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[Display omitted] The benefits and harms of adding antileukotrienes to H 1 antihistamines (AHs) for the management of urticaria (hives, itch, and/or angioedema) remain unclear. We sought to systematically synthesize the treatment outcomes of antileukotrienes in combination with AHs versus AHs alone for acute and chronic urticaria. As part of updating American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters urticaria guidelines, we searched Medline, Embase, Central, LILACS, WPRIM, IBECS, ICTRP, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, US Food and Drug Administration, and European Medicines Agency databases from inception to December 18, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antileukotrienes and AHs versus AHs alone in patients with urticaria. Paired reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random effects models pooled effect estimates for urticaria activity, itch, wheal, sleep, quality of life, and harms. The GRADE approach informed certainty of evidence ratings. The study was registered at the Open Science Framework (osf.io/h2bfx/). Thirty-four RCTs enrolled 3324 children and adults. Compared to AHs alone, the combination of a leukotriene receptor antagonist with AHs probably modestly reduces urticaria activity (mean difference, −5.04; 95% confidence interval, −6.36 to −3.71; 7-day urticaria activity score) with moderate certainty. We made similar findings for itch and wheal severity as well as quality of life. Adverse events were probably not different between groups (moderate certainty); however, no RCT reported on neuropsychiatric adverse events. Among patients with urticaria, adding leukotriene receptor antagonists to AHs probably modestly improves urticaria activity with little to no increase in overall adverse events. The added risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events in this population with leukotriene receptor antagonists is small and uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury (ALI) is the result of damage to the capillary endothelia and the alveolar epithelial cell caused by various direct and indirect factors, leading to significant pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema and acute hypoxic respiratory insufficiency. A subset of ALI cases progresses to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, a condition with fatal implications. Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist licensed for asthma prevention and long-term treatment. This study demonstrated a significant improvement in lung tissue pathology and a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration in models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung inflammation following zafirlukast administration, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, zafirlukast was found to suppress the inflammatory response of alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and lung inflammation in vivo by reducing the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In conclusion, zafirlukast relieved lung injury and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Acute lung injury (ALI) is the result of damage to the capillary endothelia and the alveolar epithelial cell caused by various direct and indirect factors, leading to significant pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema and acute hypoxic respiratory insufficiency. A subset of ALI cases progresses to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, a condition with fatal implications. Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist licensed for asthma prevention and long-term treatment. This study demonstrated a significant improvement in lung tissue pathology and a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration in models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung inflammation following zafirlukast administration, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, zafirlukast was found to suppress the inflammatory response of alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and lung inflammation in vivo by reducing the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In conclusion, zafirlukast relieved lung injury and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Post-market monitoring has shown a potential link between the use of leukotriene-modifying agents (LTRAs) and an increased risk of neuropsychiatric events, such as depression. However, observational studies have produced inconsistent findings, offering no definitive conclusions. To assess the potential correlation between LTRAs exposure and depression in US adults. This cross-sectional study, based on population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016 cycle. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association between LTRAs exposure and depression. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted, with the calculation of the E-value. Network pharmacology was employed to investigate the influence of LTRAs on mechanisms of depression. Among the 9414 participants, 595 (6.3 %) were classified as having depression. LTRAs exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of depression (16.9 % vs. 6.0 %). The multivariable logistic regression results showed that LTRAs use increased the risk of depression (OR = 1.70; 95 % CI, 1.05–2.75). An association between LTRAs exposure and depression was found in sensitivity analyses conducted regardless of multivariable linear regression with the PHQ-9 score as a continuous variable (β = 0.97; 95 % CI, 0.44–1.50) or multivariable logistic regression with the PHQ-9 cut-off of 5 (OR = 1.52; 95 % CI, 1.08–2.14). The association between LTRAs and depression was stable in the different subgroups. LTRAs exposure is positively associated with depression in US adults. Therefore, the risk for depression in patients receiving long-term LTRAs treatment should be considered. • Post-market surveillance links LTRAs to higher neuropsychiatric events, but observational studies' findings are inconclusive. • Our study revealed a positive correlation between long-term LTRAs exposure and depression among adults in the US. • The risk of depression in patients receiving long-term LTRAs treatment should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is a very common respiratory disorder, affecting more than 360 million people worldwide. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with the symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and sometimes chest pain. Leukotrienes play an important role in bronchoconstriction during the allergen or exercise-induced acute asthma attack. Aim: The study aims to predict the interactions between leukotriene antagonist drugs and CysLT receptor-1 (CysLTR1), P2Y12 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) on a competitive basis. The study also has the objective of understanding the cardioprotective roles of the drugs. Introduction: Asthma is strongly linked to the development of acute coronary syndrome by the leukotriene-induced activation of CysLTR1, platelet aggregation and thrombosis by activating P2Y12. PPAR-γ is considered to show benefits against atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidaemia, which are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disorders. Leukotriene receptor inhibitors act with these three types of receptors to show therapeutic effects. Materials and Methods: To predict the possible interactions between the drugs and the receptors, the study has used in silico methods. Results and Discussion: Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Gemilukast are potential antagonists of CysLTR1 and P2Y12. They are also responsible for the upregulation of PPAR-γ. Thus, these drugs show a cardioprotective role in asthma-induced cardiac disorders. Conclusion: A competitive in silico study of Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Gemilukast to predict their binding to CysLTR1, P2Y12 & PPAR-γ revealed that Montelukast is more effective than the other two drugs for showing a cardioprotective role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Zafirlukast as a SARS-CoV-2 Helicase Inhibitor in adult patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms (hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were not admitted to an intensive care unit). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial with adult patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. The sample was randomized to Zafirlukast 10 mg BD for 10 days plus standard care vs placebo plus standard care. The primary outcome was the complete resolution of all symptoms. The secondary outcomes were the duration of oxygen therapy, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: In total, 40 patients were randomized (20 to Zafirlukast and 20 to the control). The time to the resolution of clinical symptoms in both groups was not significantly different. Regarding the fever, 0.3 days [95 % CI, − 1.19, 0.69], p = 0.76, for shortness of breath, the difference was 0.4 days [95 % CI, − 2.67, 3.46], p = 0.68, for cough the difference was 0.2 days [95 % CI, − 1.45, 1.95], p = 0.98, for sputum the difference was 0.5 days [95 % CI, − 0.75, 1.85], p = 0.09, for vomiting the difference was 0.1 days [95 % CI, − 0.50, 0.30], p = 0.93, for fatigue the difference was 0.3 days [95 % CI, − 4.32, 3.62], p = 0.64. The LOS per day for the two groups was not significantly different, 1.1 days [95 % CI,− 2.03, 4.28], p = 0.94, nor was the duration of oxygen therapy per days, 1.3 days [95 % CI, − 1.79, 4.49], p = 0.49. Regarding the 7 category ordinary scale, there was no significant difference between the two groups at day 7 (p-value = 0.62), day 14 (p-value = 0.60) and day 28 (p-value = 0.48). Conclusion: Among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia, the treatment with Zafirlukast, compared to placebo, did not significantly improve symptoms resolution.

