Design, synthesis, and bioactivity evaluation of novel amide/sulfonamide derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory agents against acute lung injury and ulcerative colitis

New acetamide-sulfonamide scaffolds with potential renal radiomodulatory effects: Insights into NF-κB pathway interactions

With the increased use of radiation in cancer therapy, new effective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are required to alleviate the negative impact caused by irradiation. A set of novel N-substituted-2-((2-oxo-2-((4-sulfamoylphenyl)amino)ethyl)thio) acetamide derivatives 3-14 was synthesized to act as possible radiation mitigators. The synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential using selective COX-2 inhibitory activity and DPPH assays compared to celecoxib and ascorbic acid, respectively. Compound 9 was the most active in this series with selective COX-2 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.373 μM), and free radical scavenging properties (IC50 = 4.89 μM). In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that compound 9 exhibited a high safety profile, with low cytotoxicity on normal cells (IC50 > 800 μM) and a median lethal dose (LD50) of 300 mg/kg. The potential renal radiomodulatory effect of the promising candidate was investigated in mice exposed to gamma radiation (6 Gy). Compound 9 successfully reduced radiation-induced oxidative stress, as seen by lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and enhancement in the levels of reduced Glutathione (GSH) in kidney tissues. Moreover, compound 9 reduced kidney inflammatory markers; Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in irradiated mice, while lowering serum urea and creatinine levels relative to untreated irradiated group. Compound 9 additionally modified the histological alterations caused by gamma irradiation-induced tubular epithelial cell necrosis. Accordingly, compound 9 can help to reduce the adverse effects of irradiation.

Novel Sulfonamide-Sydnone Hybrids: Complementary Insight into Anti-Inflammatory Action, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity, Human Serum Albumin Interaction, and in silico Analysis

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition often seen in intensive care unit patients. Due to limited treatment options, ALI is linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Bacterial and viral infections are significant contributors to ALI. For instance, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to a strong inflammatory response that may progress to ALI, a leading cause of death in COVID-19 cases. Prior research has demonstrated that sulfonamides and sydnones exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which has led us to develop compounds containing both scaffolds. Most of the new sulfonamide-sydnone hybrids are expected to be orally bioavailable based on in silico ADME predictions. They effectively suppressed the development of ALI in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice and inhibited viral replication in Calu-3 cells, with minimal cytotoxicity in non-infected Calu-3 and Vero E6 cells. Molecular docking investigations indicated some possible viral targets for the action of the sydnones, highlighting the possible interaction with non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, combined experimental and theoretical studies indicated that the new compounds can strongly interact with human serum albumin, suggesting a possible extended residence time in the human bloodstream.

Donepezil-based rational design of N-substituted quinazolinthioacetamide candidates as potential acetylcholine esterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: in vitro and in vivo studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as one of the most outstanding progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Obviously, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) is the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine (ACh) with a much more prominent effect than butyrylcholine esterase (BuChE). Hence, novel quinazoline derivatives (3a-p) were designed and synthesized as AChE inhibitors for AD treatment. The newly synthesized quinazoline derivatives (3a-p) were pursued for their inhibitory potential towards both AChE and BuChE. Notably, compound 3e displayed the highest inhibitory potential towards AChE (IC50 = 9.26 nM) surpassing donepezil (IC50 = 16.43 nM). On the other side, compound 3e effectively negated the decline in memory acquisition and retention instigated by ICV administration of streptozotocin (STZ) in mice, an effect that was comparable to that produced by donepezil. Moreover, compound 3e, reduced BACE1 by 51.08% (p < 0.0001), Aβ42 by 52.47% (p < 0.0001), and p(Ser199)-tau by 69.16% (p < 0.0001) compared to STZ mice. Such effects were similar to those of donepezil which reduced all 3 parameters by 57.53%, 58.5%, and 66.78%, respectively, compared to STZ mice. Furthermore, molecular docking studies showed that the superimposition view clarified the similar binding mode of both 3e and the co-crystallized donepezil at the AChE binding pocket. Moreover, the docked complexes (3e-AChE and 3e-BuChE) were further subject to molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns. In addition, eligible pharmacokinetic profiles as well as feasible BBB penetration were anticipated for compound 3e using ADME and BBB permeation prediction studies. Accordingly, the synthesized compounds, in particular compound 3e, can be treated as promising lead compounds for AD treatment with future further optimization.

