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Pidany F, Kroustkova J, Jenco J, Breiterova KH, Muckova L, Novakova L, Kunes J, Fibigar J, Kucera T, Novak M, Sorf A, Hrabinova M, Pulkrabkova L, Janousek J, Soukup O, Jun D, Korabecny J, Cahlikova L. Carltonine-derived compounds for targeted butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1601-1625. [PMID: 38784455 PMCID: PMC11110763 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00060a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The investigation into human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) inhibitors as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease (AD) holds significant promise, addressing both symptomatic relief and disease progression. In the pursuit of novel drug candidates with a selective BChE inhibition pattern, we focused on naturally occurring template structures, specifically Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of the carltonine-type. Herein, we explored a series of compounds implementing an innovative chemical scaffold built on the 3- and 4-benzyloxy-benzylamino chemotype. Notably, compounds 28 (hBChE IC50 = 0.171 ± 0.063 μM) and 33 (hBChE IC50 = 0.167 ± 0.018 μM) emerged as top-ranked hBChE inhibitors. In silico simulations elucidated the binding modes of these compounds within hBChE. CNS availability was predicted using the BBB score algorithm, corroborated by in vitro permeability assessments with the most potent derivatives. Compound 33 was also inspected for aqueous solubility, microsomal and plasma stability. Chemoinformatics analysis validated these hBChE inhibitors for oral administration, indicating favorable gastrointestinal absorption in compliance with Lipinski's and Veber's rules. Safety assessments, crucial for the chronic administration typical in AD treatment, were conducted through cytotoxicity testing on human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Pidany
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kroustkova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Jenco
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hradiska Breiterova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Novakova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kunes
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Bioorganic and Organic Chemistry, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Fibigar
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Martin Novak
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Ales Sorf
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pulkrabkova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Janousek
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
- Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Cahlikova
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Charles University Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
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Barresi E, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Castagnoli J, Giorgini D, Salerno S, Taliani S, Da Settimo F. Indole-Based Compounds in the Development of Anti-Neurodegenerative Agents. Molecules 2024; 29:2127. [PMID: 38731618 PMCID: PMC11085553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a gradual decay process leading to the depletion of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, ultimately resulting in cognitive dysfunctions and the deterioration of brain functions, alongside a decline in motor skills and behavioral capabilities. Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) impose a substantial socio-economic strain on society, aggravated by the advancing age of the world population and the absence of effective remedies, predicting a negative future. In this context, the urgency of discovering viable therapies is critical and, despite significant efforts by medicinal chemists in developing potential drug candidates and exploring various small molecules as therapeutics, regrettably, a truly effective treatment is yet to be found. Nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, and particularly those containing the indole nucleus, which has emerged as privileged scaffold, have attracted particular attention for a variety of pharmacological applications. This review analyzes the rational design strategy adopted by different research groups for the development of anti-neurodegenerative indole-based compounds which have the potential to modulate various molecular targets involved in NDs, with reference to the most recent advances between 2018 and 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Emma Baglini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Jacopo Castagnoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Doralice Giorgini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