Newly emerging roles of LRRC8 volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC) raise important questions about the therapeutic potential of VRAC in the treatment of epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and other human diseases. A critical barrier to evaluating whether VRAC represents a viable drug target is the lack of potent and specific small-molecule inhibitors and activators of the channel. Here we review recent progress in developing the molecular pharmacology of VRAC made by screening a library of FDA-approved drugs for novel channel modulators. We discuss the discovery and characterization of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists Pranlukast and Zafirlukast as novel VRAC inhibitors, and zinc pyrithione (ZPT), which apparently activates VRAC through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanism. These ongoing efforts set the stage for developing a pharmacological toolkit for probing the integrative physiology, molecular pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of VRAC.

The endosomal‐lysosomal system is central for cell homeostasis and comprises the functions and dynamics of particular organelles including endosomes, lysosomes and autophagosomes. In previous studies, we found that the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1) regulates autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE‐19 under basal cellular conditions. However, the underlying mechanism by which CysLTR1 regulates autophagy is unknown. Thus, in the present study, the effects of CysLTR1 inhibition on the endosomal‐lysosomal system are analyzed in detail to identify the role of CysLTR1 in cell homeostasis and autophagy regulation. CysLTR1 inhibition in ARPE‐19 cells by Zafirlukast, a CysLTR1 antagonist, depleted the lysosomal pool. Furthermore, CysLTR1 antagonization reduced endocytic capacity and internalization of epidermal growth factor and decreased levels of the transferrin receptor, CD71. Serum starvation abolished the effect of Zafirlukast on the autophagic flux, which identifies the endocytic regulation of serum components by CysLTR1 as an important autophagy‐modulating mechanism. The role of CysLTR1 in inflammation and cell stress has been exceedingly studied, but its involvement in the endosomal‐lysosomal pathway is largely unknown. This current study provides new insights into basal activity of CysLTR1 on cellular endocytosis and the subsequent impact on downstream processes like autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the efficacy of Zafirlukast as a SARS-CoV-2 Helicase Inhibitor in adult patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms (hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were not admitted to an intensive care unit). We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial with adult patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. The sample was randomized to Zafirlukast 10 mg BD for 10 days plus standard care vs placebo plus standard care. The primary outcome was the complete resolution of all symptoms. The secondary outcomes were the duration of oxygen therapy, and length of hospital stay (LOS). In total, 40 patients were randomized (20 to Zafirlukast and 20 to the control). The time to the resolution of clinical symptoms in both groups was not significantly different. Regarding the fever, 0.3 days [95 % CI, − 1.19, 0.69], p = 0.76, for shortness of breath, the difference was 0.4 days [95 % CI, − 2.67, 3.46], p = 0.68, for cough the difference was 0.2 days [95 % CI, − 1.45, 1.95], p = 0.98, for sputum the difference was 0.5 days [95 % CI, − 0.75, 1.85], p = 0.09, for vomiting the difference was 0.1 days [95 % CI, − 0.50, 0.30], p = 0.93, for fatigue the difference was 0.3 days [95 % CI, − 4.32, 3.62], p = 0.64. The LOS per day for the two groups was not significantly different, 1.1 days [95 % CI,− 2.03, 4.28], p = 0.94, nor was the duration of oxygen therapy per days, 1.3 days [95 % CI, − 1.79, 4.49], p = 0.49. Regarding the 7 category ordinary scale, there was no significant difference between the two groups at day 7 (p-value = 0.62), day 14 (p-value = 0.60) and day 28 (p-value = 0.48). Among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia, the treatment with Zafirlukast, compared to placebo, did not significantly improve symptoms resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastases are the main cause of death in cancer patients, and platelets are largely known for their contribution in cancer progression. However, targeting platelets is highly challenging given their paramount function in hemostasis. Using a high-throughput screening and platelet-induced breast tumor cell survival (PITCS) assay as endpoint, we identified the widely used anti-asthmatic drugs and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonists, zafirlukast and montelukast, as new specific blockers of platelet protumoral action. Here, we show that human MDA-B02 breast cancer cells produce CysLT through mechanisms involving microsomal glutathione-S-transferase 1/2/3 (MGST1/2/3) and that can modulate cancer cell–platelet interactions via platelet–CysLT1R. CysLT1R blockade with zafirlukast decreased platelet aggregation and adhesion on cancer cells and inhibited PITCS, migration, and invasion in vitro. Zafirlukast significantly reduced, by 90%, MDA-B02 cell dissemination to bone in nude mice and reduced by 88% 4T1 spontaneous lung metastasis formation without affecting primary tumor growth. Combined treatment of zafirlukast plus paclitaxel totally inhibited metastasis of 4T1 cells to the lungs. Altogether, our results reveal a novel pathway mediating the crosstalk between cancer cells and platelets and indicate that platelet CysLT1R represents a novel therapeutic target to prevent metastasis without affecting hemostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intra-abdominal adhesions' main etiology is surgical procedures that commonly require reintervention. Oral treatments with sildenafil, zafirlukast, and pirfenidone have yielded decreased severity of fibrotic phenomena secondary to the introduction of foreign material. