Synthesis and biological evaluation of curcuminoid pyrazoles as new therapeutic agents in inflammatory bowel disease: Effect on matrix metalloproteinases

Abstract

Seven N-unsubstituted curcuminoid pyrazoles have been synthesized from the corresponding β-diketones (including curcumin). We evaluated the possibility of curcuminoid pyrazoles regulating the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Zymographic analysis revealed that three compounds significantly down-regulated MMP-9 activity on inflammation-induced intestinal epithelial cells, making them original candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.