brain function

PX-478 is a HIF-1α inhibitor with selectivity, oral activity, and blood-brain barrier permeability. PX-478 has antitumor activity and also protects pancreatic β-cell function in diabetes mellitus and is used in type 2 diabetes mellitus research.

Pivagabine (CXB-722), a hydrophobic 4-aminobutyric acid derivative, exhibits neuromodulatory activity and successfully penetrates the blood-brain barrier in rats. It counteracts the impact of foot shock on GABAA receptor function and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) levels in the rat brain.

3-Hydroxybutyric acid (Butanoic acid) (or beta-hydroxybutyrate) is a ketone body. Like the other ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone), levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate in blood and urine are raised in ketosis. In humans, 3-hydroxybutyrate is synthesized in the liver from acetyl-CoA and can be used as an energy source by the brain when blood glucose is low. Blood levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid levels may be monitored in diabetic patients to look for diabetic ketoacidosis. Persistent mild hyperketonemia is a common finding in newborns. Ketone bodies serve as an indispensable source of energy for extrahepatic tissues, especially the brain and lung of developing mammals. Another important function of ketone bodies is to provide acetoacetyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA for the synthesis of cholesterol, fatty acids, and complex lipids. During the early postnatal period, acetoacetate (AcAc) and beta-hydroxybutyrate are preferred over glucose as substrates for synthesis of phospholipids and sphingolipids in accord with requirements for brain growth and myelination. Thus, during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development, when the accumulation of cholesterol and phospholipids accelerates, the proportion of ketone bodies incorporated into these lipids increases. On the other hand, an increased proportion of ketone bodies is utilized for cerebroside synthesis during the period of active myelination. In the lung, AcAc serves better than glucose as a precursor for the synthesis of lung phospholipids. The synthesized lipids, particularly dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, are incorporated into surfactant, and thus have a potential role in supplying adequate surfactant lipids to maintain lung function during the early days of life (PMID: 3884391 ). 3-Hydroxybutyric acid is found to be associated with fumarase deficiency and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, which are inborn errors of metabolism.

Atomoxetine hydrochloride (LY 139603) is the hydrochloride salt of atomoxetine, a phenoxy-3-propylamine derivative and selective non-stimulant, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with cognitive-enhancing activity. Although its precise mechanism of action is unknown, atomoxetine appears to selectively inhibit the pre-synaptic norepinephrine transporter, resulting in inhibition of the presynaptic reabsorption of norepinephrine and prolongation of norepinephrine activity in the synaptic cleft. The effect on cognitive brain function may result in improved attention and decreased impulsivity and activity levels.

1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(dimethylamino)ethan-1-one hydrochloride is a cholinergic agent that inhibits choline metabolism, which leads to increased levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which in turn enhances cognitive function and memory.

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoate is a pro-neurotropic drug used to enhance cognitive function by increasing the synthesis and release of acetylcholine in the brain as well as by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase.

Mitochondrial fusion promoter M1, a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics, enhances mitochondrial function and cellular respiration, and has shown efficacy in reducing brain and cardiac damage in rats suffering from cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury.

TMPH is an inhibitor of nAChR and inhibits nAChRs lacking α5, α6, or β3 subunits. TMPH can be used in studies about nAChR dysfunction or neurological disorders.

BAY-747 (BAY 1165747) is an orally administered, brain-penetrant compound that stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). It effectively counteracts memory impairments induced by L-NAME, improves cognitive performance in rats during the object location task (OLT), reduces blood pressure in conscious normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and enhances skeletal muscle function in the mdx mTRG2 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [1] [2] [3].

FPR2 agonist 2 is a potent FPR2 agonist with blood-brain barrier permeability that acts on h-FPR2 (EC50: 0.13 nM), inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, counteracting changes in mitochondrial function, and inhibiting caspase-3 activity.

PBT434 is a novel, brain-penetrant, small molecule inhibitor of α-synuclein aggregation. In transgenic animal models of Parkinson disease (A53T) and MSA (PLP-α-Syn), PBT434 reduced α-synuclein aggregation, preserved neurons and improved motor function. Glial cell inclusions were also reduced in a murine MSA model. PBT434 is thought to act by redistributing reactive iron across membranes, thereby blocking intracellular protein aggregation and oxidative stress. The affinity of PBT434 for iron is greater than that of α-synuclein but lower than that of iron trafficking proteins, e.g., ferritin.

Cutamesine dihydrochloride (SA4503 dihydrochloride) is a selective σ1 receptor agonist (IC50: 17.4 nM). It shows selectivity for σ1 over σ2 receptors, and inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and attenuates myocardial hypertrophy in vivo. In a rat model of experimental stroke, it enhances brain plasticity and sensorimotor function.

The metallo-protein Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a ubiquitous enzyme responsible for scavenging superoxide radicals. Mutations in SOD1, which alter its metal binding capacity and can result in protein misfolding and aggregation, have been linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cu-ATSM is an orally bioavailable, blood-brain barrier permeable complex that has traditionally been used in cellular imaging experiments to selectively label hypoxic tissue via its susceptibility to reduction by oxygen-depleted mitochondria. More recently, Cu-ATSM has been reported to improve locomotor function and survival in a transgenic ALS mouse model by delivering copper specifically to cells in the spinal cords of mice producing misfolded SOD1 proteins. Copper chaperone for SOD (CCS) is presumed to utilize the copper from Cu-ATSM to prevent misfolding of the SOD1 protein.

