On the basis of previous reports, novel 2-benzoylhydrazine-1-carboxamides were designed as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Inhibitors of these enzymes have many clinical applications. 2-(Substituted benzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxamides decorated with N-methyl or tridecyl were prepared with three methods from commercially available or self-prepared hydrazides and isocyanates. For methyl derivatives, N-succinimidyl N-methylcarbamate was used or methyl isocyanate was prepared via Curtius rearrangement. Tridecyl isocyanate was synthesized again via Curtius rearrangement or from triphosgene and tridecylamine. The compounds were evaluated for the inhibition of AChE and BChE using Ellman's spectrophotometric method. Most of the derivatives showed the dual inhibition of both enzymes with IC(50) values of 44-100 microM for AChE and from 22 microM for BChE. In general, the carboxamides inhibited AChE more strongly. A large number of the compounds showed better or quite comparable inhibition of cholinesterases in vitro than that of the drug rivastigmine. Molecular docking was performed to investigate the possible conformation of the compounds and their interactions with target enzymes. In both AChE and BChE, the compounds occupied the enzyme active cavity, and, especially in the case of BChE, the compounds were placed in close proximity to the catalytic triad.
A library of 3-aryl-3-azetidinyl acetic acid methyl ester derivatives was prepared from N-Boc-3-azetidinone employing the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction, rhodium(I)-catalyzed conjugate addition of arylboronic acids, and subsequent elaborations to obtain N-unprotected hydrochlorides, N-alkylated and N-acylated azetidine derivatives. The compounds were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity, revealing several derivatives to possess AChE inhibition comparable to that of the AChE inhibitor rivastigmine. The binding mode of the AChE inhibitor donepezil and selected active compounds 26 and 27 within the active site of AChE was studied using molecular docking. Furthermore, the neuroprotective activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated in models associated with Parkinson's disease (salsolinol-induced) and aspects of Alzheimer's disease (glutamate-induced oxidative damage). Compound 28 showed the highest neuroprotective effect in both salsolinol- and glutamate-induced neurodegeneration models, and its protective effect in the glutamate model was revealed to be driven by a reduction in oxidative stress and caspase-3/7 activity.
Alzheimers disease (AD) is an intellectual disorder caused by organic brain damage and cerebral atrophy, characterized by the loss of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking followed by declining cognitive functions, language, and the ability to perform daily living activities. Many efforts have been made to decrease the effects of the disease but also to block the neurodegenerative process. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are a group of medicines that act at the neurotransmission of acetylcholine, preventing its excessive breakdown and helping to improve cognitive functions in patients with AD. In this work, 16 chiral steroids, namely ring-fused 3beta-acetoxyandrost-5-ene derivatives, their precursor and two 16-dehydroprogesterone-derived dioximes, were assessed as cholinesterase inhibitors and neuroprotective agents. The results demonstrated that some of the tested steroids are cholinesterase inhibitors and are majority selective for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Albeit, one ring-fused 3beta-acetoxyandrost-5-ene containing N-methylpiperidine ring (compound 2g) demonstrated to be a selective and potent inhibitor of the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme. (S)-4,4a,5,6,7,8-(hexahydronaphthalen-2-one)-fused 3beta-acetoxyandrost-5-ene (compound 6) showed high neuroprotective effect, high ability to restore the mitochondrial membrane potential from glutamate intoxication, and dramatic improvement in cell morphology. The described results provided relevant structure-activity relationship data.
Title: 5-Aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines Decorated with Long Alkyl and Their Analogues: Synthesis, Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition and Docking Study Pflegr V, Stepankova S, Svrckova K, Svarcova M, Vinsova J, Kratky M Ref: Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 15:400, 2022 : PubMed
2,5-Disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles are privileged versatile scaffolds in medicinal chemistry that have exhibited diverse biological activities. Acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors are used, e.g., to treat dementias and myasthenia gravis. 5-Aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles decorated with dodecyl linked via nitrogen, sulfur or directly to this heterocycle have been designed as potential inhibitors of AChE and BChE. They were prepared from commercially available or in-house prepared hydrazides by reaction with dodecyl isocyanate to form hydrazine-1-carboxamides 2 (yields 67-98%) followed by cyclization using p-toluenesulfonyl chloride and triethylamine in 41-100% yields. Thiadiazole isostere was also synthesized. The derivatives were screened for inhibition of AChE and BChE using Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The compounds showed a moderate dual inhibition with IC50 values of 12.8-99.2 for AChE and from 53.1 microM for BChE. All the heterocycles were more efficient inhibitors of AChE. The most potent inhibitor, N-dodecyl-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine 3t, was subjected to advanced reversibility and type of inhibition evaluation. Structure-activity relationships were identified. Many oxadiazoles showed lower IC50 values against AChE than established drug rivastigmine. According to molecular docking, the compounds interact non-covalently with AChE and BChE and block entry into enzyme gorge and catalytic site, respectively.
