Synthesis, Biological, Spectroscopic and Computational Investigations of Novel <i>N</i>-Acylhydrazone Derivatives of Pyrrolo[3,4-<i>d</i>]pyridazinone as Dual COX/LOX Inhibitors

Abstract

Secure and efficient treatment of diverse pain and inflammatory disorders is continually challenging. Although NSAIDs and other painkillers are well-known and commonly available, they are sometimes insufficient and can cause dangerous adverse effects. As yet reported, derivatives of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone are potent COX-2 inhibitors with a COX-2/COX-1 selectivity index better than meloxicam. Considering that N-acylhydrazone (NAH) moiety is a privileged structure occurring in many promising drug candidates, we decided to introduce this pharmacophore into new series of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone derivatives. The current paper presents the synthesis and in vitro, spectroscopic, and in silico studies evaluating the biological and physicochemical properties of NAH derivatives of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone. Novel compounds 5a-c–7a-c were received with high purity and good yields and did not show cytotoxicity in the MTT assay. Their COX-1, COX-2, and 15-LOX inhibitory activities were estimated using enzymatic tests and molecular docking studies. The title N-acylhydrazones appeared to be promising dual COX/LOX inhibitors. Moreover, spectroscopic and computational methods revealed that new compounds form stable complexes with the most abundant plasma proteins–AAG and HSA, but do not destabilize their secondary structure. Additionally, predicted pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties of investigated molecules suggest their potentially good membrane permeability and satisfactory bioavailability.

Keywords

• AAG
• ADME
• cyclooxygenase
• fluorescence spectroscopy
• HSA
• inflammation