Rodent Models Of Inflammation Research Articles

The Effect of Corticosteroid Administration on Soft-Tissue Inflammation Associated With rhBMP-2 Use in a Rodent Model of Inflammation

In vivo rodent model. Investigate the effect of systemic corticosteroid administration on soft-tissue inflammation after local delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Corticosteroid use in cases of soft-tissue inflammation associated with the use of rhBMP-2 has been reported in clinical studies, but the effectiveness of its use and appropriate timing remain unclear. Absorbable collagen sponges were implanted with control or rhBMP-2 into the lumbar region of rats subcutaneously and intramuscularly. Four groups were studied: group I, control sponge only; group 2, BMP-2 sponge only; group III, BMP-2 sponge and preoperative intraperitoneal methylprednisolone (MPSS); group IV, BMP-2 sponge with MPSS given on day 2. Using magnetic resonance imaging, inflammation was assessed in terms of soft tissue edema volume at 0, 2, 4, and 7 days. Rats were sacrificed after 7 days for gross and histological analysis. The peak mean intramuscular inflammatory volume occurred on day 2 in all groups. Group II (BMP-2 without MPSS) had a significantly higher peak mean inflammatory volume (405.46 mm) on day 2 than that of groups I (266 mm), III (278 mm), and IV (291 mm) (P = 0.001). No significant difference in intramuscular soft-tissue inflammation was observed between the control group and the groups receiving MPSS on day 0 or day 2 at any time point. No differences in the area of inflammatory cell infiltrate surrounding the sponge was observed histologically, after sacrificing them, in groups treated with BMP-2. Systemic MPSS administration reduced soft tissue edema associated with rhBMP-2 as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, but no effect was observed on the histological area of inflammation. Further studies are required to elucidate if there is any benefit to the use of corticosteroid administration in reducing the area of inflammation associated with the use of rhBMP-2.

Characterization of a new mPGES-1 inhibitor in rat models of inflammation

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 inhibition has been proposed as an alternative to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition in the treatment of pain and inflammation. This novel approach could potentially mitigate the gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular side effects seen after long-term treatment with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Coxibs respectively. Several human mPGES-1 inhibitors have been developed in the recent years. However, they were all shown to be considerably less active on rodent mPGES-1, precluding the study of mPGES-1 inhibition in rodent models of inflammation and pain. The aim of this study was to characterize the new mPGES-1 inhibitor compound II, a pyrazolone that has similar potency on rat and human recombinant mPGES-1, in experimental models of inflammation. In cell culture, compound II inhibited PGE2 production in synovial fibroblasts from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RASF) and in rat peritoneal macrophages. In vivo, compound II was first characterized in the rat air pouch model of inflammation where treatment inhibited intra-pouch PGE2 production. Compound II was also investigated in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model where it attenuated both the acute and delayed inflammatory responses. In conclusion, compound II represents a valuable pharmacological tool for the study of mPGES-1 inhibition in rat models.

Characterization of AQX‐1125, a small‐molecule SHIP1 activator

The efficacy of AQX-1125, a small-molecule SH2-containing inositol-5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) activator and clinical development candidate, is investigated in rodent models of inflammation. AQX-1125 was administered orally in a mouse model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and a number of rodent models of respiratory inflammation including: cigarette smoke, LPS and ovalbumin (OVA)-mediated airway inflammation. SHIP1 dependency of the AQX-1125 mechanism of action was investigated by comparing the efficacy in wild-type and SHIP1-deficient mice subjected to an intrapulmonary LPS challenge. AQX-1125 exerted anti-inflammatory effects in all of the models studied. AQX-1125 decreased the PCA response at all doses tested. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts as an end point, oral or aerosolized AQX-1125 dose dependently decreased the LPS-mediated pulmonary neutrophilic infiltration at 3-30 mg kg⁻¹ and 0.15-15 μg kg⁻¹ respectively. AQX-1125 suppressed the OVA-mediated airway inflammation at 0.1-10 mg kg⁻¹. In the smoke-induced airway inflammation model, AQX-1125 was tested at 30 mg kg⁻¹ and significantly reduced the neutrophil infiltration of the BAL fluid. AQX-1125 (10 mg kg⁻¹) decreased LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in wild-type mice but not in SHIP1-deficient mice. The SHIP1 activator, AQX-1125, suppresses leukocyte accumulation and inflammatory mediator release in rodent models of pulmonary inflammation and allergy. As shown in the mouse model of LPS-induced lung inflammation, the efficacy of the compound is dependent on the presence of SHIP1. Pharmacological SHIP1 activation may have clinical potential for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Retinal not systemic oxidative and inflammatory stress correlated with VEGF expression in rodent models of insulin resistance and diabetes.