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral zafirlukast, sildenafil, or pirfenidone treatment on reducing or preventing intra-abdominal adhesions in an experimental rat model. Methods: Four groups, each of 10 male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g, were used. A midline laparotomy was used to excise an area of 1.5 × 1.5 cm and reconstructed with polypropylene mesh fixed to the abdominal wall. After 12 h, oral doses of zafirlukast (1.25 mg/kg, group B), sildenafil (15 mg/kg, group C), or pirfenidone (500 mg/kg, group D) were given every day for 8 days. The control group, A, received no treatment. At day 9, animals were reoperated. The implant was resected after ethically approved euthanasia, and specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for histopathology. Results: Control group A yielded adhesions with greater fibrovascular density and neighboring organ involvement than the other groups (p = 0.001), as well as intense inflammatory infiltrates and numerous granulomas (p = 0.04). Adhesions in group C had less fibrovascular density (p = 0.03) with decreased serosal injuries (p = 0.001) and less organ involvement. Group D had reduced adhesions without organ involvement (p < 0.01) and less inflammatory infiltrates, collagen fibers, and foreign body granulomas than group B or C (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Oral administration of these agents did not prevent adhesions but ameliorated them. Oral pirfenidone offered the best performance and could be recommended for human use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Intestinal drug solubility is a key parameter controlling oral absorption but varies both intra and inter individuals and between the fasted and fed states, with food intake known to alter the bioavailability of many compounds. Intestinal solubility can be measured in vitro either using sampled fed human intestinal fluid (FeHIF) or simulated fed intestinal fluid (SIF) but neither approach is optimal. FeHIF is difficult to obtain and variable, whilst for fed SIF multiple recipes are available with no consensus on the ideal version. A recent study characterised FeHIF aspirates using a multidimensional approach and calculated nine simulated media recipes that covered over ninety percent of FeHIF compositional variability. In this study the equilibrium solubility of thirteen drugs have been measured using the nine simulated media recipes and compared to multiple previous design of experiment (DoE) studies, which have examined the impact of fed SIF media components on solubility. The measured nine media solubility data set is only statistically equivalent to the large scale 92 media DoE in 4 out of 13 drug comparisons, but has improved equivalence against small scale DoEs (9 or 10 media) with 6 out of 9 or 10 out of 12 (9 and 10 media respectively) equivalent. Selective removal of non-biorelevant compositions from the 92 media DoE improves statistical equivalence to 9 out of 13 comparisons. The results indicate that solubility equivalence is linked to media component concentrations and compositions, the nine media system is measuring a similar solubility space to previous systems, with a narrower solubility range than the 92 point DoE but equivalent to smaller DoE systems. Phenytoin and tadalafil display a narrow solubility range, a behaviour consistent with previous studies in fed and fasted states and only revealed through the multiple media approach. Custom DoE analysis of the nine media results to determine the most statistically significant component influencing solubility does not detect significant components. Indicating that the approach has a low statistical resolution and is not appropriate if determination of media component significance is required. This study demonstrates that it is possible to assess the fed intestinal equilibrium solubility envelope using the nine media recipes obtained from a multi-dimensional analysis of fed HIF. The derivation of the nine media compositions coupled with the results in this study indicate that the solubility results are more likely to reflect the fed intestinal solubility envelope than previous DoE studies and highlight that the system is worthy of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, obesity rates have doubled since the 1980s and in the USA alone, almost 40% of adults are obese, which is closely associated with a myriad of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Obesity is derived from an imbalance between energy intake and consumption, therefore balancing energy homeostasis is an attractive target for metabolic diseases. One therapeutic approach consists of increasing the number of brown-like adipocytes in the white adipose tissue (WAT). Whereas WAT stores excess energy, brown adipose tissue (BAT) can dissipate this energy overload in the form of heat, increasing energy expenditure and thus inhibiting metabolic diseases. To facilitate BAT production a high-throughput screening approach was developed on previously known drugs using human Simpson–Golabi–Behmel Syndrome (SGBS) preadipocytes. The screening allowed us to discover that zafirlukast, an FDA-approved small molecule drug commonly used to treat asthma, was able to differentiate adipocyte precursors and white-biased adipocytes into functional brown adipocytes. However, zafirlukast is toxic to human cells at higher dosages. Drug-Initiated Activity Metabolomics (DIAM) was used to investigate zafirlukast as a BAT inducer, and the endogenous metabolite myristoylglycine was then discovered to mimic the browning properties of zafirlukast without impacting cell viability. Myristoylglycine was found to be bio-synthesized upon zafirlukast treatment and was unique in inducing brown adipocyte differentiation, raising the possibility of using endogenous metabolites and bypassing the exogenous drugs to potentially alleviate disease, in this case, obesity and other related metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the application of bio-ionic liquids (ILs) prepared from choline as cation and amino acid as anion for solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drug, Zafirlukast (ZFL). Herein, the solubility of ZFL in water and mixtures of water and ILs was assessed using UV spectroscopy at two temperature points 25°C and 37°C with increasing concentrations of IL. ZFL solubility was found to improve linearly with increasing concentration of [Ch][Pro] in water, representing 35- to 37-fold improvement in ZFL solubility at maximum concentration of [Ch][Pro] (1% w/v) compared to when only pure water was present. Also, the effect of IL on ZFL solubility was analyzed using NMR, DSC, and TGA. These results clearly suggest that ZFL solubility was increased by forming hydrogen bonds with selected [Ch][Pro] IL. Toxicity study of ILs was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Since IL solvent was found to increase the solubility of ZFL, this may serve as "functional excipient solvent" for solubility enhancement in its commercialized formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chen XG, Hua F, Wang SG, Xu YY, Yue HT, Sun J. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:2389–2402The authors have advised Figures 1 (on page 2393), Figure 3 (on page 2394), Figure 5 (on page 2395), Figure 7 and Figure 8 (on page 2396) are incorrect due to a fault in their microscope camera. The correct Figures are shown below:Read the original article

