LUNG INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the series of compounds for the treatment of conditions selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders related to cytokine storm such as Acute lung injury, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic lung disorders such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic disorders such as hepatic fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and kidney fibrosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are currently no effective prophylactic or post-exposure therapies. In patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, it has been described that disease severity and outcomes are related to the characteristics of the immune response. Interleukin IL-6 and other components (TNFa, TFNy, MIPla, IL- 10, IL- Ip, IL-12p40, IL- 17 A, IL-2, and IL8) of the inflammatory cascade contribute to host defence against infections.

[0003] Evidences from literature ^1-4 have stated that the infections caused by some of the deadly viruses (like P-coronavirus) led to development of pulmonary fibrosis and ARDS. The underlying mechanism is associated with cytokine storm (ARDS) where cytokines like interleukins ² - ^7J0 , granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interferon-y-inducible protein, monocyte chemo-attractant protein, macrophage inflammatory protein-a, tumor necrosis factor a are over produced ^3,4 and it was known that, all these markers are highly up-regulated in fibrosis (Scar tissue formation). Overtime, the fibrotic tissue can destroy the normal lung and make it hard for oxygenating the blood.

[0004] Interleukin (IL)-6 and other components of the inflammatory cascade contribute to host defence against infections. However, exaggerated synthesis of IL-6 can lead to an acute severe systemic inflammatory response known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). In the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, a study found that a CRS involving a considerable release of proinflammatory cytokines occurred, including IL-6, IL- 12, and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a). From the existing data, acute or chronic infections caused by bacterial or virus led to severe injury followed by ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome) and pulmonary fibrosis. [0005] Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of pulmonary disorder that results in scarring of the lungs for an unidentified reason. IPF is a form of interstitial lung disease, primarily causing inflammation in lung tissue and space surrounding the air sacs of the lungs ultimately causing thickened, stiff tissue formation that led to difficulty in breathing. Apart from its poor prognosis, it was also reported that there is 2-5 years of survival after diagnosis of the IPF ⁵ . Recent data on COVID- 19 suggested that there could be substantial fibrotic consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection ^2,3 . Given the scale of the pandemic, the burden of IPF following SARS-CoV-2 infection is likely to be high, hence developing new anti- fibrotic agents may help in such situations. Therefore, there is an immediate need for the development of effective treatment against IPF.

[0006] ARDS is a life-threatening inflammatory lung injury characterized by severe acute hypoxemia, respiratory distress and pulmonary edema. In spite of the advances in ventilator and circulation therapy, it is reported that the mortality rate of patients with ARDS still remains high (exceeds 50%). Due to the non-availability of first-line treatment for ARDS, glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory steroids, which are very potent immunosuppressive agents, have been in use for ARDS from several decades and their outcomes have not been proven to be beneficial ^6,8 . Even high-dose glucocorticoid therapy of patients at risk of developing ARDS neither improved the clinical outcome nor reversed ARDS progression ^7,8 .

Role of HDAC inhibitors in IPF and other lung disorders

[0007] Histone deacetylease inhibitors (HDACi) are the therapeutic agents used against cancer and many other diseases including fibrotic disorders ⁹ . Lungs with IPF exhibit distinct expression patterns of HDACs especially HDAC8 and HDAC6. In lungs with IPF, HDAC8/HDAC6 expression is noticed in myofibroblasts, and vascular smooth and bronchiolar epithelial cells. It was reported that HD AC-8 and HD AC-6 levels were highly up-regulated in IPF patient samples ^10,11 . The present disclosure provides therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors against pulmonary fibrosis, ARDS and other lung injuries caused by infections acting through reducing the cytokine storm, the pro -inflammatory cytokine levels, inflammation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), extra cellular matrix (ECM) production, collagen deposition, and modulating the disturbed (thickened alveolar walls and Interstitial inflammation) lung architecture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides HDACi compounds which relates to indole based sulfonyl hydroxamic acid of formula 1 (below), useful for preventing or treating ARDS. The present invention provides a new use of the HDACi compounds for preventing or treating IPF, ARDS and lung injury.

