Asymmetric synthesis of novel N-(1-phenyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)arachidonylamides and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity

Aims: To design and synthesize novel N-(1-phenyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyl)arachidonylamides and evaluate their analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Main methods: The murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 has been widely used as a model for inflammatory responses in vitro. Our model consists of cultured monolayers of RAW 264.7 cells in which media concentrations of 15-deoxy-Delta(13,14)-PGJ(2) (PGJ) are measured by ELISA following LPS (10 ng/ml) stimulation and treatment with 0.1. 0.3, 1.0.3.0 and 10 mu M concentrations of the compounds. Key findings: Our data indicate that several of our compounds have the capacity to increase production of PGJ and may also increase the occurrence of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Significance: Thus these agents are potential candidates for the therapy of conditions characterized by ongoing (chronic) inflammation and its associated pain. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.