Synthesis and molecular modeling studies of 1-benzyl-2-indolinones as selective AChE inhibitors

Synthesis and molecular docking studies of 5-trifluoromethoxy-2-indolinones as cholinesterase dual inhibitors

Background: In Alzheimer's disease, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity gradually increases, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity decreases or remains unchanged. Dual inhibitors have important roles in regulation of synaptic acetylcholine levels and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Methods: 1-(Thiomorpholin-4-ylmethyl)/benzyl-5-trifluoromethoxy-2-indolinones (6-7) were synthesized. AChE and BuChE inhibitory effects were investigated with Ellman's method. Molecular docking studies were performed for analyzing the possible binding interactions at active sites. Results: Compound 6g was the strongest inhibitor against both AChE (Ki = 0.35 μM) and BuChE (Ki = 0.53 μM). It showed higher inhibitory effects than both donepezil and galantamine. Moreover, compound 7m had a higher inhibitory effect than galantamine and the effect was comparable to that of donepezil against both AChE (Ki = 0.69 μM) and BuChE (Ki = 0.95 μM). Conclusion: The benzyl substitution compared with 1-(thiomorpholin-4-ylmethyl) group significantly increased both AChE and BuChE inhibitory effects.

Novel 2-indolinone derivatives as promising agents against respiratory syncytial and yellow fever viruses

Background: A vaccine or antiviral drug for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and a specific antiviral drug for yellow fever virus (YFV) infections has not yet been developed. Method: In this study, 2-indolinone-based N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamides were synthesized. Along with these new compounds, previously synthesized 2-indolinone-based N-(3-sulfamoylphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamides were evaluated against various DNA and RNA viruses. Results: Some 2-indolinone compounds exhibited nontoxic and selective antiviral activities against RSV and YFV. Halogen substitution at the indole ring increased the anti-RSV activities. Moreover, 1-benzyl and 5-halogen or nitro-substituted compounds were the most effective compounds against YFV. Conclusion: Generally, the 3-sulfonamide-substituted compounds were determined to be more effective than 4-sulfonamide-substituted compounds against RSV and YFV.

Highly efficient, catalyst-free, one-pot sequential four-component synthesis of novel spiroindolinone-pyrazole scaffolds as anti-Alzheimer agents: in silico study and biological screening

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior, and currently, there is no effective cure available for its treatment. This study explored a one-pot strategy for synthesizing spiroindolinone-pyrazole derivatives through a sequential four-component condensation reaction. These derivatives were further investigated for their potential as anti-Alzheimer's disease agents. The developed synthetic procedure provides remarkable advantages, including a clean reaction profile, abundant starting materials, operational simplicity, and easy purification without traditional methods with good to excellent yields (84-96%). Next, the biological potencies of the newly synthesized spiroindolinone-pyrazole derivatives against AChE and BChE as Alzheimer's disease-related targets were determined. Also, the kinetic study and cytotoxicity of the most potent derivative were investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics evaluations were performed employing in silico tools to investigate the interaction, orientation, and conformation of the potent analog over the active site of the enzyme.