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Daśko M, Demkowicz S, Biernacki K, Ciupak O, Kozak W, Masłyk M, Rachon J. Recent progress in the development of steroid sulphatase inhibitors - examples of the novel and most promising compounds from the last decade. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:1163-1184. [PMID: 32363947 PMCID: PMC7241464 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1758692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of recent achievements in the synthesis of novel steroid sulphatase (STS) inhibitors. STS is a crucial enzyme in the biosynthesis of active hormones (including oestrogens and androgens) and, therefore, represents an extremely attractive molecular target for the development of hormone-dependent cancer therapies. The inhibition of STS may effectively reduce the availability of active hormones for cancer cells, causing a positive therapeutic effect. Herein, we report examples of novel STS inhibitors based on steroidal and nonsteroidal cores that contain various functional groups (e.g. sulphamate and phosphorus moieties) and halogen atoms, which may potentially be used in therapies for hormone-dependent cancers. The presented work also includes examples of multitargeting agents with STS inhibitory activities. Furthermore, the fundamental discoveries in the development of the most promising drug candidates exhibiting STS inhibitory activities are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Daśko
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sebastian Demkowicz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Karol Biernacki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Olga Ciupak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Witold Kozak
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Environment Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Rachon
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
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Yue XH, Tong JQ, Wang ZJ, Zhang J, Liu X, Liu XJ, Cai HY, Qi JS. Steroid sulfatase inhibitor DU-14 protects spatial memory and synaptic plasticity from disruption by amyloid β protein in male rats. Horm Behav 2016; 83:83-92. [PMID: 27222435 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related mental disorder characterized by progressive loss of memory and multiple cognitive impairments. The overproduction and aggregation of Amyloid β protein (Aβ) in the brain, especially in the hippocampus, are closely involved in the memory loss in the patients with AD. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Aβ-induced imbalance of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in the brain plays an important role in the AD pathogenesis and progression. The level of DHEA is elevated, while DHEAS is dramatically decreased in the AD brain. The present study tried to restore the balance between DHEA and DHEAS by using a non-steroidal sulfatase inhibitor DU-14, which increases endogenous DHEAS through preventing DHEAS converted back into DHEA. We found that: (1) DU-14 effectively attenuated the Aβ1-42-induced cognitive deficits in spatial learning and memory of rats in Morris water maze test; (2) DU-14 prevented Aβ1-42-induced decrease in the cholinergic theta rhythm of hippocampal local field potential (LFP) in the CA1 region; (3) DU-14 protected hippocampal synaptic plasticity against Aβ1-42-induced suppression of long term potentiation (LTP). These results provide evidence for the neuroprotective action of DU-14 against neurotoxic Aβ, suggesting that up-regulation of endogenous DHEAS by DU-14 could be beneficial to the alleviation of Aβ-induced impairments in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Hua Yue
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300100, PR China
| | - Jia-Qing Tong
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300100, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Jin-Shun Qi
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China.