A library of novel 4-{[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]amino}-2-hydroxybenzoic acid amides was designed and synthesized in order to provide potential acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibitors; the in vitro inhibitory profile and selectivity index were specified. Benzyl (3-hydroxy-4-{[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]carbamoyl}phenyl)carbamate was the best AChE inhibitor with the inhibitory concentration of IC(50) = 36.05 microM in the series, while benzyl {3-hydroxy-4-[(2-methoxyphenyl)carbamoyl]phenyl}-carbamate was the most potent BChE inhibitor (IC(50) = 22.23 microM) with the highest selectivity for BChE (SI = 2.26). The cytotoxic effect was evaluated in vitro for promising AChE/BChE inhibitors. The newly synthesized adducts were subjected to the quantitative shape comparison with the generation of an averaged pharmacophore pattern. Noticeably, three pairs of fairly similar fluorine/bromine-containing compounds can potentially form the activity cliff that is manifested formally by high structure-activity landscape index (SALI) numerical values. The molecular docking study was conducted for the most potent AChE/BChE inhibitors, indicating that the hydrophobic interactions were overwhelmingly generated with Gln119, Asp70, Pro285, Thr120, and Trp82 aminoacid residues, while the hydrogen bond (HB)-donor ones were dominated with Thr120. Pi-stacking interactions were specified with the Trp82 aminoacid residue of chain A as well. Finally, the stability of chosen liganded enzymatic systems was assessed using the molecular dynamic simulations. An attempt was made to explain the noted differences of the selectivity index for the most potent molecules, especially those bearing unsubstituted and fluorinated methoxy group.
A combination of several pharmacophores in one molecule has been successfully used for multi-target-directed ligands (MTDL) design. New propargylamine substituted derivatives combined with salicylic and cinnamic scaffolds were designed and synthesized as potential cholinesterases and monoamine oxidases (MAOs) inhibitors. They were evaluated invitro for inhibition of acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) using Ellman's method. All the compounds act as dual inhibitors. Most of the derivatives are stronger inhibitors of AChE, the best activity showed 5-bromo-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)salicylamide 1e (IC(50) = 8.05 microM). Carbamates (4-bromo-2-[(prop-2-yn-1-yl)carbamoyl]phenyl ethyl(methyl)carbamate 2d and 2,4-dibromo-6-[(prop-2-yn-1-yl)carbamoyl]phenyl ethyl(methyl)carbamate 2e were selective and the most active for BuChE (25.10 and 26.09 microM). 4-Bromo-2-[(prop-2-yn-1-ylimino)methyl]phenol 4a was the most potent inhibitor of MAOs (IC(50) of 3.95 and =10 microM for MAO-B and MAO-A, respectively) along with a balanced inhibition of both cholinesterases being a real MTDL. The mechanism of action was proposed, and binding modes of the hits were studied by molecular docking on human enzymes. Some of the derivatives also exhibited antioxidant properties. Insilico prediction of physicochemical parameters affirm that the molecules would be active after oral administration and able to reach brain tissue.
A series of thirty-one hydrazones of aminoguanidine, nitroaminoguanidine, 1,3-diaminoguanidine, and (thio)semicarbazide were prepared from various aldehydes, mainly chlorobenzaldehydes, halogenated salicylaldehydes, 5-nitrofurfural, and isatin (yields of 50-99%). They were characterized by spectral methods. Primarily, they were designed and evaluated as potential broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. The compounds were effective against Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) from 7.8 microM, as well as Gram-negative strains with higher MIC. Antifungal evaluation against yeasts and Trichophyton mentagrophytes found MIC from 62.5 microM. We also evaluated inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). The compounds inhibited both enzymes with IC(50) values of 17.95-54.93 microM for AChE and <=1.69 microM for BuChE. Based on the substitution, it is possible to modify selectivity for a particular cholinesterase as we obtained selective inhibitors of either AChE or BuChE, as well as balanced inhibitors. The compounds act via mixed-type inhibition. Their interactions with enzymes were studied by molecular docking. Cytotoxicity was assessed in HepG2 cells. The hydrazones differ in their toxicity (IC(50) from 5.27 to >500 microM). Some of the derivatives represent promising hits for further development. Based on the substitution pattern, it is possible to modulate bioactivity to the desired one.
A series of 14 target benzyl [2-(arylsulfamoyl)-1-substituted-ethyl]carbamates was prepared by multi-step synthesis and characterized. All the final compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in vitro, and the selectivity index (SI) was determined. Except for three compounds, all compounds showed strong preferential inhibition of BChE, and nine compounds were even more active than the clinically used rivastigmine. Benzyl {(2S)-1-[(2-methoxybenzyl)sulfamoyl]-4-methylpentan-2-yl}carbamate (5k), benzyl {(2S)-1-[(4-chlorobenzyl)sulfamoyl]-4-methylpentan-2-yl}carbamate (5j), and benzyl [(2S)-1-(benzylsulfamoyl)-4-methylpentan-2-yl]carbamate (5c) showed the highest BChE inhibition (IC(50) = 4.33, 6.57, and 8.52 microM, respectively), indicating that derivatives 5c and 5j had approximately 5-fold higher inhibitory activity against BChE than rivastigmine, and 5k was even 9-fold more effective than rivastigmine. In addition, the selectivity index of 5c and 5j was approx. 10 and that of 5k was even 34. The process of carbamylation and reactivation of BChE was studied for the most active derivatives 5k, 5j. The detailed information about the mode of binding of these compounds to the active site of both BChE and AChE was obtained in a molecular modeling study. In this study, combined techniques (docking, molecular dynamic simulations, and QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) calculations) were employed.
