Inhibitor Report for: ASS234

There is no effective treatment to face Alzheimer's disease complexity. Multitarget molecules are a good approach against the multiple physiopathological events associated with its development and progression. In this context, N-((5-(3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl) propoxy)-1- methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine (ASS234) has been tested achieving promising results. ASS234 has demonstrated to cross the blood-brain barrier in vivo, and a good in silico safety profile being less toxic than donepezil. Besides, ASS234 reversibly inhibits human acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase, and irreversibly inhibits human monoamine oxidase A and B. Moreover, this multitarget molecule has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and inhibits Alphabeta1-42 and Alphabeta1-40 self-aggregation. Inquiring about the mechanism of action, several signaling pathways related to Alzheimer's disease had been explored showing that ASS234 induces the wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt) family and several members of the heat shock proteins family and moreover counteracts neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes promoting the induction of several key antioxidant genes. Finally, in vivo experiments with ASS234 in C57BL/6J mice displayed its ability to reduce amyloid plaque burden and gliosis in the cortex and hippocampus, ameliorating scopolamine-induced learning deficits. Here we gather the information regarding ASS234 evaluated so far, showing its ability to face different targets, necessary to counteract a neurodegenerative disease as complex as the Alzheimer's disease.

HIGHLIGHTS: ASS2324 is a hybrid compound resulting from the juxtaposition of donepezil and the propargylamine PF9601N ASS2324 is a multi-target directed propargylamine able to bind to all the AChE/BuChE and MAO A/B enzymesASS2324 shows antioxidant, neuroprotective and suitable permeability propertiesASS2324 restores the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment to the same extent as donepezil, and is less toxicASS2324 prevents beta-amyloid induced aggregation in the cortex of double transgenic miceASS2324 is the most advanced anti-Alzheimer agent for pre-clinical studies that we have identified in our laboratories The complex nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted the design of Multi-Target-Directed Ligands (MTDL) able to bind to diverse biochemical targets involved in the progress and development of the disease. In this context, we have designed a number of MTD propargylamines (MTDP) showing antioxidant, anti-beta-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, as well as cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition capacities. Here, we describe these properties in the MTDL ASS234, our lead-compound ready to enter in pre-clinical studies for AD, as a new multipotent, permeable cholinesterase/monoamine oxidase inhibitor, able to inhibit Abeta-aggregation, and possessing antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) and cholinesterases are validated targets in the design of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The multi-target compound N-((5-(3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)propoxy)-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)-N-methyl prop-2-yn-1-amine (ASS234), bearing the MAO-inhibiting propargyl group attached to a donepezil moiety that inhibits cholinesterases, retained activity against human acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases. The inhibition of MAO A and MAO B by ASS234 was characterized and compared to other known MAO inhibitors. ASS234 was almost as effective as clorgyline (kinact/KI=3x106 min-1M-1) and was shown by structural studies to form the same N5 covalent adduct with the FAD cofactor.

There is no effective treatment to face Alzheimer's disease complexity. Multitarget molecules are a good approach against the multiple physiopathological events associated with its development and progression. In this context, N-((5-(3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl) propoxy)-1- methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine (ASS234) has been tested achieving promising results. ASS234 has demonstrated to cross the blood-brain barrier in vivo, and a good in silico safety profile being less toxic than donepezil. Besides, ASS234 reversibly inhibits human acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase, and irreversibly inhibits human monoamine oxidase A and B. Moreover, this multitarget molecule has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and inhibits Alphabeta1-42 and Alphabeta1-40 self-aggregation. Inquiring about the mechanism of action, several signaling pathways related to Alzheimer's disease had been explored showing that ASS234 induces the wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt) family and several members of the heat shock proteins family and moreover counteracts neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes promoting the induction of several key antioxidant genes. Finally, in vivo experiments with ASS234 in C57BL/6J mice displayed its ability to reduce amyloid plaque burden and gliosis in the cortex and hippocampus, ameliorating scopolamine-induced learning deficits. Here we gather the information regarding ASS234 evaluated so far, showing its ability to face different targets, necessary to counteract a neurodegenerative disease as complex as the Alzheimer's disease.

