Adamantane sulfone and sulfonamide 11-beta-HSD1 Inhibitors

Reduction in Nuclear Size by DHRS7 in Prostate Cancer Cells and by Estradiol Propionate in DHRS7-Depleted Cells

Increased nuclear size correlates with lower survival rates and higher grades for prostate cancer. The short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family member DHRS7 was suggested as a biomarker for use in prostate cancer grading because it is largely lost in higher-grade tumors. Here, we found that reduction in DHRS7 from the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line with normally high levels of DHRS7 increases nuclear size, potentially explaining the nuclear size increase observed in higher-grade prostate tumors where it is lost. An exogenous expression of DHRS7 in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line with normally low DHRS7 levels correspondingly decreases nuclear size. We separately tested 80 compounds from the Microsource Spectrum library for their ability to restore normal smaller nuclear size to PC3 cells, finding that estradiol propionate had the same effect as the re-expression of DHRS7 in PC3 cells. However, the drug had no effect on LNCaP cells or PC3 cells re-expressing DHRS7. We speculate that separately reported beneficial effects of estrogens in androgen-independent prostate cancer may only occur with the loss of DHRS7/ increased nuclear size, and thus propose DHRS7 levels and nuclear size as potential biomarkers for the likely effectiveness of estrogen-based treatments.

P. Discovery of novel inhibitor of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 using in silico structure-based screening approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Purpose

The current study is aimed to perform structure-based screening of FDA-approved drugs that can act as novel inhibitor of the 11beta- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme.

Methods

Structural analogs of carbenoxolone (CBX) were selected from DrugBank database and their Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) parameters were investigated by SwissADME. Molecular docking of CBX analogs against 11β-HSD1 was performed by AutoDock tool, their binding patterns were visualized using PyMOL and the interacting amino acids were determined by ProteinPlus tool. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the docked structure of 11β-HSD1 (Protein Data Bank (PDB) code: 2ILT) using GROMACS 2018.1.

Results

The binding energies of hydrocortisone succinate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, testolactone, hydrocortisone cypionate, deoxycorticosterone acetate, and hydrocortisone probutate were lower than that of substrate corticosterone. The molecular dynamics simulation of 11β-HSD1 and hydrocortisone cypionate docked structure showed that it formed a stable complex with the inhibitor. The Root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the protein (0.37 ± 0.05 nm) and ligand (0.41 ± 0.06 nm) shows the stability of the ligand-protein interaction.

Conclusion

The docking study revealed that hydrocortisone cypionate has a higher binding affinity than carbenoxolone and its other analogs. The molecular dynamics simulation indicated the stability of the docked complex of 11β-HSD1 and hydrocortisone cypionate. These findings indicate the potential use of this FDA approved drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, validation by in vitro inhibitory studies and clinical trials on type 2 diabetes patients is essential to confirm the current findings.

Novel 2-(Adamantan-1-ylamino)Thiazol-4(5H)-One Derivatives and Their Inhibitory Activity towards 11β-HSD1-Synthesis, Molecular Docking and In Vitro Studies

A common mechanism in which glucocorticoids participate is suggested in the pathogenesis of such metabolic diseases as obesity, metabolic syndrome, or Cushing’s syndrome. The enzyme involved in the control of the availability of cortisol, the active form of the glucocorticoid for the glucocorticoid receptor, is 11β-HSD1. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 activity may bring beneficial results for the alleviation of the course of metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome or type 2 diabetes. In this work, we obtained 10 novel 2-(adamantan-1-ylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives containing different substituents at C-5 of thiazole ring and tested their activity towards inhibition of two 11β-HSD isoforms. For most of them, over 50% inhibition of 11β-HSD1 and less than 45% inhibition of 11β-HSD2 activity at the concentration of 10 µM was observed. The binding energies found during docking simulations for 11β-HSD1 correctly reproduced the experimental IC₅₀ values for analyzed compounds. The most active compound 2-(adamantan-1-ylamino)-1-thia-3-azaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-4-one (3i) inhibits the activity of isoform 1 by 82.82%. This value is comparable to the known inhibitor-carbenoxolone. The IC₅₀ value is twice the value determined by us for carbenoxolone, however inhibition of the enzyme isoform 2 to a lesser extent makes it an excellent material for further tests.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking and in vitro evaluation of benzothiazole derivatives as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors

