Therapeutic Potential of Nitrogen-Substituted Oleanolic Acid Derivatives in Neuroinflammatory and Cytokine Pathways: Insights From Cell-Based and Computational Models

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of the potential and anti-inflammatory properties of nitrogen-substituted oleanolic acid derivatives that can be used to treat neuroinflammatory diseases. Nitrogen-containing oleanolic acid derivatives have been evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory effects in vitro in neuronal and monocytic cell lines at nontoxic doses, and the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17), the inflammatory enzyme induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NF-κB signalling under LPS-stimulated conditions, and the expression of genes associated with Alzheimer's disease have been assessed. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation assessments are conducted in silico. Key protein markers of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease and neuroinflammation, TAU protein levels, and microglial activation, as well as ionised calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (IBA1) levels, were significantly reduced with the addition of oleanolic acid derivatives. LPS-induced NF-κB luciferase reporter activity and iNOS activity were significantly inhibited, approaching the levels in uninduced controls. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines critical for neuroinflammation, such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6 and IL-17, was reduced twofold to sevenfold. Furthermore, the molecular docking and MD simulation analyses revealed potential interactions with the TNF-α and NF-κB proteins. These findings underscore the potential of oleanolic acid derivatives, particularly compound 16, as candidates for further development as therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases associated with chronic inflammation. © 2025 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.