scholarly journals Pentoxifylline, a drug with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects may be a possible drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2

Author(s):  
Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji ◽  
Sarvin Pashapour ◽  
Sonia Sadeghpour

In December 2019, a new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, has emerged from China causing pneumonia outbreaks first in the Wuhan region and have now spread worldwide but there are still no “specific drug” available. In the difficulty where new synthesized drug cannot be applied immediately to patients, “conventional drug in new use” becomes a feasible solution. Chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravi, lopinavir, ribavirin or ritonavir have shown efficacy to inhibit coronavirus in vitro. Pentoxifylline, a drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and bronchodilatory effects, previously showed efficacy to inhibit various viral infections. Immunological studies have shown that most patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit substantially elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pentoxifylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, which in turn activate protein kinase, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and immune cell migration. Here we propose pentoxifylline, a drug with low cost and toxicity, as a possible treatment for COVID-19 in basis of its interesting properties.

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 813-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronwen R Herbert ◽  
Danijela Markovic ◽  
Ektoras Georgiou ◽  
Pei F Lai ◽  
Natasha Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Although progesterone (P4) supplementation is the most widely used therapy for the prevention of preterm labor (PTL), reports of its clinical efficacy have been conflicting. We have previously shown that the anti-inflammatory effects of P4 can be enhanced by increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in primary human myometrial cells. Here, we have examined whether adding aminophylline (Am), a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases intracellular cAMP levels, to P4 might improve its efficacy using in vivo and in vitro models of PTL. In a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PTL, we found that the combination of P4 and Am delayed the onset of LPS-induced PTL, while the same dose of P4 and Am alone had no effect. Pup survival was not improved by either agent alone or in combination. Myometrial prolabor and inflammatory cytokine gene expression was reduced, but the reduction was similar in P4 and P4/Am treated mice. There was no effect of the combination of P4 and Am on an ex vivo assessment of myometrial contractility. In human myometrial cells and myometrial tissue explants, we found that the combination had marked anti-inflammatory effects, reducing cytokine and COX-2 mRNA and protein levels to a greater extent than either agent alone. These data suggest that the combination of P4 and Am has a more potent anti-inflammatory effect than either agent alone and may be an effective combination in women at high-risk of PTL.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2529
Author(s):  
Haeyeop Kim ◽  
Woo Seok Yang ◽  
Khin Myo Htwe ◽  
Mi-Nam Lee ◽  
Young-Dong Kim ◽  
...  

Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. has been used traditionally as a remedy for many diseases, especially inflammation. Therefore, we analyzed and explored the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of a Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. ethanol extract (Dt-EE). Dt-EE clearly and dose-dependently inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. Also, Dt-EE suppressed the activation of the MyD88/TRIF-mediated AP-1 pathway and the AP-1 pathway related proteins JNK2, MKK4/7, and TAK1, which occurred as a result of inhibiting the kinase activity of IRAK1 and IRAK4, the most upstream factors of the AP-1 pathway. Finally, Dt-EE displayed hepatoprotective activity in a mouse model of hepatitis induced with LPS/D-galactosamine (D-GalN) through decreasing the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and suppressing the activation of JNK and IRAK1. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that Dt-EE could be a candidate anti-inflammatory herbal medicine with IRAK1/AP-1 inhibitory and hepatoprotective properties.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 615
Author(s):  
Shang-En Huang ◽  
Erna Sulistyowati ◽  
Yu-Ying Chao ◽  
Bin-Nan Wu ◽  
Zen-Kong Dai ◽  
...  

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthropathy that is mainly characterized by dysregulation of inflammatory responses. KMUP-1, a derived chemical synthetic of xanthine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here, we aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo anti-osteoarthritis effects of KMUP-1. Protein and gene expressions of inflammation markers were determined by ELISA, Western blotting and microarray, respectively. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were cultured and pretreated with KMUP-1 (1, 5, 10 μM). The productions of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-2 and MMP- 9 were reduced by KMUP-1 pretreatment in LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells. The expressions of iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also inhibited by KMUP-1 pretreatment. The gene expression levels of TNF and COX families were also downregulated. In addition, KMUP-1 suppressed the activations of ERK, JNK and p38 as well as phosphorylation of IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of KMUP-1 in LPS-induced NF-κB activation. In vivo study showed that KMUP-1 reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in monoiodoacetic acid (MIA)-induced rats OA. Additionally, KMUP-1 pretreatment reduced the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in MIA-injected rats. Moreover, macroscopic and histological observation showed that KMUP-1 reduced articular cartilage erosion in rats. Our results demonstrated that KMUP-1 inhibited the inflammatory responses and restored SIRT1 in vitro, alleviated joint-related pain and cartilage destruction in vivo. Taken together, KMUP-1 has the potential to improve MIA-induced articular cartilage degradation by inhibiting the levels and expression of inflammatory mediators suggesting that KMUP-1 might be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (06) ◽  
pp. 1111-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jahangir Hossen ◽  
Mi-Yeon Kim ◽  
Jae Youl Cho

Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, is prescribed to treat arthritis, bronchitis, and rhinitis. Although the plant has been used for many years, the mechanism by which it ameliorates various inflammatory diseases is not yet fully understood. To explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of methanol extracts of X. strumarium (Xs-ME) and its therapeutic potential, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells and human monocyte-like U937 cells as well as a LPS/D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute hepatitis mouse model. To find the target inflammatory pathway, we used holistic immunoblotting analysis, reporter gene assays, and mRNA analysis. Xs-ME significantly suppressed the up-regulation of both the activator protein (AP)-1-mediated luciferase activity and the production of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text]. Moreover, Xs-ME strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 and U937 cells. Additionally, these results highlighted the hepatoprotective and curative effects of Xs-ME in a mouse model of LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury, as assessed by elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and histological damage. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that the ethnopharmacological roles of Xs-ME in hepatitis and other inflammatory diseases might result from its inhibitory activities on the inflammatory signaling of MAPK and AP-1.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naureen Shehzadi ◽  
Khalid Hussain ◽  
Nadeem Irfan Bukhari ◽  
Muhammad Islam ◽  
Muhammad Tanveer Khan ◽  
...  

<p class="Abstract">The present study aimed at the evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and hepatoprotective potential of a new drug candidate, 5-[(4-chlorophenoxy) methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol (OXCPM) through in vitro and in vivo assays, respectively. The compound displayed excellent dose-dependent ɑ-amylase (28.0-92.0%), ɑ-glucosidase (40.3-93.1%) and hemoglobin glycosylation (9.0%-54.9%) inhibitory effects and promoted the uptake of glucose by the yeast cells (0.2 to 26.3%). The treatment of the isoniazid- and rifampicin- (p.o., 50 mg/kg of each) intoxicated rats with OXCPM (100 mg/kg, p.o.) resulted in restoring the normal serum levels of the non-enzymatic (total bilirubin, total protein and albumin) and bringing about a remarkable decrease in the levels of enzymatic (alanine transaminases, aspartate transaminases and alkaline phosphatase) biomarkers. The molecular docking studies indicated high binding affinity of the compound for hyperglycemia-related protein targets; fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, beta<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptors and glucokinase. The results indicate that OXCPM may not only reduce hyperglycemia by enzyme inhibition but also the disease complications through protection of hemoglobin glycosylation and hepatic injury.</p><p class="Abstract"><strong>Video Clip of Methodology:</strong></p><p class="Abstract">Glucose uptake by yeast cells:   4 min 51 sec   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/8cJkuMtV0Wc">Full Screen</a>   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJkuMtV0Wc">Alternate</a></p>


Blood ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 612-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Ballmaier ◽  
Harald Schulze ◽  
Gabriele Strauβ ◽  
Klara Cherkaoui ◽  
Nicole Wittner ◽  
...  

The pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia in the syndrome of thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR) is not yet understood. We examined thrombopoietin (TPO) serum levels and the in vitro reactivity of platelets to TPO in five patients affected with TAR syndrome. We found elevated TPO serum levels in all patients tested, excluding a TPO production defect as cause for thrombocytopenia in TAR syndrome. In addition, we found similar expression of the TPO receptor c-Mpl on the surface of platelets from TAR patients (5 of 5) and a similar molecular weight of the receptor as compared with healthy controls (4 of 4). Platelet response to adenosine diphosphate or thrombin receptor agonist peptide SFLLRN (TRAP) was normal in TAR patients. However, in contrast to results with healthy controls we could show absence of in vitro reactivity of platelets from TAR patients to recombinant TPO as measured by testing TPO synergism to adenine diphosphate and TRAP in platelet activation. TPO induced tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet proteins was completely absent (3 of 4) or markedly decreased (1 of 4). Our results indicate that defective megakaryocytopoiesis/thrombocytopoiesis in TAR syndrome is not caused by a defect in TPO production but a lack of response to TPO in the signal transduction pathway of c-Mpl.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 379-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosimar Neris Martins Feitosa ◽  
Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto ◽  
Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos ◽  
Raimunda do Socorro da Silva Azevedo ◽  
Vânia Nakauth Azevedo ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
T. Fanti ◽  
N. M. Ortega ◽  
R. Garaguso ◽  
M. J. Franco ◽  
C. Herrera ◽  
...  