11-Beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) regulates cortisol levels mainly in adipose, hepatic and brain tissues. There is a relationship between the high activity of this enzyme and the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. The inhibition of 11β-HSD1 has been shown to attenuate the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and other diseases mediated by excessive cortisol production. In this work, fifteen benzothiazole derivatives substituted with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups were designed to explore their affinity for 11β-HSD1 using in silico methods. The results show that (E)-5-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)(methylthio)methylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (C1) has good physicochemical properties and favorable interactions with 11β-HSD1 through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions in the catalytic site formed by Y183, S170 and Y177. Furthermore, C1 was synthesized and evaluated in vitro and ex vivo using clobenzorex (CLX) as a reference drug in obese Zucker rats. The in vitro results showed that C1 was a better inhibitor of human 11β-HSD1 than CLX. The ex vivo assay results demonstrated that C1 was capable of reducing 11β-HSD1 overexpression in mesenteric adipose tissue. Therefore, C1 was able to decrease the activity and expression of 11β-HSD1 better than CLX.

Diamondoid Amino Acid-Based Peptide Kinase A Inhibitor Analogues

The incorporation of diamondoid amino acids (DAAs) into peptide-like drugs is a general strategy to improve lipophilicity, membrane permeability, and metabolic stability of peptidomimetic pharmaceuticals. We designed and synthesized five novel peptidic DAA-containing kinase inhibitors of protein kinase A using a sophisticated molecular dynamics protocol and solid-phase peptide synthesis. By means of a thermophoresis binding assay, NMR, and crystal structure analysis, we determined the influence of the DAAs on the secondary structure and binding affinity in comparison to the native protein kinase inhibitor, which is purely composed of proteinogenic amino acids. Affinity and binding pose are largely conserved. One variant showed 6.5-fold potency improvement, most likely related to its increased side chain lipophilicity. A second variant exhibited slightly decreased affinity presumably due to loss of hydrogen-bond contacts to surrounding water molecules of the first solvation shell.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Antagonizes Pain Stress-Induced Suppression of Testosterone Production in Male Rats

Background: Leydig cells secrete the steroid hormone, testosterone, which is essential for male fertility and reproductive health. Stress increases the secretion of glucocorticoid [corticosterone, (CORT) in rats] that decreases circulating testosterone levels in part through a direct action on its receptors in Leydig cells. Intratesticular CORT level is dependent on oxidative inactivation of CORT by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) in rat Leydig cells. Pain may cause the stress, thus affecting testosterone production in Leydig cells.

Methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats orally received vehicle control or 5 or 10 mg/kg dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 0.5 h before being subjected to pain stimulation for 1, 3, and 6 h. In the present study, we investigated the time-course changes of steroidogenic gene expression levels after acute pain-induced stress in rats and the possible mechanism of DHEA that prevented it. Plasma CORT, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) levels were measured, and Leydig cell gene expression levels were determined. The direct regulation of HSD11B1 catalytic direction by DHEA was detected in purified rat Leydig, liver, and rat Hsd11b1-transfected COS1 cells.

Results: Plasma CORT levels were significantly increased at hour 1, 3, and 6 during the pain stimulation, while plasma T levels were significantly decreased starting at hour 3 and 6. Pain-induced stress also decreased Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 expression levels at hour 3. When 5 and 10 mg/kg DHEA were orally administered to rats 0.5 h before starting pain stimulation, DHEA prevented pain-mediated decrease in plasma T levels and the expression of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 without affecting plasma CORT levels. DHEA was found to modulate HSD11B1 activities by increasing its oxidative activity and decreasing its reductive activity, thus decreasing the intracellular CORT levels in Leydig cells.

Conclusion: Stress induced by acute pain can inhibit Leydig cell T production by upregulation of corticosterone. DHEA can prevent the negative effects of excessive corticosterone by modulating HSD11B1 activity.

Comparison of flavonoids and isoflavonoids to inhibit rat and human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2

Many flavonoids and isoflavonoids have anti-diabetic effects in animal models. However, the mechanisms that are involved are generally unclear. Since 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11Bs) play important roles in diabetes, we hypothesize that flavonoids and isoflavonoids may affect diabetes by targeting two isoforms of HSD11B differently. The inhibitory effects of flavonoids (apigenin and quercetin) and isoflavonoids [genistein and (±) equol] on rat and human HSD11B1 and HSD11B2 were analyzed. The potencies of inhibition on human HSD11B1 reductase was in the order of apigenin > quercetin > genistein > (±) equol, with IC₅₀ values of 2.19, 5.36, 11.00, and over 100 μM, respectively. Genistein also inhibited rat HSD11B1 reductase with IC₅₀ value of 24.58 μM, while other three chemicals showed no effects on the enzyme activity with IC₅₀ values over 100 μM. However, apigenin and (±) equol did not inhibit human HSD11B2 at concentrations as high as 100 μM, while genistein and quercetin inhibited human HSD11B2 by 60% and 50% at 100 μM, respectively. The effective flavonoids and isoflavonoids are noncompetitive inhibitors of HSD11B1 when steroid substrates were used. Docking analysis showed that they bound to the steroid-binding site of the human HSD11B1. These data indicate that apigenin is a selective inhibitor of human HSD11B1 of two HSD11B isoforms, which may be useful in managing symptoms of the metabolic syndrome.

