Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct 2-(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-il) acrylonitrile (CISACN) ameliorates the pulmonary allergic inflammation in CARAS model by increasing IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio towards the Th1 immune response

Combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) is an airway-type 2 immune response with a profuse inflammatory process widely affecting the world population. Due to the compromise of quality of life and the lack of specific pharmacotherapy, the search for new molecules becomes relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Morita-Bailys-Hillman adduct (CISACN) treatment in the CARAS experimental model. Female BALB/c mice were ovalbumin (OVA) -sensitized and -challenged and treated with CISACN. The treatment decreased the eosinophil migration to the nasal and lung cavities and tissues and the goblet cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy, attenuated airway hyperactivity by reducing the hyperplasia/hypertrophy of the smooth muscle and the extracellular matrix's thickness. Also, the treatment reduced the clinical signs of rhinitis as nasal rubbing and sneezing in a histamine-induced nasal hyperreactivity assay. The immunomodulatory effect of CISACN was by reducing OVA-specific IgE serum level, and IL-33, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-β production, dependent on IFN-γ increase. Furthermore, the effect of CISACN on lung granulocytes was by decreasing the p-p38MAPK/p65NF-κB signaling pathway. Indeed, CISACN reduced the p38MAPK and p65NF-κB activation. These data demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the CISACN with scientific support to become a pharmacological tool to treat airway inflammatory diseases.

Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct 2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)acrylonitrile (ISACN) modulates the inflammatory process during LPS-induced acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Despite its homeostatic role, inflammation is involved in several pathologies, such as acute lung injury. Morita-Ballys-Hilman adducts (MBHA) are a group of synthetic molecules and present a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory action. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether ISACN, an MBHA, modulates inflammation during acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally treated with 24 mg/kg ISACN and challenged with LPS (2.5 mg/kg). On bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), we assessed the total and differential leukocyte count and measurement of protein leakage, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and chemokine (CXCL-1). Additionally, lung histopathology was also performed (H&E staining). In vitro studies were conducted with peritoneal macrophages to assess the possible mechanism of action. They were cultured in the presence of ISACN (5 and 10 µM) and stimulated by LPS (1 µg/mL).

RESULTS

ISACN reduced neutrophil migration, protein leakage, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) without interfering with the production of CXCL1. In addition, ISACN caused a decrease in LPS-induced lung injury as evident from histopathological changes. In peritoneal macrophages, ISACN diminishes the nitric oxide and cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). The treatment with ISACN (10 μM) also reduced LPS-induced TLR4, CD69, iNOS overexpression, and the LPS-induced ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Thus, this work showed for the first time the immunomodulatory action of MBHA in LPS-induced acute lung injury and provided new evidence for the mechanisms related to the anti-inflammatory effect of ISACN.

Biological Activities of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts (MBHA)

BACKGROUND

The Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction (MBHR) is considered one of the most powerful and versatile methodologies used for carbon-carbon bond formation. The reaction is defined as the condensation between an electrophilic carbon sp² and the α position of an olefin, carrying an electron-withdrawing group, in the presence of a catalyst. The advantages of the reaction are the high atom economy and mild reaction conditions. Under ideal conditions, this reaction leads to the formation of multifunctional products, called Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts (MBHA), a class of relevant molecules that exhibit a variety of biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

Considering the importance of these compounds, this review brought together several studies regarding the biological activities of MBHA, to point out the use of these molecules as future therapeutic agents.

METHODS

We searched for scientific articles available in the main databases, published between 1999 and 2022, using the descriptors: Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts, Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction, biological activity, and biological potentiality.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles showed the variety of biological activities of MBHA, including molluscicidal, antitumor, herbicidal, and fungicidal, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-tumor inflammatory, vasorelaxant, antichagasic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, these compounds are promising candidates to become drugs for the treatment of a variety of diseases, following further studies to understand the effective mechanisms of action of MBHA.