ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of 3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione (ß-lapachone; ß-lap) and to elucidate its probable mode of action. METHODS: Carrageenan-induced paw edema, cell migration evaluation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide were used for this study. Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis was used as a model of chronic inflammation. ß-Lap was tested in doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg, orally. RESULTS: In the paw edema test, the dose of 60 mg/kg gave a higher percentage inhibition of edema (49.3 %) than control. ß-Lap inhibited neutrophil migration and reduced concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and NO in peritoneal exudates of animals with peritonitis. In the arthritis test, ß-lap inhibited edema and NO production in the serum of treated animals. CONCLUSION: Significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities were observed in animals treated with ß-lap. The effects of ß-lap can be attributed in part to immunomodulation with reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NO.