Potential COX-2 inhibitors modulating NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways: Design, synthesis and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Pterostilbene-carboxylic acid derivatives with an oxime ether moiety

In this work, a series of novel Pterostilbene-oxime ether-carboxylic acid (POC) derivatives (d1-d10, e1-e10 and 1-13) were designed, synthesized, and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. In order to further determine the absolute configuration of these compounds, one of them, compound d3, was investigated by X-ray single crystal diffraction method. d3 had a triclinic crystal with P-1 space group, and its CHCH and CHN was confirmed as E configuration. A strong hydrogen bond was formed between the hydrogen atom in CHCH moiety and the nitrogen atom in CHN moiety, which was a vital factor in the formation and stability of E configuration in the CHCH and CHN. The safety and anti-inflammatory activities of compounds (d1-d10, e1-e10 and 1-13) in vitro were evaluated. At 20 μM, compounds (d1-d10, e1-e10 and 1-13 were non-toxic and exhibited weak to strong inhibitory effects on the LPS-induced NO release. Among them, five compounds (1, 2, 7, 8 and 9) showed excellent anti-inflammatory effects with IC50 (NO) values ranging from 9.87 to 19.78 μM, as well as strong COX-2 inhibitory abilities with IC50 (COX-2) values ranging from 85.44 to 140.88 nM. Moreover, there was a rough positive correlation between their anti-inflammatory properties and the COX-2 inhibitory abilities. Compounds (1, 2, 7, 8 and 9) smoothly docked with COX-2 protein (PDB ID: 5KIR) to form stable complexes with strong hydrogen bonds, with an affinity range of -8.3 to -9.9 kcal/mol. SAR indicated that the amidation of POC at R2 position was more favorable for enhancing the compound's biological actives than esterification. In addition, the 4-fluobenzyl substitution at R2 position of the oxime ether moiety can obviously enhance the activity of above amide derivates. Introducing acyl groups (CO(CH2)nCH3, n = 2, 4 and 6) into NH(CH2)3OH group to form ester chain is disadvantageous for activity enhancing, moreover, the longer the carbon chain, the poorer the activity. The strongest COX-2 inhibitor (IC50 (COX-2) = 85.44 ± 3.88 nM), compound 7, exerted as anti-inflammatory activities (IC50 (NO) = 9.87 ± 1.38 μM) by down-regulating the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and modulating NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.

Recent advances in anticancer mechanisms of molecular glue degraders: focus on RBM39-dgrading synthetic sulfonamide such as indisulam, E7820, tasisulam, and chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide

Synthetic sulfonamide anticancer drugs, including E7820, indisulam, tasisulam, and chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide, exhibit diverse mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, functioning as molecular glue degraders. E7820 targets RBM39, affecting RNA splicing and angiogenesis by suppressing integrin α2. Phase I studies have demonstrated some stability in advanced solid malignancies; however, further efficacy studies are required. Indisulam causes G1 cell cycle arrest and delays the G1/S transition by modulating splicing through RBM39 degradation via DCAF15. Despite its limited initial efficacy, it shows promise in combination therapies, particularly for hematopoietic malignancies and gliomas. Tasisulam inhibits VEGF signaling, suppresses angiogenesis, and induces apoptosis. Although early trials indicated broad activity, safety concerns have halted its development. Chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide, initially investigated for cell cycle arrest and topoisomerase II inhibition, was discontinued owing to its limited efficacy and toxicity, despite promising initial results. Recent studies revealed the structural interaction of E7820 with DCAF15 and RBM39, although phase II trials on myeloid malignancies have shown limited efficacy. Indisulam is effective against glioblastoma and neuroblastoma, with potential synergy in combination therapies and metabolic disruption. Recent research on tasisulam reveals its potential in cancer therapy by targeting RBM39 degradation through DCAF15-mediated pathways. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments that affect alternative splicing and improve cancer therapies Overall, although these drugs exhibit promising mechanisms of action, further research is required to optimize their clinical efficacy and safety.