[0009] The present invention provides a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for IPF and ARDS, which comprises the HDACi compounds.

[0010] The present invention provides a compound of formula 1 for treating impaired function of lung, reduction of collagen deposition and reduction of pulmonary fibrosis.

[0011] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compounds of general formula 1 wherein

Ring A and B are independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, fused aryl, or fused alkyl group;

Ri, R2, R3, R4, Rs, Re and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkoxy, aryloxy, hydroxy, ester, amide, amino, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, , nitro, cyano, and aldehyde; and X is O, for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compounds as disclosed herein, for the application in condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders (ARDS and acute lung injury), and fibrotic disorders (Pulmonary fibrosis), wherein the structural formulas of the representative compounds comprises of: COMPOUND- 107, COMPOUND- 108, COMPOUND- 109, and COMPOUND- 110:

109 H°

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of IPF, hepatic fibrosis, impaired functions of lung and liver, with the sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compounds as disclosed herein, and/or their formulation with or without other ingredients. [0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Figure 1 depicts the cell viability of test compounds against NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells. It shows the IC50 of COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND-108 and COMPOUND-107.

[0016] Figure 2 depicts the expression levels of HD AC-8 and HD AC-6 upon treatment with IIC-T109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107 in presence and absence of TGF-pl in in NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells.

[0017] Figure 3 depicts the expression levels of EMT markers (Snail, Vimentin and a-SMA) upon treatment with COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107 in presence and absence of TGF-pi in NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells.

[0018] Figure 4 depicts the expression levels of ECM markers (LOX-L2, Timpl and Timp3) upon treatment with COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107 in presence and absence of TGF-pi in NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells.

[0019] Figure 5 depicts the expression levels of collagen associated markers (Collagen lai and collagen 3al) upon treatment with COMPOUND-109, COMPOUND-108 and COMPOUND-107 in presence and absence of TGF-pi in NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells.

[0020] Figure 6 depicts the schematic plan of BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat model.

[0021] Figure 7 depicts the effect of COMPOUND-108 and 109 against BLM induced inflammatory markers and neutrophils infiltration in Bronchiolar Lavage Fluid of the rats.

[0022] Figure 8 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 and 109 against BLM increased collagen deposition and lung index.

[0023] Figure 9 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 and 109 against BLM increased levels of TGF-P, collagen lai, collagen 3al and CTGF mRNA levels in rat lung tissues.

[0024] Figure 10 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 and 109 against BLM increased levels of a-SMA, Timpl and Fibronectinl (FN1) mRNA levels in rat lung tissues.

[0025] Figure 11 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 and 109 against BLM induced inflammatory changes in lung tissues (H&E and Masson’s tri chrome staining).

[0026] Figure 12 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 and 109 against BLM induced inflammatory changes in lung tissues (H&E and Masson’s tri chrome staining).

[0027] Figure 13 depicts the effect of COMPOUND-108 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced elevation of neutrophils in blood, WBC and neutrophils infiltration in Bronchiolar Lavage Fluid in rat lungs.

[0028] Figure 14 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 against LPS increased Lung and spleen indices

[0029] Figure 15 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 against LPS increased levels of IL- 6,IL-lbeta, CCL-2, Cox-2, CXCL-6, CXCL-10, CCL-7 and CXCL-1 (IL-8 surrogate marker) mRNA levels in rat lung tissues

[0030] Figure 16 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 against LPS increased levels of CXCL-1 l,TLR-3 and INF-y mRNA levels in rat lung tissues.

[0031] Figure 17 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 against LPS increased levels of IL-6 levels in plasma samples of the rats.

[0032] Figure 18 depicts the effect of COMPOUND- 108 against LPS induced inflammatory changes in lung tissues (H&E staining).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The invention will now be described in detail in connection with certain preferred and optional embodiments, so that various aspects thereof may be more fully understood and appreciated.

