The
concept of ferroptosis inhibition has gained growing
recognition
as a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing a wide range of
diseases. Here, we present the discovery of four series of ortho-aminophenol derivatives as potential ferroptosis inhibitors
beginning with the endogenous substance 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid
(3-HA) by employing quantum chemistry techniques, in vitro and in
vivo assays. Our findings reveal that these ortho-aminophenol derivatives exhibit unique intra-H bond interactions,
compelling ortho-amines to achieve enhanced alignment
with the aromatic π-system, thereby expanding their activity.
Notably, compounds from all four series display remarkable activity
against RSL3-induced ferroptosis, showcasing an activity 100 times
more than that of 3-HA. Furthermore, these compounds also demonstrate
robust in vivo efficacy in protecting mice from kidney ischemia-reperfusion
injury and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. In summary, we provide
four distinct series of active scaffolds that significantly expand
the chemical space of ferroptosis inhibitors, serving as valuable
insights for future structural modifications.