A small molecule inhibitor of Nox2 and Nox4 improves contractile function after ischemia-reperfusion in the mouse heart

Navigating the redox landscape: reactive oxygen species in regulation of cell cycle

Objectives: To advance our knowledge of disease mechanisms and therapeutic options, understanding cell cycle regulation is critical. Recent research has highlighted the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell cycle regulation. Although excessive ROS levels can lead to age-related pathologies, ROS also play an essential role in normal cellular functions. Many cell cycle regulatory proteins are affected by their redox status, but the precise mechanisms and conditions under which ROS promote or inhibit cell proliferation are not fully understood.Methods: This review presents data from the scientific literature and publicly available databases on changes in redox state during the cell cycle and their effects on key regulatory proteins.Results: We identified redox-sensitive targets within the cell cycle machinery and analysed different effects of ROS (type, concentration, duration of exposure) on cell cycle phases. For example, moderate levels of ROS can promote cell proliferation by activating signalling pathways involved in cell cycle progression, whereas excessive ROS levels can induce DNA damage and trigger cell cycle arrest or cell death.Discussion: Our findings encourage future research focused on identifying redox-sensitive targets in the cell cycle machinery, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases with dysregulated cell proliferation.

Protein disulfide isomerase A1 regulates fenestration dynamics in primary mouse liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs)

Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are involved in many intracellular and extracellular processes, including cell adhesion and cytoskeletal reorganisation, but their contribution to the regulation of fenestrations in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) remains unknown. Given that fenestrations are supported on a cytoskeleton scaffold, this study aimed to investigate whether endothelial PDIs regulate fenestration dynamics in primary mouse LSECs. PDIA3 and PDIA1 were found to be the most abundant among PDI isoforms in LSECs. Taking advantage of atomic force microscopy, the effects of PDIA1 or PDIA3 inhibition on the fenestrations in LSECs were investigated using a classic PDIA1 inhibitor (bepristat) and novel aromatic N-sulfonamides of aziridine-2-carboxylic acid derivatives as PDIA1 (C-3389) or PDIA3 (C-3399) inhibitors. The effect of PDIA1 inhibition on liver perfusion was studied in vivo using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, PDIA1 inhibitors were examined in vitro in LSECs for effects on adhesion, cytoskeleton organisation, bioenergetics, and viability. Inhibition of PDIA1 with bepristat or C-3389 significantly reduced the number of fenestrations in LSECs, while inhibition of PDIA3 with C-3399 had no effect. Moreover, the blocking of free thiols by the cell-penetrating N-ethylmaleimide, but not by the non-cell-penetrating 4-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate, resulted in LSEC defenestration. Inhibition of PDIA1 did not affect LSEC adhesion, viability, and bioenergetics, nor did it induce a clear-cut rearrangement of the cytoskeleton. However, PDIA1-dependent defenestration was reversed by cytochalasin B, a known fenestration stimulator, pointing to the preserved ability of LSECs to form new pores. Importantly, systemic inhibition of PDIA1 in vivo affected intra-parenchymal uptake of contrast agent in mice consistent with LSEC defenestration. These results revealed the role of intracellular PDIA1 in the regulation of fenestration dynamics in LSECs, and in maintaining hepatic sinusoid homeostasis.

Specific NOX4 Inhibition Preserves Mitochondrial Function and Dampens Kidney Dysfunction Following Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden episode of kidney failure which is frequently observed at intensive care units and related to high morbidity/mortality. Although AKI can have many different causes, ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the main cause of AKI. Mechanistically, NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are involved in the pathophysiology contributing to oxidative stress following IR. Previous reports have indicated that knockout of NOX4 may offer protection in cardiac and brain IR, but there is currently less knowledge about how this could be exploited therapeutically and whether this could have significant protection in IR-induced AKI. Aim: To investigate the hypothesis that a novel and specific NOX4 inhibitor (GLX7013114) may have therapeutic potential on kidney and mitochondrial function in a mouse model of IR-induced AKI. Methods: Kidneys of male C57BL/6J mice were clamped for 20 min, and the NOX4 inhibitor (GLX7013114) was administered via osmotic minipump during reperfusion. Following 3 days of reperfusion, kidney function (i.e., glomerular filtration rate, GFR) was calculated from FITC-inulin clearance and mitochondrial function was assessed by high-resolution respirometry. Renal histopathological evaluations (i.e., hematoxylin-eosin) and TUNEL staining were performed for apoptotic evaluation. Results: NOX4 inhibition during reperfusion significantly improved kidney function, as evidenced by a better-maintained GFR (p < 0.05) and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05) compared to untreated IR animals. Moreover, IR caused significant tubular injuries that were attenuated by simultaneous NOX4 inhibition (p < 0.01). In addition, the level of renal apoptosis was significantly reduced in IR animals with NOX4 inhibition (p < 0.05). These favorable effects of the NOX4 inhibitor were accompanied by enhanced Nrf2 Ser40 phosphorylation and conserved mitochondrial function, as evidenced by the better-preserved activity of all mitochondrial complexes. Conclusion: Specific NOX4 inhibition, at the time of reperfusion, significantly preserves mitochondrial and kidney function. These novel findings may have clinical implications for future treatments aimed at preventing AKI and related adverse events, especially in high-risk hospitalized patients.

