Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Schiff’s base derivatives as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

A series of Schiff’s base derivatives was rationally designed, synthesized, and evaluated as multi-function agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The results revealed that compound 3b was a novel multifunctional agent. It acted as a highly selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor (IC50 = 8.4 nM), which was explained by the docking study. Compound 3b also was an antioxidant agent (2.3 eq) and could significantly inhibit self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation (31.8%). Meanwhile, compound 3b was a selective metal chelator and could inhibit Cu2+-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation (62.3%). Furthermore, compound 3b presented good neuroprotective effects on H2O2-induced PC12 cell injury. More importantly, compound demonstrated good blood brain barrier permeability and druglike properties. Therefore, compound 3b, a promising multi-targeted active molecule, offers an attractive starting point for further study in the drug-discovery process against AD.[graphic not available: see fulltext]