Ophthalmic drugs: in vitro paraoxonase 1 inhibition and molecular docking studies

Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism with Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy in the Southern Chinese Population

Background

Common polymorphisms within the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene are rs429358 and rs7412, which result in three major alleles (ɛ2, ɛ3, and ɛ4) and six genotypes (E2/E2, E2/E3, E3/E3, E3/E4, E4/E4, and E2/E4). Although APOE gene polymorphisms have been suggested to be associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN), their potential association remains unclear in different regions. This study aims to unveil the genetic effects of APOE gene polymorphisms on DN susceptibility and serum lipid profiles in southern Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 306 DN patients and 483 type 2 diabetic patients as controls were included in the study. The APOE gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microarray gene chip. Relevant medical records and information of these participants were collected.

Results

There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in gender, SBP, hypertension, hyperuricemia, UTP, TG and HDL-C between DN patients and controls. DN patients exhibited a higher frequency of the ε2 allele and E2/E3 genotype than controls (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the ε2 allele and E2/E3 genotype were independent risk factors (adjusted OR: 3.237, 95% CI: 1.789-5.854, p < 0.001; adjusted OR: 3.453, 95% CI: 1.873-6.368, p < 0.001), while the ε3 allele or E3/E3 genotype might serve as protective role (adjusted OR: 0.395, 95% CI: 0.255-0.612, p < 0.001) for development of DN.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a correlation between APOE polymorphisms and DN in the southern Chinese Hakka population. Specifically, individuals carrying the APOE ε2 allele and E2/E3 genotype are at a higher risk of developing DN. Conversely, those with the APOE ε3 allele and E3/E3 genotype have a lower risk of DN in southern Chinese population.

Gossypin mitigates oxidative damage by downregulating the molecular signaling pathway in oleic acid-induced acute lung injury

One of the leading causes of acute lung injury, which is linked to a high death rate, is pulmonary fat embolism. Increases in proinflammatory cytokines and the production of free radicals are related to the pathophysiology of acute lung injury. Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals play a protective role against acute lung injury. Gossypin has been proven to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we compared the role of Gossypin with the therapeutically used drug Dexamethasone in the acute lung injury model caused by oleic acid in rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups; Sham, Oleic acid model, Oleic acid+Dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg), Oleic acid+Gossypin (10 and 20 mg/kg). Two hours after pretreatment with Dexamethasone or Gossypin, the acute lung injury model was created by injecting 1 g/kg oleic acid into the femoral vein. Three hours following the oleic acid injection, rats were decapitated. Lung tissues were extracted for histological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, PCR, and SEM imaging assessment. The oleic acid injection caused an increase in lipid peroxidation and catalase activity, pathological changes in lung tissue, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione level, and increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 expression. However, these changes were attenuated after treatment with Gossypin and Dexamethasone. By reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and attenuating oxidative stress, Gossypin pretreatment provides a new target that is equally effective as dexamethasone in the treatment of oleic acid-induced acute lung injury.

Synthesis, Theoretical, in Silico and in Vitro Biological Evaluation Studies of New Thiosemicarbazones as Enzyme Inhibitors

Eleven new thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1-11) were designed from nine different biologically and pharmacologically important isothiocyanate derivatives containing functional groups such as fluorine, chlorine, methoxy, methyl, and nitro at various positions of the phenyl ring, in addition to the benzyl unit in the molecular skeletal structure. First, their substituted-thiosemicarbazide derivatives were synthesized from the treatment of isothiocyanate with hydrazine to synthesize the designed compounds. Through a one-step easy synthesis and an eco-friendly process, the designed compounds were synthesized with yields of up to 95 % from the treatment of the thiosemicarbazides with aldehyde derivatives having methoxy and hydroxy groups. The structures of the synthesized molecules were elucidated with elemental analysis and FT-IR, 1 H-NMR, and 13 C-NMR spectroscopic methods. The electronic and spectroscopic properties of the compounds were determined by the DFT calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory, and the experimental findings were supported. The effects of some global reactivity parameters and nucleophilic-electrophilic attack abilities of the compounds on the enzyme inhibition properties were also investigated. They exhibited a highly potent inhibition effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) (KI values are in the range of 23.54±4.34 to 185.90±26.16 nM, 103.90±23.49 to 325.90±77.99 nM, and 86.15±18.58 to 287.70±43.09 nM for AChE, hCA I, and hCA II, respectively). Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were performed to explain each enzyme-ligand complex's interaction.

