Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of benzimidazole/benzothiazole and benzoxazole derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors

We have synthesised a series of 2-[[2-alkoxy-6-pentadecylphenyl)methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazoles/benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles from anacardic acid and investigated their ability to inhibit human cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2). The active compounds were screened for cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition. Compound 13 is 384-fold and 19 is more than 470-fold selective towards COX-2 compared to COX-1. Thus, this class of compounds may serve as excellent candidates for selective COX-2 inhibition.     

Conformationally restricted 3,4-diarylfuranones (2,3a,4,5-tetrahydronaphthofuranones) as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

A number of naphthofuranones were synthesized and tested for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. Few of them were identified as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies within the series are discussed.     

QSAR studies on structurally similar 2-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)pyran-4-ones as selective COX-2 inhibitors: a Hansch approach

QSAR analysis based on classical Hansch approach was adopted on two recently reported novel series of 2-phenylpyran-4-ones as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. The 6-methyl derivatives of title compounds bifurcate as 3-phenoxypyran-4-ones (subset A) and 3-phenylpyran-4-ones (subset B) among series 1. Series 2 consists of 5-chloro derivatives of title compounds. Various regression equations were derived to study the influence of phenoxy and phenyl ring substituents of series 1 compounds on COX-2, COX-1 and selective COX-2 over COX-1 inhibitory activity. The best triparametric equation derived for 36 compounds of series 1 explains the hydrophobic, electronic and steric requirements for improved COX-2 inhibitory activity. QSAR model derived to explore the selective COX-2 over COX-1 inhibition showed that selectivity could be influenced by size and lipophilicity of substituents. The size of the first atom of 2 substituents appears to have negative effect on selectivity, whereas highly polar 3 substituents at R are favorable for improved selectivity. QSAR investigations on series 2 compounds revealed some interesting correlation of COX-2 inhibitory activity with calculated physicochemical properties of whole molecules. The positive logP confirms the hydrophobic interaction of series 2 compounds with COX-2 enzyme. The positive MR term indicates that an overall increase in size and polarizabilty of the molecules increases COX-2 inhibitory activity. The positive contribution of structural variable suggests biphenyl analogs are extremely potent COX-2 inhibitors.     

Resveratrol analogues as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: synthesis and structure-activity relationship

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is found in grapes and various medical plants. Among cytotoxic, antifungal, antibacterial cardioprotective activity resveratrol also demonstrates non-selective cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. In order to find more selective COX-2 inhibitors a series of methoxylated and hydroxylated resveratrol derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit both enzymes using in vitro inhibition assays for COX-1 and COX-2 by measuring PGE(2) production. Hydroxylated but not methoxylated resveratrol derivatives showed a high rate of inhibition. The most potent resveratrol compounds were 3,3',4',5-tetra-trans-hydroxystilbene (COX-1: IC(50)=4.713, COX-2: IC(50)=0.0113 microM, selectivity index=417.08) and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexa-hydroxy-trans-stilbene (COX-1: IC(50)=0.748, COX-2: IC(50)=0.00104 microM, selectivity index=719.23). Their selectivity index was in part higher than celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor already established on the market (COX-1: IC(50)=19.026, COX-2: IC(50)=0.03482 microM, selectivity index=546.41). Effect of structural parameters on COX-2 inhibition was evaluated by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis and a high correlation was found with the topological surface area TPSA (r=0.93). Docking studies on both COX-1 and COX-2 protein structures also revealed that hydroxylated but not methoxylated resveratrol analogues are able to bind to the previously identified binding sites of the enzymes. Hydroxylated resveratrol analogues therefore represent a novel class of highly selective COX-2 inhibitors and promising candidates for in vivo studies.     

