Heme oxygenase inhibition by 2-oxy-substituted 1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-phenylbutanes: effect of halogen substitution in the phenyl ring

Efficacy and Safety Concerns with Sn-Mesoporphyrin as an Adjunct Therapy in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: A Literature Review

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a frequently observed clinical situation that, sometimes, may result in complications ranging from mild neurodevelopment impairment to serious outcome of kernicterus. The rationale logic of heme oxygenase enzyme inhibition to lower bilirubin levels is intriguing. In compliance with that rationale, metalloporphyrin was discovered. After successful results in in-vitro and animal studies, tin mesoporphyrin is now under phase II clinical trial to test for preventive and therapeutic efficacy in unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. This review evaluates in-vitro studies, animal studies, and clinical trials for the efficacy and safety of tin analogues of metalloporphyrin. Few alternatives to metalloporphyrins are also available, synchronizing with the same rationale logic of inhibition of bilirubin production, which need further research.

Preliminary studies of an imidazole-based alcohol derivative for imaging of Heme oxygenase 1

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus constituting a promising target for AD drug development. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a fully translational imaging technology, which will help us understand the role of HO-1 in the progression of AD, facilitating to validate promising HO-1 inhibitors in clinical trials. To our knowledge, there is no report on PET imaging probe targeting HO-1 in animals and humans. We report herein the synthesis and characterization of a ¹¹C-labeled imidazole-based alcohol derivative ([¹¹C]QC-33) for imaging of HO-1 in the brain. The desired product [¹¹C]QC-33 was afforded with a radiochemical yield of 16 ± 9% (n = 3, decay corrected). The radiochemical purity was greater than 99%, and the molar radioactivity was greater than 185 GBq/μmol. In vitro autoradiography studies indicated specific binding of [¹¹C]QC-33 in the HO-1 rich regions, showing 75%, 75%, and 69% radioactivity binding reductions in cerebellum, brain stem, and midbrain, respectively. PET/CT scanning in C57BL/6 mice showed low brain uptake and poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration of [¹¹C]QC-33. These results suggested that [¹¹C]QC-33 can serve as a lead compound to advance the development of next generation PET tracer with the potential to monitor HO-1 in AD progression.

Sex-divergent expression of cytochrome P450 and SIRTUIN 1-7 proteins in toxicity evaluation of a benzimidazole-derived epigenetic modulator in mice

Efforts in precision medicine to combat aberrant epigenome have led to the development of epigenetic targeting drugs. We have previously reported the capability of the BZD9L1 epigenetic modulator to impede colorectal tumour growth in vitro and in vivo through sirtuin (SIRT) inhibition. Although most benzimidazole derivatives are commonly less toxic, their effects on SIRTs and cytochrome P450 (CYP) regulations have not been explored alongside toxicity assessments. SIRTs are histone deacetylases that are crucial in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, whereas CYP is essential in drug metabolism. This study aims to determine the toxicology profile of BZD9L1 through oral acute and repeated dose toxicity evaluations, along with molecular analyses of SIRT, CYP and relevant toxicity markers through western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). BZD9L1 demonstrated no sign of acute toxicity at the limit dose (2000 mg/kg). The 28-day toxicity study highlighted the tolerability of repeated dose administration without adverse effects. BZD9L1 showed a sex-divergent regulation of hepatic SIRT1-7, CYP2A5 and CYP2D proteins. Furthermore, BZD9L1 did not induce the expression of organ injury proteins or alter the gene expression of cellular function indicators in mouse liver and kidneys, hence demonstrating, at least in part, the safety of BZD9L1 in short-term evaluations. The present study cautions for personalised strategies when employing benzimidazole-derived epigenetic therapeutics.

Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Metal Complex Diffusion through Cell Monolayer

The study of drugs diffusion through different biological membranes constitutes an essential step in the development of new pharmaceuticals. In this study, the method based on the monolayer cell culture of CHO-K1 cells has been developed in order to emulate the epithelial cells barrier in permeability studies by laser interferometry. Laser interferometry was employed for the experimental analysis of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with 1-allylimidazole or their chlorides’ diffusion through eukaryotic cell monolayers. The amount (mol) of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) chlorides transported through the monolayer was greater than that of metals complexed with 1-allylimidazole by 4.34-fold and 1.45-fold, respectively, after 60 min. Thus, laser interferometry can be used for the quantitative analysis of the transport of compounds through eukaryotic cell monolayers, and the resulting parameters can be used to formulate a mathematical description of this process.

