Inhibition of thrombin,an unexplored function of retinoic acid

Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to possess in vivo anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and fibrinolytic activities. We have investigated the in vitro thrombin and platelet aggregation inhibitory activities of vitamin A (retinol) and its derivatives, retinoic acid and retinaldehyde. The thrombin enzymatic assay was performed fluorimetrically to assess the inhibition of thrombin (Sigma and plasma). Retinoic acid, retinaldehyde and retinol exhibited potent inhibition of thrombin, with IC₅₀ values of 67μg/ml, 74μg/ml and 152μg/ml, respectively for the inhibition of thrombin (Sigma); and 49μg/ml, 74μg/ml and 178μg/ml, respectively for the inhibition of thrombin (plasma). Amongst vitamin A and its derivatives, retinoic acid showed the highest inhibition of both the forms of thrombin. Vitamin A and its derivatives also displayed remarkable inhibition of platelet aggregation. This is the first report of vitamin A and its derivatives showing inhibition of thrombin and platelet aggregation in vitro.     

Design,synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of omeprazole-like agents with anti-inflammatory activity

A new series of novel benzimidazole derivatives containing substituted pyrid-2-yl moiety and polyhydroxy sugar conjugated to the N-benzimidazole moiety has been synthesized and evaluated as orally bioavailable anti-inflammatory agents with anti-ulcerogenic activity. The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of these compounds were compared to diclofenac and omeprazole, respectively. In carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay, 2-methyl-N-((3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-benzimidazol-5-amine (12d) and 1-(1,2,3,5-tetrahydroxy-α-d-mannofuranose)-5-(((3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2yl)methyl)amino)-2-methyl-1H-benzimidazole (15d) displayed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing the inflammation by 62% and 72%, respectively which is comparable to that of diclofenac (73%). In contrast to diclofenac, the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was not only free from any side effects on the gastric mucosa but also showed significant anti-ulcerogenic activity in rat pyloric ligation and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models similar to that of omeprazole. Together, these findings suggest that 12d and 15d are potent anti-inflammatory agents with concurrent anti-ulcerogenic activity and support its clinical promise as a component of therapeutic strategies for inflammation, for which the gastric side effects are always a major limitation.     

Budlein A from Viguiera robusta inhibits leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions,adhesion molecule expression and inflammatory mediators release

Budlein A has been reported to exert some analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we have evaluated its effect on LPS-induced leukocyte recruitment in vivo and the mechanisms involved in its anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, intravital videomicroscopy was used to determine the effects of budlein A on LPS-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in the murine cremasteric microcirculation. In vitro, the effects of budlein A on LPS-induced cytokine, chemokine and nitrites release, T-cell proliferative response as well as cell adhesion molecule expression (CAM) were evaluated. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of budlein A (2.6 mM/kg) caused a significant reduction of LPS-induced leukocyte rolling flux, adhesion and emigration by 84, 92 and 96% respectively. In vitro, T-cell proliferative response was also affected by budlein A. When murine J774 macrophages were incubated with the sesquiterpene lactone, LPS-induced IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) release were concentration-dependently inhibited. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), budlein A also reduced the production of TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, nitrites and CAM expression elicited by LPS. Budlein A is a potent inhibitor of LPS-induced leukocyte accumulation in vivo. This effect appears to be mediated through inhibition of cytokine and chemokine release and down-regulation of CAM expression. Thus, it has potential therapeutic interest for the control of leukocyte recruitment that occurs in different inflammatory disorders.     

Devil's Claw to Suppress Appetite—Ghrelin Receptor Modulation Potential of a Harpagophytum procumbens Root Extract

