The Anti-Arthritic Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Salvia Lachnostachys Benth. Leaves and Icetexane Dinor-Diterpenoid Fruticuline B.

The decoction of Salvia lachnostachys Benth. leaves is used in Brazilian folk medicine for anti-spasmodic, antipyretic, and anxiolytic purposes. Some of the biological effects of an S. lachnostachys extract have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antidepressant effects. In addition, this medicinal plant produces several compounds including icetexane diterpenoids, such as fruticuline A and fruticuline B. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of fruticuline B (FRUT B) and the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of S. lachnostachys (EESL) in experimental mouse models. EESL (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) were evaluated in articular inflammation-induced models in Swiss mice. In articular inflammation induced by Zymosan, EESL (300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia (83.17% inhibition for EESL and 81.19% for FRUT B); edema (68.75% reduction for EESL and 33.66% for FRUT B); leukocyte migration (81.3% for EESSL and 92.2% for FRUT B), and nitric oxide production (88.3% for EESL and 74.4% for FRUT B). The exposure to fruticuline B significantly inhibited the edema (51.5%), mechanical (88.12%) and cold hyperalgesia (80.8%), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (63.4%) activity 24 h after CFA injection. In the pleurisy model, FRUT B reduced 89.1% of leukocyte migration and 50.3% in nitric oxide production. Four hours after carrageenan injection, FRUT B (1 mg/kg) diminished 89.11% of mechanical hyperalgesia, 65.8% of paw edema, and 82.12% of the response to cold hyperalgesia. In the MTT test, EESL and fruticuline B caused no cytotoxicity. The present study revealed, for the first time, the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effects of FRUT B, pointing out the therapeutic potential of the species to control inflammation and nociception. Future studies are needed to evaluate other biological properties of fruticuline B and to better understand its mechanism of action.

1,4-Diaryl-1,2,3-triazole neolignan-celecoxib hybrids inhibit experimental arthritis induced by zymosan.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes cartilage damage. Anti-inflammatories are widely used in the management of RA, but they can have side effects such as gastrointestinal and/or cardiovascular disorders. Studies published by our group showed that the synthesis of hybrid triazole analogs neolignan-celecoxib containing the substituent groups sulfonamide (L15) or carboxylic acid (L18) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in an acute model of inflammation, inhibited expression of P-selectin related to platelet activation and did not induce gastric ulcer, minimizing the related side effects. In continuation, the present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of these analogs in an experimental model of arthritis and on the functions of one of the important cells in this process, macrophages. Mechanical hyperalgesia, joint edema, leukocyte recruitment to the joint and damage to cartilage in experimental arthritis and cytotoxicity, spread of disease, phagocytic activity and nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide production by macrophages were evaluated. Pre-treatment with L15 and L18 reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, joint edema and the influx of leukocytes into the joint cavity after different periods of the stimulus. The histological evaluation of the joint showed that L15 and L18 reduced cartilage damage and there was no formation of rheumatoid pannus. Furthermore, L15 and L18 were non-cytotoxic. The analogs inhibited the spreading, the production of NO and hydrogen peroxide. L15 decreased the phagocytosis. Therefore, L15 and L18 may be potential therapeutic prototypes to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA.

Modulation of the Serotonergic Receptosome in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression: A Narrative Review of the Experimental Evidence.

Serotonin (5-HT) receptors are found throughout central and peripheral nervous systems, mainly in brain regions involved in the neurobiology of anxiety and depression. 5-HT receptors are currently promising targets for discovering new drugs for treating disorders ranging from migraine to neuropsychiatric upsets, such as anxiety and depression. It is well described in the current literature that the brain expresses seven types of 5-HT receptors comprising eighteen distinct subtypes. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed 5-HT1-7 receptors. Of the eighteen 5-HT receptors known today, thirteen are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and represent targets for approximately 40% of drugs used in humans. Signaling pathways related to these receptors play a crucial role in neurodevelopment and can be modulated to develop effective therapies to treat anxiety and depression. This review presents the experimental evidence of the modulation of the "serotonergic receptosome" in the treatment of anxiety and depression, as well as demonstrating state-of-the-art research related to phytochemicals and these disorders. In addition, detailed aspects of the pharmacological mechanism of action of all currently known 5-HT receptor families were reviewed. From this review, it will be possible to direct the rational design of drugs towards new therapies that involve signaling via 5-HT receptors.

