A new study has found that inhibitors of Monoamine oxidases (MAOs), a family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of amines, might be repurposed for treating acute inflammation and may be used as a novel therapeutic target to design and develop a new class of anti-inflammatory agents.

Available drugs for reducing inflammation target the “housekeeping enzyme” that preserves normal physiological function called the peripheral cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2), enzymes. Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) control the five signs of inflammation by compromising the body's normal homeostasis. Thus, biomedical scientists are constantly exploring novel targets for inflammation management. 

Taking a clue from earlier studies that showed MAO inhibitors (MAOI), used for depression, significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness, scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, used an experimental animal model to repurpose MAOI as a new therapeutic target to design and develop novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

The study was led by Dr. Asis Bala, Associate Professor of Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), along with his collaborators Dr. Debjeet Sur, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, JIS University, Agarpara, Kolkata, Dr. Ashok Kumar Balaraman, Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Malaysia and Prof. Pallab Kanti Haldar, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, was published in the Journal of Inflammopharmacology.

The researchers have comprehensively explored the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) mediated H2O2 – NF–κB – COX-2 pathway in acute inflammation in an experimental animal model. The present investigation identified that MAO inhibitors might be re-profiled for treating acute inflammation. The scientists have also experimentally proved that the MAO enzyme, a group of flavoenzymes that catalyze the oxidative deamination of dietary amines and biological amines, may be used as a novel therapeutic target to design and develop a new class of anti-inflammatory agents.

Publication link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10787-023-01165-5 

Schematic representation of the work done on experimental validation of repurposing Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) for the Management of Inflammation