Computational and Preclinical Analysis of 2-(4-Methyl)benzylidene-4,7-dimethyl Indan-1-one (IPX-18): A Novel Arylidene Indanone Small Molecule with Anti-Inflammatory Activity via NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Inflammatory responses are recorded in many dreadful diseases. As the presently used mainline anti-inflammatory treatments are proven to have adverse short- and/or long-term side effects, the search for alternative anti-inflammatory agents that may possess lesser side effects is on constant demand. This study evaluates IPX-18, a novel arylidene indanone small molecule, due to its anti-inflammatory activity mediated by NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling. These findings provide new insights for future research on this molecule for its development as a novel anti-inflammatory agent to treat several diseases. ABSTRACT: Background: The adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs urges the search for new anti-inflammatory agents. This study aims at the preclinical analysis of the in-house synthesized small molecule IPX-18. Human whole blood (HWB), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and neutrophils were used. Rat basophil cells (RBL-2H3) were used to assess degranulation. Binding stability to NF-κB-p50 was predicted using computational docking and molecular dynamic simulations. Essential signaling proteins were evaluated through flow cytometry. Results: IPX-18 inhibited the release of TNF-α with an IC(50) value of 298.8 nM and 96.29 nM in the HWB and PBMCs, respectively. The compound depicted an IC(50) value of 217.6 nM in the HWB and of 103.7 nM in the PBMCs for IFN-γ inhibition. IL-2 release and IL-8 release were inhibited by IPX-18 in the HWB and PBMCs. The compound controlled the migration of and the elastase in the activated neutrophils. The IC(50) value for basophil activation through the FcεRI receptor assay was found to be 91.63 nM. IPX-18 inhibited RBL-2H3-degranulation with an IC(50) value of 98.52 nM. The computational docking analysis predicted that IPX-18 would effectively bind NF-κB-p50. NF-κB-phosphorylation in the activated RBL-2H3 cells was decreased, and the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were increased with IPX-18 treatment. Conclusions: IPX-18 demonstrated efficacy in mediating the effector cells’ inflammatory responses through NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling.