Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 synthesis by Budipine

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been suggested as therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Guillain-Barre' syndrome. Increase of TNF-alpha may be involved in the pathomechanism and pathophysiology of these diseases. Il-6 may possess proinflammatory properties, because it was detected in areas of inflammatory demyelination. In order to characterize antinflammatory qualities of the t-butyl analogue of 1-alkyl-4,4-diphenylpiperidine (budipine), we investigated the influence of budipine on the synthesis of TNF-alpha and Il-6 in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells, created without and with budipine. Budipine significantly reduced synthesis of TNF-alpha and Il-6 in vitro. Due to our results we speculate, that budipine may be efficient in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.