Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of benzimidazole derivatives; an in vitro, in vivo and in silico approach.

Many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concurrently inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, with a preference for specifically targeting COX-2 due to its significant involvement in various pathologies. In addition to COX enzymes, several other targets, including Aldose reductase, Aldo-ketoreductase family 1-member C2, and Phospholipase A2, have been identified as contributors to inflammation and a myriad of other diseases. In this context, a series of 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives was synthesized and assessed for their anti-inflammatory potential through both in vitro and in vivo assays. Molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of these compounds against COX enzymes and other therapeutic targets associated with NSAIDs, such as Aldose reductase, AIKRC, and Phospholipase A2. Among the synthesized compounds, B2, B4, B7, and B8 demonstrated IC50 values lower than the standard ibuprofen, as determined by the Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay. Validation of these findings was achieved through an in vivo carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model, confirming a comparable anti-inflammatory effect to diclofenac sodium observed in vitro. Notably, these compounds exhibited significant binding affinity with all therapeutic targets investigated in this study. These results suggest that the newly synthesized derivatives possess noteworthy anti-inflammatory potential, warranting further exploration for the development of novel multi-targeting inhibitors.

Corrigendum: A potential bioelectromagnetic method to slow down the progression and prevent the development of ultimate pulmonary fibrosis by COVID-19.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.556335.].

A Potential Bioelectromagnetic Method to Slow Down the Progression and Prevent the Development of Ultimate Pulmonary Fibrosis by COVID-19.

Introduction: Right now, we are facing a global pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes the highly contagious human disease COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing at an alarming rate, more and more people suffer from it, and the death toll is on the rise since December 2019, when COVID-19 has presumably appeared. We need an urgent solution for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of the involved patients. Methods: Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is known as an immuno-supportive therapy in oncology. Our proposal is to apply this method to prevent the progression of the disease after its identification, to provide treatment when necessary, and deliver rehabilitation to diminish the fibrotic-often fatal-consequences of the infection. Hypothesis: The effects of mEHT, which are proven for oncological applications, could be utilized for the inactivation of the virus or for treating the fibrotic consequences. The hypothesized mEHT effects, which could have a role in the antiviral treatment, it could be applied for viral-specific immune-activation and for anti-fibrotic treatments.