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Kabier M, Gambacorta N, Trisciuzzi D, Kumar S, Nicolotti O, Mathew B. MzDOCK: A free ready-to-use GUI-based pipeline for molecular docking simulations. J Comput Chem 2024. [PMID: 38703357 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Molecular docking is by far the most preferred approach in structure-based drug design for its effectiveness to predict the scoring and posing of a given bioactive small molecule into the binding site of its pharmacological target. Herein, we present MzDOCK, a new GUI-based pipeline for Windows operating system, designed with the intent of making molecular docking easier to use and higher reproducible even for inexperienced people. By harmonic integration of python and batch scripts, which employs various open source packages such as Smina (docking engine), OpenBabel (file conversion) and PLIP (analysis), MzDOCK includes many practical options such as: binding site configuration based on co-crystallized ligands; generation of enantiomers from SMILES input; application of different force fields (MMFF94, MMFF94s, UFF, GAFF, Ghemical) for energy minimization; retention of selectable ions and cofactors; sidechain flexibility of selectable binding site residues; multiple input file format (SMILES, PDB, SDF, Mol2, Mol); generation of reports and of pictures for interactive visualization. Users can download for free MzDOCK at the following link: https://github.com/Muzatheking12/MzDOCK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Kabier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, India
| | - Nicola Gambacorta
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCSS Foundation-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia), Foggia, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuzzi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, India
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, India
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Samarelli F, Purgatorio R, Lopopolo G, Deruvo C, Catto M, Andresini M, Carrieri A, Nicolotti O, De Palma A, Miniero DV, de Candia M, Altomare CD. Novel 6-alkyl-bridged 4-arylalkylpiperazin-1-yl derivatives of azepino[4,3-b]indol-1(2H)-one as potent BChE-selective inhibitors showing protective effects against neurodegenerative insults. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116353. [PMID: 38579622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Due to the putative role of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in regulation of acetylcholine levels and functions in the late stages of the Alzheimer's disease (AD), the potential of selective inhibitors (BChEIs) has been envisaged as an alternative to administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Starting from our recent findings, herein the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition of a novel series of some twenty 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-1(2H)-one derivatives, bearing at the indole nitrogen diverse alkyl-bridged 4-arylalkylpiperazin-1-yl chains, are reported. The length of the spacers, as well as the type of arylalkyl group affected the enzyme inhibition potency and BChE/AChE selectivity. Two compounds, namely 14c (IC50 = 163 nM) and 14d (IC50 = 65 nM), bearing at the nitrogen atom in position 6 a n-pentyl- or n-heptyl-bridged 4-phenethylpiperazin-1-yl chains, respectively, proved to be highly potent mixed-type inhibitors of both equine and human BChE isoforms, showing more than two order magnitude of selectivity over AChE. The study of binding kinetics through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) highlighted differences in their BChE residence times (8 and 47 s for 14c and 14d, respectively). Moreover, 14c and 14d proved to hit other mechanisms known to trigger neurodegeneration underlying AD and other CNS disorders. Unlike 14c, compound 14d proved also capable of inhibiting by more than 60% the in vitro self-induced aggregation of neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide at 100 μM concentration. On the other hand, 14c was slightly better than 14d in counteracting, at 1 and 10 μM concentration, glutamate excitotoxicity, due to over-excitation of NMDA receptors, and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress assessed in neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. This paper is dedicated to Prof. Marcello Ferappi, former dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Bari, in the occasion of his 90th birthday.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Samarelli
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Purgatorio
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Lopopolo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Caterina Deruvo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Catto
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Michael Andresini
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Carrieri
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Palma
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Valeria Miniero
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Modesto de Candia
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Cosimo D Altomare
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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Samarelli F, Graziano G, Gambacorta N, Graps EA, Leonetti F, Nicolotti O, Altomare CD. Small Molecules for the Treatment of Long-COVID-Related Vascular Damage and Abnormal Blood Clotting: A Patent-Based Appraisal. Viruses 2024; 16:450. [PMID: 38543815 PMCID: PMC10976273 DOI: 10.3390/v16030450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
People affected by COVID-19 are exposed to, among others, abnormal clotting and endothelial dysfunction, which may result in deep vein thrombosis, cerebrovascular disorders, and ischemic and non-ischemic heart diseases, to mention a few. Treatments for COVID-19 include antiplatelet (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) and anticoagulant agents, but their impact on morbidity and mortality has not been proven. In addition, due to viremia-associated interconnected prothrombotic and proinflammatory events, anti-inflammatory drugs have also been investigated for their ability to mitigate against immune dysregulation due to the cytokine storm. By retrieving patent literature published in the last two years, small molecules patented for long-COVID-related blood clotting and hematological complications are herein examined, along with supporting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. An overview of the main features and therapeutic potentials of small molecules is provided for the thromboxane receptor antagonist ramatroban, the pan-caspase inhibitor emricasan, and the sodium-hydrogen antiporter 1 (NHE-1) inhibitor rimeporide, as well as natural polyphenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Samarelli
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (F.S.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (F.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Giovanni Graziano
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (F.S.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (F.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (F.S.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (F.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Elisabetta Anna Graps
- ARESS Puglia—Agenzia Regionale Strategica per la Salute ed il Sociale, I-70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (F.S.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (F.L.); (O.N.)
