A novel dual regulator of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 protects mice from endotoxin-induced shock.

A pyrimidylpiperazine derivative, N-[1-(4-¿[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl¿phenyl)cycloprop yl] acetamide (Y-39041), is a dual cytokine regulator of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-10 production. Lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha release in BALB/c mice was inhibited by the oral treatment with the compound at 10-100 mg/kg (about 80% suppression) while interleukin-10 release was augmented (about 10-fold increase at 30 mg/kg). In addition, Y-39041 (30 mg/kg, p.o.) completely protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced death by the treatment before and after lipopolysaccharide injection. The finding that Y-39041 suppresses TNF-alpha production and stimulates interleukin-10 production at the same time provides new insights for the treatment of septic shock, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's diseases.