Novel 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

A series of novel 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors was prepared via treatment of various diaryl amides with tetrachlorosilane/sodium azide. All compounds were tested in cyclooxygenase (COX) assays in vitro to determine COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory potency and selectivity. Tetrazoles contained a methylsulfonyl or sulfonamide group as COX-2 pharmacophore displayed only low inhibitory potency towards COX-2. Most potent compounds showed IC(50) values of 6 and 7 μM for COX-2. All compounds showed IC(50) values greater 100 μM for COX-1 inhibition.     

'Bridged' stilbene derivatives as selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors

Resveratrol ((E)-3,4',5-trihydroxy-stilbene), a phytoalexin found in various plants, shows non-selective cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. In order to find more selective COX inhibitors a series of bridged stilbene derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 in vitro. The compounds showed a high rate of COX-1 inhibition with the most potent compounds exhibiting submicromolar IC(50) values and high selectivity indices. A prediction model for COX-inhibiting activity was also developed using the classical LIE approach resulting in consistent docking data for our molecule sample. Phenyl substituted 1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives and 1H-indene derivatives therefore represent a novel class of highly selective COX-1 inhibitors and land promising candidates for in vivo studies.     

3-(2-Methoxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrazoles: a novel class of potent, selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

A series of 3-(2-methoxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)pyrazoles (4–10) was synthesized. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in human whole blood (HWB). The compound, 5-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-3-(2-methoxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazole 5 showed potent and selective COX-2 inhibition (IC₅₀ for COX-1: >100 μM and COX-2: 1.2 μM).     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1,3,5-Trisubstituted 2-Pyrazolines as Novel Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors with Antiproliferative Activity

A new series of 1,3,5-trisubstituted 2-pyrazolines for the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were synthesized. The designed structures include a COX-2 pharmacophore SO₂CH₃ at the para-position of the phenyl ring located at C-5 of a pyrazoline scaffold. The synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition and cell toxicity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HT-29. The lead compound (4-chlorophenyl){5-[4-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl]-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}methanone ( 16 ) showed significant COX-2 inhibition (IC₅₀=0.05±0.01 μM), and antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀=5.46±4.71 μM). Molecular docking studies showed that new pyrazoline-based compounds interact via multiple hydrophobic and hydrogen-bond interactions with key binding site residues of the COX-2 enzyme.     

Rational drug design and synthesis of new α-Santonin derivatives as potential COX-2 inhibitors

Sesquiterpene compounds are widely known for their numerous pharmacological activities. Herein the focus of the authors was on α-Santonin, a sesquiterpene lactone from the Artemisia genus: the aim was to determine whether α-Santonin could be considered in the treatment of inflammation and pain. To this purpose, a small series of derivatives was designed and screened in silico against the enzyme COX-2 along with the parent compound. Drug-likeness parameters were also assessed. The compounds were eventually synthesized, and few were tested to determine their efficacy in the inhibition of COX-2 activity and expression. Overall, compound A2 was the only one with a detectable inhibitory potential of COX-2 activity whilst two of its ether derivatives demonstrated improved ability in the inhibition of COX-2 expression.     

Disruption of cyclooxygenase-2 prevents downregulation of cortical AQP2 and AQP3 in response to bilateral ureteral obstruction in the mouse

Bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) in rats is associated with increased cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) expression, and selective COX-2 inhibition prevents downregulation of aquaporins (AQPs) in response to BUO. It was hypothesized that a murine model would display similar changes in renal COX-2 and AQPs upon BUO and that targeted disruption of COX-2 protects against BUO-induced suppression of collecting duct AQPs. COX-2(-/-) and wild-type littermates (C57BL/6) were employed to determine COX-1, -2, AQP2, and AQP3 protein abundances and localization after BUO. In a separate series, sham and BUO wild-type mice were treated with a selective COX-2 inhibitor, parecoxib. The COX-2 protein level increased in wild-type mice in response to BUO and was not detectable in COX-2(-/-). COX-1 protein abundance was increased in sham-operated and BUO mice. Total AQP2 and -3 mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly after BUO in the cortex+outer medulla (C+OM) and inner medulla (IM). The decrease in C+OM AQP2 and -3 levels was attenuated/prevented in COX-2(-/-) mice, whereas there was no change in the IM. In parallel, inhibition of COX-2 by parecoxib rescued C+OM AQP3 and IM AQP2 protein level in wild-type mice subjected to BUO. In summary, 1) In C57BL/6 mice, ureteral obstruction increases renal COX-2 expression in interstitial cells and lowers AQP2/-3 abundance and 2) inhibition of COX-2 activity by targeted disruption or pharmacological blockade attenuates obstruction-induced AQP downregulation. In conclusion, COX-2-derived prostaglandins contribute to downregulation of transcellular water transporters in the collecting duct and likely to postobstruction diureses in the mouse.     