Fragment-Based Anti-inflammatory Agent Design and Target Identification: Discovery of AF-45 as an IRAK4 Inhibitor to Treat Ulcerative Colitis and Acute Lung Injury

UC and ALI are inflammatory diseases with limited treatment in the clinic. Herein, fragment-based anti-inflammatory agent designs were carried out deriving from cyclohexylamine/cyclobutylamine and several fragments from anti-inflammatory agents in our lab. AF-45 (IC50 = 0.53/0.60 μM on IL-6/TNF-α in THP-1 macrophages) was identified as the optimal molecule using ELISA and MTT assays from the 33 synthesized compounds. Through mechanistic studies and a systematic target search process, AF-45 was found to block the NF-κB/MAPK pathway and target IRAK4, a promising target for inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The selectivity of AF-45 targeting IRAK4 was validated by comparing its effects on other kinase/nonkinase proteins. In vivo, AF-45 exhibited a good therapeutic effect on UC and ALI, and favorable PK proprieties. Since there are currently no clinical or preclinical trials for IRAK4 inhibitors to treat UC and ALI, AF-45 provides a new lead compound or candidate targeting IRAK4 for the treatment of these diseases.

Discovery of 6-Acylamino/Sulfonamido Benzoxazolone with IL-6 Inhibitory Activity as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis has been widely concerned for its persistent upward trend, and the sustained overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 remains a crucial factor in the development of UC. Therefore, the identification of new effective drugs to block inflammatory responses is an urgent and viable therapeutic strategy for UC. In our research, twenty-three 6-acylamino/sulfonamido benzoxazolone derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity against NO and IL-6 production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The results demonstrated that most of the target compounds were capable of reducing the overexpression of NO and IL-6 to a certain degree. For the most active compounds 3i, 3j and 3 l, the inhibitory activities were superior or equivalent to those of the positive drug celecoxib with a dose-dependent relationship. Furthermore, animal experiments revealed that active derivatives 3i, 3j and 3 l exhibited definitive therapeutical effect on DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice by mitigating weight loss and DAI score while decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IFN-γ, simultaneously increasing production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10. In addition, compounds 3i, 3j and 3 l could also inhibit the oxidative stress to alleviate ulcerative colitis by decreasing MDA and MPO levels. These finding demonstrated that compounds 3i, 3j and 3 l hold significant potential as novel therapeutic agents for ulcerative colitis.

Promoting the suitability of graphitic carbon nitride and metal oxide nanoparticles: A review of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation

The widespread consumption of pharmaceutical drugs and their incomplete breakdown in organisms has led to their extensive presence in aquatic environments. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, such as sulfonamides, has contributed to the development of drug-resistant bacteria and the persistent pollution of water bodies, posing a threat to human health and the safety of the environment. Thus, it is paramount to explore remediation technologies aimed at decomposing and complete elimination of the toxic contaminants from pharmaceutical wastewater. The review aims to explore the utilization of metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) and graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) in photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides from wastewater. Recent advances in oxidation techniques such as photocatalytic degradation are being exploited in the elimination of the sulfonamides from wastewater. MONP and g-C3N4 are commonly evolved nano substances with intrinsic properties. They possessed nano-scale structure, considerable porosity semi-conducting properties, responsible for decomposing wide range of water pollutants. They are widely applied for photocatalytic degradation of organic and inorganic substances which continue to evolve due to the low-cost, efficiency, less toxicity, and more environmentally friendliness of the materials. The review focuses on the current advances in the application of these materials, their efficiencies, degradation mechanisms, and recyclability in the context of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation.

Discovery of novel tetrahydrobenzothiophene derivatives as MSBA inhibitors for antimicrobial agents

The incidence of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria has been one of the most serious health threats in the past and is substantially increasing in an alarming rate. Therefore, the development of new antimicrobial agents to combat bacterial resistance effectively is urgent. This study focused on the design and synthesis of 40 novel tetrahydrobenzothiophene amide/sulfonamide derivatives and their antibacterial activities were evaluated. Compounds 2p, 6p, and 6 s exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria. To assess their safety, the cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed using human normal liver cells, revealing that compound 6p has lower cytotoxicity. A mouse wound healing experiment demonstrated that compound 6p effectively improved wound infection induced by trauma and accelerated the healing process. Compound 6p holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for combating bacterial infections.