Physiological modeling of the metaverse of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis β-CA inhibition mechanism

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs of humans and accounts for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacteria as the etiologic agent. In this study, we introduce a computational framework designed to identify the important chemical features crucial for the effective inhibition of Mtb β-CAs. Through applying a mechanistic model, we elucidated the essential features pivotal for robust inhibition. Using this model, we engineered molecules that exhibit potent inhibitory activity and introduce relevant novel chemistry. The designed molecules were prioritized for synthesis based on their predicted pKi values via the QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) model. All the rationally designed and synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro against different carbonic anhydrase isoforms expressed from the pathogen Mtb; moreover, the off-target and widely human-expressed CA I and II were also evaluated. Among the reported derivatives, 2, 4, and 5 demonstrated the most valuable in vitro activity, resulting in promising candidates for the treatment of TB infection. All the synthesized molecules exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles based on in silico predictions. Docking analysis confirmed that the zinc-binding groups bind effectively into the catalytic triad of the Mtb β-Cas, supporting the in vitro outcomes with these binding interactions. Furthermore, molecules with good prediction accuracies according to previously established mechanistic and QSAR models were utilized to delve deeper into the realm of systems biology to understand their mechanism in combating tuberculotic pathogenesis. The results pointed to the key involvement of the compounds in modulating immune responses via NF-κβ1, SRC kinase, and TNF-α to modulate granuloma formation and clearance via T cells. This dual action, in which the pathogen's enzyme is inhibited while modulating the human immune machinery, represents a paradigm shift toward more effective and comprehensive treatment approaches for combating tuberculosis.

Lasamide Containing Sulfonylpiperazines as Effective Agents for the Management of Glaucoma Associated Symptoms

A series of 2,4-dichloro-5-{[4-(phenylsulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl]carbonyl}benzenesulfonamide were designed and synthesized through amidation of Lasamide 1 with substituted piperazines. The newly obtained compounds demonstrated remarkable inhibition potency and selectivity for the human (h) expressed Carbonic Anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.1.1) II isoform. Selected compounds 7 and 9 were considered in an in vivo model of glaucoma and showed relevant performances with the latter being able to last the effect up to 4 hours. The results herein reported are in sustainment of Lasamide derivatives as a new class of compounds potentially exploitable for the management of uncontrolled IOP.

Repurposing antiparasitic N,N'-aliphatic diamine derivatives as promising antimycobacterial agents

In previous studies, we demonstrated the potent activity of a library of 25 N,N'-disubstituted diamines (NNDDA) toward Trypanosomatid and Apicomplexa parasites. Considering the structure similarity between this collection and SQ109, an antituberculosis compound, and its compelling antiparasitic properties, we aimed to repurpose this library for tuberculosis treatment. We assayed this collection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and M. avium, obtaining several compounds with MIC values below 10 µM. The most active analogs were also evaluated against M. smegmatis, a non-pathogenic species, and the non-tuberculosis mycobacteria M. abscessus, M. kansasii, and M. fortuitum. 3c stands out as the lead mycobacterial compound of the collection, with potent activity against M. tuberculosis (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 3.4 µM) and moderate activity against M. smegmatis, M. kansasii, and M. fortuitum (all with MIC values of 26.8 µM). To unravel the mechanism of action, we employed the web-based platform Polypharmacology Browser 2 (PPB2), obtaining carbonic anhydrases as potential drug targets. Nevertheless, none of the compounds displayed experimental inhibition. In summary, our study confirms the validity of the repurposing approach and underscores the antimycobacterial potential of NNDDA compounds, especially the analog 3c, setting a stepping stone for further studies.

A cheminformatics and network pharmacology approach to elucidate the mechanism of action of Mycobacterium tuberculosis γ-carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are critical enzymes that regulate pH by converting CO2 to HCO3 -, essential for Mtb's survival in acidic environments. Inhibiting γ-CAs presents a potential target for novel antituberculosis drugs with unique mechanisms of action.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the biological connections underlying Mtb pathogenesis and investigate the mechanistic actions of antituberculosis compounds targeting the Cas9 protein.

Methods

We employed homology modeling and virtual screening to identify compounds with high binding affinities for Cas9 protein. This study used the homology modeling approach employing high-quality AlphaFold DB models for γ-CA. Furthermore, the systems biology approach was used for analyzing the integrated modelling of compounds, integrating data on genes, pathways, phenotypes, and molecular descriptors. Single-cell RNA sequencing was also conducted to profile gene expression.

