In vitro evaluation of reactive nature of E- and Z-guggulsterones and their metabolites in human liver microsomes using UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Guggulipid is known to be useful for hypercholesterolemia, arthritis, acne, and obesity. These activities are attributed to its two principal isomeric active constituents, viz., E- and Z-guggulsterones. There are several side effects reported for guggulipid, which include widespread erythematous papules in a morbilliform pattern and macules localized to the arms; swelling and erythema of the face with burning sensation; pruritis; and bullous lesions on the lower legs with associated headaches, myalgia and itching. We hypothesized that one probable reason for these toxic reactions could be the formation of electrophilic reactive metabolites (RMs) of guggulsterones and their subsequent reaction with cellular proteins. Unfortunately, no report exists in the literature highlighting detection of RMs of guggulsterone isomers. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of E- and Z-guggulsterones to form RMs in human liver microsomes (HLM) using glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as trapping agents. The generated samples were analysed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The analysis of incubations with trapping agents highlighted that hydroxylated metabolites of guggulsterone isomers showed adduction with GSH and NAC. Even direct adducts of guggulsterone isomers were observed with both the trapping agents. The in silico toxicity potential of E- and Z-guggulsterones and their RMs was predicted using ADMET Predictor™ software and comparison was made against reported toxicities of guggulipid.

[The antiinflammatory effect of budesonide].

The systemic and topical antiinflammatory activities of budesonide (B) were studied in rats and mice and compared with those of commercially available steroids. Betamethasone 17-valerate (BV) was used as the main reference compound, and fluosinolone acetonide (FA), hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (HB) and hydrocortisone 21-acetate (HA) were also used. B given systemically had stronger antiinflammatory effect than BV on carrageenin edema, cotton pellet granuloma, adjuvant arthritis, croton oil edema, PCA reaction, Arthus reaction, contact hypersensitivity and histamine or serotonin skin reaction. The potency of antiinflammatory activity of the 5 compounds in carrageenin edema, croton oil edema and contact hypersensitivity tests was in the order of FA, B, BV, HB and HA. B given locally also produced stronger antiinflammatory effects than BV on carrageenin edema, cotton pellet granuloma, croton oil edema and contact hypersensitivity. The order of potency of the 5 compounds in carrageenin edema, croton oil edema and contact hypersensitivity tests was the same as by systemic application. In general, the ratio of the dose required to cause atrophy of the thymus and adrenals to the dose required to produce the antiinflammatory effect was the greatest with B by both systemic and local application. The results suggest that B has a stronger antiinflammatory activity with fewer systemic side effects than conventional steroid compounds.