Keynote review: histamine H3 receptor antagonists reach out for the clinic

Novel benzothiazole derivatives as multitargeted-directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are multifactorial with several different pathologic mechanisms. Therefore, it is assumed that multitargeted-directed ligands (MTDLs) which interact with different biological targets relevant to the diseases, might offer an improved therapeutic alternative than using the traditional "one-target, one-molecule" approach. Herein, we describe new benzothiazole-based derivatives as a privileged scaffold for histamine H₃ receptor ligands (H₃R). The most affine compound, the 3-(azepan-1-yl)propyloxy-linked benzothiazole derivative 4b, displayed a K_i value of 0.012 μM. The multitargeting potential of these H₃R ligands towards AChE, BuChE and MAO-B enzymes was evaluated to yield compound 3s (pyrrolidin-1-yl-(6-((5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentyl)oxy)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methanone) as the most promising MTDL with a K_i value of 0.036 μM at H₃R and IC₅₀ values of 6.7 µM, 2.35 µM, and 1.6 µM towards AChE, BuChE, and MAO-B, respectively. These findings suggest that compound 3s can be a lead structure for developing new multi-targeting anti-AD agents.

Histaminergic regulation of food intake

Histamine is a biogenic amine that acts as a neuromodulator within the brain. In the hypothalamus, histaminergic signaling contributes to the regulation of numerous physiological and homeostatic processes, including the regulation of energy balance. Histaminergic neurons project extensively throughout the hypothalamus and two histamine receptors (H1R, H3R) are strongly expressed in key hypothalamic nuclei known to regulate energy homeostasis, including the paraventricular (PVH), ventromedial (VMH), dorsomedial (DMH), and arcuate (ARC) nuclei. The activation of different histamine receptors is associated with differential effects on neuronal activity, mediated by their different G protein-coupling. Consequently, activation of H1R has opposing effects on food intake to that of H3R: H1R activation suppresses food intake, while H3R activation mediates an orexigenic response. The central histaminergic system has been implicated in atypical antipsychotic-induced weight gain and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. It has also been demonstrated to interact with other major regulators of energy homeostasis, including the central melanocortin system and the adipose-derived hormone leptin. However, the exact mechanisms by which the histaminergic system contributes to the modification of these satiety signals remain underexplored. The present review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the central histaminergic system's role in regulating feeding and highlights unanswered questions remaining in our knowledge of the functionality of this system.

SAR exploration of the non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor ligand ZEL-H16 reveals potent inverse agonism

Histamine H₃ receptor (H₃ R) agonists without an imidazole moiety remain very scarce. Of these, ZEL-H16 (1) has been reported previously as a high-affinity non-imidazole H₃ R (partial) agonist. Our structure-activity relationship analysis using derivatives of 1 identified both basic moieties as key interaction motifs and the distance of these from the central core as a determinant for H₃ R affinity. However, in spite of the reported H₃ R (partial) agonism, in our hands, 1 acts as an inverse agonist for Gα_i signaling in a CRE-luciferase reporter gene assay and using an H₃ R conformational sensor. Inverse agonism was also observed for all of the synthesized derivatives of 1. Docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations suggest ionic interactions/hydrogen bonds to H₃ R residues D114^3.32 and E206^5.46 as essential interaction points.

The Novel Pimavanserin Derivative ST-2300 with Histamine H3 Receptor Affinity Shows Reduced 5-HT2A Binding, but Maintains Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-like Properties in Mice

The therapy of depression is challenging and still unsatisfactory despite the presence of many antidepressant drugs on the market. Consequently, there is a continuous need to search for new, safer, and more effective antidepressant therapeutics. Previous studies have suggested a potential association of brain histaminergic/serotoninergic signaling and antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. Here, we evaluated the in vivo antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of the newly developed multiple-active ligand ST-2300. ST-2300 was developed from 5-HT_2A/2C inverse agonist pimavanserin (PIM, ACP-103) and incorporates a histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R) antagonist pharmacophore. Despite its parent compound, ST-2300 showed only moderate serotonin 5-HT_2A antagonist/inverse agonist affinity (K_i value of 1302 nM), but excellent H₃R affinity (K_i value of 14 nM). In vivo effects were examined using forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and the open field test (OFT) in C57BL/6 mice. Unlike PIM, ST-2300 significantly increased the anxiolytic-like effects in OFT without altering general motor activity. In FST and TST, ST-2300 was able to reduce immobility time similar to fluoxetine (FLX), a recognized antidepressant drug. Importantly, pretreatment with the CNS-penetrant H₃R agonist (R)-α-methylhistamine reversed the antidepressant-like effects of ST-2300 in FST and TST, but failed to reverse the ST-2300-provided anxiolytic effects in OFT. Present findings reveal critical structural features that are useful in a rational multiple-pharmacological approach to target H₃R/5-HT_2A/5-HT_2C.

