Discovery of thiazolidinedione-based pancreatic lipase inhibitors as anti-obesity agents: synthesis, in silico studies and pharmacological investigations

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A series of new 2,5-disubstituted arylidene derivatives of thiazolidinedione (16a-e, 17a-d, 18a-c) designed using molecular hybridization approach were synthesized, structurally characterized, and explored for their anti-obesity potential via inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase (PL). Compound 18a presented the most potent PL inhibitory activity with IC50 = 2.71 ± 0.31 µM, as compared to the standard drug, Orlistat (IC50 = 0.99 µM). Kinetic study revealed reversible competitive mode of enzyme inhibition by compound 18a with an inhibitory constant value of 1.19 µM. The most promising compound 18a revealed satisfactory binding mode within the active site of the target protein (human PL, PDB ID: 1LPB). Also, MM/PBSA binding free energy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis were performed for the most promising compound 18a, which showed potent inhibition according to the results of in vitro studies. Furthermore, a stable conformation of the 1LPB-ligand suggested the stability of this compound in the dynamic environment. The ADME and toxicity analysis of the compounds were examined using web-based online platforms. Results of in vivo studies confirmed the anti-obesity efficacy of compound 18a, wherein oral treatment with compound 18a (30 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction in the body weight, BMI, Lee index, feed intake (in Kcal), body fat depots and serum triglycerides. Compound 18a significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) to 128.6 ± 0.59 mg/dl and serum total triglycerides (TG) to 95.73 ± 0.67 mg/dl as compared to the HFD control group. The present study identified disubstituted TZD derivatives as a new promising class of anti-obesity agents. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma