Novel sampangine derivatives as potent inhibitors of Cu2+-mediated amyloid-β protein aggregation, oxidative stress and inflammation

A series of 11-substituted sampangine derivatives have been designed, synthesized, and tested for their ability to inhibit cholinesterase. Their chelating ability and selectivity for Cu 2+ over other biologically relevant metal ions were demonstrated by isothermal titration calorimetry. Their blood-brain barrier permeability was also tested by parallel artificial membrane permeation assay. Among the synthesized derivatives, compound 11 with the strong anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, high blood-brain barrier penetration ability and high binding affinity to Cu 2+ was selected for further research. Western blotting analysis, transmission electron microscopy, DCFH-DA assay and paralysis experiment indicated that compound 11 suppressed the formation of Cu 2+ -Aβ complexes, alleviated the Cu 2+ induced neurotoxicity and inhibited the production of ROS catalyzed by Cu 2+ in Aβ42 transgenic C. elegans . Moreover, compound 11 also inhibited the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, induced by Cu 2+ + Aβ 1 – 42 in BV2 microglial cells. In general, this work provided new insights into the design and development of potent metal-chelating agents for AD treatment.