Synthesis and Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity of 3H-benzo [4, 5] thieno [2, 3-d] [1, 2, 3] triazin-4-ones: Possible Mechanism of Altered Lipid Metabolism

 
 

Gollapalle L. Viswanatha,1 Janaki Priyadarshini B,1 Shylaja Hanumanthappa,2 Srinath Rangappa,1 Saravanan Janardhanan3

 
  DOI 10.5001/omj.2012.96  
 
 
 
1Department of Pharmacology, PES College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560050.
2Department of Pharmacognosy, PES College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560050.
3Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, PES College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560050.

Received: 02 Apr 2012
Accepted: 25 Jun 2012

*Address correspondence and reprints request to: Gollapalle L. Viswanatha, Department of Pharmacology, PES College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560050.
E-mail: glv_000@yahoo.com
 
 
 
 

How to cite this article

Viswanatha GL, Janaki Priyadarshini B, Hanumanthappa S, Rangappa S, Janardhanan S. Synthesis and Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity of 3H-benzo [4, 5] thieno [2, 3-d] [1, 2, 3] triazin-4-ones: Possible Mechanism of Altered Lipid Metabolism. Oman Med J 2012 Sept; 27(5):388-395.

How to cite this URL

Viswanatha GL, Janaki Priyadarshini B, Hanumanthappa S, Rangappa S, Janardhanan S. Synthesis and Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity of 3H-benzo [4, 5] thieno [2, 3-d] [1, 2, 3] triazin-4-ones: Possible Mechanism of Altered Lipid Metabolism. Oman Med J 2012 Sept; 27(5):388-395. Available from http://www.omjournal.org/fultext_PDF.aspx?DetailsID=288&type=fultext

 
 


Abstract

Objectives: The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of newly synthesized tricyclic benzothieno 1, 2, 3-triazine derivatives namely CP-1 (3-(methyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno [2,3-d][1,2,3] triazin-4-one), CP-2 (3-(ethyl)- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno[2,3-d][1,2,3] triazin-4-one) and CP-6 (3-(2-chloro phenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno [2,3-d][1,2,3] triazin-4-one) against dexamethasone and Triton WR-1339-induced hyper-lipidemia in rats.

Methods: Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the test compounds were evaluated against dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, subcutaneous [s.c.]) and Triton WR-1339 (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p]) induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

Results: Administration of single dose of Triton WR-1339 (200 mg/kg i.p) and dexamethasone (10 mg/kg s.c.) for 8 consecutive days to adult wistar rats caused severe hyperlipidemia characterized by marked increase in serum cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and triglyceride levels along with an increase in atherogenic index. Serum HDL-C levels were decreased significantly compare to normal control. Pretreatment with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.), CP-1 (25 & 50 mg/kg), CP-2 (25 & 50 mg/kg) and CP-6 (25 & 50mg/kg) showed significant and dose-dependent protection against dexamethasone and Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats by maintaining serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and HDL-C levels within the normal range. Also, a significant decrease in atherogenic index was observed. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of CP-6 was comparable with reference standard Atorvastatin. Furthermore, CP-6 was found to be more potent than CP-1 and CP-2.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 possess significant anti-hyperlipidemic activity against experimental animal models of hyperlipidemia.

Keywords: Triton WR-1339; Dexamethasone; Hyperlipidemia; Gewald reaction; Thiophenes; Diazotization; 1, 2, 3-Triazine-4-ones.