Results

Three compounds, F10921405, F08060425, and F14437079, potentially binding to Cas9 protein, have been identified. F10921405 and F08060425 showed significant overlap in their effects on pathways related to the immune response, while F14437079 displayed distinct mechanistic pathways. Expression profiling revealed high levels of genes such as PDE4D, ROCK2, ITK, MAPK10, and SYK in response to F1092-1405 and F0806-0425, and MMP2 and CALCRL in response to F1443-7079. These genes, which play a role in immune modulation and lung tissue integrity, are essential to fight against Mtb.

Conclusion

The molecular relationship and pathways linked to the mentioned compounds give the study a holistic perspective of targeting Mtb, which is essential in designing specific therapeutic approaches. Subsequent research will involve experimental validation to demonstrate the efficacy of the promising candidates in Mtb infections.

Cyclization of acyl thiosemicarbazides led to new Helicobacter pylori α-carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

The eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the etiologic agent of gastric ulcer and adenocarcinoma, is a big concern in clinics due to the increasing drug resistance phenomena and the limited number of efficacious treatment options. The exploitation of the H. pylori carbonic anhydrases (HpCAs) as promising pharmacological targets has been validated by the antibacterial activity of previously reported CA inhibitors due to the role of these enzymes in the bacterium survival in the gastric mucosa. The development of new HpCA inhibitors seems to be on the way to filling the existing antibiotics gap. Due to the recent evidence on the ability of the coumarin scaffold to inhibit microbial α-CAs, a large library of derivatives has been developed by means of a pH-regulated cyclization reaction of coumarin-bearing acyl thiosemicarbazide intermediates. The obtained 1,3,4-thiadiazoles (10-18a,b) and 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones (19-26a,b) were found to strongly and selectively inhibit HpαCA and computational studies were fundamental to gaining an understanding of the interaction networks governing the enzyme-inhibitor complex. Antibacterial evaluations on H. pylori ATCC 43504 highlighted some compounds that maintained potency on a resistant clinical isolate. Also, their combinations with metronidazole decreased both the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values of the antibiotic, with no synergistic effect.

Mycobacterial β-carbonic anhydrases: Molecular biology, role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and inhibition studies

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which causes tuberculosis (TB), is still a major global health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB still causes more deaths worldwide than any other infectious agent. Drug-sensitive TB is treatable using first-line drugs; treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB requires second- and third-line drugs. However, due to the long duration of treatment, the noncompliance of patients with different levels of resistance of Mtb to these drugs has worsened the situation. Previously developed anti-TB drugs targeted the replication machinery, protein synthesis, and cell wall biosynthesis pathways of Mtb. Therefore, novel drugs targeting alternate pathways crucial for the survival and pathogenesis of Mtb in the human host are needed. The genome of Mtb encodes three β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs) that are fundamental for pH homeostasis, hypoxia, survival, and pathogenesis. Recently, several studies have shown that the β-CAs of Mtb could be inhibited both in vitro and in vivo using small chemical molecules, suggesting that these enzymes could be novel targets for developing anti-TB compounds that are devoid of resistance by Mtb. In addition, homologs of β-CAs are absent in humans; therefore, drugs developed to target these enzymes might have minimal off-target effects. In this work, we describe the roles of β-CAs in Mtb and discuss bioinformatics and cheminformatics tools used in development and discovery of novel inhibitors of these enzymes. In addition, we summarize the in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating that the β-CAs of Mtb are indeed druggable targets.

Non-sulfonamide bacterial CA inhibitors

Non-sulfonamide chemical moieties able to inhibit the bacterial (b) expressed Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs; EC 4.2.1.1) constitute an important alternative to the prototypic modulators discussed in Chapter 6, as give access to large and variegate chemical classes, also of the natural origin. This contribution reports the main classes of compounds profiled in vitro on the bCAs and thus may be worth developing for the validation process of this class of enzymes.

Kinase inhibitors: 20 years of success and many new challenges and recent trends in their patents

INTRODUCTION

Protein kinases (PKs) play key roles in cellular signaling and regulation cascades and therefore are listed among the most investigated enzymes with the intent to develop drugs that are able to modulate their catalytic features. Specifically, PKs are involved in chronic diseases of large impact in the society such as cancers and neurodegeneration. Since the approval of Fasudil for the management of cerebral vasospasm, frantic efforts are currently ongoing for the development of selective PK-modulating agents.

