Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of different doses of aliskiren in two animal models of inflammation. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six Wistar rats were allocated into five groups: the first group (six rats) was treated with the vehicle only, without induction of paw edema and granulomatous inflammation, and served as a negative control; the second group (12 rats) was allocated into two subgroups and treated with the vehicle only, with induction of paw edema and granulomatous inflammation, and served as a positive control; the third group (36 rats) was allocated into six subgroups and treated with different doses of aliskiren (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) in both models; the fourth group (12 rats) was treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) in both models of inflammation. Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Skin samples were also sent for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Aliskiren, in a dose-dependent pattern, significantly decreased inflammation in rat models of inflammation, by attenuating the percentage of exudate, granuloma, and paw edema. Furthermore, it significantly reduced serum concentrations of TNF-α, VCAM-1, and hs-CRP and restored the serum concentration of IL-10. Additionally, significant improvement was seen in the histopathological findings. CONCLUSION: In the current study, aliskiren was successful in decreasing inflammation in both models. These findings suggest that aliskiren is a good candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.