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