Synthesis and antiulcer activity evaluation of conjugates of amino acids with <it>N</it>-aroyl- <it>N</it>, <it>N</it>'-dicyclohexyl urea

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Amino acids are safe molecules with variable efficacy against ulceration. Considering the good antioxidant potential of <it>N</it>-aroyl- <it>N</it>, <it>N</it>'-dicyclohexyl urea and antiulcer activities of amino acids, a series of amino acid conjugates of <it>N</it>-aroyl- <it>N</it>, <it>N</it>'-dicyclohexyl urea was synthesized and the effect against ulceration in albino rats induced by pyloric ligation was screened. All these compounds were found to be safe and active. Reduction of ulcer index was significant for all compounds. Conjugates of methionine and histidine exhibited enhanced antiulcer activity comparable to omeprazole in terms of inhibition of release of gastric juice, hydrochloric acid and neutralization activity. The promising efficacy and safety of these compounds is interesting for further investigation.</p

Gastroprotective effect of desmosdumotin C isolated from Mitrella kentii against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal hemorrhage in rats: possible involvement of glutathione, heat-shock protein-70, sulfhydryl compounds, nitric oxide, and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity

BACKGROUND: Mitrella kentii (M. kentii) (Bl.) Miq, is a tree-climbing liana that belongs to the family Annonaceae. The plant is rich with isoquinoline alkaloids, terpenylated dihydrochalcones and benzoic acids and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the gastroprotective effects of desmosdumotin C (DES), a new isolated bioactive compound from M. kentii, on gastric ulcer models in rats. METHODS: DES was isolated from the bark of M. kentii. Experimental rats were orally pretreated with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of the isolated compound and were subsequently subjected to absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer. Gross evaluation, mucus content, gastric acidity and histological gastric lesions were assessed in vivo. The effects of DES on the anti-oxidant system, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) content, nitric oxide (NO)level, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity, bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein expression and Helicabacter pylori (H pylori) were also investigated. RESULTS: DES pre-treatment at the administered doses significantly attenuated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer; this was observed by decreased gastric ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration compared to the ulcer control group. It was found that DES maintained glutathione (GSH) level, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased NP-SH content and NO level and inhibited COX-2 activity. The compound up regulated heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and down regulated Bax protein expression in the ulcerated tissue. DES showed interesting anti-H pylori effects. The efficacy of DES was accomplished safely without any signs of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The current study reveals that DES demonstrated gastroprotective effects which could be attributed to its antioxidant effect, activation of HSP-70 protein, intervention with COX-2 inflammatory pathway and potent anti H pylori effect