We present a novel class of dual modulators of gamma-secretase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) based on the structure of 2-(bis(phenethoxy)pyrimidine-2-ylthio)hexanoic acid 8 (IC(50)(Abeta42) = 22.8 microM, EC(50)(PPARgamma) = 8.3 microM). The modulation of both targets with approved drugs (i.e., amyloid-beta 42 (Abeta42)-lowering NSAIDs for gamma-secretase and glitazones for PPARgamma) has demonstrated beneficial effects in in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, although NSAIDs and PPARgamma agonists share similar structural features, no druglike compounds with dual activities as gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) and PPARgamma agonists have been designed so far. On the basis of our initial lead structure 8, we present the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of broad structural variations. A significant improvement was reached by the introduction of p-trifluoromethyl substituents at the phenyl residues yielding compound 16 (IC(50)(Abeta42) = 6.0 microM, EC(50)(PPARgamma) = 11.0 microM) and the replacement of the two phenyl residues of 8 by cyclohexyl yielding compound 22 (IC(50)(Abeta42) = 5.1 microM, EC(50)(PPARgamma) = 6.6 microM).

Advanced kernel‐based machine learning methods enable the identification of innovative bioactive compounds with minimal experimental effort. Comparative virtual screening revealed that nonlinear models of the underlying structure–activity relationship are necessary for successful compound picking. In a proof‐of‐concept study a novel truxillic acid derivative was found to selectively activate transcription factor PPARγ.

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEArachidonic acid derivatives play a central role in inflammation processes. Arachidonic acid is metabolized by several enzymes, particularly cyclooxygenases (COX), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and microsomal prostaglandin E-synthase-1 (mPGES-1) to pro-inflammatory mediators. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe determined the effect of LP105, a pirinixic acid derivative which acts as inhibitor of 5-LOX, COX and mPGES-1, on aortic aneurysm development in mice and on 5-LOX activity in murine monocytes. KEY RESULTSIn a monocyte cell line (RAW264.7), LP105 inhibited 5-LOX in whole cells (IC50: 1-3 mM) and in supernatants (IC50:~10 mM). Oral administration of LP105 to mice resulted in therapeutic tissue and plasma levels. Aortic aneurysms were induced in ApoE -/-mice by angiotensin II (AngII) and LP105 (5 mg·day -1 per animal) was co-administered to a subgroup. Compared with animals receiving AngII alone, the LP105+AngII group showed a lower heart rate, a trend towards reduced heart to body weight ratio but similar hypertensive responses. AngII alone significantly increased aortic weight and diameter but co-treatment with LP105+AngII prevented these changes. LC/MS-MS studies revealed increased 15-hydroxytetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) plasma levels in LP105-treated animals. In the murine kidney, mRNAs of EET-generating or metabolizing enzymes and of 5-LOX and 15-LOX were unaffected by LP105. LP105 also did not inhibit the EET-metabolizing soluble epoxide hydrolase. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSLP105 was a potent inhibitor of monocyte 5-LOX and reduced AngII-induced vascular remodelling in mice. A shift of arachidonic acid metabolism to the protective EET pathway may contribute to the beneficial effects of LP105.