Development of a credible 3D-QSAR CoMSIA model and docking studies for a series of triazoles and tetrazoles containing 11β-HSD1 inhibitors

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is described by insulin resistance and high fasting blood glucose. Increased levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme result in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 decreases glucose production and increases hepatic insulin sensitivity. Use of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors could prove to be an effective strategy for the treatment of the disease. It was decided to identify the essential structural features required by any compound to possess 11β-HSD1 inhibitory activity. A dataset of 139 triazoles and tetrazoles having 11β-HSD1 inhibitory activity was used for the development of a 3D-QSAR model. The best comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was generated with databased alignment, which was further used for comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The optimal CoMSIA model showed [Formula: see text] = 0.809 with five components, [Formula: see text] = 0.931, SEE = 0.323 and F-value = 249.126. The CoMSIA model offered better prediction than the CoMFA model with [Formula: see text] = 0.522 and 0.439, respectively, indicating that the CoMSIA model appeared to be a better one for the prediction of activity for the newly designed 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. The selectivity aspect of 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2 was studied with the help of docking studies.

Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Hypoglycemic Activities of Novel N-(1-Adamantyl)carbothioamide Derivatives

The reaction of 1-adamantyl isothiocyanate 4 with the various cyclic secondary amines yielded the corresponding N-(1-adamantyl)carbothioamides 5a–e, 6, 7, 8a–c and 9. Similarly, the reaction of 4 with piperazine and trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine in 2:1 molar ratio yielded the corresponding N,N'-bis(1-adamantyl)piperazine-1,4-dicarbothioamides 10a and 10b, respectively. The reaction of N-(1-adamantyl)-4-ethoxycarbonylpiperidine-1-carbothioamide 8c with excess hydrazine hydrate yielded the target carbohydrazide 11, in addition to 4-(1-adamantyl)thiosemicarbazide 12 as a minor product. The reaction of the carbohydrazide 11 with methyl or phenyl isothiocyanate followed by heating in aqueous sodium hydroxide yielded the 1,2,4-triazole analogues 14a and 14b. The reaction of the carbohydrazide 11 with various aromatic aldehydes yielded the corresponding N'-arylideneamino derivatives 15a–g. The compounds 5a–e, 6, 7, 8a–c, 9, 10a, 10b, 14a, 14b and 15a–g were tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against certain strains of pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. The compounds 5c, 5d, 5e, 6, 7, 10a, 10b, 15a, 15f and 15g showed potent antibacterial activity against one or more of the tested microorganisms. The oral hypoglycemic activity of compounds 5c, 6, 8b, 9, 14a and 15b was determined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Compound 5c produced significant reduction of serum glucose levels, compared to gliclazide.

Identification of novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitors by combined ligand- and structure-based virtual screening

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) converts cortisone to cortisol in a NADPH dependent manner. Overexpression of 11β-HSD1 in key metabolic tissues is related to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Using crystal structures of human 11β-HSD1 in complex with inhibitors as source of structural information, a combined ligand and structure-based virtual screening approach was implemented to identify novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. A selected group of compounds was identified in silico and further evaluated in cell-based assays for cytotoxicity and 11β-HSD1 mediated cortisol production inhibitory capacity. The expression of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 in human LS14 adipocytes was assessed during differentiation. Biological evaluation of 39 compounds in adipocytes and steroids quantification by HPLC-MS/MS identify 4 compounds that exhibit 11β-HSD1 mediated cortisol production inhibitory activity with potencies in the micromolar range. Two compounds showed to be selective for the 11β-HSD1 reductase activity and over 11β-HSD2 isoform, and thus represent novel leads for the development of more active derivatives with higher efficacies targeting intracellular cortisol levels in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

3-Amino-N-adamantyl-3-methylbutanamide derivatives as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibitor

Many adamantane derivatives have been demonstrated to function as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) inhibitors. 3-Amino-N-adamantyl-3-methylbutanamide derivatives were optimized by structure-based drug design. Compound 8j exhibited a good in vitro and ex vivo inhibitory activity against both human and mouse 11β-HSD1.

