Chemistry and pharmacokinetics of diarylthiophenes and terphenyls as selective COX-2 inhibitors

Redox-Divergent Construction of (Dihydro)thiophenes with DMSO

Thiophene-based rings are one of the most widely used building blocks for the synthesis of sulfur-containing molecules. Inspired by the redox diversity of these features in nature, we demonstrate herein a redox-divergent construction of dihydrothiophenes, thiophenes, and bromothiophenes from the respective readily available allylic alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and HBr. The redox-divergent selectivity could be manipulated mainly by controlling the dosage of DMSO and HBr. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMSO simultaneously acts as an oxidant and a sulfur donor. The synthetic potentials of the products as platform molecules were also demonstrated by various derivatizations, including the preparation of bioactive and functional molecules.

Classification of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Using Support Vector Machine and Random Forest Methods

This work reports the classification study conducted on the biggest COX-2 inhibitor data set so far. Using 2925 diverse COX-2 inhibitors collected from 168 pieces of literature, we applied machine learning methods, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), to develop 12 classification models. The best SVM and RF models resulted in MCC values of 0.73 and 0.72, respectively. The 2925 COX-2 inhibitors were reduced to a data set of 1630 molecules by removing intermediately active inhibitors, and 12 new classification models were constructed, yielding MCC values above 0.72. The best MCC value of the external test set was predicted to be 0.68 by the RF model using ECFP_4 fingerprints. Moreover, the 2925 COX-2 inhibitors were clustered into eight subsets, and the structural features of each subset were investigated. We identified substructures important for activity including halogen, carboxyl, sulfonamide, and methanesulfonyl groups, as well as the aromatic nitrogen atoms. The models developed in this study could serve as useful tools for compound screening prior to lab tests.

Rational Use of Heterogeneous Data in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Modeling of Cyclooxygenase/Lipoxygenase Inhibitors

Numerous studies have been published in recent years with acceptable quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling based on heterogeneous data. In many cases, the training sets for QSAR modeling were constructed from compounds tested by different biological assays, contradicting the opinion that QSAR modeling should be based on the data measured by a single protocol. We attempted to develop approaches that help to determine how heterogeneous data should be used for the creation of QSAR models on the basis of different sets of compounds tested by different experimental methods for the same target and the same endpoint. To this end, more than 100 QSAR models for the IC50 values of ligands interacting with cyclooxygenase 1,2 (COX) and seed lipoxygenase (LOX), obtained from ChEMBL database were created using the GUSAR software. The QSAR models were tested on the external set, including 26 new thiazolidinone derivatives, which were experimentally tested for COX-1,2/LOX inhibition. The IC50 values of the derivatives varied from 89 μM to 26 μM for LOX, from 200 μM to 0.018 μM for COX-1, and from 210 μM to 1 μM for COX-2. This study showed that the accuracy of the models is dependent on the distribution of IC50 values of low activity compounds in the training sets. In the most cases, QSAR models created based on the combined training sets had advantages in comparison with QSAR models, based on a single publication. We introduced a new method of combination of quantitative data from different experimental studies based on the data of reference compounds, which was called "scaling".

Site-selective Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of heteroaryl halides - understanding the trends for pharmaceutically important classes

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of heteroaryl polyhalides with aryl boronates are surveyed. Drawing on data from literature sources as well as bespoke searches of Pfizer's global chemistry RKB and CAS Scifinder® databases, the factors that determine the site-selectivity of these reactions are discussed with a view to rationalising the trends found.

A novel allosteric inhibitor of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a catalytic cytokine and an upstream mediator of the inflammatory pathway. MIF has broad regulatory properties, dysregulation of which has been implicated in the pathology of multiple immunological diseases. Inhibition of MIF activity with small molecules has proven beneficial in a number of disease models. Known small molecule MIF inhibitors typically bind in the tautomerase site of the MIF trimer, often covalently modifying the catalytic proline. Allosteric MIF inhibitors, particularly those that associate with the protein by noncovalent interactions, could reveal novel ways to block MIF activity for therapeutic benefit and serve as chemical probes to elucidate the structural basis for the diverse regulatory properties of MIF. In this study, we report the identification and functional characterization of a novel allosteric MIF inhibitor. Identified from a high throughput screening effort, this sulfonated azo compound termed p425 strongly inhibited the ability of MIF to tautomerize 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate. Furthermore, p425 blocked the interaction of MIF with its receptor, CD74, and interfered with the pro-inflammatory activities of the cytokine. Structural studies revealed a unique mode of binding for p425, with a single molecule of the inhibitor occupying the interface of two MIF trimers. The inhibitor binds MIF mainly on the protein surface through hydrophobic interactions that are stabilized by hydrogen bonding with four highly specific residues from three different monomers. The mode of p425 binding reveals a unique way to block the activity of the cytokine for potential therapeutic benefit in MIF-associated diseases.

