Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of benzophenone analogues

A series of substituted benzophenone analogues has been synthesized and evaluated as orally active anti-inflammatory agents with reduced side effects. The anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of the compounds were compared with naproxen, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone. In carrageenan-induced foot pad edema assay, benzophenone analogues showed an interesting anti-inflammatory activity. In the air-pouch test, some of the analogues reduced the total number of leukocytes of the exudate, which indicates inhibition of prostaglandin production. Side effects of the compounds were examined on gastric mucosa, in the liver and stomach. None of the compounds showed significant side effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and naproxen.     

Alpha-lipoic acid: an inhibitor of secretory phospholipase A2 with anti-inflammatory activity

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are powerful antioxidants both in hydrophilic and lipophylic environments with diverse pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory activity. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of ALA and DHALA is not known. The present study describes the interaction of ALA and DHALA with pro-inflammatory secretory PLA(2) enzymes from inflammatory fluids and snake venoms. In vitro enzymatic inhibition of sPLA(2) from Vipera russellii, Naja naja and partially purified sPLA(2) enzymes from human ascitic fluid (HAF), human pleural fluid (HPF) and normal human serum (HS) by ALA and DHLA was studied using (14)C-oleate labeled Escherichia coli as the substrate. Biophysical interaction of ALA with sPLA(2) was studied by fluorescent spectral analysis and circular dichroism studies. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was checked using sPLA(2) induced mouse paw edema model. ALA but not DHLA inhibited purified sPLA(2) enzymes from V. russellii, N. naja and partially purified HAF, HPF and HS in a dose dependent manner. This data indicated that ALA is critical for inhibition. IC(50) value calculated for these enzymes ranges from 0.75 to 3.0 microM. The inhibition is independent of calcium and substrate concentration. Inflammatory sPLA(2) enzymes are more sensitive to inhibition by ALA than snake venom sPLA(2) enzymes. ALA quenched the fluorescence intensity of sPLA(2) enzyme in a dose dependent manner. Apparent shift in the far UV-CD spectra of sPLA(2) with ALA indicated change in its alpha-helical confirmation and these results suggest its direct interaction with the enzyme. ALA inhibits the sPLA(2) induced mouse paw edema in a dose dependent manner and confirms the sPLA(2) inhibitory activity in vivo also. These data suggest that ALA may act as an endogenous regulator of sPLA(2) enzyme activity and suppress inflammatory reactions.     

Novel inhibitor of phospholipase A2 with topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Activation of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a key step in the production of precursors for the biosynthesis of lipid mediators of inflammation. Inhibition of this enzyme could result in the suppression of three important classes of inflammatory lipids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and platelet activating factor (PAF), and offers an attractive therapeutic approach to design novel agents for the treatment of inflammation and tissue injury. In this report we describe a novel compound, BMS-181162 4(3'-carboxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-9(2",6"6"-trimethyl-1"-cyclohexenyl),++ +2Z,4E,6E, 8E-nonatetraenoic acid which specifically inhibits a 14 kD human PLA2 and effectively blocks phorbol ester induced skin inflammation in mice. BMS-181162 is the first reported specific inhibitor of PLA2 and its specificity may make useful tool in the dissection of the role of PLA2 in the inflammatory process.     

Quercetin as an inhibitor of snake venom secretory phospholipase A2

As polyphenolic compounds isolated from plants extracts, flavonoids have been applied to various pharmaceutical uses in recent decades due to their anti-inflammatory, cancer preventive, and cardiovascular protective activities. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the flavonoid quercetin on Crotalus durissus terrificus secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), an important protein involved in the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipid membranes. The protein was chemically modified by treatment with quercetin, which resulted in modifications in the secondary structure as evidenced through circular dichroism. In addition, quercetin was able to inhibit the enzymatic activity and some pharmacological activities of sPLA2, including its antibacterial activity, its ability to induce platelet aggregation, and its myotoxicity by approximately 40%, but was not able to reduce the inflammatory and neurotoxic activities of sPLA2. These results suggest the existence of two pharmacological sites in the protein, one that is correlated with the enzymatic site and another that is distinct from it. We also performed molecular docking to better understand the possible interactions between quercetin and sPLA2. Our docking data showed the existence of hydrogen-bonded, polar interactions and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting that other flavonoids with similar structures could bind to sPLA2. Further research is warranted to investigate the potential use of flavonoids as sPLA2 inhibitors.     

Indole-5-phenylcarbamate derivatives as human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor

The synthesis of the human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor (IC(50)=1.81+/-0.59 microM) is reported.     

