Tranilast

Tranilast is an angiogenesis inhibitor that also inhibits the release of histamine and prostaglandins from basophils and mast cells. Other functions of Tranilast include the ability to inhibit leukotrienes, oxygen radicals, cyclooxygenase-2 expression, cytokines, collagen synthesis, and blocks the production of IL-1 and IL-2 from human T-cells and macrophages. Studies indicate that Tranilast blocks vascular inflammation and disrupts the NF-κB/CBP interaction, which leads to the inhibition of NF-κB dependent transcription activation. Additionally, Tranilast has been reported to inhibit the release of PGE2 and TGF-β from monocytes-macrophages and the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, and contraction in vitro. Smooth muscle cell studies have revealed that Tranilast inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth, calcium entry, and acts as an antagonist of Angiotensin (angiotensin II).