Novel Therapeutic Approach to Inflammation and Pain

A special issue of Future Pharmacology (ISSN 2673-9879).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 2440

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: polyphenols; natural products; NaDES; inflammation; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
2. Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: inflammation; pain; natural compounds; osteoarthritis; cellular pathways
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation and pain are two closely related issues that are often intricately linked in certain pathologies and are therefore frequently studied together in scientific research. It has been determined that they are interconnected by a complex signaling network based on a variety of molecules, receptors, and cellular pathways, which play fundamental roles in the onset and development of pathological conditions such as, for example, cancer, osteoarthritis, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune disease. However, although many advances have been made in this research field, the whole mechanisms responsible for inflammatory and painful signaling have not been fully clarified. Moreover, from a therapeutical perspective, currently available analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are often characterized by various side effects that limit their clinical administration. In this context, understanding these mechanisms and identifying new therapeutic targets would pave the way for new discoveries in the pharmaceutical field to provide innovative alternatives to inflammation and pain treatment. At the same time, it is important to discover and develop new molecules with increasingly minimal side effects.

In this Special Issue of Pharmaceutics, we invite authors to submit original research articles or reviews in the fields of pain and inflammation. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following topics:

  • Study of alternative targets or novel therapeutic strategies;
  • New pharmaceutical formulations;
  • Drug delivery systems as well as drug repositioning approaches.

Hoping for your active participation, we look forward to receiving your contributions.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Pharmaceutics.

Dr. Roberto Mattioli
Dr. Alessia Mariano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • inflammation
  • pain
  • chronical disease
  • drug repositioning
  • intracellular pathways
  • drug delivery systems
  • novel therapeutic strategies

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1358 KiB  
Communication
Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Umckalin Through the Inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines, and MAPK Signaling in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
by So-Yeon Oh and Chang-Gu Hyun
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5010006 - 21 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Umckalin, a coumarin derivative abundantly present in the root extract of Pelargonium sidoides, is a key bioactive compound known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, and immunomodulatory properties. Its therapeutic potential has been extensively studied, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Umckalin, a coumarin derivative abundantly present in the root extract of Pelargonium sidoides, is a key bioactive compound known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, and immunomodulatory properties. Its therapeutic potential has been extensively studied, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of umckalin as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages as an experimental model, we investigated the inhibitory effects of umckalin on inflammatory mediators and cytokine production. We measured levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and assessed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways, including JNK, p38 MAPK, and ERK, was analyzed. Results: The results demonstrated that umckalin significantly reduced the levels of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Umckalin also suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2, leading to decreased NO and PGE2 production. Furthermore, umckalin effectively regulated inflammatory responses by reducing the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways, including JNK, p38 MAPK, and ERK. Conclusions: These findings indicate that umckalin inhibits the production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO, while regulating MAPK signaling pathways, thereby suppressing the expression of iNOS and COX-2. This study highlights the potent anti-inflammatory effects of umckalin and suggests its potential as a promising candidate for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutic Approach to Inflammation and Pain)
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22 pages, 636 KiB  
Systematic Review
Antinociceptive Potential of Croton Genus: A Systematic Review
by José Antonio Guerrero-Solano, Thania Alejandra Urrutia-Hernández, Tania Flores-Bazán, Karina Isabel Casco-Gallardo, Beatriz del Carmen Coutiño-Laguna, Nereida Violeta Vega-Cabrera and Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales
Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(4), 853-872; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4040045 - 30 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) encompasses numerous species recognized for their diverse medicinal applications, particularly in pain management. This systematic review aims to compile and analyze the scientific evidence on the antinociceptive properties of Croton species. The review protocol was registered in [...] Read more.
The genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) encompasses numerous species recognized for their diverse medicinal applications, particularly in pain management. This systematic review aims to compile and analyze the scientific evidence on the antinociceptive properties of Croton species. The review protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) associated project: osf.io/z4juf. Using the PRISMA methodology, an exhaustive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published to date. The review includes preclinical studies in animal models that investigate the mechanisms of action and efficacy of Croton extracts and isolated compounds in pain inhibition. The results indicate that 28 Croton species exhibit significant antinociceptive effects, attributed to bioactive compounds such as diterpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids. These compounds interact with multiple biological pathways, including ion channels, such as TRPV1, K/ATP, and ASIC channels, as well as the inhibition of the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, particularly prostaglandins. This review highlights the potential of Croton as a source of novel analgesic agents and emphasizes the necessity for further clinical studies. Additionally, integrating ethnobotanical and pharmacological knowledge is suggested to develop innovative and effective treatments for pain management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutic Approach to Inflammation and Pain)
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