AREAS COVERED

A selection of the most relevant patents in the European Patent Office for biomedical innovation and/or industrial development covering the years 2020-2023 on PK modulators either of the antibody and small-molecule type is reported. In addition to the examined patents, we also reported the contributions claiming the use of antibody-targeted PKs for lab bench identification kits.

EXPERT OPINION

The field of PK modulators for biomedical purposes is particularly crowded with contributions, making it rich in valuable information for the development of potential drugs. An emerging frontier is represented by PK activators that aims to complement the use of PK inhibitors with the final intent of finely adjusting any PK-related disruption responsible for triggering any disease.

Benzenesulfonamide decorated dihydropyrimidin(thi)ones: carbonic anhydrase profiling and antiproliferative activity

In the last decades, carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have become the top investigated innovative pharmacological targets and, in particular, isoforms IX and XII have been widely studied due to the evidence of their overexpression in hypoxic tumors. The frantic race to find new anticancer agents places the quick preparation of large libraries of putative bioactive compounds as the basis of a successful drug discovery and development programme. In this context, multi-component and, in general, one-step reactions are becoming very popular and, among them, Biginelli's reaction gave clean and easy-to-isolate products. Thus, we synthesized a series of Biginelli's products (10-17a-b) and similar derivatives (20-21) bearing the benzenesulfonamide moiety, which is known to inhibit CA enzymes. Through the stopped-flow technique, we were able to assess their ability to inhibit the targeted CAs IX and XII in the nanomolar range with promising selectivity over the physiologically relevant isoforms I and II. Crystallography studies and docking simulations helped us to gain insight into the interaction patterns established in the enzyme-inhibitor complex. From a chemical similarity-based screening of in-house libraries of compounds, a diphenylpyrimidine (23) emerged. The surprisingly potent inhibitory activity of 23 for CAs IX and XII along with its strong antiproliferative effect on two (triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and glioblastoma U87MG) cell lines laid the foundation for further investigation, again confirming the key role of CAs in cancer.

Novel 2,4-Dichloro-5-sulfamoylbenzoic Acid Oxime Esters: First Studies as Potential Human Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

In this study, a focused library of oxime ester derivatives of 2,4-dichloro-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acid (lasamide) containing Schiff bases was synthesized and tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the cytosolic human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) I and II, as well as the transmembrane and tumor-associated IX and XII isoforms. As a result, we obtained a first line of knowledge on lasamide derivatives potentially useful for development as CA inhibitors (CAIs). In particular, we focused our attention on the derivative 11, which was selective toward hCAs IX and XII over the cytosolic isoenzymes. An in silico study was conducted to assess the binding mode of 11 within hCAs IX and XII. Also, antiproliferative assays highlighted promising derivatives. The data obtained in this study are currently in use for the development of better-performing compounds on the tumor-associated isoforms.

2-Substituted-4,7-dihydro-4-ethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-ones alleviate LPS-induced inflammation by modulating cell metabolism via CD73 upon macrophage polarization

Macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype under bacterial product-related exposure (LPS) requires a rapid change in gene expression patterns and cytokine production along with a metabolic rewiring. Metabolic pathways and redox reactions are such tightly connected, giving rise to an area of research referred to as immunometabolism. A role in this context has been paid to the master redox-sensitive regulator Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and to the 5'-ectonucleotidase CD73, a marker related to macrophage metabolism rearrangement under pro-inflammatory conditions. In this light, a cell model of LPS-stimulated macrophages has been established and nine 4,7-dihydro-4-ethylpyrazolo[l,5-a]pyrimidin-7-ones with a potential anti-inflammatory effect have been administered. Our data highlight that two selected compounds (namely, 5 and 8) inhibit the LPS-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and ameliorate the activity rate of the antioxidant enzyme catalase. Additionally, the pyridine-containing compound (8) promotes the shift from the pro-inflammatory immunophenotype M1 to the pro-resolving M2 one, by downregulating CD80 and iNOS and by enhancing CD163 and TGFβ1 expression. Most importantly, CD73 is modulated by these compounds as well as the lactate production. Our data demonstrate that pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives are effective as anti-inflammatory compounds. Furthermore, these pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyrimidines exert their action via CD73-related signaling and modulation of cell metabolism of activated macrophages.