Solasodine analogues containing a seven-membered F ring with a nitrogen atom placed at position 22a were prepared from diosgenin or tigogenin in a four-step synthesis comprising of the simultaneous opening of the F-ring and introduction of cyanide in position 22alpha, activation of the 26-hydroxyl group as mesylate, nitrile reduction, and N-cyclization. Solasodine, six obtained 22a(N)-homo analogues, as well as four 26a-homosolasodine derivatives and their open-chain precursors (13 in total) were tested as potential inhibitors of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases and showed activity at micromolar concentrations. The structure-activity relationship study revealed that activities against studied esterases are affected by the structure of E/F rings and the substitution pattern of ring A. The most potent compound 8 acted as non-competitive inhibitors and exerted IC(50) = 8.51 microM and 7.05 microM for eeAChE and eqBChE, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed the hydrogen bond interaction of 8 with S293 of AchE; further rings are stabilized via hydrophobic interaction (ring A) or interaction with Y341 and W286 (rings B and C). Biological experiments showed no neurotoxicity of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. More importantly, results from neuroprotective assay based on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity revealed that most derivatives had the ability to increase the viability of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells in comparison to galantamine and lipoic acid assayed as standards. The newly synthesized solasodine analogues are able to inhibit and to bind cholinesterases in noncompetitive mode of inhibition and exhibited neuroprotection potential of differentiated neuroblastoma cells after Glu-induced toxicity.
Based on the isosterism concept, we have designed and synthesized homologous N-alkyl-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]hydrazine-1-carboxamides (from C1 to C18) as potential antimicrobial agents and enzyme inhibitors. They were obtained from 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzohydrazide by three synthetic approaches and characterized by spectral methods. The derivatives were screened for their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) via Ellman's method. All the hydrazinecarboxamides revealed a moderate inhibition of both AChE and BuChE, with IC50 values of 27.04-106.75 microM and 58.01-277.48 microM, respectively. Some compounds exhibited lower IC50 for AChE than the clinically used drug rivastigmine. N-Tridecyl/pentadecyl-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]hydrazine-1-carboxamides were identified as the most potent and selective inhibitors of AChE. For inhibition of BuChE, alkyl chain lengths from C5 to C7 are optimal substituents. Based on molecular docking study, the compounds may work as non-covalent inhibitors that are placed in a close proximity to the active site triad. The compounds were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and nontuberculous mycobacteria (M. avium, M. kansasii). Reflecting these results, we prepared additional analogues of the most active carboxamide (n-hexyl derivative 2f). N-Hexyl-5-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine (4) exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations within this study (MIC >/= 62.5 microM), however, this activity is mild. All the compounds avoided cytostatic properties on two eukaryotic cell lines (HepG2, MonoMac6).
BACKGROUND: Development of acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors belongs to viable strategies for treatment of dementia and other diseases related to decrease in cholinergic neurotransmission. OBJECTIVE: That is why we designed twenty-two analogues of a dual AChE-BuChE salicylanilide inhibitor, N-[3,5- bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzamide 1, to improve its potency. METHODS: We prepared N,N-disubstituted (thio)carbamates via direct acylation with (thio)carbamoyl chloride, N-n-alkyl monosubstituted carbamates using isocyanates as well as its salicylanilide core analogues. The derivatives were evaluated in vitro against AChE from electric eel and BuChE from equine serum using spectrophotometric Ellman's method. RESULTS: The compounds showed a moderate inhibition of both AChE and BuChE with IC50 from 18.2 to 196.6 mumol.L-1 and 9.2 to 196.2 mumol.L-1 , respectively. Importantly, based on substitution pattern, it is possible to modulate selectivity against AChE or BuChE and some derivatives also produced a balanced inhibition. In general, the most promising analogues were N-alkyl (C2-C6) carbamates and isomers with changed position of phenolic hydroxyl. N-[3,5- Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-bromo-5-hydroxybenzamide 4a was the best inhibitor of both cholinesterases. CONCLUSION: A wide range of the derivatives improved the activity of the hit 1, they were superior to carbamate drug rivastigmine against AChE and some of them also against BuChE. The most promising derivatives also fit physicochemical space and structural features for CNS drugs together with an escalated lipophilicity.
BACKGROUND: Hydrazide-hydrazones have been known as scaffold with various biological activities including inhibition of acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Cholinesterase inhibitors are mainstays of dementias treatment. OBJECTIVE: Twenty-five iodinated hydrazide-hydrazones and their analogues were designed as potential central AChE and BuChE inhibitors. METHODS: Hydrazide-hydrazones were synthesized from 4-substituted benzohydrazides and 2-/4-hydroxy-3,5- diiodobenzaldehydes. The compounds were investigated in vitro for their potency to inhibit AChE from electric eel and BuChE from equine serum using Ellman's method. We calculated also physicochemical and structural parameters for CNS delivery. RESULTS: The derivatives exhibited a moderate dual inhibition with IC50 values in a range of 15.1-140.5 and 35.5 to 170.5 mumol.L-1 for AChE and BuChE, respectively. Generally, the compounds produced a balanced or more potent inhibition of AChE. N'-[(E)-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)methylidene]-4-nitrobenzohydrazide 2k and 4-fluoro-N'-(2-hydroxy-3,5- diiodobenzyl)benzohydrazide 3a were the most potent inhibitors of AChE and BuChE, respectively. Structure activity relationships were established, and molecular docking studies confirmed interaction with enzymes. CONCLUSION: Many of novel hydrazide-hydrazones showed lower IC50 values than rivastigmine against AChE and some of them were comparable for BuChE to this drug used for treatment of dementia. They interact with cholinesterases via noncovalent binding into active site. Based on BOILED-Egg approach, the majority of the derivatives meet criteria for bloodbrain-barrier permeability.
