The Effect of Nitrostyrene on Cell Proliferation and Macrophage Immune Responses

Abstract

The use of mood enhancing drugs such as amphetamine and ecstasy are now prevalent in society. These compounds are known to produce serious psychological and physiological problems in users, which can, in some circumstances result in death. While there has been much research into the effects of these drugs on the body, little if any research has investigated the effect of the side products and synthetic reaction by-products which are a consequence of there illegal production. In the study the effects of nitrostyrene, a reaction by-product in one of the routes to synthesis of amphetamine sulphate, on cell viability and macrophage function was determined. Treatment with nitrostyrene at doses >0.75 microg/mL had a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation of stomach cancer lines. Treatment of macrophages with doses as high as 10 microg/mL did not effect cell viability. Nitrostyrene treatment of macrophages, stimulated with IFN gamma and LPS, resulted in a dose dependent differential inhibition in IL12, IL6 and nitrite production, even using doses < 0.5 microg/mL. Thus ranking of the three, on the basis of the suppressive effect obtained, is IL12 > nitrite > IL6. Thus ingestion of nitrostyrene contaminated ecstasy is likely to have a adverse effect on the immune responses of the recreational user.

Potent Inhibition of Human Telomerase by Nitrostyrene Derivatives

“…One of these derivatives showed potent antiproliferative effects on mouse epidermal keratinocyte cell line. Furthermore, treatment of nitrostyrene has a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation of the stomach cancer cell line (Carter et al, 2002). The results in this study revealed the molecular mechanism of action of nitrostyrene derivatives as telomerase inhibitors.…”

Synthesis and serotonin transporter activity of 1,3-bis(aryl)-2-nitro-1-propenes as a new class of anticancer agents

“…In recent years, there have been many studies investigating the biological effects and functions of these compounds, with nitrostyrenes having been shown to have antimicrobial 39,41 and insecticidal 42 properties. Some have even been shown to affect the down regulation of interleukins, suggesting an immunological role 43 .…”

β-Nitrostyrene derivatives as potential antibacterial agents: A structure–property–activity relationship study

“…1 These compounds have also been described as highly potent and selective human telomerase inhibitors 2 as well as cytotoxic for human cancer cell lines. 3 Moreover, it was shown that they are able to downregulate the production of some interleukins, thus affecting the immune response in humans. 3 The nitrovinyl side chain attached to the aromatic ring was recognized to be an essential chemical feature in this type of compounds and a critical conformational pattern for their biological activity.…”

“…3 Moreover, it was shown that they are able to downregulate the production of some interleukins, thus affecting the immune response in humans. 3 The nitrovinyl side chain attached to the aromatic ring was recognized to be an essential chemical feature in this type of compounds and a critical conformational pattern for their biological activity. 1,4 Although the antifungic and antibacterial properties of this type of compounds have been studied since the 1940s, the work in this area during the last decade is rather scarce.…”