| abstract |
A family of compounds effective in inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity, and the activity of other leukocyte derived cytokines is comprised of 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of the formula <IMAGE> (I) in which R1 and R2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branch alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4 carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group. Another family of effective compounds is identified as <IMAGE> (II) The inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other cytokines in mammals is implicated in alleviation of a wide variety of disease conditions. |