The coronavirus helicase is an essential enzyme required for viral replication/transcription pathways. Structural studies revealed a sulphate moiety that interacts with key residues within the nucleotide-binding site of the helicase. Compounds with a sulphoxide or a sulphone moiety could interfere with these interactions and consequently inhibit the enzyme. The molecular operating environment (MOE) was used to dock 189 sulphoxide and sulphone-containing FDA-approved compounds to the nucleotide-binding site. Zafirlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat chronic asthma, achieved the lowest docking score at −8.75 kcals/mol. The inhibitory effect of the compounds on the SARS-CoV-2 helicase dsDNA unwinding activity was tested by a FRET-based assay. Zafirlukast was the only compound to inhibit the enzyme (IC50 = 16.3 µM). The treatment of Vero E6 cells with 25 µM zafirlukast prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased the cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 significantly. These results suggest that zafirlukast alleviates SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity by inhibiting the viral helicase and impairing the viral replication/transcription pathway. Zafirlukast could be clinically developed as a new antiviral treatment for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus diseases. This discovery is based on molecular modelling, in vitro inhibition of the SARS-CoV helicase activity and cell-based SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium abscessus infections are emerging in cystic fibrosis patients, and treatment success rate in these patients is only 33% due to extreme antibiotic resistance. Thus, new treatment options are essential. An interesting target could be Lsr2, a nucleoid-associated protein involved in mycobacterial virulence. Zafirlukast is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug against asthma that was shown to bind Lsr2. In this study, zafirlukast treatment is shown to reduce M. abscessus growth, with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 16 µM and a bactericidal concentration of 64 µM in replicating bacteria only. As an initial response, DNA condensation, a known stress response of mycobacteria, occurs after 1 h of treatment with zafirlukast. During continued zafirlukast treatment, the morphology of the bacteria alters and the structural integrity of the bacteria is lost. After 4 days of treatment, reduced viability is measured in different culture media, and growth of M. abscessus is reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Using transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrated that the hydrophobic multilayered cell wall and periplasm are disorganized and ribosomes are reduced in size and relocalized. In summary, our data demonstrate that zafirlukast alters the morphology of M. abscessus and is bactericidal at 64 µM. The bactericidal concentration of zafirlukast is relatively high, and it is only effective on replicating bacteria but as zafirlukast is an FDA-approved drug, and currently used as an anti-asthma treatment, it could be an interesting drug to further study in in vivo experiments to determine whether it could be used as an antibiotic for M. abscessus infections., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Silicone rubber tissue expanders and breast implants are associated with chronic inflammation, leading to the formation of fibrous capsules. If the inflammation is left untreated, the fibrous capsules can become hard and brittle and lead to formation of capsular contracture. When capsular contracture occurs, implant failure and reoperation is unavoidable. Fibrous capsule formation to medical grade silicone rubber breast implants and polyisobutylene-based electrospun fiber mats attached to silicone rubber with and without an anti-inflammatory therapeutic were compared. A linear polyisobutylene (PIB)-based thermoplastic elastomer is currently applied as a polymer coating for drug release on coronary stents to reduce restenosis. Recent work has created a drug releasing electrospun fiber mat from PIB-based materials. Important to this study, poly(alloocimene- b -isobutylene- b -alloocimene) (AIBA) was electrospun with zafirlukast (ZAF). ZAF is an anti-inflammatory drug that is able to reduce capsule formation and complications to silicone breast implants. Fiber mats are advantageous for local drug delivery because of their high porosity and surface area for drug release. The chief hypothesis was that local release of ZAF from AIBA would lower inflammatory signaling and resulting capsular formation after 90 days in vivo . Electrospun AIBA mats locally released ZAF, lowering inflammation and fibrous capsule development compared to medical grade silicone rubber. Locally and orally released ZAF led to similar results, but the former had much lower concentration that highlights local delivery's therapeutic potential. Released ZAF from AIBA fiber mats mitigated inflammation and serves as an alternative to existing clinical approaches.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is one of the mosquito-borne flaviviruses that exhibits a unique tropism to nervous systems and is associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), the other two mosquito-borne flaviviruses, have also been circulating for a long time and cause severe diseases, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and yellow fever, respectively. However, there are no safe and effective antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of infections or coinfections of these flaviviruses. Here, we found that zafirlukast, a pregnancy-safe leukotriene receptor antagonist, exhibited potent antiviral activity against infections of ZIKV strains from different lineages in different cell lines, as well as against infections of DENV-2 and YFV 17D. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that zafirlukast directly and irreversibly inactivated these flaviviruses by disrupting the integrity of the virions, leading to the loss of viral infectivity, hence inhibiting the entry step of virus infection. Considering its efficacy against flaviviruses, its safety for pregnant women, and its neuroprotective effect, zafirlukast is a promising candidate for prophylaxis and treatment of infections or coinfections of ZIKV, DENV, and YFV, even in pregnant women., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

