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Organoselenium Small Molecules and Chromium(III) Complexes for Intervention in Chronic Low-grade Inflammation and
Jun Zhou, Huibi Xu, Kaixun Huang1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, 430074, Wuhan, P. R. China. hustzhj@hust.edu.cn.
Abstract:
There is growing evidence to suggest that chronic, low-grade inflammation occurs in abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications, and that proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes. These findings consequently provide new opportunities for the use of anti-inflammatory strategies to correct the metabolic disorders. Discovery of new synthetic bioactive small molecules to interfere with chronic, low-grade inflammation and type 2 diabetes has attracted considerable attention in medicinal chemistry. To date, a number of organoselenium small molecules and chromium(III) complexes have been shown to have the potential to alleviate chronic low-grade inflammation and type 2 diabetes, including ebselen, selenomethionine, chromium picolinate, chromium dinicocysteinate, chromium phenylalaninate, trinuclear chromium propionate, chromium histidinate, chromium nicotinate, etc. Here, we review recent advances in development of organoselenium small molecules and chromium(III) complexes to intervene in chronic low-grade inflammation and type 2 diabetes, and discuss their mode of action, potential molecular mechanisms and toxicity.
Insights
New organoselenium small molecules and chromium(III) complexes show promise for treating chronic inflammation and type 2 diabetes. These compounds offer novel anti-inflammatory strategies to correct metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic, low-grade inflammation is linked to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
- Proinflammatory cytokines are key drivers in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory strategies present opportunities for metabolic disorder treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in organoselenium small molecules and chromium(III) complexes.
- To explore their potential in intervening in chronic low-grade inflammation and type 2 diabetes.
- To discuss their mechanisms of action, molecular targets, and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of organoselenium compounds and chromium(III) complexes.
- Analysis of studies on their anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects.
- Examination of reported modes of action and toxicity profiles.
Main Results:
- Several organoselenium molecules (e.g., ebselen, selenomethionine) and chromium(III) complexes (e.g., chromium picolinate, chromium nicotinate) demonstrate potential.
- These compounds may alleviate chronic inflammation and improve metabolic parameters.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate their therapeutic potential and safety.
Conclusions:
- Organoselenium and chromium(III) compounds are promising therapeutic agents for type 2 diabetes and associated inflammation.
- Understanding their molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Careful evaluation of toxicity is necessary for clinical application.
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