Quiflapon sodium (MK591) is a selective and specific 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor.
Quiflapon sodium (MK591) and SB203580 are able to block SEB-induced human PBMC cell proliferation. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) down regulates three genes [for cathepsin L, IL-17 and guanylate binding protein (GBP)-2] that are up regulated by SEB[1]. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) undergoes apoptosis within hours of treatment. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) also induces rapid activation of the stress kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which plays an important role in the apoptosis process. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) triggers apoptosis in prostate cancer cells without inhibition of PI3K-Akt, or ERK. Moreover, MK591 and LY294002 (an inhibitor of PI3K) exert synergistic effect in inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells[2]. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) influences cAMP response element-binding protein but not Sp1[4].
Hyperoxia groups of mice treated with Quiflapon sodium (MK591) (20, 40 mg/kg) show alveolarization that resembles that of room air controls while untreated hyperoxia groups show definite evidence of aberrant alveolarization but no inflammation[3]. Comparison of the Aβ-immunopositive areas between the placebo and Quiflapon sodium (MK591) (320 mg/kg)-treated group reveals a statistically significant reduction of the amyloid burden in the treated mice. Quiflapon sodium (MK591) also has a significant reduction in brain levels of IL-1β. Mice treated with Quiflapon sodium (MK591) show a statistically significant decrease in the steady-state levels of total CREB and its phosphorylated form at Ser133[4].
[1]. Mendis C, et al. Effect of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK591 on early molecular and signaling events induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. FEBS J. 2008 Jun;275(12):3088-98. [2]. Sarveswaran S, et al. MK591, a leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor, induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells: synergistic action with LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase. Cancer Lett. 2010 May 28;291(2):167-76. [3]. Park MS, et al. 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor MK-0591 prevents aberrant alveolarization in newborn mice exposed to 85% oxygen in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lung. 2011 Feb;189(1):43-50. [4]. Chu J, et al. Involvement of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein in the amyloidotic phenotype of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. J Neuroinflammation. 2012 Jun 14;9:127.