A Novel Genistein Prodrug: Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity on Mouse RAW264.7 Macrophages.

Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavone, possesses many beneficial health effects. To improve the bioactivity of the natural compound, we designed and synthesized the genistein prodrug FEHH6-1. In the present study, we evaluated the biological effects of FEHH6-I on mouse RAW264.7 macrophages and compared them with those obtained with the parent drug genistein. The characteristics of FEHH6-1 were determined by melting point, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and mass spectrometric analysis. The effects of FEHH6-I on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were monitored by XTT-assay, Annexin-V/7-AAD staining, Western blotting, and ELISA. FEHH6-1 showed NMR spectra and relative molecular mass in agreement with the designed structure. In mouse RAW264.7 macrophages, FEHH6-1 inhibited proliferation, induced apoptotic cell death and blocked interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha synthesis. At low concentrations, FEHH6-1 induced phosphorylation of AKT1, a kinase involved in cell proliferation and survival. Our data demonstrate that the genistein prodrug FEHH6-1 is a bioactive molecule but its solubility and therefore also its efficacy was significantly lower compared with genistein.

High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide elevate the expression of a series of pro-inflammatory genes in fibroblast-like synoviocytes derived from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the articular structures and synovial membranes of multiple joints. Beside pharmacologically based treatments, sulphur bath therapy has long been used as a therapy for patients suffering from different rheumatic disorders. But scientific reports about the beneficial effects of H(2)S as well as about the underlying molecular mechanisms are controversial and rare. METHODS: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from RA and OA-patients were treated with the H(2)S-donor sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS). IL-6 release was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene expression of IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2 as well as of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-14 was monitored by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Modulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and ERK1/2 was analysed by Western blotting. RESULTS: High concentrations of H(2)S (above 0.5mM) elevated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in RA- and OA-FLS. This was accompanied by activation of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK. H(2)S-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2 was completely blocked by specific inhibitors of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK and NF-κB. CONCLUSION: H(2)S is a potent gaseous molecule that can upregulate the expression of a series of pro-inflammatory genes in RA and OA-FLS. Therefore, caution is advised in patients with active RA when taking sulphur bath therapy.