Observations on the influence of anti-oxidant compounds on prostaglandin biosynthesis (Abstract)

Abstract

A number of anti-oxidant agents and/or free radical scavengers exert an antiinflammatory activity that is displayed in various models of acute and chronic experimental inflammation in diverse fashion¹. Three of the most active compounds for preventing acute inflammatory reactions appear to be propyl gallate (PG), 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (2MPG) and N,N’-diphenyl-p-phenylendiamine (DPPD). These chemicals significantly depress hind paw oedema induced acutely in the rat by injection of carrageenin, bradykinin, serotonin or dextran. In addition, PG and 2MPG are able to restrict, respectively, the phlogistic process following the injection of 4-hydroxy-2, 3-trans-penten-1-al and malealdehyde, while some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are ineffective. The aldehydes mentioned above are thought to be among the final products of lipid peroxidation. An interpretation of the mechanisms of action of the above chemicals derives from data showing that lipid peroxidation plays a role in inflammation. Furthermore, such compounds could act by inhibiting the production of endoperoxides during the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Recently, the pivotal role of PGE₂ in inflammation has been stressed².