CYCLOBUTANES IN SMALL MOLECULE DRUG CANDIDATES

Cyclobutanes are increasingly used in medicinal chemistry in the search for relevant biological properties. Important characteristics of the cyclobutane ring include its unique puckered structure, longer C−C bond lengths, increased C−C π‐character and relative chemical inertness for a highly strained carbocycle. This review will focus on contributions of cyclobutane rings in drug candidates to arrive at favorable properties. Cyclobutanes have been employed for improving multiple factors such as preventing cis/trans‐isomerization by replacing alkenes, replacing larger cyclic systems, increasing metabolic stability, directing key pharmacophore groups, inducing conformational restriction, reducing planarity, as aryl isostere and filling hydrophobic pockets.

Metabolic benefits of novel histamine H3 receptor ligands in the model of excessive eating: The importance of intrinsic activity and pharmacokinetic properties

AIMS

One of the therapeutic approaches in the treatment of obesity is the use of histamine H3 receptor ligands. Histamine plays a significant role in eating behavior because it causes a loss of appetite and is considered to be a satiety signal released during food intake.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Histamine ligands were selected based on the preliminary studies which included determination of intrinsic activity and selected pharmacokinetic parameters. Female Wistar rats were fed palatable feed for 28 days and simultaneously the tested compounds were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w./day. Rats' weight was evaluated daily and calories intake was evaluated once per week. At the end of experiment insulin and glucose tolerance tests was performed. Plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, insulin, glucose, C-peptide and CRP were also determined. In order to rule out false-positive results the influence of tested compounds on spontaneous activity of rats was monitored.

RESULTS

Animals fed palatable feed and treated with KSK-61 or KSK-63 compounds showed the slowest weight gain which was comparable to the one observed in control animals. Both compounds with the highest pharmacological activity have also similar pharmacokinetic properties with quite long half-life and high volume of distribution indicating that they can freely cross most biological barriers. Some compounds, especially KSK-63, compensated for metabolic disorders.

CONCLUSION

The presented study proves that search among the active histamine H3 receptor ligands for the new therapeutic agents to treat obesity is justified. Compounds KSK-61 and KSK-63 can be considered as the leading structures.

Cyanobiphenyls: Novel H3 receptor ligands with cholinesterase and MAO B inhibitory activity as multitarget compounds for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and incurable illness that requires the urgent approval of new effective drugs. However, since 2003, no new molecules have shown successful results in clinical trials, thereby making the common "one compound - one target" paradigm questionable. Recently, the multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) approach has gained popularity, as compounds targeting at least two biological targets may be potentially more effective in treating AD. On the basis of these findings, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated through biological assays a series of derivatives of alicyclic amines linked by an alkoxy bridge to an aromatic lipophilic moiety of [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile. The research results revealed promising biological activity of the obtained compounds toward the chosen targets involved in AD pathophysiology; the compounds showed high affinity (mostly low nanomolar range of K_i values) for human histamine H₃ receptors (hH₃R) and good nonselective inhibitory potency (micromolar range of IC₅₀ values) against acetylcholinesterase from electric eel (eeAChE) and equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (eqBuChE). Moreover, micromolar/submicromolar potency against human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO B) was detected for some compounds. The study identified compound 5 as a multiple hH₃R/eeAChE/eqBuChE/hMAO B ligand (5: hH₃R K_i = 9.2 nM; eeAChE IC₅₀ = 2.63 µM; eqBuChE IC₅₀ = 1.30 µM; hMAO B IC₅₀ = 0.60 µM). Further in vitro studies revealed that compound 5 exhibits a mixed type of eeAChE and eqBuChE inhibition, good metabolic stability, and moderate hepatotoxicity effect on HepG2 cells. Finally, compound 5 showed a beneficial effect on scopolamine-induced memory impairments, as assessed by the passive avoidance test, thus revealing the potential of this compound as a promising agent for further optimization for AD treatment.

Occurrence of Morpholine in Central Nervous System Drug Discovery

Developing drugs for the central nervous system (CNS) requires fine chemical modifications, as a strict balance between size and lipophilicity is necessary to improve the permeability through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this context, morpholine and its analogues represent valuable heterocycles, due to their conformational and physicochemical properties. In fact, the presence of a weak basic nitrogen atom and of an oxygen atom at the opposite position provides a peculiar pK_a value and a flexible conformation to the ring, thus allowing it to take part in several lipophilic–hydrophilic interactions, and to improve blood solubility and brain permeability of the overall structure. In CNS-active compounds, morpholines are used (1) to enhance the potency through molecular interactions, (2) to act as a scaffold directing the appendages in the correct position, and (3) to modulate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties. In this perspective, selected morpholine-containing CNS drug candidates are discussed to reveal the active pharmacophores accountable for the (1) modulation of receptors involved in mood disorders and pain, (2) bioactivity toward enzymes and receptors responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, and (3) inhibition of enzymes involved in the pathology of CNS tumors. The medicinal chemistry/pharmacological activity of morpholine derivatives is discussed, in the effort to highlight the importance of morpholine ring interactions in the active site of different targets, particularly reporting binding features retrieved from PDB data, when available.