Unlocking Synergistic Potential: Agomelatine Enhances the Chemotherapeutic Effect of Paclitaxel in Breast Cancer Cell Through MT1 Melatonin Receptors and ER-alpha Axis

This study investigates the potential of agomelatine (AGO), a synthetic melatoninergic drug, in combination with paclitaxel (PTX) for the treatment of breast cancer. The effects of AGO, PTX and melatonin (MTN) on breast cancer cell viability were investigated, focusing on the role of MT1 receptors. Cell viability and gene expression were analyzed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell experiments. The results show that AGO has cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells similar to MTN. Combining AGO and MTN with PTX showed synergistic effects in MCF-7 cells. The study also reveals differences in the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer between estrogen-positive MCF-7 cells and estrogen-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Combination with AGO and PTX affects apoptosis-associated proteins in both cell types. The findings suggest that AGO, combined with PTX, may be a promising adjuvant therapy for breast cancer and highlight the importance of MTN receptors in its mechanism of action.

Novel bis-ureido-substituted sulfaguanidines and sulfisoxazoles as carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

To discover alternative substances to compounds used to treat many diseases, especially treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease targeting carbonic anhydrase (hCA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes, is important. For this purpose, a series of novel bis-ureido-substituted sulfaguanidine (SG1-4) and sulfisoxazole (SO1-4) derivatives were synthesized, and their inhibitory capacities were screened against hCA isoenzymes (hCA I and II) and AChE. Possible binding mechanisms of inhibitors to the active site were elucidated by in silico studies, and the results were supported by in vitro results. Moreover, the percent radical scavenging capacities of the derivatives were also evaluated. The derivatives (SG1-4 and SO1-4) were more effective against hCAs compared to standard drug acetazolamide (KI values of 98.28-439.17 nM for hCA I and II, respectively) and exhibited the highest inhibition with the KIs in the ranges of 2.54 ± 0.50-41.02 ± 7.52 nM for hCA I, 11.20 ± 2.97-67.14 ± 13.58 nM for hCA II, and 257.60 ± 27.84-442.60 ± 52.13 nM for AChE. Also, compounds SG1 and SO1 also showed ABTS radical scavenging activity at the rate of 70% and 78%, respectively. These results will contribute to the literature for the rational design and synthesis of new potent and selective inhibitors targeting hCAs and AChE with multifunctional effects such as radical scavenging as well as inhibition. This study focused on the synthesis and inhibitory effects of bis-ureido-substituted sulfaguanidine (SG1-4) and sulfisoxazole (SO1-4) derivatives against human hCA I and II isoforms and AChE. In order to test synthesized derivatives' free radical scavenging potentials were the DPPH and ABTS assays. In silico studies elucidated possible binding mechanisms of inhibitors to the active site.

Synthesis and characterization of novel acyl hydrazones derived from vanillin as potential aldose reductase inhibitors

