11β-HSD1 Inhibitors Research Articles

SUN-112 Arcuate 11-Betahydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type1 Regulates Energy Homeostasis

Introduction: Despite the ongoing increase in the prevalence of obesity, there are few licensed anti-obesity medications, and these therapies have limited efficacy and significant side effects. Therefore, new treatments are being developed, including 11-βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11βHSD1) inhibitors. In vivo, the enzyme 11-βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11βHSD1), converts the inactive glucocorticoid, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, to its active form (corticosterone). Tissue-specific 11βHSD1 has been reported to be important in the development of obesity. 11βHSD1 is expressed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), a major hypothalamic centre which regulates energy homeostasis. We investigated the effect of modulation of intra-ARC 11βHSD1 expression on appetite and body weight in rodents. Methods: Experiments were performed using adult male Wistar rats fed a standard chow diet. In the overexpression experiment, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) encoding 11βHSD1 (rAAV-S11βHSD1) was injected bilaterally into the ARC of 12 rats and rAAV expressing green fluorescent protein (rAAV-GFP) was injected bilaterally into the ARC of 12 control rats. In the underexpression experiment, rAAV encoding small interfering RNA to 11βHSD1 (rAAV-si11βHSD1) was injected bilaterally into the ARC of 12 rats and rAAV-GFP injected into the ARC of 12 control rats. Starting 1 week post-surgery, body weight and food intake were measured three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiments, tissues and plasma were collected for gene expression and hormone analysis. Results and Conclusions: Compared to controls, ARC 11βHSD1 overexpression increased ARC corticosterone levels (iARC-S11βHSD1 243±34pg/mg vs iARC-GFP 89±39pg/mg, p<0.05), resulting in hyperphagia and 6% greater weight gain. ARC 11βHSD1 underexpression decreased ARC corticosterone levels by 47% (iARC-si11βHSD1 124.9±14.59pg/mg vs iARC-GFP 262.1±47.3pg/mg, p=0.01), resulting in 5% lower weight gain and a 1.7-fold increase in interscapular brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein-1 expression compared to controls. Corticosterone levels were unchanged in the neighbouring paraventricular nucleus. Additonally, systemic ACTH and corticosterone were unaffected by altered ARC 11βHSD1 expression. Our results suggest ARC 11βHSD1 plays a significant role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Therefore, the novel class of therapies, 11βHSD1 inhibitors, may require central activity for maximal anti-obesity efficacy. Sources of Support: MRC MR/M004171/1, NIHR RP-2014-05-001, BBSRC BB/E52708X, FP7- HEALTH- 2009- 241592 EuroCHIP Grant

Imaging the Enzyme 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 with PET: Evaluation of the Novel Radiotracer 11C-AS2471907 in Human Brain.

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme converts cortisone to cortisol and participates in the regulation of glucocorticoid levels in tissues. 11β-HSD1 is expressed in the liver, kidney, adipose tissue, placenta, and brain. 11β-HSD1 is a target for treatment of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and also against age-related cognitive function and memory loss. In this study, we evaluated the radiotracer 11C-AS2471907 (3-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-(methyl-11C)-5-[2-[2,4,6-trifluorophenoxy]propan-2-yl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole) to image 11β-HSD1 availability in the human brain with PET. Methods: Fifteen subjects were included in the study. All subjects underwent one 2-h scan after a bolus administration of 11C-AS2471907. Two subjects underwent an additional scan after blockade with the selective and high-affinity 11β-HSD1 inhibitor ASP3662 to evaluate 11C-AS2471907 nondisplaceable distribution volume. Five subjects also underwent an additional scan to evaluate the within-day test-retest variability of 11C-AS2471907 volumes of distribution (VT). Results:11C-AS2471907 time-activity curves were best fitted by the 2-tissue-compartment (2TC) model. 11C-AS2471907 exhibited a regionally varying pattern of uptake throughout the brain. The VT of 11C-AS2471907 ranged from 3.7 ± 1.5 mL/cm3 in the caudate nucleus to 14.5 ± 5.3 mL/cm3 in the occipital cortex, with intermediate values in the amygdala, white matter, cingulum, insula, frontal cortex, putamen, temporal and parietal cortices, cerebellum, and thalamus (from lowest to highest VT). From the blocking scans, nondisplaceable distribution volume was determined to be 0.16 ± 0.04 mL/cm3 for 11C-AS2471907. Thus, nearly all uptake was specific and the binding potential ranged from 22 in the caudate to 90 in the occipital cortex. Test-retest variability of 2TC VT values was less than 10% in most large cortical regions (14% in parietal cortex) and ranged from 14% (cerebellum) to 51% (amygdala) in other regions. The intraclass correlation coefficient of 2TC VT values ranged from 0.55 in the white matter to 0.98 in the cerebellum. Conclusion:11C-AS2471907 has a high fraction of specific binding in vivo in humans and reasonable within-day reproducibility of binding parameters.