Role of Mitochondrial ROS for Calcium Alternans in Atrial Myocytes

Atrial calcium transient (CaT) alternans is defined as beat-to-beat alternations in CaT amplitude and is causally linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). Mitochondria play a significant role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and Ca signaling through redox environment regulation. In isolated rabbit atrial myocytes, ROS production is enhanced during CaT alternans, measured by fluorescence microscopy. Exogenous ROS (tert-butyl hydroperoxide) enhanced CaT alternans, whereas ROS scavengers (dithiothreitol, MnTBAP, quercetin, tempol) alleviated CaT alternans. While the inhibition of cellular NADPH oxidases had no effect on CaT alternans, interference with mitochondrial ROS (ROSm) production had profound effects: (1) the superoxide dismutase mimetic MitoTempo diminished CaT alternans and shifted the pacing threshold to higher frequencies; (2) the inhibition of cyt c peroxidase by SS-31, and inhibitors of ROSm production by complexes of the electron transport chain S1QEL1.1 and S3QEL2, decreased the severity of CaT alternans; however (3) the impairment of mitochondrial antioxidant defense by the inhibition of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase with NBD-Cl and thioredoxin reductase-2 with auranofin enhanced CaT alternans. Our results suggest that intact mitochondrial antioxidant defense provides crucial protection against pro-arrhythmic CaT alternans. Thus, modulating the mitochondrial redox state represents a potential therapeutic approach for alternans-associated arrhythmias, including AF.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Preserves Mitochondrial Function in the Ischemic Heart: A Redox-dependent Mechanism for AMPK Activation by Thioredoxin-1

ABSTRACT

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) protects the ischemic heart by activating adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms linking ALDH2 and AMPK signaling are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms linking ALDH2 and AMPK in myocardial ischemic injury. An ischemic model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. The overexpression or knockdown of ALDH2 in H9c2 cells treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation was obtained through lentivirus infection. Transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was used to evaluate apoptosis in an ischemic rat model and oxygen-glucose deprivation cells. ALDH2 activity, mitochondrial oxidative stress markers, adenosine triphosphate, respiratory control ratio, and cell viability in H9c2 cells were evaluated using a biological kit and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide. Protein expression of ALDH2 , 4-hydroxynonenal, thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), and AMPK-proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway was detected through Western blotting. ALDH2 activation reduced ischemic-induced myocardial infarct size and apoptosis. ALDH2 protected mitochondrial function by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory control ratio and adenosine triphosphate production, alleviated mitochondrial oxidative stress, and suppressed myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, ALDH2 attenuated ischemia-induced oxidative stress and maintained Trx-1 levels by reducing 4-hydroxynonenal, thereby promoting AMPK-PGC-1α signaling activation. Inhibiting Trx-1 or AMPK abolished the cardioprotective effect of ALDH2 on ischemia. ALDH2 alleviates myocardial injury through increased mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced oxidative stress, and these effects were achieved through Trx1-mediating AMPK-PGC1-α signaling activation.

Structure, Activation, and Regulation of NOX2: At the Crossroad between the Innate Immunity and Oxidative Stress-Mediated Pathologies

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a multisubunit enzyme complex that participates in the generation of superoxide or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and plays a key role in several biological functions. Among seven known NOX isoforms, NOX2 was the first identified in phagocytes but is also expressed in several other cell types including endothelial cells, platelets, microglia, neurons, and muscle cells. NOX2 has been assigned multiple roles in regulating many aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, and human and mouse models of NOX2 genetic deletion highlighted this key role. On the other side, NOX2 hyperactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases with different etiologies but all are characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory process. From this point of view, the modulation of NOX2 represents an important therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing the damage associated with its hyperactivation. Although pharmacological strategies to selectively modulate NOX2 are implemented thanks to new biotechnologies, this field of research remains to be explored. Therefore, in this review, we analyzed the role of NOX2 at the crossroads between immunity and pathologies mediated by its hyperactivation. We described (1) the mechanisms of activation and regulation, (2) human, mouse, and cellular models studied to understand the role of NOX2 as an enzyme of innate immunity, (3) some of the pathologies associated with its hyperactivation, and (4) the inhibitory strategies, with reference to the most recent discoveries.