The therapy of complex neurodegenerative diseases requires the development of multitarget-directed drugs (MTDs). Novel indole derivatives with inhibitory activity towards acetyl/butyrylcholinesterases and monoamine oxidases A/B as well as the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) were obtained by optimization of the neuroprotectant ASS234 by incorporating generally accepted H3R pharmacophore motifs. These small-molecule hits demonstrated balanced activities at the targets, mostly in the nanomolar concentration range. Additional in vitro studies showed antioxidative neuroprotective effects as well as the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. With this promising in vitro profile, contilisant (at 1 mg kg(-1) i.p.) also significantly improved lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive deficits.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo effects on monoaminergic neurotransmission of ASS234, a promising multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL), for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. METHODS: In vitro was explored the effect of ASS234 on the monoaminergic metabolism in SH-SY5Y and PC12 cell lines, and remaining activity of both monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoforms was assessed. The corresponding dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and noradrenaline (NA) levels were determined by HPLC-ED. In-vivo experiments were carried out Wistar rats and intracerebral guide cannulas were implanted in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex by sterotaxic coordinates. The day after microdialysis samples were collected and levels of 5-HT, DA and NA were determined by (UHPLC) with electrochemical detector. KEY FINDINGS: ASS234 induced a significant increase in serotonin (5-HT) levels in SH-SY5Y cells. In PC12 cells, ASS234 increased significantly the ratio of dopamine (DA)/(HVA + DOPAC), although no apparent differences in (NA) were observed. By in-vivo microdialysis, ASS234 showed a significant increase in the extracellular levels of 5-HT and NA in hippocampus whereas in the prefrontal cortex, DA and NA also increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the ability of ASS234 a MTDL compound, to enhance the monoaminergic neurotransmission supporting its potential use in AD therapy.

BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of Alzheimer disease requires the development of multitarget drugs for treating the symptoms of the disease and its progression. Both cholinergic and monoamine oxidase dysfunctions are involved in the pathological process. Thus, we hypothesized that the development of therapies focused on these targets might be effective. We have developed and assessed a new product, coded ASS234, a multipotent acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase/monoamine oxidase A-B inhibitor with a potent inhibitory effect on amyloid-beta aggregation as well as antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. But there is a need to reliably correlate in vitro and in vivo drug release data.
METHODS: We examined the effect of ASS234 on cognition in healthy adult C57BL/6J mice in a model of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment that often accompanies normal and pathological aging. Also, in a characterized transgenic APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 mouse model of Alzheimer disease, we examined the effects of short-term ASS234 treatment on plaque deposition and gliosis using immunohistochemistry. Toxicology of ASS234 was assessed using a quantitative high-throughput in vitro cytotoxicity screening assay following the MTT assay method in HepG2 liver cells.
RESULTS: In vivo, ASS234 significantly decreased scopolamine-induced learning deficits in C57BL/6J mice. Also, reduction of amyloid plaque burden and gliosis in the cortex and hippocampus was assessed. In vitro, ASS234 exhibited lesser toxicity than donepezil and tacrine. LIMITATIONS: The study was conducted in male mice only. Although the Alzheimer disease model does not recapitulate all features of the human disease, it exhibits progressive monoaminergic neurodegeneration. CONCLUSION: ASS234 is a promising alternative drug of choice to treat the cognitive decline and neurodegeneration underlying Alzheimer disease.

HIGHLIGHTS: ASS2324 is a hybrid compound resulting from the juxtaposition of donepezil and the propargylamine PF9601N ASS2324 is a multi-target directed propargylamine able to bind to all the AChE/BuChE and MAO A/B enzymesASS2324 shows antioxidant, neuroprotective and suitable permeability propertiesASS2324 restores the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment to the same extent as donepezil, and is less toxicASS2324 prevents beta-amyloid induced aggregation in the cortex of double transgenic miceASS2324 is the most advanced anti-Alzheimer agent for pre-clinical studies that we have identified in our laboratories The complex nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted the design of Multi-Target-Directed Ligands (MTDL) able to bind to diverse biochemical targets involved in the progress and development of the disease. In this context, we have designed a number of MTD propargylamines (MTDP) showing antioxidant, anti-beta-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, as well as cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition capacities. Here, we describe these properties in the MTDL ASS234, our lead-compound ready to enter in pre-clinical studies for AD, as a new multipotent, permeable cholinesterase/monoamine oxidase inhibitor, able to inhibit Abeta-aggregation, and possessing antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) and cholinesterases are validated targets in the design of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The multi-target compound N-((5-(3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)propoxy)-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)-N-methyl prop-2-yn-1-amine (ASS234), bearing the MAO-inhibiting propargyl group attached to a donepezil moiety that inhibits cholinesterases, retained activity against human acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases. The inhibition of MAO A and MAO B by ASS234 was characterized and compared to other known MAO inhibitors. ASS234 was almost as effective as clorgyline (kinact/KI=3x106 min-1M-1) and was shown by structural studies to form the same N5 covalent adduct with the FAD cofactor.