Ghrelin is a stomach-derived peptide that has been identified as the only circulating hunger hormone that exerts a potent orexigenic effect via activation of its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Hence, the ghrelinergic system represents a promising target to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases. In this study we analysed the GHS-R1a receptor activating potential of Harpagophytum procumbens, popularly known as Devil''s Claw, and its effect on food intake in vivo. H. procumbens is an important traditional medicinal plant from Southern Africa with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This plant has been also used as an appetite modulator but most evidences are anecdotal and to our knowledge, no clear scientific studies relating to appetite modulation have been done to this date. The ghrelin receptor activation potential of an extract derived from the dried tuberous roots of H. procumbens was analysed by calcium mobilization and receptor internalization assays in human embryonic kidney cells (Hek) stably expressing the GHS-R1a receptor. Food intake was investigated in male C57BL/6 mice following intraperitoneal administration of H. procumbens root extract in ad libitum and food restricted conditions. Exposure to H. procumbens extract demonstrated a significant increased cellular calcium influx but did not induce subsequent GHS-R1a receptor internalization, which is a characteristic for full receptor activation. A significant anorexigenic effect was observed in male C57BL/6 mice following peripheral administration of H. procumbens extract. We conclude that H. procumbens root extract is a potential novel source for potent anti-obesity bioactives. These results reinforce the promising potential of natural bioactives to be developed into functional foods with weight-loss and weight maintenance benefits.     

QSAR and Docking Studies on Capsazepine Derivatives for Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Capsazepine, an antagonist of capsaicin, is discovered by the structure and activity relationship. In previous studies it has been found that capsazepine has potency for immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory activity and emerging as a favourable target in quest for efficacious and safe anti-inflammatory drug. Thus, a 2D quantitative structural activity relationship (QSAR) model against target tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was developed using multiple linear regression method (MLR) with good internal prediction (r² = 0.8779) and external prediction (r² _pred = 0.5865) using Discovery Studio v3.5 (Accelrys, USA). The predicted activity was further validated by in vitro experiment. Capsazepine was tested in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in peritoneal mouse macrophages. Anti-inflammatory profile of capsazepine was assessed by its potency to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediator TNF-α. The in vitro experiment indicated that capsazepine is an efficient anti-inflammatory agent. Since, the developed QSAR model showed significant correlations between chemical structure and anti-inflammatory activity, it was successfully applied in the screening of forty-four virtual derivatives of capsazepine, which finally afforded six potent derivatives, CPZ-29, CPZ-30, CPZ-33, CPZ-34, CPZ-35 and CPZ-36. To gain more insights into the molecular mechanism of action of capsazepine and its derivatives, molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) studies were performed. The results of QSAR, molecular docking, in silico ADMET screening and in vitro experimental studies provide guideline and mechanistic scope for the identification of more potent anti-inflammatory & immunomodulatory drug.     

De Novo Design and Synthesis of Ultra-Short Peptidomimetic Antibiotics Having Dual Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Background

Much attention has been focused on the design and synthesis of potent, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that possess both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, their development into therapeutic agents has been limited mainly due to their large size (12 to 50 residues in length) and poor protease stability.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In an attempt to overcome the issues described above, a set of ultra-short, His-derived antimicrobial peptides (HDAMPs) has been developed for the first time. Through systematic tuning of pendant hydrophobic alkyl tails at the N(π)- and N(τ)-positions on His, and the positive charge of Arg, much higher prokaryotic selectivity was achieved, compared to human AMP LL-37. Additionally, the most potent HDAMPs showed promising dual antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as anti–methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity and proteolytic resistance. Our results from transmission electron microscopy, membrane depolarization, confocal laser-scanning microscopy, and calcein-dye leakage experiments propose that HDAMP-1 kills microbial cells via dissipation of the membrane potential by forming pore/ion channels on bacterial cell membranes.

Conclusion/Significance

The combination of the ultra-short size, high-prokaryotic selectivity, potent anti-MRSA activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and proteolytic resistance of the designed HDAMP-1, -3, -5, and -6 makes these molecules promising candidates for future antimicrobial therapeutics.     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel limonin derivatives as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents with high water solubility

A novel series of water-soluble derivatives of limonin were synthesized by introducing various tertiary amines onto the C (7)-position of limonin. Ten target compounds were characterized and screened for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in vivo. Compound 3c exhibited the strongest analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity among the limonin and its derivatives tested; its analgesic activity is more potent than that of aspirin and its anti-inflammatory activity is stronger than that of naproxen.     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of some novel 3-phenyl-N-[3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1yl)propyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide derivatives

A new series of 3-phenyl-N-[3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1yl)propyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and investigated their anti-inflammatory activities using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model in vivo. All the synthesized compounds were found to be potent anti-inflammatory agents.     

