Discovery of neuroprotective Agents: Potent, brain Penetrating, lipoic acid derivatives for the potential treatment of ischemic stroke by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation - a Preliminary study

Stroke poses a serious risk to the physical and mental health of patients. Endogenous compounds are widely used to treat ischemic stroke. Lipoic acid, a naturally occurring (R)-5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, the direct application of lipoic acid is limited by its relatively low efficacy and instability. Therefore, there is a need to modify the structure of lipoic acid to improve its pharmaceutical capabilities. Currently, 37 lipoic acid derivatives have been synthesized, and compound AA-9 demonstrated optimal therapeutic potential in an in vitro model of induced oxidative damage using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). In addition, in vitro experiments have shown that compound AA-9 has an excellent safety profile. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of AA-9 was significant in the rat MCAO ischemic stroke model, which may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of compound AA-9 by activating PGC-1α and inhibiting NLRP3. Notably, compound AA-9 exhibited higher stability and better bioavailability properties than ALA in plasma stability and pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, AA-9 may be a promising neuroprotective agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke and warrants further investigation.