A series of new benzene-based derivatives was designed, synthesized and comprehensively characterized. All of the tested compounds were evaluated for their in vitro ability to potentially inhibit the acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. The selectivity index of individual molecules to cholinesterases was also determined. Generally, the inhibitory potency was stronger against butyryl- compared to acetylcholinesterase; however, some of the compounds showed a promising inhibition of both enzymes. In fact, two compounds (23, benzyl ethyl(1-oxo-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate and 28, benzyl (1-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl) (methyl)carbamate) had a very high selectivity index, while the second one (28) reached the lowest inhibitory concentration IC50 value, which corresponds quite well with galanthamine. Moreover, comparative receptor-independent and receptor-dependent structure(-)activity studies were conducted to explain the observed variations in inhibiting the potential of the investigated carbamate series. The principal objective of the ligand-based study was to comparatively analyze the molecular surface to gain insight into the electronic and/or steric factors that govern the ability to inhibit enzyme activities. The spatial distribution of potentially important steric and electrostatic factors was determined using the probability-guided pharmacophore mapping procedure, which is based on the iterative variable elimination method. Additionally, planar and spatial maps of the host(-)target interactions were created for all of the active compounds and compared with the drug molecules using the docking methodology.
In recent studies, several alkaloids acting as cholinesterase inhibitors were isolated from Corydalis cava (Papaveraceae). Inhibitory activities of (+)-thalictricavine (1) and (+)-canadine (2) on human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) were evaluated with the Ellman's spectrophotometric method. Molecular modeling was used to inspect the binding mode of compounds into the active site pocket of hAChE. The possible permeability of 1 and 2 through the blood(-)brain barrier (BBB) was predicted by the parallel artificial permeation assay (PAMPA) and logBB calculation. In vitro, 1 and 2 were found to be selective hAChE inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.38 +/- 0.05 microM and 0.70 +/- 0.07 microM, respectively, but against hBChE were considered inactive (IC50 values > 100 microM). Furthermore, both alkaloids demonstrated a competitive-type pattern of hAChE inhibition and bind, most probably, in the same AChE sub-site as its substrate. In silico docking experiments allowed us to confirm their binding poses into the active center of hAChE. Based on the PAMPA and logBB calculation, 2 is potentially centrally active, but for 1 BBB crossing is limited. In conclusion, 1 and 2 appear as potential lead compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
The development of novel inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) represents a viable approach to alleviate Alzheimer's disease. Thirty-six halogenated 2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamides (salicylanilides) with various substitution patterns and their esters with phosphorus-based acids were synthesized in yields of 72% to 92% and characterized. They were evaluated for in vitro inhibition of AChE from electric eel and BuChE from equine serum using modified Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The benzamides exhibited a moderate inhibition of AChE with IC50 values in a narrow concentration range from 33.1 to 85.8 microM. IC50 values for BuChE were higher (53.5-228.4 microM). The majority of derivatives inhibit AChE more efficiently than BuChE and are comparable or superior to rivastigmine-an established cholinesterases inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Phosphorus-based esters especially improved the activity against BuChE with 5-chloro-2-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]carbamoyl}phenyl diethyl phosphite 5c superiority (IC50 = 2.4 microM). This derivative was also the most selective inhibitor of BuChE. It caused a mixed inhibition of both cholinesterases and acted as a pseudo-irreversible inhibitor. Several structure-activity relationships were identified, e.g., favouring esters and benzamides obtained from 5-halogenosalicylic acids and polyhalogenated anilines. Both 2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamides and esters share convenient physicochemical properties for blood-brain-barrier penetration and thus central nervous system delivery.
Title: Investigation of salicylanilide and 4-chlorophenol-based N-monosubstituted carbamates as potential inhibitors of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase Kratky M, Stepankova S, Vorcakova K, Vinsova J Ref: Bioorg Chem, 80:668, 2018 : PubMed
Based on the presence of carbamate moiety, twenty salicylanilide N-monosubstituted carbamates concomitantly with their parent salicylanilides and five newly prepared 4-chlorophenyl carbamates obtained from isocyanates were investigated using Ellman's method for their in vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from equine serum. The carbamates and salicylanilides exhibited mostly a moderate inhibition of both cholinesterase enzymes with IC50 values ranging from 5 to 235microM. IC50 values for AChE were in a narrower concentration range when compared to BChE, but many of the compounds produced a balanced inhibition of both cholinesterases. The derivatives were comparable or superior to rivastigmine for AChE inhibition, but only a few of carbamates also for BChE. Several structure-activity relationships were identified, e.g., N-phenethylcarbamates produce clearly favourable BChE inhibition. The compounds also share convenient physicochemical properties for CNS penetration.
