SAR-studies of γ-secretase modulators with PPARγ-agonistic and 5-lipoxygenase-inhibitory activity for Alzheimer's disease.

We present the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds containing a 2-(benzylidene)hexanoic acid scaffold as multi-target directed γ-secretase-modulators. Broad structural variations were undertaken to elucidate the structure-activity-relationships at the 5-position of the aromatic core. Compound 13 showed the most potent activity profile with IC50 values of 0.79µM (Aß42), 0.3µM (5-lipoxygenase) and an EC50 value of 4.64µM for PPARγ-activation. This derivative is the first compound exhibiting low micromolar to nanomolar activities for these three targets. Combining γ-secretase-modulation, PPARγ-agonism and inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase in one compound could be a novel disease-modifying multi-target-strategy for Alzheimer's disease to concurrently address the causative amyloid pathology and secondary pathologies like chronic brain inflammation.

Cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate is a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase.

Lipoxygenases (LOs) are iron-containing enzymes that catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid into hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs) and other bioactive lipid mediators. In mammals, 5-LO, 15-LO, and 12-LO enzymes seem to have distinct roles in pathophysiological contexts, which have emphasized the need for selective inhibitors. Cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate (CDC) has been proposed as potent and selective inhibitor of platelet-type 12-LO (p12-LO). Here, we re-evaluated the selectivity profile of CDC on LOs, and we show that CDC is a potent and direct inhibitor of 5-LO. CDC reduced 5-LO activity in cell-free assays (purified human recombinant enzyme or leukocyte homogenates), with IC(50) values in the low nanomolar range (9-25 nM) and a selectivity index of approximately 35 and 15 over p12-LO and 15-LO1, respectively. Likewise, CDC inhibited 5-LO product formation in intact human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes (IC(50) = 0.45-0.8 µM). A lower potency was observed for 15-LO1, whereas p12-LO activity in platelets was hardly affected. In human whole blood, CDC efficiently reduced the formation of 5-LO products, and similar effects were observed for 12(S)-H(P)ETE and 15(S)-H(P)ETE. Finally, CDC (3.5 and 7 mg/kg i.p.) was effective in vivo in the platelet-activating factor-induced shock in mice and reduced formation of the 5-LO product leukotriene B(4) in the rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy after a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg. Together, our data demonstrate that CDC is a potent inhibitor of 5-LO with efficacy in vivo and encourage further development of CDC as the lead compound.

The molecular pharmacology and in vivo activity of 2-(4-chloro-6-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)pyrimidin-2-ylthio)octanoic acid (YS121), a dual inhibitor of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase.

The microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase (mPGES)-1 is one of the terminal isoenzymes of prostaglandin (PG) E(2) biosynthesis. Pharmacological inhibitors of mPGES-1 are proposed as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We recently presented the design and synthesis of a series of pirinixic acid derivatives that dually inhibit mPGES-1 and 5-lipoxygenase. Here, we investigated the mechanism of mPGES-1 inhibition, the selectivity profile, and the in vivo activity of alpha-(n-hexyl)-substituted pirinixic acid [YS121; 2-(4-chloro-6-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)pyrimidin-2-ylthio)octanoic acid)] as a lead compound. In cell-free assays, YS121 inhibited human mPGES-1 in a reversible and noncompetitive manner (IC(50) = 3.4 muM), and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy studies using purified in vitro-translated human mPGES-1 indicate direct, reversible, and specific binding to mPGES-1 (K(D) = 10-14 muM). In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human whole blood, PGE(2) formation was concentration dependently inhibited (IC(50) = 2 muM), whereas concomitant generation of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-derived thromboxane B(2) and 6-keto PGF(1alpha) and the COX-1-derived 12(S)-hydroxy-5-cis-8,10-trans-heptadecatrienoic acid was not significantly reduced. In carrageenan-induced rat pleurisy, YS121 (1.5 mg/kg i.p.) blocked exudate formation and leukocyte infiltration accompanied by reduced pleural levels of PGE(2) and leukotriene B(4) but also of 6-keto PGF(1alpha). Taken together, these results indicate that YS121 is a promising inhibitor of mPGES-1 with anti-inflammatory efficiency in human whole blood as well as in vivo.

Discovery of benzo[g]indol-3-carboxylates as potent inhibitors of microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase-1.

