Inhibitory effects of Mannich bases of heterocyclic chalcones on NO production by activated RAW 264.7 macrophages and superoxide anion generation and elastase release by activated human neutrophils

Some chalcones exert potent anti-inflammatory activities. Mannich bases of heterocyclic chalcones inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Also Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and cytochalasin B induced superoxide anion generation ( O 2 · - ) and elastase release in human neutrophils. Mannich bases of heterocyclic chalcone analogs exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO production with IC50 values ranges between 10.5 and 0.018 μM, O 2 · - generation (IC50 39.87–0.68 μM) and elastase release (IC50 39.74–0.95 μM). Compound 29 (IC50 0.055 μM) and 34 (IC50 0.018 μM) were showed excellent inhibition on NO production. On the other hand, compounds 2 and 8 showed potent inhibition on O 2 · - generation and elastase release. Therefore, these four compounds may be new leads for development of anti-inflammatory activities. The structure–activity relationships are also discussed.