A Novel 18F-Labeled Radioligand for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1): Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation in Nonhuman Primates.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of cortisone to cortisol and controls a key pathway in the regulation of stress. Studies have implicated 11β-HSD1 in metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as stress-related disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have previously developed [11C]AS2471907 as a PET radiotracer to image 11β-HSD1 in the brain of nonhuman primates and humans. However, the radiosynthesis of [11C]AS2471907 was unreliable and low-yielding. Here, we report the development of the 18F-labeled version [18F]AS2471907, including the synthesis of two iodonium ylide precursors and the optimization of 18F-radiosynthesis. Preliminary PET experiments, composed of a baseline scan of [18F]AS2471907 and a blocking scan with the reversible 11β-HSD1 inhibitor ASP3662 (0.3 mg/kg), was also conducted in a rhesus monkey to verify the pharmacokinetics of [18F]AS2471907 and its specific binding in the brain. The iodonium ylide precursors were prepared in a seven-step synthetic route with an optimized overall yield of ∼2%. [18F]AS2471907 was synthesized in good radiochemical purity, with the ortho regioisomer of iodonium ylide providing greater radiochemical yield as compared with the para regioisomer. In monkey brain, [18F]AS2471907 displayed high uptake and heterogeneous distribution, while administration of the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor ASP3662 significantly reduced radiotracer uptake, thus demonstrating the binding specificity of [18F]AS2471907. Given the longer half-life of F-18 and feasibility for central production and distribution, [18F]AS2471907 holds great promise to be a valuable PET radiotracer to image 11β-HSD1 in the brain.

Tissue-specific expression of 11β-HSD and its effects on plasma corticosterone during the stress response.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is under complex regulatory control at multiple levels. Enzymatic regulation plays an important role in both circulating levels of glucocorticoids and target tissue exposure. Three key enzyme pathways are responsible for the immediate control of glucocorticoids. De novo synthesis of glucocorticoid from cholesterol involves a multistep enzymatic cascade. This cascade terminates with 11β-hydroxylase, responsible for the final conversion of 11-deoxy precursors into active glucocorticoids. Additionally, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) controls regeneration of glucocorticoids from inactive metabolites, providing a secondary source of active glucocorticoids. Localized inactivation of glucocorticoids is under the control of Type 2 11β-HSD (11β-HSD2). The function of these enzymes is largely unexplored in wild species, particularly songbirds. Here, we investigated the contribution of both clearance and generation of glucocorticoids to regulation of the hormonal stress response via the use of pharmacological antagonists. Additionally, we mapped 11β-HSD gene expression. We found 11β-HSD1 primarily in liver, kidney and adrenal glands, although it was detectable across all tissue types. 11β-HSD2 was predominately expressed in the adrenal glands and kidney with moderate gonadal and liver expression. Inhibition of glucocorticoid generation by metyrapone was found to decrease levels peripherally, while both peripheral and central administration of the 11β-HSD2 inhibitor DETC resulted in elevated concentrations of corticosterone. These data suggest that during the stress response, peripheral antagonism of the 11β-HSD system has a greater impact on circulating glucocorticoid levels than central control. Further studies should aim to elucidate the respective roles of the 11β-HSD and 11β-hydroxylase enzymes.