In the polyol pathway, aldose reductase (AR) catalyzes the formation of sorbitol from glucose. In order to detoxify some dangerous aldehydes, AR is essential. However, due to the effects of the active polyol pathway, AR overexpression in the hyperglycemic state leads to microvascular and macrovascular diabetic problems. As a result, AR inhibition has been recognized as a potential treatment for issues linked to diabetes and has been studied by numerous researchers worldwide. In the present study, a series of acyl hydrazones were obtained from the reaction of vanillin derivatized with acyl groups and phenolic Mannich bases with hydrazides containing pharmacological groups such as morpholine, piperazine, and tetrahydroisoquinoline. The resulting 21 novel acyl hydrazone compounds were investigated as an inhibitor of the AR enzyme. All the novel acyl hydrazones derived from vanillin demonstrated activity in nanomolar levels as AR inhibitors with IC50 and KI values in the range of 94.21 ± 2.33 to 430.00 ± 2.33 nM and 49.22 ± 3.64 to 897.20 ± 43.63 nM, respectively. Compounds 11c and 10b against AR enzyme activity were identified as highly potent inhibitors and showed 17.38 and 10.78-fold more effectiveness than standard drug epalrestat. The synthesized molecules' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) effects were also assessed. The probable-binding mechanisms of these inhibitors against AR were investigated using molecular-docking simulations.

Screening of in Vitro Inhibition of Lactoperoxidase Enzyme by Methyl Benzoate Derivatives with Molecular Docking Studies

Lactoperoxidase enzyme (LPO) is secreted from salivary, mammary, and other mucosal glands including the bronchi, lungs, and nose, which had functions as a natural and the first line of defense towards viruses and bacteria. In this study, methyl benzoates were examined in LPO enzyme activity. Methyl benzoates are used as precursors in the synthesis of aminobenzohydrazides used as LPO inhibitors. For this purpose, LPO was purified in a single step using sepharose-4B-l-tyrosine-sulfanilamide affinity gel chromatography with a yield of 9.91 % from cow milk. Also, some inhibition parameters including the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value and an inhibition constant (Ki ) values of methyl benzoates were determined. These compounds inhibited LPO with Ki values ranging from 0.033±0.004 to 1540.011±460.020 μM. Compound 1 a (methyl 2-amino-3-bromobenzoate) showed the best inhibition (Ki =0.033±0.004 μM). The most potent inhibitor (1 a) showed with a docking score of -3.36 kcal/mol and an MM-GBSA value of -25.05 kcal/mol, of these methyl benzoate derivatives (1 a-16 a) series are established H-bond within the binding cavity with residues Asp108 (distance of 1.79 Å), Ala114 (distance of 2.64 Å), and His351 (distance of 2.12 Å).

Novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin-4(3H)-one ring: Synthesis, in vitro, and in silico evaluation of potent aldose reductase inhibitors

Aldose reductase (AR) is a crucial enzyme of the polyol pathway through which glucose is metabolized under conditions of hyperglycemia related to diabetes. A series of novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin-4(3H)-one ring (1-22) was synthesized and tested for in vitro AR inhibitory effect. All the target compounds exhibited nanomolar activity against the target enzyme, and all compounds displayed higher activity as compared to the reference drug epalrestat. Among them, Compound 19, named 2-(4-[(2-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-ylimino)methyl]phenoxy)acetic acid, displayed the strongest inhibitory effect with a KI value of 61.20 ± 10.18 nM. Additionally, these compounds were investigated for activity against L929, nontumoral fibroblast cells, and MCF-7, breast cancer cells using the MTT assay. Compounds 16 and 19 showed lower toxicity against the normal L929 cells. The synthesized compounds' (1-22) absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties were also evaluated. Molecular docking simulations were used to look into the possible binding mechanisms of these inhibitors against AR.

Modulatory Effect of Lifestyle-Related, Environmental and Genetic Factors on Paraoxonase-1 Activity: A Review

