Inhibitory effects of bisbenzylisoquinolines on synthesis of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha

Abstract

Synthesis of IL-1β and TNFα by human monocytesmacrophages was significantly inhibited by eleven bisbenzylisoquinolines and one half-molecule (benzylisoquinoline), with IC50 values in the μM range. The results indicate that these compounds may have value in the therapy of human diseases where these inflammatory cytokines have a central role in pathogenesis.