Epigenetics meets GPCR: inhibition of histone H3 methyltransferase (G9a) and histamine H3 receptor for Prader-Willi Syndrome

The role of epigenetic regulation is in large parts connected to cancer, but additionally, its therapeutic claim in neurological disorders has emerged. Inhibition of histone H3 lysine N-methyltransferase, especially G9a, has been recently shown to restore candidate genes from silenced parental chromosomes in the imprinting disorder Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In addition to this epigenetic approach, pitolisant as G-protein coupled histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonist has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects for Prader-Willi syndrome. To combine these pioneering principles of drug action, we aimed to identify compounds that combine both activities, guided by the pharmacophore blueprint for both targets. However, pitolisant as selective H3R inverse agonist with FDA and EMA-approval did not show the required inhibition at G9a. Pharmacological characterization of the prominent G9a inhibitor A-366, that is as well an inhibitor of the epigenetic reader protein Spindlin1, revealed its high affinity at H3R while showing subtype selectivity among subsets of the histaminergic and dopaminergic receptor families. This work moves prominent G9a ligands forward as pharmacological tools to prove for a potentially combined, symptomatic and causal, therapy in PWS by bridging the gap between drug development for G-protein coupled receptors and G9a as an epigenetic effector in a multi-targeting approach.

Conformational Restriction of Histamine with a Rigid Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Scaffold Provided Selective H3 Receptor Ligands

We designed and synthesized conformationally rigid histamine analogues with a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold. All the compounds were selectively bound to the H₃ receptor subtype over the H₄ receptor subtype. Notably, compound 7 showed potent binding affinity and over 100-fold selectivity for the H₃ receptors (K_i = 5.6 nM for H₃ and 602 nM for H₄). These results suggest that the conformationally rigid bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane structure can be a useful scaffold for developing potent ligands selective for the target biomolecules.

QSAR and Molecular Docking Studies on Non-Imidazole-Based Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists

Background: In the recent years, histamine H3 receptor (H3R) has been receiving increasing attention in pharmacotherapy of neurological disorders. The aim of the current study was to investigate structural requirements for the prediction of H3 antagonistic activity using quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and molecular docking techniques. Methods: To this end, genetic algorithm coupled partial least square and stepwise multiple linear regression methods were employed for developing a QSAR model. The obtained QSAR model was stringently assessed using different validation criteria. Results: The generated model indicated that connectivity information and mean absolute charge are two important descriptors for the prediction of H3 antagonistic activity of the studied compounds. To gain insight into the mechanism of interaction between studied molecules and H3R, molecular docking was performed. The most important residues involved in the ligand-receptor interactions were identified. Conclusion: The result of current study can be used for designing of new H3 antagonist and proposing structural modifications to improve H3 inhibitory potency.

4-(3-Aminoazetidin-1-yl)pyrimidin-2-amines as High-Affinity Non-imidazole Histamine H3 Receptor Agonists with in Vivo Central Nervous System Activity

Despite the high diversity of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonist/inverse agonist structures, partial or full H3R agonists have typically been imidazole derivatives. An in-house screening campaign intriguingly afforded the non-imidazole 4-(3-azetidin-1-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine 11b as a partial H3R agonist. Here, the design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 11b analogues are described. This series yields several non-imidazole full agonists with potencies varying with the alkyl substitution pattern on the basic amine following the in vitro evaluation of H3R agonism using a cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-luciferase reporter gene assay. The key compound VUF16839 (14d) combines nanomolar on-target activity (pKi = 8.5, pEC50 = 9.5) with weak activity on cytochrome P450 enzymes and good metabolic stability. The proposed H3R binding mode of 14d indicates key interactions similar to those attained by histamine. In vivo evaluation of 14d in a social recognition test in mice revealed an amnesic effect at 5 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The excellent in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profiles and the non-imidazole structure of 14d make it a promising tool compound in H3R research.

Covalent Inhibition of the Histamine H3 Receptor

Covalent binding of G protein-coupled receptors by small molecules is a useful approach for better understanding of the structure and function of these proteins. We designed, synthesized and characterized a series of 6 potential covalent ligands for the histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R). Starting from a 2-amino-pyrimidine scaffold, optimization of anchor moiety and warhead followed by fine-tuning of the required reactivity via scaffold hopping resulted in the isothiocyanate H₃R ligand 44. It shows high reactivity toward glutathione combined with appropriate stability in water and reacts selectively with the cysteine sidechain in a model nonapeptide equipped with nucleophilic residues. The covalent interaction of 44 with H₃R was validated with washout experiments and leads to inverse agonism on H₃R. Irreversible binder 44 (VUF15662) may serve as a useful tool compound to stabilize the inactive H₃R conformation and to study the consequences of prolonged inhibition of the H₃R.

Histamine H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists: Where do they go?

Since the discovery of the histamine H₃ receptor in 1983, tremendous advances in the pharmacological aspects of H₃ receptor antagonists/inverse agonists have been accomplished in preclinical studies. At present, there are several drug candidates that reached clinical trial studies for various indications. However, entrance of these candidates to the pharmaceutical market is not free from challenges, and a variety of difficulties is engaged with their developmental process. In this review, the potential role of H₃ receptors in the pathophysiology of various central nervous system, metabolic and allergic diseases is discussed. Thereafter, the current status for H₃ receptor antagonists/inverse agonists in ongoing clinical trial studies is reviewed and obstacles in developing these agents are emphasized.

Design, synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo characterization of 1-{4-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}guanidines and their piperidine analogues as histamine H3 receptor antagonists

Previously, we have shown that 1-substituted-[4-(7-phenoxyheptylpiperazin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine with electron withdrawing substituents at position 4 in the benzyl moiety exhibits high in vitro affinities toward the guinea pig jejunal histamine H₃ receptor with pA ₂ ranging from 8.49 to 8.43. Here, we present data on the impact of replacement of the piperazine scaffold by the piperidine ring (compounds 2a and 2b), moving benzyl- and 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl substituents from position 1 to 3 of the guanidine moiety (compounds 2c and 2d), which decreases the guanidine basicity (compound 2e), and the influence of individual synthons (compounds 2f-h), present in the lead compounds 1b and 1c, on the antagonistic activity against the histamine H₃ receptor. Additionally, the most active compounds 1a, 1c, and 1d were evaluated for their affinity to the rat histamine H₃ receptor and the human histamine H₃ and H₄ receptors. It was also shown that compounds 1a, 1c and 1d, given parenterally for five days, reduced the food intake of rats and did not influence the brain histamine or noradrenaline concentrations; however, significantly reduced serotonin and dopamine concentrations were found in rats administered with compounds 1a and 1c, respectively.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Bidirectional Photoswitchable Antagonist Toolbox for Real-Time GPCR Photopharmacology

Noninvasive methods to modulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with temporal and spatial precision are in great demand. Photopharmacology uses photons to control in situ the biological properties of photoswitchable small-molecule ligands, which bodes well for chemical biological precision approaches. Integrating the light-switchable configurational properties of an azobenzene into the ligand core, we developed a bidirectional antagonist toolbox for an archetypical family A GPCR, the histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R). From 16 newly synthesized photoswitchable compounds, VUF14738 (28) and VUF14862 (33) were selected as they swiftly and reversibly photoisomerize and show over 10-fold increased or decreased H₃R binding affinities, respectively, upon illumination at 360 nm. Both ligands combine long thermal half-lives with fast and high photochemical trans-/cis conversion, allowing their use in real-time electrophysiology experiments with oocytes to confirm dynamic photomodulation of H₃R activation in repeated second-scale cycles. VUF14738 and VUF14862 are robust and fatigue-resistant photoswitchable GPCR antagonists suitable for spatiotemporal studies of H₃R signaling.

Non-Imidazole Histamine H₃ Ligands. Part VII. Synthesis, In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of 5-Substituted-2-thiazol-4-n-propylpiperazines

H₃ receptors present on histaminergic and non-histaminergic neurons, act as autoreceptors or heteroreceptors controlling neurotransmitter release and synthesis. Previous, studies have found that the compound N-methyl-N-3-phenylalkyl-2-[2-(4-n-propylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl]ethan-1-amine (ADS-531, 2c) exhibits high in vitro potency toward H₃ guinea pig jejunal receptors, with pA₂ = 8.27. To optimize the structure of the lead compound ADS-531, a series of 5-substituted-2-thiazol-4-n-propylpiperazines 3 were synthesized and subjected to in vitro pharmacological characterization; the alkyl chain between position 2 of the thiazole ring and the terminal secondary N-methylamino function was elongated from three to four methylene groups and the N-methylamino functionality was substituted by benzyl-, 2-phenylethyl-, and 3-phenyl-propyl- moieties. SAR studies on novel non-imidazole, 5-substituted-2-thiazol-4-n-propyl-piperazines 3 showed that the most active compound 3a (pA₂ = 8.38), additionally possessed a weak competitive H₁-antagonistic activity. Therefore, compound ADS-531, which did not exhibit any H₁-antagonistic activity, was chosen for further evaluation for its affinity to the recombinant rat and human histamine H₃ receptors (rH₃R and hH₃R, respectively). ADS-531 exhibited nanomolar affinity for both rH₃R and hH₃R receptors. It was also shown that, ADS-531 given subchronically to rats (s.c. 3 mg/kg, 5 days) penetrated the brain, where it affected dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin concentration; however, it did not affect histamine concentration nor feeding behavior.

Multitarget-Directed Ligands Combining Cholinesterase and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition with Histamine H3 R Antagonism for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The therapy of complex neurodegenerative diseases requires the development of multitarget-directed drugs (MTDs). Novel indole derivatives with inhibitory activity towards acetyl/butyrylcholinesterases and monoamine oxidases A/B as well as the histamine H₃ receptor (H3R) were obtained by optimization of the neuroprotectant ASS234 by incorporating generally accepted H3R pharmacophore motifs. These small-molecule hits demonstrated balanced activities at the targets, mostly in the nanomolar concentration range. Additional in vitro studies showed antioxidative neuroprotective effects as well as the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. With this promising in vitro profile, contilisant (at 1 mg kg^-1 i.p.) also significantly improved lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive deficits.

