| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for synthesis of optically pure 4-alkenyl or 4-alkanyl-2-hydroxytetronic acids from an optically pure aldehyde. The invention further relates to the use of such optically pure compounds as potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation by working at the level of cyclooxygenase, thus making them useful in the treatment of coronary artery diseases, especially atherosclerosis, and additionally, as inhibitors of various inflammatory cytokines, making them useful in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammation, as well as in the treatment of cachexia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions of the instant compounds. |