阅读说明：本技术 双功能化合物及其使用方法 (Bifunctional compounds and methods of use thereof ) 是由 黄政 马天伟 于 2021-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请提供一种化合物,当施用于对象时,所述化合物用于释放一氧化氮(NO)并抑制磷酸二酯酶(PDE)的活性。所述化合物可以包括L-(1)和L-(2)。L-(1)可以包括作为NO释放剂的一部分或全部的官能团。L-(2)可以包括作为PDE抑制剂的部分或全部的官能团。所述化合物还可包括连接L-(1)和L-(2)的键或双自由基。本申请还提供使用所述化合物或包含所述化合物的组合物来治疗或预防疾病的方法。(The present application provides a compound for releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity when administered to a subject. The compound may include L 1 And L 2 。L 1 Functional groups may be included as part or all of the NO-releasing agent. L is 2 Functional groups that are part or all of the PDE inhibitors may be included. The compounds may also include a linker L 1 And L 2 Bond or diradical of. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing diseases using the compounds or compositions comprising the compounds.)

1. A compound represented by formula (I):

L₁–X–L₂ (I)，

wherein the compound is for releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity when administered to a subject,

wherein L is₁Including functional groups that are part or all of the NO releasing agent;

L₂functional groups comprising part or all of the PDE inhibitors; and

-X-is a link L₁And L₂Covalent bonds, non-covalent bonds or diradicals.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein said L₂Derived from apremilast.

3. The compound of claim 1 or 2, wherein said L₂Is that

4. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein L₁is-C (CH)₃)₂-CH₂-ONO₂。

5. The compound of any one of claims 1-3, wherein L₁is-C (CH)₃)-(CH₂-ONO₂)₂。

6. A compound represented by formula (II):

wherein-X-is a covalent bond, a non-covalent bond, or a divalent bond; and

L₁including functional groups that are part or all of a Nitric Oxide (NO) releasing agent.

7. The compound of claim 6, wherein said X comprises O, C, N, S or P.

8. The compound of claim 6 or 7, wherein said X comprises 0-10 atoms.

9. The compound of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the-X-comprises an ester bond, an amide bond, a sulfonamide bond, a sulfate bond, a phosphoramide bond, a phosphate bond, a ketone bond, or an arylene group.

10. The compound of any one of claims 6-9, wherein said L₁Comprising one or more-ONO₂A group.

11. The compound of claim 10, wherein said L₁is-C (CH)₃)₂-CH₂-ONO₂。

12. The compound of claim 11, wherein the compound is

13. The compound of claim 11, wherein the compound is

14. The compound of claim 10, wherein said L₁is-C (CH)₃)-(CH₂-ONO₂)₂。

15. The compound of claim 14, wherein the compound is

16. The compound of claim 10, wherein the compound is

17. The compound of any one of claims 6-10, wherein the NO-releasing agent is glycerol nitrate (GTN), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), or pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

18. The compound of any one of claims 6-17, wherein the compound is for releasing NO and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity when administered to a subject.

19. The compound of claim 13, wherein the PDE comprises PDE 4.

20. A composition comprising a compound of any one of claims 1-19 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the composition is formulated as a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, micelle, liquid, suspension, cream, foam, gel, emulsion, paste, or ointment.

22. The composition of claim 20 or 21, wherein the composition is administered to a subject by at least one of oral administration, injection administration, or topical administration.

23. Use of a compound of any one of claims 1-19 for treating or preventing a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) -associated disease in a subject.

24. Use of a compound of any one of claims 1-19 for treating or preventing cancer in a subject.

25. Use of a compound according to any one of claims 1-19 for the treatment or prophylaxis of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

26. The use of claim 25, wherein upon administration of the compound to a subject, the compound releases NO and inhibits Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in local tissue.

27. The use of claim 26, wherein the compound is further used to modulate the delivery of a PDE4 inhibitor to the vasculature or to the space near the vasculature using a modulatable nitric oxide release profile.

28. A method of treating or preventing Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 1-19.

29. A method of treating or preventing a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) -related disease in a subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 12-15.

30. A method of treating or preventing a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) associated disease in a subject, the method comprising: administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 1-19.