Triaryl (Z)-olefins suitable for radiolabeling with carbon-11 or fluorine-18 radionuclides for positron emission tomography imaging of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in pathological disease

A group of (Z)-1,1-diphenyl-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)alk-1-enes were synthesized using methodologies that will allow incorporation of a [(11)C]OCH(3) substituent at the para-position of the C-1 phenyl ring, a [(11)C]SO(2)CH(3) substituent at the para-position of the C-2 phenyl ring, a [(18)F]OCH(2)CH(2)F substituent at the para-position of the C-1 phenyl ring, and a [(18)F]CH(2)CH(2)F substituent at the C-2 position of the olefinic bond. The [(11)C] and [(18)F] radiotracers are designed as potential radiopharmaceuticals to image cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in any organ where COX-2 is upregulated. The COX-1/COX-2 inhibition data acquired suggest that compounds having a [(11)C]OMe or [(18)F]OCH(2)CH(2)F substituent at the para-position of the C-1 phenyl ring may be more suitable for imaging COX-2 expression in view of their ability to exclusively inhibit the COX-2 isozyme.

Localization of cyclooxygenase-2 in mice testis and assessment of its possible role through suppressing its expression using nimesulide: a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Present generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are potent inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Even though they exhibit reduced incidence of gastrotoxicity, severe nephrotoxicity and other side effects have been widely reported with respect to usage of these drugs. Since COX-2 levels are not only upregulated by inflammation but also by other stimuli such as cytokines, growth factors, mitogens and steroid hormones, we investigated the localization of COX-2 and activity of both COX-1 and COX-2 in mice testis. To correlate the localization of COX-2 with its function we suppressed COX-2 expression with the aid of nimesulide a preferential COX-2 inhibitor. We found COX-2 was constitutively expressed in the Leydig cells of mice testis suggesting a role on testosterone synthesis. Suppression of COX-2 resulted in increased concentration of most of polyunsaturated fatty acids especially arachidonic acid (AA). Prostaglandin (PG) levels which showed an initial decline during nimesulide treatment had a reversible effect during prolonged treatment. These findings state that cyclooxygenase is constitutively expressed in mice testis and continuous inhibition of COX-2 interferes in maturation of sperm.

Discovery of novel biaryl heterocyclic EP1 receptor antagonists

We describe the generation of novel EP(1) receptor antagonists by investigation of thiophene isosteres. In addition, we disclose preliminary in vitro and in vivo DMPK for selected compounds.

Prenatal effects of DuP-697-the irreversible, highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

DuP-697 (5-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-thiophene), like celecoxib and rofecoxib, is a vicinal diaryl heterocycle highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. The aim of the study was to evaluate prenatal tolerability of DuP-697. The drug was administered orally in Tween 80 water suspension once a day to pregnant Wistar rats, on Days 7-18 of gestation. The initial dose, similar to the rat antipyretic dose, was set at 0.05 mg/kg. The middle dose, 3.5 mg/kg, corresponded to the rat anti-inflammatory and analgesic dose. The high dose was set at 35.0 mg/kg. Control animals received Tween 80 water suspension. On Day 21 of gestation, fetuses were delivered by laparotomy and double stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S or examined using the Wilson technique. Intrauterine growth retardation occurred in the groups exposed to the middle and highest dose of DuP-697. Minimal reactive and degenerative hepatic changes were found in both drug-exposed and control groups. Skeletal malformations were seen occasionally in all drug-treated and control groups. A significant increase in skeleton variations, such as delayed and asymmetrical ossification, was observed in fetuses exposed to the highest drug dose when compared with the control. These changes were not increased (P<0.1) in the middle drug-dose group. The experimentally-derived NOAEL for developmental toxicity was 0.05 mg/kg, and the corresponding LOAEL was 3.5 mg/kg.

