An Expedient Synthesis, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity, and Molecular Modeling Study of Highly Functionalized Hexahydro-1,6-naphthyridines

Abstract

A series of hexahydro-1,6-naphthyridines were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of 3,5-bis[(E)-arylmethylidene]tetrahydro-4(1H)-pyridinones with cyanoacetamide in the presence of sodium ethoxide under simple mixing at ambient temperature for 6–10 minutes and were assayed for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity using colorimetric Ellman’s method. Compound4ewith methoxy substituent atortho-position of the phenyl rings displayed the maximum inhibitory activity with IC50value of 2.12 μM. Molecular modeling simulation of4ewas performed using three-dimensional structure ofTorpedo californicaAChE (TcAChE) enzyme to disclose binding interaction and orientation of this molecule into the active site gorge of the receptor.