How reliable is assessment of true vocal cord-arytenoid unit mobility in patients affected by laryngeal cancer? a multi-institutional study on 366 patients from the ARYFIX collaborative group

PURPOSE

In clinical practice the assessment of the "vocal cord-arytenoid unit" (VCAU) mobility is crucial in the staging, prognosis, and choice of treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The aim of the present study was to measure repeatability and reliability of clinical assessment of VCAU mobility and radiologic analysis of posterior laryngeal extension.

METHODS

In this multi-institutional retrospective study, patients with LSCC-induced impairment of VCAU mobility who received curative treatment were included; pre-treatment endoscopy and contrast-enhanced imaging were collected and evaluated by raters. According to their evaluations, concordance, number of assigned categories, and inter- and intra-rater agreement were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-two otorhinolaryngologists evaluated 366 videolaryngoscopies (total evaluations: 2170) and 6 radiologists evaluated 237 imaging studies (total evaluations: 477). The concordance of clinical rating was excellent in only 22.7% of cases. Overall, inter- and intra-rater agreement was weak. Supraglottic cancers and transoral endoscopy were associated with the lowest inter-observer reliability values. Radiologic inter-rater agreement was low and did not vary with imaging technique. Intra-rater reliability of radiologic evaluation was optimal.

CONCLUSIONS

The current methods to assess VCAU mobility and posterior extension of LSCC are flawed by weak inter-observer agreement and reliability. Radiologic evaluation was characterized by very high intra-rater agreement, but weak inter-observer reliability. The relevance of VCAU mobility assessment in laryngeal oncology should be re-weighted. Patients affected by LSCC requiring imaging should be referred to dedicated radiologists with experience in head and neck oncology.

Novel Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors with Dual-Tail Core Sulfonamide Show Potent and Lasting Effects for Glaucoma Therapy

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a well-established risk factor across all its forms. We present the design and synthesis of 39 novel carbonic anhydrase inhibitors by a dual-tailed approach, strategically crafted to interact with distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic pockets of CA active sites. The series was investigated against the CA isoforms implicated in glaucoma (hCA II, hCA IV, and hCA XII), and the X-ray crystal structures of compounds 25a, 25f, and 26a with CA II, along with 14b in complex with a hCA XII mimic, were determined. Selected compounds (14a, 25a, and 26a) underwent evaluation for their ability to reduce IOP in rabbits with ocular hypertension. Derivative 26a showed significant potency and sustained IOP-lowering effects, surpassing the efficacy of the drugs dorzolamide and bimatoprost. This positions compound 26a as a promising candidate for the development of a novel anti-glaucoma medication.

Carbonic anhydrase, its inhibitors and vascular function

It has been known for some time that Carbonic Anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) plays a complex role in vascular function, and in the regulation of vascular tone. Clinically employed CA inhibitors (CAIs) are used primarily to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and also to affect retinal blood flow and oxygen saturation. CAIs have been shown to dilate vessels and increase blood flow in both the cerebral and ocular vasculature. Similar effects of CAIs on vascular function have been observed in the liver, brain and kidney, while vessels in abdominal muscle and the stomach are unaffected. Most of the studies on the vascular effects of CAIs have been focused on the cerebral and ocular vasculatures, and in particular the retinal vasculature, where vasodilation of its vessels, after intravenous infusion of sulfonamide-based CAIs can be easily observed and measured from the fundus of the eye. The mechanism by which CAIs exert their effects on the vasculature is still unclear, but the classic sulfonamide-based inhibitors have been found to directly dilate isolated vessel segments when applied to the extracellular fluid. Modification of the structure of CAI compounds affects their efficacy and potency as vasodilators. CAIs of the coumarin type, which generally are less effective in inhibiting the catalytically dominant isoform hCA II and unable to accept NO, have comparable vasodilatory effects as the primary sulfonamides on pre-contracted retinal arteriolar vessel segments, providing insights into which CA isoforms are involved. Alterations of the lipophilicity of CAI compounds affect their potency as vasodilators, and CAIs that are membrane impermeant do not act as vasodilators of isolated vessel segments. Experiments with CAIs, that shed light on the role of CA in the regulation of vascular tone of vessels, will be discussed in this review. The role of CA in vascular function will be discussed, with specific emphasis on findings with the effects of CA inhibitors (CAI).

