Synthesis and biological evaluation of curcuminoid pyrazoles as new therapeutic agents in inflammatory bowel disease: Effect on matrix metalloproteinases
Seven N-unsubstituted curcuminoid pyrazoles have been synthesized from the corresponding beta-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). (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.