Selective inhibition of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin (PG)E(2) formation via microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 (mPGES-1) might be superior over inhibition of all cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived products by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and coxibs. We recently showed that benzo[g]indol-3-carboxylates potently suppress leukotriene biosynthesis by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase. Here, we describe the discovery of benzo[g]indol-3-carboxylates as a novel class of potent mPGES-1 inhibitors (IC(50)0.1 microM). Ethyl 2-(3-chlorobenzyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-benzo[g]indole-3-carboxylate (compound 7a) inhibits human mPGES-1 in a cell-free assay (IC(50)=0.6 microM) as well as in intact A549 cells (IC(50)=2 microM), and suppressed PGE(2) pleural levels in rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Inhibition of cellular COX-1/2 activity was significantly less pronounced. Compound 7a significantly reduced inflammatory reactions in the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and rat pleurisy. Together, based on the select and potent inhibition of mPGES-1 and 5-lipoxygenase, benzo[g]indol-3-carboxylates possess potential as novel anti-inflammatory drugs with a valuable pharmacological profile.

Sex differences in prostaglandin biosynthesis in neutrophils during acute inflammation.

The severity and course of inflammatory processes differ between women and men, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying these sex differences are elusive. Prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT) are lipid mediators linked to inflammation. We demonstrated superior LT biosynthesis in human neutrophils and monocytes, and in mouse macrophages from females, and we confirmed these sex differences in vivo where female mice produced more LTs during zymosan-induced peritonitis versus males. Here, we report sex differences in PG production in neutrophils during acute inflammation. In the late phase (4-8 hrs) of mouse zymosan-induced peritonitis and rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy, PG levels in males were higher versus females, seemingly due to higher PG production in infiltrated neutrophils. Accordingly, human neutrophils from males produced more PGE2 than cells from females. Increased PG biosynthesis in males was accompanied by elevated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression connected to increased nuclear factor-kappa B activation, and was abolished when LT synthesis was pharmacologically blocked, suggesting that elevated PG production in males might be caused by increased COX-2 expression and by shunting phenomena due to suppressed LT formation. Conclusively, our data reveal that the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory PGs and LTs is conversely regulated by sex with consequences for the inflammatory response.

Androgen-mediated sex bias impairs efficiency of leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors in males.

Proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) are produced by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) aided by 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP). LT biosynthesis inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation as treatments for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have revealed a sex bias in the efficiency of clinically relevant LT biosynthesis inhibitors, showing that their effects are superior in females. We found that androgens cause these sex differences by impeding the LT-biosynthetic 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly. Lower doses of the FLAP inhibitor MK886 were required to reduce LTB4 levels in exudates of female versus male mice and rats. Following platelet-activating factor-induced shock, MK886 increased survival exclusively in female mice, and this effect was abolished by testosterone administration. FLAP inhibitors and the novel-type 5-LO inhibitors licofelone and sulindac sulfide exhibited higher potencies in human blood from females, and bioactive 5-LO/FLAP complexes were formed in female, but not male, human and murine leukocytes. Supplementation of female blood or leukocytes with 5α-dihydrotestosterone abolished the observed sex differences. Our data suggest that females may benefit from anti-LT therapy to a greater extent than males, prompting consideration of sex issues in LT modifier development.

Aminothiazole-featured pirinixic acid derivatives as dual 5-lipoxygenase and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 inhibitors with improved potency and efficiency in vivo.

Dual inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is currently pursued as potential pharmacological strategy for treatment of inflammation and cancer. Here we present a series of 26 novel 2-aminothiazole-featured pirinixic acid derivatives as dual 5-LO/mPGES-1 inhibitors with improved potency (exemplified by compound 16 (2-[(4-chloro-6-{[4-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]amino}pyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]octanoic acid) with IC50 = 0.3 and 0.4 µM, respectively) and bioactivity in vivo. Computational analysis presumes binding sites of 16 at the tip of the 5-LO catalytic domain and within a subpocket of the mPGES-1 active site. Compound 16 (10 µM) hardly suppressed cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2 activities, failed to inhibit 12/15-LOs, and is devoid of radical scavenger properties. Finally, compound 16 reduced vascular permeability and inflammatory cell infiltration in a zymosan-induced mouse peritonitis model accompanied by impaired levels of cysteinyl-leukotrienes and prostaglandin E2. Together, 2-aminothiazole-featured pirinixic acids represent potent dual 5-LO/mPGES-1 inhibitors with an attractive pharmacological profile as anti-inflammatory drugs.

The novel Sinupret® dry extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effectiveness in vivo.