Origanum majorana L. polyphenols: in vivo antiepileptic effect, in silico evaluation of their bioavailability, and interaction with the NMDA receptor

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterized by repeated seizures and caused by excessive glutamate receptor activation. Many plants are traditionally used in the treatment of this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the bioavailability of a polyphenolic extract obtained from Origanum majorana L. (OMP) leaves, as well as its antiepileptic activity and its potential mechanism of action. Methods: We have developed and validated a simple, rapid, and accurate stability-indicating reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of caffeine and quercetin in rat plasma. The OMP antiepileptic effect was evaluated with pilocarpine-induced seizures, and a docking method was used to determine the possible interaction between caffeic acid and quercetin with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Results and Discussion: Both compounds tested showed low bioavailability in unchanged form. However, the tested extract showed an anticonvulsant effect due to the considerably delayed onset of seizures in the pilocarpine model at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The molecular docking proved a high-affinity interaction between the caffeic acid and quercetin with the NMDA receptor. Taken together, OLP polyphenols demonstrated good antiepileptic activity, probably due to the interaction of quercetin, caffeic acid, or their metabolites with the NMDA receptor.

Novel Drug Screening Assay for Acanthamoeba castellanii and the Anti-Amoebic Effect of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Acanthamoeba castellanii is an amoeba that inhabits soil and water in every part of the world. Acanthamoeba infection of the eye causes keratitis and can lead to a loss of vision. Current treatment options are only moderately effective, have multiple harmful side effects, and are tedious. In our study, we developed a novel drug screening method to define the inhibitory properties of potential new drugs against A. castellanii in vitro. We found that the clinically used carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, acetazolamide, ethoxzolamide, and dorzolamide, have promising antiamoebic properties.

Selected strategies to fight pathogenic bacteria

Natural products and analogues are a source of antibacterial drug discovery. Considering drug resistance levels emerging for antibiotics, identification of bacterial metalloenzymes and the synthesis of selective inhibitors are interesting for antibacterial agent development. Peptide nucleic acids are attractive antisense and antigene agents representing a novel strategy to target pathogens due to their unique mechanism of action. Antisense inhibition and development of antisense peptide nucleic acids is a new approach to antibacterial agents. Due to the increased resistance of biofilms to antibiotics, alternative therapeutic options are necessary. To develop antimicrobial strategies, optimised in vitro and in vivo models are needed. In vivo models to study biofilm-related respiratory infections, device-related infections: ventilator-associated pneumonia, tissue-related infections: chronic infection models based on alginate or agar beads, methods to battle biofilm-related infections are discussed. Drug delivery in case of antibacterials often is a serious issue therefore this review includes overview of drug delivery nanosystems.

Inhibition of pathogenic bacterial carbonic anhydrases by monothiocarbamates

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) from the pathogenic bacteria Nesseria gonorrhoeae and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have recently been validated as antibacterial drug targets. Here we explored the inhibition of the α-CA from N. gonorrhoeae (α-NgCA), of α- and γ-class enzymes from Enterococcus faecium (α-EfCA and γ-EfCA) with a panel of aliphatic, heterocyclic and aryl-alkyl primary/secondary monothiocarbamates (MTCs). α-NgCA was inhibited in vitro with KIs ranging from 0.367 to 0.919 µM. The compounds inhibited the α-EfCA and γ-EfCA with KI ranges of 0.195-0.959 µM and of 0.149-1.90 µM, respectively. Some MTCs were also investigated for their inhibitory effects on the growth of clinically-relevant N. gonorrhoeae and VRE strains. No inhibitory effects on the growth of VRE were noted for all MTCs, whereas one compound (13) inhibited the growth N. gonorrhoeae strains at concentrations ranging from 16 to 64 µg/mL. This suggests that compound 13 may be a potential antibacterial agent against N. gonorrhoeae.

Benzenesulfonamide derivatives as Vibrio cholerae carbonic anhydrases inhibitors: a computational-aided insight in the structural rigidity-activity relationships

Vibrio cholerae causes life-threatening infections in low-income countries due to the rise of antibacterial resistance. Innovative pharmacological targets have been investigated and carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC: 4.2.1.1) encoded by V. cholerae (VchCAs) emerged as a valuable option. Recently, we developed a large library of para- and meta-benzenesulfonamides characterised by moieties with a different flexibility degree as CAs inhibitors. Stopped flow-based enzymatic assays showed strong inhibition of VchαCA for this library, while lower affinity was detected against the other isoforms. In particular, cyclic urea 9c emerged for a nanomolar inhibition of VchαCA (K_I = 4.7 nM) and high selectivity with respect to human isoenzymes (SI≥ 90). Computational studies revealed the influence of moiety flexibility on inhibitory activity and isoform selectivity and allowed accurate SARs. However, although VchCAs are involved in the bacterium virulence and not in its survival, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of such compounds, resulting in no direct activity.

