Development of tacrine-bifendate conjugates with improved cholinesterase inhibitory and pro-cognitive efficacy and reduced hepatotoxicity.

A novel series of tacrine-bifendate (THA-DDB) conjugates (7a-e) were synthesized and evaluated as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents. These compounds showed potent cholinesterase and self-induced β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation inhibitory activities. A Lineweaver-Burk plot and molecular modeling study showed that these compounds can target both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The cytotoxicity of the conjugate 7d against PC12 and HepG2 cells and hepatotoxicity against human hepatocyte cell line (HL-7702) were found to be considerably less compared to THA. Moreover, treatment with 7d did not exhibit significant hepatotoxicity in mice. Finally, in vivo studies confirmed that 7d significantly ameliorates the cognitive performances of scopolamine-treated ICR mice. Therefore, 7d has high potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and warrants further investigation.