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Zeng X, Cheng S, Li H, Yu H, Cui Y, Fang Y, Yang S, Feng Y. Design, synthesis, and activity evaluation of novel multitargeted l-tryptophan derivatives with powerful antioxidant activity against Alzheimer's disease. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300603. [PMID: 38290060 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurological disease, and the multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy may be an effective approach to delay its progression. Based on this strategy, 27 derivatives of l-tryptophan, 3a-1-3d-1, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activity. Among them, IC50 (inhibitor concentration resulting in 50% inhibitory activity) values of compounds 3a-18 and 3b-1 were 0.58 and 0.44 μM for human serum butyrylcholinesterase (hBuChE), respectively, and both of them exhibited more than 30-fold selectivity for human serum acetylcholinesterase. Enzyme kinetics studies showed that these two compounds were mixed inhibitors of hBuChE. In addition, these two derivatives possessed extraordinary antioxidant activity in OH radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorption capacity fluorescein assays. Meanwhile, these compounds could also prevent β-amyloid (Aβ) self-aggregation and possessed low toxicity on PC12 and AML12 cells. Molecular modeling studies revealed that these two compounds could interact with the choline binding site, acetyl binding site, and peripheral anionic site to exert submicromolar BuChE inhibitory activity. In the vitro blood-brain barrier permeation assay, compounds 3a-18 and 3b-1 showed enough blood-brain barrier permeability. In drug-likeness prediction, compounds 3a-18 and 3b-1 showed good gastrointestinal absorption and a low risk of human ether-a-go-go-related gene toxicity. Therefore, compounds 3a-18 and 3b-1 are potential multitarget anti-AD lead compounds, which could work as powerful antioxidants with submicromolar selective inhibitory activity for hBuChE as well as prevent Aβ self-aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghao Zeng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Shaobing Cheng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Huilan Li
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yushun Cui
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuanying Fang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Shilin Yang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yulin Feng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Singh YP, Kumar H. Tryptamine: A privileged scaffold for the management of Alzheimer's disease. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1578-1594. [PMID: 37675624 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and irreversible neurodegenerative disease associated with aging. It is characterized by the progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Although the exact etiology of AD is not well explored, several factors, such as the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, presence of low levels of acetylcholine, and generation of oxidative stress, are key mediators in the progression of AD. Currently, the clinical treatment options for AD are limited and are based on cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine), N-methyl- d-aspartic acid receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine), and the recently approved Aβ modulator (e.g., aducanumab). Tryptamine (2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethan-1-amine) is a small molecule that contains an indole nucleus and an ethylamine side chain. It is also the active metabolite of tryptophan. It possesses a wide range of biological activities related to neurodegenerative disorders, such as ChE inhibition, Aβ aggregation inhibition, antioxidant effects, monoamine-oxidase inhibition, and neuroprotection. Several tryptamine-based hybrid analogs are currently being investigated as multifunctional agents for the development of novel hybrids for AD treatment. Thus, this review article aims to provide in-depth insights into the research progress and strategies for designing multifunctional agents used in Alzheimer's therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash P Singh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Harish Kumar
- Government College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Department of Technical Education Vocational and Industrial Training, Sunder Nagar, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Pidany F, Kroustkova J, Al Mamun A, Suchankova D, Brazzolotto X, Nachon F, Chantegreil F, Dolezal R, Pulkrabkova L, Muckova L, Hrabinova M, Finger V, Kufa M, Soukup O, Jun D, Jenco J, Kunes J, Novakova L, Korabecny J, Cahlikova L. Highly selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors related to Amaryllidaceae alkaloids - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115301. [PMID: 36996715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is one of the most frequently implicated enzymes in the advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As part of our endeavors to develop new drug candidates for AD, we have focused on natural template structures, namely the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids carltonine A and B endowed with high BChE selectivity. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of 57 novel highly selective human BChE (hBChE) inhibitors. Most synthesized compounds showed hBChE inhibition potency ranging from micromolar to low nanomolar scale. Compounds that revealed BChE inhibition below 100 nM were selected for detailed biological investigation. The CNS-targeted profile of the presented compounds was confirmed theoretically by calculating the BBB score algorithm, these data were corroborated by determining the permeability in vitro using PAMPA-assay for the most active derivatives. The study highlighted compounds 87 (hBChE IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.2 nM) and 88 (hBChE IC50 = 5.7 ± 1.5 nM) as the top-ranked BChE inhibitors. Compounds revealed negligible cytotoxicity for the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines compared to BChE inhibitory potential. A crystallographic study was performed to inspect the binding mode of compound 87, revealing essential interactions between 87 and hBChE active site. In addition, multidimensional QSAR analyses were applied to determine the relationship between chemical structures and biological activity in a dataset of designed agents. Compound 87 is a promising lead compound with potential implications for treating the late stages of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Pidany