[Display omitted] Drug solubility is a key parameter controlling oral absorption, but intestinal solubility is difficult to assess in vitro. Human intestinal fluid (HIF) aspirates can be applied but they are variable, difficult to obtain and expensive. Simulated intestinal fluids (SIF) are a useful surrogate but multiple recipes are available and the optimum is unknown. A recent study characterised fasted HIF aspirates using a multi-dimensional approach and determined nine bioequivalent SIF media recipes that represented over ninety percent of HIF compositional variability. In this study these recipes have been applied to determine the equilibrium solubility of twelve drugs (naproxen, indomethacin, phenytoin, piroxicam, aprepitant, carvedilol, zafirlukast, tadalafil, fenofibrate, griseofulvin, felodipine, probucol) previously investigated using a statistical design of experiment (DoE) approach. The bioequivalent solubility measurements are statistically equivalent to the previous DoE, enclose literature solubility values in both fasted HIF and SIF, and the solubility range is less than the previous DoE. These results indicate that the system is measuring the same solubility space as literature systems with the lower overall range suggesting improved equivalence to in vivo solubility, when compared to DoEs. Three drugs (phenytoin, tadalafil and griseofulvin) display a comparatively narrow solubility range, a behaviour that is consistent with previous studies and related to the drugs' molecular structure and properties. This solubility behaviour would not be evident with single point solubility measurements. The solubility results can be analysed using a custom DoE to determine the most statistically significant factor within the media influencing solubility. This approach has a lower statistical resolution than a formal DoE and is not appropriate if determination of media factor significance for solubilisation is required. This study demonstrates that it is possible to assess the fasted intestinal equilibrium solubility envelope using a small number of bioequivalent media recipes obtained from a multi-dimensional analysis of fasted HIF. The derivation of the nine bioequivalent SIF media coupled with the lower measured solubility range indicate that the solubility results are more likely to reflect the fasted intestinal solubility envelope than previous DoE studies and highlight that intestinal solubility is a range and not a single value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of solid dispersions (SD) on solubility and release of Zafirlukast (ZA) by physical mixture (PM), solvent evaporation (SE) and kneading method (KM) with Eudragit EPO (EPO) as binary component and Poloxamer 188 (P188) and Poloxamer 407 (P407) as ternary components. The binary and ternary systems caused an increase of 322 folds and 356 folds in aqueous solubility of ZA, respectively. Formulations were characterized for solubility, FTIR, PXRD, DSC, SEM and dissolution studies. P407 was found to be an excellent solubility booster in combination with EPO. It was concluded that solubility and dissolution rate of ZA increased significantly when SD of the ZA was prepared by solvent evaporation method (1:7 ratio) using 15% P407 as ternary component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung diseases, including asthma, pose a serious global health issue. Loss of mitochondrial function and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis play pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of chronic lung diseases. Thus, maintaining mitochondrial function and homeostasis is an important treatment goal. Zafirlukast is a CysLTR1 antagonist that is widely used as an adjuvant treatment for asthma. In the present study, we investigated the effects of zafirlukast in vitro using human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs). We performed measurements of oxygen consumption and bioenergetics and found that zafirlukast increased mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis in human BECs as evidenced by increased mitochondrial mass and mtDNA/nDNA. Through real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we found that zafirlukast significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, we determined that these effects are mediated through CREB signaling and that inhibition of CREB with its specific inhibitor H89 abolished the effects of zafirlukast described above. Thus, zafirlukast might have potential in enhancing mitochondrial function by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in human bronchial epithelial cells through upregulating the expression of PGC-1α and activating the CREB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Over the past few years, AI has been considered as potential important area for improving drug development and in the current urgent need to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic new technologies are even more in focus with the hope to speed up this process. The purpose of our study was to identify the best repurposing candidates among FDA-approved drugs, based on their predicted antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: This article describes a drug discovery screening based on a supervised machine learning model, trained on in vitro data encoded in chemical fingerprints, representing particular molecular substructures. Predictive performance of our model has been evaluated using so-called scaffold splits offering a state-of-the-art setup for assessing model's ability to generalize to new chemical spaces, critical for drug repurposing applications. Key findings: Our study identified zafirlukast as the best repurposing candidate for COVID-19. Significance: Zafirlukast could be potent against COVID-19 both due to its predicted antiviral properties and its ability to attenuate the so called cytokine storm. Thus, these two critical mechanisms of action may be combined in one drug as a novel and promising pharmacotherapy in the current pandemic.