Title: Synthesis and characterization of new inhibitors of cholinesterases based on N-phenylcarbamates: In vitro study of inhibitory effect, type of inhibition, lipophilicity and molecular docking Vorcakova K, Majekova M, Horakova E, Drabina P, Sedlak M, Stepankova S Ref: Bioorg Chem, 78:280, 2018 : PubMed
Based on current treatment of Alzheimer's disease, where the carbamate inhibitor Rivastigmine is used, two series of carbamate derivatives were prepared: (i) N-phenylcarbamates with additional carbamate group (1-12) and (ii) N-phenylcarbamates with monosaccharide moiety (13-24). All compounds were tested for the inhibitory effect on both of the cholinesterases, electric eel acetylcholinesterase (eeAChE) and butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum (eqBChE) and the inhibitory activity (expressed as IC50 values) was compared with that of the established drugs Galanthamine and Rivastigmine. The compounds with two carbamate groups 1-12 revealed higher inhibitory efficiency on both cholinesterases in compared with monosaccharide derived carbamates 13-24 and with Rivastigmine. The significant decrease of inhibitory efficiency on eqBChE (also for eeAChE but in less manner) was observed after deacetalization of monosaccharide. Moreover, the type of inhibitory mechanism of five chosen compounds was studied. It was found, that compounds with two carbamate groups act presumably via a mixed inhibitory mechanism and the compounds with monosaccharide moiety act as non-competitive inhibitors. The lipophilicity of tested compounds was determined using partition coefficient. Specific positions of the inhibitors in the binding sites of cholinesterases were determined using molecular modeling and the results indicate the importance of phenylcarbamate orientation in the catalytic gorges of both enzymes.
A series of thirty novel N-acetylated fluorophenylalanine-based aromatic amides and esters was synthesized using N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide or phosphorus trichloride in pyridine. They were characterized by spectral methods and screened against various microbes (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, other bacteria, fungi), for their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and cytotoxicity. All amino acids derivatives revealed a moderate inhibition of both cholinesterases with IC50 values for AChE and BChE of 57.88-130.75microM and 8.25-289.0microM, respectively. Some derivatives were comparable or superior to rivastigmine, an established drug. Phenyl 2-acetamido-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propanoate was identified as the selective and most potent inhibitor of BChE. The esterification and amidation of parent acids led to an improved BChE inhibition. The esters are better inhibitors of BChE than the amides. The introduction of NO2 and CH3 groups into aniline ring and CF3 moiety in phenol is translated into lower IC50 values. Seven compounds showed selectivity index higher than 10 for at least one cholinesterase. Especially the esters exhibited a mild activity against Gram-positive bacteria, mycobacteria and several fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations starting from 125microM. The highest susceptibility was recorded for Trichophyton mentagrophytes fungus.
Series of twenty-five benzyl (2S)-2-(arylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylates was prepared and completely characterized. All the compounds were tested for their in vitro ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and the selectivity of compounds to individual cholinesterases was determined. Screening of the cytotoxicity of all the compounds was performed using a human monocytic leukaemia THP-1 cell line, and the compounds demonstrated insignificant toxicity. All the compounds showed rather moderate inhibitory effect against AChE; benzyl (2S)-2-[(2-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (IC50 = 46.35 muM) was the most potent agent. On the other hand, benzyl (2S)-2-[(4-bromophenyl)-] and benzyl (2S)-2-[(2-bromophenyl)carbamoyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylates expressed anti-BChE activity (IC50 = 28.21 and 27.38 muM, respectively) comparable with that of rivastigmine. The ortho-brominated compound as well as benzyl (2S)-2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate demonstrated greater selectivity to BChE. The in silico characterization of the structure-inhibitory potency for the set of proline-based carbamates considering electronic, steric and lipophilic properties was provided using comparative molecular surface analysis (CoMSA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, the systematic space inspection with splitting data into the training/test subset was performed to monitor the statistical estimators performance in the effort to map the probability-guided pharmacophore pattern. The comprehensive screening of the AChE/BChE profile revealed potentially relevant structural and physicochemical features that might be essential for mapping of the carbamates inhibition efficiency indicating qualitative variations exerted on the reaction site by the substituent in the 3'-/4'-position of the phenyl ring. In addition, the investigation was completed by a molecular docking study of recombinant human AChE.
A serie of O-substituted N-2-phenylcyclopropylcarbamates was prepared and characterized. These carbamates were tested as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). It was found, that these compounds exhibit moderate inhibition activity with values of IC50 in the range of 54.8-94.4 muM (for AChE) and up to 5.8 muM (for BChE). The AChE/BChE selectivity for each carbamate was calculated. These values varied from 0.50 to 9.46, two carbamate derivatives inhibited only AChE selectively. The most promising derivative was prepared in all optically pure forms (four isomers). It was found that individual stereoisomers differed only slightly in the inhibition ability. The cytotoxicity of all carbamates was evaluated using the standard in vitro test with Jurkat cells. With regard to their inhibition activity and cytotoxicity as well as easy preparation, O-substituted N-2-phenylcyclopropylcarbamates can be considered as promising compounds for potential medicinal applications.
