Styrylheterocycles as a novel class inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2-mediated prostaglandin E(2) production

The inhibitory effects of a series of styrylheterocycles on the production of cyclooxygenase-2-mediated prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. A new series of potential inhibitors, including 3-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-thiophene, have been identified, thus providing novel chemical leads for the further development of potential inhibitors in this capacity. The suppression of COX-2 mRNA expression by the active styrylheterocycles, in part, was involved in the inhibitory activity against the overproduction of PGE(2).