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Babalola PA, Fitz NF, Gibbs RB, Flaherty PT, Li PK, Johnson DA. The effect of the steroid sulfatase inhibitor (p-O-sulfamoyl)-tetradecanoyl tyramine (DU-14) on learning and memory in rats with selective lesion of septal-hippocampal cholinergic tract. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2012; 98:303-10. [PMID: 23022361 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), is an excitatory neurosteroid synthesized within the CNS that modulates brain function. Effects associated with augmented DHEAS include learning and memory enhancement. Inhibitors of the steroid sulfatase enzyme increase brain DHEAS levels and can also facilitate learning and memory. This study investigated the effect of steroid sulfatase inhibition on learning and memory in rats with selective cholinergic lesion of the septo-hippocampal tract using passive avoidance and delayed matching to position T-maze (DMP) paradigms. The selective cholinergic immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin (SAP) was infused into the medial septum of animals and then tested using a step-through passive avoidance paradigm or DMP paradigm. Peripheral administration of the steroid sulfatase inhibitor, DU-14, increased step-through latency following footshock in rats with SAP lesion compared to both vehicle treated control and lesioned animals (p<0.05). However, in the DMP task, steroid sulfatase inhibition impaired acquisition in lesioned rats while having no effect on intact animals. These results suggest that steroid sulfatase inhibition facilitates memory associated with contextual fear, but impairs acquisition of spatial memory tasks in rats with selective lesion of the septo-hippocampal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Babalola
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Woo LWL, Purohit A, Potter BVL. Development of steroid sulfatase inhibitors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 340:175-85. [PMID: 21238537 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrolysis of biologically inactive steroid sulfates to unconjugated steroids by steroid sulfatase (STS) is strongly implicated in rendering estrogenic stimulation to hormone-dependent cancers such as those of the breast. Considerable progress has been made in the past two decades with regard to the discovery, design and development of STS inhibitors. We outline historical aspects of their development, cumulating in the discovery of the first clinical trial candidate STX64 (BN83495, Irosustat) and other sulfamate-based inhibitors. The development of reversible STS inhibitors and the design of dual inhibitors of both aromatase and STS is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Lawrence Woo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of neurosteroids, especially their impact on the brain, sex differences and their therapeutic potentials. Neurosteroids are synthesized within the brain and rapidly modulate neuronal excitability. They are classified as pregnane neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, androstane neurosteroids, such as androstanediol and etiocholanolone, and sulfated neurosteroids such as pregnenolone sulfate. Neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone are positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptors with powerful anti-seizure activity in diverse animal models. Neurosteroids increase both synaptic and tonic inhibition. They are endogenous regulators of seizure susceptibility, anxiety, and stress. Sulfated neurosteroids such as pregnenolone sulfate, which are negative GABA-A receptor modulators, are memory-enhancing agents. Sex differences in susceptibility to brain disorders could be due to neurosteroids and sexual dimorphism in specific structures of the human brain. Synthetic neurosteroids that exhibit better bioavailability and efficacy and drugs that enhance neurosteroid synthesis have therapeutic potential in anxiety, epilepsy, and other brain disorders. Clinical trials with the synthetic neurosteroid analog ganaxolone in the treatment of epilepsy have been encouraging. Neurosteroidogenic agents that lack benzodiazepine-like side effects show promise in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA.
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Maninger N, Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Epel ES, Mellon SH. Neurobiological and neuropsychiatric effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). Front Neuroendocrinol 2009; 30:65-91. [PMID: 19063914 PMCID: PMC2725024 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 524] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Revised: 11/10/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
DHEA and DHEAS are steroids synthesized in human adrenals, but their function is unclear. In addition to adrenal synthesis, evidence also indicates that DHEA and DHEAS are synthesized in the brain, further suggesting a role of these hormones in brain function and development. Despite intensifying research into the biology of DHEA and DHEAS, many questions concerning their mechanisms of action and their potential involvement in neuropsychiatric illnesses remain unanswered. We review and distill the preclinical and clinical data on DHEA and DHEAS, focusing on (i) biological actions and putative mechanisms of action, (ii) differences in endogenous circulating concentrations in normal subjects and patients with neuropsychiatric diseases, and (iii) the therapeutic potential of DHEA in treating these conditions. Biological actions of DHEA and DHEAS include neuroprotection, neurite growth, and antagonistic effects on oxidants and glucocorticoids. Accumulating data suggest abnormal DHEA and/or DHEAS concentrations in several neuropsychiatric conditions. The evidence that DHEA and DHEAS may be fruitful targets for pharmacotherapy in some conditions is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Maninger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143, USA
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Mellon SH. Neurosteroid regulation of central nervous system development. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 116:107-24. [PMID: 17651807 PMCID: PMC2386997 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are a relatively new class of neuroactive compounds brought to prominence in the past 2 decades. Despite knowing of their presence in the nervous system of various species for over 20 years and knowing of their functions as GABA(A) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) ligands, new and unexpected functions of these compounds are continuously being identified. Absence or reduced concentrations of neurosteroids during development and in adults may be associated with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, or behavioral disorders. Treatment with physiologic or pharmacologic concentrations of these compounds may also promote neurogenesis, neuronal survival, myelination, increased memory, and reduced neurotoxicity. This review highlights what is currently known about the neurodevelopmental functions and mechanisms of action of 4 distinct neurosteroids: pregnenolone, progesterone, allopregnanolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA.