NNZ 2591, a synthetic analogue of cyclic glycine-proline (cGP), exhibits oral activity and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This compound demonstrates neuroprotective properties following ischemic brain injury and improves motor function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. NNZ 2591 holds research potential for ischemic brain injury and Angelman syndrome [1] [2] [3].

Lysyltyrosine TFA (H-Lys-Tyr-OH TFA) is a dipeptide consisting of lysine and tyrosine. It enhances brain function or mitigates neurological diseases by facilitating the release of noradrenaline and tyrosine into the brain [1].

Chol-CTPP, a ligand with a dual targeting effect on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glioma cells, serves as the precursor to Lip-CTPP when combined with another mitochondria-targeting ligand (Chol-TPP). Lip-CTPP emerges as a potential carrier facilitating the collaborative anti-glioma efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) and lonidamine (LND). It significantly enhances the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promotes apoptosis and necrosis, and disrupts mitochondrial function [1].

PACAP (1-38) free acid TFA, an endogenous neuropeptide, effectively enhances antral motility and somatostatin secretion, while concurrently suppressing gastrin secretion and promoting the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and substance P. Additionally, it amplifies N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression via RACK1 [1] [2].

PACAP (1-38) free acid, an endogenous neuropeptide, potently modulates gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine functions. It enhances antral motility, increases somatostatin secretion, and stimulates the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, gastrin releasing peptide, and substance P, while concurrently inhibiting gastrin secretion. Additionally, it augments N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function and upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression via RACK1 [1] [2].

Pabinafusp alfa (JR-141), a transferrin receptor-targeting antibody fusing Iduronate 2-sulfatase with an anti-human transferrin receptor antibody, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and inhibits heparan sulfate (HS) accumulation within the central nervous system of mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) mice. It enhances cognitive function and protects against neuronal damage in the central nervous system [1].

N-Palmitoyl taurine, an amino-acyl endocannabinoid prominent in rat brain lipidomics profiling, accompanies multiple arachidonoyl amino acids isolated from bovine brain, including N-arachidonoylethanolamine (NADA) and N-arachidonoyl serine (ARA-S). Mass spectral lipidomic analysis of rat brain additionally revealed a series of fatty acyl amides with taurine. The function of N-Palmitoyl taurine is under investigation.

SNT-207858 is a selective, blood brain barrier penetrating, potent and orally active antagonist of melanocortin-4 (MC-4) receptor. SNT207858 has an IC50 of 22 nM (binding) and 11 nM (function) on the MC-4 receptor.

PF-06655075 is a novel, non-brain-penetrant oxytocin receptor agonist that demonstrates enhanced selectivity for the oxytocin receptor and substantially improved pharmacokinetic stability. This compound serves as a tool to further investigate the function of peripheral oxytocin in behavioral responses [1].

L-Cytidine, an L-configurational form of Cytidine, is a pyrimidine nucleoside and a component of RNA. It influences the glial glutamate cycle, brain phospholipid metabolism, catecholamine synthesis, and mitochondrial function [1] [2].

Q134R, a neuroprotective derivative of hydroxyquinoline, effectively inhibits nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) signaling and possesses the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This compound shows promise for research into Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and aging-related disorders[1].

N-Acetyl lysyltyrosylcysteine amide is a non-toxic, potent, reversible, and specific myeloperoxidase (MPO) tripeptide inhibitor that effectively inhibits MPO production in vivo, attenuates neuronal damage, preserves brain tissue and neurological function post-stroke, and inhibits MPO-dependent hypochlorite (HOCl) production, protein nitration, and LDL oxidation. It is also used in the study of bronchial dysplasia.

Very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFA), notably present in the retina, sperm, and brain, have yet to be fully understood in terms of their biosynthesis and functional roles within these tissues. Recent research, particularly with the elongation of very long-chain FA-4 protein, indicates a distinct function for VLCPUFAs in retinal development and the progression of macular degeneration. CAY10632, a specific C32:6 VLCPUFA, while largely unexplored in its biological activities, is believed to play a role in maintaining normal function of photoreceptor cells in the retina.

Hydromethylthionine, also known as LMTM and Leucomethylene Blue, is a apotent tau aggregation inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia. Hydromethylthionine showed pharmacological activity on brain structure and function as both monotherapy and as an add-on to symptomatic treatment in certain patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

NXPZ-2 is an orally active Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitor (Ki: 95 nM, EC50: 120 and 170 nM). NXPZ-2 dose-dependently attenuates Aβ[1-42]-induced cognitive disturbances, enhances neuronal number and function, and improves pathological alterations in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. NXPZ-2 has potential for studies of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors and AD-related disorders.

SNT-207858 free base is a selective, blood brain barrier penetrating, potent and orally active antagonist of melanocortin-4 (MC-4) receptor(IC50 of 22 nM (binding) and 11 nM (function), on the MC-4 receptor).

Forsythoside B binds to LPS and reduces the biological activity of serum LPS, and inhibits NF-κB activation. Forsythoside B inhibits the inflammatory response and has antioxidant properties. Potent neuroprotective effects with a favorable therapeutic time

Compound 10, an hNTS1R agonist-1, acts as a full agonist with a strong affinity for hNTS1R (K i: 6.9 nM), showing the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It not only enhances motor function but also improves memory in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, this compound is an analog of Neurotensin(8-13) and demonstrates neuroprotective properties [1].