Rat Paw Inflammation Research Articles

Facile functionalization of Teriflunomide-loaded nanoliposomes with Chondroitin sulphate for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

This research aims to coat Teriflunomide (TEF) loaded conventional nanoliposomes (CON-TEF-LIPO) with Chondroitin sulphate (CS) to produce CS-TEF-LIPO for the effective treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both CON-TEF-LIPO and CS-TEF-LIPO were produced, characterized and evaluated for their active targeting potential towards CD44 receptors. Cell cytotoxicity, cell viability and intracellular uptake study on differentiated U937 and MG-63 cells demonstrated the active targeting of CS-TEF-LIPO towards CD44 receptors. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacodynamic, biochemical, radiological and histopathological studies performed in adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rat model showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in inflammation in arthritic rat paw in CS-TEF-LIPO group compared to TEF and CON-TEF-LIPO groups. Moreover, liver toxicity study revealed that CS-TEF-LIPO showed no signs of toxicity and biodistribution study revealed the accumulation of CS-TEF-LIPO in synovial region of arthritic rat. Taken together, results suggest that CS-TEF-LIPO could provide a new insight for an effective treatment of RA.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Sodium Propionate.

The major end-products of dietary fiber fermentation by gut microbiota are the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which have been shown to modulate host metabolism via effects on metabolic pathways at different tissue sites. Several studies showed the inhibitory effects of sodium propionate (SP) on nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. We carried out an in vitro model of inflammation on the J774-A1 cell line, by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and H2O2, followed by the pre-treatment with SP at 0.1, 1 mM and 10 mM. To evaluate the effect on acute inflammation and superoxide anion-induced pain, we performed a model of carrageenan (CAR)-induced rat paw inflammation and intraplantar injection of KO2 where rats received SP orally (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). SP decreased in concentration-dependent-manner the expression of cicloxigenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) following LPS stimulation. SP was able to enhance anti-oxidant enzyme production such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) following H2O2 stimulation. In in vivo models, SP (30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced paw inflammation and tissue damage after CAR and KO2 injection. Our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of SP; therefore, we propose that SP may be an effective strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Vincetoxicum arnottianum ameliorate inflammation by suppressing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators in rat

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAerial parts of Vincetoxicum arnottianum (Wight) Wight (Family Apocynaceae) are used by local communities for inflammation, healing of wound and injuries and also for urticaria. Aim of studyExtract/fractions of V. arnottianum were evaluated for potential anti-inflammatory activity in rat. MethodsMethanol extract of aerial parts of V. arnottianum (VAM) was partitioned on polarity for n-hexane (VAH), ethyl acetate (VAE), butanol (VAB) and aqueous (VAA) fractions. The extract/fractions were evaluated during in vitro assay for protection against heat induced protein denaturation and Carrageenan induced paw inflammation in rat. VAM and VAE were evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential against formalin and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced inflammation in paw of rat while croton oil induced inflammation in ear of rat, respectively. The level of inflammatory mediators; IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) was estimated in serum of rat. ResultsAll the extract/fractions used in this study exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, VAE (300 mg/kg) exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan (78.06 ± 4.6%), formalin (54.71 ± 0.34%) and croton oil (73.12 ± 1.9%) induced edema in rat. In FCA induced inflammation model VAM and VAE showed admiring proficiencies against alteration of body weight and organ weight indices, paw edema and histological studies. In serum increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17) and NO during adjuvant-induced inflammation were more efficiently restored with VAE treatment to rat. Presence of polyphenolics; rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, myricetin and quercetin was indicated in VAE. ConclusionThe results suggest the presence of anti-inflammatory constituents in V. arnottianum.

