Synthesis, molecular docking, dynamic simulation and pharmacological characterization of potent multifunctional agent (dual GPR40-PPARγ agonist) for the treatment of experimental type 2 diabetes

The current manuscript describes two molecules that were designed against PPAR gamma and GPR40 receptors. The preparation of the compounds was carried out following a synthetic route of multiple steps. Then, the mRNA expression levels of PPAR gamma, GLUT4, and GPR40 induced by compounds were measured and quantified in adipocyte and beta-pancreatic cell cultures. The synthesized compound 1 caused an increase in the 4-fold expression of mRNA of PPAR gamma regarding the control and had a similar behavior to the pioglitazone, while compound 2 only increased 2-fold the expression. Also, the compound 1 increased to 7-fold the GLUT4 expression levels, respect to the control and twice against the pioglitazone. On the other hand, the 1 increase 3-fold GPR40 expression, and compound 2 had a minor activity. Besides, 1 and 2 showed a moderated increase on insulin secretion and calcium mobilization versus the glibenclamide. Based on the molecular docking studies, the first compound had a similar conformation to co-crystal ligands into the binding site of both receptors. The poses were docked keeping the most important interactions and maintaining the interaction along the Molecular Dynamics simulation (20 ns). Finally, compound (1) showed an antihyperglycemic effect at 5 mg/kg, however at higher doses of 25 mg/kg it controlled blood glucose levels associated with feeding intake and without showing the adverse effects associated with insulin secretagogues (hypoglycemia). For these reasons, we have concluded that molecule 1 acts as a dual PPAR gamma and GPR40 agonist offering a better glycemic control than current treatments.