Based on the presence of carbamoyl moiety, twenty salicylanilide N,N-disubstituted (thio)carbamates were investigated using Ellman's method for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). O-Aromatic (thio)carbamates exhibited weak to moderate inhibition of both cholinesterases with IC50 values within the range of 1.60 to 311.0 microM. IC50 values for BChE were mostly lower than those obtained for AChE; four derivatives showed distinct selectivity for BChE. All of the (thio)carbamates produced a stronger inhibition of AChE than rivastigmine, and five of them inhibited BChE more effectively than both established drugs rivastigmine and galantamine. In general, 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]benzamide, 2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamide as well as N-methyl-N-phenyl carbamate derivatives led to the more potent inhibition. O-{4-Chloro-2-[(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]phenyl} dimethylcarbamothioate was identified as the most effective AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 38.98 microM), while 2-(phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl diphenylcarbamate produced the lowest IC50 value for BChE (1.60 microM). Results from molecular docking studies suggest that carbamate compounds, especially N,N-diphenyl substituted representatives with considerable portion of aromatic moieties may work as non-covalent inhibitors displaying many interactions at peripheral anionic sites of both enzymes. Mild cytotoxicity for HepG2 cells and consequent satisfactory calculated selectivity indexes qualify several derivatives for further optimization.
Title: Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel rhodanine derivatives as potential cholinesterase inhibitors Kratky M, Stepankova S, Vorcakova K, Vinsova J Ref: Bioorg Chem, 68:23, 2016 : PubMed
Based on a broad spectrum of biological activities of rhodanines, we synthesized aromatic amides and esters of 2-(4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acid (rhodanine-3-acetic acid) via carbodiimide- or PCl3-mediated coupling. Both esters and amides were investigated for their in vitro inhibitory potency and selectivity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from equine serum using Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The derivatives exhibited mostly a moderate activity against both cholinesterases. IC50 values for AChE were in a closer concentration range of 24.05-86.85muM when compared to BChE inhibition (7.92-227.19muM). The esters caused the more efficient inhibition of AChE than amides and parent acid. The esterification and amidation of the rhodanine-3-acetic acid increased inhibition of BChE, even up to 26 times. Derivatives of 4-nitroaniline/phenol showed the activity superior to other substituents (H, Cl, CH3, OCH3, CF3). Rhodanines produced a balanced inhibition of both cholinesterases. Seven derivatives produced the more potent inhibition of AChE than rivastigmine, a clinically used drug; additional three compounds were comparable. Two amides exceeded inhibitory potency of rivastigmine towards BChE. Importantly, this is the first evidence that rhodanine-based compounds are able to inhibit BChE.
Title: Synthesis, structural characterization, docking, lipophilicity and cytotoxicity of 1-[(1R)-1-(6-fluoro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-alkyl carbamates, novel acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase pseudo-irreversible inhibitors Pejchal V, Stepankova S, Pejchalova M, Kralovec K, Havelek R, Ruzickova Z, Ajani H, Lo R, Lepsik M Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 24:1560, 2016 : PubMed
In the current study, sixteen novel derivatives of (R)-1-(6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethanamine were synthesized as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. Chemical structures together with purity of the synthesized compounds were substantiated by IR, (1)H, (13)C, (19)F NMR, high resolution mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The optical activities were confirmed by optical rotation measurements. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the most active compounds was investigated against human cell lines employing XTT tetrazolium salt reduction assay and xCELLigence system allowing a label-free assessment of the cells proliferation. Our results demonstrated that the inhibitory mechanism was confirmed to be pseudo-irreversible, in line with previous studies on carbamates. Compounds indicated as 3b, 3d, 3l and 3n showed the best AChE inhibitory activity of all the evaluated compounds and were up to tenfold more potent than standard drug rivastigmine. The binding mode was determined using state-of-the-art covalent docking and scoring methodology. The obtained data clearly demonstrated that 3b, 3d, 3l and 3n benzothiazole carbamates possess high inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE and concurrently negligible cytotoxicity. In conclusion, our results indicate, that these derivatives could be promising in an effective therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer's disease.
Recently, cholinesterase-based biosensors are widely used for assaying anticholinergic compounds. Primarily biosensors based on enzyme inhibition are useful analytical tools for fast screening of inhibitors, such as organophosphates and carbamates. The present review is aimed at compilation of the most important facts about cholinesterase based biosensors, types of physico-chemical transduction, immobilization strategies and practical applications.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Currently, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is the most widely used therapeutic treatment. A large number of naturally occurring compounds have been found to inhibit AChE. In this report the mechanism of AChE inhibition of two Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, 8-O-demethylmaritidine (1) and undulatine (2), and their possible penetration across the blood-brain barrier have been studied. Both compounds act via a mixed inhibition mechanism. Based on the parallel artificial permeation assay (PAMPA) for the prediction of blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, only 2 should be able to cross the BBB by passive permeation.
Alkaloid extracts of eight Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae) species and varieties were studied with respect to their acetylcholinesterase (HuAChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (HuBCHE) inhibitory activity and alkaloid patterns. Thirty alkaloids were determined by GC/MS, and twenty-five of them identified from their mass spectra, retention times and retention indexes. Promising HuAChE inhibition activity was demonstrated by six Narcissus taxa and HuBCHE inhibition by N. jonquila cv. Double Campernelle and N. nanus cv. Elka with IC50 values of 24.1 +/- 1.9 microg/mL and 25.1 +/- 1.8 microg/mL, respectively. Two alkaloids were isolated in pure form using preparative TLC and identified as the galanthamine type alkaloid narwedine and the lycorine type alkaloid incartine. Both compounds were tested for their biological activity. They were considered inactive in HuAChE/HuBCHE assays, but showed promising prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition activities with IC50 values of 0.95 +/- 0.12 mM and 0.91 g 0.09 mM, respectively.