Potent Thiophene Antagonists of Human Complement C3a Receptor with Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Structure-activity relationships for a series of small-molecule thiophenes resulted in potent and selective antagonism of human Complement C3a receptor. The compounds are about 100-fold more potent than the most reported antagonist SB290157. A new compound JR14a was among the most potent of the new antagonists in vitro, assessed by (a) inhibition of intracellular calcium release (IC50 10 nM) induced in human monocyte-derived macrophages by 100 nM C3a, (b) inhibition of β-hexosaminidase secretion (IC50 8 nM) from human LAD2 mast cells degranulated by 100 nM C3a, and (c) selectivity for human C3aR over C5aR. JR14a was metabolically stable in rat plasma and in rat liver microsomes and efficacious in rats when given orally to suppress rat paw inflammation, macrophage and mast cell activation, and histopathology induced by intraplantar paw administration of a C3aR agonist. Potent C3aR antagonists are now available for interrogating C3a receptor activation and suppressing C3aR-mediated inflammation in mammalian physiology and disease.

The study of antiexudative action of S-alkylated 1,3,4-oxadiazole-3-thionе derivatives

Несмотря на значительную популярность и эффективность нестероидных противовоспалительных препаратов (НПВП), а также их широкое использование в клинической практике, данная группа лекарственных средств характеризуется также большим количеством побочных эффектов, поэтому получение новых безопасных и эффективных НПВП является одним из приоритетных заданий для современной фармацевтической и медицинской химии. Цель работы – изучение противовоспалительной активности S-алкилированных производных 1,3,4-оксадиазол-2-тиола с фрагментом диклофенака в молекулах. Материалы и методы. Исследование антиэкссудативной активности соединений проводили на модели каррагенинового отека лап крыс, количественно эффект оценивали по показателям угнетения воспалительной реакции. Результаты. При проведении исследований идентифицировали ряд высокоактивных S-алкилированных производных 1,3,4-оксадиазол-2-тиола с антиэкссудативной активностью в пределах 42,4–44,6%, что соразмерно с эффектом эталонных лекарственных средств диклофенака натрия и кеторолака. Выводы. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о выраженной антиэксудативной активности в ряду S-замещенных производных 1,3,4-оксадиазол-2-тиола, актуализируя вопросы изучения данного класса гетероциклических соединений.

Novel nanostructured lipid carriers-loaded dissolving microneedles for controlled local administration of aconitine.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can enhance the safe transdermal delivery system of drugs. Moreover, dissolving microneedles (MNs) can enhance the permeability and controlled drug release. In this study, NLCs were formulated as a suitable vehicle for aconitine (ACO) delivery to effectively inhibit the inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes isolated from a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA-FLS). To improve drug delivery, the ACO-loaded NLCs (ACO-NLCs) were embedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone-based dissolving MNs fabricated by an ultraviolet cross-linking method. The nanoparticles maintained good physical stability in the dissolving MNs. The insertion capabilities of the ACO-NLCs-MNs were determined by observing histological sections of the skin after insertion, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in the MNs over time. In vivo microdialysis showed that the NLCs-MNs enhanced the transdermal delivery of ACO through disrupting the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC) and releasing the drug continuously. The ACO-NLCs-MNs showed a significant inhibitory effect on the paw swelling and inflammation in AA model rats. Moreover, this dual approach involving NLCs-loaded dissolving MNs formed a drug reservoir and effectively improved the ACO-induced arrhythmia. These results indicate that NLCs-containing MNs could be promising systems for the effective transdermal delivery and controlled local administration of ACO.

Effects of gut microbiome modulation on alpha/beta diversity, persistent pain‐depressed behaviors and inflammation in female Fisher rats with or without voluntary access to running wheels

