A new class of indoline derivatives shows potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities capable of decreasing inflammation in the brain, new research shows.

This finding highlights the potential of the new compounds in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The study “Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Derivatives of Indoline as Highly Potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Agents” was published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

In MS, as in many other diseases, chronic inflammation is known to play a major role in disease onset and progression.

The release of a group of molecules — the so-called proinflammatory cytokines — by the immune system in an unregulated manner promotes a state of chronic inflammation that ultimately leads to tissue damage. Another class of molecules, called reactive oxygen species (ROS), while important mediators of several cellular functions such as metabolic reactions, they also can cause damage to cells and tissues when released without control.

The new research led to the identification of a novel family of agents with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities for the treatment of pathological conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

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