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Papers of the Week


2022 Sep 13


Biochem Pharmacol

Repositioning of Tubocurarine as Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Exploring beyond Myorelaxant activity.

Authors

Patel S, Shukla J, Jain S, Paliwal V, Tripathi N, Paliwal S, Sharma S
Biochem Pharmacol. 2022 Sep 13:115248.
PMID: 36113566.

Abstract

Tubocurarine (d-TC), a non-depolarizing competitive blocker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is extensively utilized for the relaxation of skeletal muscles. Drug repositioning is a forthright approach to reduce the cost and speed up drug development process. Herein, we have attempted to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of d-TC for its possible repurposing in pain and inflammation-related issues. Experimental Approach We examined the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory (sEHI) activity of d-TC employing in silico high throughput screening protocols, in vitro cell-free sEH inhibitory assay, and in in vivo rodent models for its repositioning in pain and inflammation-related disorders. Key Results In molecular docking study, d-TC displayed impressive hydrogen bonding interactions within the cavity of sEH enzyme with good docking score. d-TC also exhibited notable sEH inhibitory activity (IC 3.72nm) at the in vitro assay. Oral absorption capability of d-TC (0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL) was determined using an in vitro everted intestinal sac model employing rat ileum tissue that revealed significant oral absorption of d-TC. Besides, in vivo studies revealed that oral administration of d-TC (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) in rodents significantly attenuated hyperalgesia (cold plate test, tail immersion test and formalin test) and inflammation (estimation of rectal temperature, acetic acid induced pleurisy test and cotton pellet-induced granuloma test) induced in robust preclinical models. Conclusion and Implications These findings are novel and warrant immediate efforts to reposition d-TC as a new therapeutic candidate in the management of hyperalgesia, inflammation, and associated conditions.