Discovery of adamantane based highly potent HDAC inhibitors

Herein, we report the development of highly potent HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. A series of adamantane and nor-adamantane based HDAC inhibitors were designed, synthesized and screened for the inhibitory activity of HDAC. A number of compounds exhibited GI50 of 10-100 nM in human HCT116, NCI-H460 and U251 cancer cells, in vitro. Compound 32 displays efficacy in human tumour animal xenograft model.

Adamantyl carboxamides and acetamides as potent human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors

The modulation of 11β-HSD1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Here we report the discovery of a series of novel adamantyl carboxamide and acetamide derivatives as selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1 in HEK-293 cells transfected with the HSD11B1 gene. Optimization based on an initially identified 11β-HSD1 inhibitor (3) led to the discovery of potent inhibitors with IC(50) values in the 100 nM range. These compounds are also highly selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors with no activity against 11β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1. Compound 15 (IC(50)=114 nM) with weak inhibitory activity against the key human cytochrome P450 enzymes and moderate stability in incubation with human liver microsomes is worthy of further development. Importantly, compound 41 (IC(50)=280 nM) provides a new lead that incorporates an adamantyl group surrogate and should enable further series diversification.

Anti-diabetic and anti-adipogenic effects of a novel selective 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitor in the diet-induced obese mice

Glucocorticoid excess (Cushing's syndrome) causes metabolic syndrome such as visceral obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. The selective inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) have considerable potential for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the anti-diabetic and anti-adipogenic effects of 4-(2-(1,1-dioxido-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)-1,2,6-thiadiazinan-2-yl)acetamido)adamantane-1-carboxamide (KR-67183), a novel selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor; we also investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms in the cortisone-induced 3T3-L1 adipogenesis model system and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. KR-67183 concentration-dependently inhibited 11β-HSD1 activity in human and mouse 11β-HSD1 over-expressed cells and in the ex vivo assay of C57BL/6 mice. In the study with DIO mice, the administration of KR-67183 (20 and 50mg/kg/day, orally for 28 days) improved the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity with suppressed 11β-HSD1 activity in the liver and fat. However, KR-67183 showed no change in the adrenal gland weight/body weight ratio and plasma corticosterone concentration in DIO mice. Further, KR-67183 suppressed adipocyte differentiation on cortisone-induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells is associated with the suppression of the cortisone-induced mRNA levels of FABP4, PPARγ2 and GLUT4, and 11β-HSD1 activity. Taken together, it is suggested that a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, KR-67183, may provide a new therapeutic window in the prevention and treatment without toxicity in type 2 diabetes with obesity.

Adamantyl ethanone pyridyl derivatives: potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

Elevated levels of active glucocorticoids have been implicated in the development of several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyses the intracellular conversion of inactive cortisone to cortisol. Selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have shown beneficial effects in various conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. A series of adamantyl ethanone pyridyl derivatives has been identified, providing potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1. Lead compounds display low nanomolar inhibition against human and mouse 11β-HSD1 and are selective for this isoform, with no activity against 11β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that an unsubstituted pyridine tethered to an adamantyl ethanone motif through an ether or sulfoxide linker provides a suitable pharmacophore for activity. The most potent inhibitors have IC₅₀ values around 34-48 nM against human 11β-HSD1, display reasonable metabolic stability in human liver microsomes, and weak inhibition of key human CYP450 enzymes.

Discovery of adamantyl heterocyclic ketones as potent 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) plays a key role in converting intracellular cortisone to physiologically active cortisol, which is implicated in the development of several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity, and therefore constitutes a promising strategy to discover novel therapies for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A series of novel adamantyl heterocyclic ketones provides potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1. Lead compounds display low nanomolar inhibition against human and mouse 11β-HSD1 and are selective with no activity against 11β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1. Selected potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitors show moderate metabolic stability upon incubation with human liver microsomes and weak inhibition of human CYP450 enzymes.

Crystal structures of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and their use in drug discovery

Cortisol is synthesized by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, inhibitors of which may treat disease associated with excessive cortisol levels. The crystal structures of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 that have been released may aid drug discovery. The crystal structures have been analyzed in terms of the interactions between the protein and the ligands. Despite a variety of structurally different inhibitors the crystal structures of the proteins are quite similar. However, the differences are significant for drug discovery. The crystal structures can be of use in drug discovery, but care needs to be taken when selecting structures for use in virtual screening and ligand docking.