Given the reported effects of gut microbiome modulation on local gut inflammation and intestinal pain, it is possible that gut microbiota regulate persistent or chronic pain conditions that are distal to the gut, including pain states in the extremities. This study evaluated the effects of gut microbiome modulation on formalin pain‐depressed behaviors and formalin‐induced paw inflammation in female Fisher rats. Pilot data indicate that (1) a two‐week regimen of the narrow‐spectrum gram‐positive antibiotic vancomycin (500mg/L) in drinking water depleted Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes diversity / density in rats with or without access to running wheels; (2) formalin alone (0.5, 2.5, 5%) produced concentration‐dependent biphasic licking behavior of injured hind paw across 60 min and concentration‐dependent depression of voluntary wheel running for 7 consecutive days; (3) two‐week antibiotic treatment prior to formalin administration had a protective effect manifested as attenuation of Phase II formalin scores, and complete reversal of formalin pain‐depressed wheel running for 7 consecutive days; (4) the protective effects of vancomycin on formalin pain‐related outcomes were associated with divergent changes to proteobacteria in sedentary vs. voluntary exercised rats. These data indicate that a narrow spectrum gram‐positive antibiotic can have lasting protective effects on persistent pain‐related behaviors and that associated changes to gut microbiota vary as a function of sedentary vs. exercise condition. Parallel mechanistic studies are currently assessing the efficacy of probiotic and fecal microbiota transplant procedures vs. opioid compounds to block antibiotic‐induced modulation to formalin pain‐related outcomes.Support or Funding InformationThis research supported by a NIH COBRE grant (P20GM103643) that supports an animal behavior core facility, and a COBRE Pilot award and NIAMS R15 AREA grant (AR054975) to G.W.S.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Sodium propionate protects from inflammation and ROS stress

The major end‐products of dietary fibre fermentation by the gut microbiota are the short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate and butyrate, which have been shown to modulate host metabolism via effects on metabolic pathways and receptor‐mediated mechanisms at different tissue sites. The beneficial effects of SCFAs on various aspects of gut physiology, barrier function, and metabolism have been well documented. Furthermore, SCFAs can promote intestinal homeostasis and suppress intestinal inflammation. Recently, several reports have been published describing inhibitory effects of SCFA on NF‐κB, one of the key transcription factors regulating genes implicated in innate immunity, cell cycle control, and apoptosis. However, most previous studies mainly focused on butyrate, and few studies have devoted their efforts to other SCFAs such as propionate, although it is abundant as butyrate in the gut and blood. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate protective mechanisms of sodium propionate (SP) in inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. The first step was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and ant‐oxidant mechanism of SP, by an in vitro model on murine macrophage cell line, J774‐A1, by two different approaches: stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli and H2O2, both followed by the treatment with SP at different concentrations (0.1–1 and 10 mM ). Moreover, to evaluate the effect on acute inflammation, an in vivo model of Carrageenan (CAR)‐induced rat paw inflammation was performed, where rats were orally treated with different doses of SP (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). Our in vitro results showed that SP (0.1‐1‐10mM) significantly decreased in concentration‐dependent‐manner the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) following LPS stimulation. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that SP (0.1‐1‐10 mM) was able to enhance anti‐oxidant enzyme production such as manganese‐dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) following H2O2 stimulation. In addition, in in vivo model, SP(30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) markedly reduced paw inflammation, thermal hyperalgesia and tissue damage induced by CAR injection. Our results clearly demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties of SP, therefore, we propose that SP may be an effective strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.Support or Funding InformationNo fundingThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antipyretic activity of young and old leaves of Vernonia amygdalina

