Synthesis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of novel mono-carbonyl analogues of curcumin in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Curcumin is a multifunctional natural product with regulatory effects on inflammation. However, a major limitation for the application of curcumin is its poor bioavailability. We previously demonstrated that the mono-carbonyl analogues of curcumin possessed improved pharmacokinetic profiles. In this study, 33 novel mono-carbonyl analogues of curcumin were synthesized and their inhibition against TNF-α and IL-6 release was evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Based on the screening data, quantitative structure-activity relationship was conducted, indicating that electron-withdrawing groups in benzene ring are favourable to anti-inflammatory activities of B-class compounds. Furthermore, compounds AN1 and B82 demonstrated anti-inflammatory abilities in a dose-dependent manner. These raise the possibility that these compounds might serve as potential agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.