Pharmacophore development and SAR studies of imidazoline receptor ligands

Analysis of the nischarin expression across human tumor types reveals its context-dependent role and a potential as a target for drug repurposing in oncology

Nischarin was reported to be a tumor suppressor that plays a critical role in breast cancer initiation and progression, and a positive prognostic marker in breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Our group has found that nischarin had positive prognostic value in female melanoma patients, but negative in males. This opened up a question whether nischarin has tumor type-specific and sex-dependent roles in cancer progression. In this study, we systematically examined in the public databases the prognostic value of nischarin in solid tumors, regulation of its expression and associated signaling pathways. We also tested the effects of a nischarin agonist rilmenidine on cancer cell viability in vitro. Nischarin expression was decreased in tumors compared to the respective healthy tissues, most commonly due to the deletions of the nischarin gene and promoter methylation. Unlike in healthy tissues where it was located in the cytoplasm and at the membrane, in tumor tissues nischarin could also be observed in the nuclei, implying that nuclear translocation may also account for its cancer-specific role. Surprisingly, in several cancer types high nischarin expression was a negative prognostic marker. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that in tumors in which high nischarin expression was a negative prognostic marker, signaling pathways that regulate stemness were enriched. In concordance with the findings that nischarin expression was negatively associated with pathways that control cancer growth and progression, nischarin agonist rilmenidine decreased the viability of cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, our study lays a ground for functional studies of nischarin in a context-dependent manner and, given that nischarin has several clinically approved agonists, provides rationale for their repurposing, at least in tumors in which nischarin is predicted to be a positive prognostic marker.

Understanding the Biosynthesis of Paxisterol in Lichen-Derived Penicillium aurantiacobrunneum for Production of Fluorinated Derivatives

The U.S. endemic lichen (Niebla homalea)-derived Penicillium aurantiacobrunneum produced a cytotoxic paxisterol derivative named auransterol (2) and epi-citreoviridin (6). Feeding assay using 13C1-labelled sodium acetate not only produced C-13-labelled paxisterol but also confirmed the biosynthetic origin of the compound. The fluorination of bioactive compounds is known to improve pharmacological and pharmacokinetic effects. Our attempt to incorporate the fluorine atom in paxisterol and its derivatives using the fluorinated precursor sodium monofluoroacetate resulted in the isolation of 7-monofluoroacetyl paxisterol (7). The performed culture experiment, as well as the isolation and structure elucidation of the new fluorinated paxisterol, is discussed herein.

The Use of the Selective Imidazoline I1 Receptor Agonist Carbophenyline as a Strategy for Neuropathic Pain Relief: Preclinical Evaluation in a Mouse Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity

Anti-cancer therapy based on the repeated administration of oxaliplatin is limited by the development of a disabling neuropathic syndrome with detrimental effects on the patient's quality of life. The lack of effective pharmacological approaches calls for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies based on new targets. We focused our attention on the imidazoline I1 receptor (I1-R) and in particular on the selective I1-R agonist 2-(1-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)propan-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole) (carbophenyline). The purpose of this work was the preclinical evaluation of the efficacy of carbophenyline on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in mice. Carbophenyline, acutely per os administered (0.1-10 mg kg-1), induced a dose-dependent anti-hyperalgesic effect that was completely blocked by the pre-treatment with the I1-R antagonist 3 or the I1/α2 receptor antagonist efaroxan, confirming the I1-R-dependent mechanism. Conversely, pre-treatment with the I2-R antagonist BU224 did not block the anti-nociceptive effect evoked by carbophenyline. Repeated oral administrations of carbophenyline (1 mg kg-1) for 14 days, starting from the first day of oxaliplatin injection, counteracted the development of neuropathic pain in all behavioral tests (cold plate, Von Frey, and paw pressure tests) carried out 24 h after the last carbophenyline treatment on days 7 and 14. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, carbophenyline significantly decreased the oxaliplatin-induced astrocyte activation detected by immunofluorescence staining by the specific labelling with GFAP antibody. In conclusion, carbophenyline showed anti-neuropathic properties both after acute and chronic treatment with preventive effect against oxaliplatin-induced astrocyte activation in the spinal cord. Therefore, I1-R agonists emerge as a new class of candidates for the management of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Studies for the Inhibition of MAOs