Neurodegenerative disorders are associated with different neurochemical and morphological alterations in the brain leading to cognitive and behavioural impairments. New therapeutic strategies comprise multifunctional drugs. The aim of the presented studies is to evaluate in vivo the novel compounds - ASS188 and ASS234 - which combine the benzylpiperidine moiety of the acetylcholinesteras (AChE) inhibitor donepezil and the indolyl propargylamino moiety of the monoaminooxidase (MAO) inhibitor, N-[(5-benzyloxy-1- methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl]-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine, with respect to their influence on cerebral amine neurotransmitters systems and neuroprotective activity. The presumed therapeutic potential of these compounds has been evaluated following their administration to rats with experimental vascular dementia. A rat model of the permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (BCCAO) and the holeboard memory test were employed for this purpose. Wistar rats were used, either intact or 1 day after BCCAO. ASS188 (1 mg/kg) and ASS234 (5 mg/kg) were given s.c. for 5 consecutive days. Working and reference memory in rats was evaluated by holeboard tests before- and 7 and 12 days after BCCAO. The activities of MAOs, AChE and histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), as well as cerebral amines concentrations were assayed. A significant inhibition of brain MAO A (>95%) and weaker MAO B (ca 60%) and HMT (<30%) and reduced AChE activities were recorded with a pronounced (2 - 10 fold) increase in the cerebral concentrations of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline and smaller rises (up to 30%) of histamine. The BCCAO rats treated with ASS188 or ASS234 tended to perform holeboard tests better than the BCCAO untreated group, indicating a beneficial effect of the administered therapeutics.

Amyloid beta (Abeta) aggregation and deposition is a key pathological hallmark of AD. Growing evidence suggests that neurotoxicity of this peptide is related to the formation of toxic oligomeric aggregates. Therefore, a deeply investigated therapeutic strategy comes at present from blocking the formation of these species to non-toxic aggregates. Among other considered strategies, the multi-target approach has been proposed as a more suitable potential therapy, precisely due to the multifactorial nature of AD. In this context, we recently identified ASS234, a novel compound that possesses a significant multipotent profile since it is able to inhibit cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase enzymes as well as to interfere in Abeta aggregation process. In this work, we investigated more in detail the effects of ASS234 on Abeta aggregation and toxicity in vitro as well as we explored its ability to penetrate to the CNS. We report that ASS234 inhibited Abeta1-42 self-aggregation more efficiently than that of Abeta1-40, limiting the formation of fibrillar and oligomeric species. Additionally, ASS234 completely blocked the aggregation mediated by AChE of both Abeta1-42 and Abeta1-40, showing a dual binding site to AChE. Interestingly, ASS234 significantly reduced Abeta1-42-mediated toxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells through the prevention of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway activation. Also importantly, we observed a significant ability of ASS234 to capture free-radical species in vitro as well as a potent effect in preventing the Abeta1-42-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD-1). Finally, we report the capability of ASS234 to cross the bloodbrain barrier. Overall, our in vitro results show that ASS234 may have an impact on different processes involved in AD pathogenesis and provide evidences that it has encouraging attributes as a therapeutic lead compound.

A new family of multitarget molecules able to interact with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), as well as with monoamino oxidase (MAO) A and B, has been synthesized. Novel compounds (3-9) have been designed using a conjunctive approach that combines the benzylpiperidine moiety of the AChE inhibitor donepezil (1) and the indolyl propargylamino moiety of the MAO inhibitor N-[(5-benzyloxy-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl]-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine (2), connected through an oligomethylene linker. The most promising hybrid (5) is a potent inhibitor of both MAO-A (IC50=5.2+/-1.1 nM) and MAO-B (IC50=43+/-8.0 nM) and is a moderately potent inhibitor of AChE (IC50=0.35+/-0.01 muM) and BuChE (IC50=0.46+/-0.06 muM). Moreover, molecular modeling and kinetic studies support the dual binding site to AChE, which explains the inhibitory effect exerted on Abeta aggregation. Overall, the results suggest that the new compounds are promising multitarget drug candidates with potential impact for Alzheimer's disease therapy.