Development and prevention of ischemic contracture ("stone heart") in the pig heart

Stone heart (ischemic contracture) is a rare and serious condition observed in the heart after periods of warm ischemia. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown and treatment options are lacking. In view of the possibilities for cardiac donation after circulatory death (DCD), introducing risks for ischemic damage, we have investigated stone heart in pigs. Following cessation of ventilation, circulatory death (systolic pressure <8 mmHg) occurred within 13.1 ± 1.2 min; and a stone heart, manifested with asystole, increased left ventricular wall thickness and stiffness, established after a further 17 ± 6 min. Adenosine triphosphate and phosphocreatine levels decreased by about 50% in the stone heart. Electron microscopy showed deteriorated structure with contraction bands, Z-line streaming and swollen mitochondria. Synchrotron based small angle X-ray scattering of trabecular samples from stone hearts revealed attachment of myosin to actin, without volume changes in the sarcomeres. Ca²⁺ sensitivity, determined in permeabilized muscle, was increased in stone heart samples. An in vitro model for stone heart, using isolated trabecular muscle exposed to hypoxia/zero glucose, exhibited the main characteristics of stone heart in whole animals, with a fall in high-energy phosphates and development of muscle contracture. The stone heart condition in vitro was significantly attenuated by the myosin inhibitor MYK-461 (Mavacamten). In conclusion, the stone heart is a hypercontracted state associated with myosin binding to actin and increased Ca²⁺ sensitivity. The hypercontractile state, once developed, is poorly reversible. The myosin inhibitor MYK-461, which is clinically approved for other indications, could be a promising venue for prevention.

Selective Pharmacological Inhibition of NOX2 by GSK2795039 Improves Bladder Dysfunction in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis in Mice

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic inflammatory disease without consistently effective treatment. Among the many mediators implicated in cystitis, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) seems to play a key role, although the main source of ROS remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms in ROS generation and the voiding dysfunction of cyclophosphamide (CYP, 300 mg/Kg, ip, 24 h)-induced cystitis in adult female mice, a well-recognized animal model to study IC/BPS, by using GKT137831 (5 mg/Kg, ip, three times in a 24 h period) or GSK2795039 (5 mg/Kg, ip, three times in a 24 h period) to inhibit NOX1/4 or NOX2, respectively. Our results showed that treatment with GSK2795039 improved the dysfunctional voiding behavior induced by CYP, reduced bladder edema and inflammation, and preserved the urothelial barrier integrity and tight junction occludin expression, besides inhibiting the characteristic vesical pain and bladder superoxide anion generation. In contrast, the NOX1/4 inhibitor GKT137831 had no significant protective effects. Taken together, our in vivo and ex vivo data demonstrate that NOX2 is possibly the main source of ROS observed in cystitis-induced CYP in mice. Therefore, selective inhibition of NOX2 by GSK2795039 may be a promising target for future therapies for IC/BPS.

Parkia speciosa Hassk. Empty Pod Extract Prevents Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Inhibiting MAPK and Calcineurin-NFATC3 Signaling Pathways

Cardiac hypertrophy is an early hallmark during the clinical course of heart failure. Therapeutic strategies aiming to alleviate cardiac hypertrophy via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling pathway may help prevent cardiac dysfunction. Previously, empty pod ethanol crude extract of Parkia speciosa Hassk was shown to demonstrate protective effects against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of various fractions of the plant ethanol extract on the MAPK/NFAT signaling pathway in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Simultaneous treatment with ethyl acetate (EA) fraction produced the most potent antihypertrophic effect evidenced by the reduced release of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Subsequently, treatment with the EA fraction (6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/mL) prevented an Ang II-induced increase in cell surface area, hypertrophic factors (atrial natriuretic peptide and BNP), reactive oxygen species, protein content, and NADPH oxidase 4 expression in the cells. Furthermore, EA treatment attenuated the activation of the MAPK pathway and calcineurin-related pathway (GATA-binding protein 4 and NFATC3), which was similar to the effects of valsartan (positive control). Our findings indicate that the EA fraction prevents Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the MAPK/calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway.