31. The method of any one of claims 28-30, wherein administering the pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject comprises orally administering the compound to the subject at 0.01-50 mg/kg.

32. The method of any one of claims 28-30, wherein administering the pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject comprises orally administering the compound to the subject at 1-50 mg/kg.

33. The method of any one of claims 28-30, wherein administering the pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject comprises orally administering the compound to the subject at 5-50 mg/kg.

34. The method of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the compound exhibits a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) that inhibits PDE4A of less than 720 nM.

35. The method of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the compound exhibits a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) that inhibits PDE4A of less than 200 nM.

36. The method of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the compound exhibits a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) that inhibits PDE4C of less than 2.3 μ Μ.

37. The method of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the compound exhibits a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) that inhibits PDE4C of less than 0.7 μ Μ.

38. The method of any one of claims 28-37, wherein the subject's plasma nitrate levels are increased after administration of the compound to the subject.

Technical Field

The present application relates to bifunctional compounds and methods of use thereof, and in particular to a compound capable of releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and methods of using the same for treating diseases or conditions.

Background

Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are clinically important diseases due to their high morbidity and mortality. ARDS is a common cause of respiratory failure and is characterized by rapidly progressive pulmonary edema, decreased lung compliance, and hypoxemia. ARDS is typically caused by infection, injury or trauma, and includes viral and bacterial pneumonia, neurogenic edema, viral or bacterial sepsis (e.g., from the peritoneum, urinary tract or soft tissue), pancreatitis, graft dysfunction following transplantation, and the like. Also, ARDS, such as severe influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1(SARS-CoV-1), Moderate East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2, is one of the major causes of death due to recurrent severe viral infections. In addition, patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have a high mortality rate, especially those older people who also have microvascular disease, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and/or other diseases. The efficacy of the available treatments for treating or preventing ARDS is limited. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective therapeutic drugs and methods for treating ARDS.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present application, a compound is provided. The compounds may be represented by formula (I):

L₁–X–L₂ (I)。

wherein the compound is useful for releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity when administered to a subject. L is₁Functional groups may be included as part or all of the NO-releasing agent. L is₂Can comprise a partAll or some of the functional groups derived from the PDE inhibitor. X-may be a link L₁And L₂A covalent bond, a non-covalent bond or a diradical.

In some embodiments, L₂Can be derived from Apremilast.

In some embodiments, L₂Can be

In some embodiments, L₁May be-C (CH)₃)₂-CH₂-ONO₂。

In some embodiments, L₁May be-C (CH)₃)-(CH₂-ONO₂)₂。

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a compound represented by formula (II). -X-may be a covalent bond, a non-covalent bond or a divalent bond. L is₁May include some or all of the functional groups of the Nitric Oxide (NO) releasing agent.

In some embodiments, X may comprise O, C, N, S or P.

In some embodiments, X may comprise 0-10 atoms.

In some embodiments, -X-can include an ester bond, an amide bond, a sulfonamide bond, a sulfate bond, a phosphoramide bond, a phosphate bond, a ketone bond, or an arylene group.

In some embodiments, L₁May comprise one or more-ONO₂A group.

In some embodiments, L₁May be-C (CH)₃)₂-CH₂-ONO₂。

In some embodiments, the compound may be

In some embodiments, the compound may be

In some embodiments, L₁May be-C (CH)₃)-(CH₂-ONO₂)₂。

In some embodiments, the compound may be

In some embodiments, the compound may be

In some embodiments, the NO-releasing agent may be glycerol nitrate (GTN), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), or pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

In some embodiments, the compounds, when administered to a subject, can be used to release NO and inhibit Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity.

In some embodiments, the PDE may include PDE 4.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a composition comprising a compound of any one of the above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In some embodiments, the composition may be formulated as a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, micelle, liquid, suspension, cream, foam, gel, emulsion, paste, or ointment.

In some embodiments, the composition may be administered to the subject by at least one of oral administration, injection administration, or topical administration.

According to another aspect of the present application there is provided the use of a compound of any one of the above for the treatment or prophylaxis of a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) -associated disease in a subject.

According to another aspect of the present application there is provided the use of a compound according to any one of the above for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer in a subject.