Chemical modification of ascorbic acid and evaluation of its lipophilic derivatives as inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2 with anti-inflammatory activity

This investigation aims to evaluate the antitumor and antioxidant potential of Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle) nematocyst venom on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor model. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells. The antitumor effect of sea nettle nematocyst venom (SNV) peptide was evaluated by assessing in vitro cytotoxicity, survival time, hematological, and antioxidant parameters. Intraperitoneal injection of SNV peptide increased the survival time of the EAC-bearing mice. The SNV peptide brought back the altered levels of the hematological and antioxidant parameters in a dose dependent manner in EAC-bearing mice. The results were comparable to that of the result obtained from the animals treated with the standard drug 5-fluorouracil (20 mg/kg bw). Thus, present study revealed that SNV peptide possessed significant antitumor and antioxidant activity.     

Synthesis of licochalcone analogues with increased anti-inflammatory activity

Licohalcones have been reported to have various biological activities. However, most of licochalcones also showed cytotoxicity even though their versitile utilities. Licochalcones B and D, which have common substituents at aromatic ring B, are targeted to modify the structure at aromatic ring A for inflammatory studies. Licochalcone derivatives (1–6) thus prepared are compared for their suppression ability of nitric oxide (NO) production and showed 9.94, 4.72, 10.1, 4.85, 2.37 and 4.95 μM of IC₅₀ values, respectively.     

Identification of a soluble form phospholipase A2 receptor as a circulating endogenous inhibitor for secretory phospholipase A2

Venomous snakes have various types of phospholipase A(2) inhibitory proteins (PLIs) in their circulatory system to protect them from attack by their own phospholipase A(2)s (PLA(2)s). Here we show the first evidence for the existence of circulating PLI against secretory PLA(2)s (sPLA(2)s) in mammals. In mouse serum, we detected specific binding activities of group IB and X sPLA(2)s, which was in contrast with the absence of binding activities in serum prepared from mice deficient in PLA(2) receptor (PLA(2)R), a type I transmembrane glycoprotein related to the C-type animal lectin family. Western blot analysis after partial purification with group IB sPLA(2) affinity column confirmed the identity of serum sPLA(2)-binding protein as a soluble form of PLA(2)R (sPLA(2)R) that retained all of the extracellular domains of the membrane-bound receptor. Both purified sPLA(2)R and the recombinant soluble receptor having all of the extracellular portions blocked the biological functions of group X sPLA(2), including its potent enzymatic activity and its binding to the membrane-bound receptor. Protease inhibitor tests with PLA(2)R-overexpressing Chinese hamster ovary cells suggested that sPLA(2)R is produced by cleavage of the membrane-bound receptor by metalloproteinases. Thus, sPLA(2)R is the first example of circulating PLI that acts as an endogenous inhibitor for enzymatic activities and receptor-mediated functions of sPLA(2)s in mice.     

Identification of group X secretory phospholipase A(2) as a natural ligand for mouse phospholipase A(2) receptor

Phospholipase A(2) receptor (PLA(2)R) mediates various biological responses elicited by group IB secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IB). The recently cloned group X sPLA(2) (sPLA(2)-X) possesses several structural features characteristic of sPLA(2)-IB. Here, we detected a specific binding site of sPLA(2)-X in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E(1) cells. Cross-linking experiments demonstrated its molecular weight (180 kDa) to be similar to that of PLA(2)R. In fact, sPLA(2)-X was found to bind the recombinant PLA(2)R expressed in COS-7 cells, and its specific binding detected in mouse lung membranes was abolished by the deficiency of PLA(2)R. These findings demonstrate sPLA(2)-X to be one of the high-affinity ligands for mouse PLA(2)R.     

Inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 enzyme by bilirubin: A new role as endogenous anti-inflammatory molecule