In vitro embryo production systems (IVP) try to emulate and enhance molecular events that occur in in vivo reproductive systems in order to increase, not only the number of embryos generated, but also their quality. Despite advances, IVP processes are still inefficient compared with in vivo systems. Several studies have attributed this deficiency to a lack of oocyte competence due to spontaneous premature resumption of meiotic maturation in the oocyte following the removal from its follicular environment. Therefore, our objective was to increase oocyte competence avoiding premature resumption of meiosis by using cyclic adenosine monophosphate modulators. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were obtained from ovaries of slaughterhouses, washed, and randomly allocated in 2 culture systems. Oocytes in the control group (IVM) were cultured for a period of 24 h in basal medium TCM-199 with EGF (1 µg mL–1) supplemented with rhFSH (25 mIU mL–1). Oocytes in the biphasic in vitro maturation (b-IVM) group were cultured for 2 h in a basal medium supplemented with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 500 µM), and an activator of adenylate cyclase (forskolin, 100 µM). Subsequently, COC were washed and cultured in basal medium supplemented with cilostamide (20 µM) and rhFSH (25 mIU mL–1) for 24 h. Maturation rates were analysed and IVF was performed with a dose of 1 × 106 sperm cells mL–1 in IVF-SOF medium. The presumptive zygotes were cultured in continuous-single-culture medium (Irvine) supplemented with 8 mg mL–1 of BSA until they reached the blastocyst stage. No significant differences in maturation, cleavage, and cryotolerance were observed between b-IVM and IVM groups (P > 0.05; Table 1). This study showed that b-IVM produced a significant increase in IVP compared with the control (IVM) at Days 7 and 8 (P < 0.01). Blastocyst hatching rate was significant (P < 0.05) for both treatment and day of analysis. The b-IVM group yielded an increase of 10 and 7.5% at Days 7 and 8, respectively, of IVP. The biphasic maturation showed an improvement in quality regarding the control group, in the timing analysis of production, and hatching percentages, and these results show that the use of cyclic adenosine monophosphate modulators in the oocyte maturation process enhances oocyte competence, which is reflected in increased productivity and embryo quality. We propose this treatment as an alternative to the standard protocols currently used in IVP of bovine embryos. Table 1.Effect of treatment on maturation, cleavage, and cryotolerance


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (15) ◽  
pp. 3382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Lung Yang ◽  
Ho-Cheng Wu ◽  
Tsong-Long Hwang ◽  
Chu-Hung Lin ◽  
Yin-Hua Cheng ◽  
...  

One new dibenzocycloheptene, validinol (1), and one butanolide firstly isolated from the natural source, validinolide (2), together with 17 known compounds were isolated from the stem of Cinnamomum validinerve. Among the isolates, lincomolide A (3), secosubamolide (7), and cinnamtannin B1 (19) exhibited potent inhibition on both superoxide anion generation (IC50 values of 2.98 ± 0.3 µM, 4.37 ± 0.38 µM, and 2.20 ± 0.3 µM, respectively) and elastase release (IC50 values of 3.96 ± 0.31 µM, 3.04 ± 0.23 µM, and 4.64 ± 0.71 µM, respectively) by human neutrophils. In addition, isophilippinolide A (6), secosubamolide (7), and cinnamtannin B1 (19) showed bacteriostatic effects against Propionibacterium acnes in in vitro study, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values at 16 μg/mL, 16 μg/mL, and 500 μg/mL, respectively. Further investigations using the in vivo ear P. acnes infection model showed that the intraperitoneal administration of the major component cinnamtannin B1 (19) reduced immune cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 at the infection sites. The results demonstrated the potential of cinnamtannin B1 (19) for acne therapy. In summary, these results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potentials of Formosan C. validinerve during bacterial infections.


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