KMT2B-dependent RFK transcription activates the TNF-α/NOX2 pathway and enhances ferroptosis caused by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

Epigenetic regulation such as histone modification is implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Lysine-specific methyltransferase 2B (KMT2B) is a histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. This study aims at exploring the role of KMT2B-mediated histone modification in MIRI. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30 healthy volunteers for analyses of the expression levels of KMT2B, riboflavin kinase (RFK), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2). H9C2 cardiomyocytes and Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized for developing in vitro and in vivo models. To evaluate the effects of the aforementioned molecules on cellular damage and MIRI, short hairpin RNAs or overexpression plasmids were introduced into cardiomyocytes for gene silencing or overexpression and also, they were packaged into adenovirus vectors for in vivo interventions. Immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to assess the interactions between KMT2B and RFK and among RFK, NOX2 sub-unit p22^phox, and TNF receptor 1-associated death domain protein. KMT2B, RFK, TNF-α, and NOX2 were notably upregulated in AMI patients. KMT2B knockdown resulted in considerably attenuated cell apoptosis and reduced myocardial infarct area. Additionally, the release of pro-inflammatory proteins and ferroptosis were suppressed. Furthermore, KMT2B could promote RFK gene transcription by upregulating H3 methylation levels and consequently activate the TNF-α/NOX2 axis, which was the possible mechanism underlying the role of KMT2B in MIRI. KMT2B motivates MIRI-induced cellular injury and ferroptosis by inducing RFK transcription and mediating the TNF-α/NOX2 axis.

NOX4 inhibition promotes the remodeling of dystrophic muscle

The muscular dystrophies (MDs) are genetic muscle diseases that result in progressive muscle degeneration followed by the fibrotic replacement of affected muscles as regenerative processes fail. Therapeutics that specifically address the fibrosis and failed regeneration associated with MDs represent a major unmet clinical need for MD patients, particularly those with advanced-stage disease progression. The current study investigated targeting NAD(P)H oxidase 4 (NOX4) as a potential strategy to reduce fibrosis and promote regeneration in disease-burdened muscle that models Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). NOX4 was elevated in the muscles of dystrophic mice and DMD patients, localizing primarily to interstitial cells located between muscle fibers. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of NOX4 significantly reduced fibrosis in dystrophic respiratory and limb muscles. Mechanistically, NOX4 targeting decreased the number of fibrosis-depositing cells (myofibroblasts) and restored the number of muscle-specific stem cells (satellite cells) localized to their physiological niche, thereby rejuvenating muscle regeneration. Furthermore, acute inhibition of NOX4 was sufficient to induce apoptotic clearing of myofibroblasts within dystrophic muscle. These data indicate that targeting NOX4 is an effective strategy to promote the beneficial remodeling of disease-burdened muscle representative of DMD and, potentially, other MDs and muscle pathologies.

The loss of pancreatic islet NADPH oxidase (NOX)2 improves islet transplantation

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment strategy for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. However, oxidative stress-induced graft failure due to an insufficient revascularization is a major problem of this therapeutic approach. NADPH oxidase (NOX)2 is an important producer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several studies have already reported that this enzyme plays a crucial role in the endocrine function and viability of β-cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeting islet NOX2 improves the outcome of islet transplantation. To test this, we analyzed the cellular composition and viability of isolated wild-type (WT) and Nox2-/- islets by immunohistochemistry as well as different viability assays. Ex vivo, the effect of Nox2 deficiency on superoxide production, endocrine function and anti-oxidant protein expression was studied under hypoxic conditions. In vivo, we transplanted WT and Nox2-/- islets into mouse dorsal skinfold chambers and under the kidney capsule of diabetic mice to assess their revascularization and endocrine function, respectively. We found that the loss of NOX2 does not affect the cellular composition and viability of isolated islets. However, decreased superoxide production, higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as well as expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)2, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was detected in hypoxic Nox2-/- islets when compared to WT islets. Moreover, we detected an early revascularization, a higher take rate and restoration of normoglycemia in diabetic mice transplanted with Nox2-/- islets. These findings indicate that the suppression of NOX2 activity represents a promising therapeutic strategy to improve engraftment and function of isolated islets.