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (F.S.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (F.L.); (O.N.)
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Lee SH, Purgatorio R, Samarelli F, Catto M, Denora N, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Trabace L, Kim HW, Park HS, Kim SE, Lee BC, de Candia M, Altomare CD. Radiosynthesis and whole-body distribution in mice of a 18 F-labeled azepino[4,3-b]indole-1-one derivative with multimodal activity for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300491. [PMID: 38158335 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the azepino[4,3-b]indole-1-one derivative 1 showed in vitro nanomolar inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the ChE isoform that plays a role in the progression and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and protects against N-methyl- d-aspartate-induced neuronal toxicity. Three 9-R-substituted (R = F, Br, OMe) congeners were investigated. The 9-F derivative (2a) was found more potent as BChE inhibitors (half-maximal inhibitory concentration value = 21 nM) than 2b (9-Br) and 2c (9-OMe), achieving a residence time (38 s), assessed by surface plasmon resonance, threefold higher than that of 1. To progress in featuring the in vivo pharmacological characterization of 2a, herein the 18 F-labeled congener 2a was synthesized, by applying the aromatic 18 F-fluorination method, and its whole-body distribution in healthy mice, including brain penetration, was evaluated through positron emission tomography imaging. [18 F]2a exhibited a rapid and high brain uptake (3.35 ± 0.26% ID g-1 at 0.95 ± 0.15 min after injection), followed by a rapid clearance (t1/2 = 6.50 ± 0.93 min), showing good blood-brain barrier crossing. After a transient liver accumulation of [18 F]2a, the intestinal and urinary excretion was quantified. Finally, ex vivo pharmacological experiments in mice showed that the unlabeled 2a affects the transmitters' neurochemistry, which might be favorable to reverse cognition impairment in mild-to-moderate AD-related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Rosa Purgatorio
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Samarelli
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Catto
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Hye Won Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Park
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Eun Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomolecular Imaging and Innovative Drug Development, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Chul Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomolecular Imaging and Innovative Drug Development, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Modesto de Candia
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimo D Altomare
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Czarnota-Łydka K, Sudoł-Tałaj S, Kucwaj-Brysz K, Kurczab R, Satała G, de Candia M, Samarelli F, Altomare CD, Carocci A, Barbarossa A, Żesławska E, Głuch-Lutwin M, Mordyl B, Kubacka M, Wilczyńska-Zawal N, Jastrzębska-Więsek M, Partyka A, Khan N, Więcek M, Nitek W, Honkisz-Orzechowska E, Latacz G, Wesołowska A, Carrieri A, Handzlik J. Synthesis, computational and experimental pharmacological studies for (thio)ether-triazine 5-HT 6R ligands with noticeable action on AChE/BChE and chalcogen-dependent intrinsic activity in search for new class of drugs against Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115695. [PMID: 37567058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is becoming a growing problem increasing at a tremendous rate. Serotonin 5-HT6 receptors appear to be a particularly attractive target from a therapeutic perspective, due to their involvement not only in cognitive processes, but also in depression and psychosis. In this work, we present the synthesis and broad biological characterization of a new series of 18 compounds with a unique 1,3,5-triazine backbone, as potent 5-HT6 receptor ligands. The main aim of this research is to compare the biological activity of the newly synthesized sulfur derivatives with their oxygen analogues and their N-demethylated O- and S-metabolites obtained for the first time. Most of the new triazines displayed high affinity (Ki < 200 nM) and selectivity towards 5-HT6R, with respect to 5-HT2AR, 5-HT7R, and D2R, in the radioligand binding assays. For selected, active compounds crystallographic studies, functional bioassays, and ADME-Tox profile in vitro were performed. The exciting novelty is that the sulfur derivatives exhibit an agonistic mode of action contrary to all other compounds obtained to date in this chemical class herein and previously reported. Advanced computational studies indicated that this intriguing functional shift might be caused by presence of chalcogen bonds formed only by the sulfur atom. In addition, the N-demethylated derivatives have emerged highly potent antioxidants and, moreover, show a significant improvement in metabolic stability compared to the parent structures. The cholinesterase study present micromolar inhibitory AChE and BChE activity for both 5-HT6 agonist 19 and potent antagonist 5. Finally, the behavioral experiments of compound 19 demonstrated its antidepressant-like properties and slight ability to improve cognitive deficits, without inducing memory impairments by itself. Described pharmacological properties of both compounds (5 and 19) allow to give a design clue for the development of multitarget compounds with 5-HT6 (both agonist and antagonist)/AChE and/or BChE mechanism in the group of 1,3,5-triazine derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Czarnota-Łydka
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, św. Łazarza 15, 31-530, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Sudoł-Tałaj
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, św. Łazarza 15, 31-530, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kucwaj-Brysz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Rafał Kurczab
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Smętna 12, PL 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Satała
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Smętna 12, PL 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Modesto de Candia
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Samarelli
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Cosimo Damiano Altomare