Sanggenon O induced apoptosis of A549 cells is counterbalanced by protective autophagy

Sanggenon O (SO) is a Diels-Alder type adduct extracted from Morus alba, which has been used for its anti-inflammatory action in the Oriental medicine. However, whether it has regulatory effect on human cancer cell proliferation and what the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we found that SO could significantly inhibit the growth and proliferation of A549 cells and induce its pro-apoptotic action through a caspase-dependent pathway. It could also impair the mitochondria which can be reflected by mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Besides, SQSTM1 up-regulation and autophagic flux measurement demonstrated that exposure to SO led to autophagosome accumulation, which plays a protective role in SO-treated cells. In addition, knocking down of LC3B increased SO triggered apoptotic cell rates. These results indicated that SO has great potential as a promising candidate combined with autophagy inhibitor for the treatment of NSCLC. In conclusion, our results identified a novel mechanism by which SO exerts potent anticancer activity.     

Ailanthus altissima swingle has anti-anaphylactic effect and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB activation

Ailanthus altissima swingle (ailanthic cortex, AAS) has been used as a traditional medicine for fever, bleeding, infection, and inflammation for many years in Korea. However, its mechanisms have not been examined. In the present study, we investigate the effect of AAS on the mast-cell-mediated allergic and inflammatory reaction using in vivo and in vitro models and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. AAS significantly inhibited compound 48/48-induced edema and systemic anaphylaxis. AAS significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. AAS inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AAS significantly inhibited production of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. AAS inhibits the IgE or stem cell factor-induced TNF production on RPMCs. In activated HMC-1 cells, the expression level of NF-kappaB/Rel A protein increased in the nucleus, whereas the level of NF-kappaB/Rel A in the nucleus was decreased by AAS treatment. In addition, AAS inhibited the PMACI-induced IkappaBalpha degradation. In conclusion, the present results indicate that AAS has potent anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory properties.     

雷公藤内酯醇干预肾脏疾病的研究进展

雷公藤的提取物在中国被用于治疗肾小球肾炎已经有30年的历史。雷公藤提取物的主要活性成分雷公藤内酯醇具有免疫抑制和抗炎的特性,然而,毒性作用限制了其临床应用。深入研究雷公藤内酯醇的药理机制,将有助于其临床应用和降低毒副反应。对国内外关于雷公藤内酯醇对肾脏影响的研究成果进行了综述。     

Esculentosides: Insights into the potential health benefits,mechanisms of action and molecular targets

BackgroundEsculentosides and related phytolaccosides form a group of oleanene-type saponins isolated from plants of the Phytolaccaceae family, essentially Phytolacca esculenta, P. americana and P. acinosa. This chemical family offers a diversity of glycosylated compounds, including molecules with a mono-, di- or tri-saccharide unit at position C-3, and with or without a glucose residue at position C-28. The esculentosides, which derive essentially from the sapogenin jaligonic acid or its 30-methyl ester phytolaccagenin, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anticancer activities.PurposeThe objective of the review was to identify the 26 esculentosides (ES) and phytolaccosides known to date, including 16 monodesmosidic and 10 bidesmosidic saponins, and to review their pharmacological properties and molecular targets.MethodologyThe retrieval of potentially relevant studies was done by systematically searching of scientific databases like Google Scholar and PubMed in January-May 2020. The main keywords used as search terms were related to esculentosides, phytolaccosides and Phytolaccaceae. The systematic search retrieved about 110 papers that were potentially relevant and after an abstract-based selection, 68 studies were analyzed in details and discussed.ResultsThe structural relationship between the compounds and their sapogenin precursors has been studied. In addition, the pharmacological properties of the main ES, such as ES-A, -B and -H, have been analyzed to highlight their mode of action and potential targets. ES-A is a potent inhibitor of the release of cytokines and this anti-inflammatory activity contributes to the anticancer effects observed in vitro and in vivo. Potential molecular targets of ES-A/B include the enzymes cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and casein kinase 2 (CK2). In addition, the targeting of the protein high-mobility group box 1 (HGMB1) by ES-A/B is proposed, based on molecular modeling and the structural analogy with the related saponin glycyrrhizin, a potent HGMB1 alarmin inhibitor.ConclusionMore work is needed to properly characterize the molecular targets but otherwise compounds like ES-A and ES-H emerge as potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents and ES-B as an antifungal agent. A preclinical development of these three compounds should be considered.     