BackgroundBoth young and old leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) are traditionally used to treat inflammation, pain and fever. However, the efficacy of young and old leaves for treating these ailments have not been compared till date. AimTo ascertain the effect of young and old leaves of VA in managing inflammation, pain and fever. MethodsBoth quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extracts of young (EthYL) and old (EthOL) leaves of VA were performed. The anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered EthYL and EthOL (50–200 mg/kg) and Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) were evaluated in carrageenan-induced inflammation model in rats. Antipyretic activity of EthYL, EthOL and Aspirin (25 mg/kg) were assessed in the Baker’s yeast-induced pyrexia model. Anti-allodynic effect of both extracts were evaluated by inserting inflamed paws of rats in cold water. Antinociceptive property of the extracts were assessed using tail withdrawal and formalin-induced nociception test. Histopathological examination of the paws was performed, in addition to formalin test to understand the possible mechanism of action of the extracts. Negative control rats received 2 ml/kg normal saline in all tests. ResultsThe amount of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolics were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in EthOL than EthYL, while saponins were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in EthYL than EthOL. The antioxidant ability and total antioxidant capacity were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in EthYL than EthOL. However, this was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the anti-oxidant activity of Ascorbic acid. A dose-dependent increase in anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antinociceptive properties were observed in both EthYL and EthOL, similar to the standard drugs. Mast cell degranulation accompanied by vasodilatation and high leukocytosis were observed in the negative control, but were markedly low in extract treated groups. Both extracts mediated their analgesic effect through opioidergic and nitric oxide pathways with EthYL additionally implicating the muscarinic cholinergic system. ConclusionAlthough both EthYL and EthOL alleviate inflammation, pyrexia and nociception, EthYL of VA was found to be more potent than EthOL.

Maprotiline inhibits COX2 and iNOS gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated U937 macrophages and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant, is used for the management of mental disorders and various types of chronic pain. In our previous work, we found the inhibitory effect of maprotiline on inflammatory mediator’s expression like tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α and interleukin 1β (IL-1β. As part of that study, we sought to evaluate the effect of maprotiline on the expression of some inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenases 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). For this reason we used an in vitro model system of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human U937 macrophages and also an in vivo model of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. We measured the expression of these genes by quantitative RT-real time PCR. The expression of COX2 and iNOS significantly decreased by maprotiline in U937 macrophages and carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats. Our finding also confirmed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of maprotiline inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema. Moreover, maprotiline significantly decreased the migration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes to the site of inflammation. The results of the present study provide further evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of maprotiline. This effect appears to be mediated by down regulation of inflammatory genes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of maprotiline.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Tetragronula species from Indonesia.

Anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit inflammation, particularly those classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several studies have reported that propolis has both anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the bioactive compound and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of both smooth and rough propolis from Tetragronula sp. To further identify anti-inflammatory markers in propolis, LC-MS/MS was used, and results were analyzed by Mass Lynx 4.1. Rough and smooth propolis of Tetragonula sp. were microcapsulated with maltodextrin and arabic gum. Propolis microcapsules at dose 25–200 mg/kg were applied for carrageenan-induced rat’s paw-inflammation model. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests. LC-MS/MS experiments identified seven anti-inflammatory compounds, including [6]-dehydrogingerdione, alpha-tocopherol succinate, adhyperforin, 6-epiangustifolin, deoxypodophyllotoxin, kurarinone, and xanthoxyletin. Our results indicated that smooth propolis at 50 mg/kg inhibited inflammation to the greatest extent, followed by rough propolis at a dose of 25 mg/kg. SPM and RPM with the dose of 25 mg/kg had inflammatory inhibition value of 62.24% and 58.12%, respectively, which is comparable with the value 70.26% of sodium diclofenac with the dose of 135 mg/kg. This study suggests that propolis has the potential candidate to develop as a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug.

A novel synthetic small molecule DMFO targets Nrf2 in modulating proinflammatory/antioxidant mediators to ameliorate inflammation

