Novel Triazole-Linked Indole Derivatives as Potent Soluble Epoxy Hydrolase Inhibitors With Promising Anticancer Activity

A novel series of triazole-linked indole derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHIs) for their potential anticancer activity. These compounds exhibit strong binding affinity within the hydrophobic pockets of sEH, with compounds 9a and 9b emerging as the most potent inhibitors, achieving IC₅₀ values of 0.270 ± 0.014 nM and 0.358 ± 0.03 nM, respectively, in vitro. In addition, both compounds display significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells, with IC₅₀ values of 5.366 ± 0.91 μM and 5.686 ± 0.73 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies, using the 1ZD5 crystal structure, reveal key hydrogen bond interactions analogous to those observed with 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA), providing mechanistic insights into their inhibitory activity. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis further informs the rational optimization of these derivatives for enhanced potency. Overall, these findings highlight triazole-linked indole derivatives as promising lead candidates for the development of sEH-targeted anticancer therapeutics.