Small Molecules as Anti-inflammatory Agents: Molecular Mechanisms and Heterocycles as Inhibitors of Signaling Pathways

Cancer and inflammation interlink with many pathways. Millions of people died because of these two disorders. Major pathways that cause both inflammation and cancer are STAT3, NF-kappa B, COX, and histone acetylation. However, these are the target for medicinally potent heterocycles such as pyrimidines, indole, and pyrazole. Many NSAIDs reported in the literature belong to both natural and synthetic molecules. This review encompasses molecular mechanisms for inflammation, NSAIDs derived from natural sources and synthetic methods, and recent reports on heterocycles as potent anti-inflammatory agents and their significance in cancer treatment. Literature for the study, accomplished from 2019 to 2022.

Automated summary

Cancer and inflammation are closely related through various pathways. Both disorders have led to millions of deaths. Key pathways responsible for inflammation and cancer include STAT3, NF-kappa B, COX, and histone acetylation, which can be targeted by medicinally potent heterocycles. Many NSAIDs, natural or synthetic, have been reported in this context. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, the use of NSAIDs derived from natural sources or synthetic methods, and recent studies on potent anti-inflammatory agents known as heterocycles and their significance in cancer treatment. Literature for the study covers the period from 2019 to 2022.