Click synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole based imidazoles: Antitubercular evaluation, molecular docking and HSA binding studies

Using Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkyne and azide reaction (CuAAC), a series of novel 1,2,3-triazole based imidazole derivatives (3a-e) have been synthesized. The synthesized molecules were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass and elemental analysis. Antitubercular activity (anti-TB) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb) and cytotoxic activity against the mammalian Vero cell line was screened for the synthesized compounds. The compounds 3d and 3e displayed potent in vitro antitubercular activity and may serve as a lead for further optimization. Besides, the experimental findings were in line with the results of molecular docking. Also, the synthesized compounds have also been analyzed for ADME properties and the experimental finding facilitates the development of new and more potent anti-TB agents in this series in the future. Using fluorescence and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, the binding interaction of compounds (3d and 3e) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated. The results showed that, as a result of HSA-compound complex, the fluorescence quenching of HSA by test compounds was a static quenching process. According to Forster's theory, energy transfer efficiency is calculated.

Immune Modulation by Inhibitors of the HO System

The heme oxygenase (HO) system involves three isoforms of this enzyme, HO-1, HO-2, and HO-3. The three of them display the same catalytic activity, oxidating the heme group to produce biliverdin, ferrous iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). HO-1 is the isoform most widely studied in proinflammatory diseases because treatments that overexpress this enzyme promote the generation of anti-inflammatory products. However, neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) derived from HO overexpression led to the development of inhibitors, such as those based on metaloproto- and meso-porphyrins inhibitors with competitive activity. Further, non-competitive inhibitors have also been identified, such as synthetic and natural imidazole-dioxolane-based, small synthetic molecules, inhibitors of the enzyme regulation pathway, and genetic engineering using iRNA or CRISPR cas9. Despite most of the applications of the HO inhibitors being related to metabolic diseases, the beneficial effects of these molecules in immune-mediated diseases have also emerged. Different medical implications, including cancer, Alzheimer´s disease, and infections, are discussed in this article and as to how the selective inhibition of HO isoforms may contribute to the treatment of these ailments.

Preparation of Nanofungicides Based on Imidazole Drugs and Their Antifungal Evaluation

In spite of modern crop protection measures, the overall crop losses due to pests and pathogens are huge. Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum are one of the most devastating soil-borne fungi and cause numerous plant diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically design and develop new nanofungicides based on imidazole drugs, clotrimazole, econazole nitrate, and miconazole nitrate, for effective and efficient management of plant diseases. The assessment of these antifungal medicines for their fungicide likeness using Hao's rule and their enzyme inhibitory potential by molecular docking was helpful in ensuring their utility as antifungal agents in managing phytopathogenic fungi. Nanotechnological strategies were used to develop nanoformulations of test compounds in poly(ethylene glycol) 300 for further augmenting their bioactivity. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed the nanosize of the prepared products. Analysis of their in vitro and in vivo antifungal properties revealed their usefulness in controlling the test fungi, R. solani, M. phaseolina, S. rolfsii, and F. oxysporum. Excellent in vitro antifungal activities were displayed by the clotrimazole nanoformulation with a median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 1.18 μg/mL against R. solani, the econazole nitrate nanoformulation with an ED₅₀ of 5.25 μg/mL against S. rolfsii, and the miconazole nitrate nanoformulation with an ED₅₀ of 1.49 and 1.82 μg/mL against M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum. Furthermore, in vivo studies against test fungi demonstrated the antifungal potency of all the nanoformulations with disease incidences ranging from 11.11 to 27.38% in plants treated with nanoformulations of test chemicals as compared to the inoculated control (39.68-72.38%).

