Resolving neuroinflammation, the therapeutic potential of the anti-malaria drug family of artemisinin.

Abstract

Artemisinin (Qinghaosu) and its semi-synthetic derivatives have been demonstrated to alleviate neuroinflammatory response in the central nerve system (CNS). In this review, we summarized that artemisinins are capable to treat neuroinflammtion-related CNS diseases in both direct (via regulating inflammatory process in the CNS, exerting anti-oxidative stress and neuroprotective effect, and preventing Aβ accumulation) and indirect (via maintaining BBB integrity, suppressing systemic inflammation and alleviating intestinal inflammtion) manner. However, the precise mechanism of their anti-neuroinflammatory effects and potential neurotoxicity, which hindered further progress in these aspects, remains unclear. We suggest that further understanding of the PK/PD properties and structure-action relationship of atemisinin and its derivatives will facilitate the development of new therapeutics with better curative effects and safety.

• Authors: Zhe Shi, Ying Chen, Cong Lu, Li-Ming Dong, Jing-Wei Lv, Qin-Hui Tuo, Li Qin, Shao-Wu Cheng, Lan-Lan Bu, Na Lin, Xiao-Xin Zhu, Duan-Fang Liao, Xin-Min Liu
• Journal: Pharmacological research (Pharmacol Res) Vol. 136 Pg. 172-180 (10 2018) ISSN: 1096-1186 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 30196102 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antimalarials
• Artemisinins
• Neuroprotective Agents

Topics

• Alzheimer Disease (drug therapy)
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antimalarials (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Artemisinins (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Central Nervous System (drug effects)
• Humans
• Intestines (drug effects)
• Neuroprotective Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)