Anti-inflammatory Molecules: Enzyme Inhibitors

Abstract

Structure/receptor-based drug design, a new approach of drug discovery, has become a fascinating area of drug discovery/development. This rational approach of drug discovery may lead to the production of many drugs, and some products developed based on this approach are presently available in the market. Examples of some of these drugs include saquinavir for the treatment of AIDS, captopril against hypertension, dorzolamide for glaucoma and Zanamivir against influenza. Many molecules are designed based on their structure or receptors and are under different stages of clinical trials. For applying rational approach, we have to first identify the pathway of pathogenesis and the target proteins related to the specific disease. After the identification of the specific protein, the compound which inhibits the target protein may be designed to fit into the binding site of the protein most appropriately. Compounds from natural sources are tested first, taking cues from various kinds of information. Such compounds may form a basic structure which could be appropriated to the binding site of the target protein. This chapter has been devoted to the inhibitors of the enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway which may serve as anti-inflammatory compounds. Target enzymes of inflammatory pathway include isozymes of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).