Heme Oxygenase-2 (HO-2) as a therapeutic target: Activators and inhibitors

Heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes are involved in heme catabolism and several physiological functions. Among the different HO isoforms, HO-2 stands out for its neuroprotective properties and modulatory activity in male reproduction. However, unlike the HO-1 ligands, the potential therapeutic applications of HO-2 inhibitors/activators have not been extensively explored yet. Moreover, the physiological role of HO-2 is still unclear, mostly due to the lack of highly selective HO-2 chemical probes. To boost the interest on this intriguing target, the present review updates the knowledge on the structure-activity relationships of HO-2 inhibitors and activators, as well as their potential therapeutic applications. To the best of our knowledge, among HO-2 inhibitors, clemizole derivatives are the most selective HO-2 inhibitors reported so far (IC₅₀ HO-1 >100 μM, IC₅₀ HO-2 = 3.4 μM), while the HO-2 nonselective inhibitors described herein possess IC₅₀ HO-2 values ≤ 10 μM. Furthermore, the development of HO-2 activators, such as menadione analogues, helped to understand the critical moieties required for HO-2 activation. Recent advances in the potential therapeutic applications of HO-2 inhibitors/activators cover the fields of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and reproductive diseases further stimulating the interest towards this target.

Crystal structure of 4,4-dimethyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole, C6H9F3N2

C6H9F3N2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.6224(9) Å, b = 11.8639(9) Å, c = 13.3139(11) Å, β = 105.903(3)°, V = 1613.6(2) Å3, Z = 8, R gt(F) = 0.0618, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1629, T = 102(2) K [1–3].

Progress in the development of selective heme oxygenase-1 inhibitors and their potential therapeutic application

Heme oxygenases (HOs) are a family of enzymes involved in the selective catabolism of free circulating heme. While HO-2 is constitutively expressed, HO-1 is strongly overexpressed under stressful stimuli (e.g., oxidative stress). Under these conditions, HO-1 exerts its strong cytoprotective activities and plays a crucial role in stimulating cell survival by removing the pro-oxidant heme and by producing carbon monoxide and biliverdin (promptly reduced to bilirubin). Unfortunately, the broad spectrum of HO-1 cytoprotective effects has been well experimentally documented both in normal and tumor cells, where the enzyme can be overexpressed, making it an exciting target in the management of some type of tumors. Development of non-competitive HO-1 inhibitors dates back in 2002 with the discovery of Azalanstat. Since then, many efforts have been devoted to the identification of selective HO-1 and HO-2 inhibitors and to unravel the molecular determinants responsible for selectivity. Molecular modeling studies supported the identification of chemical features involved in the recognition and inhibition of these enzymes. Herein, medicinal chemistry aspects and in silico studies related to the development of HO inhibitors will be discussed. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the development of new selective HO-1 and HO-2 inhibitors and covers the last six years (2013-2018).

Novel Structural Insight into Inhibitors of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by New Imidazole-Based Compounds: Biochemical and In Vitro Anticancer Activity Evaluation

In this paper, the design, synthesis, and molecular modeling of a new azole-based HO-1 inhibitors was reported, using compound 1 as a lead compound, in which an imidazole moiety is linked to a hydrophobic group by means of an ethanolic spacer. The tested compounds showed a good inhibitor activity and possessed IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range. These results were obtained by targeting the hydrophobic western region. Molecular modeling studies confirmed a consolidated binding mode in which the nitrogen of the imidazolyl moiety coordinated the heme ferrous iron, meanwhile the hydrophobic groups were located in the western region of HO-1 binding pocket. Moreover, the new compounds were screened for in silico ADME-Tox properties to predict drug-like behavior with convincing results. Finally, the in vitro antitumor activity profile of compound 1 was investigated in different cancer cell lines and nanomicellar formulation was synthesized with the aim of improving compound's 1 water solubility. Finally, compound 1 was tested in melanoma cells in combination with doxorubicin showing interesting synergic activity.

Potholing of the hydrophobic heme oxygenase-1 western region for the search of potent and selective imidazole-based inhibitors

Here we report the design, synthesis, and molecular modeling of new potent and selective imidazole-based HO-1 inhibitors in which the imidazole nucleus and the hydrophobic groups are linked by a phenylethanolic spacer. Most of the tested compounds showed a good inhibitor activity with IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range, with two of them (1b and 1j) exhibiting also high selectivity toward HO-2. These results were obtained by the idea of potholing the entire volume of the principal hydrophobic western region with an appropriate ligand volume. Molecular modeling studies showed that these molecules bind to the HO-1 in the consolidated fashion where the imidazolyl moiety coordinates the heme iron while the aromatic groups are stabilized by hydrophobic interaction in the western region of the binding pocket. Finally, the synthesized compounds were analyzed for in silico ADME-Tox properties to establish oral drug-like behavior and showed satisfactory results.