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kroustkova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Suchankova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Xavier Brazzolotto
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Florian Nachon
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Fabien Chantegreil
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Rafael Dolezal
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pulkrabkova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Finger
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Bioorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kufa
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Bioorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Jenco
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kunes
- Department of Bioorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Novakova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie Cahlikova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Pseudo-irreversible butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: Structure-activity relationships, computational and crystallographic study of the N-dialkyl O-arylcarbamate warhead. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115048. [PMID: 36586299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Alongside reversible butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors, a plethora of covalent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors have been reported in the literature, typically pseudo-irreversible carbamates. For these latter, however, most cases lack full confirmation of their covalent mode of action. Additionally, the available reports regarding the structure-activity relationships of the O-arylcarbamate warhead are incomplete. Therefore, a follow-up on a series of pseudo-irreversible covalent carbamate human butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors and the structure-activity relationships of the N-dialkyl O-arylcarbamate warhead are presented in this study. The covalent mechanism of binding was tested by IC50 time-dependency profiles, and sequentially and increasingly confirmed by kinetic analysis, whole protein LC-MS, and crystallographic analysis. Computational studies provided valuable insights into steric constraints and identified problematic, bulky carbamate warheads that cannot reach and carbamoylate the catalytic Ser198. Quantum mechanical calculations provided further evidence that steric effects appear to be a key factor in determining the covalent binding behaviour of these carbamate cholinesterase inhibitors and their duration of action. Additionally, the introduction of a clickable terminal alkyne moiety into one of the carbamate N-substituents and in situ derivatisation with azide-containing fluorophore enabled fluorescent labelling of plasma human butyrylcholinesterase. This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of this novel approach and for these compounds to be further developed as clickable molecular probes for investigating tissue localisation and activity of cholinesterases.
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Žnidaršič N, Štrbenc M, Grgurevič N, Snoj T. Potential revival of cholinesterase inhibitors as drugs in veterinary medicine. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1125618. [PMID: 36937006 PMCID: PMC10019356 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1125618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system is involved in the regulation of all organ systems and has acetylcholine (ACh) as almost its only neurotransmitter. Any substance is called cholinergic if it can alter the action of acetylcholine. Cholinesterases (ChEs) are enzymes that enable the hydrolysis of acetylcholine and in this way ensure homeostasis in cholinergic synapses. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEi) are a group of indirect-acting cholinergic agonists that influence the activity of the cholinergic system. Several compounds that can inhibit cholinesterases are of importance to veterinary medicine from pharmacological and toxicological perspective. The frequency of their use in veterinary medicine has fluctuated over the years and is now reduced to a minimum. They are mainly used in agriculture as pesticides, and some are rarely used as parasiticides for companion animals and livestock. In recent years, interest in the use of new cholinesterase inhibitors has increased since canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) became a recognized and extensively studied disease. Similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in humans, CCD can be treated with cholinesterase inhibitors that cross the blood-brain barrier. In this review, the mammalian cholinergic system and the drugs that interact with cholinesterases are introduced. Cholinesterase inhibitors that can be used for the treatment of CCD are described in detail.