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Reed MJ, Purohit A, Woo LWL, Newman SP, Potter BVL. Steroid sulfatase: molecular biology, regulation, and inhibition. Endocr Rev 2005; 26:171-202. [PMID: 15561802 DOI: 10.1210/er.2004-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 380] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Steroid sulfatase (STS) is responsible for the hydrolysis of aryl and alkyl steroid sulfates and therefore has a pivotal role in regulating the formation of biologically active steroids. The enzyme is widely distributed throughout the body, and its action is implicated in physiological processes and pathological conditions. The crystal structure of the enzyme has been resolved, but relatively little is known about what regulates its expression or activity. Research into the control and inhibition of this enzyme has been stimulated by its important role in supporting the growth of hormone-dependent tumors of the breast and prostate. STS is responsible for the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively, both of which can be converted to steroids with estrogenic properties (i.e., estradiol and androstenediol) that can stimulate tumor growth. STS expression is increased in breast tumors and has prognostic significance. The role of STS in supporting tumor growth prompted the development of potent STS inhibitors. Several steroidal and nonsteroidal STS inhibitors are now available, with the irreversible type of inhibitor having a phenol sulfamate ester as its active pharmacophore. One such inhibitor, 667 COUMATE, has now entered a phase I trial in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The skin is also an important site of STS activity, and deficiency of this enzyme is associated with X-linked ichthyosis. STS may also be involved in regulating part of the immune response and some aspects of cognitive function. The development of potent STS inhibitors will allow investigation of the role of this enzyme in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Reed
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College, St. Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom.
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Racchi M, Balduzzi C, Corsini E. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the aging brain: flipping a coin in the "fountain of youth". CNS DRUG REVIEWS 2003; 9:21-40. [PMID: 12595910 PMCID: PMC6741703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2003.tb00242.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The physiological role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated ester DHEA(S) has been studied for nearly 2 decades and still eludes final clarification. The major interest in DHEA derives from its unique pattern of activity. Its levels exhibit a dramatic age-related decline that supports significant involvement of DHEA(S) in the aging process. Particularly relevant to the aging process is the functional decline that involves memory and cognitive abilities. DHEA is derived mainly from synthesis in the adrenal glands and gonads. It can also be detected in the brain where it is derived from a synthesis that is independent from peripheral steroid sources. For this reason DHEA and other steroid molecules have been named "neurosteroids." Pharmacological studies on animals provided evidence that neurosteroids could be involved in learning and memory processes because they can display memory-enhancing properties in aged rodents. However, human studies have reported contradictory results that so far do not directly support the use of DHEA in aging-related conditions. As such, it is important to remember that plasma levels of DHEA(S) may not reflect levels in the central nervous system (CNS), due to intrinsic ability of the brain to produce neurosteroids. Thus, the importance of neurosteroids in the memory process and in age-related cognitive impairment should not be dismissed. Furthermore, the fact that the compound is sold in most countries as a health food supplement is hampering the rigorous scientific evaluation of its potential. We will describe the effect of neurosteroids, in particular DHEA, on neurochemical mechanism involved in memory and learning. We will focus on a novel effect on a signal transduction mechanism involving a classical "cognitive kinase" such as protein kinase C. The final objective is to provide additional tools to understand the physiological role and therapeutic potentials of neurosteroids in normal and/or pathological aging, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Racchi
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Italy.
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Vallée M, Mayo W, Le Moal M. Role of pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone and their sulfate esters on learning and memory in cognitive aging. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 37:301-12. [PMID: 11744095 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a general process of functional decline which involves in particular a decline of cognitive abilities. However, the severity of this decline differs from one subject to another and inter-individual differences have been reported in humans and animals. These differences are of great interest especially as concerns investigation of the neurobiological factors involved in cognitive aging. Intensive pharmacological studies suggest that neurosteroids, which are steroids synthesized in the brain in an independent manner from peripheral steroid sources, could be involved in learning and memory processes. This review summarizes data in animals and humans in favor of a role of neurosteroids in cognitive aging. Studies in animals demonstrated that the neurosteroids pregnenolone (PREG) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as sulfate derivatives (PREGS and DHEAS, respectively), display memory-enhancing properties in aged rodents. Moreover, it was recently shown that memory performance was correlated with PREGS levels in the hippocampus of 24-month-old rats. Human studies, however, have reported contradictory results. First, improvement of learning and memory dysfunction was found after DHEA administration to individuals with low DHEAS levels, but other studies failed to detect significant cognitive effects after DHEA administration. Second, cognitive dysfunctions have been associated with low DHEAS levels, high DHEAS levels, or high DHEA levels; while in other studies, no relationship was found. As future research perspectives, we propose the use of new methods of quantification of neurosteroids as a useful tool for understanding their respective role in improving learning and memory impairments associated with normal aging and/or with pathological aging, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vallée
- Institut F. Magendie-INSERM U259, Domaine de Carreire, Rue Camille Saint Saëns, 33077, Cedex, Bordeaux, France.
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Woo LL, Purohit A, Malini B, Reed MJ, Potter BV. Potent active site-directed inhibition of steroid sulphatase by tricyclic coumarin-based sulphamates. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2000; 7:773-91. [PMID: 11033081 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(00)00023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is now abundant evidence that inhibition of steroid sulphatase alone or in conjunction with inhibition of aromatase may enhance the response of postmenopausal patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer to this type of endocrine therapy. Additionally, sulphatase inhibition has been proposed to be of potential therapeutic benefit in the immune system and for neuro-degenerative diseases. After the finding that our first highly potent active site-directed steroid sulphatase inhibitor, oestrone-3-O-sulphamate (EMATE), was highly oestrogenic, we proposed non-steroidal coumarin sulphamates such as 4-methylcoumarin-7-O-sulphamate (COUMATE) as alternative non-steroidal steroid sulphatase inhibitors. In this work, we describe how tricyclic coumarin-based sulphamates have been developed which are even more potent than COUMATE, are non-oestrogenic and orally active. We also discuss potential mechanisms of action. RESULTS 4-Ethyl- (4), 4-(n-propyl)- (6), 3-ethyl-4-methyl- (8), 4-methyl-3-(n-propyl)coumarin-7-O-sulphamate (11); the tricyclic derivatives 665COUMATE (13), 666COUMATE (15), 667COUMATE (17), 668COUMATE (20) and the tricyclic oxepin sulphamate (22) were synthesised. In a placental microsome preparation, all of these analogues were found to be more active than COUMATE in the inhibition of oestrone sulphatase, with the most potent inhibitor being 667COUMATE which has an IC(50) of 8 nM, some 3-fold lower than that for EMATE (25 nM). In addition, 667COUMATE was also found to inhibit DHEA-sulphatase some 25-fold more potently than EMATE in a placental microsome preparation. Like EMATE, 667COUMATE acts in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that it is an active site-directed inhibitor. However, in contrast to EMATE, 667COUMATE has the important advantage of not being oestrogenic. In addition, we propose several diverse mechanisms of action for this active site-directed steroid sulphatase inhibitor in the light of recent publications on the crystal structures of human arylsulphatases A and B and the catalytic site topology for the hydrolysis of a sulphate ester. CONCLUSIONS A highly potent non-steroidal, non-oestrogenic and irreversible steroid sulphatase inhibitor has been developed. Several mechanisms of action for an active site-directed steroid sulphatase inhibitor are proposed. With 667COUMATE now in pre-clinical development for clinical trial, this should allow the biological and/or clinical significance of steroid sulphatase inhibitors in the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-dependent breast cancer and other therapeutic indications to be fully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Woo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology and Sterix Ltd., University of Bath, UK
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Wolf OT, Kirschbaum C. Actions of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate in the central nervous system: effects on cognition and emotion in animals and humans. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 1999; 30:264-88. [PMID: 10567728 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(99)00021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester, DHEAS, exert multiple effects in the rodent central nervous system (CNS). Most of them seem to be mediated through their non-genomic action on several neurotransmitter receptors. DHEA(S) increases neuronal excitability, enhances neuronal plasticity and also has neuroprotective properties. In line with these observations DHEA(S) treatment in rodents enhances memory in several paradigms. Even more studies show antiamnestic effects of the steroids. However, DHEA(S) has also anxiolytic and anti-aggressive properties. In humans cross-sectional and longitudinal studies suggest that DHEAS might be associated with global measures of well-being and functioning; however, a relationship with cognition could not be detected to date. Moreover, studies investigating DHEAS levels in neurodegenerative diseases have produced conflicting results. Experimental studies in elderly humans have revealed preliminary evidence for mood enhancing and antidepressant effects of DHEA treatment, while positive effects on measures of memory and attention could not be found. However, electrophysiological studies demonstrated that DHEA treatment has effects on the human CNS. Several reasons for the discrepancy between data obtained in rodents and humans are discussed and research perspectives are outlined which might help to improve interpretation of results obtained in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Wolf
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York, USA.
