Identification and preliminary characterization of a potent, safe, and orally efficacious inhibitor of acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1.

A high-throughput screen against human DGAT-1 led to the identification of a core structure that was subsequently optimized to afford the potent, selective, and orally bioavailable compound 14. Oral administration at doses ≥0.03 mg/kg significantly reduced postprandial triglycerides in mice following an oral lipid challenge.

Acute inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 improves memory in rodent models of cognition.

Mounting evidence suggests excessive glucocorticoid activity may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-associated memory impairment. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (HSD1) regulates conversion of glucocorticoids from inactive to active forms. HSD1 knock-out mice have improved cognition, and the nonselective inhibitor carbenoxolone improved verbal memory in elderly men.

Validation of diacyl glycerolacyltransferase I as a novel target for the treatment of obesity and dyslipidemia using a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor.

A highly potent and selective DGAT-1 inhibitor was identified and used in rodent models of obesity and postprandial chylomicron excursion to validate DGAT-1 inhibition as a novel approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Specifically, compound 4a conferred weight loss and a reduction in liver triglycerides when dosed chronically in DIO mice and depleted serum triglycerides following a lipid challenge in a dose-dependent manner, thus, reproducing major phenotypical characteristics of DGAT-1(-/-) mice.

Structure-activity studies of novel cyanoguanidine ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers for the treatment of overactive bladder.

A series of novel cyanoguanidine derivatives was designed and synthesized. Condensation of N-(1-benzotriazol-1-yl-2,2-dichloropropyl)-substituted benzamides with N-(substituted-pyridin-3-yl)-N'-cyanoguanidines furnished N-{2,2-dichloro-1-[N'-(substituted-pyridin-3-yl)-N''-cyanoguanidino]propyl}-substituted benzamide derivatives. These agents were glyburide-reversible potassium channel openers and hyperpolarized human bladder cells as assessed by the FLIPR membrane potential dye (KATP-FMP).

Discovery and metabolic stabilization of potent and selective 2-amino-N-(adamant-2-yl) acetamide 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors.

Starting from a rapidly metabolized adamantane 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) inhibitor 22a, a series of E-5-hydroxy-2-adamantamine inhibitors, exemplified by 22d and (+/-)-22f, was discovered. Many of these compounds are potent inhibitors of 11beta-HSD1 and are selective over 11beta-HSD2 for multiple species (human, mouse, and rat), unlike other reported species-selective series. These compounds have good cellular potency and improved microsomal stability.

Constrained 7-fluorocarboxychromone-4-aminopiperidine based Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonists: the effects of chirality on substituted indan-1-ylamines.

The incorporation of constrained tertiary amines into an existing class of N-benzyl-4-aminopiperidinyl chromone-based MCHr1 antagonists led to the identification of a series of chiral racemic compounds that displayed good to excellent functional potency, binding affinity, and selectivity over the hERG channel. Further separation of two distinct chiral racemic compounds into their corresponding pairs of enantiomers revealed a considerable selectivity for MCHr1 for one configuration, in addition to a striking difference in oral exposure between one pair of enantiomers in diet-induced obese mice. Oral administration of the most potent compound in this class in the same animal model led to significant reduction of fat mass in a semi-chronic model for weight loss.

Effects of substitution on 9-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-5,9-dihydro-3H,4H-2,6-dioxa-4- azacyclopenta[b]naphthalene-1,8-dione, a dihydropyridine ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener.

Structure-activity relationships were investigated on the tricyclic dihydropyridine (DHP) KATP openers 9-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-5,9-dihydro-3H,4H-2,6-dioxa-4-azacyclopenta[b]naphthalene-1,8-dione (6) and 10-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-9,10-dihydro-1H,8H-2,7-dioxa-9-azaanthracene-4,5-dione (65). Substitution off the core of the DHP, absolute stereochemistry, and aromatic substitution were evaluated for KATP channel activity using Ltk- cells stably transfected with the Kir6.2/SUR2B exon 17- splice variant and in an electrically stimulated pig bladder strip assay.

Discovery and pharmacological evaluation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor antagonists.

The discovery and pharmacological evaluation of potent, selective, and orally bioavailable growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) antagonists are reported. Previously, 2,4-diaminopyrimidine-based GHS-R antagonists reported from our laboratories have been shown to be dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors. By comparing the X-ray crystal structure of DHFR docked with our GHS-R antagonists and GHS-R modeling, we designed and synthesized a series of potent and DHFR selective GHS-R antagonists with good pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles.