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8- Hydroxyquinolylnitrones as multifunctional ligands for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:2152-2175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Wu J, Zhang H, Wang Y, Yin G, Li Q, Zhuo L, Chen H, Wang Z. From tryptamine to the discovery of efficient multi-target directed ligands against cholinesterase-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1036030. [PMID: 36518670 PMCID: PMC9742383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1036030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel class of benzyl-free and benzyl-substituted carbamylated tryptamine derivatives (CDTs) was designed and synthesized to serve as effective building blocks for the development of novel multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) for the treatment of neurological disorders linked to cholinesterase (ChE) activity. The majority of them endowed butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) with more substantial inhibition potency than acetylcholinesterase (AChE), according to the full study of ChE inhibition. Particularly, hybrids with dibenzyl groups (2b-2f, 2j, 2o, and 2q) showed weak or no neuronal toxicity and hepatotoxicity and single-digit nanomolar inhibitory effects against BuChE. Through molecular docking and kinetic analyses, the potential mechanism of action on BuChE was first investigated. In vitro H2O2-induced HT-22 cells assay demonstrated the favorable neuroprotective potency of 2g, 2h, 2j, 2m, 2o, and 2p. Besides, 2g, 2h, 2j, 2m, 2o, and 2p endowed good antioxidant activities and COX-2 inhibitory effects. This study suggested that this series of hybrids can be applied to treat various ChE-associated neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as promising building blocks for further structure modification to develop efficient MTDLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gaofeng Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qien Li
- Tibetan Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Linsheng Zhuo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hongjin Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang Y, Li X, Wang S, Wang Z. Recent advance on carbamate-based cholinesterase inhibitors as potential multifunctional agents against Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114606. [PMID: 35858523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly worldwide, has brought enormous challenge to the society. Due to its extremely complex pathogeneses, the development of multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) becomes the major strategy for combating AD. Carbamate moiety, as an essential building block in the development of MTDLs, exhibits structural similarity to neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and has piqued extensive attention in discovering multifunctional cholinesterase inhibitors. To date, numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that carbamate-based cholinesterase inhibitors can prominently increase the level of ACh and improve cognition impairments and behavioral deficits, providing a privileged strategy for the treatment of AD. Based on the recent research focus on the novel cholinesterase inhibitors with multiple biofunctions, this review aims at summarizing and discussing the most recent studies excavating the potential carbamate-based MTDLs with cholinesterase inhibition efficacy, to accelerate the pace of pleiotropic cholinesterase inhibitors for coping AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xuelin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Shuzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Knez D, Gobec S, Hrast M. Screening of Big Pharma’s Library against Various in-house Biological Targets. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144484. [PMID: 35889355 PMCID: PMC9320114 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Open innovation initiatives provide opportunities for collaboration and sharing of knowledge and experience between industry, academia, and government institutions. Through open innovation, Merck is offering a Mini Library of 80 carefully selected compounds from previous research and development projects to a broader scientific community for testing in academic drug discovery projects. These compounds are predominantly drug-like and cover a broad range of molecular targets. They could potentially interact with other enzymes, receptors, transporters, and ion channels of interest. The Mini Library was tested on seven in-house enzymes (bacterial MurA, MurC ligase, and DdlB enzyme, human MAO-A/B, human BChE, and murine AChE), and several hits were identified. A follow-up series of structural analogues provided by Merck gave a more detailed insight into the accessibility and the quality of the hit compounds. For example, sartan derivatives were moderate inhibitors of MurC, whereas bisarylureas were potent, selective, nanomolar inhibitors of hMAO-B. Importantly, 3-n-butyl-substituted indoles were identified as low nanomolar selective inhibitors of hBChE. All in all, the hit derivatives provide new starting points for the further exploration of the chemical space of high-quality enzyme inhibitors.
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Discovery of carbamate-based N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives as novel pleiotropic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105993. [PMID: 35834980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this work, based on the potential anti-AD molecule previously studied by our group, we continue to introduce different substituents at different positions to improve both drug-like properties and on target activities. 33 N-salicyloyl tryptamine-carbamate hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated as cholinesterase inhibitors. H327 was the most potent BChE inhibitor (eqBChE IC50 = 0.057 ± 0.005 μM), and showed threefold improved inhibitory potency than the positive drug rivastigmine (eqBChE IC50 = 0.19 ± 0.001 μM). In addition, H327 as a pseudo-irreversible BChE inhibitor was endowed with neuroprotective, antioxidative and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity tests confirmed the safety of compound H327. The pharmacokinetics study showed that compound H327 had a longer T1/2 time and higher bioavailability than the lead compound 1 g. Compound H327 was able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. Moreover, the behavioral tests showed that compound H327 could significantly improve scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in vivo. Overall, these results demonstrated that compound H327 is a promising multi-target agent for the treatment of AD.
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