Optimization of N-Phenylpropenoyl-l-amino Acids as Potent and Selective Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors for Parkinson’s Disease

N-Phenylpropenoyl-l-amino acids (NPAs) are inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors possessing preventive effects for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, structural modifications for improving the iNOS inhibitory activity and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability of NPAs were conducted, leading to 20 optimized NPA derivatives (1–20). Compound 18, with the most potent activity (IC50 = 74 nM), high BBB permeability (Pe = 19.1 × 10–6 cm/s), and high selectivity over other NOS isoforms, was selected as the lead compound. Further studies demonstrated that 18 directly binds to iNOS. In the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced acute PD model, the oral administration of 18 (1 and 2 mg/kg) exerted preventive effects by alleviating the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. Notably, in the MPTP-/probenecid-induced chronic PD model, the same dose of 18 also displayed a therapeutic effect by repairing the damaged DAergic neurons. Finally, good pharmacokinetic properties and low toxicity made 18 a promising candidate for the treatment of PD.