1-(5-Carboxyindol-1-yl)propan-2-one Inhibitors of Human Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α with Reduced Lipophilicity: Synthesis, Biological Activity, Metabolic Stability, Solubility, Bioavailability, And Topical in Vivo Activity

Indole-5-carboxylic acids with 3-aryloxy-2-oxopropyl residues in position 1 were previously reported to be potent inhibitors of human cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha). In continuation of our attempts to develop clinical active cPLA(2)alpha inhibitors, a series of structurally related indole-5-carboxylic acids with reduced lipophilicity was synthesized and tested for cPLA(2)alpha-inhibitory potency. Furthermore, the thermodynamic solubility of these compounds and their metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes were evaluated. With an IC50 of 0.012 mu M against the isolated enzyme, compound 36 was one of the most potent cPLA(2)alpha inhibitors that emerged during the structure-activity relationship study. Concomitantly, 36 possessed the highest water solubility (212 mu g/mL at pH 7.4) of all new target compounds. Despite these favorable properties, peroral application of 36 (100 mg/kg) in mice only led to low concentrations of the substance in blood plasma. A very high plasma clearance was observed after intravenous administration of 36 (10 mg/kg). However, in a topical murine model of contact dermatitis, 36 showed a pronounced anti-inflammatory in vivo activity.