Novel N-benzylpiperidine derivatives of 5-arylisoxazole-3-carboxamides as anti-Alzheimer's agents

The complex pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted researchers to develop multitarget-directed molecules to find an effective therapy against the disease. In this context, a novel series of N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-arylisoxazole-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). In vitro biological evaluation demonstrated that compound 4e was the best AChE (IC50 = 16.07 mu M) and BuChE inhibitor (IC50 = 15.16 mu M). A kinetic study of 4e was also conducted, which presented a mixed-type inhibition for both enzymes. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound 4e fitted well into the active sites of AChE and BuChE, forming stable and strong interactions with key residues Glu199, Trp84, Asp72, Tyr121, and Phe288 in AChE and His438, Trp82, Ala328, Tyr332, Phe329, Thr120, and Pro285 in BuChE. Besides, the inhibition of BACE1 by 4e and the biometal chelation activity of 4e were measured. The neuroprotective assessment revealed that 4e exhibited 23.2% protection at 50 mu M toward amyloid-beta-induced PC12 neuronal cells. Overall, this study exhibited that compound 4e was a promising compound targeting multiple factors associated with AD.

Automated summary

This study focused on developing novel compounds targeting Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting AChE and BuChE, with compound 4e showing the best inhibitory effects. Molecular docking studies revealed strong interactions between 4e and key residues in AChE and BuChE active sites. Overall, compound 4e demonstrated promising potential in targeting multiple factors associated with AD.