Baylis-Hillman chemistry derived four series of new epalrestat analogues were synthesized. Three structural changes are introduced in these 39 new epalrestat analogues synthesized. All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory (ALR) activity. Biological activity data indicates that compounds 6, 16, 19, 28 and 29 are potent and the activity is in the range of reference drug, epalrestat. Molecular modelling studies were performed to understand the binding interactions of these active molecules with the ALR protein. Molecular docking data indicates the key interactions of epalrestat were retained in some of the active compounds whereas some new interactions were noticed for other molecules. The modifications introduced on epalrestat have impact for developing a new-type of ALR inhibitor.
Keywords: Aldose reductase inhibitors; Baylis–Hillman reaction; Crystal structure; Epalrestat analogues; Molecular docking; Rhodanine compounds.
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