Definitions:

[0034] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.

[0035] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0036] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

[0037] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.

[0038] The term “alkyl” refers to a saturated hydrocarbon chain having the specified number of carbon atoms. For example, which is not limited, alkyl group having from 1 - 6 carbon atoms, or 1 - 4 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups may be straight or branched chained groups. Representative branched alkyl groups have one, two, or three branches. Preferred alkyl groups include, without limitation, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, and /-butyl. [0039] The term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group attached via an oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule. For example, which is not limited, alkoxy refers to an alkyl group having from 1 - 6 carbon atoms, or 1 - 4 carbon atoms attached via an oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule. Preferred alkoxy groups include, without limitation, -OCH3 (methoxy), -OC2H5 (ethoxy) and the like.

[0040] The term “halogen” refers to a halogen radical, for example, fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

[0041] The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic ring having a specified number of carbon atoms. For example, an aryl group having 6 to 15 member atoms, or 6 member atoms. Preferred aryl groups include, without limitation, phenyl, naphthyl, and the like.

[0042] The term “heteroaryl” refers to aromatic rings containing from 1 to 5 heteroatoms in the ring. “Heteroaryl” groups may be substituted with one or one or more substituents if so defined herein. For example, which is not limited, heteroaryl rings having 1 to 15 carbon(s) as member atoms. The “heteroaryl” includes pyridinyl, tetrazolyl, or pyrazolyl. “Heteroatom” refers to a nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen atom, for example, a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom. [0043] The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated hydrocarbon ring having a specified number of carbon atoms, which may be monocyclic or polycyclic. For example, which is not limited, C3-15 cycloalkyl refers to a cycloalkyl group having from 3 to 15 member atoms. For example, which is not limited, cycloalkyl group having from 3 to 15 membered atoms. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include, without limitation, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctanyl, and the like.

[0044] The term “amide” refers to C(O)NH group attached via a carbonyl linkage to the rest of the molecule.

[0045] The term “hydroxy” refers to O-H moiety attached via an oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule.

[0046] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally- equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1

Formula 1 wherein ring A and B are independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, fused aryl, or fused alkyl group; Ri, R2, R3, R4, Rs, Re and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkoxy, aryloxy, hydroxy, ester, amide, amino, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, nitro, cyano, and aldehyde; and X is O, for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders (ARDS and acute lung injury), and fibrotic disorders (Pulmonary fibrosis), wherein the structural formulae of the representative compound comprises of:

109 110 [0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders, wherein the sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compounds are comprised of: 4-(N-(3-(3-fluoro-5- hydroxyphenyl)-l-methyl-lH-indol-5-yl)sulfamoyl)-N-hydroxyl benzamide (107), 4-(N-(3- (3-chlorophenyl)-l-methyl-lH-indol-5-yl)sulfamoyl)-N-hydroxy benzamide (108), 4-(N-(3- (6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-l-methyl-lH-indol-5-yl)sulfamoyl)-N-h ydroxy benzamide (109), N- hydroxy-4-(A/-(l-methyl-3-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-l/Z-indol- 5-yl)sulfamoyl) benzamide (HO).

[0050] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, for the application in condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders, wherein the sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound comprises of: 4-(N-(3-(3-chlorophenyl)-l- methyl- 1 H-indol-5-yl) sulfamoyl)-N -hydroxybenzamide (108).

