Discovery of gemfibrozil analogues that activate PPARα and enhance the expression of gene CPT1A involved in fatty acids catabolism

Eur J Med Chem. 2011 Oct;46(10):5218-24. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.08.022. Epub 2011 Aug 23.

Abstract

A new series of gemfibrozil analogues conjugated with α-asarone, trans-stilbene, chalcone, and their bioisosteric modifications were synthesized and evaluated to develop PPARα agonists. In this attempt, we have removed the methyls on the phenyl ring of gemfibrozil and introduced the above scaffolds in para position synthesizing two series of derivatives, keeping the dimethylpentanoic skeleton of gemfibrozil unaltered or demethylated. Four compounds exhibited good activation of the PPARα receptor and were also screened for their activity on PPARα-regulated gene CPT1A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase / genetics*
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Gemfibrozil / analogs & derivatives*
  • Gemfibrozil / pharmacology*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • PPAR alpha / agonists*
  • PPAR alpha / metabolism*
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • PPAR alpha
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase
  • Gemfibrozil