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alexia Barbarossa
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Ewa Żesławska
- Pedagogical University of Krakow, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Podchorążych 2, PL 30-084, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Monika Głuch-Lutwin
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Barbara Mordyl
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Natalia Wilczyńska-Zawal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Jastrzębska-Więsek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Anna Partyka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Nadia Khan
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, św. Łazarza 15, 31-530, Krakow, Poland; Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Czysta 18, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Więcek
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Nitek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, PL 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Honkisz-Orzechowska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Wesołowska
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Antonio Carrieri
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Jadwiga Handzlik
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
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Paolino M, de Candia M, Purgatorio R, Catto M, Saletti M, Tondo AR, Nicolotti O, Cappelli A, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Corelli F, Altomare CD. Investigation on Novel E/Z 2-Benzylideneindan-1-One-Based Photoswitches with AChE and MAO-B Dual Inhibitory Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:5857. [PMID: 37570828 PMCID: PMC10421270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The multitarget therapeutic strategy, as opposed to the more traditional 'one disease-one target-one drug', may hold promise in treating multifactorial neurodegenerative syndromes, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. Recently, combining a photopharmacology approach with the multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) design strategy, we disclosed a novel donepezil-like compound, namely 2-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)benzylidene)-5-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (1a), which in the E isomeric form (and about tenfold less in the UV-B photo-induced isomer Z) showed the best activity as dual inhibitor of the AD-related targets acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Herein, we investigated further photoisomerizable 2-benzylideneindan-1-one analogs 1b-h with the unconjugated tertiary amino moiety bearing alkyls of different bulkiness and lipophilicity. For each compound, the thermal stable E geometric isomer, along with the E/Z mixture as produced by UV-B light irradiation in the photostationary state (PSS, 75% Z), was investigated for the inhibition of human ChEs and MAOs. The pure E-isomer of the N-benzyl(ethyl)amino analog 1h achieved low nanomolar AChE and high nanomolar MAO-B inhibition potencies (IC50s 39 and 355 nM, respectively), whereas photoisomerization to the Z isomer (75% Z in the PSS mixture) resulted in a decrease (about 30%) of AChE inhibitory potency, and not in the MAO-B one. Molecular docking studies were performed to rationalize the different E/Z selectivity of 1h toward the two target enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Paolino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Modesto de Candia
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Rosa Purgatorio
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Marco Catto
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Mario Saletti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Anna Rita Tondo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Cosimo D. Altomare
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; (M.d.C.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.R.T.); (O.N.)
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7
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Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for Therapeutic Targeting of Thrombin, a Key Mediator of Cerebrovascular and Neuronal Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081890. [PMID: 36009437 PMCID: PMC9405823 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although preclinical research and observer studies on patients with atrial fibrillation concluded that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can protect against dementia like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), clinical investigation towards therapeutical approval is still pending. DOACs target pathological thrombin, which is, like toxic tau and amyloid-ß proteins (Aß), an early hallmark of AD. Especially in hippocampal and neocortical areas, the release of parenchymal Aß into the blood induces thrombin and proinflammatory bradykinin synthesis by activating factor XII of the contact system. Thrombin promotes platelet aggregation and catalyzes conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to degradation-resistant, Aß-containing fibrin clots. Together with oligomeric Aß, these clots trigger vessel constriction and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with vessel occlusion and hemorrhages, leading to vascular and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. As consequences, brain blood flow, perfusion, and supply with oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients decrease. In parenchymal tissue, hypoxia stimulates Aß synthesis, leading to Aß accumulation, which is further enhanced by BBB-impaired perivascular Aß clearance. Aß trigger neuronal damage and promote tau pathologies. BBB dysfunction enables thrombin and fibrin(ogen) to migrate into parenchymal tissue and to activate glial cells. Inflammation and continued Aß production are the results. Synapses and neurons die, and cognitive abilities are lost. DOACs block thrombin by inhibiting its activity (dabigatran) or production (FXa-inhibitors, e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban). Therefore, DOAC use could preserve vascular integrity and brain perfusion and, thereby, could counteract vascular-driven neuronal and cognitive decline in AD. A conception for clinical investigation is presented, focused on DOAC treatment of patients with diagnosed AD in early-stage and low risk of major bleeding.