Differential inhibition of rat and mouse microsome heme oxygenase by derivatives of imidazole and benzimidazole

Metalloporphyrin heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors have made an important contribution to elucidating the role of HO in physiological processes. Nevertheless, their off-target effects have drawn substantial criticism, which prompted us to develop non-porphyrin, azole-based inhibitors of HO. These second-generation HO inhibitors were evaluated using spleen and brain microsomes from rats as native sources of HO-1 and HO-2, respectively. Recently, the use of azole-based inhibitors of HO has been extended to other mammalian species and, as a consequence, it will be important to characterize the inhibitors in these species. The goal of this study was to compare the inhibitory profile of imidazole- and benzimidazole-based inhibitors of HO in a breast-cancer-implanted mouse to that of an untreated rat. For spleen and brain microsomes from both species, HO protein expression was determined by Western blotting and concentration-response curves for imidazole- and benzimidazole-derivative inhibition of HO activity were determined using a headspace gas-chromatographic assay. It was found that the effects on HO activity by imidazole and benzimidazole derivatives were different between the 2 species and were not explained by differences in HO expression. Thus, the HO inhibitory profile should be determined for azole derivatives before they are used in mammalian species other than rats.

Spectroscopic and theoretical characterization of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazole 3-oxide

The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, corresponding vibrational assignments of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazole 3-oxide have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. Gauge-including atomic orbital (1)H NMR chemical shifts calculations were carried out and compared with experimental data. The HOMO and LUMO analysis is used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The calculated geometrical parameters are in agreement with that of similar derivatives. Molecular electrostatic potential was performed by the DFT method. Mulliken's net charges have been calculated and compared with the atomic natural charges. First and second hyperpolarizability are calculated in order to find its role in non-linear optics. Molecular docking is also reported.

How does binding of imidazole-based inhibitors to heme oxygenase-1 influence their conformation? Insights combining crystal structures and molecular modelling

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibition is associated with antitumor activity. Imidazole-based analogues show effective and selective inhibitory potency of HO-1. In this work, five single-crystal structures of four imidazole-based compounds are presented, with an in-depth structural analysis. In order to study the influence of the conformation of the ligands on binding to protein, conformational data from crystallography are compared with quantum mechanics analysis and molecular docking studies. Molecular docking of imidazole-based analogues in the active site of HO-1 is in good agreement with the experimental structures. Inhibitors interact with the heme cofactor and a hydrophobic pocket (Met34, Phe37, Val50, Leu147 and Phe214) in the HO-1 binding site. An alternate binding mode can be hypothesized for some inhibitors in the series.

Neurotherapeutic effects of novel HO-1 inhibitors in vitro and in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) encoded by the HMOX1 gene is a 32-kDa stress protein that catabolizes heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). Glial HO-1 is over-expressed in the CNS of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The HMOX1 gene is exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress and is induced in brain and other tissues in various models of disease and trauma. Induction of the glial HMOX1 gene may lead to pathological brain iron deposition, intracellular oxidative damage, and bioenergetic failure in AD and other human CNS disorders such as PD and MS. Therefore, targeted suppression of glial HO-1 hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in AD and related neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report the effects of QC-47, QC-56, and OB-28, novel azole-based competitive and reversible inhibitors of HO-1, on oxidative damage to whole-cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. We also report the effect of OB-28 on the behavior and neuropathology of APP(swe)/PS1(∆E9) mice. OB-28 was found to reduce oxidative damage to whole-cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. Moreover, OB-28 was found to significantly counter behavioral deficits and neuropathological alterations in APP(swe)/PS1(∆E9) mice. Attenuation of AD-associated behavioral deficits and neuropathological changes suggests that HO-1 may be a promising target for neuroprotective intervention in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that the targeted suppression of glial heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. We report attenuation by a selective HO-1 inhibitor of oxidative damage to whole-cell and mitochondrial compartments in astrocytes in vitro and amelioration of behavioral anomalies in a transgenic mouse model of AD.

