3D-QSAR and preliminary evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of series of N-pyrrolylcarboxylic acids

Abstract The present study focuses on development of new potential inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): series of N -pyrrolylcarboxylic acids. 3D-QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship) CoMFA (Comparative Molecular Field Analysis) and CoMSIA (Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis) models for predicting inhibitory activities against COX-1 and COX-2 as well as for evaluating in vivo anti-inflammatory activity were obtained and used for preliminary screening of new anti-inflammatory N -pyrrolylcarboxylic acids. Nine compounds were selected for in vivo testing and evaluated for their potency to decrease carrageenin-induced edema in rats. The compounds were applied i.p. at doses 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg and p.o. at doses 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg. Six compounds showed more than 70% protection of the edema. Indomethacin (2 mg/kg i.p.), used as a reference drug, possessed 54% anti-inflammatory activity under similar experimental conditions.