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitor attenuates high-fat diet induced cardiomyopathy

BackgroundHigh-fat diet (HFD) induces cardiac hypertrophy; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are yet unclear. In the present study, we investigated the roles of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), an amplifier of local glucocorticoid activity, in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction. MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed normal chow diet (NC) or HFD and examined the cardiac remolding and functional alteration by echocardiography and histology. Primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) treated with palmitic acid (PA) or infected by lentivirus were used for identifying the role by 11β-HSD1 in cardiac hypertrophy. Genome microarray of NRCMs was performed to further reveal the mechanism underlying cardiac dysfunction. ResultsPalmitic acid induced hypertrophy in NRCMs that upregulated 11β-HSD1 expression in cardiomyocytes, which led to a significant enlargement in the cell size and expression of cardiac hypertrophy-specific genes. Conversely, a remarkable decrease in cardiomyocytes size was detected in either BVT.2733 (a selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1)-treated or 11β-HSD1-deficient NRCMs. Furthermore, both glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist spironolactone markedly attenuated the 11β-HSD1-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy. Genome microarray revealed that cAMP and calcium signaling pathways are potential downstream signaling pathways regulated by 11β-HSD1 in cardiomyocytes hypertrophy. Similar to in vitro results, BVT.2733 strikingly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac function in HFD-fed rats. Conclusion11β-HSD1 acts as an important regulator that controls the cardiac remolding via both GR and MR and the pharmacological inhibition of 11β-HSD1 could be a new therapeutic approach in preventing HFD-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel selective peptide inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1

The enzyme 11β-HSD1 plays a crucial role in the tissue-specific regulation of cortisol levels and it has been associated with various diseases. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 is an attractive intervention strategy and the discovery of novel selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors is of high relevance. In this study, we identified and evaluated a new series of selective peptide 11β-HSD1 inhibitors with potential for skin care applications. This novel scaffold was designed with the aid of molecular modeling and two previously reported inhibitors. SAR optimization yielded highly active peptides (IC50 below 400 nM) that were inactive at 1 µM concentration against structurally related enzymes (11β-HSD2, 17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD2). The best performing peptides inhibited the conversion of cortisone into cortisol in primary human keratinocytes and the most active compound, 5d, was further shown to reverse cortisone-induced collagen damage in human ex-vivo tissue.

Analgesic effects of ASP3662, a novel 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibitor, in rat models of neuropathic and dysfunctional pain.

Glucocorticoids are a major class of stress hormones known to participate in stress-induced hyperalgesia. Although 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme in the intracellular regeneration of glucocorticoids in the CNS, its role in pain perception has not been assessed. Here, we examined the effects of ASP3662, a novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, on neuropathic and dysfunctional pain. The enzyme inhibitory activities and pharmacokinetics of ASP3662 were examined, and its antinociceptive effects were evaluated in models of neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and inflammatory pain in Sprague-Dawley rats. ASP3662 inhibited human, mouse and rat 11β-HSD1 but not human 11β-HSD2, in vitro. ASP3662 had no significant effect on 87 other possible targets (enzymes, transporters and receptors). ASP3662 inhibited in vitro conversion of glucocorticoid from its inactive to active form in extracts of rat brain and spinal cord. Pharmacokinetic analysis in Sprague-Dawley rats showed that ASP3662 has CNS-penetrability and long-lasting pharmacokinetic properties. Single oral administration of ASP3662 ameliorated mechanical allodynia in spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and thermal hyperalgesia in chronic constriction nerve injury rats. ASP3662 also restored muscle pressure thresholds in reserpine-induced myalgia rats. Intrathecal administration of ASP3662 was also effective in SNL rats. However, ASP3662 had no analgesic effects in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. ASP3662 is a potent, selective and CNS-penetrable inhibitor of 11β-HSD1. The effects of ASP3662 suggest that selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1 may be an attractive approach for the treatment of neuropathic and dysfunctional pain, as observed in fibromyalgia.

