Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and computational studies of novel thiazolo-pyrazole hybrids as promising selective COX-2 inhibitors: Implementation of apoptotic genes expression for ulcerogenic liability assessment

Abstract

A novel series of thiazolo-pyrazole hybrids has been prepared and assessed for their in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory activity. Compound 6c exhibited the most selective COX-2 inhibition profile (SI of 264) not far of Celecoxib (294). In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity revealed that compound 6d exhibited the highest activity (97.30% inhibition of edema) exceeding reference standard Indomethacin (84.62% inhibition of edema). The ulcerogenic liability tested, using gross, microscopic, biochemical analysis and apoptotic genes expression, showed that compound 6b matched the optimal candidate activity (ulcer index = 120, selectivity index of ~ 162 and 77% in-vivo inhibition of edema). Meanwhile, compound 6 m (ulcer index = 0) showcased the highest safety profile. Molecular modeling analysis and drug likeness studies presented appreciated agreement with the biological evaluation.

Keywords: Apoptosis; COX-2; Gene expression; Molecular modeling; Thiazolo-pyrazole hybrids; Ulcerogenic liability.