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a calcium-dependent, HDL-bound serum hydrolase active toward a wide variety of substrates. PON1 displays three types of activities, among which lactonase, paraoxonase, arylesterase and phosphotriesterase can be distinguished. Not only is this enzyme a major organophosphate compound detoxifier, but it is also an important constituent of the cellular antioxidant system and has anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic functions. The concentration and activity of PON1 is highly variable among individuals, and these differences can be both of genetic origin and be a subject of epigenetic regulation. Owing to the fact that, in recent decades, the exposure of humans to an increasing number of different xenobiotics has been continuously rising, the issues concerning the role and activity of PON1 shall be reconsidered with particular attention to growing pharmaceuticals intake, dietary habits and environmental awareness. In the following manuscript, the current state of knowledge concerning the influence of certain modifiable and unmodifiable factors, including smoking, alcohol intake, gender, age and genotype variation on PON1 activity, along with pathways through which these could interfere with the enzyme's protective functions, is presented and discussed. Since exposure to certain xenobiotics plays a key role in PON1 activity, the influence of organophosphates, heavy metals and several pharmaceutical agents is also specified.

Pyrimidines: Molecular docking and inhibition studies on carbonic anhydrase and cholinesterases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The disease is characterized by dementia, memory impairment, cognitive impairment, and speech impairment. Cholinesterases (ChEs; AChE, acetylcholinesterase and BChE, butyrylcholinesterase) inhibitors and their benefits of cholinergic replacement in the treatment of AD have been researched and documented by scientists in various ways to date. Recent studies prove that human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) are also one of the important targets in the treatment of AD. Therefore, the development of new agents that can simultaneously modulate the various mechanisms or targets involved in the AD pathway may be a powerful strategy to treat AD, the current disease. Considering these data, the effects of the pyrimidines (1-7) were investigated in this study for the discovery and development of multitargeted ChEs and hCAs inhibitors associated with AD. In addition, the molecular docking analysis of the 4-amino-2-choloropyrimidine (2) was performed to understand the binding interactions on the active site of the enzyme. All compounds (1-7) showed satisfactory enzyme inhibitory potency in micromolar concentrations against AChE, BChE, hCAI, and hCAII with K_I values ranging from 0.099 to 0.241 μM, from 1.324 to 3.418 μM, from 0.201 to 0.884 μM, from 1.867 to 3.913 μM, respectively. Due to their ChEs and hCAs inhibition, these compounds (1-7) may be considered as leads for investigations in neurodegenerative diseases. All these results revealed that the 4-amino-5,6-dichloropyrimidine (7) (K_I value of 0.201 ± 0.041 μM for hCA I), the 4-amino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (4) (K_I value of 1.867 ± 0.296 μM for hCA II), the 4-amino-5,6-dichloropyrimidine (7) (K_I value of 0.099 ± 0.008 μM for AChE), and the 4-amino-2-chloropyrimidine (2) (K_I value of 1.324 ± 0.273 μM for BChE) from the pyrimidines in this series were the most promising derivatives, as they exhibited a good multifunctional inhibition at all experimental levels and in the in silico validation against these enzymes, for the treatment of AD.

Recombinant human carbonic anhydrase VII: Purification, characterization, inhibition, and molecular docking studies

Human carbonic anhydrase VII (hCA VII), a cytosolic enzyme, defends against oxidative stress by preventing reactive oxygen species from forming. In our study, first, hCA VII was cloned into Escherichia coli (One Shot Mach1-T1R) strain by using cDNA of the human brain and successfully expressed. The integrity of the plasmid generated by colony PCR was checked, and after, for protein expression, the plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE-3) strain. hCA VII expression was observed after 6 h of isopropyl-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. The fusion protein containing hexahistidine (6xHis) was purified with 7.02 EU/mg of specific activity, had 48.07% of purification yield, and approximately 21-folds using a ProbondTM nickel chelating resin affinity column. Then, both molecular mass determination and purity control of the purified recombinant enzyme was done by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The mass of the SUMO-hCA VII fusion protein was calculated as 46.77 kDa. As a result of Western blot analysis using anti-His G-HRP antibody, the fusion protein was detected as approximately 45 kDa. Furthermore, the characterization assays and in vitro inhibition studies were done for the recombinant enzyme. K_I values of these agents were found between 0.29 μM and 157.6 mM. Finally, molecular docking investigations of these antibiotics were undertaken to understand further the binding interactions on the active site of this recombinant enzyme.

