Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel 4-Propylsulfonylpiperazines-Based Thiosemicarbazones as Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase and NTPDase Inhibitors

Abstract

Purinergic signaling is modulated by extracellular enzymes known as ectonucleotidases. Ecto-5′-nucleotidase and NTPDases are part of the ectonucleotidase family. NTPDases control ATP levels through hydrolysis, whereas ecto-5′-NT collaborates with NTPDase to break down nucleotide molecule. Due to their roles in inflammation, infection, and cancer, both enzymes present promising targets for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we present a novel and environment-friendly synthetic approach for the creation of small molecules that are not based on nucleotides, specifically substituted sulfonyl-piperazine-based thiosemicarbazone derivatives 7(a–s). We assessed their inhibitory effects on ecto-5′-nucleotidase and NTPDase1, 2, 3, and 8. Most of the compounds displayed excellent inhibition against one or more forms, while some displayed selective inhibition. To gain a deeper understanding of how the synthesized compounds interact with the isoenzymes, we conducted molecular docking studies. Additionally, ADME analyses were performed to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds. The integration of in vitro and in silico studies enabled the identification of compounds with potential inhibitory activity and favorable binding orientations. The observed results provide compelling evidence for the potency of the biologically active scaffold, sulfonylpiperazine, as a powerful and selective NTPDase inhibitor.