To correlate changes between VEGF expression with systemic and retinal oxidative stress and inflammation in rodent models of obesity induced insulin resistance and diabetes. Retinal VEGF mRNA and protein levels were assessed by RT-PCR and VEGF ELISA, respectively. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and CD11b/c positive cell ratio were used as systemic inflammatory markers. Retinal expression of Nox2, Nox4, and p47phox mRNA levels were measured as oxidative stress markers. TNF-α, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), IL1β, and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were used as retinal inflammatory markers. Retinal VEGF mRNA and protein expression increased in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF(fa/fa)) rats and streptozotosin (STZ) induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats, after two months of disease, but not in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats. Systemic markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were elevated in insulin resistant and diabetic rats. Some oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and IL1-β) were upregulated in the retina of ZDF(fa/fa) and STZ diabetic rats after 4 months of disease. In contrast, activation of NF-κB in the retina was observed in high fat fed nondiabetic and diabetic cis-NF-κB(EGFP) mice, ZF, ZDF(fa/fa), and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Only persistent hyperglycemia and diabetes increased retinal VEGF expression. Some markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were elevated in the retina and systemic circulation of obese and insulin resistant rodents with and without diabetes. Induction of VEGF and its associated retinal pathologies by diabetes requires chronic hyperglycemia and factors in addition to inflammation and oxidative stress.

PRT062070: A Dual Syk/JAK Inhibitor with Potent Immune Regulatory Capacity in Rodent Models of Inflammation and Cancer.

AbstractAbstract 2764The heterogeneity and severity of certain autoimmune diseases and B cell malignancies warrant simultaneous targeting of multiple disease-relevant pathways. Simultaneous inhibition of Syk and JAK represents such a strategy, and may have several benefits relative to selective kinase inhibition, such as gaining control over a broader array of disease etiologies, reducing probability of selection for alternate disease mechanisms, and the potential that an overall lower level suppression of multiple targets may be sufficient to modulate disease activity. To this end, we provide an update on the pre-clinical development of our lead dual Syk/JAK inhibitor; PRT062070.Cellular assays demonstrate an impressive selectivity profile, with potency against Syk, JAK1, and JAK3 primarily maintained in whole blood assays. B cell antigen-receptor mediated cellular activation and FcεRI-mediated basophil degranulation were inhibited in whole blood by PRT062070 with Syk IC50’s of 0.1μM and 0.23μM, respectively. PRT062070 preferentially inhibited JAK1 and JAK3 dependent cytokine mediated signaling and functional responses in various cell types. IL2 mediated STAT5 Y694 was inhibited with an IC50 of 0.27μM, while IL4 mediated signaling to STAT6 Y641 and functional responses in B cells and monocytes, namely CD69, CD25, and CD23 up-regulation, were inhibited with IC50’s within the range of 0.11μM to 0.57μM. PRT062070 also demonstrated potency in suppressing FcγR mediated neutrophil oxidative burst. Conversely, PRT062070 did not inhibit T cell antigen receptor or PMA-mediated signaling to ERK Y204, or T cell receptor mediated Lck activity as measured by ZAP70 Y319, providing evidence for selectivity of action. At 4uM (the highest concentration tested) only 20% inhibition against GM-CSF mediated STAT5 phophorylation in monocytes was observed, suggesting limited inhibition of JAK2. In tumor cell viability assays, several non-Hodgkins lymphoma cell lines demonstrated enhanced sensitivity to dual Syk/JAK inhibition relative to JAK inhibition alone.Following oral dosing in rodents, PRT062070 suppressed inflammation in the mouse collagen antibody induced arthritis model, prevented splenomegaly in mice stimulated in vivo with BCR specific antibody, and diminished progression of a B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma cell line in xenograft mice. Using the rat collagen induced arthritis treatment model, we report a dose-dependent inhibition of inflammation with complete suppression of disease progression at 0.3μM. The advantages of dually targeting Syk and JAK for inflammation and B cell cancers will be discussed, as well as plans for initial human studies. Disclosures:Coffey:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. DeGuzman:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Lee:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Kamen:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Baker:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Hollenbach:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Pandey:Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment. Sinha:Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Employment.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Doxazosin in Rodent Models of Inflammation