A new series of hydrazones as small-molecule aldose reductase inhibitors

In the search for small-molecule aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors, new tetrazole-hydrazone hybrids (1-15) were designed. An efficient procedure was employed for the synthesis of compounds 1-15. All hydrazones were subjected to an in vitro assay to assess their AR inhibitory profiles. Compounds 1-15 caused AR inhibition with K_i values ranging between 0.177 and 6.322 µM and IC₅₀ values ranging between 0.210 and 0.676 µM. 2-[(1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)thio]-N'-(4-fluorobenzylidene)acetohydrazide (4) was the most potent inhibitor of AR in this series. Compound 4 markedly inhibited AR (IC₅₀  = 0.297 µM) in a competitive manner (K_i  = 0.177 µM) compared to epalrestat (K_i  = 0.857 µM, IC₅₀  = 0.267 µM). Based on the in vitro data obtained by applying the MTT test, compound 4 showed no cytotoxic activity toward normal (NIH/3T3) cells at the tested concentrations, indicating its safety as an AR inhibitor. Compound 4 exhibited proper interactions with crucial amino acid residues within the active site of AR. In silico QikProp data of all hydrazones (1-15) were also determined to assess their pharmacokinetic profiles. Taken together, compound 4 stands out as a promising inhibitor of AR for further in vivo studies.

Enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and density functional theory studies of new thiosemicarbazones incorporating the 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy benzaldehyde motif

New Schiff base-bearing thiosemicarbazones (1-13) were obtained from 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy benzaldehyde and various isocyanates. The structures of the synthesized molecules were elucidated in detail. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to determine the spectroscopic properties of the compounds. Moreover, the enzyme inhibition activities of these compounds were investigated. They showed highly potent inhibition effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) (K_I values are in the range of 51.11 ± 6.01 to 278.10 ± 40.55 nM, 60.32 ± 9.78 to 300.00 ± 77.41 nM, and 64.21 ± 9.99 to 307.70 ± 61.35 nM for AChE, hCA I, and hCA II, respectively). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed, confirmed by binding affinities studies of the most potent derivatives.

N-substituted phthalazine sulfonamide derivatives as non-classical aldose reductase inhibitors

Aldose reductase (AR, AKR1B1; EC 1.1.1.21) is an aldo-keto reductase that has been widely investigated as an enzyme crucially involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cataracts associated with diabetes mellitus. Although sulfonamides have been reported to possess many other biological activities, in continuation of our interest in designing and discovering potent inhibitors of AR, herein, we have evaluated the AR inhibitory potential of N-substituted phthalazine sulfonamide derivatives 5a-l. The biological studies revealed that all the derivatives show excellent activity against AR, with K_I constants ranging from 67.73 to 495.20 nM. Among these agents, 4-(6-nitro-1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazine-2-carbonyl)benzenesulfonamide (5e) and 1,4-dioxo-3-(4-sulfamoylbenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazine-6-carboxylic acid (5f) showed prominent inhibitory activity with K_I values of 67.73 and 148.20 nM, respectively, vs AR and were found to be more potent than epalrestat (K_I  = 852.50 nM), the only AR inhibitor currently used in the therapy. Moreover, molecular docking studies were also performed to rationalize binding site interactions of these sulfonamides (5a-l) with the target enzyme AR. According to ADME-Tox, predicts were also determined that these derivatives be ARIs displaying suitable drug-like properties. The sulfonamides identified in this study may be used to develop lead therapeutic agents inhibiting diabetic complications.