Synthesis and cyclooxygenase inhibition of various (aryl-1,2,3-triazole-1-yl)-methanesulfonylphenyl derivatives

A series of 1,4- and 1,5-diaryl substituted 1,2,3-triazoles was synthesized by either Cu(I)-catalyzed or Ru(II)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between 1-azido-4-methane-sulfonylbenzene 9 and a panel of various para-substituted phenyl acetylenes (4-H, 4-Me, 4-OMe, 4-NMe₂, 4-Cl, 4-F). All compounds were used in in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) assays to determine the combined electronic and steric effects upon COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory potency and selectivity. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that compounds having a vicinal diaryl substitution pattern showed more potent COX-2 inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.03–0.36 μM) compared to their corresponding 1,3-diaryl-substituted counterparts (IC₅₀ = 0.15 to >10.0 μM). In both series, compounds possessing an electron-withdrawing group (Cl and F) at the para-position of one of the aryl rings displayed higher COX-2 inhibition potency and selectivity as determined for compounds containing electron-donating groups (Me, OMe, NMe₂). The obtained data show, that the central carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system as found in many COX-2 inhibitors can be replaced by a central 1,2,3-triazole unit without losing COX-2 inhibition potency and selectivity. The high COX-2 inhibition potency of some 1,2,3-triazoles having a vicinal diaryl substitution pattern along with their ease in synthesis through versatile Ru(II)-catalyzed click chemistry make this class of compounds interesting candidates for further design and synthesis of highly selective and potent COX-2 inhibitors.     

QSAR analysis of meclofenamic acid analogues as selective COX-2 inhibitors

The use of quantitative structure-activity relationships, since its advent, has become increasingly helpful in understanding many aspects of biochemical interactions in drug research. This approach was utilized to explain the relationship of structure with biological activity of selective COX-2 inhibitors. The enormity of the COX-2 discovery is reflected in the unprecedented speed at which research laboratories have sought to validate its clinical implications. Presented herein is a series of 21 derivatives of meclofenamic acid with selective COX-2 inhibitory activity. Several statistically significant regression expressions were obtained for both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition using sequential multiple linear regression analysis method. Two of these models were selected and validated further, which revealed the importance of Kier molecular flexibility index for COX-2 inhibitory activity and the number of hydrogen bond donor atoms for COX-1 inhibitory activity. Additionally, linear correlation of molecular flexibility with COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities revealed that flexibility of molecules at COX-2 active site can improve the selectivity of COX-2 inhibitors.     

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of substituted hydrazone and pyrazole derivatives as selective COX-2 inhibitors: Molecular docking study

New arylhydrazone derivatives and a series of 1,5-diphenyl pyrazoles were designed and synthesized from 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4,4-trifuorobutane-1,3-dione 1. The newly synthesized compounds were investigated in vivo for their anti-inflammatory activities using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. Moreover, they were tested for their inhibitory activity against ovine COX-1 and COX-2 using an in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition assay. Some of the new compounds (2f, 6a and 6d) showed a reasonable in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activity, with IC?? value of 0.45 μM and selectivity index of 111.1. A virtual screening was carried out through docking the designed compounds into the COX-2 binding site to predict if these compounds have analogous binding mode to the COX-2 inhibitors. Docking study of the synthesized compounds 2f, 6a and 6d into the active site of COX-2 revealed a similar binding mode to SC-558, a selective COX-2 inhibitor.     