Chronic treatment with either dexfenfluramine or sibutramine in diet-switched diet-induced obese mice.

Dexfenfluramine (DEX) and sibutramine (SIB) are effective antiobesity agents. Their effects on weight control and hormone profile have not been previously studied in diet-switched diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, in which treatment is initiated upon cessation of a low-fat diet and resumption of a high-fat diet. Furthermore, their effects on circulating ghrelin in obese humans or in animal models of obesity have not yet been reported.

Lack of efficacy of melanin-concentrating hormone-1 receptor antagonists in models of depression and anxiety.

The aim of this study was to validate melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-1 receptor antagonism as a potential treatment of mood disorders. We attempted to replicate the effects previously reported with SNAP-7941 and expanded the investigation to three other orally bioavailable MCH-1 receptor antagonists with good brain penetration. SNAP-7941 (3-30 mg/kg, i.

2,4-diaminopyrimidine derivatives as potent growth hormone secretagogue receptor antagonists.

Ghrelin, a gut-derived orexigenic hormone, is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Centrally administered ghrelin has been shown to cause hunger and increase food intake in rodents. Inhibition of ghrelin actions with ghrelin antibody, peptidyl GHS-R antagonists, and antisense oligonucleosides resulted in weight loss and food intake decrease in rodents.

Pharmacological characterization of urinary bladder smooth muscle contractility following partial bladder outlet obstruction in pigs.

Partial bladder outlet obstruction of the pig is considered as a valuable preclinical model for evaluating the profile of compounds for the treatment of bladder overactivity. In this study, we characterized the pharmacological properties of isolated bladder smooth muscle from pigs following partial outlet obstruction and its sensitivity to potassium channel openers. Bladder strips from obstructed animals showed significantly lower maximal efficacy (E(max)) and sensitivity to stimulation by ATP and carbachol, but not to those evoked by serotonin, compared to age-matched controls.

Differential effects of Vitamin D analogs on bone formation and resorption.

Deficiency in Vitamin D and its metabolites leads to a failure in bone formation primarily caused by dysfunctional mineralization, suggesting that Vitamin D analogs might stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization. In this study, we compare the effect of selected Vitamin D analogs and active metabolite, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), 19-nor-1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2), and 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(2) or 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2) on bone formation and resorption. In a mouse calvariae bone primary organ culture system, all Vitamin D analogs and metabolite tested-stimulated collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and 19-nor-1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2) was the most efficacious among three.

Pharmacological characterization of the novel dihydropyridine potassium channel opener, (9R)-9-(3-iodo-4-methylphenyl)-5,9-dihydro-3H-furo[3,4-b]pyrano[4,3-e]pyridine-1,8(4H,7H)-dione (A-325100), and the regulation of cardiovascular function in conscious and anesthetized beagle dogs.

The pharmacological profile of the novel dihydropyridine K channel opener (KCO), (9R)-9-(3-iodo-4-methylphenyl)-5,9-dihydro-3H-furo[3,4-b]pyrano[4,3-e]pyridine-1,8(4H,7H)-dione (A-325100), is described in numerous in vitro assays. Furthermore, the cardiovascular effects of A-325100 are characterized in both the anesthetized and conscious dog. In vitro, A-325100 selectively activated KATP currents and potently relaxed vascular smooth muscle (IC50 between 7.

Synthesis and evaluation of urea-based indazoles as melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonists for the treatment of obesity.

A series of urea-based N-1-(2-aminoethyl)-indazoles was synthesized and evaluated for melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHr1) antagonism in both binding and functional assays. Several compounds that acted as MCHr1 antagonists were identified, and optimization afforded a compound with excellent binding affinity, good functional potency, and oral efficacy in a chronic model for weight loss in diet-induced obese mice.

Assessment of pharmacology and potential anti-obesity properties of H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists.

Histamine is a key neurotransmitter that alters central nervous system functions in both behavioural and homeostatic contexts through its actions on the histamine (H) subreceptors H(1), H(2) and H(3) G-protein-coupled receptors. H(3)receptors have a diverse central nervous system distribution where they function as both homo- and hetero-receptors to modulate the synthesis and/or release of several neurotransmitters. H(3) receptors are constitutively active, which implies that antagonists of H(3) receptors may also function as inverse agonists to alter the basal state of the receptor and uncouple constitutive receptor-G-protein interactions.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel naphthylamide ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, A-151892.

