Theoretical studies and NMR assay of coumarins and neoflavanones derivatives as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase

Aurones: A Promising Scaffold to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication

Aurones are a small subgroup of flavonoids in which the basic C6-C3-C6 skeleton is arranged as (Z)-2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2H)-one. These compounds are structural isomers of flavones and flavonols, natural products reported as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of a series of 25 aurones bearing different oxygenated groups (OH, OCH3, OCH2OCH3, OCH2O, OCF2H, and OCH2C6H4R) at the A- and/or B-rings using cell-based screening assays. We observed that 12 of the 25 compounds exhibit EC50 < 3 μM (8e, 8h, 8j, 8k, 8l, 8m, 8p, 8q, 8r, 8w, 8x, and 8y), of which five presented EC50 < 1 μM (8h, 8m, 8p, 8q, and 8w) without evident cytotoxic effect in Calu-3 cells. The substitution of the A- and/or B-ring with OCH3, OCH2OCH3, and OCF2H groups seems beneficial for the antiviral activity, while the corresponding phenolic derivatives showed a significant decrease in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The most potent compound of the series, aurone 8q (EC50 = 0.4 μM, SI = 2441.3), is 2 to 3 times more effective than the polyphenolic flavonoids myricetin (2) and baicalein (1), respectively. Investigation of the five more active compounds as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro based on molecular dynamic calculations suggested that these aurones should detach from the active site of 3CLpro, and, probably, they could bind to another SARS-CoV-2 protein target (either receptor or enzyme).

Aminoalkoxy-substituted coumarins: Synthesis and evaluation for reactivation of inhibited human acetylcholinesterase

Reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase remains an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of poisoning by organophosphorus compounds, such as nerve agents or pesticides. Although drugs like obidoxime or pralidoxime have been used with considerable success, there is a need for new substances capable of reactivating acetylcholinesterase with a broader scope and increased efficacy. Possible screening candidates must fulfill two fundamental requirements: They must (i) show an affinity to acetylcholinesterase well balanced between sufficient binding and competitive inhibition and (ii) facilitate the nucleophilic cleavage of the phosphorylated catalytic serine residue. We attached a variety of nonaromatic primary and secondary amines to a coumarin core through selected alkoxy side linkers attached at coumarin positions 6 or 7 to obtain a small set of possible reactivators. Evaluation of their inhibition and reactivation potential in vitro showed some activity with respect to acetylcholinesterase inhibited by cyclosarin.

Tyrosol 1,2,3-triazole analogues as new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors

The present work proposed the preparation of triazolic analogues of tyrosol, a biophenol found in olive oil and whose wide range of bioactivities has been the target of many studies. We obtained fifteen novel tyrosol derivatives and the compounds of the series were later evaluated as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The study of AChE inhibition is important for the development of new drugs and pesticides, and especially the research for managing Alzheimer's disease. The most active compound, namely 7-({1-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}methoxy)-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (30), showed IC₅₀ value of 14.66 ± 2.29 μmol L^-1. Docking experiments corroborated by kinetic assay are suggestive of a competitive inhibition mechanism. Derivatives interacted with amino acids from the AChE active site associated to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that the compounds synthesized have a high potential as prototypes for the development of new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.