Molecular docking studies were performed on 18 17β-carboxamide steroids in order to select compounds with potential local anti-inflammatory activity. These derivatives are amides of cortienic acids (obtained from hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone) with methyl or ethyl esters of six amino acids. Interactions with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), binding energies and ligand efficiency values of these compounds were compared with dexamethasone and cortienic acid obtained from prednisolone (inactive metabolite). On the basis of molecular docking studies, seven compounds were selected and their binding affinities for the GR were predicted by use of the exponential model created in this study. Subsequently, selected compounds were synthesized in good yields by use of modified N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC)/1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) coupling procedure. Finally, the local anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds was examined by use of the croton oil-induced ear edema test. In vivo evaluation of systemic side effects as well as in silico prediction of metabolism were performed on the derivative with the best local anti-inflammatory activity. The combination of molecular docking studies and the exponential model for the GR binding affinity prediction could be used as an in silico tool for the rational design of novel 17β-carboxamide steroids with potentially better biological profile than dexamethasone.
In this study the solvolysis of newly synthesized fluocinolone acetonide C-21 esters was analysed in comparison with fluocinonide during a 24-hour period of time. The solvolysis was performed in an ethanol-water (90:10 v/v) mixture using the excess of NaHCO3. The solvolytic mixtures of each investigated ester have been assayed by a RP-HPLC method using isocratic elution with methanol-water (75:25 v/v); flow rate 1 mL/min; detection at 238 nm; temperature 25 °C. Solvolytic rate constants were calculated from the obtained data. Geometry optimizations and charges calculations were carried out by Gaussian W03 software. A good correlation (R = 0.9924) was obtained between solvolytic rate constants and the polarity of the C-O2 bond of those esters. The established relation between solvolytic rate constant (K) and lipophilicity (cLogP) with experimental anti-inflammatory activity could be indicative for topical corticosteroid prodrug activation.
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