摘要:
Novel multifunctional compounds have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With an L-glutamic moiety as a suitable biocompatible linker, three pharmacophoric groups were joined: (I) an N-benzylpiperidine fragment selected to inhibit acetylcholinesterase by interacting with the catalytic active site (CAS), (2) an N-protecting group of the amino acid, capable of interacting with the acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-peripheral anionic site (PAS) and protecting neurons against oxidative stress, and (3) a lipophilic alkyl ester that would facilitate penetration into the central nervous system by crossing the blood-brain barrier. At submicromolar concentration, they inhibit ACNE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) of human origin, displace the binding of propidium iodide from the PAS of ACNE, and could thus inhibit A beta aggregation promoted by ACNE. They also display neuroprotective properties against mitochondrial free radicals, show low toxicity, and could be able to penetrate into the CNS.