Background: Doxazosin is an α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist for the treatment of high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Peripheral α-adrenergic receptors have been implicated in inflammation. Aim: To examine the anti-inflammatory effects of doxazosin in rodent models of inflammation. Method: The anti-inflammatory properties of doxazosin were investigated in 4 models. In all studies, drug treatment was administered 15 min prior to challenge. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation model, LPS was injected systemically at 0.25 mg/kg. At 90 min after challenge, blood samples were collected for analysis. In the LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation model, LPS was instilled intranasally. Four hours after challenge, the lungs were harvested for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) analysis. In a delayed-type hypersensitivity model, the mice were injected intravenously with sheep red blood cells, and rechallenged in the left footpad 7 days later. Drug treatment was given on day 6 and 7 just prior to the rechallenge. The thickness of hind footpads was measured at 15 min after rechallenge. In the thioglycollate-induced peritoneal monocyte infiltration model, mice were challenged with 3% thioglycollate, and 2 h later peritoneal lavage fluid was collected for MCP-1 analysis. Results: In animals challenged systemically and intranasally with LPS, doxazosin inhibited TNF-α and MCP-1 production, respectively. In the delayed-type hypersensitivity model, footpad swelling was inhibited by doxazosin. Doxazosin decreased the level of MCP-1 release in the peritoneal cavity of thioglycollate-stimulated animals, though this effect was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This is the first set of studies that reports the novel anti-inflammatory effects of doxazosin.

The Effect of Corticosteroid Administration on Soft Tissue Inflammation Associated with rhBMP-2 Use in a Rodent Model of Inflammation

The Effect of Corticosteroid Administration on Soft Tissue Inflammation Associated with rhBMP-2 Use in a Rodent Model of Inflammation

Kinetics of knee synovial lavage inflammation in rodent models of collagen induced arthritis. (171.15)

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, swelling, and destruction of joints. In this study we used intra-articular lavage of the knee joint to easily and rapidly assess the kinetics of cellular infiltration and cytokine production within the local joint synovial environment during disease in rodent models of arthritis. In collagen induced arthritis in rats, knees of arthritic animals had increased cellularity composed of neutrophils, monocytes and T cells as well as marked increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-1b, IL-6, and KC. The kinetics of infiltration showed an initial infiltration of monocytes shortly followed by a significant increase in neutrophil infiltration that strongly correlated with paw swelling. CD4+ T cells increased as well, but were not found in high numbers in the joint until after maximal paw swelling had been reached. We also found that the influx of monocytes into the knee joint space correlated with increased levels of KC, IL-1b, and IL-6, with KC levels preceding the subsequent neutrophil influx. Mouse models show similar disease course in regards to both inflammation and cytokine production in the synovial knee lavage. Understanding the kinetics of disease in the local joint presents new opportunities for biomarker development, target identification, and improvement of mechanistic understanding of disease processes in rodent models of arthritis.

