The present invention provides a novel scientific approach to determine whether a compound has anti-inflammatory activity. In particular, the novel assays allow the screening of compounds for the purposes of prophylactic and therapeutic use in treating or ameliorating the symptoms of T-cell, macrophage or neutrophil mediated diseases in mammals. In particular, the invention is based on the measurement of the capacity of a substance being an oil or fat, an alcoholic extract of an oil or fat, a biologically active component of an oil or a fat, or a preparation comprising an oil or fat, to suppress the activity of T-cells, macrophages or neutrophils in humans or animals in response to chemical and/or biological agents that activate these cell types. Measurements are made either in vivo (eg in mice) or in an in vitro preparation of human T-cells, macrophages or neutrophils, or a cell line derived therefrom. The substance is, in particular, emu oil or an ethanolic extract thereof. Therapeutic compositions and methods are also disclosed.
本发明提供了一种确定化合物是否具有抗炎活性的新型科学方法。特别是,本发明的新型检测方法可以筛选出用于预防和治疗哺乳动物 T 细胞、巨噬细胞或中性粒细胞介导的疾病或改善其症状的化合物。特别是,本发明是基于对油或脂肪、油或脂肪的醇
提取物、油或脂肪的
生物活性成分或包含油或脂肪的制剂等物质的能力进行测定,以抑制人或动物体内的 T 细胞、巨噬细胞或中性粒细胞对激活这些细胞类型的
化学和/或
生物制剂的活性。测量可在体内(如小鼠体内)或体外制备的人类 T 细胞、巨噬细胞或中性粒细胞或由其衍生的
细胞系中进行。该物质尤其是鸸鹋油或其
乙醇提取物。还公开了治疗组合物和方法。