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the lung inflammatory disorders related to cytokine storm such as Acute lung injury, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and the fibrotic disorders such as hepatic fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and kidney fibrosis.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly attenuate the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced infiltration of WBC and Neutrophils.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly attenuate the LPS induced Lung volume (index), and spleen Indices.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders, and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly reduces the expression of inflammatory markers consisting of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-ip and IL-8), and chemokines (CCL2 and CCL-7) along with chemokine ligands (CXCL-6, CXCL-10 and CXCL-11), and TLR3 genes. [0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound attenuate the LPS induced IL-6 levels in plasma samples. [0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein COMPOUND- 108 most effectively ameliorated the lung pathological conditions.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly attenuated the extra cellular matrix proteins, collagen, and epithelial to mesenchymal markers expression in TGF-P stimulated LL29, DHLF, and NHLF cells.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly mitigated the inflammatory markers expression and infiltration of neutrophils in BLM challenged rats.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly reduced the lung index and hydroxyproline levels in BLM challenged rats.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the compound significantly attenuated the fibrotic markers expression in BLM challenged rats. [0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein COMPOUND- 108 most effectively ameliorated the fibrotic alterations in BLM challenged rat lung tissues.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, with the effective dose for use in the treatment of condition selected from a group consisting of lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, wherein the effective dose ranges between 2mg/kg to 4mg/kg body weight.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided use of the sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of formula 1 as disclosed herein, in the treatment of condition selected from lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders.

EXAMPLES

[0064] Following examples are given by way of illustration and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

METHODOLOGY

Cell-lines and cell culture

[0065] LL29 cells (lung fibroblasts from IPF patient) were purchased from ATCC and cultured in Ham’s F-12K medium supplemented with 15% FBS. Primary lung fibroblasts cells, NHLF and DHLF-IPF cells were purchased from LONZA and cultured in FGF-2 medium with FGF, Insulin and FBS. All the cells were maintained in a humidified atmosphere of 95% air with 5% CO ₂ at 37 °C.

Sulphorhodamine-B assay (Cytotoxicity assay)

[0066] Cells (LL29, NHLF and DHLF-IPF) were seeded into a 96 well plate (8x103 cells/well) and cells were treated with HDAC-inhibitors (COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107) which were dissolved in DMSO, in various concentrations (0, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5,25, 50, lOOpM) and DMSO (vehicle control). Further the cells were incubated for 72 hours. Then, cell percentage of cell death was determined with sulforhodamine-B (Sigma Aldrich, St Louis, MI) assay. IC50 values were calculated by curve fit method using GraphPad Prism-8 software. TGF-P stimulation/Hypoxia Induction

[0067] Cells were pre-treated with HD AC -inhibitors (COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107) for 2 hours in serum free media and then human recombinant TGF-P (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) was added at a concentration of 5ng/mL and cultured for 72 hours for all the experiments.

RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and q-RT-PCR

[0068] RNA isolation was carried out using Trizol as described ^12,13 . RNA was isolated using Trizol-chloroform method and total RNA was quantified using nano-drop, 1 pg of RNA was used for cDNA synthesis using primescript cDNA synthesis kit (Takara bio) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Primers for EMT (Fibronectinl (FN1), Vimentin, a-SMA and

Snail) markers, ECM markers (Timpl, Timp3 and LoxL2), Collagen markers (Collagen lai (Coll) and Collagen 3al(coll) and housekeeping markers (P2M and P-actin) were designed using Primer 3 software and all primer sequences were listed in Table 1. Real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out using SYBR green master mix and the differences in mRNA expression of all the gene levels were calculated as the fold change using the formula 2-AAct.

In all Q-RT-PCR data plots, vehicle control fold change was normalized to 1.

Table 1. Sequences of Transcripts/primers {human (h) and rat (R) mRNA] used for real-time quantitative PCR.

Experimental animals

[0069] Adult female Wistar rats (180-200 g, n = 50) at the age of 8-10 weeks were used to develop bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis model. All animals were kept under constant environmental and nutritional conditions throughout the experimental period. The research protocol complies with the ethical guidelines of experimental research; “Institutional Animal Ethics Committee” (CPSCEA Registration No. 97/GO/RBi/S/1999/CPCSEA and study approval No. IICT/056/2019), CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad.