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Purgatorio R, Gambacorta N, Samarelli F, Lopopolo G, de Candia M, Catto M, Nicolotti O, Altomare CD. Assessing the Role of a Malonamide Linker in the Design of Potent Dual Inhibitors of Factor Xa and Cholinesterases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134269. [PMID: 35807514 PMCID: PMC9268553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The rational discovery of new peptidomimetic inhibitors of the coagulation factor Xa (fXa) could help set more effective therapeutic options (to prevent atrial fibrillation). In this respect, we explored the conformational impact on the enzyme inhibition potency of the malonamide bridge, compared to the glycinamide one, as a linker connecting the P1 benzamidine anchoring moiety to the P4 aryl group of novel selective fXa inhibitors. We carried out structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies aimed at investigating para- or meta-benzamidine as the P1 basic group as well as diversely decorated aryl moieties as P4 fragments. To this end, twenty-three malonamide derivatives were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of fXa and thrombin (thr); the molecular determinants behind potency and selectivity were also studied by employing molecular docking. The malonamide linker, compared to the glycinamide one, does significantly increase anti-fXa potency and selectivity. The meta-benzamidine (P1) derivatives bearing 2′,4′-difluoro-biphenyl as the P4 moiety proved to be highly potent reversible fXa-selective inhibitors, achieving inhibition constants (Ki) in the low nanomolar range. The most active compounds were also tested against cholinesterase (ChE) isoforms (acetyl- or butyrylcholinesterase, AChE, and BChE), and some of them returned single-digit micromolar inhibition potency against AChE and/or BChE, both being drug targets for symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Compounds 19h and 22b were selected as selective fXa inhibitors with potential as multimodal neuroprotective agents.
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Dorababu A. Promising heterocycle-based scaffolds in recent (2019-2021) anti-Alzheimer's drug design and discovery. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 920:174847. [PMID: 35218718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases that led to morbidity and mortality world-wide. It is a complex disease whose etiology is not completely known that leads to difficulty in prevent or cure of the AD. Also, there are only few approved drugs for AD treatment. Apart from deaths due to AD, expenditure of treatment and care of AD patients is higher than that of treatment of HIV and cancer diseases combined. Hence, it leads to an economic burden also. Although research is being carried out on designing drugs for AD, most of them have ended up in poor inhibitors with high toxicity. Hence, researchers should shoulder a great responsibility of discovery of efficient drugs for AD treatment. In the field of drug discovery, heterocycles played an important role. Also, most of the heterocyclic scaffolds have been used in design of potent anti-AD agents. In view of this, heterocyclic molecules reported recently are compiled and evaluated comprehensively. Especially, the molecules which exhibited pronounced activity are emphasized and described with respect to structure-activity relationship (SAR) in brief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atukuri Dorababu
- SRMPP Government First Grade College, Huvinahadagali, 583219, India.
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Identification of Potential Targets Linked to the Cardiovascular/Alzheimer’s Axis through Bioinformatics Approaches. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020389. [PMID: 35203598 PMCID: PMC8962298 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of common targets in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in recent years makes the study of the CVD/AD axis a research topic of great interest. Besides aging, other links between CVD and AD have been described, suggesting the existence of common molecular mechanisms. Our study aimed to identify common targets in the CVD/AD axis. For this purpose, genomic data from calcified and healthy femoral artery samples were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were used to generate a protein–protein interaction network, where a module related to AD was identified. This module was enriched with the functionally closest proteins and analyzed using different centrality algorithms to determine the main targets in the CVD/AD axis. Validation was performed by proteomic and data mining analyses. The proteins identified with an important role in both pathologies were apolipoprotein E and haptoglobin as DEGs, with a fold change about +2 and −2, in calcified femoral artery vs healthy artery, respectively, and clusterin and alpha-2-macroglobulin as close interactors that matched in our proteomic analysis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the specific role of these proteins, and to evaluate its function as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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