Synthesis of aurone sulfonate derivatives: Evaluation of their cholinesterase inhibition, neuroprotective effects, and expression of oxidative stress-related genes

Abstract

A set of novel aurone derivatives, designed as A0-A7 and B1-B4, were synthesized to serve as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The Ellman's colorimetric method was utilized to measure the anticholinesterase activity of the synthesized compounds. The derivatives were then tested on human SH-SY5Y cells under an oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Effects on cell viability, ROS levels, protein carbonyl content, and gene expression of NRF2 and phase II anti-oxidative enzymes were measured after 24 h. The study revealed that a most compounds demonstrated anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity within the micromolar or submicromolar range. Compound A4 exhibited the highest activity level with an IC50 value of 0.04 µM, among the compounds tested. Additionally, compound A2 protected SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative stress by elevating NRF2 gene expression.