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Maurice T, Phan VL, Urani A, Kamei H, Noda Y, Nabeshima T. Neuroactive neurosteroids as endogenous effectors for the sigma1 (sigma1) receptor: pharmacological evidence and therapeutic opportunities. JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY 1999; 81:125-55. [PMID: 10591471 DOI: 10.1254/jjp.81.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive neurosteroids, including progesterone, allopregnanolone, pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone, represent steroid hormones synthesized de novo in the brain and acting locally on nervous cells. Neurosteroids modulate several neurotransmitter systems such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and acetylcholine receptors. As physiologic consequences, they are involved in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory processes, aggression and epilepsy, and they modulate the responses to stress, anxiety and depression. The sigma1-receptor protein was recently purified and its cDNA was cloned in several species. The amino-acid sequences are structurally unrelated to known mammalian proteins, but shared homology with a fungal sterol C8-C7 isomerase. The sigma1-receptor ligands exert a potent neuromodulation on excitatory neurotransmitter systems, including the glutamate and cholinergic systems. Consequently, selective sigma1 agonists show neuroprotective properties and beneficial effects in memory processes, stress and depression. The evidence of a direct interaction between neurosteroids and sigma1 receptors was first suggested by the ability of several steroids to inhibit the binding of sigma1-receptor radioligands in vitro and in vivo. A crossed pharmacology between neurosteroids and sigma1-receptor ligands was described in several physiological tests and behavioral responses. This review will detail the recent evidence for a common mechanism of action between neurosteroids and sigma1-receptor ligands and focus on the potential therapeutic interests of such interaction in the physiopathology of learning and memory impairments, stress, depression and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Maurice
- INSERM U. 336, Behavioral Neuropharmacology Group, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
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Purohit A, Hejaz HA, Woo LW, van Strien AE, Potter BV, Reed MJ. Recent advances in the development of steroid sulphatase inhibitors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1999; 69:227-38. [PMID: 10418996 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(99)00039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of steroid sulphatase is now an important target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of women with endocrine-dependent breast tumours. The first potent sulphatase inhibitor identified, oestrone-3-O-sulphamate (EMATE) proved. unexpectedly, to be oestrogenic. A number of strategies have therefore been adopted to design and synthesize a non-oestrogenic inhibitor. For this, a number of modifications have been made to the A and D rings of the oestrone nucleus. 2 Methoxyoestrone-3-O-sulphamate, while having similar in vitro and in vivo sulphatase inhibitory potency to that of EMATE, was devoid of oestrogenic activity when tested at 2 mg/kg in an ovariectomised rat uterine weight gain assay. 17-Deoxyoestrone-3-O-sulphamate was also a potent steroid sulphatase inhibitor and while it was devoid of oestrogenic activity when tested at 0.1 mg/kg, did stimulate uterine growth at 1.0 mg/kg. As an alternative approach to the use of steroid-based inhibitors a number of single ring, bicyclic non-fused ring, and two fused ring sulphamate analogues were designed, synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit steroid sulphatase activity. In general, although the single ring and bicyclic non-fused ring sulphamate analogues could inhibit sulphatase activity, they were considerably less potent than EMATE. The mono- and bis-sulphamate derivatives of 5,7-dihydroxyisoflavone were relatively potent, inhibiting in vivo steroid sulphatase activity by 62 and 81% respectively at a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg. A study of the structure-activity relationship of a series of coumarin-based sulphamates has led to the development of a number of potent non-steroidal inhibitors, one of which has a similar potency to that of EMATE. The identification of potent steroid- and non-steroid-based sulphatase inhibitors will enable the therapeutic value of this therapy to be examined in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Purohit
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
