Anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic activity of thiazolidin-4-ones and heterocyclic homoprostanoids

Abstract

Inflammation is the defense mechanism by which body tries to resist the entry of invading pathogen(s) or help the body to remove the injurious stimuli and initiate the healing process. But unchecked inflammation is associated with a large number of pathological conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease etc. Acute inflammation is the result of immediate response to tissue injury which results in vasodilatation, vascular leakage (edema) and leukocyte migration. Clinical signs of inflammation include heat (Calor), pain (Dolor), redness (Rubor), swelling (Tumor) and loss of function (Functio Laesa). Mucus production and smooth muscle cell constriction are also associated with acute inflammation. Pain sensation at inflamed site is modulated by the intensity and stage of inflammation. The possible outcomes of acute inflammation may be complete resolution or progression to chronic inflammation, if not resolved. For example, persistent injury or infection (ulcer, TB), prolonged toxic agent exposure (silica) and autoimmune disease states (RA, SLE). Chronic inflammation results from tissue destruction by inflammatory cells (abscess formation) and attempts taken during repair with fibrosis (excessive fibrin deposition), angiogenesis. Currently available treatments provide symptomatic relief by reducing pain. These medications do not prevent the progression of disease and are often associated with signiand#64257;cant side effects. The most widely used drugs, non-steroidal anti-inand#64258;ammatory drugs, provide incomplete and temporary pain relief . The non-pharmacological modalities such as physiotherapy, alternative, and complementary therapies are also used but have certain limitations. All this directs our attention towards the need for more effective pharmacotherapy to mitigate pain associated with arthritic conditions.