Synthesis and optimization of novel 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexylbenzamide derivatives as potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitors

The synthesis and SAR of a series of 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexylbenzamide inhibitors of 11β-HSD1 are described. Optimization rapidly led to potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitors demonstrating efficacy in both rat and non-human primate ex vivo pharmacodynamic models.

Discovery of adamantyl ethanone derivatives as potent 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) inhibitors

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSDs) are key enzymes regulating the pre-receptor metabolism of glucocorticoid hormones. The modulation of 11beta-HSD type 1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various conditions including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Inhibition of tissue-specific glucocorticoid action by regulating 11beta-HSD1 constitutes a promising treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A series of novel adamantyl ethanone compounds was identified as potent inhibitors of human 11beta-HSD1. The most active compounds identified (52, 62, 72, 92, 103 and 104) display potent inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 with IC(50) values in the 50-70 nM range. Compound 72 also proved to be metabolically stable when incubated with human liver microsomes. Furthermore, compound 72 showed very weak inhibitory activity for human cytochrome P450 enzymes and is therefore a candidate for in vivo studies. Comparison of the publicly available X-ray crystal structures of human 11beta-HSD1 led to docking studies of the potent compounds, revealing how these molecules may interact with the enzyme and cofactor.

Discovery and optimization of piperidyl benzamide derivatives as a novel class of 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors

Discovery and optimization of a piperidyl benzamide series of 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors is described. This series was derived from a cyclohexyl benzamide lead structures to address PXR selectivity, high non-specific protein binding, poor solubility, limited in vivo exposure, and in vitro cytotoxicity issues observed with the cyclohexyl benzamide structures. These efforts led to the discovery of piperidyl benzamide 15 which features improved properties over the cyclohexyl benzamide derivatives.

Pyridine amides as potent and selective inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

Several series of pyridine amides were identified as selective and potent 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors. The most potent inhibitors feature 2,6- or 3,5-disubstitution on the pyridine core. Various linkers (CH(2)SO(2), CH(2)S, CH(2)O, S, O, N, bond) between the distal aryl and central pyridyl groups are tolerated, and lipophilic amide groups are generally favored. On the distal aryl group, a number of substitutions are well tolerated. A crystal structure was obtained for a complex between 11beta-HSD1 and the most potent inhibitor in this series.

Discovery of novel inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 by docking and pharmacophore modeling

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) is a potential target for treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Docking and pharmacophore modeling have been used to discover novel inhibitors of 11beta-HSD1. Several compounds, with large structural diversity and good potency against 11beta-HSD1, have been found and their potency was determined by the enzyme assay. New scaffolds of 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors are also reported.

Macrophages from 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1-deficient mice exhibit an increased sensitivity to lipopolysaccharide stimulation due to TGF-beta-mediated up-regulation of SHIP1 expression

11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11betaHSD1) performs end-organ metabolism of glucocorticoids (GCs) by catalyzing the conversion of C(11)-keto-GCs to C(11)-hydroxy-GCs, thereby generating activating ligands for the GC receptor. In this study, we report that 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice are more susceptible to endotoxemia, evidenced by increased weight loss and serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12p40 levels following LPS challenge in vivo. Peritoneal and splenic macrophage (splnMphi) from these genetically altered mice overproduce inflammatory cytokines following LPS stimulation in vitro. Inflammatory cytokine overexpression by 11betaHSD1(-/-) splnMphi results from an increased activation of NF-kappaB- and MAPK-signaling cascades and an attenuated PI3K-dependent Akt activation. The expression of SHIP1 is augmented in 11betaHSD1(-/-) Mphi and contributes to inflammatory cytokine production because overexpression of SHIP1 in primary bone marrow Mphi (BMMphi) leads to a similar type of hyperresponsiveness to subsequent LPS stimulation. 11betaHSD1(+/+) and 11betaHSD1(-/-) BMMphi responded to LPS similarly. However, 11betaHSD1(-/-) BMMphi derived in the presence of elevated GC levels up-regulated SHIP1 expression and increased their capacity to produce inflammatory cytokines following their activation with LPS. These observations suggest the hyperresponsiveness of 11betaHSD1(-/-) splnMphi results from myeloid cell differentiation in the presence of moderately elevated GC levels found within 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice. GC-conditioning of BMMphi enhanced SHIP1 expression via up-regulation of bioactive TGF-beta. Consistently, TGF-beta protein expression was increased in unstimulated CD11b(-) cells residing in the BM and spleen of 11betaHSD1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that modest elevations in plasma GC levels can modify the LPS responsiveness of Mphi by augmenting SHIP1 expression through a TGF-beta-dependent mechanism.