Structure mechanism insights and the role of nitric oxide donation guide the development of oxadiazole-2-oxides as therapeutic agents against schistosomiasis

J Med Chem. 2009 Oct 22;52(20):6474-83. doi: 10.1021/jm901021k.

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease affecting hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. Current treatment depends on a single agent, praziquantel, raising concerns of emergence of resistant parasites. Here, we continue our explorations of an oxadiazole-2-oxide class of compounds we recently identified as inhibitors of thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), a selenocysteine-containing flavoenzyme required by the parasite to maintain proper cellular redox balance. Through systematic evaluation of the core molecular structure of this chemotype, we define the essential pharmacophore, establish a link between the nitric oxide donation and TGR inhibition, determine the selectivity for this chemotype versus related reductase enzymes, and present evidence that these agents can be modified to possess appropriate drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties. The mechanistic link between exogenous NO donation and parasite injury is expanded and better defined. The results of these studies verify the utility of oxadiazole-2-oxides as novel inhibitors of TGR and as efficacious antischistosomal agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Discovery
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Models, Molecular
  • Multienzyme Complexes / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Multienzyme Complexes / chemistry
  • NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide / chemistry*
  • Oxadiazoles / chemistry*
  • Oxadiazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Oxadiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Oxadiazoles / therapeutic use
  • Protein Conformation
  • Rats
  • Schistosoma / drug effects
  • Schistosomiasis / drug therapy*
  • Schistosomiasis / enzymology
  • Schistosomicides / chemistry*
  • Schistosomicides / pharmacokinetics
  • Schistosomicides / pharmacology*
  • Schistosomicides / therapeutic use
  • Solubility
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxide
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Multienzyme Complexes
  • Oxadiazoles
  • Schistosomicides
  • Nitric Oxide
  • NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases
  • thioredoxin glutathione reductase