The in vitro effect of a lyophilized extract of wine obtained from Jacquez grapes on human chondrocytes

The present work was aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of a lyophilized extract of wine (JW-E) obtained from Jacquez grapes (Vitis aestivalis-cinereaxVitis vinifera grapes) on the production of key molecules released in inflammatory disease utilising interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) activated chondrocytes. The extract contains large amounts of phenolic components, in particular some flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, also known as catechins) and proanthocyanidins, as hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins, that possess several biological features such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects and a "radical scavenger" activity too. In this study, we assayed the effect of JW-E on the production of key molecules released during chronic inflammatory events as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins E(2) (PGE(2)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human chondrocytes culture, stimulated with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta. The JW-E proved to possess good ability against the harmfull effects of IL-1beta. Our data showed the protective effects of JW-E in cartilage alteration, that appears greater than that elicited by indomethacin, a not steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly employed in joint diseases.

Synthesis and anti-measles virus activity of new isoquinolin-4-one derivatives

Despite intense efforts to increase vaccine coverage, measles virus (MV) still causes significant morbidity and mortality in the world sometimes as a results of severe, chronic and lethal diseases. In an effort to develop therapies to supplement immunization strategies a number of 1-oxo-2-[[(1E)-phenylmethylene]amino]-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-4-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-measles activity. The substituents on the aromatic ring were chosen in order to evaluate the influence of electron-withdrawing or electron-donating effects on the electronic density of the aromatic moiety. We also evaluated the introduction of a vinyl chain between the exocyclic nitrogen and phenyl moiety. The biological results allow to outline some preliminary considerations on structure-activity relationship.

Determination of undecylenic and sorbic acids in cosmetic preparations by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A highly sensitive and selective method for the determination of sorbic (SA) and undecylenic acid (UA) in cosmetic formulations by a high performance liquid chromatography method with electrochemical detection (ECD) is described. The pre-column derivatizations of SA and UA and the internal standard (cyclohexanoic acid (cHA)) were carried out using 1-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-bromoethanone (2,5-DBE) as an electroactive labeling reagent previously synthesized in our lab. The resulting electroactive esters were separated by isocratic elution of a 5 micrometer Hypersil CN column with acetonitrile-acetate buffer eluent. The compounds were detected by a porous graphite electrode set at an oxidation potential of +0.45 V. The analytical method developed in this study is suitable for quality control assays of complex cosmetic formulations containing sorbic and/or UA.

Analysis of aliphatic amines in air samples by HPLC with electrochemical detection

A method was developed for the analysis of primary aliphatic amines by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detector. The electrochemical oxidation of aliphatic amines derivatized with 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was investigated at porous graphite electrodes. The derivatization reactions were performed off-line, before the chromatographic separation. The compounds were separated on a reversed phase column with a methanol-acetonitrile-phosphate buffer and detected setting at an oxidation potential of +0.5 V. The influence of the mobile phase buffer concentration and pH on the detector response was also studied. The derivatization was shown to be quantitative and the response linear between 50 and 200 ng/ml. The method is sensitive, selective and could be applicable for the assay of volatile amines in the field of environmental toxicology and also for biological monitoring after occupational exposure.

Oligoethylene ester derivatives of ketoprofen, naproxen and diclofenac as oral prodrugs: a pharmacological evaluation

Polyoxyethylene esters of ketoprofen (1a-e), naproxen (2a-e) and diclofenac (3a-e) were tested in vitro to determine their stability in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0 buffer) and their susceptibility in undergoing enzymatic cleavage in human plasma. Furthermore their in vivo antiinflammatory and analgesic activity and GI toxicity were evaluated in rodents. All the prodrugs showed a good stability both in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and in pH 2.0 buffer. They were readily hydrolyzed by human plasma and, for each group of prodrugs, no significant difference in hydrolysis rate was observed as the length of the oligoethylene chain increased. Esters 1a-e, 2a-e and 3a-e showed an anti-inflammatory activity (expressed as inhibition percent of carrageenan-induced edema in the rat) similar to that of their respective parent drug although at higher doses. The results obtained in the writhing test in mice demonstrated that all the prodrugs tested exhibited, following acute administration, a good analgesic effect. Furthermore these esters were significantly less irritating to the gastric mucosa, although administered at doses higher than the respective parent drug.