11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor Development by Lentiviral Screening Based on Computational Modeling

In this study, rat and human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) have been cloned by lentiviral transduction and expressed by CHO-K1 cells. The results showed that recombinant plasmids contained R11bhsd1 or H11bhsd1 have been constructed, which is consistent with the gene bank respectively. A clone cell was selected with G418 and cultivated to express 11β-HSD1. 11β-HSD1 catalytic activity of rat and human were 99.5 and 98.7%, respectively, determined by scanning radiometer. And the cloned CHO-K1 cells expressed the protein of 11β-HSD1 in a long-term and stable manner, which makes it suitable for screening 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. The three-dimensional structure of 11β-HSD1 was used for studying the interaction between inhibitor and enzyme by the binding poses predicted by AutoDock and LeDock software. The docking results revealed that compound 8 forms 2 hydrogen bonds with the residues of Gly-216 and Ile-218 in 11β-HSD1, that is to say compound 8 maybe a good 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. Moreover, C57BL/6 mice with R11bHsd1 overexpression had a higher body weight, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to the mice treated with an empty viral vector. The results might provide a beneficial foundation for selecting inhibitors of 11β-HSD1 or for researching drug candidate mechanisms.

A novel highly potent and selective 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitor, INU-101

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a cortisol regenerating enzyme that amplifies tissue glucocorticoid levels, especially in the liver and adipose tissue. Knockout mice or a selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1 improves metabolic syndrome parameters in preclinical models and human clinical trials. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of INU-101, a potent and selective oral inhibitor of 11β-HSD1. The in vitro activity of 11β-HSD1 was measured using the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. Differentiated adipocytes were used to evaluate the cellular 11β-HSD1 activity. To determine the inhibitory effects on 11β-HSD1 in tissues, we performed ex vivo studies using liver and adipose tissue isolated from C57BL/6 J mice and Cynomolgus monkeys. KKAy mice, ob/ob mice and ZDF rats were administered INU-101 to evaluate whether this compound ameliorated metabolic abnormalities in obese and diabetic animals. INU-101 had highly potent inhibitory activity in mouse, monkey and human 11β-HSD1, derived from liver microsomes. The oral administration of INU-101 significantly inhibited 11β-HSD1 activity in the liver and adipose tissue of mice and monkeys. In KKAy mice, ob/ob mice and ZDF rats, the oral administration of INU-101 enhanced insulin sensitivity and lowered the fasting blood glucose level. Furthermore, INU-101 treatment decreased the body weight and ameliorated an improved lipid profile in the diabetic mouse model. These results suggest that the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, INU-101 may serve as a novel drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

11 Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 regulates synovitis, joint destruction, and systemic bone loss in chronic polyarthritis

ObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis, the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is highly expressed at sites of inflammation, where it converts inactive glucocorticoids (GC) to their active counterparts. In conditions of GC excess it has been shown to be a critical regulator of muscle wasting and bone loss. Here we examine the contribution of 11β-HSD1 to the pathology of persistent chronic inflammatory disease. MethodsTo determine the contribution of 11β-HSD1 to joint inflammation, destruction and systemic bone loss associated with persistent inflammatory arthritis, we generated mice with global and mesenchymal specific 11β-HSD1 deletions in the TNF-transgenic (TNF-tg) model of chronic polyarthritis. Disease severity was determined by clinical scoring. Histology was assessed in formalin fixed sections and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of synovial tissue was performed. Local and systemic bone loss were measured by micro computed tomography (micro-CT). Measures of inflammation and bone metabolism were assessed in serum and in tibia mRNA. ResultsGlobal deletion of 11β-HSD1 drove an enhanced inflammatory phenotype, characterised by florid synovitis, joint destruction and systemic bone loss. This was associated with increased pannus invasion into subchondral bone, a marked polarisation towards pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages at sites of inflammation and increased osteoclast numbers. Targeted mesenchymal deletion of 11β-HSD1 failed to recapitulate this phenotype suggesting that 11β-HSD1 within leukocytes mediate its protective actions in vivo. ConclusionsWe demonstrate a fundamental role for 11β-HSD1 in the suppression of synovitis, joint destruction, and systemic bone loss. Whilst a role for 11β-HSD1 inhibitors has been proposed for metabolic complications in inflammatory diseases, our study suggests that this approach would greatly exacerbate disease severity.