Introduction

Dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia is defined as an elevation of lipid concentration in blood. Several studies proved that there exists a strong correlation between hyperlipidemia and coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases.1-4 Moreover, reducing plasma cholesterol level coincides with reduced incidence of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.1 Henceforth, a rational approach for the prevention and treatment of cardio-cerebro vascular diseases could be by decreasing the elevated levels of lipids in plasma.5

Presently available treatment strategies for the management of hyperlipidemia include fibrates (clofibrate, fenfibrate), statin (atorvastatin, simovastatin) and bile sequestrants (choletiramine, cholestipol). The side/adverse effects that are associated with these drugs may limit their long term usage, henceforth scientists are in search for other drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidemia thereby preventing cardio-cerebro vascular diseases with less risk.6

The various triazine derivatives are reported for many medicinal uses such as anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic activity, purine antagonism activity, anti-cancer and trypanocidal activities, anti-neoplastic activity, inhibition of nitric oxide and eicosanoid biosynthesis, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with gastric motility enhancement activity, anti-anaphylactic activity, anti-blood platelet aggregation activity, anti-thrombotic and elastase inhibition activity, anti-allergic activity, inhibitors for xanthine oxidase, anti-viral/anti-tumor activity, and fungicidal activity.7

The 1, 2, 3- triazines are a novel class of heterocyclic compounds and limited research dealing with thieno 1, 2, 3-triazines have been reported and the number of known compounds of this type seems to be limited. The present study was undertaken to synthesize and investigate some new benzothieno 1, 2, 3, triazines for their anti-hyperlipidemic activity.7 In a previous study by the authors, it reported about the anti-histaminic activity of three newly synthesized tricyclic benzothieno 1, 2, 3-triazine in both in vitro and in vivo models.7 With this background, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of newly synthesized tricyclic benzothieno 1, 2, 3-triazine derivatives in experimental animal models of hyperlipidemia in rats.

Methods

The drugs used in the study included Atorvastatin (Ajanta Pharma, India), Triton WR – 1339 (iso-octyl polyoxyethylene phenol) (Sigma Aldrich, USA) and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (Strides Arco Labs, Bangalore), biochemical kits (Enzokits, Ranbaxy, India). The solvents and chemicals used for the synthesis of thieno triazines and for biochemical estimations were of analytical grade and procured from local firms.

Analytical TLC was performed on Silica plates- GF254 (Merck) with visualization by UV or iodine vapors. Melting points were determined in open capillaries on a Thermonic Melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. The IR spectra (KBr, cm-1) were run on Perkin Elmer FTIR Spectrophotometer. 1H NMR (CDCl3/DMSO-d6) spectra was recorded using Bruker AMX-400 with TMS as internal standard, MS spectra were recorded on (AMD-604) and Elemental analyses were performed on Carlo Erba 1108 elemental analyzer and were within ±0.4% of theoretical values.

The starting compounds in the synthesis of thienotriazines were 2-amino-3-(N-substituted carboxamido)-4,5-tetramethylene thiophenes namely CP-1a, CP-2a and CP-6a, which were synthesized involving an adaptation of a well-known and versatile Gewald reaction involving three steps.8 Later, the CP-1a, CP-2a and CP-6a were diazotized to yield a series of 3 - Substituted amino-5, 6-tetramethylene thieno [2, 3-d] [1, 2, 3]-triazin-4(3H)-ones namely CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, respectively. In this reaction, the starting compounds 2-amino-3-(N-substituted carboxamido)-4, 5-tetramethylene thiophenes (CP-1a, CP-2a, and CP-6a) react with NaNO2 in the presence of HCl to give the respective triazine-4-ones.

The general procedure for the synthesis of 2-amino-3-(N-substituted carboxamido-/carboxanilido)-4, 5-tetramethylene thiophenes (CP-1a, CP-2a, CP-6a) included a mixture of appropriate active methylenic ketone (0.04 mol), substituted cyano acetamide/acetanilide (0.04 mol), ammonium acetate (2 g) and glacial acetic acid (2 ml) in cyclohexane (80 mL) was refluxed for 10 hours in a Dean stark apparatus with an arrangement for water separation. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with cyclohexane and washed successively with water and 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude alpha (N-substituted carboxamido/carboxanilido) acetonitrile derivative thus obtained was employed directly for further reaction.

To a mixture of the above crude intermediate, sulphur (0.04 mol) in ethanol (40 mL) and diethylamine (4.0 mL) was added drop wise with stirring. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at 45 -50°C, chilled overnight and the solid obtained was filtered and washed with ethanol to yield yellow crystalline solids. Recrystallized from suitable solvents, yield - 45-50%.