4-quinazolinones: synthesis and reduction of prostaglandin E2 production

We synthesized and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of a series of 4-quinazolinone derivatives. Two approaches were used to yield the title compounds. A first group of quinazolinone derivatives was obtained by the appropriate substituted anthranilates. A second group of quinazolinone compounds was prepared through the benzoxazin-4-ones intermediate. The pharmacological results reveal that the synthesized derivatives exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect in an experimental ocular inflammation model. In fact, all the tested compounds lowered the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production with respect to the control group (P < 0.05). The 3-cyclohexyl-6-chloro-quinazolin-4(3H)-one and 3-cyclohexyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives were the most active compounds. These compounds significantly reduced PGE2 levels even more than the reference drug tolmetin and significantly lower protein concentration and polymorphonuclear leukocytes number compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, these compounds may be useful to prevent ocular inflammatory reactions.

Optical isomer separation of potential analgesic drug candidates by using capillary electrophoresis

Using cyclodextrin capillary zone electrophoresis (CD-CZE), baseline separation of synthetic potential analgesic drug diastereoisomer candidates 6,11-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-3-[(2'-methoxycarbonyl-2'-phenylc yclopropyl)methyl]-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-8-ol (MPCB) and 6,11-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-3-[[2'-methoxycarbonyl-2'(4-chloroph enyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-8-ol (CCB) was achieved. Among the cyclodextrins tested (hydroxypropyl-, carboxymethyl- and sulfobutyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD, CM-beta-CD and SBE-beta-CD)) SBE-beta-CD was found to be the most effective complexing agent, allowing good optical isomer separation. Resolution was also influenced by the CD concentration, pH of the buffer and presence of organic modifier in the background electrolyte. The optimum experimental conditions for the separation of studied analgesic drugs were found using 25 mM borate buffer at pH 9 containing 40 mM of SBE-beta-CD and 20% v/v of methanol. Using the above-mentioned background electrolyte, it was also possible to separate, in the same run, the enantiomers of normetazocine (NMZ) as well as the optical isomers of (+/-)-cis-2-chloromethyl-1-phenyl cyclopropancarboxylic acid methyl ester (PCE) or (+/-)-cis-2-chloromethyl-1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropancarboxylic acid methyl ester (CPCE) reagents used in the synthesis of the studied analgesic drugs).

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2,4-dione and 5H-pyrimido [5,4-b]indol-2,4-dione derivatives

Two series of novel derivatives based on the thienopyrimidine and pyrimidoindole ring systems, both N-substituted in position 3, have been synthesized. The compounds were obtained by reaction of N-amino groups of 5,6-dimethyl-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2,4-dione and of 5H-pyrimido[5,4-b]indol-2,4-dione with aromatic aldehydes. Some of these substances showed an appreciable analgesic activity, a good antiinflammatory activity, a low acute toxicity with an optimal gastric tolerance.

Research on isoquinoline derivatives. V--Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of amidic derivatives of isoquinolin and isocoumarin carboxylic acids

The synthesis of some amidic derivatives of N-methyl-isoquinolin-1(2H)-one-4-carboxylic acid and of isocoumarin-4-carboxylic acid are reported. These compounds have been evaluated for analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities. The central nervous system effects have been also investigated.

Enhancement of 4-biphenylacetic acid bioavailability in rats by its beta-cyclodextrin complex after oral administration

4-Biphenylacetic acid, a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent forms a solid inclusion complex with beta-cyclodextrin in a 1:1 molar ratio, which exhibits better solubility and dissolution characteristics than the uncomplexed drug. Following oral administration of the complex to rats, quicker and higher drug plasma concentrations can be achieved than with the drug alone. Parallel studies, using the carrageenan paw oedema test, demonstrate a greater anti-inflammatory activity of the complex (ED50 of 2.9 mg kg-1 for the complex and of 6.2 mg kg-1 for the free drug). The complex displayed a better gastric tolerability in the rat than drug alone.

Clean-up and determination of sodium valproate in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection

A method is reported for the determination of the anticonvulsant sodium valproate in serum by fluorimetric detection. HPLC is performed on a reversed-phase column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile/water (65:35, v/v) with cyclohexane carboxylic acid as an internal standard. Samples were derivatized with 4-bromomethyl-7-methoxycoumarin and the optimized conditions are reported.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of 2-alkylthio substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4-one and 5H-pyrimido [5,4-b]indol-4-one

Quaternary salts of several 2-alkylthio substituted derivatives of thieno [2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one and 5H-pyrimido [5,4-b]indol-4-one with a basic group in position 2 of the alkyl chain were synthesized and screened for potential spasmolytic activity. These substances were prepared by condensation of the corresponding mercapto compounds with a 2-chloroalkyltertiary amine. The tertiary bases were quaternized with methyl iodide. Among the assayed compounds, the thieno [2-3-d]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives displayed a potent spasmolytic activity in the in vitro and in vivo assays.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of imidazolyn-5-ones

A new series of imidazolyn-5-one derivatives were synthesized. These compounds were screened for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, as well as for their ulcerogenic potential, for behavioural effects and acute toxicity. Some of them showed higher analgesic activity than phenylbutazone (PBZ), but lower anti-inflammatory activity. Their ulcerogenic effect was lesser than that of the reference drug.

