Thiopyrano[2,3,4-cd]indoles as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors: synthesis, biological profile, and resolution of 2-[2-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-4-methyl-6-[(5-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methoxy]-4,5 -dihydro-1H-thiopyrano[2,3,4-cd]indol-2-yl]ethoxy]butanoic acid.
Hutchinson JH, Riendeau D, Brideau C, Chan C, Falgueyret JP, Guay J, Jones TR, Lépine C, Macdonald D, McFarlane CS.
Leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors have potential as new therapies for asthma and inflammatory diseases. The recently disclosed thiopyrano[2,3,4-cd]indole class of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors has been investigated with particular emphasis on the side chain bearing the acidic functionality. The SAR studies have shown that the inclusion of a heteroatom (O or S) in conjunction with an alpha-ethyl substituted acid leads to inhibitors of improved potency. The most potent inhibitor prepared contains a 2-ethoxybutanoic acid side chain. This compound, 14d (2-[2-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-4-methyl-6-[(5-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methox y]- 4,5-dihydro-1H-thiopyrano[2,3,4-cd]indol-2-yl]ethoxy]-butanoic acid, L-699,333), inhibits 5-HPETE production by human 5-LO and LTB4 biosynthesis by human PMN leukocytes and human whole blood (IC50s of 22 nM, 7 nM and 3.8 microM, respectively). The racemic acid 14d has been shown to be functionally active in a rat pleurisy model (inhibition of LTB4, ED50 = 0.65 mg/kg, 6 h pretreatment) and in the hyperreactive rat model of antigen-induced dyspnea (50% inhibition at 2 and 4 h pretreatment; 0.5 mg/kg po). In addition, 14d shows excellent functional activity against antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the conscious squirrel monkey [89% inhibition of the increase in RL and 68% inhibition in the decrease in Cdyn (0.1 mg/kg, n = 3)] and in the conscious sheep models of asthma (iv infusion at 2.5 micrograms/kg/min). Acid 14d is highly selective as an inhibitor of 5-LO activity when compared to the inhibition of human 15-LO, porcine 12-LO and ram seminal vesicle cyclooxygenase (IC50 > 5 microM) or competition in a FLAP binding assay (IC50 > 10 microM). Resolution of 14d affords 14g, the most potent diastereomer, which inhibits the 5-HPETE production of human 5-LO and LTB4 biosynthesis of human PMN leukocytes and human whole blood with IC50s of 8 nM, 4 nM, and 1 microM respectively. The in vitro and in vivo profile of 14d is comparable to that of MK-0591, which has showed biochemical efficacy in inhibiting ex vivo LTB4 biosynthesis and urinary LTE4 excretion in clinical trials.