Inflammation is a protective immune response against invading pathogens, however, dysregulated inflammation is detrimental. As the complex inflammatory response involves multiple mediators, including the involvement of reactive oxygen species, concomitantly targeting proinflammatory and antioxidant check-points may be a more rational strategy. We report the synthesis and anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activity of a novel indanedione derivative DMFO. DMFO scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) in in-vitro radical scavenging assays and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In acute models of inflammation (carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat paw and air pouch), DMFO effectively reduced paw oedema and leucocyte infiltration with an activity comparable to diclofenac. DMFO stabilised mast cells (MCs) in in-vitro A23187 and compound 48/80-induced assays. Additionally, DMFO stabilised MCs in an antigen (ovalbumin)-induced MC degranulation model in-vivo, without affecting serum IgE levels. In a model of chronic immune-mediated inflammation, Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis, DMFO reduced arthritic score and contralateral paw oedema, and increased the pain threshold with an efficacy comparable to diclofenac but without being ulcerogenic. Additionally, DMFO significantly reduced serum TNFα levels. Mechanistic studies revealed that DMFO reduced proinflammatory genes (IL1β, TNFα, IL6) and protein levels (COX2, MCP1), with a concurrent increase in antioxidant genes (NQO1, haem oxygenase 1 (HO-1), Glo1, Nrf2) and protein (HO-1) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Importantly, the anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effect on gene expression was absent in primary macrophages isolated from Nrf2 KO mice suggesting an Nrf2-targeted activity, which was subsequently confirmed using siRNA transfection studies in RAW macrophages. Therefore, DMFO is a novel, orally-active, safe (even at 2 g/kg p.o.), a small molecule which targets Nrf2 in ameliorating inflammation.

Methotrexate Aspasomes Against Rheumatoid Arthritis: Optimized Hydrogel Loaded Liposomal Formulation with In Vivo Evaluation in Wistar Rats.

Aspasomes of methotrexate with antioxidant, ascorbyl palmitate, were developed and optimized using factorial design by varying parameters such as lipid molar ratio, drug to lipid molar ratio, and type of hydration buffer for transdermal delivery for disease modifying activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aspasomes were characterized by drug-excipients interaction, particle size analysis, determination of zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and surface properties. The best formulation was loaded into hydrogel for evaluation of in vitro drug release and tested in vivo against adjuvant induced arthritis model in wistar rats, by assessing various physiological, biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters. Optimized aspasome formulation exhibited smooth surface with particle size 386.8nm, high drug loading (19.41%), negative surface potential, and controlled drug release in vitro over 24h with a steady permeation rate. Transdermal application of methotrexate-loaded aspasome hydrogel for 12days reduced rat paw diameter (21.25%), SGOT (40.43%), SGPT (54.75%), TNFα (33.99%), IL β (34.79%), cartilage damage (84.41%), inflammation (82.37%), panus formation (84.38%), and bone resorption (80.52%) as compared to arthritic control rats. Free methotrexate-treated group showed intermediate effects. However, drug-free aspasome treatment did not show any effect. The experimental results indicate a positive outcome in development of drug-loaded therapeutically active carrier system which presents a non-invasive controlled release transdermal formulation with good drug loading, drug permeation rate, and having better disease modifications against RA than the free drug, thereby providing a more attractive therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid disease management.

Mangosteen ethanol extract alleviated the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in rats and produced synergistic effects with methotrexate

Context: Garcinia mangostana Linn. (Guttiferae) pericarp is used as a traditional medicine in South Asia to treat inflammatory diseases.Objective: This study investigates therapeutic effects of G. mangostana pericarp ethanol extract (MAN) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and interactions with methotrexate in vivo.Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats with CIA were treated with MAN (0.5 g/kg/day), methotrexate (0.5 mg/kg, bw) or combination of both for 36 days, respectively (n = 8/group). Another eight healthy and CIA rats served as normal and model control, respectively. Therapeutic effects were evaluated based on paw edema and arthritis score during the experiment and serological markers at the end of the study period. Histological and radiological examinations were used to assess joint destructions. The immune status was investigated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.Results: All treatments decreased the arthritis score and paw inflammation in CIA rats. Combination regimen significantly reduced anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in CIA rats to 85.83% (p < 0.05) and notably alleviated synovial hyperplasia and cartilage degradation in joints. Different from methotrexate, MAN significantly augmented CD25+ cells distribution (from 2.72 to 3.35%) and IL-10 secretion (from 202.4 to 241.2 pg/mL) in CIA rat blood. Meanwhile, MAN induced a greater IL-17 decrease and a FOXP3 increase in immune organs than MTX. Reduced TLR4 and IL-17 expression and elevated FOXP3 expression in joints also occurred under MAN treatment.Conclusions: MAN protected joints from destruction in CIA rats and exerted synergistic effects with methotrexate by improving immune microenvironment. The combination regimen could bring additional benefits to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Investigation of nepetolide as a novel lead compound: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and molecular docking evaluation