While the general method for the synthesis of 4, 5-tetramethylene thieno [2, 3-d] [1, 2, 3]-triazin-4(3H)-ones (CP-1, CP-2, CP-6) included a mixture of the corresponding 2-amino-3-(N-substituted carboxamido/carboxanilido) - 4, 5-substituted thiophenes (CP-1a, CP-2a, CP-6a) (0.01 mol) in 30 mL of glacial acetic acid was warmed until the starting material dissolved. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, 20 ml of concentrated HCl was added and the reaction mixture was cooled to a temperature below 5°C. To this mixture an ice cold solution of NaNO2 (0.03 mol) in water (25 ml) was added drop wise with constant stirring. Temperature was maintained below 5°C. The product separated as bright yellow solid, which was filtered, dried and washed with methanol to obtain pure triazines (CP-1, CP-2, CP-6). The synthetic route employed for the synthesis of the title compounds is outlined in Fig. 1. The physical properties and elemental analysis of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 are given in Table 1.

f1

Figure 1: Scheme for the synthesis of thieno triazines.

Table1: Physical properties and Elemental analysis of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6.

t1

Spectral Data

3-(methyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno[2,3-d][1,2,3] triazin-4-one (CP-1)

M.P: 103 -105°C yield: 46%.

IR max cm-1 = Ar-CH 3024.83: -Ali-CH 2978.54; Arom C=C 1506.46; -CO- 1660; (C-N) - 746.23.

1H-NMR (CDCL3): 2.2(s, 3H,-CH3), 2.8-3.0(m, 8H, tetramethylenic protons).

MS (%) 221.06 (M+ 100.0%), 222.07 (11.3%), 223.06 (4.6%), 222.06 (1.9%).

3-(ethyl)- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno [2,3-d][1,2,3] triazin-4-one (CP-2)

M.P: 131-134°C yield: 49%

IR max cm -1 = -Ar-CH 3027.53: -Ali-CH 2988.42; Arom C=C 1505.46; - CO - 1682; (C-N) - 753. 32.

1H-NMR (CDCL3): 2.2 (q, 2H, -CH2), 2.0 - 3.0 (t, 3H,-CH3), 2.8-3.0(m, 8H, tetramethylenic protons).

MS (%) 235.08 (M+ 100.0%), 236.08(13.3%), 237.07 (4.4%), 237.08 (1.1%), 236.07 (1.1%).

3-(2-chlorophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro,3H-benzo[4,5] thieno[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazin-4-one (CP-6)

M.P: 145-146°C yield: 76%

IR max cm -1 = -Ar-CH 3098.35: -Ali- CH 2968.57; Arom C=C 1508.24; -CO- 1688; (C-N) - 773.42.

1H-NMR (CDCL3): 2.0 -3.0 (m, 8H, tetramethylenic protons), 7.45-7.6(m, 4H, Ar-H).

MS (%) 317.04 (M+ 100.0%), 319.04(32.5%), 318.04 (18.6%), 320.04 (6.4%), 319.03(4.4%), 321.03(1.4%), 319.05(1.3%).

Male wistar rats (200 to 250 g) were purchased from Bioneeds, Nelamangala, Tumkur, India. They were housed in a separate room in an animal facility at PES College of Pharmacy. Rats were maintained in polypropylene cages at a temperature of 25±1°C and relative humidity of 45% to 55% in clean environment under 12:12 hours light - dark cycle. The animals had free access to food pellets (Pranav Agro Industry, Bangalore, India) and purified water ad libitum. All the experimental protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) at PES College of Pharmacy (No. PESCP/IAEC/03/2005-06) and were conducted according to the guidelines of CPCSEA, India.