Design,synthesis, and biological evaluation of ketoprofen analogs as potent cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

A new series of ketoprofen analogs were synthesized to evaluate their biological activities as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. In vitro COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition studies showed that all compounds were potent and selective inhibitors of the COX-2 isozyme with IC₅₀ values in the highly potent 0.057–0.085 μM range, and COX-2 selectivity indexes in the 115 to >1298.7 range. Compounds possessing azido pharmacophore group (8a and 8b) exhibited highly COX-2 inhibitory selectivity and potency even more than reference drug celecoxib. Molecular modeling studies indicated that the azido substituent can be inserted deeply into the secondary pocket of COX-2 active site for interactions with Arg⁵¹³.     

Indolyl esters and amides related to indomethacin are selective COX-2 inhibitors

Previous studies from our laboratory have revealed that esterification/amidation of the carboxylic acid moiety in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin, generates potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors. In the present study, a series of reverse ester/amide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Most of the reverse esters/amides displayed time-dependent COX-2 inhibition with IC₅₀ values in the low nanomolar range. Replacement of the 4-chlorobenzoyl group on the indole nitrogen with a 4-bromobenzyl moiety resulted in compounds that retained selective COX-2 inhibitory potency. In addition to inhibiting COX-2 activity in vitro, the reverse esters/amides also inhibited COX-2 activity in the mouse macrophage-like cell line, RAW264.7. Overall, this strategy broadens the scope of our previous methodology of neutralizing the carboxylic acid group in NSAIDs as a means of generating COX-2-selective inhibitors and is potentially applicable to other NSAIDs.     

The structure of NS-398 bound to cyclooxygenase-2

The cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) are membrane-associated, heme-containing homodimers that generate prostaglandin H₂ from arachidonic acid (AA) in the committed step of prostaglandin biogenesis and are the targets for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl) methanesulfonamide (NS-398) was the first in a series of isoform-selective drugs designed to preferentially inhibit COX-2, with the aim of ameliorating many of the toxic gastrointestinal side effects caused by conventional NSAID inhibition. We determined the X-ray crystal structure of murine COX-2 in complex with NS-398 utilizing synchrotron radiation to 3.0 A resolution. NS-398 binds in the cyclooxygenase channel in a conformation that is different than that observed for other COX-2-selective inhibitors, such as celecoxib, with no discernible penetration into the side pocket formed in COX-2 by the isoform-specific substitutions of I434V, H513R, and I523V. Instead, the methanesulfonamide moiety of NS-398 interacts with the side chain of Arg-120 at the opening of the cyclooxygenase channel, similar to that observed for acidic, nonselective NSAIDs such as indomethacin and flurbiprofen. Our structure validates inhibitor studies that identified Arg-120 as a molecular determinant for time-dependent inhibition of COX-2 by NS-398.     

Inhibitory mode of 2-acetoxyphenyl alkyl sulfides against COX-1 and COX-2: QSAR analyses

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors is an important strategy in design of potent anti-inflammatory compounds with significantly reduced side effects. Therefore, QSAR studies of 2-acetoxyphenyl alkyl sulfides were performed using Bioloom, CAChe 6.1, and Dragon 3.0 for the COX-2 and COX-1 inhibition. The analyses have produced good predictive and statistically significant QSAR models. These studies suggest that lipophilicity affects both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition in different manner and indicator variables like presence of aromatic ring and triple bond play an important role in COX-2 selectivity. Branching in the molecule, higher path length 6 rich in polarizability, and lesser number of carbonyl groups would be favorable for COX-2 inhibition. Fourth highest eigenvalue of burden matrix corresponding to atomic mass would be favorable for COX-2 inhibition and sixth lowest eigenvalue of burden matrix corresponding to Sanderson electronegativities is conducive for COX-1 inhibition. Lower path length 3 rich in atomic mass and lesser degree of unsaturation in the molecule would be favorable for COX-1 inhibition.     

