Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of furoxan coupled ibuprofen derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents.

A series of furoxan-based nitric oxide releasing ibuprofen derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ulcerogenic, lipid peroxidation, and hepatotoxic properties. The compounds exhibited more protection than ibuprofen with regard to gastric toxicity. Among the tested compounds 4-[2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanamido]ethoxycarbonyl]-3-methylfuroxan and 4-[2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoyl]hydrazinecarbonyl]-3-phenylfuroxan emerged as most active anti-inflammatory agents with reduced gastrotoxicity. The results showed that incorporation of NO donating group caused a moderate increase in anti-inflammatory activity with a marked decrease in gastric ulcerations compared to their parent drug ibuprofen. A molecular docking study of all the compounds was also performed to provide the binding modes of COX-1 enzyme. Among all the titled compounds, 4-[2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanamido]ethoxycarbonyl]-3-methylfuroxan was found to be most potent and have high docking score showing favorable orientation within the COX-1 binding site. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]