A novel derivatives of thiazol-4(5H)-one and their activity in the inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone into physiologically active cortisol. Inhibiting the activity of this enzyme plays a key role in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, new compounds that are selective inhibitors of this enzyme are constantly being looked for.In this work we present the synthesis of 2-(allylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives by the reaction of N-allylthiourea with appropriate α-bromoesters. In the case of using of aliphatic α-bromoesters and α-bromo-β-phenylesters, the reactions were carried out in a basic medium (sodium ethoxide) and the products were isolated with a yield of up to 68%. Derivatives containing spiro systems in which carbon C-5 of the thiazole ring is the linker atom were obtained in the presence of N,N-diisopropylethylamine.Some of the obtained compounds, at a concentration of 10 μM have activity in the inhibition of 11β-HSD1 up to 71%. IC50 value for the most active compound: 2-(allylamino)-1-thia-3-azaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-4-one is 2.5 µM. With a high degree of 11β-HSD1 inhibition and a relatively large difference in the inhibition of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 activity, this compound appears to be promising and should be subjected to further testing.

11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 1 Human Tissue Distribution, Selective Inhibitor, and Role in Doxorubicin Metabolism.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) is distributed mainly in the human liver, with no detectable levels in the intestine or kidney, based on a newly developed proteomic approach. 11β-HSD1 is mostly membrane-bound and retained in the liver microsomal fraction. Interindividual variability of 11β-HSD1 is relatively low, with about a 3-fold difference. A significant correlation was not observed between various demographic variables (ethnicity, gender, age, weight, smoking, and alcohol use) and 11β-HSD1 protein expression or activity based on data from 31 donors. PF-915275 has been identified as a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor with minimal effects on carbonyl reductase 1 and major cytochrome P450 enzymes. 11β-HSD1 has been shown, for the first time, to be involved in doxorubicin metabolism, accounting for approximately 30% of doxorubicinol formation in human hepatocytes.

1-Adamantylamidoxime

The title compound was prepared by the nucleophilic addition of hydroxylamine over 1-cyanoadamantane. The poor reactivity of the nitrile substrate, due to its scarcely electrophilic nature, prompted the need to employ several activating conditions. Energy supply via conventional heating, ultrasound, and microwave irradiation did not lead to product formation. Therefore, Lewis acid catalysis was attempted. Initial tests with ZnCl2 led to product formation in poor yields. Conversely, the use of AlCl3 led to the formation of the desired amidoxime in the moderate yield, which was further increased to an excellent yield by performing the reaction in a more concentrated medium. The structural identity of the title compound was proven by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR). This compound was later employed as a starting material for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potential 11β-HSD1 inhibitors.

11β-HSD1 Inhibition by RL-118 Promotes Autophagy and Correlates with Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, Enhancing Cognitive Performance in SAMP8 Mouse Model.

Elevated glucocorticoid (GC) exposure is widely accepted as a key factor in the age-related cognitive decline in rodents and humans. 11β-HSD1 is a key enzyme in the GCs pathway, catalyzing the conversion of 11β-dehydrocorticosterone to corticosterone in mice, with possible implications in neurodegenerative processes and cognitive impairment. Here, we determined the effect of a new 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, RL-118, administered to 12-month-old senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice with neuropathological AD-like hallmarks and widely used as a rodent model of cognitive dysfunction. Behavioral tests (open field and object location) and neurodegeneration molecular markers were studied. After RL-118 treatment, increased locomotor activity and cognitive performance were found. Likewise, we found changes in hippocampal autophagy markers such as Beclin1, LC3B, AMPKα, and mTOR, indicating a progression in the autophagy process. In line with autophagy increase, a diminution in phosphorylated tau species (Ser 396 and Ser 404) jointly with an increase in ADAM10 and sAPPα indicated that an improvement in removing the abnormal proteins by autophagy might be implicated in the neuroprotective role of the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. In addition, gene expression of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory markers, such as Hmox1, Aldh2, Il-1β, and Ccl3, were reduced in old treated mice in comparison to that of the control group. Consistent with this, we further demonstrate a significant correlation with autophagy markers and cognitive improvement and significant inverse correlation with autophagy, OS, and neuroinflammation markers. We concluded that inhibition of 11β-HSD1 by RL-118 prevented neurodegenerative processes and cognitive decline, acting on autophagy process, being an additional neuroprotective mechanism not described previously.

