RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 A Novel Small Molecule, (E)-5-(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl)phenyl)-5′-methyl-7,7′-dimethoxy-4,4′-bibenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5,5′-dicarboxylate (7k), Alleviates the Development of d-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Failure by Inhibiting Macrophage Infiltration and Regulating Cytokine Expression JF Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO J Pharmacol Exp Ther FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 146 OP 155 DO 10.1124/jpet.111.189498 VO 341 IS 1 A1 Chongyang Deng A1 Juan Liu A1 Guangcheng Wang A1 Liang Ma A1 Caifeng Xie A1 Xuewei Wang A1 Xiuxia Li A1 Lijuan Chen YR 2012 UL http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/341/1/146.abstract AB Acute liver failure (ALF) is a relatively rare liver disorder that leads to the massive death of hepatocytes. Our previous study reported that a novel small-molecule agent, (E)-5-(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl)phenyl)-5′-methyl-7,7′-dimethoxy-4,4′-bibenzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5,5′-dicarboxylate (7k), possessed potent anti-inflammatory activity. In the present study, we further evaluated the therapeutic effects of 7k on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALF and investigated the mechanisms of action. Our results demonstrated that 7k inhibited the migration of RAW264.7 macrophages, blocked the activity of nuclear factor-κB protein, and dose-dependently down-regulated the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 as well as their corresponding mRNAs in RAW264.7 cells. Oral administration of 7k at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly suppressed the serum level of enzyme activity and prevented the damage of liver tissue in d-galactosamine/LPS-induced ALF. Treatment with 7k also remarkably blocked the increase in the number of CD11b+- and CD68+-positive cells in the liver, and in vivo nuclear factor-κB activity, known to regulate inflammatory responses in many cell types, was effectively inhibited. The serum concentrations and hepatic mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were markedly down-regulated in mice by the treatment of 7k. In summary, 7k alleviated the development and progression of d-galactosamine/LPS-induced ALF by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and regulating the expression of cytokines.