The experimental protocol involved acute toxicity studies. The acute intraperitoneal toxicity for the test compounds were determined in female, nulliparous and non-pregnant Swiss albino mice weighing 18-22g. After administration of different doses of test compounds, the mortality with each dose was noted at 48 hours (acute) and 14 days (chronic) as per OECD guideline no.425. LD50 was calculated using AOT425 stat program (http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/17/51/1948378.pdf).

To determine dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia in rats, adult male wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into 9 groups (G1-G9), each group consisted of 8 animals. The G1 rats were fed with normal laboratory diet alone (served as normal control). The G2 rats were administered with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) for 8 consecutive days (served as pathogenic control). The G3, G4 and G5 received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) and simultaneously treated with low dose (25 mg/kg, p.o.) of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, respectively; G6, G7 and G8 received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) along with high dose (50 mg/kg, p.o.) of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, respectively. G9 (served as reference standard group) received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) along with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.). At the end of the experimental period, all the animals were fasted overnight, blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture under light ether anesthesia. The blood was allowed to clot for 30 min at room temperature and centrifuged at 5000 rpm; the supernatant layer (serum) was collected in clean centrifuge tubes and used for the estimation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C.6,9,10

Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C were estimated as per the user manual of respective biochemical kits, while VLDL-C and atherogenic index was calculated using the equation given below.9,10

VLDL-C = Triglycerides/5

Atherogenic Index = (Total Cholesterol – HDL-C) /HDL-C

For the determination of Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats, adult male wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into 9 groups (G1-G9), each group consists of 8 animals. The G1 served as normal control, G2 rats were administered with 0.5% CMC and served as the pathogenic control. G3, G4 and G5 received low dose (25 mg/kg, p.o.) of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, respectively; G6, G7 and G8 received high dose (50 mg/kg, p.o.) of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, respectively, G9 served as reference standard group and received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg p.o.). All the treatments were given for 6 days; on 7th day, all the animals were fasted for 16 hours and treated with Triton WR-1339 (200 mg/kg i.p.) and the last dose of the test drug was administered to the respective groups immediately after the administration of Triton WR-1339. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture at 0th, 6th, 24th, and 48 hrs after the Triton WR-1339 treatment for the estimation of biochemical parameters.11,12

The blood was allowed to clot for 30 min at room temperature and centrifuged at 5000 rpm; the supernatant layer (serum) was collected in clean centrifuge tubes and used for the estimation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C. VLDL-C and the atherogenic index was calculated using the previously mentioned formula.

Results

The acute toxicity study involving intraperitoneal administration of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 at 55 and 175 mg/kg dose levels did not show any toxic signs during short term and long term observation periods. However, at 550 mg/kg, i.p. dose, all the test compounds (CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6) produced 100% mortality during the short-term observation period. The LD50 value of all the test drugs was found to be 310 mg/kg.

The Dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia in rats by Dexamethasone administration for 8 consecutive days caused hyperlipidemia in rats where the serum levels of cholesterol (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.01), LDL (p<0.01) and VLDL (p<0.01) were greatly increased from the normal levels and HDL levels were found to be significantly decreased from the normal levels (p<0.01). In addition, the atherogenic index (p<0.01) was greatly increased in the pathogenic control group compared to the normal control. (Table 2)

Table 2: Effect of CP-1, CP-2, and CP-6 on Dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

t2

 G1=Normal control, G2=Pathogenic control, G3=CP-1 -25 mg/kg p.o, G4=CP-1 -50 mg/kg p.o, G5=CP-2 -25 mg/kg p.o, G6=CP-2 -50 mg/kg p.o, G7=CP-6 -25 mg/kg p.o, G8=CP-6 -50 mg/kg p.o, G9=Atorvastatin -10 mg/kg p.o.

The values are expressed as Mean±SEM, (n=8).* Pathogenic control vs. Normal control (*** p<0.001), † Treatments vs. Pathogenic control

(† p<0.05, †† p<0.01, ††† p<0.001).