Acute anti-obesity effects of intracerebroventricular 11β-HSD1 inhibitor administration in diet-induced obese mice.

The hypothalamus is the regulatory centre of both appetite and energy balance and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the hypothalamus is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Recently, inhibition of 11 β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11β-HSD1) was reported to have an anti-obesity effect by reducing fat mass. However, the link between the role of 11β-HSD1 in the hypothalamus and obesity has yet to be determined. In the present study, embryonal primary hypothalamic neurones and high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice were used to investigate the anorexigenic effects of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. In hypothalamic neurones, carbenoxolone (a non selecitve 11β-HSD inhibitor) alleviated ER stress and ER stress-induced neuropeptide alterations. In HFD mice, i.c.v. administration of carbenoxolone or KR67500 (nonselective and selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, respectively) was associated with less weight gain compared to control mice for 24hours after treatment, presumably by reducing food intake. Furthermore, glucose regulated protein (Grp78), spliced X-box binding protein (Xbp-1s), c/EBP homologous protein (chop) and ER DnaJ homologue protein (Erdj4) expression was decreased in the hypothalami of mice administrated 11β-HSD1 inhibitors compared to controls. Conversely, the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) and S6 kinase1 (S6K1) in the hypothalamus was induced more in mice treated using the same regimes. In conclusion, acute 11β-HSD1 inhibition in the hypothalamus could reduce food intake by decreasing ER stress and increasing insulin, leptin, and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling.

Exploring N-acyl-4-azatetracyclo[5.3.2.02,6.08,10]dodec-11-enes as 11β-HSD1 Inhibitors

We recently found that a cyclohexanecarboxamide derived from 4-azatetracyclo[5.3.2.02,6.08,10]dodec-11-ene displayed low nanomolar inhibition of 11β-HSD1. In continuation of our efforts to discover potent and selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, herein we explored several replacements for the cyclohexane ring. Some derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory activity against human 11β-HSD1, although with low selectivity over the isoenzyme 11β-HSD2, and poor microsomal stability.

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 deficiency or inhibition enhances hepatic myofibroblast activation in murine liver fibrosis.

A hallmark of chronic liver injury is fibrosis, with accumulation of extracellular matrix orchestrated by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Glucocorticoids limit HSC activation in vitro, and tissue glucocorticoid levels are amplified by 11beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐1 (11βHSD1). Although 11βHSD1 inhibitors have been developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and improve diet‐induced fatty liver in various mouse models, effects on the progression and/or resolution of liver injury and consequent fibrosis have not been characterized. We have used the reversible carbon tetrachloride‐induced model of hepatocyte injury and liver fibrosis to show that in two models of genetic 11βHSD1 deficiency (global, Hsd11b1 –/–, and hepatic myofibroblast‐specific, Hsd11b1 fl/fl/Pdgfrb‐cre) 11βHSD1 pharmacological inhibition in vivo exacerbates hepatic myofibroblast activation and liver fibrosis. In contrast, liver injury and fibrosis in hepatocyte‐specific Hsd11b1 fl/fl/albumin‐cre mice did not differ from that of controls, ruling out 11βHSD1 deficiency in hepatocytes as the cause of the increased fibrosis. In primary HSC culture, glucocorticoids inhibited expression of the key profibrotic genes Acta2 and Col1α1, an effect attenuated by the 11βHSD1 inhibitor [4‐(2‐chlorophenyl‐4‐fluoro‐1‐piperidinyl][5‐(1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐thienyl]‐methanone. HSCs from Hsd11b1 –/– and Hsd11b1 fl/fl/Pdgfrb‐cre mice expressed higher levels of Acta2 and Col1α1 and were correspondingly more potently activated. In vivo [4‐(2‐chlorophenyl‐4‐fluoro‐1‐piperidinyl][5‐(1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐thienyl]‐methanone administration prior to chemical injury recapitulated findings in Hsd11b1 –/– mice, including greater fibrosis. Conclusion: 11βHSD1 deficiency enhances myofibroblast activation and promotes initial fibrosis following chemical liver injury; hence, the effects of 11βHSD1 inhibitors on liver injury and repair are likely to be context‐dependent and deserve careful scrutiny as these compounds are developed for chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome and dementia. (Hepatology 2018;67:2167‐2181).