In the present study, we describe various pharmacological effects and computational analysis of nepetolide, a tricyclic clerodane-type diterpene, isolated from Nepeta suavis. Nepetolide concentration-dependently (1.0–1000 µg/mL) exhibited 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with maximum effect of 87.01 ± 1.85%, indicating its antioxidant potential, as shown by standard drug, ascorbic acid. It was moderately active against bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus. In brine shrimp’s lethality model, nepetolide potently showed cytotoxic effect, with LC50 value of 8.7 µg/mL. When evaluated for antitumor activity in potato disc tumor assay, nepetolide exerted tumor inhibitory effect of 56.5 ± 1.5% at maximum tested concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Nepetolide at 20 mg/kg reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation (P < .001 vs. saline group) in rat paw. Nepetolide dose-dependently (100–500 mg/kg) decreased acetic acid evoked writhes, as exhibited by diclofenac sodium. In-silico investigation of nepetolide was carried out against cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor and lipoxygenase-2 targets. Virtual screening through Patchdock online docking server identified primarily hydrophobic interactions between ligand nepetolide and receptors proteins. Enhanced hydrogen bonding was predicted with Autodock showing 6–8 hydrogen bonds per target. These results indicate that nepetolide exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and should be considered as a lead compound for developing drugs for the remedy of oxidative stress-induced disorders, microbial infections, cancers, inflammations and pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Novel 12-N-methylcytisine Derivatives.

Neurodegenerative diseases and inflammation are always linked to each other; therefore the elaboration of new chemical compounds, which interact with pharmacological targets involved into these two processes, can become one of ways of correction of these types of human CNS pathology. In the field of this problem the anti-inflammatory activity of ten 3-amino derivatives of quinolizidine alkaloid (.)-cytisine (the data about nootropic activity of these compounds are outlined by us previously) was studied by using in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches. The anti-inflammatory activity of novel compounds was investigated on carrageenan- induced model of inflammation in Rat paw following an established protocol. COX-1 (ovin) and COX-2 (human recombinant) inhibition activities of tested compounds assessed using a COX Fluorescent Inhibitor Screening Assay Kit. And as part of an in silico screening the leading compounds were docked into the tyrosine sites of COX-1/COX-2 enzymes (PDB code: 1DIY and 1CVU). It was established that ability of 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)amino, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) amino and 3-(3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl)amino derivatives of 12-N-metylcytisine to inhibit the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats is comparable with reference drug diclofenac. The results of in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition assay showed no significant activity of tested compounds, except compounds with 2-hydroxyphenyl, 3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl, furyl and thiophenyl fragments which slightly reduce the activity of COX-2. The tendency to occurrence of anti-inflammatory properties of synthesized derivatives of quinolizidine alkaloid (-)-cytisine can be explained on the basis of molecular docking results, which assume the possibility of interaction of more potent compounds with key amino acids of COX-1/COX-2 active sites.

Microemulsions containing Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin: Challenges to achieve an efficient system for β-caryophyllene delivery