Table 3: Effect of CP-1, CP-2, and CP-6 on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats (Serum total Cholesterol and Triglyceride).

t3

 G1=Normal control, G2=Pathogenic control, G3=CP-1 -25 mg/kg p.o, G4=CP-1 -50 mg/kg p.o, G5=CP-2 -25 mg/kg p.o, G6=CP-2 -50 mg/kg p.o, G7= CP-6 -25 mg/kg p.o, G8=CP-6 -50 mg/kg p.o, G9=Atorvastatin -10 mg/kg p.o.

The values are expressed as Mean±SEM, (n=8).* Pathogenic control vs. Normal control (***p<0.001), † Treatments vs. Pathogenic control

(† p<0.05, †† p<0.01, ††† p<0.001).

Table 4: Effect of CP-1, CP-2, and CP-6 on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats (HDL-C and LDL-C).

t4

 G1 = Normal control, G2 = Pathogenic control, G3 = CP-1 -25 mg/kg, p.o, G4 = CP-1 -50 mg/kg p.o, G5 = CP-2 -25 mg/kg p.o, G6 = CP-2 -50 mg/kg p.o, G7 = CP-6 -25 mg/kg p.o, G8 = CP-6 -50 mg/kg p.o, G9 = Atorvastatin -10 mg/kg p.o.

The values are expressed as Mean±SEM, (n= 8).* Pathogenic control vs. Normal control (*** p<0.001), † Treatments vs. Pathogenic control († p<0.05, †† p<0.01, ††† p<0.001).

The higher dose (50 mg/kg, p.o.) of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 treatments showed significant protection against dexamethasone-induced elevated serum cholesterol (p<0.01), triglyceride (p<0.01), LDL-C (p<0.01), VLDL-C (p<0.01) and the atherogenic index (p<0.01) in a statistically significant manner and HDL level (p<0.01) was maintained within the normal range and all the estimated biochemical parameters of the treated groups were comparable with the normal control group. While the lower dose (25 mg/kg, p.o.) of the test drugs showed minimal protection; the effect of all the test drugs was dose dependent and statistically significant. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a reference standard, it showed maximum protection against dexamethazone induced hyperlipidemia; furthermore, among CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6, CP-6 was found to be more potent and the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of CP-6 (50 mg/kg, p.o.) was comparable with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg, p.o.).

The Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats by the administration of a single dose of Triton WR-1339 (200 mg/kg, p.o.) to wistar rats resulted in severe hyperlipidemia, associated with elevated levels of serum cholesterol (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.01), LDL-C (p<0.01), VLDL-C (p<0.01) and serum HDL-C levels (p<0.01) were significantly decreased from the normal levels; perturbances in all these lipid parameters resulted in greatly increased atherogenic index (p<0.01). The hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339 was prominent from 6 hours after administration and the altered lipid profile was slowly recovered to normal levels within 48 to 72 hours.

Pre-treatment with newly synthesized tricyclic benzothieno 1, 2, 3-triazine derivatives CP-1 (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o.), CP-2 (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o.), and CP-6 (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o.) showed significant protection against Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia at 6, 24 and 48 hours by preventing the elevation of serum cholesterol (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.01), LDL-C (p<0.01), VLDL-C (p<0.01) and maintaining the HDL-C levels (p<0.01) within the normal range (Tables 3, 4, 5). The atherogenic index (p<0.01) of the test compound treated groups were significantly less than the pathogenic control. Atorvastatin was used as a reference standard (10 mg/kg p.o.) and the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of CP-6 (50 mg/kg p.o.) was comparable with Atorvastatin.

Table 5: Effect of CP-1, CP-2, and CP-6 on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats (VLDL-C and Atherogenic Index).

t5

G1 = Normal control, G2 = Pathogenic control, G3 = CP-1 -25 mg/kg p.o, G4 = CP-1 -50 mg/kg p.o, G5 = CP-2 -25 mg/kg p.o, G6 = CP-2 -50 mg/kg p.o, G7 = CP-6 -25 mg/kg p.o, G8 = CP-6 -50 mg/kg p.o, G9 = Atorvastatin -10 mg/kg p.o.