Based on the presence of dialkyl phosphate moiety, we evaluated twenty-seven salicylanilide diethyl phosphates (diethyl [2-(phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl] phosphates) for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel (Electrophorus electricus L.) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from equine serum. Ellman's spectrophotometric method was used. The inhibitory activity (expressed as IC50 values) was compared with that of the established drugs galantamine and rivastigmine. Salicylanilide diethyl phosphates showed significant activity against both cholinesterases with IC50 values from 0.903 to 86.3muM. IC50s for BChE were comparatively lower than those obtained for AChE. All of the investigated compounds showed higher inhibition of AChE than rivastigmine, and six of them inhibited BChE more effectively than both rivastigmine and galantamine. In general, derivatives of 4-chlorosalicylic acid showed enhanced activity when compared to derivatives of 5-halogenated salicylic acids, especially against BChE. The most effective inhibitor of AChE was O-{5-chloro-2-[(3-bromophenyl)carbamoyl]phenyl} O,O-diethyl phosphate with IC50 of 35.4muM, which is also one of the most potent inhibitors of BChE. O-{5-Chloro-2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)carbamoyl]phenyl} O,O-diethyl phosphate exhibited in vitro the strongest inhibition of BChE (0.90muM). Salicylanilide diethyl phosphates act as pseudo-irreversible cholinesterases inhibitors.
A new series of 27 diethyl 2-(phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl phosphorothioates (thiophosphates) was synthesized, characterized by NMR, IR and CHN analyses and evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Mycobacterium avium and two strains of Mycobacterium kansasii. The best activity against M. tuberculosis was found for O-{4-bromo-2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)carbamoyl]phenyl} O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate (minimum inhibitory concentration of 4 microM). The highest activity against nontuberculous mycobacteria was exhibited by O-(5-chloro-2-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]carbamoyl}-phenyl) O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate with MIC values from 16 microM. Prepared thiophosphates were also evaluated against acetylcholinesterase from electric eel and butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum. Their inhibitory activity was compared to that of the known cholinesterases inhibitors galanthamine and rivastigmine. All tested compounds showed a higher (for AChE inhibition) and comparable (for BChE inhibition) activity to that of rivastigmine, with IC50s within the 8.04 to 20.2 microM range.
A series of novel cholinesterase inhibitors based on 2-substituted 6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazole were synthesised and characterised by IR, (1)H, (13)C and (19)F NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. Purity was checked by elemental analyses. The novel carbamates were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The toxicity of the most active compounds was investigated using a standard in vitro test with HepG2 cells, and the ratio between biological activity and toxicity was determined. In addition, the toxicity of the most active compounds was evaluated against MCF7 cells using the xCELLigence system. Structure-activity relationships reflecting the dependence of cholinesterase inhibitors on the lipophilicity of the compounds as well as on the Taft polar and steric substituent constants are discussed. The specific orientation of the inhibitors in the binding site of acetylcholinesterase was determined using molecular docking of the most active compound.
Title: New method for the determination of the half inhibition concentration (IC50) of cholinesterase inhibitors Kovarova M, Komers K, Stepankova S, Parik P, Cegan A Ref: Z Naturforsch C, 68:133, 2013 : PubMed
A new and simple analytical method is described for the determination of the IC50 values of the inhibitors of the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) or acetylthiocholine (ATCh) by cholinesterases. The method is based on monitoring the time course of the pH value during the uninhibited and inhibited reaction. It requires only a pH meter with a suitable pH measuring cell and a small thermostated stirred batch reactor. The method has been validated for twelve different types of cholinesterase inhibitors. The determined IC50 values are comparable to those obtained by independent, more complicated, and expensive methods (Ellman's and pH-stat).
A series of twenty-five novel salicylanilide N-alkylcarbamates were investigated as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from electric eel (Electrophorus electricus L.). Experimental lipophilicity was determined, and the structure-activity relationships are discussed. The mode of binding in the active site of AChE was investigated by molecular docking. All the discussed compounds expressed significantly higher AChE inhibitory activity than rivastigmine and slightly lower than galanthamine. Disubstitution by chlorine in C'((3),(4)) of the aniline ring and the optimal length of hexyl-undecyl alkyl chains in the carbamate moiety provided the most active AChE inhibitors. Monochlorination in C'((4)) exhibited slightly more effective AChE inhibitors than in C'((3)). Generally it can be stated that compounds with higher lipophilicity showed higher inhibition, and the activity of the compounds is strongly dependent on the length of the N-alkyl chain.
