Structural Modification of Natural Product Ganomycin I Leading to Discovery of a α-Glucosidase and HMG-CoA Reductase Dual Inhibitor Improving Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction in Vivo

Kai Wang, Li Bao, Nan Zhou, Jinjin Zhang, Mingfang Liao, Zhongyong Zheng, Yujing Wang, Chang Liu, Jun Wang, Lifeng Wang, Wenzhao Wang, ShuangJiang Liu, Hongwei Liu

Index: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00107

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Abstract

It is a great challenge to develop drugs for treatment of metabolic syndrome. With ganomycin I as a leading compound, 14 meroterpene derivatives were synthesized and screened for their α-glucosidase and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activities. As a result, a α-glucosidase and HMG-CoA reductase dual inhibitor ((R,E)-5-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-3-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dien-1-yl)furan-2(5H)-one, 7d) with improved chemical stability and long-term safety was obtained. Compound 7d showed multiple and strong in vivo efficacies in reducing weight gain, lowering HbAlc level, and improving insulin resistance and lipid dysfunction in both ob/ob and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice models. Compound 7d was also found to reduce hepatic steatosis in ob/ob model. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, SCFA, and intestinal mucosal barrier function analysis indicated that gut microbiota plays a central and causative role in mediating the multiple efficacies of 7d. Our results demonstrate that 7d is a promising drug candidate for metabolic syndrome.