Design,synthesis, and evaluation of novel O-alkyl ferulamide derivatives as multifunctional ligands for treating Alzheimer’s disease

Herein, a series of novel O-alkyl ferulamide derivatives were designed and synthesised through the multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy. The biological activities in vitro showed that compounds 5a, 5d, 5e, 5f, and 5h indicated significantly selective MAO-B inhibitory potency (IC₅₀ = 0.32, 0.56, 0.54, 0.73, and 0.86 μM, respectively) and moderate antioxidant activity. Moreover, compounds 5a, 5d, 5e, 5f, and 5h showed potent anti-inflammatory properties, remarkable effects on self-induced Aβ_1-42 aggregation, and potent neuroprotective effect on Aβ_1-42-induced PC12 cell injury. Furthermore, compounds 5a, 5d, 5e, 5f, and 5h presented good blood–brain barrier permeation in vitro and drug-like properties. More interesting, the PET/CT images with [¹¹C]5f demonstrated that [¹¹C]5f could penetrate the BBB with a high brain uptake and exhibited good brain clearance kinetic property. Therefore, compound 5f would be a promising multi-functional agent for the treatment of AD.     

The AGC Kinase Inhibitor H89 Attenuates Airway Inflammation in Mouse Models of Asthma

Background

H89 is a potent inhibitor of Protein Kinase A (PKA) and Mitogen- and Stress-Activated protein Kinase 1 (MSK1) with some inhibitory activity on other members of the AGC kinase family. H89 has been extensively used in vitro but its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo has not been reported to date. To assess the anti-inflammatory properties of H89 in mouse models of asthma.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally (i.p.) to ovalbumin (OVA) with or without alum, and challenged intranasally with OVA. H89 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given i.p. two hours before each OVA challenge. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was assessed by whole-body barometric plethysmography. Inflammation was assessed by the total and differential cell counts and IL-4 and IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Lung inflammation, mucus production and mast cell numbers were analyzed after histochemistry. We show that treatment with H89 reduces AHR, lung inflammation, mast cell numbers and mucus production. H89 also inhibits IL-4 and IL-5 production and infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BAL fluid.

Conclusions/Significance

Taken together, our findings implicate that blockade of AGC kinases may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation.     

Escin reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis on glioma and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines

Aesculus hippocastanum (the horse chestnut) seed extract has a wide variety of biochemical and pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antianalgesic, and antipyretic activities. The main active compound of this plant is escin. It is known that several medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory properties have been found to have a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of escin in the C6 glioma and A549 cell lines were analyzed by MTT. Apoptotic effects of escin on both cell lines were evaluated by Annexin V binding capacity with flow cytometric analysis. Structural and ultrastructural changes were also evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that escin has potent antiproliferative effects against C6 glioma and A549 cells. These effects are both dose and time dependent. Taken together, escin possesses cell cycle arrest on G0/G1 phase and selective apoptotic activity on A549 cells as indicated by increased Annexin V-binding capacity, bax protein expression, caspase-3 activity and morphological changes obtained from micrographs by transmission electron microscopy.     

Shizukaol A exerts anti-inflammatory effect by regulating HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

BackgroundSarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Makino (Chloranthaceae) has a long history of being used in Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to treat painful joints, fractures, arthritis, and other diseases caused by inflammation. It has been reported that lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers are main anti-inflammatory ingredient of S. glabra. Meanwhile, shizukaol A, the precursor of these sesquiterpene dimers, possesses a good inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) in our previous study. But its anti-inflammatory mechanism is still unclear.PurposeThis study aimed to explore the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism and potential targets of shizukaol A in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells.MethodsThe release of NO and inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were measured by Griess reagent and ELISA, respectively. The relevant proteins including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were detected by western blot. Nuclear translocation of p65, HMGB1 and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were examined by immunofluorescence. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by flow cytometry. The target of shizukaol A was investigated by molecular docking and Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS).ResultsShizukaol A had a good inhibitory effect on NO with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 13.79 ± 1.11 μM. Shizukaol A could down-regulate the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Further studies demonstrated that shizukaol A can significantly inhibit phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Meanwhile, shizukaol A decreased the level of ROS and enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Furthermore, shizukaol A up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and its nuclear translocation. More importantly, shizukaol A could inhibit activation of HMGB1 by targeting HMGB1.ConclusionShizukaol A inhibited inflammation by targeting HMGB1 to regulate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Thus, shizukaol A may be an attractive therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases.     