Induction of pulmonary fibrosis

[0070] Except 8 animals (Sham control), pulmonary fibrosis was induced in remaining all animals (32 Wistar rats) by intratracheal instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg) as sulfate salt dissolved in 1 mL of normal saline. Rats were anesthetized using ketamine and xylazine (80 mg/kg and 15mg/kg respectively as per body weight, I.P.). BLM was administered intratracheally into the lungs of the rats.

Animal grouping and treatment

[0071] Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by a single intratracheal instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg) to the set of animals (n = 40) excluding sham control animals (n = 8)—. BLM was dissolved in saline to attain the concentration of 5 mg/ml. Animals were anesthetized with ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg). BLM was administered intratracheal (5 mg/kg) to the anesthetized Wistar rats and saline was administered intratracheally in to sham control animals. Post BLM administration, body weight reduction was calculated (on 14 ^th day) and the animals which showed body weight reduction (around 10%) were included in the study. Further, these animals were randomized into four groups (as described in Table-2) apart from sham control (8 rats/group).

Table 2 represents the grouping pattern of animals

[0072] As described in the grouping pattern Table 2 and 3, animals were grouped and administered the compounds orally in the form of gum-acacia suspension (0.25%) daily for 14 days. Sham control (without bleomycin) animals were used as a control for bleomycin control (disease control) and administered everyday 0.5mL of saline for 14 days orally. After the treatment period, BALF fluid was collected from 4 animals in each group and lungs were collected from another 4 animals for ex-vivo experiments and histopathological observations.

Treatment with COMPOUND- 108 and induction of ARDS in male SD rats:

[0073] Treatment group animals were treated with HDACi (COMPOUND- 108) for 7 days at the doses of (1.5 mg/kg and 3mg/kg), after the treatment period animals were subjected to ARDS instillation by intratracheally. Rats were anesthetized using ketamine and xylazine (80 mg/kg and 20mg/kg, respectively as per body weight, I.P.). Except 8 animals (Sham control), ARDS was induced in remaining all animals (24 SD rats) by intratracheal instillation of Lipopolysachharide (5 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline.

Table 3 represents the grouping pattern of animals

BAUF collection and parameters analysis

[0074] In 4 animals from each group, the thoracic cavity was opened and the tracheas were exposed, cannulated and 3 mL sterile 0.9% saline was slowly infused into the lungs. BALF was centrifuged at 2000 rpm, 4 °C for 10 min using cooling centrifuge. The sedimented cell pellets were pooled and re-suspended in 500 pl of sterile saline to quantify inflammatory cell counts; supernatant BLAF was examined for ALP and LDH parameters using auto -analyzer.

Hydroxy-proline assay

[0075] Collagen deposition was determined by measuring the total hydroxyproline content in wet lung tissue, which was measured by a hydroxyproline assay kit (abeam), according to the manufacturer’s protocol. In brief, lungs were homogenized in sterile distilled water, alkalized using 10N NaOH and heated at 120 °C for 1 hour. Following alkaline hydrolysis samples were neutralized using 10N concentrated HCL. Then samples were into 96 well plate along with standards and kept for evaporation at 65 °C. Then samples were oxidized by adding oxidation mixture followed by addition of developer and incubated at 37 °C for 5 min. Further, DMAB was added and incubated at 65 °C for 45 min and absorbance was measured Optical density at 560nm using microplate reader. Concentration of total hydroxyproline (pg/pL) in the test samples is calculated ¹³ .

Histopathology

[0076] A portion of the pulmonary lobe was harvested, rinsed with ice-cold phosphate buffer saline, and fixed with 10% neutral-buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned (6 pm) and stained with H&E and Masson's trichrome. Three serial slices of 3 pm thickness each 50 pm apart of both lung lobes were stained with Masson's Trichrome. The slides were analyzed with a microscope in a random order using an ( 10 x) objective. The severity of fibrosis and alveolitis in lung tissues (using H&E and Masson's trichrome staining) was semi- quantitatively assessed by a pathologist in a blinded fashion via Ashcroft scoring system ¹⁵ . The structural alterations of tissue were assessed based on the degree haemorrhage, emphysema, alveolar wall thickening, inflammatory lesions and collagen deposition or fibrosis ¹⁶ .

