Novel H2S-Releasing Bifunctional Antihistamine Molecules with Improved Antipruritic and Reduced Sedative Actions

J Med Chem. 2023 Jul 27;66(14):9607-9621. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00321. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter with anti-inflammatory actions that also reduces itching. To test whether a combination of an antihistamine with a H2S donor has improved antipruritic efficacy, bifunctional molecules with antihistamine and H2S-releasing pharmacophores were synthesized and tested in vitro and in vivo. H2S release from the hybrid molecules was evaluated with the methylene blue and lead acetate methods, and H1-blocking activity was assessed by determining tissue factor expression inhibition. All new compounds released H2S in a dose-dependent manner and retained histamine blocking activity. Two compounds with the highest potency were evaluated in vivo for their antipruritic as well as sedative action; they proved to possess higher efficacy in inhibiting histamine-induced pruritus and decreased sedative effects compared to the parent compounds (hydroxyzine and cetirizine), suggesting that they exhibit superior antipruritic action and limited side effects that likely arise from the H2S-releasing moiety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antipruritics* / therapeutic use
  • Histamine
  • Histamine Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / pharmacology
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / therapeutic use
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Pruritus / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipruritics
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Histamine
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Hydrogen Sulfide