Identification and Characterization of the First Cathelicidin from Sea Snakes with Potent Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Activity and Special Mechanism

Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded peptide effectors of innate immunity found exclusively in vertebrates. They play pivotal roles in host immune defense against microbial invasions. Dozens of cathelicidins have been identified from several vertebrate species. However, no cathelicidin from marine reptiles has been characterized previously. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel cathelicidin (Hc-CATH) from the sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus. Hc-CATH is composed of 30 amino acids, and the sequence is KFFKRLLKSVRRAVKKFRKKPRLIGLSTLL. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and structure modeling analysis indicated that Hc-CATH mainly assumes an amphipathic α-helical conformation in bacterial membrane-mimetic solutions. It possesses potent broad-spectrum and rapid antimicrobial activity. Meanwhile, it is highly stable and shows low cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. The microbial killing activity of Hc-CATH is executed through the disruption of cell membrane and lysis of bacterial cells. In addition, Hc-CATH exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Hc-CATH directly binds with LPS to neutralize its toxicity, and it also binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4/MD2 complex), which therefore inhibits the binding of LPS to TLR4/MD2 complex and the subsequent activation of LPS-induced inflammatory response pathways. Taken together, our study demonstrates that Hc-CATH, the first cathelicidin from sea snake discovered to have both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, is a potent candidate for the development of peptide antibiotics.     

CD152 (CTLA-4) Determines CD4 T Cell Migration In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

Migration of antigen-experienced T cells to secondary lymphoid organs and the site of antigenic-challenge is a mandatory prerequisite for the precise functioning of adaptive immune responses. The surface molecule CD152 (CTLA-4) is mostly considered as a negative regulator of T cell activation during immune responses. It is currently unknown whether CD152 can also influence chemokine-driven T cell migration.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We analyzed the consequences of CD152 signaling on Th cell migration using chemotaxis assays in vitro and radioactive cell tracking in vivo. We show here that the genetic and serological inactivation of CD152 in Th1 cells reduced migration towards CCL4, CXCL12 and CCL19, but not CXCL9, in a G-protein dependent manner. In addition, retroviral transduction of CD152 cDNA into CD152 negative cells restored Th1 cell migration. Crosslinking of CD152 together with CD3 and CD28 stimulation on activated Th1 cells increased expression of the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR7, which in turn enhanced cell migration. Using sensitive liposome technology, we show that mature dendritic cells but not activated B cells were potent at inducing surface CD152 expression and the CD152-mediated migration-enhancing signals. Importantly, migration of CD152 positive Th1 lymphocytes in in vivo experiments increased more than 200% as compared to CD152 negative counterparts showing that indeed CD152 orchestrates specific migration of selected Th1 cells to sites of inflammation and antigenic challenge in vivo.

Conclusions/Significance

We show here, that CD152 signaling does not just silence cells, but selects individual ones for migration. This novel activity of CD152 adds to the already significant role of CD152 in controlling peripheral immune responses by allowing T cells to localize correctly during infection. It also suggests that interference with CD152 signaling provides a tool for altering the cellular composition at sites of inflammation and antigenic challenge.     

Synthesis,preliminary structure–activity relationships,and in vitro biological evaluation of 6-aryl-3-amino-thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory agents

In our previous study, a series of 6-aryl-3-amino-thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives exhibited potent antiproliferative activities and an unique hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific anticancer activity was also observed. In further anti-inflammatory research, thienopyridine derivative 1a showed potent inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. So a series of thienopyridine analogues of 1a were synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities. The structure–activity relationships (SARs) revealed that the most potent analogues 1f and 1o were identified as potent inhibitors of NO production with IC₅₀ values of 3.30 and 3.24 μM, respectively. These results suggest that these 6-aryl-3-amino-thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives might potentially constitute a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents, which require further studies.