Statistical analysis

[0077] Statistical significance determined using student’s t-test, ANOVA and two-way ANOVA. Curve-fit method was used to analyse IC50 value. Graph-pad prism software version 8 was used for all statistical tests and plotting the graphs. Results are shown as mean± S.E.M. Error bars represent S.E.M., n=3. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. NS, non-significant.

RESULTS ON PULMONARY FIBROSIS MODEL EXAMPLE 1: Therapeutic dose Determination for HDAC-inhibitors

[0078] In vitro effects of HDAC-inhibitors (COMPOUND- 109, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 107) on cell viability were investigated on NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells; IC50 values were found to be in the range of 6.3+0.3, 74.74+0.22 pM in all three cell lines. Detailed IC50 values were mentioned in Figure 1A, IB and 1C. Based on the results of cell viability assay performed at various concentrations, safest doses were finalized for each cell line (Table 4) and re-tested. As expected, cell death was not observed at selected doses of HDAC- inhibitors.

Table 4 describes the concentrations used for q-RT-PCR analysis

EXAMPLE 2: HDAC-inhibitors abrogated the TGF-p-mediated over expression of HDAC-8 and HDAC-6 levels.

[0079] HDAC-8 and HDAC-6 levels are known to increase upon TGF-pi activation, BLM- induced pulmonary fibrosis and IPF patient samples (Ref). Since, the molecules are selective for HDAC-8 or 6, the effect of HDAC-inhibitors on gene expression of HDAC-8 and 6 was tested (Figure 2). TGF-pi stimulation enhanced (Figure 2A-2F) the gene expression of HDAC- 8 and HDAC-6 in NHLF, DHLF and LL29 cells. Upon treatment with HDAC inhibitors (COMPOUND- 109, 108 and 107), HDAC-8 levels were reduced with COMPOUND- 108 (concentration of 2.5pM) in NHLF and LL29 cells. Other concentrations of Compound 108 or 109 or 107 did not modulate the HDAC-8 levels. In-contrast to HDAC-8 gene expression data, HDAC-6 gene expression levels were highly reduced in NHLF and LL29 with almost all the concentrations. However, in HDAC-6 levels were slightly down regulated in DHLF cells with highest concentrations of HDAC-inhibitors.

[0080] Hence, the results revealed that COMPOUND- 108 potentially inhibits the HDCA-6 (2a) and HDAC-8 mRNA levels (2b), but COMPOUND- 109, and COMPOUND- 107 could inhibit only HDAC-6 mRNA levels (2a). Therefore, this demonstrated that COMPOUND- 108 could be a dual inhibitor for HD AC-8 and HD AC-6. A few studies suggested that the dual or multi target HDAC inhibitors perform better to target the IPF compared to single/specific HD AC inhibitors ¹⁷ .

EXAMPLE 3: HDAC-inhibitors ameliorated the TGF-p-induced EMT genes expression in cell lines

[0081] In in-vitro studies, TGF-P 1 plays, a major role to induce EMT, which is driving force for myofibroblasts conversation ¹⁸ . Therefore, the effect of BCA on gene expression of EMT markers in TGF-P stimulated cells was investigated (Figure 3e). TGF-pi treated cells resulted in significant increase in the expression of EMT genes (Vimentin, Snail and a-SMA) (Figure 3A-2I). Snail levels were highly down-regulated in LL29 cells upon treatment with COMPOUND- 108 (5 and lOpM) and COMPOUND- 107 (10 and 20pM). Treatment with Compound 109 or 108 or 107 showed that, vimentin and a-SMA levels were highly reduced in TGF-pi stimulated NHLF and LL29 cells (Figure 3A-C and 3G-I), but, vimentin levels were not modulated with COMPOUND-109 (Figure 3). In contrast to above results, HDAC- inhibitors did not modulate the EMT gene (Snail, Vimentin and a-SMA) expression levels in DHLF cells (Figure 3D-3F). Taken together, HDAC-inhibitors potentially inhibit the EMT markers expression in Normal and IPF cells (LL29).