The values are expressed as Mean±SEM, (n=8).* Pathogenic control vs. Normal control (***p<0.001), † Treatments vs. Pathogenic control († p<0.05, †† p<0.01, ††† p<0.001).

Discussion

Hyperlipidemia contributes significantly in the manifestation and development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases (CHD). Atherosclerosis is a common condition in both developed and developing countries and is now recognized to be an inflammatory condition leading to the development of ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases. Ischemic heart disease is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of pre-operative adverse cardiovascular events which lead to significant morbidity and mortality within the high risk surgical patient population.13 The risk of CHD can be reduced by drugs which can lower the lipids and cholesterol levels.

Dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia in rats is a very good animal model, successfully used for the evaluation of lipid lowering activity of natural products and chemical entities.14-16 The corticoid treatment is known to cause increased production of VLDL-C in the liver. In addition, corticoids may also stimulate VLDL-C formation in the intestine. The reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in the liver could be responsible for high VLDL-C and triglyceride levels causing imbalance in lipid metabolism leading to hyperlipidemia.15 Dexamethasone also increases serum LDL-C concentrations along with serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All these perturbations lead to an increased atherogenic index. On the other hand, dexamethasone treatment reduces serum HDL-C concentrations greatly from the normal levels.16

In the present study, dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) administration for 8 consecutive days caused alterations in the lipid metabolism, which resulted in severe hyperlipidemia. Pre-treatment with CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 offered significant protection against dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia by maintaining serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C and HDL-C nearly to normal levels and the atherogenic index was found to have significantly decreased compared to dexamethasone vis-a-vis the treated group. Furthermore, the dexamethasone treatment has been reported to show an increase in free cholesterol along with the decrease in Lecithin cholesterol acetyl transferase (LCAT) activity in experimental animals.14 Co-treatment with CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 inhibited the dexamethasone-induced alterations and thereby reduced the plasma free cholesterol levels near to normal, as in the case of Garcinia cambogia treated rats.14 The low lipoprotein lipase activity in the liver may be responsible for the low degradation of lipoprotein, triglycerides and cholesterol. Hence, the hyperlipidemic effect of dexamethasone was found to be reversed by co-treatment with CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6; furthermore, the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of CP-6 was comparable with Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg p.o.).

The Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia model is well known and commonly employed for screening anti-hyperlipidemic effect of natural products and chemical entities. Triton WR-1339 is a surfactant that supresses the action of lipoprotein lipase and thereby decreases the uptake of lipoprotein by the extra hepatic tissues which leads to the elevation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C. In contrast, HDL-C levels decrease significantly from normal levels; the atherogenic index also increases significantly compared to the normal control group.17 The biphasic nature of Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia is helpful in understanding the mode of action of hypolipidemia agents. Drugs interfering with lipid biosynthesis will be active in the synthesis phase, while the agents interfering in lipid metabolism will be active in the excretory phase. In the present study, the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of atorvastatin and CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 were evident in both synthesis and excretory phases of Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia in rats.18

It is thought that CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 are acting as anti-hyperlipidemic agents by inhibiting the biosynthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides and therefore can be used for the prevention (prophylactic) of hyperlipidemia; however, the drug-drug interaction of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 with dexamethazone and Triton WR-1339 can not be neglected and hence it may be a limitation of the present study. In this context, further studies are in the pipeline to evaluate the possible pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of different doses of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 with dexamethasone and Triton WR-1339. Since the findings are novel and preliminary, further studies need to be conducted to confirm the safety profile on vital organs and their functions and explore the molecular mechanism behind the hypolipidemic effect of CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that the newly synthesized triazine derivatives CP-1, CP-2 and CP-6 possess significant anti-hyperlipidemic activity against experimental animal models of hyperlipidemia.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Prof. Dr. S. Mohan, Principal and management members at P.E.S. College of Pharmacy for providing all the necessary facilities to carry out the research work. No conflict of interest was declared.


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