Synthesis and Biological Activity of New 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase Inhibitors : 2-Oxetanones with a Side Chain Mimicking the Extended Structure of 1233A

Structural analogs of 1233A, a microbial metabolite inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, were designed and synthesized. The 2-oxetanone moiety was left intact. All analogs prepared were tested for inhibition of HMG-CoA synthase activity and sterol synthesis in mouse liver and for effect on serum triglyceride levels. Of these analogs, trans-4-[2-[3-(7-carboxy-2-naphthyl)phenyl]ethyl]-3-hydroxymethyl-2-oxetanone (4a) showed the highest inhibitory activity in vitro, and also had in vivo inhibitory activity without causing any increase in triglyceride level.