Effects of grape consumption on fitness, muscle injury, mood and perceived health

Grape consumption may attenuate inflammation because polyphenolic compounds in grapes, such as resveratrol and quercetin, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in rodent models of inflammation. In humans, daily consumption of one cup of raisins for 6 weeks was associated with a 40% reduction in plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Compounds found in grape skins also have been added to the diet of rodents and improved run time to exhaustion, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 increases dysplasia in rodent models of colon cancer

The intestinal hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), enhances intestinal growth and reduces inflammation in rodent models. Hence, a degradation-resistant GLP-2 analog is under investigation for treatment of Crohn's disease. However, GLP-2 increases colonic dysplasia in murine azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer. Considering the increased colon cancer risk associated with chronic colitis, we have therefore examined the effects of long-acting hGly(2)GLP-2, as well as of endogenous GLP-2 using the antagonist hGLP-2(3-33) in two novel models of inflammation-associated colon cancer: rats fed the carcinogen 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and a high-fat diet (HFD) for one or three cycles, and mice with chronic dextran sodium-sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis administered AOM. hGly(2)GLP-2 treatment of one-cycle PhIP/HFD rats increased the number of colonic aberrant crypt foci by 72 ± 11% (P < 0.01). Fifty-one weeks after three PhIP/HFD cycles, hGly(2)GLP-2-treated rats had a 22% incidence of colon cancer, compared with 0% in vehicle-treated rats. AOM-DSS mice treated with vehicle or hGly(2)GLP-2 had high-grade dysplasia/colon cancer incidences of 56 and 64%, respectively, compared with 46% in hGLP-2(3-33)-treated AOM-DSS animals (P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, hGLP-2(3-33) also reduced the colitis damage score by 32.0 ± 8.4% (P < 0.05). All high-grade dysplastic/cancerous tumors had nuclear localization of β-catenin although β-catenin mRNA transcript and protein levels did not differ between treatment groups. GLP-2 receptor mRNA expression also was not different. However, hGLP-2(3-33)-treated mice had markedly reduced numbers of doublecortin-and-calmodulin-kinase-like-1-positive stem cells, by 73.7 ± 8.6% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate a role for hGly(2)GLP-2 and endogenous GLP-2 as potential cancer promoters in rodents.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Repaglinide in Rodent Models of Inflammation

Background: Repaglinide is an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The anti-inflammatory effect of repaglinide in the absence of diabetes has not been reported previously. It is the objective of this set of studies to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide. Method: The in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide were studied in two different models of delay type hyperreactivity (DTH) response induced by sheep red blood cells (sRBC) and 2,5′-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), and in two different rodent models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Results: In mice systemically sensitized with sRBC, which subsequently received a local injection of sRBC in the footpad, local swelling occurred within 24 h after challenge. Repaglinide was efficacious in attenuating this response. In an orthogonal DTH model using DNFB as the antigen, the animals received topical sensitization with DNFB on their shaved backs, followed by topical challenge on the left ears. Repaglinide efficaciously downregulated the resulting ear swelling response. In mice challenged systemically or intratracheally with LPS, repaglinide significantly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor α level and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid MCP-1 levels, respectively. Conclusion: This set of data suggests novel anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide in nondiabetic animals. However, the high dose required for an efficacious effect would make this application impractical in the clinic.

Liver X Receptor Protects against Liver Injury in Sepsis Caused by Rodent Cecal Ligation and Puncture

Liver X receptor (LXR) is a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor family, regulating genes involved in metabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis. In the present investigation, we examined the role of LXR in organ injury and systemic inflammation in rodent models of polymicrobial peritonitis caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats were subjected to CLP sepsis or a sham operation. Some were treated with the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 0.3 mg/kg 30 min prior to the CLP procedure, and organs and plasma were harvested at 3, 10, 18, or 24 h. Organs were analyzed for RNA expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction or for morphologic differences by histologic review. Organ injury and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma. Expression of the LXRα gene was decreased in the livers of CLP rats compared with sham-operated rats. Administration of a synthetic agonist of LXR (GW3965) reduced biochemical indices of liver injury in the blood of CLP rats. We also demonstrated that liver injury associated with CLP is aggravated in LXRα- and LXRαβ-deficient mice compared with wild-type and LXRβ-deficient mice, indicating a role for LXRα in protecting the liver. The enhanced liver injury in LXR-deficient mice was associated with elevated plasma concentrations of high mobility group box 1, a late mediator of inflammation and a known factor in the pathology of this model. Collectively, these results argue in favor of a role for LXRα in protection against liver injury in experimental sepsis induced by CLP.