EXAMPLE 4: HDAC-inhibitors abrogated the TGF-p-induced ECM production genes expression

[0082] ECM plays a distinct role in organizing tissue architecture and regulation of cell function. This dynamic activity is controlled partly by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPS). Therefore, the ECM markers (Timpl and Timp3) and supporting markers such as Lox-L2 were investigated (Figure 4). TGF-pi stimulation enhanced (Figure 4A-4H) the gene expression of ECM markers. In line with EMT markers expression, HDAC-inhibitors treatment attenuated the expression Timpl, Timp3 and LoxL2 in NHLF (Figure 4A-C), DHLF (Figure 4D-4F) and LL29 (Figure 4G and 41) cells in dose dependent manner. Overall, HDAC-inhibitors treatment potentially reduced the ECM marker expression in TGF-P 1 stimulated fibroblast cells.

EXAMPLE 5: HDAC-inhibitors ameliorated the TGF-p-induced collagen markers expression in cell lines [0083] Further, the effect of HD AC -inhibitors on collagen depositing genes such as, Coll and Col3 was investigated. TGF-P 1 treatment highly up-regulated the gene expression of Coll and col3 in NHLF, DHLF and L129 cells (Figure 5A-5F). Interestingly, HDAC-inhibitors treatment also attenuated the TGF-P mediated collagen deposition marker expression in all cell types (Figure 5A-5F) in dose dependent manner.

EXAMPLE 6: HDAC-inhibitors attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in Wistar rats:

[0084] Bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis is a widely used in-vivo model to assess the antifibrotic activity against IPF. In this study, HDAC-inhibitors and standard drugs (as per Table 2 and 3) were administered orally for 14 days after intratracheal administration of Bleomycin as described in schematic plan (Figure 6). Pro-Inflammatory markers such as ALP and LDH levels were significantly increased in BLM control samples, upon treatment with Compound- 108 and 109, ALP and LDH levels were reduced in dose dependently (Figure 7A and 7B). Further, Neutrophil infiltration count and WBC count was measured in all the BALF samples, elevated levels of Neutrophil (Figure 7C) and WBC (Figure 7D) was observed in BLM disease group and those levels were reduced significantly with HDAC-inhibitors. BCA treatment markedly ameliorated the BLM induced increased collagen levels in the lungs (Figure 8A and 8BG) and lung index (Figure 8C).

EXAMPLE 7: HDAC-inhibitors reduced the collagen marker’s expression by modulating the TGF-p levels in in-vivo

[0085] BLM treatment is known to increase the inflammation and growth factors in lung tissues, especially TGF-P 1 induction upon BLM treatment lead to stimulate extra cellular matrix proteins and led to formation of collagen. HDAC-inhibitors treatments significantly attenuated the BLM induced TGF-P gene expression (Figure 9A and 9E) and other collagen markers expressions in dose dependent manner (Figure 9B, 9C, 9D and 9F).

EXAMPLE 8: HDAC-inhibitors reduced the fibrotic marker’s (EMT and ECM) expression in BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis model

[0086] Along with collagen levels, the effect of HDAC-inhibitors on EMT and ECM markers was tested. Treatment with HD AC inhibitors significantly attenuated the BLM induced a-SMA (Figure 10A), FN1 (Figure 10B) and TIMP1 (Figure 10C) levels in rat tissues. EXAMPLE 9: HDAC inhibitors protects against bleomycin-induced pathological changes of lungs

[0087] Histopathological analysis by H&E (Fibrosis score) and Masson’s staining (Ashcroft score) revealed that HDAC-inhibitors (COMPOUND- 108 and 109) reduced the BLM induced thickened alveolar walls, few inflammatory cells infiltration, and reduced deposition of collagen fibers compared BLM alone group (Figure 11A, 11B, 11C and 12A, 12B, 12C). Collectively, in-vivo results delineated that, COMPOUND- 108 and COMPOUND- 109 could effectively protect the BLM-induced inflammation, fibrotic marker expression and pathological changes in lung tissues.