(R)-Profens are substrate-selective inhibitors of endocannabinoid oxygenation by COX-2

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the oxygenation of arachidonic acid and the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and arachidonoylethanolamide. Evaluation of a series of COX-2 inhibitors revealed that many weak competitive inhibitors of arachidonic acid oxygenation are potent inhibitors of endocannabinoid oxygenation. (R) enantiomers of ibuprofen, naproxen and flurbiprofen, which are considered to be inactive as COX-2 inhibitors, are potent 'substrate-selective inhibitors' of endocannabinoid oxygenation. Crystal structures of the COX-2–(R)-naproxen and COX-2–(R)-flurbiprofen complexes verified this unexpected binding and defined the orientation of the (R) enantiomers relative to (S) enantiomers. (R)-Profens selectively inhibited endocannabinoid oxygenation by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. Substrate-selective inhibition provides new tools for investigating the role of COX-2 in endocannabinoid oxygenation and a possible explanation for the ability of (R)-profens to maintain endocannabinoid tone in models of neuropathic pain.     

New phenolic cinnamic acid derivatives as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Design,synthesis, biological activity and structure-activity relationships

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme is an important achievement when looking for potent anti-inflammatory agents, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. In this work, a new series of cinnamic acid derivatives, namely hexylamides, have been designed, synthesized and evaluated in human blood for their inhibitory activity of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. From this, new structure-activity relationships were built, showing that phenolic hydroxyl groups are essential for both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. Furthermore, the presence of bulky hydrophobic di-tert-butyl groups in the phenyl ring strongly contributes for selective COX-2 inhibition. In addition, a correlation with the theoretical log P has been carried out, showing that lipophilicity is particularly important for COX-2 inhibition. Further, a plasma protein binding (PPB) prediction has been performed revealing that PPB seems to have no influence in the activity of the studied compounds. From the whole study, effective selective inhibitors of COX-2 were found, namely compound 9 (IC₅₀ = 3.0 ± 0.3 μM), 10 (IC₅₀ = 2.4 ± 0.6 μM) and 23 (IC₅₀ = 1.09 ± 0.09 μM). Those can be considered starting point hit compounds for further optimization as potential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Interactions between 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and COX-2 in kidney

The syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (SAME) is an autosomal recessive form of salt-sensitive hypertension caused by deficiency of the kidney type 2 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD2). In this disorder, cortisol is not inactivated by 11betaHSD2, occupies mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), and causes excessive sodium retention and hypertension. In renal medulla, prostaglandins derived from cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) stimulate sodium and water excretion, and renal medullary COX-2 expression increases after mineralocorticoid administration. We investigated whether medullary COX-2 also increases in rats with 11betaHSD2 inhibition and examined its possible role in the development of hypertension. 11betaHSD2 inhibition increased medullary and decreased cortical COX-2 expression in adult rats and induced high blood pressure in high-salt-treated rats. COX-2 inhibition had no effect on blood pressure in control animals but further increased blood pressure in high-salt-treated rats with 11betaHSD2 inhibition. COX-1 inhibition had no effect on blood pressure in either control or experimental animals. 11betaHSD2 inhibition also led to medullary COX-2 increase and cortical COX-2 decrease in weaning rats, primarily through activation of MRs. In the suckling rats, medullary COX-2 expression was very low, consistent with a urinary concentrating defect. 11betaHSD2 inhibition had no effect on either cortical or medullary COX-2 expression in the suckling rats, consistent with low levels of circulating corticosterone in these animals. These data indicate that COX-2 plays a modulating role in the development of hypertension due to 11betaHSD2 deficiency and that 11betaHSD2 regulates renal COX-2 expression by preventing glucocorticoid access to MRs during postnatal development.