Human multipotent stromal cells attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice via secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 6

IntroductionMultipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are currently in clinical trials for a number of inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of MSCs to attenuate inflammation in rodent models of acute lung injury (ALI) suggesting that MSCs may also be beneficial in treating ALI.MethodsTo better understand how human MSCs (hMSCs) may act in ALI, the lungs of immunocompetent mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and four hours later bone marrow derived hMSCs were delivered by oropharyngeal aspiration (OA). The effect of hMSCs on lung injury was assessed by measuring the lung wet/dry weight ratio and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 24 or 48 h after LPS. BAL fluid was also analyzed for the presence of inflammatory cells and cytokine expression by multiplex immunoassay. Microarray analysis of total RNA isolated from treated and untreated lungs was performed to elucidate the mechanism(s) involved in hMSC modulation of lung inflammation.ResultsAdministration of hMSCs significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil counts and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage. There was a concomitant reduction in pulmonary edema. The anti-inflammatory effects of hMSCs were not dependent on localization to the lung, as intraperitoneal administration of hMSCs also attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in the lung. Microarray analysis revealed significant induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6/TSG-6) expression by hMSCs 12 h after OA delivery to LPS-exposed lungs. Knockdown of TSG-6 expression in hMSCs by RNA interference abrogated most of their anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, intra-pulmonary delivery of recombinant human TSG-6 reduced LPS-induced inflammation in the lung.ConclusionsThese results show that hMSCs recapitulate the observed beneficial effects of rodent MSCs in animal models of ALI and suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of hMSCs in the lung are explained, at least in part, by activation of hMSCs to secrete TSG-6.

EC144, a Synthetic Inhibitor of Heat Shock Protein 90, Blocks Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Models of Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone involved in folding and stabilizing multiple intracellular proteins that have roles in cell activation and proliferation. Many Hsp90 client proteins in tumor cells are mutated or overexpressed oncogenic proteins driving cancer cell growth, leading to the acceptance of Hsp90 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Because several signal transduction molecules that are dependent on Hsp90 function are also involved in activation of innate and adaptive cells of the immune system, we investigated the mechanism by which inhibiting Hsp90 leads to therapeutic efficacy in rodent models of inflammation and autoimmunity. EC144, a synthetic Hsp90 inhibitor, blocked LPS-induced TLR4 signaling in RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting activation of ERK1/2, MEK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK but not NF-κB. Ex vivo LPS-stimulated CD11b(+) peritoneal exudate cells from EC144-treated mice were blocked from phosphorylating tumor progression locus 2, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2. Consequently, EC144-treated mice were resistant to LPS administration and had suppressed systemic TNF-α release. Inhibiting Hsp90 also blocked in vitro CD4(+) T cell proliferation in mouse and human MLRs. In vivo, semitherapeutic administration of EC144 blocked disease development in rat collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing the inflammatory response. In a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model, EC144 also suppressed disease development, which correlated with a suppressed Ag-specific Ab response and a block in activation of Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells. Our results describe mechanisms by which blocking Hsp90 function may be applicable to treatment of autoimmune diseases involving inflammation and activation of the adaptive immune response.

