colletoic-acid and Metabolic-Syndrome

Cortisol homeostasis has been linked to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), since it stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis. MetS is classified as a constellation of health conditions that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Intracellular cortisol levels are regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type 1 and type 2) in a tissue dependent manner. The type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1) is widely expressed in glucocorticoid targeted tissues and is responsible for the conversion of cortisone to the active cortisol. Local reduction of cortisol regeneration presents a potential strategy for MetS treatment. Recently we disclosed the total synthesis of (+)-colletoic acid as a potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. Herein, we describe our improved processing chemistry for the synthesis of the colletoic acid core to access a diverse number of derivatives for evaluation against 11β-HSD1. The Evan's chiral auxiliary was utilized to construct the acyclic precursor 12 to afford the acorane core 9 using a modified Heck reaction in excellent chemical yields. The colletoic acid core derivatives showed modest activity against 11β-HSD1 and will serve for further biological evaluation.

Topics: 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Metabolic Syndrome; Models, Molecular; Sesquiterpenes