Background and Purpose: Multiple members of the thiol isomerase (TI) family of enzymes are present in and released by platelets. Inhibition of these enzymes results in diminished platelet responses, aggregation, adhesion and thrombus formation. Recently, the therapeutic potential of TI inhibition has been recognised and drug-development technologies were used to identify selective small molecule inhibitors. To date, few pan-TI inhibitors have been characterised and the most studied, bacitracin, is known to be nephrotoxic, which prohibits its systemic therapeutic usage.Experimental Approach: We therefore sought to identify novel broad-spectrum inhibitors of these enzymes and test their effects in vivo. A total of 3,641 compounds were screened for inhibitory effects on the redox activity of ERp5, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), ERp57, ERp72 and thioredoxin in an insulin turbidity assay. Of the lead compounds identified, zafirlukast was selected for further investigation.Key Results: When applied to platelets, zafirlukast diminished platelet responses in vitro. Zafirlukast was antithrombotic in murine models of thrombosis but did not impair responses in a model of haemostasis. Since TIs are known to modulate adhesion receptor function, we explored the effects of zafirlukast on cell migration. This was inhibited independently of cysteinyl LT receptor expression and was associated with modulation of cell-surface free thiol levels consistent with alterations in redox activity on the cell surface.Conclusion and Implications: We identify zafirlukast to be a novel, potent, broad-spectrum TI inhibitor, with wide-ranging effects on platelet function, thrombosis and integrin-mediated cell migration. Zafirlukast is antithrombotic but does not cause bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xiao-Gang Chen,1 Fu Hua,2 Shou-Guo Wang,1 Yong-Yi Xu,1 Hai-Tao Yue,1 Jin Sun1 1Department of Orthopedics, Huai’an First People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu 223300, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gynaecology, Huai’an First People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu 223300, People’s Republic of China Background: Biosynthesis of leukotriene (LT) by arachidonic acid involves 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) as an important precursor. Here, we evaluated the role of pseudohypericin (PHP) for its postulated 5-LO inhibitory activity along with a Cys-LT receptor antagonist zafirlukast (ZFL) against inflammatory response and tissue injury in mice. Materials and methods: The spinal injury was induced by two-level laminectomy of T6 and T7 vertebrae. The inflammation was assessed by histology, inflammatory mediators by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, apoptosis by Annexin-V, FAS staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end labeling (TUNEL) assay and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 by Western blot. Effect on motor recovery of hind limbs was evaluated for 10 days postinjury. Results: The spinal injury resulted in tissue damage, apoptosis, edema, infiltration of neutrophils with increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The spinal tissue showed elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and LTB4 and increased phosphorylation of injured extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2). The PHP, ZFL and combination decreased inflammation, tissue injury and infiltration of neutrophils. Treatment also decreased the levels of PGE2, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (pERK 1/2), LT, TNF-α and COX-2 with a marked reduction in apoptosis and improved the motor function. Conclusion: The present study confirmed 5-LO antagonist activity of PHP and established its neuroprotective role along with ZFL. Keywords: pseudohypericin, zafirlukast, 5-lipoxygenase, Cys-LT, mice

In the current scenario of pharmaceutical research much attention has been focused on patients health in terms of therapeutic efficacy and economical standards (price factor).The formulation design consist of core tablets designed by direct compression method. Core tablets were coated with a naturally occurring swelling agent (carbopol & Karaya gum). Evaluation studies were performed for prepared pulsatile tablets hardness. In in vitro release profile of 6 hours study in first 5 hours it shows minimum drug release and at the end of six hours rapid and transient release was observed. Stability studies proved that coating of tablets seems to decrease the effect of temperature and moisture on degradation of Zafirlukast. The pulsatile release has been achieved from tablet over a 7-8 hour period. Objectives: 1. To Prepare and evaluate the pulsatile drug delivery system of zafirlukast. 2. To perform in-vitro drug release studies and to assess drug release studies. Methodology: Methodology of the present research include the preparation of core tablet by Direct compression method. Preparation of coated tablet by preparing 16mm die, placing the core tablet manually at center and compression was done in rotary compression tablet machine using16.4×8mm flat oval shape punch. Results: Pre-compression parameters were conducted for all formulations blend and were found to be satisfactory. Bulk density was found in the range 0.340 - 0.384 g/sq cm and tapped density in the range of 0.394 - 0.434 g/sq cm. Using these two density factors Hausner's ratio and compressibility index was calculated. The powder blend of all formulations had Hausner's ratio was between 1.11 - 1.17 which indicates better flow property and compressibility index between 10.74 to 14.88 which indicates fair flow ability property. The fair flow abil ity property of the powder blend was also evidenced with angle of repose between 25.24-27.97 which is below 40 indicating good flow ability. Conclusion: A satisfactory attempt was made towards the development of efficacious drug delivery systems with already existing active ingredient (Zafirlukast). The coating given by the combination of carbopol and Karayagum enhanced the drug release from the coated tablet and side effects were minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular dementia is considered a vascular cognitive impairment disease caused by neuronal degeneration in the brain. Several studies have supported the hypothesis that oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are the main pathogenic factors in vascular dementia. This current study aims to determine the possible neuroprotective effects of zafirlukast, piracetam and the combination of piracetam and zafirlukast on L‐methionine‐induced vascular dementia in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was the normal control, and group II received L‐methionine (1700 mg/kg, P.O.) for 32 days. The remaining groups received zafirlukast (20 mg/kg, P.O.), piracetam (600 mg/kg, P.O.) or their combination (zafirlukast 20 mg/kg + piracetam 600 mg/kg, P.O.) for 32 days after L‐methionine administration. Afterwards, the cognitive and memory performances of the rats were investigated using the novel object recognition (NOR) test; rats were then sacrificed for histopathological and biochemical analyses. L‐methionine‐induced vascular dementia altered rats' behaviours and the brain contents of different neurotransmitters and acetylcholinesterase activity while increasing levels of oxidative stress and causing notable histopathological alterations in brain tissues. The treatment of vascular dementia with zafirlukast and the combination improved neurochemical, behavioural and histological alterations to a comparable level to those of piracetam. Thus, zafirlukast, piracetam and the combination of both drugs can be considered as potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of vascular dementia induced by L‐methionine. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the neuroprotective effects of zafirlukast and piracetam on L‐methionine‐induced vascular dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zafirlukast (ZST) is a vital cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist. • Four spectrophotometric methods for the determination of ZST in solid dispersion's. • Pharmaceutical analysis is oriented on ZST ion complexation with chromogens. • Sensitive, precise, accurate results as recommended by ICH guidelines. The purpose of present work was to develop a novel analytical method for orally given leukotriene antagonist Zafirlukast (ZST), present in Meglumine and Eudragit EEPO based solid dispersion formulation. Four simple, extraction-free, fast, and economical methods based on charge transfer complexation among nitrogen of ZST with sulfonyl group comprising chromogenic mediator bromophenol blue (BPB-Method B), bromothymol blue (BTB-Method C) and bromocresol green (BCG-Method D). The first method (A) is based on the analysis using 0.1 M HCl as a solvent at λ max 242 nm while chromogenic methods yield color complex at λ max 415 nm (BPB-Method B), λ max 420 nm (BTB-Method C) and λ max 435 nm (BCG-Method D). The Beer's Law stayed linear in the concentration ranges of 1–10, 10–75, 5–40 and 15–100 μg/ml for methods A, B, C and D, respectively. The spectral and thermodynamic characterization of each method was carried out by the application of Molar Absorptivity, LOD, LOQ, Association Constant and Gibbs free energy (ΔGo). The methods were statistically optimized and evaluated by F-Distribution Value, P-Value, Shapiro-Wilk P-Value, regression analysis, Q-Q plot, prediction interval, residual histogram and plots. Various experimental conditions affecting the complexation and stability of chromogenic complexes are cautiously studied including optimal temperature, chromogenic agent volume, color stability, recovery, precision and accuracy. All the measurements were executed under ICH guidelines. It can be established that proposed would be an appropriate prospective analytical approach for estimation of ZST in pure bulk, solid dispersions and dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonists (CysLT1RA) are frequently used as add-on medication for the treatment of asthma. Recently, these compounds have shown protective effects in cardiovascular diseases. This prompted us to investigate their influence on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) activities, two targets known to play an important role in CVD and the metabolic syndrome. Montelukast, pranlukast and zafirlukast inhibited human sEH with IC50 values of 1.9, 14.1, and 0.8 μM, respectively. In contrast, only montelukast and zafirlukast activated PPARγ in the reporter gene assay with EC50 values of 1.17 μM (21.9% max. activation) and 2.49 μM (148% max. activation), respectively. PPARα and δ were not affected by any of the compounds. The activation of PPARγ was further investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Analysis of lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein expression of target genes as well as PPARγ phosphorylation revealed that montelukast was not able to induce adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, zafirlukast triggered moderate lipid accumulation compared to rosiglitazone and upregulated PPARγ target genes. In addition, we found that montelukast and zafirlukast display antagonistic activities concerning recruitment of the PPARγ cofactor CBP upon ligand binding suggesting that both compounds act as PPARγ modulators. In addition, zafirlukast impaired the TNFα triggered phosphorylation of PPARγ2 on serine 273. Thus, zafirlukast is a novel dual sEH/PPARγ modulator representing an excellent starting point for the further development of this compound class.

Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonists (CysLT1RA) are frequently used as add-on medication for the treatment of asthma. Recently, these compounds have shown protective effects in cardiovascular diseases. This prompted us to investigate their influence on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) activities, two targets known to play an important role in CVD and the metabolic syndrome. Montelukast, pranlukast and zafirlukast inhibited human sEH with IC50 values of 1.9, 14.1, and 0.8 μM, respectively. In contrast, only montelukast and zafirlukast activated PPARγ in the reporter gene assay with EC50 values of 1.17 μM (21.9% max. activation) and 2.49 μM (148% max. activation), respectively. PPARα and δ were not affected by any of the compounds. The activation of PPARγ was further investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Analysis of lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein expression of target genes as well as PPARγ phosphorylation revealed that montelukast was not able to induce adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, zafirlukast triggered moderate lipid accumulation compared to rosiglitazone and upregulated PPARγ target genes. In addition, we found that montelukast and zafirlukast display antagonistic activities concerning recruitment of the PPARγ cofactor CBP upon ligand binding suggesting that both compounds act as PPARγ modulators. In addition, zafirlukast impaired the TNFα triggered phosphorylation of PPARγ2 on serine 273. Thus, zafirlukast is a novel dual sEH/PPARγ modulator representing an excellent starting point for the further development of this compound class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zafirlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, has been shown to exert a wide range of effects including anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and oral anti-bacterial. Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent age-related public health burdens in the modern world. In the present study, we applied zafirlukast in the treatment of human primary chondrocytes and found that it exerts potent anti-osteoarthritic effects. Zafirlukast inhibited AGEs-induced degradation of the articular extracellular matrix by suppressing expression of MMPs, ADAMTS, NOX-4, generation of ROS, and activation of NF-κB via the IκBα/JNK/AP-1 pathway through targeted inhibition of CysLTR1. These findings suggest that zafirlukast possesses a protective effect against AGEs- induced damage and dysfunction in human chondrocytes. Highlights • AGEs increased the expressions of CysLTR1 in a dose dependent manner. • Zafirlukast ameliorates AGEs-induced expression of NOX-4 and production of ROS. • Zafirlukast suppresses AGEs-induced degradation of aggrecan and type II collagen. • Zafirlukast suppressed AGEs-induced expression of MMP-3, -13, ADAMTS-4, -5. • Zafirlukast suppressed AGEs-induced activation of JNK/AP1/NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic inflammation has been considered one of the most important mechanisms behind a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Extensive efforts have been made in past decades to explore the underlying mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and to develop new therapeutic agents for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Zafirlukast, a selective antagonist of CysLT receptor 1 (CysLT1R), has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of asthma. In this study, we found that zafirlukast possesses beneficial protective effects on endothelial cells from TNF-α-induced inflammatory response and injury. Our results indicate that TNF-α treatment induces CysLT1R expression. The addition of zafirlukast to culture media suppressed TNF-α-induced expression of endothelial vascular adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and induction of cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Zafirlukast also ameliorated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells induced by TNF-α. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that zafirlukast suppresses MAPK kinase p38 and NF-κB activation to inhibit inflammatory mediators. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of a potential therapeutic strategy for endothelial dysfunction-related diseases and shed light on the possible application of zafirlukast in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukotriene antagonists constitute an important group of drugs in the therapeutic armamentarium of all dermatologists. It has been quite valuable in the management of various types of urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Recently, the role of zileuton in the management of acne has been elaborated, and in the near future it could be used as a first-line agent for the same, thereby preventing adverse effects and antibiotic resistance encountered following antibiotic use. This review will throw light on the dermatologic aspects of leukotriene antagonists.