Screening of in vitro and in silico effect of Fluorophenylthiourea compounds on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzymes

Inhibition studies of enzymes in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) have recently emerged as a promising technique for pharmacological intervention in several illnesses. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) are the most important enzymes of the PPP. For this purpose, in the current study, we examined the effect of some fluorophenylthiourea on G6PD and 6PGD enzyme activity. These compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against G6PD and 6PGD with K_I values ranging from 21.60 ± 8.42 to 39.70 ± 11.26 μM, and 15.82 ± 1.54 to 29.97 ± 5.72 μM, respectively. 2,6-difluorophenylthiourea displayed the most potent inhibitory effect for G6PD, and 2-fluorophenylthiourea demonstrated the most substantial inhibitory effect for 6PGD. Furthermore, the molecular docking analyses of the fluorophenylthioureas, competitive inhibitors, were performed to understand the binding interactions at the enzymes' binding site.

Biological evaluation and in silico study of benzohydrazide derivatives as paraoxonase 1 inhibitors

Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is found in all mammalian species and is a calcium-dependent hydrolytic enzyme. PON1 hydrolyze several substrates, including carbonates, esters, and organophosphates. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the presynthesized benzohydrazide derivatives (1-9) on PON1 activity. Benzohydrazide compounds moderate inhibited PON1 with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 76.04 ± 13.51 to 221.70 ± 13.59 μM and K_I values ranging from 38.75 ± 12.21 to 543.50 ± 69.76 μM. Compound 4 (2-amino-4-chlorobenzohydrazide) showed the best inhibition (K_I  = 38.75 ± 12.21 μM). Molecular docking and ADME-Tox studies of benzohydrazide derivatives were also carried out. In this context, we hope that the results obtained in this study contribute to the determination of the side effects of current and new benzohydrazide-based pharmacological compounds to be developed.

Methyl benzoate derivatives: in vitro Paraoxonase 1 inhibition and in silico studies

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) can metabolize some compounds such as aromatic carboxylic acid and unsaturated aliphatic esters, arylesters, cyclic carbonate, plucuronide drugs, some carbamate insecticide classes, nerve gases, and lactone compounds. Methyl benzoate has recently been shown to display potent toxicity against several insect species. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the methyl benzoate compounds (1-17) on PON1 activity. Methyl benzoate compounds inhibited PON1 with K_I values ranging from 25.10 ± 4.73 to 502.10 ± 64.72 μM. Compound 10 (methyl 4-amino-2-bromo benzoate) showed the best inhibition (K_I  = 25.10 ± 4.73 μM). Furthermore, using the ADME-Tox, Glide XP, and MM-GBSA tools of the Schrödinger Suite 2021-4, a complete ligand-receptor interaction prediction was performed to characterize the methyl benzoates (1-17), probable binding modalities versus the PON1.

Cytotoxic effect, enzyme inhibition, and in silico studies of some novel N-substituted sulfonyl amides incorporating 1,3,4-oxadiazol structural motif

Abstract

The acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (AChEIs and hCAIs) remain key therapeutic agents for many bioactivities such as anti-Alzheimer and antiobesity antiepileptic, anticancer, antiinfective, antiglaucoma, and diuretic effects. Here, it has been attempted to discover novel multi-target AChEIs and hCAIs that are highly potent, orally bioavailable, may be brain penetrant, and have higher effectiveness at lower doses than tacrine and acetazolamide. After detailed investigations both in vitro and in silico, novel N-substituted sulfonyl amide derivatives (6a–j) were determined to be highly potent inhibitors for AChE and hCAs (K_Is are in the range of 23.11–52.49 nM, 18.66–59.62 nM, and 9.33–120.80 nM for AChE, hCA I, and hCA II, respectively). Moreover, according to the cytotoxic effect studies, such as the ADME-Tox, cortex neuron cells, and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, compounds 6a, 6d, and 6h, which are the most potent representative versus the target enzymes, were identified as orally bioavailable, highly selective, and brain preferentially distributed AChEIs and hCAIs. The docking studies revealed precise binding modes between 6a, 6d, and 6h and hCA II, hCA I, and AChE, respectively. The results presented here might provide a solid basis for further investigation into more potent AChEIs and hCAIs.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11030-022-10422-8.