RESULTS ON ARDS MODEL:

EXAMPLE: 10

COMPOUND-108 treatment reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in BALE

[0088] LPS induced significant increase in the Neutrophil count in blood in disease control group. COMPOUND-108 3mg/kg treatment significantly attenuated the LPS induced Neutrophil count in blood (Figure 13A). LPS induced significant increase in Neutrophil count and WBC count in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in disease control. COMPOUND- 108 treatment significantly attenuated the LPS induced infiltration of WBC (Figure 13B) and Neutrophils (Figure 13C).

EXAMPLE: 11

HDACi (COMPOUND- 108) reduced the lung oedema and spleen index

[0089] LPS induction significantly increased the Lung and spleen indices in disease control. COMPOUND- 108 treatment significantly attenuated the LPS induced Lung volume (index) and spleen Indices (Figure 14).

EXAMPLE: 12

COMPOUND-108 significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines

[0090] Intratracheal (IT) administration of LPS significantly increased the expression of IL-6, IL-lp, CC12, Cox-2, CXCL-6, CCL-7, CXCL-1 (IL-8 surrogate marker) and CXCL-10 in the lung tissues of disease control animals. COMPOUND- 108 treatment significantly attenuated the increased expression of LPS induced expression of inflammatory markers treated animals with dose dependent manner (Figure 15).

EXAMPLE: 13

COMPOUND-108 significantly reduced the expression of chemokines and TLR3 genes

[0091] IT administration of LPS significantly increased the CXCL-11, TLR-3 and INF-y expression in the lung tissues of disease control animals. COMPOUND- 108 treatment significantly attenuated the LPS induced inflammatory marker’s expression in dose dependent manner (Figure 16).

EXAMPLE: 14

Treatment with COMPOUND-108 attenuated the LPS induced IL-6 levels in plasma samples

[0092] LPS challenge significantly increased the IL-6 levels in plasma. COMPOUND- 108 (3 mg/kg) reduced the plasma IL-6 Levels at both the time points (Figure 17).

EXAMPLE: 15

COMPOUND-108 reverses lung injury and pulmonary edema in LPS challenged rats

[0093] LPS instilled anial group exhibited severe pathological changes (Alveolar hemorrhages /congestion, alveolar/interstitial edema/degeneration, alveolar/interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells specifically neutrophils, plasma cells, alveolar wall thickening alveolar/bronchiolar inflammation) and caused the endothelial barrier dysfunction. As evident from H&E results (Figure 18), it was observed that inflammatory cells such as neutrophils influx into the alveolar spaces, thus led to the thickening of an interalveolar septum (Figure 18 A). Moreover, COMPOUND- 108 pre-treatment remarkably repressed the pathological consequences (LPS induced) at 1.5 and 3 mg/kg doses. Overall, histopathological observation revealed that LPS+COMPOUND-1.5mg/kg and LPS+COMPOUND-3mg/kg group showed (18B) significant (p<0.01) reduction of lung injury and infiltration of inflammatory cells. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0094] The present disclosure provides sulfonyl hydroxamine acid based HDACi compounds of formula 1 which are useful for preventing or treating ARDS.

[0095] The present disclosure also provides sulfonyl hydroxamine acid based HDACi compounds for use in preventing or treating IPF, ARDS and lung injury.

[0096] The present disclosure also provides a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for use in preventing or treating IPF and ARDS, which comprises the sulfonyl hydroxamine acid based HDACi compounds.

[0097] The sulfonyl hydroxamine acid compound of the present disclosure are useful in treating lung inflammatory disorders and fibrotic disorders, including Acute lung injury, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and kidney fibrosis.

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