Synthesis of heteroaromatic analogues of (2-aryl-1-cyclopentenyl-1-alkylidene)-(arylmethyloxy)amine COX-2 inhibitors: effects on the inhibitory activity of the replacement of the cyclopentene central core with pyrazole, thiophene or isoxazole ring

Several heteroaromatic analogues of (2-aryl-1-cyclopentenyl-1-alkylidene)-(arylmethyloxy)amine COX-2 inhibitors, in which the cyclopentene moiety was replaced by pyrazole, thiophene or isoxazole ring, were synthesized, in order to verify the influence of the different nature of the central core on the COX inhibitory properties of these kinds of molecules. Among the compounds tested, only the 3-(p-methylsulfonylphenyl) substituted thiophene derivatives 17 and 22, showed a certain COX-2 inhibitory activity, accompanied by an appreciable COX-2 versus COX-1 selectivity. Only one of the 1-(p-methylsulfonylphenyl)pyrazole compounds (16) displayed a modest inhibitory activity towards both type of isoenzymes, while the pyrazole 1-(p-aminosulfonylphenyl) substituted 12 proved to be significantly active only towards COX-1. All the isoxazole derivatives were inactive on both COX isoforms.

Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes via palladium-catalyzed coupling and electrophilic cyclization of terminal acetylenes

2,3-Disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes have been prepared in excellent yields via coupling of terminal acetylenes with commercially available o-iodothioanisole in the presence of a palladium catalyst and subsequent electrophilic cyclization of the resulting o-(1-alkynyl)thioanisole derivatives. I(2), Br(2), NBS, p-O(2)NC(6)H(4)SCl, and PhSeCl have been utilized as electrophiles. Aryl-, vinyl-, and alkyl-substituted terminal acetylenes undergo this coupling and cyclization to produce excellent yields of benzo[b]thiophenes. (Trimethylsilyl)acetylene also undergoes this coupling/cyclization process with I(2), NBS, and the sulfur and selenium electrophiles to afford the corresponding 2-(trimethylsilyl)benzo[b]thiophenes. However, cyclization of the silyl-containing thioanisole using Br(2) affords 2,3-dibromobenzo[b]thiophene.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors--current status and future prospects

Prostaglandins are formed from arachidonic acid by the action of cyclooxygenase and subsequent downstream synthetases. Two closely related forms of the cyclooxygenase have been identified which are now known as COX-1 and COX-2. Both isoenzymes transform arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, but differ in their distribution and their physiological roles. Meanwhile, the responsible genes and their regulation have been clarified. COX-1, the pre-dominantly constitutive form of the enzyme, is expressed throughout the body and performs a number of homeostatic functions such as maintaining normal gastric mucosa and influencing renal blood flow and platelet aggregation. In contrast, the inducible form is expressed in response to inflammatory and other physiological stimuli and growth factors, and is involved in the production of the prostaglandins that mediate pain and support the inflammatory process. All the classic NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 at standard anti-inflammatory doses. The beneficial anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are based on the inhibition of COX-2, but the gastrointestinal toxicity and the mild bleeding diathesis are a result of the concurrent inhibition of COX-1. Agents that inhibit COX-2 while sparing COX-1 represent a new attractive therapeutic development and could represent a major advance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Apart from its involvement in inflammatory processes, COX-2 seems to play a role in angiogenesis, colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease, based on the fact that it is expressed during these diseases. The benefits of specific and selective COX-2 inhibitors are currently under discussion and offer a new perspective for a further use of COX-2 inhibitors.

2-heterosubstituted-3-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-5-trifluoromethyl pyridines as selective and orally active cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

A series of novel 2-alkoxy, 2-thioalkoxy and 2-amino-3-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenylpyridines has been synthesized and shown to be highly potent and selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies have demonstrated that central pyridine ring substituents play an important role in the COX-2 potency, selectivity vs the COX-1 enzyme, and oral activity.

Terphenyl cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors: optimization of the central ring and o-biphenyl analogs

The discovery of terphenyl derivatives as highly selective COX-2 inhibitors resulted from our efforts to overcome poor pharmacokinetics demonstrated by the COX-2 selective diarylthiophene DuP 697 [2-bromo-4-(4'-sulfonylmethyl)phenyl-5-(4'-fluoro)phenylthiophe ne]. Detailed SAR related to the ortho-biphenyls and variants of the central ring are described herein.