• Hepatic Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) elevates hepatic apoptotic biomarkers as well as SMAD-4, NF-κB and VEGF protein expressions. • Zafirlukast (ZFK) showed efficient protection against IR injury. • The beneficial effect of ZFK might be mediated through the normalization of disturbed apoptotic biomarkers and down regulation of VEGF protein expression. This is in addition to the modulation of NF-κB/SMAD-4 and Bcl-2/Bax pathways. Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a clinical problem commonly during liver transplantation and other liver surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of zafirlukast (ZFK) on IR-induced hepatic injury and investigate its relevant protective mechanism. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to four groups: sham, IRI, ZFK, and ZFK + IR groups. ZFK was administered orally in a dose of 80 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBL) levels, and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were estimated. Liver tissues were used to assess oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NOx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. Inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-33 (IL-33), in addition to apoptosis biomarkers, BCL2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and galactine-9 (GAL9) proteins were also assessed. Western blot analysis was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrinogen expressions. Immunohistochemical analysis for hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and SMAD-4 was done in addition to histopathological examination. Our study revealed that ZFK pre-treatment resulted in liver function restoration and oxidative stress correction. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced and a remarkable reduction of apoptosis, angiogenesis, and clotting formation has been indicated. Additionally, a significant reduction in SMAD-4 and NF-kB protein expressions was observed. These results were supported by hepatic architecture improvement. Our findings revealed that ZFK possesses a potential protective effect against liver IR possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Capsular contracture is the most troublesome complication in breast implant surgery. Although capsule formation can be seen as a normal reaction to a foreign body, it can induce pain, hardness, deformity, and other pathologic problems. Surgical intervention is required in severe cases, but even surgery cannot guarantee a successful outcome without recurrence. This experimental study confirms that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast (Accolate, Astrazeneca) reduces peri-implant capsule formation and prevents capsular contracture. Methods Twelve smooth-surfaced cohesive gel implants were implanted in New Zealand White rabbits. These miniature implants were designed to be identical to currently used products for breast augmentation. The rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group (n=6), the implant and normal saline with zafirlukast were inserted in the submuscular pocket. In the control group (n=6), the implant and normal saline alone were used. Two months later, the implants with peri-implant capsule were excised. We evaluated capsule thickness and collagen pattern and performed immunohistochemical staining of myofibroblasts, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, 2. Results The thickness of the capsules in the experimental group was reduced in both dorsal and ventral directions. The collagen pattern showed parallel alignment with low density, and the number of myofibroblasts as well as the amounts of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were reduced in the experimental group. Conclusions We suggest that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast can be helpful in reducing capsule formation and preventing capsular contracture via myofibroblast suppression, modulation of fibroblastic cytokines, and anti-inflammatory effect.

The zafirlukast has been reported to be anti‐inflammatory and widely used to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. However, its influence on insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells has not been investigated. Herein, we examined the effects of zafirlukast on insulin secretion and the potential underlying mechanisms. Among the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonists, zafirlukast, pranlukast, and montelukast, only zafirlukast enhanced insulin secretion in a concentration‐dependent manner in both low and high glucose conditions and elevated the level of [Ca2+]i, further activating Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase B (AKT), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. These effects were nearly abolished by the L‐type Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine, while treatment with thapsigargin, a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, did not have the same effect, suggesting that zafirlukast primarily induces the entry of extracellular Ca2+ rather than intracellular Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. Zafirlukast treatment resulting in a significant drop in glucose levels and increased insulin secretion in C57BL/6J mice. These findings will contribute to an improved understanding of the side effects of zafirlukast and potential candidate for a therapeutic intervention in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The West Nile virus (WNV) has spread throughout the world causing neuroinvasive diseases with no treatments available. The viral NS2B-NS3 protease is essential for WNV survival and replication in host cells and is a promising drug target. Through an enzymatic screen of the National Institute of Health clinical compound library, we report the discovery of zafirlukast, an FDA approved treatment for asthma, as an inhibitor for the WNV NS2B-NS3 protease. Zafirlukast was determined to inhibit the protease through a mixed mode mechanism with an IC 50 value of 32 μM. A structure activity relationship study of zafirlukast revealed the cyclopentyl carbamate and N -aryl sulfonamide as structural elements crucial for NS2B-NS3 protease inhibition. Replacing the cyclopentyl with a phenyl improved inhibition, resulting in an IC 50 of 22 μM. Experimental and computational docking analysis support the inhibition model of zafirlukast and analogs binding at an allosteric site on the NS3 protein, thereby disrupting the NS2B cofactor from binding, resulting in protease inhibition. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Zafirlukast was discovered as an inhibitor for the West Nile virus NS2B-NS3 protease. • Zafirlukast inhibits the NS2B-NS3 protease through a mixed mode inhibition mechanism. • An SAR study revealed the carbamate and aryl toluic acid sulfonamide vital for inhibition. • Substituting the cyclopentyl for a phenyl improved inhibitor activity. • Molecular modeling predicts zafirlukast disrupts NS2B binding to the NS3 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of both zafirlukast and vincamine and their possible role in the treatment of tamoxifen-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods Female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each). Groups I and II received 1% Tween 80 and served as normal and tamoxifen controls, respectively. Groups III, IV and V were treated with zafirlukast (80 mg/kg), vincamine (10 mg/kg) and a combination of zafirlukast (80 mg/kg) and vincamine (10 mg/kg), respectively for 10 successive days. Tamoxifen was given orally to all groups, except for 1st group, in the dose of 45 mg/kg for 10 days to induce liver injury. Subsequently, rats were sacrificed for biochemical, histopathological, Immunohistochemistry, PCR and western blot assessment. Key findings Tamoxifen-induced liver injury was reflected by alterations in estimated biochemical parameters, activation of JNK/ERK pathway, increased expression of NF-κB, liver oxidative stress and inflammatory markers parallel to histopathological changes in liver tissue. Treatment of rats with zafirlukast and vincamine ameliorated tamoxifen induced hepatic cell injury via suppressing oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, caspases-3, p-JNK/p-ERK and NF-κB pathways. Significance Zafirlukast and vincamine may be regarded as potential therapeutic strategies with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities against tamoxifen-induced oxidative damage in rat liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]