Sinupret® is frequently used as a herbal medicinal product to treat sinusitis, and it was assumed that anti-inflammatory effects might contribute to its overall beneficial properties. Here, we investigated the effects of a Sinupret® drug mixture (SIN) as well as of the novel Sinupret® dry extract (SIN DE) with the latter containing higher concentrations of active ingredients, in an in vivo model of acute inflammation, the carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats. Both SIN and SIN DE were administered to rats orally at doses of 100mg/kg (low dose) and 500mg/kg (high dose) 1h prior to intrapleural injection of carrageenan. Although both SIN and SIN DE significantly reduced the exudate volume and leukocyte numbers in the pleural exudate at the high and the low dose 4h after carrageenan injection, the novel SIN DE was more efficient than SIN at the low dose, implying higher efficiency. In parallel, the novel dry extract SIN DE, but not SIN, at 500mg/kg significantly lowered the levels of prostaglandin (PG)E(2) in the exudates and reduced the amounts of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein in the lungs. Together, SIN and SIN DE exert significant oral anti-inflammatory effects, which rationalize their therapeutic use in the management of sinusitis and other viral/microbial nasal infections that are associated with inflammation. Moreover, our results suggest that based on the higher efficiency and the accompanied reduction of COX-2 expression and PGE(2) formation, the novel dry extract SIN DE might be superior over the former SIN drug mixture.

Design and synthesis of a second series of triazole-based compounds as potent dual mPGES-1 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase (mPGES)-1 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) are pivotal enzymes in the biosynthesis of the pro-inflammatory PGE(2) and leukotrienes, respectively. The design and synthesis of a second series of mPGES-1 inhibitors based on a triazole scaffold are described. Our studies allowed us to draw a tentative SAR profile and to optimize this series with the identification of compounds 10, 11 and 14-15 which displayed potent mPGES-1 inhibition in a cell-free assay. In addition, compounds 5, 10, 12 and 14-16 also blocked 5-LO activity in cell-free and cell-based test systems, emerging as very promising candidates for the development of safer and more effective anti-inflammatory drugs.

Arzanol, a prenylated heterodimeric phloroglucinyl pyrone, inhibits eicosanoid biosynthesis and exhibits anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo.

Based on its capacity to inhibit in vitro HIV-1 replication in T cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes, the prenylated heterodimeric phloroglucinyl α-pyrone arzanol was identified as the major anti-inflammatory and anti-viral constituent from Helichrysum italicum. We have now investigated the activity of arzanol on the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, evaluating its anti-inflammatory efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Arzanol inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (EC 7.13.11.34) activity and related leukotriene formation in neutrophils, as well as the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 (EC 1.14.99.1) and the formation of COX-2-derived prostaglandin (PG)E(2)in vitro (IC(50)=2.3-9µM). Detailed studies revealed that arzanol primarily inhibits microsomal PGE(2) synthase (mPGES)-1 (EC 5.3.99.3, IC(50)=0.4µM) rather than COX-2. In fact, arzanol could block COX-2/mPGES-1-mediated PGE(2) biosynthesis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytes and human whole blood, but not the concomitant COX-2-derived biosynthesis of thromboxane B(2) or of 6-keto PGF(1α), and the expression of COX-2 or mPGES-1 protein was not affected. Arzanol potently suppressed the inflammatory response of the carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats (3.6mg/kg, i.p.), with significantly reduced levels of PGE(2) in the pleural exudates. Taken together, our data show that arzanol potently inhibits the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators like PGE(2)in vitro and in vivo, providing a mechanistic rationale for the anti-inflammatory activity of H. italicum, and a rationale for further pre-clinical evaluation of this novel anti-inflammatory lead.

Hyperforin, an Anti-Inflammatory Constituent from St. John's Wort, Inhibits Microsomal Prostaglandin E(2) Synthase-1 and Suppresses Prostaglandin E(2) Formation in vivo.

The acylphloroglucinol hyperforin (Hyp) from St. John's wort possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties which were ascribed among others to the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Here, we investigated whether Hyp also interferes with prostanoid generation in biological systems, particularly with key enzymes participating in prostaglandin (PG)E(2) biosynthesis, i.e., cyclooxygenases (COX)-1/2 and microsomal PGE(2) synthase (mPGES)-1 which play key roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Similar to the mPGES-1 inhibitors MK-886 and MD-52, Hyp significantly suppressed PGE(2) formation in whole blood assays starting at 0.03-1 µM, whereas the concomitant generation of COX-derived 12(S)-hydroxy-5-cis-8,10-trans-heptadecatrienoic acid, thromboxane B(2), and 6-keto PGF(1α) was not significantly suppressed up to 30 µM. In cell-free assays, Hyp efficiently blocked the conversion of PGH(2) to PGE(2) mediated by mPGES-1 (IC(50) = 1 µM), and isolated COX enzymes were not (COX-2) or hardly (COX-1) suppressed. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Hyp (4 mg kg(-1)) to rats impaired exudate volume and leukocyte numbers in carrageenan-induced pleurisy associated with reduced PGE(2) levels, and Hyp (given i.p.) inhibited carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema formation (ED(50) = 1 mg kg(-1)) being superior over indomethacin (ED(50) = 5 mg kg(-1)). We conclude that the suppression of PGE(2) biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo by acting on mPGES-1 critically contributes to the anti-inflammatory efficiency of Hyp.