Specific Inhibition of Syk Suppresses Leukocyte Immune Function and Alleviates Inflammation In Rodent Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

AbstractAbstract 1727Genetic ablation of Syk in hematopoietic cells blocks various leukocyte immune functions, and protects mice from immune-complex mediated inflammation. These data have helped to identify Syk as an important therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases. The next step is to test the hypothesis that low level, and specific, pharmacological inhibition of Syk retains the immunomodulatory potential observed with Syk genetic deficiency. With this goal in mind, we provide an update on the development of P505-15, a highly specific and potent small molecule Syk inhibitor which suppresses signaling and activation of primary human and rodent leukocyte immune function. The specificity of P505-15 was tested in a panel of 270 independent purified kinase assays at 300nM. At this concentration, Syk and 8 other kinases were inhibited by ≥ 80%. Subsequent analysis demonstrated a Syk IC50 of 1nM, whereas the next most potently inhibited kinase required an IC50 of 81nM. In a variety of cellular assays we observed potent inhibition of B cell receptor (BCR) induced Syk signaling, but not of Lyn, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced protein kinase C, T cell receptor induced Zap70, or cytokine induced JAK1 (IL6), JAK2 (GM-CSF), or JAK1/3 (IL4) dependent STAT phosphorylation. Consistently, in Ba/F3 cell lines transformed by various kinases, P505-15 only inhibited proliferation of those cells transformed by Syk (IC50 = 0.12μM), and not by Zap70 or JAK family members (IC50 > 6μM). In human whole blood, P505-15 suppressed BCR-induced Syk signaling and cellular activation with IC50's of 0.383μM and 0.362μM, respectively. FceR1-induced basophil degranulation was similarly suppressed with an IC50 of 0.171μM. Importantly, Syk-independent signaling and cellular activation in human whole blood via PMA (B cell assays) or fMLP (basophil degranulation) was unaffected by this compound at 4μM and 1μM, respectively (the highest concentrations tested), again demonstrating its specificity of action. Oral administration of P505-15 in mice led to a reversible inhibition of Syk, with an IC50 of 0.282μM as determined by an ex vivo whole blood BCR stimulation assay. Finally, we tested the immunomodulatory potential of specific Syk inhibition in vivo using rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis. Oral administration of P505-15 resulted in statistically significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in both the mouse collagen antibody-induced arthritis and rat collagen induced arthritis models. In each case, anti-inflammatory effects were achieved at sub-micromolar plasma concentrations in which Syk specificity was maintained. These data support the hypothesis that specific Syk inhibition can modulate immune function in vivo, and provide a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human inflammatory disease by inhibition of this kinase. P505-15 is currently being evaluated in phase I clinical trials. Disclosures:Coffey:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Francis:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Inagaki:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Pak:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Delaney:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Betz:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Jia:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Xu:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Bauer:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Song:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Pandey:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Baker:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Hollenbach:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Phillips:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Sinha:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Relation of Plasma Fatty Acid Binding Proteins 4 and 5 With the Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation and Coronary Calcium in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) 4 and 5 play coordinated roles in rodent models of inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis, but little is known of their role in human disease. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that plasma adipocyte and macrophage FABP4 and FABP5 levels would provide additive value in the association with metabolic and inflammatory risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as subclinical atherosclerosis. Using the Penn Diabetes Heart Study (PDHS; n = 806), cross-sectional analysis of FABP4 and FABP5 levels with metabolic and inflammatory parameters and with coronary artery calcium, a measure of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, was performed. FABP4 and FABP5 levels had strong independent associations with the metabolic syndrome (for a 1-SD change in FABP levels, odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43 to 2.23, and OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.95, respectively) but had differential associations with metabolic syndrome components. FABP4 and FABP5 were also independently associated with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels. FABP4 (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.52) but not FABP5 (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.32) was associated with the presence of coronary artery calcium. An integrated score combining FABP4 and FABP5 quartile data had even stronger associations with the metabolic syndrome, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and coronary artery calcium compared to either FABP alone. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for an additive relation of FABP4 and FABP5 with the metabolic syndrome, inflammatory cardiovascular disease risk factors, and coronary atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that FABP4 and FABP5 may represent mediators of and biomarkers for metabolic and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dietary Folic Acid Activates AMPK and Improves Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Inflammation in Dietary Rodent Models of the Metabolic Syndrome

