Hybrid molecules combining GABA-A and serotonin 5-HT6 receptors activity designed to tackle neuroinflammation associated with depression

There is clear evidence that the presence of inflammatory factors and impaired GABA-ergic neurotransmission in depressed patients is associated with poor clinical outcome. We designed hybrid molecules, bearing the GABA molecule assembled with chemical fragments that interact with the serotonin 5-HT₆ receptor. Such a combination aimed to curb neuroinflammation, remodel GABA-ergic signaling, and provide antidepressant-like activity. The most promising hybrid 3B exerted nanomolar affinity for 5-HT₆ receptors and exerted agonistic properties on GABA-A receptors. Developability studies conferred that 3B exerted favorable drug-like properties and optimal brain penetration. In in vivo studies, 3B exerted robust antidepressant-like activity and proved to be highly effective in reducing levels of oxidative stress markers and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. The inetersting pharmacological profile of 3B makes it a promising candidate for further development for depression associated with neuroinflammation.

Exploring the antiplatelet activity of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonists bearing 6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)propyl) motif- as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Small drug-like molecules that can block the function of serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors have garnered considerable attention due to their ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and the possible prevention of atherosclerotic lesions. Although clinical data provided compelling evidence for the efficacy of this approach in the prevention of various cardiovascular conditions, the chemical space of 5-HT_2A receptor antagonists is limited to ketanserin and sarpogrelate. To expand the portfolio of novel chemical motifs with potential antiplatelet activity, we evaluated the antiplatelet activity of a series of 6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole derivatives that possess a high affinity for 5-HT_2A receptor. Here we describe in vitro studies showing that 6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole derivatives exert promising antiplatelet activity in three various in vitro models of platelet aggregation, as well as limit serotonin-induced vasoconstriction. Compound AZ928 showed in vitro activity greater than the clinically approved drug sarpogrelate. In addition to promising antiplatelet activity, the novel series was characterized by a favorable safety profile. Our findings show that the novel series exerts promising antiplatelet efficacy while being deprived of potential side effects, such as hemolytic activity, which render these compounds as potential substances for further investigation in the field of cardiovascular research.