Ligand autoradiographical quantification of histamine H3 receptor in human dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a serious age-dependent human neurodegenerative disease, with multiple debilitating symptoms, including dementia, psychosis and significant motor deficits, but with little or no effective treatments. This comparative ligand autoradiographical study has quantified histamine H₃ receptors (H₃R) in a series of major cortical and basal ganglia structures in human DLB and Alzheimer’s (AD) post-mortem cases using the highly selective radioligand, [³H] GSK189254.

In the main, the levels of H₃ receptor were largely preserved in DLB cases when compared with aged-matched controls. However, we provide new evidence showing variable levels in the globus pallidus, and, moreover, raised levels of Pallidum H₃ correlated with positive psychotic symptoms, in particular delusions and visual hallucinations, but not symptoms associated with depression. Furthermore, no correlation was detected for H₃ receptor levels to MMSE or IUPRS symptom severity.

This study suggests that H₃R antagonists have scope for treating the psychotic symptomologies in DLB and other human brain disorders.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCVIII. Histamine Receptors

Histamine is a developmentally highly conserved autacoid found in most vertebrate tissues. Its physiological functions are mediated by four 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) that are all targets of pharmacological intervention. The receptors display molecular heterogeneity and constitutive activity. H1R antagonists are long known antiallergic and sedating drugs, whereas the H2R was identified in the 1970s and led to the development of H2R-antagonists that revolutionized stomach ulcer treatment. The crystal structure of ligand-bound H1R has rendered it possible to design new ligands with novel properties. The H3R is an autoreceptor and heteroreceptor providing negative feedback on histaminergic and inhibition on other neurons. A block of these actions promotes waking. The H4R occurs on immuncompetent cells and the development of anti-inflammatory drugs is anticipated.

Cherry-picked ligands at histamine receptor subtypes

Histamine, a biogenic amine, is considered as a principle mediator of multiple physiological effects through binding to its H1, H2, H3, and H4 receptors (H1-H4Rs). Currently, the HRs have gained attention as important targets for the treatment of several diseases and disorders ranging from allergy to Alzheimer's disease and immune deficiency. Accordingly, medicinal chemistry studies exploring histamine-like molecules and their physicochemical properties by binding and interacting with the four HRs has led to the development of a diversity of agonists and antagonists that display selectivity for each HR subtype. An overview on H1-R4Rs and developed ligands representing some key steps in development is provided here combined with a short description of structure-activity relationships for each class. Main chemical diversities, pharmacophores, and pharmacological profiles of most innovative H1-H4R agonists and antagonists are highlighted. Therefore, this overview should support the rational choice for the optimal ligand selection based on affinity, selectivity and efficacy data in biochemical and pharmacological studies. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.

Histamine receptor signaling in energy homeostasis

Histamine modulates several aspects of energy homeostasis. By activating histamine receptors in the hypothalamus the bioamine influences thermoregulation, its circadian rhythm, energy expenditure and feeding. These actions are brought about by activation of different histamine receptors and/or the recruitment of distinct neural pathways. In this review we describe the signaling mechanisms activated by histamine in the hypothalamus, the evidence for its role in modulating energy homeostasis as well as recent advances in the understanding of the cellular and neural network mechanisms involved. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.

Neuronal histamine and cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid plaque deposits, mainly composed of amyloid-beta peptide and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles consisting of aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Amyloid-beta represents a neurotoxic proteolytic cleavage product of amyloid precursor protein. The progressive cognitive decline that is associated with Alzheimer's disease has been mainly attributed to a deficit in cholinergic neurotransmission due to the continuous degeneration of cholinergic neurons e.g. in the basal forebrain. There is evidence suggesting that other neurotransmitter systems including neuronal histamine also contribute to the development and maintenance of Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive deficits. Pathological changes in the neuronal histaminergic system of such patients are highly predictive of ensuing cognitive deficits. Furthermore, histamine-related drugs, including histamine 3 receptor antagonists, have been demonstrated to alleviate cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. This review summarizes findings from animal and clinical research on the relationship between the neuronal histaminergic system and cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's disease. The significance of the neuronal histaminergic system as a promising target for the development of more effective drugs for the treatment of cognitive symptoms is discussed. Furthermore, the option to use histamine-related agents as neurogenesis-stimulating therapy that counteracts progressive brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease is considered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.