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Coughtrie MW, Sharp S, Maxwell K, Innes NP. Biology and function of the reversible sulfation pathway catalysed by human sulfotransferases and sulfatases. Chem Biol Interact 1998; 109:3-27. [PMID: 9566730 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-2797(97)00117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sulfation and sulfate conjugate hydrolysis play an important role in metabolism, and are catalysed by members of the sulfotransferase and sulfatase enzyme super-families. In general, sulfation is a deactivating, detoxication pathway, but for some chemicals the sulfate conjugates are much more reactive than the parent compound. The range of compounds which are sulfated is enormous, yet we still understand relatively little of the function of this pathway. This review summarises current knowledge of the sulfation system and the enzymes involved, and illustrates how heterologous expression of sulfotransferases (SULTs) and sulfatases is aiding our appreciation of the properties of these important proteins. The role of sulfation in the bioactivation of procarcinogens and promutagens is discussed, and new data on the inhibition of the sulfotransferase(s) involved by common dietary components such as tea and coffee are presented. The genetic and environmental factors which are known to influence the activity and expression of human SULTs and sulfatases are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Coughtrie
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, UK.
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Johnson DA, Rhodes ME, Boni RL, Li PK. Chronic steroid sulfatase inhibition by (p-O-sulfamoyl)-N-tetradecanoyl tyramine increases dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in whole brain. Life Sci 1997; 61:PL 355-9. [PMID: 9399636 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(97)00961-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a neurosteroid which functions as a negative allosteric modulator of the GABA(A) receptor-gated chloride channel. Steroid sulfatase inhibitors including (p-O-sulfamoyl)-N-tetradecanoyl tyramine (DU-14), can potentiate the blockade of the amnestic effects of scopolamine by exogenously administered DHEAS. Moreover, when administered over a 15 day period, DU-14 can block scopolamine amnesia without the concurrent administration of DHEAS. Since the enzyme, steroid sulfatase, facilitates the hydrolysis of the sulfate moiety from DHEAS, the intent of this study was to determine whether chronic administration of DU-14 could increase whole brain concentrations of endogenous DHEAS. Rats were administered DU-14 or corn oil vehicle for 15 days. Following the last day the animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed and analyzed for DHEAS content. DU-14 increased the whole brain concentration of DHEAS 77.6%, from 0.65 +/- 0.06 to 1.15 +/- 0.12 microg/g (mean +/- SEM). This result suggests that steroid sulfatase inhibitors may enhance cognitive function following chronic treatment by increasing the concentration of excitatory neurosteroids such as DHEAS in the brain. Steroid sulfatase inhibitors, therefore, may provide a novel mechanism for facilitating central nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Johnson
- Division of Pharmacology-Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.
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Rhodes ME, Li PK, Burke AM, Johnson DA. Enhanced plasma DHEAS, brain acetylcholine and memory mediated by steroid sulfatase inhibition. Brain Res 1997; 773:28-32. [PMID: 9409701 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)00867-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors can alter the metabolism of neurosteroids which modulate brain function. Administration of the non-steroidal steroid sulfatase inhibitor (p-O-sulfamoyl)-N-tetradecanoyl tyramine (DU-14) to rats for 15 days increased plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations by 88.2%, decreased plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations by 84.6%, increased hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) release determined via in vivo microdialysis by almost 3-fold, and produced a significant blockade of scopolamine-induced amnesia as measured by a passive avoidance test. These results suggest DHEAS rather than DHEA enhances brain cholinergic function and that steroid sulfatase inhibition may become an important tool for enhancing neuronal functions, such as memory, mediated by excitatory neurosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Rhodes
- Division of Pharmacology-Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
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