11β-HSD1 in Human Fetal Membranes as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Preterm Birth.

Human parturition is a complex process involving interactions between the myometrium and signals derived from the placenta, fetal membranes, and fetus. Signals originating from fetal membranes are crucial components that trigger parturition, which is clearly illustrated by the labor-initiating consequence of membrane rupture. It has been recognized for a long time that among fetal tissues in late gestation the fetal membranes possess the highest capacity for cortisol regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). However, the exact role of this unique feature remains a mystery. Accumulating evidence indicates that this extra-adrenal source of cortisol may serve as an upstream signal for critical events in human parturition, including enhanced prostaglandin and estrogen synthesis as well as extracellular matrix remodeling. This may explain why such high capacity for cortisol regeneration develops in human fetal membranes at late gestation. Therefore, inhibition of 11β-HSD1 may provide a potential therapeutic target for prevention of preterm birth. This review summarizes the current understanding of the functional role of cortisol regeneration by 11β-HSD1 in human fetal membranes.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and the Impact of Genetic Polymorphism on a CYP2C19 Substrate, BMS-823778, in Healthy Subjects.

BMS-823778 is a potent and selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1, an enzyme that regulates tissue-specific intracellular glucocorticoid metabolism and is a compelling target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Metabolism of BMS-823778 was mediated mainly by polymorphic CYP2C19, with minor contributions from CYP3A4/5 and UGT1A4. The clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of BMS-823778 was first investigated in healthy volunteers after single and multiple ascending doses. BMS-823778 was rapidly absorbed after the oral dose, and systemic exposure at steady state increased proportionally to the dose. Large intersubject variability in BMS-823778 exposure was likely because of the polymorphism of metabolic enzymes. The impact of genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19, UGT1A4, and CYP3A5 on BMS-823778 PK was assessed in healthy Chinese and Japanese subjects, as well as in a human absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion study in which all subjects were genotyped either before or after treatment. A clear trend of high exposure and low clearance was seen in poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2C19 compared with extensive (EM) and intermediate metabolizer (IM) subjects. The impact of UGT1A4 or CYP3A5 polymorphism on BMS-823778 PK was statistically not significant in CYP2C19 EM and IM subjects; however, in a subject with predicted CYP2C19 PM phenotype, the PK of BMS-823778 was affected significantly by UGT1A4 polymorphism. Overall, BMS-823778 was safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects after single or multiple oral doses. The PK of BMS-823778 was characterized by rapid absorption, and the systemic clearance directly correlated with the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19.

Synthesis of propellanes containing a bicyclo[2.2.2]octene unit via the Diels-Alder reaction and ring-closing metathesis as key steps.

The synthesis of propellanes containing bicyclo[2.2.2]octene via olefin metathesis approach is less explored. Herein, we describe a simple and convenient method to synthesize propellane derivatives containing a bicyclo[2.2.2]octene unit which are structurally similar to 11β-HSD1 inhibitors by sequential usage of the Diels–Alder reaction, C-allylation and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as the key steps. Additionally, we expanded this approach to an endo-tricyclo[4.2.2.02,5]decene derivative which is a useful monomer for polymer synthesis and we have also synthesized basketene and anthracene-based propellanes using the same strategy.