Synthesis and structural elucidation of a novel polymorph of alcaftadine

In this study, we have synthesized and elucidated the structure of the H1 histamine antagonist, 2-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylidene)-4,7-diazatricyclo[8.4.0.0((3,7))]tetradeca-1(14),3,5,10,12-pentaene-6-carbaldehyde in the solution and solid-state. We have also studied the thermal dilapidation of the compound. Solution structure analysis was achieved by employing NMR spectroscopy including 2D experiments NOESY, HSQC and HMBC, while solid state investigations were undertaken using SXRD, PXRD, TGA, DSC, and IR spectroscopy. For the first time the single crystal structure of alcaftadine has now been solved. Crystallographic data are as follows: monoclinic, Cc, a=11.5694(6)Å, b=14.5864(6)Å, c=10.2688(4)Å, α=90°, β=111.793(3)°, γ=90°, V=1609.07(13)Å(3), Z=4. The Hirshfeld surface analyses also have been performed using the crystal structure.

Histamine H4 receptor ligands: future applications and state of art

Histamine is a chemical transmitter found practically in whole organism and exerts its effects through the interaction with H1 to H4 histaminergic receptors. Specifically, H4 receptors are found mainly in immune cells and blood-forming tissues, thus are involved in inflammatory and immune processes, as well as some actions in central nervous system. Therefore, H4 receptor ligands can have applications in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and immune diseases and may be novel therapeutic option in these conditions. Several H4 receptor ligands have been described from early 2000's until nowadays, being imidazole, indolecarboxamide, 2-aminopyrimidine, quinazoline, and quinoxaline scaffolds the most explored and discussed in this review. Moreover, several studies of molecular modeling using homology models of H4 receptor and QSAR data of the ligands are summarized. The increasing and promising therapeutic applications are leading these compounds to clinical trials, which probably will be part of the next generation of blockbuster drugs.

Synthesis and characterization of new bivalent agents as melatonin- and histamine H3-ligands

Melatonin is an endogenous molecule involved in many pathophysiological processes. In addition to the control of circadian rhythms, its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties have been widely described. Thus far, different bivalent compounds composed by a melatonin molecule linked to another neuroprotective agent were synthesized and tested for their ability to block neurodegenerative processes in vitro and in vivo. To identify a novel class of potential neuroprotective compounds, we prepared a series of bivalent ligands, in which a prototypic melatonergic ligand is connected to an imidazole-based H₃ receptor antagonist through a flexible linker. Four imidazolyl-alkyloxy-anilinoethylamide derivatives, characterized by linkers of different length, were synthesized and their binding affinity for human MT₁, MT₂ and H₃ receptor subtypes was evaluated. Among the tested compounds, 14c and 14d, bearing a pentyl and a hexyl linker, respectively, were able to bind to all receptor subtypes at micromolar concentrations and represent the first bivalent melatonergic/histaminergic ligands reported so far. These preliminary results, based on binding affinity evaluation, pave the way for the future development of new dual-acting compounds targeting both melatonin and histamine receptors, which could represent promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies.

A structural chemogenomics analysis of aminergic GPCRs: lessons for histamine receptor ligand design

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chemogenomics focuses on the discovery of new connections between chemical and biological space leading to the discovery of new protein targets and biologically active molecules. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a particularly interesting protein family for chemogenomics studies because there is an overwhelming amount of ligand binding affinity data available. The increasing number of aminergic GPCR crystal structures now for the first time allows the integration of chemogenomics studies with high-resolution structural analyses of GPCR-ligand complexes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In this study, we have combined ligand affinity data, receptor mutagenesis studies, and amino acid sequence analyses to high-resolution structural analyses of (hist)aminergic GPCR-ligand interactions. This integrated structural chemogenomics analysis is used to more accurately describe the molecular and structural determinants of ligand affinity and selectivity in different key binding regions of the crystallized aminergic GPCRs, and histamine receptors in particular.

KEY RESULTS

Our investigations highlight interesting correlations and differences between ligand similarity and ligand binding site similarity of different aminergic receptors. Apparent discrepancies can be explained by combining detailed analysis of crystallized or predicted protein-ligand binding modes, receptor mutation studies, and ligand structure-selectivity relationships that identify local differences in essential pharmacophore features in the ligand binding sites of different receptors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

We have performed structural chemogenomics studies that identify links between (hist)aminergic receptor ligands and their binding sites and binding modes. This knowledge can be used to identify structure-selectivity relationships that increase our understanding of ligand binding to (hist)aminergic receptors and hence can be used in future GPCR ligand discovery and design.

