular unit consisting of a centrosymmetric dimer of THP and two molecules of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Crystal lattice energy calculations showed that the packing energy gain of the [DIC + THP] cocrystal is derived mainly from the dispersion energy, which dominates the structures of the cocrystals. The enthalpies of cocrystal formation were estimated by solution calorimetry, and their thermal stability was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The cocrystals showed an enhancement of apparent solubility compared to the corresponding pure APIs, while the intrinsic dissolution rates are comparable. Both cocrystals demonstrated physical stability upon storing at different relative humidity.