Citation

Phenolic compounds, particularly dihydroxybiphenyl-related compounds, possess efficient anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethylbiphenol (p-cresol dimer), 2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxybiphenol (pHA dimer), p-cresol, p-hydroxyanisole (pHA) and 2-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA).,The cytotoxicity of the investigated compounds against RAW264.7 cells was determined using a cell counting kit (CCK-8). Their inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) mRNA expression stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined using northern blot analysis, and their inhibition of LPS-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-b) activation was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-like microwell colorimetric transcription factor activity assay. The molecular orbital energy was calculated on the basis of density function theory BLYP/6-31G*.,The cytotoxicity of the compounds declined in the order pHA dimer > p-cresol dimer > BHA > p-cresol > pHA. The inhibitory effect on Cox2 expression and Nf-b activation was enhanced by p-cresol dimer and pHA dimer, particularly the former, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory activity, whereas p-cresol and pHA showed weak activity, and BHA no activity. Both p-cresol dimer and pHA dimer were highly electronegative, as determined by quantum chemical calculations.,Dimerization of p-cresol and pHA enhances their anti-inflammatory activity. p-Cresol dimer and pHA dimer, particularly the former, are potent anti-inflammatory agents.