Dual histamine H3R/serotonin 5-HT4R ligands with antiamnesic properties: pharmacophore-based virtual screening and polypharmacology

In recent years, preclinical and clinical studies have generated considerable interest in the development of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists as novel treatment for degenerative disorders associated with impaired cholinergic function. To identify novel scaffolds for H3R antagonism, a common feature-based pharmacophore model was developed and used to screen the 17,194 compounds of the CERMN (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie) chemical library. Out of 268 virtual hits which have been gathered in 34 clusters, we were particularly interested in tricyclic derivatives also exhibiting a potent 5HT4R affinity. Benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives showed the highest H3R affinity, and compound 17 (H3R Ki = 41.6 nM; 5-HT4R Ki = 208 nM) completely reversed the amnesiant effect of scopolamine at 3 mg/kg in a spatial working memory experiment. For the first time we demonstrated the feasibility to combine H3R and 5-HT4R activities in a single molecule, raising the exciting possibility that dual H3R antagonist/5HT4R agonist have potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Procognitive properties of drugs with single and multitargeting H3 receptor antagonist activities

The histamine H3 receptor (H3 R) is an important modulator of numerous central control mechanisms. Novel lead optimizations for H3 R antagonists/inverse agonists involved studies of structure-activity relationships, cross-affinities, and pharmacokinetic properties of promising ligands. Blockade of inhibitory histamine H3 autoreceptors reinforces histaminergic transmission, while antagonism of H3 heteroreceptors accelerates the corticolimbic liberation of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The H3 R positioned at numerous neurotransmission crossroads indicates therapeutic applications of small-molecule H3 R modulators in a number of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases with various clinical candidates available. Dual target drugs displaying H3 R antagonism/inverse agonism with inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), or serotonin transporter (SERT) are novel class of procognitive agents. Main chemical diversities, pharmacophores, and pharmacological profiles of procognitive agents acting as H3 R antagonists/inverse agonists and dual H3 R antagonists/inverse agonists with inhibiting activity on AChE, HMT, or SERT are highlighted here.

Unexpectedly high affinity of a novel histamine H(3) receptor antagonist, GSK239512, in vivo in human brain, determined using PET

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the plasma concentration (PK) of the novel histamine H3 receptor antagonist, GSK239512, and the brain occupancy of H(3) receptors (RO) in healthy human volunteers.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

PET scans were obtained after i.v. administration of the H(3) -specific radioligand [(11) C]GSK189254. Each subject was scanned before and after single oral doses of GSK239512, at 4 and 24 h after dose. PET data were analysed by compartmental analysis, and regional RO estimates were obtained by graphical analysis of changes in the total volumes of distribution of the radioligand, followed by a correction for occupancy by the high affinity radioligand. The PK/RO relationship was analysed by a population-modelling approach, using the average PK of GSK239512 during each scan.

KEY RESULTS

Following administration of GSK239512, there was a reduction in the brain uptake of [(11) C]GSK189254 in all regions, including cerebellum. RO at 4 h was higher than at 24 h, and the PK/RO model estimated a PK associated with 50% of RO of 0.0068 ng·mL(-1) . This corresponds to a free concentration of 4.50 × 10(-12 ) M (pK = 11.3).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The affinity of GSK239512 for brain H3 receptors in humans in vivo is much higher than that expected from studies in vitro, and higher than that observed in PET studies in pigs. The study illustrates the utility of carrying out PET studies in humans early in drug development, providing accurate quantification of GSK239512 RO in vivo as a function of time and dose.

Recent progress in neuroactive marine natural products

This review covers the isolation, chemical structure, biological activity, structure activity relationships including synthesis of chemical probes, and pharmacological characterization of neuroactive marine natural products; 302 references are cited.

Structure-activity relationships of new 1-substitutedmethyl-4-[5-(N-methyl-N-propylamino)pentyloxy]piperidines and selected 1-[(N-substituted-N-methyl)-3-propyloxy]-5-(N-methy-l-N-propyl)-pentanediamines as H3 -antagonists

Novel, potent non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists have been prepared and in vitro tested as H3 -receptor antagonists (the electrically evoked contraction of the guinea-pig jejunum). The present compounds contain a 4-hydroxypiperidine core, which behaves as a conformationally restricted version of the 3-amino-1-propanol moiety common to the many previously described non-imidazole H3 ligands. Detailed structure-activity studies revealed that 1-(2-benzofuranylmethyl)- 5c (pA2 = 8.47 ± 0.05) and 1-(3-benzofuranylmethyl)-4-[5-(N-methyl-N-propyl)pentyloxy]piperidine 5d (pA2 = 8.15 ± 0.07) exhibit high potency for the H3 histamine receptor. In addition, the potency of selected 1-[(N-substituted-N-methyl)-3-propyloxy]-5-(N-methyl-N-propyl)pentanediamines as antagonist of the H3 histamine receptor was also evaluated. Replacement of the 4-hydroxypiperidine of the leads 7 and 5c by a highly flexible 3-(methylamino)propyloxy chain yields compounds 6a (pA2 = 8.02) and 6b (pA2 = 6.23) with higher and lower potency than their piperidine analogues (7, pA2 = 7.79; 5c, pA2 = 8.47), respectively. The histaminergic H1 antagonism of selected compounds 5c, 5d and 6a has been established on the isolated guinea-pig ileum by conventional methods; the pA2 values have compared with the potency of pyrilamine. None of them showed any H1 -antagonistic activity (pA2 < 4; for pyrilamine pA2 = 8.5).