A Multitarget Approach against Neuroinflammation: Alkyl Substituted Coumarins as Inhibitors of Enzymes Involved in Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) include a large range of diseases characterized by neural dysfunction with a multifactorial etiology. The most common NDs are Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, in which cholinergic and dopaminergic systems are impaired, respectively. Despite different brain regions being affected, oxidative stress and inflammation were found to be common triggers in the pathogenesis and progression of both diseases. By taking advantage of a multi-target approach, in this work we explored alkyl substituted coumarins as neuroprotective agents, capable to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes involved in neurodegeneration, among which are Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs), Monoamine Oxidases (MAOs), and Cholinesterases (ChEs). The compounds were synthesized and profiled against the three targeted enzymes. The binding mode of the most promising compounds (7 and 9) within MAO-A and -B was analyzed through molecular modeling studies, providing and explanation for the different selectivities observed for the MAO isoforms. In vitro biological studies using LPS-stimulated rat astrocytes showed that some compounds were able to counteract the oxidative stress-induced neuroinflammation and hamper interleukin-6 secretion, confirming the success of this multitarget approach.

Discovery of a novel series of potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with selective affinity for μ Opioid receptor for Safer and long-lasting analgesia

In this study, we investigated the development of dual-targeted ligands that bind to both μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes, using fentanyl structure as a template. We synthesized and evaluated 21 novel compounds with dual-targeted affinity identifying the lead candidate compound 8, showing selective affinity for MOR and potent inhibition of several cytosolic CA isoforms. By means of repeated treatment of 3 daily administrations for 17 days, fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) led to tolerance development, pain threshold alterations and withdrawal symptoms in CD-1 mice, as well as astrocyte and microglia activation in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. In contrast, compound 8 (0.32 mg/kg s.c.) maintained stable during days its analgesic effect at the higher dose tested with fewer withdrawal symptoms, allodynia development and glial cells activation. Our results suggest that targeting both MOR and CA enzymes can lead to the development of new class of potent analgesic agents with fewer side effects and reduced tolerance development. Further studies are needed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects and to further optimize the therapeutic potential of these compounds.

Antimalarial Agents Targeting Plasmodium falciparum Carbonic Anhydrase: Towards Artesunate Hybrid Compounds with Dual Mechanism of Action

Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge worldwide and, as part of the global effort toward malaria eradication, plasmodium carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have recently been proposed as potential targets for malaria treatment. In this study, a series of eight hybrid compounds combining the Artesunate core with a sulfonamide moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition potency against the widely expressed human (h) CAs I, II and the isoform from P. falciparum (PfCA). All derivatives demonstrated high inhibition potency against PfCA, achieving a KI value in the sub-nanomolar range (0.35 nM). Two Compounds showed a selectivity index of 4.1 and 3.1, respectively, against this protozoan isoform compared to hCA II. Three Derivatives showed no cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts at 50 μM with a high killing rate against both P. falciparum and P. knowlesi strains with IC50 in the sub-nanomolar range, providing a wide therapeutic window. Our findings suggest that these compounds may serve as promising leads for developing new antimalarial drugs and warrant further investigation, including activity against antimalarial-resistant strains, mode of action studies, and in vivo efficacy assessment in preclinical mouse models of malaria.

Erlotinib-containing benzenesulfonamides as anti-Helicobacter pylori agents through carbonic anhydrase inhibition

Aim: Development of dual-acting antibacterial agents containing Erlotinib, a recognized EGFR inhibitor used as an anticancer agent, with differently spaced benzenesulfonamide moieties known to bind and inhibit Helicobacter pylori carbonic anhydrase (HpCA) or the antiviral Zidovudine. Methods & materials: Through rational design, ten derivatives were obtained via a straightforward synthesis including a click chemistry reaction. Inhibitory activity against a panel of pathogenic carbonic anhydrases and antibacterial susceptibility of H. pylori ATCC 43504 were assessed. Docking studies on α-carbonic anhydrase enzymes and EGFR were conducted to gain insight into the binding mode of these compounds. Results & conclusion: Some compounds proved to be strong inhibitors of HpCA and showed good anti-H. pylori activity. Computational studies on the targeted enzymes shed light on the interaction hotspots.