Investigation of tyrosinase inhibition by some 1,2,4 triazole derivative compounds: in vitro and in silico mechanisms

Background: Tyrosinase plays a central role in the biosynthesis pathway of melanin pigment. Melanin protects human skin against radiation and its unusual levels cause some skin disorders such as pregnancy scar, oldness spots and melanoma. Tyrosinase has also been linked to Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, melanin plays a critical role as a defense molecule for insects during wound healing and is important for their life. Therefore, determination of inhibitor molecules for tyrosinase has a promising potential for therapies of some diseases and is an alternative method for keeping insects under control. Material and methods: In this study, 1-hepthyl-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-5-one derivative (A6, A8, A15) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)- 5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (B5, B9, B13) derivative compounds were evaluated in terms of their potential for mushroom tyrosinase inhibition. IC50 values of these six molecules were determined. Results: It was seen that B9 molecule was the most effective inhibitor. Docking studies also nearly supported this end result. Tyrosinase inhibition type and Ki value were found to be uncompetitive and 370.7 +/- 0.3 mu M, respectively, in the presence of B9 compound. Conclusion: These results suggest that B9 compound is a potential tyrosinase inhibitor.