Non-imidazole histamine H3 ligands: part V. synthesis and preliminary pharmacological investigation of 1-[2-thiazol-4-yl- and 1-[2-thiazol-5-yl-(2-aminoethyl)]-4-n-propylpiperazine derivatives

Series of 1-[2-thiazol-4-yl-(2-aminoethyl)]- and 1-[2-thiazol-5-yl-(2-aminoethyl)]-4-n-propylpiperazine derivatives have been prepared and in vitro tested as H3-receptor antagonists (the electrically evoked contraction of the guinea-pig jejunum). It appeared that by comparison of homologous pairs, the 1-[2-thiazol-5-yl-(2-aminoethyl)]-4-n-propylpiperazines (3a,b and 4a-d) have much higher potency than their analogous 1-[2-thiazol-4-yl-(2-aminoethyl)]-4-n-propylpiperazines (2a-k). Based on the obtained results, we observed the 5-position of 2-methyl-2-R-aminoethyl substituents in the thiazole ring is favourable for histamine H3 receptor antagonist activity, whereas its presence in position 4 leads, almost in each case, to strong decrease of activity.

Assessment of the abuse liability of ABT-288, a novel histamine H₃ receptor antagonist

RATIONALE

Histamine H3 receptor antagonists, such as ABT-288, have been shown to possess cognitive-enhancing and wakefulness-promoting effects. On the surface, this might suggest that H3 antagonists possess psychomotor stimulant-like effects and, as such, may have the potential for abuse.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to further characterize whether ABT-288 possesses stimulant-like properties and whether its pharmacology gives rise to abuse liability.

METHODS

The locomotor-stimulant effects of ABT-288 were measured in mice and rats, and potential development of sensitization was addressed. Drug discrimination was used to assess amphetamine-like stimulus properties, and drug self-administration was used to evaluate reinforcing effects of ABT-288. The potential development of physical dependence was also studied.

RESULTS

ABT-288 lacked locomotor-stimulant effects in both rats and mice. Repeated administration of ABT-288 did not result in cross-sensitization to the stimulant effects of d-amphetamine in mice, suggesting that there is little overlap in circuitries upon which the two drugs interact for motor activity. ABT-288 did not produce amphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects in drug discrimination studies nor was it self-administered by rats trained to self-administer cocaine. There were no signs of physical dependence upon termination of repeated administration of ABT-288 for 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The sum of these preclinical data, the first of their kind applied to H3 antagonists, indicates that ABT-288 is unlikely to possess a high potential for abuse in the human population and suggests that H3 antagonists, as a class, are similar in this regard.

A proof-of-concept study of the effect of a novel H3-receptor antagonist in allergen-induced nasal congestion

BACKGROUND

H1-receptor inverse agonists are used effectively for treating several symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing, although most agents are not very effective in treating nasal congestion.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the relative efficacy of a novel selective H3-receptor antagonist, JNJ-39220675, in preventing nasal congestion induced by exposing participants with ragweed allergy to ragweed allergen in an environmental exposure chamber model.

METHODS

In this single-dose, patient-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled, phase IIa cross-over study, 53 participants were randomized to JNJ-39220675 plus placebo, placebo plus pseudoephedrine, or only placebo. The primary efficacy assessment was change in nasal patency assessed by measuring the minimal cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity by using acoustic rhinometry. Secondary assessment included total nasal symptom scores (TNSSs) over the 8-hour environmental exposure chamber exposure period.

RESULTS

Smaller decreases in minimal cross-sectional area were observed after JNJ-39220675 (least square mean difference, -0.126; P = .06) and pseudoephedrine (least square mean difference, -0.195; P = .004) treatment compared with placebo. The means for the baseline-adjusted area under the curve of TNSSs were significantly smaller for JNJ-39220675 (P = .0003) and pseudoephedrine (P = .04) versus placebo. JNJ-39220675 was significantly effective in treating all 4 individual symptoms (P ≤ .05 for all scores) compared with placebo, whereas pseudoephedrine only showed a trend for improvement in individual symptom scores of the TNSS. Insomnia was the most frequent adverse event (17.3%) associated with JNJ-39220675 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic treatment with the H3-antagonist JNJ-39220675 relieved allergen-induced nasal congestion by using standard nasal symptom scoring; however, in contrast to pseudoephedrine, it only showed a trend for increasing nasal patency by using objective measures.

Histamine: an undercover agent in multiple rare diseases?

Histamine is a biogenic amine performing pleiotropic effects in humans, involving tasks within the immune and neuroendocrine systems, neurotransmission, gastric secretion, cell life and death, and development. It is the product of the histidine decarboxylase activity, and its effects are mainly mediated through four different G-protein coupled receptors. Thus, histamine-related effects are the results of highly interconnected and tissue-specific signalling networks. Consequently, alterations in histamine-related factors could be an important part in the cause of multiple rare/orphan diseases. Bearing this hypothesis in mind, more than 25 rare diseases related to histamine physiopathology have been identified using a computationally assisted text mining approach. These newly integrated data will provide insight to elucidate the molecular causes of these rare diseases. The data can also help in devising new intervention strategies for personalized medicine for multiple rare diseases.