The Role of Interventional Irisin on Heart Molecular Physiology

Irisin, encoded by the FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain containing 5) gene, is a novel myokine that has been implicated as an essential mediator of exercise benefits. Effects of irisin on heart physiology is still ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of exogenous administration of irisin on heart physiology and the pharmacokinetic profile of pump-administered irisin. To do so, Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with an irisin-loaded osmotic pump (5 μg/kg/day) for 42 days, and other animals were administered with single bolus subcutaneous injections of irisin (5 µg/kg). Body weights and blood samples were collected weekly for 42 days for serum irisin quantification and histopathology. Clinical biochemistry analyses were performed. Heart mRNA expression was assessed in 26 selected genes. Chronic interventional exogenous irisin significantly reduced body weight without affecting the heart myocyte size and significantly reduced creatine kinase enzyme level. Blood CBC, serum biochemistry, and heart morphology were normal. Gene expression of FNCD5, Raf1, CPT1, IGF-1, and CALCIN, encoding for heart physiology, increased while PGC1, Nox4, and Mfn1 significantly decreased. Nevertheless, irisin increased the expression of cardioprotective genes and inhibited some genes that harm heart physiology. Administration of irisin promotes myocardial functions and could be translated into clinical settings after preclinical profiling.

Raspberry and blackberry act in a synergistic manner to improve cardiac redox proteins and reduce NF-κB and SAPK/JNK in mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Increased cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress are common features in obesity, and toll-like receptor (TLR)4 signaling is a key inflammatory pathway in this deleterious process. This study aimed to investigate whether berries could attenuate the detrimental effects of a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet on the myocardium at the molecular level.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice consumed a low-fat, low-sucrose (LFLS) diet alone or supplemented with 10% blackberry (BL), 10% raspberry (RB) or 10% blackberry + raspberry (BL + RB) for four weeks. Animals were then switched to a HFHS diet for 24 weeks with or without berry supplementation or maintained on a LFLS control diet without berry supplementation. Left ventricles of the heart were isolated for protein and mRNA analysis. Berry consumption, particularly BL + RB reduced NADPH-oxidase (NOX)1 and NOX2 and increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, expression while BL and RB supplementation alone was less efficacious. Downstream TLR4 signaling was attenuated mostly by both RB and BL + RB supplementation, while NF-κB pathway was attenuated by BL + RB supplementation. Stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) was also attenuated by BL + RB supplementation, and reduced TNF-α transcription and protein expression was observed only with BL + RB supplementation.

CONCLUSION

The synergistic effects of BL + RB may reduce obesity-induced cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress to a greater extent than BL or RB alone.

Yin and Yang of NADPH Oxidases in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion

Oxidative stress is critically involved in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury. NADPH oxidase (Nox) 2 and 4, major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes, are upregulated in response to I/R. Suppression of Nox-derived ROS prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to attenuation of myocardial I/R injury. However, minimal levels of ROS by either Nox2 or Nox4 are required for energy metabolism during I/R in the heart, preserving hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) levels. Furthermore, extreme suppression of Nox activity induces reductive stress, leading to paradoxical increases in ROS levels. Nox4 has distinct roles in organelles such as mitochondria, ER, and ER-mitochondria contact sites (MAMs). Mitochondrial Nox4 exerts a detrimental effect, causing ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction during I/R, whereas Nox4 in the ER and MAMs is potentially protective against I/R injury through regulation of autophagy and MAM function, respectively. Although Nox isoforms are potential therapeutic targets for I/R injury, to maximize the effect of intervention, it is likely important to optimize the ROS level and selectively inhibit Nox4 in mitochondria. Here, we discuss the ‘Yin and Yang’ functions of Nox isoforms during myocardial I/R.

Current trends of benzothiazoles in drug discovery: a patent review (2015-2020)

INTRODUCTION

Benzothiazole is a bicyclic ring system composed of thiazole and benzene rings. It is present as an important pharmacophore in many marketed drugs. The notable potential of benzothiazoles as therapeutic agent for different target diseases has prompted a growing interest in benzothiazole-based drug development in recent years.

AREAS COVERED

This review of 55 benzothiazole-related patents, filed from 2015 to 2020, covers a wide range of pharmacological activities. These patents were collated from Google Patents and Lens search engines. The inventions were categorized and discussed based on their respective group of target diseases, including metabolic diseases, cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, viral diseases, bacterial infections, fibrosis and thrombosis.

EXPERT OPINION

Benzothiazole has shown to be a scaffold with great pharmacological importance and thus, serves as a building block for the development of derivatives having high therapeutic activity. Benzothiazole derivatives were patented for a range of therapeutic applications, with a special focus on cancer research. Several compounds have the potential to progress into the market, given that they exert both selectivity and in vivo efficacy. Others require a more thorough study to obtain adequate information on the compounds.