Preclinical evaluation of the urokinase receptor-derived peptide UPARANT as an anti-inflammatory drug

摘要: Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) exerts plethora functions both physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation. In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect novel peptide ligand uPAR, UPARANT, different animal models Rats mice were divided groups (n = 5) for single or repeated administration vehicle (9% DMSO 0.9% NaCl), UPARANT (6, 12 24 mg/kg) dexamethasone (2 mg/kg). Animals subjected to carrageenan-induced paw oedema zymosan-induced peritonitis. effects tested on: (1) volume, (2) expression inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels exudates, (3) cells recruitment into peritoneal cavity after zymosan injection (4) NOx lavage. (12 reduced inflammation experimental paradigms. Analysis pro-inflammatory enzymes revealed that iNOS, COX2 NO over-production. Our study provides solid evidence reduces severity diverse models, thus representing drug with potential advantages respect typical steroidal agents.