Proadifen

Proadifen (SKF-525A) is a non-selective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes, preventing some types of drug metabolism. It is also an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS), CYP-dependent (cytochrome P450-dependent) arachidonate metabolism, transmembrane calcium influx, and platelet thromboxane synthesis. Further documented effects include the blockade of ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 8 (KIR6.1), and stimulation of endothelial cell prostacyclin production.

Proadifen exerts apoptotic/anti-proliferate (tumour suppressing) effects in certain forms of cancer (HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma), believed to be caused by mediation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK-3β). In the same study administration of proadifen was demonstrated to produce time- and dose-dependent phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Intense upregulation of NAG-1 and ATF3 and downregulation of Mcl-1 and Egr-1 were also observed.

Proadifen has been demonstrated to normally inhibit the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (NAChR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (MAChR) in rats.