A series of novel and highly active acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors derived from substituted benzothiazoles containing an imidazolidine-2,4,5-trione moiety were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structure of 1-(2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl)-3-[(1R)-1-(6-fluoro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-imida zolidine-2,4,5-trione (3g) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both optical isomers are present as two independent molecules in the triclinic crystal system. The lipophilicity of the compounds was determined as the partition coefficient log K(ow) using the traditional shake-flask method. The in vitro inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase from electric eel and butyrylcholinesterase isolated from equine serum was determined. The inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase was significantly higher than that of the standard drug rivastigmine. The discussed compounds are also promising inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase, as some of the prepared compounds inhibit butyrylcholinesterase better than the internal standards rivastigmine and galanthamine. The highest inhibitory activity (IC(5)(0) = 1.66 mumol/L) corresponds to the compound 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-3-[(R)-1-(6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethyl]imidazolidine- 2,4,5-trione (3d). For all the studied compounds, the relationships between the lipophilicity and the chemical structure as well as their structure-activity relationships are discussed.
Title: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by 14 achiral and five chiral imidazole derivates Kovarova M, Komers K, Stepankova S, Cegan A Ref: Bioresour Technol, 101:6281, 2010 : PubMed
Homological series of 14 achiral derivates and series of five chiral derivates of imidazole were tested in vitro as inhibitors of hydrolysis of acetylcholine using enzyme preparation of acetylcholinesterase from electric eel. The batch stirred reactor at 25 degrees C, pH 8 (phosphate buffer), ionic strength 0.11 M and catalytic activity of the enzyme preparation 0.14 U ml(-1) of the reaction mixture were used. The temporal dependences of actual concentrations of acetylcholine, choline and acetic acid were determined by an original HPLC method. For all used inhibitors, these time dependences conform with the probability of more than 90% to the model of competitive irreversible inhibition. All kinetic constants including k(3) defining the rate of inhibition (0.38-5.3M(-1)s(-1)) and qualified estimation of the absolute acetylcholinesterase concentration in the reaction mixture (40-110 nM) were determined.
Kinetics and mechanism of in vitro hydrolyses of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine by carbamates were studied in a batch reactor at 25 degrees C, pH 8, and ionic strength of 0.11 M. Every hydrolysis was monitored by 3-4 independent methods. All studied hydrolyses can be described by the model of competitive inhibition with an irreversible step (k3). A table of obtained average values of rate constants and discussion of the resultes are given.
The pI50 index and separation coefficients of chosen 3-N,N-diethylaminophenyl-N',N'-dialkylcarbamates were determined. Index pL50 (pI50 = negative logarithm of molar concentration of inhibitor inhibiting the enzyme activity by 50%) describes the effectiveness of the inhibitor. The rate of ability of the inhibitor to pass the blood-brain barrier is usually described by the separation coefficient in a system n-octanol/water (K(ow)). Obtained results were compared with pL50 and K(ow) of Exelon, the commercially used drug against the Alzheimer's disease.
Kinetics of hydrolysis of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine by two types of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibited by 13 new inhibitors (5 carbamates and 8 carbazates--hydrazinium derivatives) was measured in vitro in a batch reactor at 25 degrees C, pH 8, ionic strength 0.11 M and enzyme activity 3.5 U by four nondependent analytical methods. Sevin, rivastigmin (Exelon) and galantamin (Reminyl) served as comparative inhibiting standards. Kinetics of hydrolyses inhibited by all studied carbamates, sevin, carbazates (with exceptions) and rivastigmin (with exceptions) can be simulated by the competitive inhibition model with irreversible reaction between enzyme and inhibitor. Galantamin does not fulfil this model. In positive simulations, the value of inhibition (carbamoylation) rate constant k3 was calculated, describing the reaction velocity between the given enzyme and inhibitor. Physiologically important hydrolyses of acetylcholine catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase from electric eel or bovine erythrocytes and butyrylcholinesterase from horse plasma can be most quickly inhibited by carbamoylation of the mentioned enzymes by the 3-N,N-diethylaminophenyl-N'-(1-alkyl) carbamates 4 and 5. Probably this is due to a long enough hydrocarbon aliphatic substituent (hexyl and octyl) on the amidic nitrogen atom. The tested carbazates failed as inhibitors of cholinesterases. The regeneration ability of the inhibited enzymes was not measured.
Kinetics and the mechanism of total in vitro hydrolyses (i.e. up to the exhaustion of substrate) of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were studied in vitro in a batch reactor at 25 degrees C, pH 8 and ionic strength of 0.11 M. Every hydrolysis was monitored by 2-3 independent analytical methods. All studied types of enzymatic hydrolyses fulfilled the Michaelis-Menten reaction scheme with the irreversible second step. A table of obtained average values of rate constants and estimations of initial molar enzyme concentrations, and discussion of the results are presented.
Hydroxylamine and HPLC methods, measuring in vitro kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysis of acetylcholine or acetylthiocholine by cholinesterases, are described. The hydroxylamine method determines the dependence of substrate concentration vs. time, the HPLC method is able to measure simultaneously the time dependences of substrate and both primary products, choline or thiocholine, and acetic acid. Practical determinations are shown, comparison with known (above all Ellman's and pH-stat) methods, advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
The power of chosen carbamates and hydrazinium derivatives (carbazates) to inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine by butyrylcholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase was tested. The determined pI50 values (= negative logarithm of the molar concentration inhibiting the enzyme activity by 50%) of the tested substances were compared with pI50 values of the commercially used drugs for the Alzheimer's disease treatment--rivastigmine and galanthamine.