Monoamine oxidases are the crucial drug targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like depression, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The enzymes catalyze the oxidative deamination of several monoamine containing neurotransmitters, i.e. serotonin (5-HT), melatonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylethylamine, benzylamine, dopamine, tyramine, etc. The oxidative reaction of monoamine oxidases results in the production of hydrogen peroxide that leads to the neurodegeneration process. Therefore, the inhibition of monoamine oxidases has shown a profound effect against neurodegenerative diseases. At present, the design and development of newer lead molecules for the inhibition of monoamine oxidases are under intensive research in the field of medicinal chemistry. Recently, the advancement in QSAR methodologies has shown considerable interest in the development of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The present review describes the development of QSAR methodologies, and their role in the design of newer monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It will assist the medicinal chemist in the identification of selective and potent monoamine oxidase inhibitors from various chemical scaffolds.

Combined Interactions with I1-, I2-Imidazoline Binding Sites and α2-Adrenoceptors To Manage Opioid Addiction

Tolerance and dependence associated with chronic opioid exposure result from molecular, cellular, and neural network adaptations. Such adaptations concern opioid and nonopioid systems, including α2-adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) and I1- and I2-imidazoline binding sites (IBS). Agmatine, one of the hypothesized endogenous ligands of IBS, targeting several systems including α2-ARs and IBS, proved to be able to regulate opioid-induced analgesia and to attenuate the development of tolerance and dependence. Interested in the complex pharmacological profile of agmatine and considering the nature of its targets, we evaluated two series of imidazolines, rationally designed to simultaneously interact with I1-/I2-IBS or I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs. The compounds showing the highest affinities for I1-/I2-IBS or I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs have been selected for their in vivo evaluation on opiate withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, 9, displaying I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs interaction profile, appears more effective in reducing expression and acquisition of morphine dependence and, therefore, might be considered a promising tool in managing opioid addiction.

Molecular aspects of monoamine oxidase B

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) influence the monoamine levels in brain by virtue of their role in neurotransmitter breakdown. MAO B is the predominant form in glial cells and in platelets. MAO B structure, function and kinetics are described as a background for the effect of alterations in its activity on behavior. The need to inhibit MAO B to combat decreased brain amines continues to drive the search for new drugs. Reversible and irreversible inhibitors are now designed using data-mining, computational screening, docking and molecular dynamics. Multi-target ligands designed to combat the elevated activity of MAO B in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases incorporate MAO inhibition (usually irreversible) as well as iron chelation, antioxidant or neuroprotective properties. The main focus of drug design is the catalytic activity of MAO, but the imidazoline I2 site in the entrance cavity of MAO B is also a pharmacological target. Endogenous regulation of MAO B expression is discussed briefly in light of new studies measuring mRNA, protein, or activity in healthy and degenerative samples, including the effect of DNA methylation on the expression. Overall, this review focuses on examples of recent research on the molecular aspects of the expression, activity, and inhibition of MAO B.

Biological profile and bioavailability of imidazoline compounds on morphine tolerance modulation

Tolerance to opioid administration represents a serious medical alert in different chronic conditions. This study compares the effects of the imidazoline compounds 1, 2, and 3 on morphine tolerance in an animal model of inflammatory pain in the rat. 1, 2, and 3 have been selected in that, although bearing a common scaffold, preferentially bind to α2-adrenoceptors, imidazoline I2 receptors, or both systems, respectively. Such compounds have been tested in vivo by measuring the paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical pressure after complete Freund's adjuvant injection. To determine the ligand levels in rat plasma, an HPLC-mass spectrometry method has been developed. All the compounds significantly reduced the induction of morphine tolerance, showing different potency and duration of action. Indeed, the selective imidazoline I2 receptor interaction (2) restored the analgesic response by maintaining the same time-dependent profile observed after a single morphine administration. Differently, the selective α2C-adrenoceptor activation (1) or the combination between α2C-adrenoceptor activation and imidazoline I2 receptor engagement (3) promoted a change in the temporal profile of morphine analgesia by maintaining a mild but long lasting analgesic effect. Interestingly, the kinetics of compounds in rat plasma supported the pharmacodynamic data. Therefore, this study highlights that both peculiar biological profile and bioavailability of such ligands complement each other to modulate the reduction of morphine tolerance. Based on these observations, 1-3 can be considered useful leads in the design of new drugs able to turn off the undesired tolerance induced by opioids.

