Licofelone, a Dual COX/LOX Inhibitor, Ameliorates Paclitaxel-Induced Mechanical Allodynia in Rats in a Cannabinoid Receptor-Dependent Manner

The use of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic drug is limited by the development of dose-dependent paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP). Recently, we observed that the combination of indomethacin plus minocycline (IPM) attenuates PINP in a mouse model in a cannabinoid (CB) receptor-dependent manner. Indomethacin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, and minocycline inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity. Male Sprague Dawley rats with paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia were treated with indomethacin, minocycline, IPM combination, licofelone (a dual COX/LOX inhibitor), or their vehicles. AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, and AM630, a CB2 receptor antagonist, were administered before the IPM combination or licofelone. Mechanical allodynia was measured using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. Molecular docking was performed using CB-Dock2. Licofelone and IPM combination had antiallodynic effects, which were significantly higher than either indomethacin or minocycline alone. AM251 and AM630 blocked the antiallodynic effects of IPM combination and licofelone. Molecular docking showed that licofelone binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors with a high affinity similar to the phytocannabinoid 1-trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2. Licofelone inhibits COX and LOX and/or directly interacts with CB receptors to produce antiallodynic effects in a rat model of PINP. The findings further suggest that licofelone could be a therapeutic agent for managing PINP.