The AMP activated kinase plays an important role in metabolic control, and pharmacologic enhancement of AMPK activity is used to improve insulin resistance. We hypothesized that high dose of folic acid supplementation might improve insulin sensitivity and hepatic inflammation and examined this by a dietary intervention in (a) the high fat fed rat model of the metabolic syndrome, which shows sole hepatic steatosis as well as (b) in rats fed with a high cholesterol, high cholate diet inducing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male Wistar rats were fed with folic acid supplemented (40 mg/kg) high fat diet [based on lard, fat content 25% (wt/wt)] or NASH inducing diet (containing 15% fat, 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% sodium cholate). Metabolic profiling was performed by measuring the animals' visceral fat pads, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and adipokines as well as in vivo insulin tolerance tests. Hepatic steatosis and inflammation were analyzed semiquantitatively by histological analysis. Folic acid supplementation reduced visceral obesity and improved plasma adiponectin levels. In vivo insulin sensitivity was improved, and in HF-FA rats folic acid increased activation of hepatic AMPK. Further, folic acid supplementation improved hepatic inflammation in animals fed with NASH-inducing diet. Dietary folic acid improved parameters of insulin resistance and hepatic inflammation in rodent models. This might be due to an increased AMK activation.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf extract ofWattakaka volubilis(Dreagea volubilis)

Wattakaka volubilis (Family: Asclepiadaceae) has been reported to possess medicinal effects. In the present study, the dried leaf extract [methanol–water (1:1)] of W. volubilis designated as ‘the extract’ was evaluated for pharmacological activity in rats and mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using acute, sub-chronic and chronic models of inflammation in rodents. The antipyretic and analgesic activities were evaluated in mice models. In the acute toxicity study, it was found that the extract was non-toxic up to 1 g/kg, i.p. The extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to possess, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in a dose-dependent manner and the effect was comparable with that produced by the standard drug, ibuprofen. The extract significantly inhibited the arachidonic acid-induced paw oedema in rats, indicating that the extract inhibited both the cyclo-oxygenase and lipo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. The extract also significantly enhanced the macrophage count in mice in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It is possible that the saponins present in the extract may be responsible for these activities. Key words: Wattakaka volubilis, saponins, anti-inflammatory activity, leaf extract

Pharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni Jacq (meliaceae) seeds

Seeds of medicinal plants are common ingredients of many folk and herbal medicines, and seed extracts have been reported to possess pharmacological activity including anti-inflammatory activity. In the present investigation, the methanolic extract of the dried ground seeds of Swietenia mahagoni (SMSE) has been evaluated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using acute, sub-chronic, and chronic models of inflammation in rodents. The antipyretic and analgesic activities were evaluated in mice models. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract up to a dose of 1.2 g/kg intraperitoneally was nontoxic. SMSE at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p. was found to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities and the effect was comparable with that produced by the standard drug, ibuprofen. The results of the experiment on arachidonic acid-induced paw edema in rat revealed that the extract produces anti-inflammatory activity through dual inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase and lipo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. SMSE also enhanced peritoneal cell exudates along with macrophage significantly. The triterpenoids present in SMSE may be responsible for these activities. SMSE possesses antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Key words: Swietenia mahagoni seed, triterpenoids, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effects

Body-temperature maintenance as the predominant function of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1

Agonists of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), such as capsaicin, cause pain and a drop in body temperature (hypothermia). Conversely, antagonists of TRPV1 block pain behaviors in rodent models of inflammation, osteoarthritis and cancer. Efforts that evaluate TRPV1 antagonists in on-target challenge models have uncovered that TRPV1 blockade elicits an increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) from rodents to primates, revealing the intimate relationship between the role of TRPV1 in pain and body-temperature maintenance. This evolutionarily conserved function of TRPV1 in body-temperature maintenance became a hurdle for clinical development of one antagonist, AMG 517. However, several other TRPV1 antagonists are currently being evaluated in the clinic and soon-to-be-published results should shed light on the potential of managing antagonist-induced hyperthermia while developing them as therapeutics.