Synergy of Physico-chemical and Biological Experiments for Developing a Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor

Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 3;8(1):10005. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-28408-8.

Abstract

The physiological consequences of COX-2 overexpression in the development of cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases have made this enzyme a promising therapeutic target. Herein, COX-2 active site was analyzed and new molecules were designed. We identified a highly potent molecule (S)-3a with IC50 value and the selectivity for COX-2 0.6 nM and 1666, respectively. The MTD of (S)-3a was 2000 mg kg-1 and its pharmacokinetic studies in rat showed t1/2 7.5 h. This compound reversed acetic acid induced analgesia and carragennan induced inflammation by 50% and 25% in rat when used at a dose 10 mg kg-1. Mechanistically, it was found that compound (S)-3a inhibits COX-2. Overall, the combination of physico-chemical and biological experiments facilitated the development of a new lead molecule to anti-inflammatory drug.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / physiology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2