Bilirubin is a powerful antioxidant that suppresses the inflammatory process. However its interaction with proinflammatory PLA₂ enzyme is not known. Inhibition of several secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) enzyme activities by bilirubin was studied using ¹⁴C-oleate labeled Escherichia coli as substrate. Bilirubin inhibits purified sPLA₂ enzyme from Vipera russellii and Naja naja venom and partially purified sPLA₂ enzymes from human ascitic fluid, pleural fluid and normal serum in a dose dependent manner. IC₅₀ values calculated for these enzymes ranges from 1.75 to 10.5 μM. Inflammatory human sPLA₂ enzymes are more sensitive to inhibition by bilirubin than snake venom sPLA₂s. Inhibition of sPLA₂ activity by bilirubin is independent of calcium concentration. Increasing substrate concentration (upto 180 nmol) did not relieve the inhibition of sPLA₂ by bilirubin and it is irreversible. Bilirubin quenched the relative fluorescence intensity of sPLA₂ in a dose dependent manner in the same concentration range at which in vitro sPLA₂ inhibition was observed. In the presence of bilirubin, apparent shift in the far UV-CD spectra of sPLA₂ was observed, indicating a direct interaction with the enzyme. Inhibition of sPLA₂ induced mouse paw edema by bilirubin confirms its sPLA₂ inhibitory activity in vivo also. These findings indicate that inhibition of sPLA₂ by bilirubin is mediated by direct interaction with the enzyme and bilirubin may act as an endogenous regulator of sPLA₂ enzyme activity.     

Synthesis of sn-1 functionalized phospholipids as substrates for secretory phospholipase A2

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) represents a family of small water-soluble enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids in the sn-2 position liberating free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Herein we report the synthesis of two new phospholipids (1 and 2) with bulky allyl-substituents attached to the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone. The synthesis of phospholipids 1 and 2 is based upon the construction of a key aldehyde intermediate 3 which locks the stereochemistry in the sn-2 position of the final phospholipids. The aldehyde functionality serves as the site for insertion of the allyl-substituents by a zinc mediated allylation. Small unilamellar liposomes composed of phospholipids 1 and 2 were subjected to sPLA2 activity measurements. Our results show that only phospholipid 1 is hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the lack of hydrolysis of phospholipid 2 is due to steric hindrance caused by the bulky side chain of the substrate allowing only limited access of water molecules to the active site.     

Clearance of group X secretory phospholipase A(2) via mouse phospholipase A(2) receptor.

Given the potent hydrolyzing activity toward phosphatidylcholine, group X secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-X) elicits a marked release of arachidonic acid linked to the potent production of lipid mediators in various cell types. We have recently shown that sPLA(2)-X can also act as a ligand for mouse phospholipase A(2) receptor (PLA(2)R). Here, we found that sPLA(2)-X was internalized and degraded via binding to PLA(2)R associated with the diminished prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) formation in PLA(2)R-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells compared to CHO cells. Indirect immunocytochemical analysis revealed that internalized sPLA(2)-X was co-localized with PLA(2)R in the punctate structures in PLA(2)R-expressing CHO cells. Moreover, in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E(1) cells that endogenously express the PLA(2)R, the internalized sPLA(2)-X was localized in lysosomes. These findings demonstrate that PLA(2)R acts as a clearance receptor for sPLA(2)-X to suppress its strong enzymatic activity.     

Synthesis of cell-impermeable inhibitor of phospholipase A2

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the cell surface membrane is considered a regulator of cellular secretion. The distinction between the role of the cell surface and the intracellular PLA2 is not clear, since it has not been possible to differentiate unequivocally the activity of the enzymes in the various organelles. The use of an extracellular inhibitor of PLA2 can greatly contribute to the understanding of cell surface PLA2 function. In this paper, the preparation of a cell-impermeable inhibitor of PLA2 is presented. This substance incorporates into lipid membranes and is capable of blocking the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by snake venom as well as by cell membrane PLA2.     

Structure-based design of a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs: secretory phospholipase A(2) inhibitors, SPI

Human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A(2) (hnps-PLA(2)) is a group IIA enzyme that is massively over-expressed in a variety of severe inflammatory diseases. The enzyme degrades membrane phospholipids and it has been hypothesized that this activity can lead to a loss of tissue and organ integrity and function. This report overviews efforts directed toward the identification and clinical evaluation of a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that specifically targets and inhibits the catalytic site of this hydrolytic enzyme. To achieve this goal, structure-based drug design was applied to a lead molecule identified by random high volume screening. Through an iterative process consisting of X-ray structure determination followed by inhibitor modification and testing, the lead compound was improved more than 6000-fold. Detailed information learned from earlier X-ray studies of stable substrate mimics aided this inhibitor improvement process. The optimized drug candidate, LY315920/S-5920, is currently undergoing phase II clinical evaluation. The outcome of studies such as these will define with greater clarity the pathological role of hnps-PLA(2) in human inflammatory diseases.     