New heterocyclic ring systems--V synthesis and pharmacological activity of 6H-1,3,4-thiadiazolo [3',2':1,2]-5-oxopyrimido [5,4-b] indole derivatives and of 1-phenyl-6H-1,2,4-triazolo [1',5':1,2]-5-oxopyrimido[5,4-b] indole

As a part of a study on analgesic and antiinflammatory active condensed heterocyclic compounds containing the pyrimidinic ring, a number of 6H-1,3,4-thiadiazolo [3',2':1,2]-5-oxopyrimido [5,4-b]indole and 1-phenyl-6H-1,2,4-triazolo [1',5':1,2]-5-oxopyrimido [5,4-b] indole were synthesized and tested. The results of pharmacological assays are reported and discussed.

Synthesis and pharmacological study of a series of 3(2H)-pyridazinones as analgesic and antiinflammatory agents

The synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of some 3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives are reported. The compounds were screened for analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities. All tested derivatives showed a higher analgesic activity than phenylbutazone, while being devoid of ulcerogenic action.

[Alkyl derivatives of isoquinoline. III. Synthesis and pharmacologic activity of dialkylaminoalkyl amides of 1-chloro- and 1-methoxy-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline and of 3-carboxy-2,4-dimethyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxoisoquinoline]

The synthesis of a series of dialkylaminoalkylic amides of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline (VIII), of 1-methoxy-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline (VI) and of 3-carboxy-2,4-dimethyl-1-oxoisoquinoline (XIII) is described. In addition a series of 1-amino-substituted 3-carboxymethyl-4-methylisoquinolines (II) was synthesized. The pharmacological activity of some of these compounds was studied. The compounds (XIIIa), (VIa) and (VIIIa) showed a clear local anaesthetic activity, a little lower than that of lidocaine; the same compounds also showed fairly good antispasmodic properties.

[Alkyl and aryl derivatives of isoquinoline. II. Synthesis and pharmacologic activity of dialkylaminoalkyl esters of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline and the corresponding 4-phenyl derivative]

The synthesis of a series of dialkylaminoalkylic esters of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline and of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-phenylisoquinoline is described. The pharmacological activity of some of these compounds was studied. The morpholinoethylester of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-methylisoquinoline (VIIa), dimethylaminoethylester (VIIb) and diethylaminoethylester (VIIc) showed a good antispasmodic activity. 4-Phenyl-derivatives (XVa), (XVb), (XVc) were more active than analogous 4-methyl derivatives; particularly the diethylaminoethylester of 1-chloro-3-carboxy-4-phenylisoquinoline (XVc) showed an antagonist effect against spasmogens similar to that of papaverine.

[Synthesis and pharmacological activity of amino- and dialkylaminoalkamides of derivatives of 3-carboxy-4-phenylisoquinoline. I]

The synthesis of a series of 1-amino derivatives of 3-carboxymethyl-4-phenylisoquinoline and of dialkylaminoalkylamides of 2-methyl-3-carboxy-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxoisoquinoline and of 1-methoxy-3-carboxy-4-phenylisoquinoline is described. The pharmacological activity of some of these compounds was studied. 1-Morpholino-3-carboxymethyl-4-phenylisoquinoline (IV a) and 1-pyrrolidino derivatives (IV d) caused reduction in spontaneous activity and reactivity in mice whereas compounds (VIII a) and (XII b) showed good local anesthetic activity in infiltration tests.

[5H-Pyrimidothiazines. I. Synthesis 6- or 7-carboxyalkyl derivatives of 5H-pyrimido[4,5b][1,4]thiazine]

The synthesis and chemical behaviour of pyrimidothiazine derivatives with a carboxyl group in position 7 [compounds (II) and (III)] or in position 6 [compounds (IV) and (V)] are described. It has been shown that these products, analogous with the isosteric benzothiazines, have the 5H-pyrimidothiazine structure. Compounds (II), (III) and (IV) show immunological activity, inhibiting passive cutaneous anaphyllaxis in the rat.