Shooting three inflammatory targets with a single bullet: Novel multi-targeting anti-inflammatory glitazones.
Elzahhar, P.A., Alaaeddine, R., Ibrahim, T.M., Nassra, R., Ismail, A., Chua, B.S.K., Frkic, R.L., Bruning, J.B., Wallner, N., Knape, T., von Knethen, A., Labib, H., El-Yazbi, A.F., Belal, A.S.F.(2019) Eur J Med Chem 167: 562-582
- PubMed: 30818268 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.034
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
6E5A - PubMed Abstract: 
In search for effective multi-targeting drug ligands (MTDLs) to address low-grade inflammatory changes of metabolic disorders, we rationally designed some novel glitazones-like compounds. This was achieved by incorporating prominent pharmacophoric motifs from previously reported COX-2, 15-LOX and PPARγ ligands. Challenging our design with pre-synthetic docking experiments on PPARγ showed encouraging results. In vitro tests have identified 4 compounds as simultaneous partial PPARγ agonist, potent COX-2 antagonist (nanomolar IC 50 values) and moderate 15-LOX inhibitor (micromolar IC 50 values). We envisioned such outcome as a prototypical balanced modulation of the 3 inflammatory targets. In vitro glucose uptake assay defined six compounds as insulin-sensitive and the other two as insulin-independent glucose uptake enhancers. Also, they were able to induce PPARγ nuclear translocation in immunohistochemical analysis. Their anti-inflammatory potential has been translated to effective inhibition of monocyte to macrophage differentiation, suppression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages, as well as significant in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Ligand co-crystallized PPARγ X-ray of one of MTDLs has identified new clues that could serve as structural basis for its partial agonism. Docking of the most active compounds into COX-2 and 15-LOX active sites, pinpointed favorable binding patterns, similar to those of the co-crystallized ligands. Finally, in silico assessment of pharmacokinetics, physicochemical properties, drug-likeness and ligand efficiency indices was performed. Hence, we anticipate that the prominent biological profile of such series will rationalize relevant anti-inflammatory drug development endeavors.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.