In silico and in vitro studies of two non‐imidazole multiple targeting agents at histamine H3 receptors and cholinesterase enzymes

Recently, multi‐target directed ligands have been of research interest for multifactorial disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since H₃ receptors (H₃Rs) and cholinesterases are involved in pathophysiology of AD, identification of dual‐acting compounds capable of improving cholinergic neurotransmission is of importance in AD pharmacotherapy. In the present study, H₃R antagonistic activity combined with anticholinesterase properties of two previously computationally identified lead compounds, that is, compound 3 (6‐chloro‐N‐methyl‐N‐[3‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)propyl]‐1H‐indole‐2‐carboxamide) and compound 4 (7‐chloro‐N‐[(1‐methylpiperidin‐3‐yl)methyl]‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐2‐carboxamide), was tested. Moreover, molecular docking and binding free energy calculations were conducted for binding mode and affinity prediction of studied ligands toward cholinesterases. Biological evaluations revealed inhibitory activity of ligands in nanomolar (compound 3 : H₃R EC₅₀ = 0.73 nM; compound 4 : H₃R EC₅₀ = 31 nM) and micromolar values (compound 3 : AChE IC₅₀ = 9.09 µM, BuChE IC₅₀ = 21.10 µM; compound 4 : AChE IC₅₀ = 8.40 µM, BuChE IC₅₀ = 4.93 µM) for H₃R antagonism and cholinesterase inhibition, respectively. Binding free energies yielded good consistency with cholinesterase inhibitory profiles. The results of this study can be used for lead optimization where dual inhibitory activity on H₃R and cholinesterases is needed. Such ligands can exert their biological activity in a synergistic manner resulting in higher potency and efficacy.