Inhibition of the activity of pro-inflammatory secretory phospholipase A(2) by acute phase proteins

Pro-Inflammatory non-pancreatic phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) is markedly over-expressed in acute systemic and chronic local inflammatory processes. Since in acute phase reaction sPLA(2) is often over-expressed simultaneously with acute phase proteins (APP), it is important to determine whether APP interacts with sPLA(2). We tested ten APPs for interaction with sPLA(2) using as a substrate multilamellar Hposomes composed either of PC:Lyso PC or PE:Lyso PE. Using PC:Lyso PC substrate, CRP, lactoferrin and SAP were found to inhibit sPLA(2) activity with an IC(50) of 25 mug/ml, 7.5 mug/ml and 50 mug/ml, respectively, corresponding to 0.21 muM, 0.1 muM and 0.21 muM respectively. Using PE:Lyso PE substrate only SAP was inhibitory, with an IC(50) of 10 mug/ml (0.04 muM). Phosphorylcholine abolished the inhibitory activity of CRP but not of SAP or lactoferrin. Addition of phosphorylethanolamine or of excess calcium had no effect on the inhibitory activity of APP. Limulin, lysozyme, transferrin, beta(2)-microglobulin, alpha(2)-macroglobulin, human and bovine albumins had no effect on sPLA2 activity. Therefore neither the structure of pentraxins, or ironbinding, bacteriostatic property or amyloidogenic property preclude whether APP modulates sPLA(2) activity. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory sPLA(2) by APP may be one of the protective mechanisms of the acute phase reaction.     

Antifibrotic activity of an inhibitor of group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 in young spontaneously hypertensive rats

The development of fibrosis in the chronically hypertensive heart is associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, an inhibitor of the proinflammatory enzyme, group IIA human secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA), has been found to prevent collagen deposition as an important component of cardiovascular remodeling in a rat model of developing chronic hypertension. Daily treatment of young male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with an sPLA2-IIA inhibitor (KH064, 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-4S-(phenyl-heptanoylamino)-pentanoic acid, 5 mg/kg/day p.o.) prevented increases in the content of perivascular (SHR 20.6 +/- 0.9%, n = 5; SHR+KH064 14.0 +/- 1.2%, n = 5) and interstitial (SHR 7.9 +/- 0.3%, n = 6; SHR+KH064 5.4 +/- 0.7%, n = 6) collagen in the left ventricle of rat hearts, but did not affect numbers of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages, left ventricular hypertrophy (SHR 2.88 +/- 0.08, n = 12; SHR+KH064 3.09 +/- 0.08 mg/g body weight, n = 9), increased systolic blood pressure, or thoracic aortic responses. This selective antifibrotic activity suggests that sPLA2-IIA may have an important but specific role in cardiac fibrosis, and that its inhibitors could be useful in dissecting molecular pathways leading to fibrotic conditions.     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of phthalimide derivatives,designed as new thalidomide analogues

This paper describes the synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of new N-phenyl-phthalimide sulfonamides (3a-e) and the isosters N-phenyl-phthalimide amides (4a-e), designed as hybrids of thalidomide (1) and aryl sulfonamide phosphodiesterase inhibitor (2). In these series, compound 3e (LASSBio 468), having a sulfonyl-thiomorpholine moiety, showed potent inhibitory activity on LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment with ED(50)=2.5mg kg(-1), which was correlated with its inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha level.     

The efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents with respect to extracellular phospholipase A2 activity

The effects of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on extracellular phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity were investigated. Enzyme release was inhibited by 5 x 10(-8) M dexamethasone but not by indomethacin, whereas the soluble extracellular enzyme was inactivated by mepacrine but not by dexamethasone or indomethacin. PLA2, released into the interstitium by activated macrophages is both pro-inflammatory and vasoactive. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of steroidal and non-steroidal drugs may partially reside in their ability to inhibit the release of PLA2, or inactivate preformed extracellular PLA2 in chronically inflamed sites.     

Immunochemical relatedness between secretory phospholipase A2 and intracellular phospholipase A2

The immunochemical relationship between rat pancreatic phospholipase A2 and rat splenic phospholipase A2 was examined with the use of anti-rat pancreatic phospholipase A2 antibody as a probe. The immunoelectrophoretic patterns showed that the antibody cross-reacted with the splenic enzyme. The immuno-crossreactivity was also shown by counter immunoelectrophoresis. The splenic phospholipase A2, whether it was purified from the cytosolic fraction or the microsomal fraction, formed an immunoprecipitin band with the anti-pancreatic phospholipase A2 antibody. The antibody was shown to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic phospholipase A2 as well as that of the splenic phospholipase A2.