2-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol

The title mol-ecule, C13H10N2O, is essentially planar, the maximum deviation from the plane of the non-H atoms being 0.016 (2) Å. The imidazole ring makes a dihedral angle of 0.37 (13)° with the attached benzene ring. An intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating in [001]. The crystal packing also features four π-π stacking inter-actions involving the imidazole ring, fused benzene ring and attached benzene ring system [centroid-centroid distances = 3.6106 (17), 3.6108 (17), 3.6666 (17) and 3.6668 (17) Å].

cis-Di-aqua-tetra-kis-(1-butyl-1H-imidazole-κN (3))nickel(II) dichloride

In the title compound, [Ni(C₇H₁₂N₂)₄(H₂O)₂]Cl₂, the nickel(II) ion has a distorted octa­hedral coordination environment. It is surrounded by three N atoms and one O atom occupying the equatorial plane, and one N and one O atom in the axial positions. The imidazole ring systems are inclined to one another with dihedral angles varying between 38.3 (4) and 74.1 (4)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds involving one Cl⁻ anion and the water mol­ecule in the equatorial plane, forming an inversion dimer-like arrangement. The water mol­ecule in the axial position is hydrogen-bonded to both Cl⁻ anions. There are also a number of C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds present, forming a three-dimensional structure. All four alkyl chains are disordered over two positions with refined occupancy ratios of 0.395 (15):0.605 (15), 0.658 (14):0.342 (14), 0.332 (11):0.668 (11) and 0.622 (12):0.378 (12).

Evaluation of novel aryloxyalkyl derivatives of imidazole and 1,2,4-triazole as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitors and their antitumor properties

A novel series of aryloxyalkyl derivatives of imidazole and 1,2,4-triazole, 17-31, was designed and synthesized as inhibitors of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2). Some of these compounds were found to be good inhibitors of HO-1, in particular those carrying an imidazole moiety as azolyl group and a 3-bromo or 4-iodophenyl as aryl moiety. The most potent compounds 6 and 30 were selected and studied for their antitumor properties in a model of LAMA-84 R cell line overexpressing HO-1 and resistant to imatinib mesylate (IM), a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple types of cancer, most notably Philadelphia Chromosome positive (Ph(+)) Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). Results show that both 6 and 30 sensitized LAMA-84 R cell line to antitumor properties of IM.

2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-1H-imidazole

The title compound, C₂₄H₁₉ClN₂, crystallizes with two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The prop-2-enyl substituents on the imidazole rings adopt similar conformations in the two mol­ecules. The 4-and 5-substituted phenyl rings and the benzene ring make dihedral angles of 67.06 (8), 5.61 (8) and 41.09 (8)°, respectively, with the imadazole ring in one mol­ecule and 71.53 (8), 28.85 (8) and 41.87 (8)°, respectively, in the other. The crystal structure features C—H⋯π inter­actions and weak π–π stacking inter­actions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.6937 (10) and 4.0232 (10) Å] between the chloro­phenyl rings, which form a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.

Structural revision of garuganin IV and 1,9'-didesmethylgaruganin III through total synthesis

The chemical structures of garuganin IV and 1,9'-didesmethylgaruganin III were misassigned. The structures were revised on the basis of analysis of the NMR data, and the revisions were verified through total synthesis.

The garuganin and garugamblin diarylether heptanoids: total synthesis and determination of chiral properties using dynamic NMR

The synthesis of the garuganin and garugamblin diarylether heptanoids using an intramolecular Ullmann coupling is reported. Alkene stereoisomers, vinylogous ester regioisomers, and β-diketone congeners are also synthesized. The chiral properties and free energies of activation for racemization of the garuganin and garugamblin diarylether heptanoids and congeners are determined using dynamic NMR methods. A combination of techniques including coalescence measurements, line shape analysis, and selective inversion experiments are used to measure racemization barriers. None of the garuganin or garugamblin diarylether heptanoids are chiral, despite their reported specific rotation values.

Small molecule antivirulents targeting the iron-regulated heme oxygenase (HemO) of P. aeruginosa

Bacteria require iron for survival and virulence and employ several mechanisms including utilization of the host heme containing proteins. The final step in releasing iron is the oxidative cleavage of heme by HemO. A recent computer aided drug design (CADD) study identified several inhibitors of the bacterial HemOs. Herein we report the near complete HN, N, CO, Cα, and Cβ chemical shift assignment of the P. aeruginosa HemO in the absence and presence of inhibitors (E)-3-(4-(phenylamino)phenylcarbamoyl)acrylic acid (3) and (E)-N'-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene) diazenecarboximidhydrazide (5). The NMR data confirm that the inhibitors bind within the heme pocket of HemO consistent with in silico molecular dynamic simulations. Both inhibitors and the phenoxy derivative of 3 have activity against P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Furthermore, 5 showed antimicrobial activity in the in vivo C. elegans curing assay. Thus, targeting virulence mechanisms required within the host is a viable antimicrobial strategy for the development of novel antivirulants.