β-Caryophyllene (β-CP) is a bioactive sesquiterpene abundant in copaiba oil-resin (COR), which is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine; however, its instability due to the presence of unsaturations is an obstacle to the use of COR in its natural form. Therefore, the development of a system for β-CP delivery, like the one proposed herein for the first time, may protect it and preserve its therapeutic action. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed in this study to obtain COR-containing nanocarriers. Two microemulsions (MEs) were obtained, namely a) ME-I containing (% w/w) 47.1 water, 8.5 Plurol Oleique, 33.8 Labrasol and 10.6 COR and b) ME-II containing (% w/w) 39.0 water, 18.3 Plurol Oleique, 36.6 Labrasol and 6.1 COR. Both MEs showed physicochemical properties suitable for a delivery system such as pH 5.25-5.74, conductivity of 79.5–120.9μScm−1 and slightly negative Zeta potential (-3.57/-2.63mV). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the nanometric size of MEs droplets, differential scanning calorimetry their oil/water nature, while refractive indices clarity and isotropicity. Both systems behaved as Newtonian fluids and exhibited low viscosity (64.42±0.667 mPa.s for ME-I and 118.78±0.503 mPa.s for ME-II). After COR incorporation in MEs, steam distillation allowed obtaining β-CP contents depending on their initial COR amount. The pharmacological effectiveness of these innovating systems for β-CP delivery was confirmed by antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity tests. ME-II afforded a stronger antimicrobial effect against all target microorganisms than ME-I and a much stronger one than COR. Carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat paw was visibly inhibited by MEs.

Exploiting a novel conformational switch to control innate immunity mediated by complement protein C3a

Complement C3a is an important protein in innate and adaptive immunity, but its specific roles in vivo remain uncertain because C3a degrades rapidly to form the C3a-desArg protein, which does not bind to the C3a receptor and is indistinguishable from C3a using antibodies. Here we develop the most potent, stable and highly selective small molecule modulators of C3a receptor, using a heterocyclic hinge to switch between agonist and antagonist ligand conformations. This enables characterization of C3 areceptor-selective pro- vs. anti-inflammatory actions in human mast cells and macrophages, and in rats. A C3a receptor-selective agonist induces acute rat paw inflammation by first degranulating mast cells before activating macrophages and neutrophils. An orally administered C3a receptor-selective antagonist inhibits mast cell degranulation, thereby blocking recruitment and activation of macrophages and neutrophils, expression of inflammatory mediators and inflammation in a rat paw edema model. These novel tools reveal the mechanism of C3a-induced inflammation and provide new insights to complement-based medicines.

Synergistic Interaction of Matricaria Chamomilla Extract with Diclofenac and Indomethacin on Carrageenan-Induced Paw Inflammation in Rats.

Preclinical Research The coadministration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with medicinal plant extracts may increase anti-inflammatory activity, thus permitting the use of lower NSAID doses and limiting the side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions between an ethanolic extract of M. chamomilla extract (MCE) with two NSAIDs, diclofenac and indomethacin on carrageenan-induced paw inflammation and gastric injury in rats. Diclofenac, indomethacin and MCE, or combinations with MCE produced an anti-inflammatory effect. Effective dose (ED) values were estimated for the individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. The final experimental ED values were 483.7 mg/kg for diclofenac + MCE combination, and 212.6 mg/kg for indomethacin + MCE. These values were lower (p < 0.05) than the theoretical ED values (1186.9 mg/kg for diclofenac + MCE combination, and 1183.8 mg/kg for indomethacin + MCE). These data suggest that the interactions between NSAIDs and MCE that mediate the anti-inflammatory effects at the systemic level are synergistic and may have therapeutic advantages for the clinical treatment of inflammatory processes. Drug Dev Res 78 : 360-367, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polyglycerol-opioid conjugate produces analgesia devoid of side effects.

Novel painkillers are urgently needed. The activation of opioid receptors in peripheral inflamed tissue can reduce pain without central adverse effects such as sedation, apnoea, or addiction. Here, we use an unprecedented strategy and report the synthesis and analgesic efficacy of the standard opioid morphine covalently attached to hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG-M) by a cleavable linker. With its high-molecular weight and hydrophilicity, this conjugate is designed to selectively release morphine in injured tissue and to prevent blood-brain barrier permeation. In contrast to conventional morphine, intravenous PG-M exclusively activated peripheral opioid receptors to produce analgesia in inflamed rat paws without major side effects such as sedation or constipation. Concentrations of morphine in the brain, blood, paw tissue, and in vitro confirmed the selective release of morphine in the inflamed milieu. Thus, PG-M may serve as prototype of a peripherally restricted opioid formulation designed to forego central and intestinal side effects.