A New Series of Pyridazinone Derivatives as Cholinesterases Inhibitors: Synthesis, In Vitro Activity and Molecular Modeling Studies

Abstract Background The pyridazinone nucleus has been incorporated into a wide variety of therapeutically interesting molecules to transform them into better drugs. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are known to be serine hydrolase enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh). Inhibition of cholinesterases is an effective method to curb Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we prepared 12 new 6-substituted-3( 2H )-pyridazinone-2-acetyl-2-(nonsubstituted/4-substituted benzenesulfonohydrazide) derivatives and evaluated their inhibitory effects on AChE/BChE in pursuit of potent dual inhibitors for Alzheirmer’s Disease. We also tried to get insights into binding interactions of the synthesized compounds in the active site of both enzymes by using molecular docking approach. Method We obtained our compounds by the reaction of various substituted/nonsubstituted benzenesulfonic acid derivatives with 6-substitutedphenyl-3( 2H )-pyridazinone-2-yl acetohydrazide and determined their anticholinesterase activities according to the Ellman’s method. Molecular docking studies were done using Glide and the results were evaluated on Maestro (Schrodinger, LLC, New York, NY, 2019). Results The title compounds showed moderate inhibition at 100 µg/ml against both enzymes, yet with better activity against BChE. Compound VI 2a emerged as a dual inhibitor with 25.02% and 51.70% inhibition against AChE and BChE, respectively. Conclusion This study supports that novel pyridazinone derivates may be used for the development of new BChE inhibitory agents. It was less potent than the reference drugs, yet promising for further modifications as a lead. The ability of the compounds to adopt energetically more favourable conformations and to engage in more key interactions in the ECBChE active gorge explains their better activity profile against ECBChE.