Structural insights into human heme oxygenase-1 inhibition by potent and selective azole-based compounds

The development of heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors, especially those that are isozyme-selective, promises powerful pharmacological tools to elucidate the regulatory characteristics of the HO system. It is already known that HO has cytoprotective properties and may play a role in several disease states, making it an enticing therapeutic target. Traditionally, the metalloporphyrins have been used as competitive HO inhibitors owing to their structural similarity with the substrate, heme. However, given heme's important role in several other proteins (e.g. cytochromes P450, nitric oxide synthase), non-selectivity is an unfortunate side-effect. Reports that azalanstat and other non-porphyrin molecules inhibited HO led to a multi-faceted effort to develop novel compounds as potent, selective inhibitors of HO. This resulted in the creation of non-competitive inhibitors with selectivity for HO, including a subset with isozyme selectivity for HO-1. Using X-ray crystallography, the structures of several complexes of HO-1 with novel inhibitors have been elucidated, which provided insightful information regarding the salient features required for inhibitor binding. This included the structural basis for non-competitive inhibition, flexibility and adaptability of the inhibitor binding pocket, and multiple, potential interaction subsites, all of which can be exploited in future drug-design strategies.

2-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-1H-imidazole

In the title compound, C₂₆H₂₄N₂O₂, the planar 1H-imidazole ring makes dihedral angles of 35.78 (4), 26.35 (5) and 69.75 (5)°, respectively, with the dimeth­oxy­phenyl ring and the phenyl rings in the 4- and 5-positions. In the crystal, C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect neighbouring mol­ecules, forming infinite chains running along the b axis. Furthermore, the crystal structure exhibits a C—H-⋯π inter­action between a methyl H atom and a phenyl ring from an adjacent mol­ecule.

Heme oxygenase inhibition by α-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-ω-phenylalkanes: effect of introduction of heteroatoms in the alkyl linker

Several α-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-ω-phenylalkanes were synthesized and evaluated as novel inhibitors of heme oxygenase (HO). These compounds were found to be potent and selective for the stress-induced isozyme HO-1, showing mostly weak activity toward the constitutive isozyme HO-2. The introduction of an oxygen atom in the alkyl linker produced analogues with decreased potency toward HO-1, whereas the presence of a sulfur atom in the linker gave rise to analogues with greater potency toward HO-1 than the carbon-containing analogues. The most potent compounds studied contained a five-atom linker between the imidazolyl and phenyl moieties, whereas the most HO-1-selective compounds contained a four-atom linker between these groups. The compounds with a five-atom linker containing a heteroatom (O or S) were found to be the most potent inhibitors of HO-2; 1-(N-benzylamino)-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane dihydrochloride, with a nitrogen atom in the linker, was found to be inactive.

A novel, "double-clamp" binding mode for human heme oxygenase-1 inhibition

The development of heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors is critical in dissecting and understanding the HO system and for potential therapeutic applications. We have established a program to design and optimize HO inhibitors using structure-activity relationships in conjunction with X-ray crystallographic analyses. One of our previous complex crystal structures revealed a putative secondary hydrophobic binding pocket which could be exploited for a new design strategy by introducing a functional group that would fit into this potential site. To test this hypothesis and gain further insights into the structural basis of inhibitor binding, we have synthesized and characterized 1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4,4-diphenyl-2-butanone (QC-308). Using a carbon monoxide (CO) formation assay on rat spleen microsomes, the compound was found to be ∼15 times more potent (IC₅₀ = 0.27±0.07 µM) than its monophenyl analogue, which is already a potent compound in its own right (QC-65; IC₅₀ = 4.0±1.8 µM). The crystal structure of hHO-1 with QC-308 revealed that the second phenyl group in the western region of the compound is indeed accommodated by a definitive secondary proximal hydrophobic pocket. Thus, the two phenyl moieties are each stabilized by distinct hydrophobic pockets. This “double-clamp” binding offers additional inhibitor stabilization and provides a new route for improvement of human heme oxygenase inhibitors.