Antagonism/Agonism modulation to build novel antihypertensives selectively triggering i1-imidazoline receptor activation

Pharmacological studies have suggested that I1-imidazoline receptors are involved in the regulation of cardiovascular function and that selective I1-agonists, devoid of the side effects associated with the common hypotensive α2-adrenoreceptor agonists, might be considered as a second generation of centrally acting antihypertensives. Therefore, in the present study, inspired by the antihypertensive behavior of our selective I1-agonist 4, we designed, prepared, and studied the novel analogues 5-9. A selective I1-profile, associated with significant hemodinamic effects, was displayed by 5, 8, and 9. Interestingly, the highest potency and longest lasting activity displayed by 8 (carbomethyline) suggested that van der Waals interactions, promoted by the ortho methyl decoration of its aromatic moiety, are particularly advantageous. In addition, in analogy to what was noted for (S)-(+)-4, the observation that only (S)-(+)-8 displayed significant hemodynamic effects unequivocally confirmed the stereospecific nature of the I1 proteins.

Behavioral effects of the imidazoline I(2) receptor ligand BU99006 in rats

The imidazoline I2 receptor ligand BU99006 binds to and attenuates effects mediated by I2 receptors in vitro, although its effects in vivo have not been studied previously. This study examined the effects of BU99006 in two behavioral assays in rats: hypothermia and 2-BFI discrimination. BU99006 (3.2-15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a dose-dependent hypothermic effect (rectal temperature), which was antagonized by the I2 receptor antagonist idazoxan. BU99006 (3.2 or 10 mg/kg administered 10 min or 2 h before the session, respectively) did not significantly alter hypothermia produced by the I2 receptor agonist 2-BFI (10 mg/kg). In rats discriminating 5.6 mg/kg 2-BFI, BU99006 (1.78-17.8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced 40 and 82% responding on the 2-BFI-associated lever when it was administered immediately or 2 h before the test sessions, respectively. BU99006 enhanced the discriminative stimulus and rate-suppressing effects of 2-BFI. Collectively, these data suggest that BU99006 is an imidazoline I2 receptor agonist with no evidence of I2 receptor antagonism in rats.

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.

Gender difference in epileptogenic effects of 2-BFI and BU224 in mice

Imidazoline I2 receptors are involved in pain modulation and psychiatric disorders and its ligands may represent a new therapeutic strategy against pain and depression. In particular, 2-BFI and BU224 are the two most widely studied I2 receptor ligands and have antinociceptive and antidepressant-like activities in rodents. However, little is known of the toxicological effects and potential gender differences of these I2 receptor ligands. This study examined the epileptogenic activities of 2-BFI and BU224 in male and female mice and also examined their underlying receptor mechanisms. 2-BFI (10-40 mg/kg, i.p.) and BU224 (10-40 mg/kg) produced epileptic seizures in a dose-related manner, as did the epileptogenic agent, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 15-60 mg/kg). However, female mice were significantly more sensitive than male mice in all the measures. The commonly used I2 receptor antagonist, idazoxan (10mg/kg), did not block the onset and magnitude of the epileptic seizures or lethality induced by 2-BFI and BU224. When studied in combination, PTZ potentiated the epileptogenic effect of 2-BFI and BU224. The lack of antagonism by idazoxan of the epileptogenic activities of 2-BFI and BU224 suggests that the epileptogenic effects of 2-BFI and BU224 are mediated by non-imidazoline I2 receptors and that I2 receptors remain a viable therapeutic target for neurological disorders such as pain.

Exploring multitarget interactions to reduce opiate withdrawal syndrome and psychiatric comorbidity

Opioid addiction is often characterized as a chronic relapsing condition due to the severe somatic and behavioral signs, associated with depressive disorders, triggered by opiate withdrawal. Since prolonged abstinence remains a major challenge, our interest has been addressed to such objective. Exploring multitarget interactions, the present investigation suggests that 3 or its (S)-enantiomer and 4, endowed with effective α2C-AR agonism/α2A-AR antagonism/5-HT1A-R agonism, or 7 and 9-11 producing efficacious α2C-AR agonism/α2A-AR antagonism/I2-IBS interaction might represent novel multifunctional tools potentially useful for reducing withdrawal syndrome and associated depression. Such agents, lacking in sedative side effects due to their α2A-AR antagonism, might afford an improvement over current therapies with clonidine-like drugs.