1. Openers of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels are of interest in several therapeutic indications including overactive bladder and other lower urinary tract disorders. This study reports on the in vitro and in vivo characterization of a structurally novel naphthylamide N-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxy-1-trifluoromethyl-ethyl)-naphthalen-1-yl]-acetamide (A-151892), as an opener of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

Synthesis and structure-activity studies on N-[5-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]methanesulfonamide, an imidazole-containing alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor agonist.

Structure-activity studies were performed on the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor (AR) selective agonist N-[5-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]methanesulfonamide (4). Compounds were evaluated for binding activity at the alpha(1A), alpha(1b), alpha(1d), alpha(2a), and alpha(2B) subtypes. Functional activity in tissues containing the alpha(1A) (rabbit urethra), alpha(1B) (rat spleen), alpha(1D) (rat aorta), and alpha(2A) (rat prostatic vas deferens) was also evaluated.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel series of 2,3,5,6,7,9-hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide K(ATP) channel openers: discovery of (-)-(9S)-9-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-2,3,5,6,7,9- hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide (A-278637), a potent K(ATP) opener that selectively inhibits spontaneous bladder contractions.

Structure-activity relationships were investigated on a novel series of sulfonyldihydropyridine-containing K(ATP) openers. Ring sizes, absolute stereochemistry, and aromatic substitution were evaluated for K(ATP) activity in guinea pig bladder cells using a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay and in a pig bladder strip assay. The inhibition of spontaneous bladder contractions in vitro was also examined for a select group of compounds.

Structure-activity relationship of a novel class of naphthyl amide KATP channel openers.

We have discovered a novel series of N-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxy-1-trifluoromethyl-ethyl)-naphthalen-1-yl] amides that are potent openers of K(ATP) channels and investigated structure-activity relationships (SAR) around the 1,2-disubstituted naphthyl core. A-151892, a prototype compound of this series, was found to be a potent and efficacious potassium channel opener in vitro in transfected Kir6.2/SUR2B cells and pig bladder strips.

K-ATP opener-mediated attenuation of spontaneous bladder contractions in ligature-intact, partial bladder outlet obstructed rats.

Symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency secondary to benign prostatic obstruction are common in elderly men. In many patients, these symptoms correspond to the urodynamic finding of involuntary detrusor contractions during filling cystometry (i.e.

Effects of ATP-sensitive K+ channel openers and tolterodine on involuntary bladder contractions in a pig model of partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Aims: To compare in vivo the efficacy, potency, and bladder-vascular selectivity of ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers (KCOs), YM934 and (-)-cromakalim to a muscarinic antagonist, tolterodine in a novel partial outlet obstructed pig model.

Methods: Partially obstructed female Landrace pigs were implanted with telemetry transmitters to allow the continuous measurement of intravesical, abdominal and arterial pressures. A subcutaneous port catheter was used to adjust bladder volume.

N-[3-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethanesulfonamide (ABT-866, 1),(1) a novel alpha(1)-adrenoceptor ligand with an enhanced in vitro and in vivo profile relative to phenylpropanolamine and midodrine.

N-[3-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethanesulfonamide (ABT-866, 1) is a novel alpha(1) agent having the unique profile of alpha(1A) (rabbit urethra, EC(50) = 0.60 microM) agonism with alpha(1B) (rat spleen, pA(2) = 5.4) and alpha(1D) (rat aorta, pA(2) = 6.

(-)-(9S)-9-(3-Bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-2,3,5,6,7,9-hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide (A-278637): a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener efficacious in suppressing urinary bladder contractions. II. in vivo characterization.

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel openers (KCOs) have been shown to inhibit spontaneous myogenic contractile activity of the urinary bladder, a mechanism hypothesized to underlie detrusor instability and symptoms of overactive bladder. However, the therapeutic utility of KCOs has been limited by a lack of differentiation of bladder versus vascular effects. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo potency and bladder selectivity of (-)-(9S)-9-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-2,3,5,6,7,9-hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide (A-278637), a novel dihydropyridine KCO, in a pig model of detrusor instability secondary to partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Modeling of relationships between pharmacokinetics and blockade of agonist-induced elevation of intraurethral pressure and mean arterial pressure in conscious dogs treated with alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Fiduxosin is a new alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist targeted for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the potencies of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and fiduxosin, based on relationships between plasma drug concentrations and blockade of phenylephrine (PE)-induced intraurethral (IUP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses after single oral dosing in conscious male beagle dogs. Magnitude of blockade and plasma concentrations were evaluated at selected time points over 24 h.