Reactivity of antiinflammatory and superoxide dismutase active Cu(II)-salicylates

The activity of chelated Cu(II) with four different aspirin-like drugs in various superoxide dismutase assays was examined. Prior to these studies the oxidation state of the involved copper was measured by x-ray photoelectron spectrometry and was found to be +II throughout. All copper complexes were able to suppress the xanthine-xanthine oxidase mediated reduction of both cytochrome c and nitroblue tetrazolium as well as the formazan formation by KO₂ in a specific manner. The hydroxylation of benzo-[α]-pyrene as well as the demethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin using induced hepatic rat microsomes could be successfully inhibited by the employed Cu(II) chelates. Cu(II)-acetylsalicylate was the most active copper complex. Our findings support the proposal that Cu(II) chelates are the active forms of aspirin-like antiinflammatory agents.