The New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): A Comprehensive Review on Immunity and the Application of Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling to the Discovery of Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the outbreak caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) a pandemic. The rapid spread of the disease surprised the scientific and medical community. Based on the latest reports, news, and scientific articles published, there is no doubt that the coronavirus has overloaded health systems globally. Practical actions against the recent emergence and rapid expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 require the development and use of tools for discovering new molecular anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets. Thus, this review presents bioinformatics and molecular modeling strategies that aim to assist in the discovery of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Besides, we reviewed the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and innate immunity, since understanding the structures involved in this infection can contribute to the development of new therapeutic targets. Bioinformatics is a technology that assists researchers in coping with diseases by investigating genetic sequencing and seeking structural models of potential molecular targets present in SARS-CoV2. The details provided in this review provide future points of consideration in the field of virology and medical sciences that will contribute to clarifying potential therapeutic targets for anti-SARS-CoV-2 and for understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis and virulence of SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of an ethanolic extract and fractions from Piper glabratum (Piperaceae) leaves on pain and inflammation.

In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, Piper glabratum leaves are used as a popular medicine for pain and inflammation. We performed a phytochemical analysis and evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract (EEPG) obtained from leaves of P. glabratum on toxicity as well as the effects of application of the hexanic fraction (HXPG) and the hydroalcoholic fraction (HAPG) obtained from the EEPG on inflammatory parameters and pain in mice. Swiss mice were treated with EEPG (30-300 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), HXPG (19.5 mg/kg b.w.) or HAPG (83.37 mg/kg b.w.) and then subjected to carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw oedema tests, the spontaneous pain, and zymosan-induced intra-articular inflammation. Wistar rats were treated with EEPG to assess acute toxicity. Phytochemical analysis of the fractions demonstrated the presence of phytol and mixture of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol in the fractions. In the acute toxicity test, LD50 above 2000 mg/kg b.w. was observed. The treatments reduced oedema, cold and mechanical hyperalgesia, leukocyte migration and protein exudation. The antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of EEPG and fractions were demonstrated in the present study. These results from EEPG and HXPG may be related, at least in part, to modulation of the inflammatory mediators by phytol, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Tyrosol-Salicylate Derivatives as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agents.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used medications in inflammatory illnesses. However, the gastrointestinal bleeding and toxicity associated with NSAIDs long term use prompted the quest towards investigations for new anti-inflammatory agents. Natural and natural-derived molecules proved its anti-inflammatory efficacy in vitro as well as in vivo. Given this background, the scope of this research involves structural changes of the natural polyphenol (tyrosol) generating two new salicylate derivatives and testing their biological properties, focusing on anti-inflammatory effects assessed in vitro and in vivo assays. The first molecular modification was the introduction of a carboxylic acid group adjacent to the phenol group present in this compound, which creates a new salicylate-like tyrosol. In addition, the acetylation of phenol group in this molecule produced an acetylsalicylate derivative, which may be regarded as aspirin-like natural polyphenol. Interestingly, tyrosol and its novel derivatives attenuated the edema in acute inflammatory response on carrageenan- induced local inflammation in mice. In addition, our results demonstrated that tyrosol and its novel derivatives were able to reduce the chemotaxis of neutrophil assessed in vitro model by chemo attractant (fMLP). Furthermore, only derivative 2 was able to reduce this effect in the acute inflammatory model. In (DPPH)- scavenging activity, tyrosol derivatives demonstrated a minor antioxidant activity, which may suggest that radical scavenging is not a major pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of these derivatives. Salicylate-like tyrosol derivatives are of particular interest for future studies.