According to a further aspect of the present application there is provided the use of a compound according to any one of the above for the treatment or prophylaxis of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

In some embodiments, upon administration of the compound to a subject, the compound can release NO and inhibit Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in local tissue.

In some embodiments, the compounds may be further used to modulate the delivery of PDE4 inhibitors to the vasculature or to a space near the vasculature using a modulatable nitric oxide release profile.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a subject, which may include administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any of the above.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a Phosphodiesterase (PDE) -related disease in a subject. The method may comprise administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of any of the compounds described above.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) -associated disease in a subject. The method may comprise administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any of the above.

In some embodiments, administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject can include orally administering the compound to the subject at 0.01-50 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject can include orally administering the compound to the subject at 1-50 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound to the subject can include orally administering the compound to the subject at 5-50 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, the compound may have a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against PDE4A of less than 720 nM.

In some embodiments, the compound may have a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against PDE4A of less than 200 nM.

In some embodiments, the compound may have a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against PDE4C of less than 2.3 μ M.

In some embodiments, the compound may have a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against PDE4C of less than 0.7 μ M.

In some embodiments, plasma nitrate levels may be increased in a subject following administration of a compound to the subject.

Some additional features will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the present application and the accompanying drawings. Or may be learned by the manufacture or operation of the examples. The features of the present application may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and methods and by using various aspects of the methods, means and combinations set forth in the detailed examples discussed below.

Drawings

The present application is further described in terms of exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale. These embodiments are non-limiting exemplary embodiments in which like reference numerals represent similar structures throughout the views of the drawings and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic structural diagrams of organic nitrates that can release NO according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 1C is a graph showing L including functional groups that are part or all of an organic nitrate salt, according to some embodiments of the present application₁A structural formula of (a);

FIG. 1D is a schematic illustration of a NO-releasing agent releasing NO according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the structural formulae of a PDE4 inhibitor and a PDE3 inhibitor according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the structural formula of a novel NO releasing PDE4 inhibitor according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a novel NO releasing PDE4 inhibitor shown according to some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of Compound-1, shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of Compound-2, shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of Compound-3, shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of Compound-4, according to some embodiments shown herein;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of Compound-5, according to some embodiments shown herein;

FIG. 10 is a graph of an analysis of the blood levels of Compound 6 produced following administration of Compound-1 to mice, according to some embodiments of the present application;

figure 11 is a graph of an analysis of the levels of nitrate in plasma 1 hour after administration of a compound to mice, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Detailed Description

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the application and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, the present application is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

These and other features and characteristics of the present application, as well as the operation and function of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, may become more apparent upon consideration of the following description. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the application. It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale.

As used herein, the term "about" and grammatical equivalents thereof in relation to a reference value can include a range of values that is plus or minus 10% of the value, such as a range of values that is 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% different from the value. For example, a quantity of "about 10" includes a quantity from 9 to 11.

According to one aspect of the present application, one or more compounds are provided. When administered to a subject, representative compounds are useful for releasing Nitric Oxide (NO) and inhibiting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. In some embodiments, the object may be a person. In some embodiments, the subject may be a non-human animal. In some embodiments, the subject may be a male. In some embodiments, the subject may be a female. In some embodiments, the subject has a disease or pathological condition.

In some embodiments, the compounds may be represented by formula (I):

L₁–X–L₂ (I)。

wherein L is₁May include functional groups that are part or all of the NO-releasing agent; l is₂May include functional groups that are part or all of a PDE inhibitor; x-may be a link L₁And L₂A bond or a diradical. As described herein, "NO-releasing agent"Refers to an agent capable of releasing NO in a controlled or uncontrolled manner; by "PDE inhibitor" is meant a molecule or agent capable of inhibiting PDE activity. L is₁The compound can be made to release NO by biological activation. L is₂The compounds can be made to inhibit the activity of PDE. In some embodiments, L₁And L₂The linkage may be via-X-. For example, -X-may be a covalent or non-covalent bond. The non-covalent bonds may include ionic bonds, metallic bonds, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and the like, or any combination thereof. As another example, -X-may be a link L₁And L₂The diradical of (a). The diradical can be a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group (e.g., C)_1-50A chain). In some embodiments, if the hydrocarbyl group is substituted, the hydrocarbyl group may be substituted with one or more heteroatoms, such as N, P, S, O, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the substituted hydrocarbyl group may be interrupted by a heterochain group (e.g., -NH)₃-COOH or-OH) or a heterocyclic group (e.g. phenolic, anilino). In some embodiments, -X-can be an aromatic moiety, a fused aromatic moiety, a sugar, an oligosaccharide, a glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a peptide bond, and the like.

Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the main endogenous regulators of blood flow and hemodynamics. For example, NO can promote vasodilation, improve capillary blood flow and oxygen supply in hypoxic conditions. NO can also protect vascular system damage and help repair vascular damage. NO also inhibits viral or bacterial infection. However, the short half-life of NO in vivo (only a few milliseconds) greatly limits the use of exogenous NO for the treatment of viral or bacterial infections, repair of diseases associated with vascular injury. In addition, inhaled NO has limited efficacy on ARDS due to its poor tissue permeability. High doses of inhaled NO react with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and produce toxic Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) metabolites that can lead to vascular injury and excessive inflammation.

Due to L₁Including functional groups that are part or all of an NO-releasing agent, exemplary compounds disclosed herein can release NO in a localized tissue on a sustained basis through biological (or metabolic) activation. For example, due to one or more reductases such as dehydrogenase, glutathioneReduction of peptide S-transferase (GST), P450, the compound can release NO.

In some embodiments, the NO-releasing agent may be an organic nitrate. The organic nitrate is a prodrug of NO. Comprising L₁The compound (including a part or all of the functional groups of the organic nitrate) can continuously release NO by biological activation, and the released NO can permeate into nearby tissues. The organic nitrate refers to nitrate ester of alcohol group. Commonly used organic nitrates include Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN), Glyceryl Dinitrate (GDN), Glyceryl Mononitrate (GMN), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), pentaerythritol trinitrate (PETRIN), pentaerythritol dinitrate (PEDN), pentaerythritol mononitrate (ISDN), isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN), nigulland, propyl nitrate, cilnitrodil, tinidazine, trinitro, and the like. FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic structural diagrams of NO-releasing organic nitrates, according to some embodiments of the present application. For example, GDN may include structural isomers such as GDN (1,3), GDN (1,2), and stereoisomers, as shown in fig. 1A. GMN may also include some stereoisomers. As another example, PETriN, PEDN, and PEMN may each include structural isomers, as shown in fig. 1B. L is₁Functional groups that are part or all of the structural isomers or stereoisomers of the organic nitrates may also be included.

In some embodiments, L₁Can be represented by the general formula L₃-ONO₂And (4) showing. L is₃It may be, for example, an aryl, benzyl or primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl group. L is₃May be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more heteroatoms. As another example, L₃May be saturated or unsaturated. When L is₃When unsaturated, L₃May include one or more double bonds and/or one or more triple bonds. Exemplarily, L₃May be C unsubstituted or substituted with one or more hetero atoms, e.g. N, P, S, O, etc_1-99A carbon chain. For example, if L₃Is substituted, then L₃May be substituted by hetero-chain groups (e.g. -NH)₃-COOH or-OH) or a heterocyclic group (e.g. phenolic group, anilino group). As another example, L₃May be branched or unbranched. In some embodiments, L₃May comprise one or more-ONO₂A group. FIG. 1C is a graph showing L including functional groups that are part or all of an organic nitrate salt, according to some embodiments of the present application₁Schematic diagram of the structural formula. As shown in FIG. 1B, R₁-R₁₂May be a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, respectively.

Fig. 1D is a schematic illustration of a NO-releasing agent releasing NO according to some embodiments of the present application. The NO-releasing molecule may release one or more NO molecules by biological activation in a cell or tissue (e.g., by a reductase). As shown in fig. 1D, GTN molecules can release NO molecules and convert to GDN molecules. GDN molecules can release NO molecules and convert to GMN molecules. Similarly, the ISDN molecule can release the NO molecule and convert to an ISMN molecule. One molecule of PETN can gradually release 4 molecules of NO and convert to PETriN, PEDN and PEMN, as shown in fig. 1D. In some embodiments, L₁Multiple functional groups associated with NO release may be included. These compounds may provide sustained release of NO in local tissues. For example, L₁May include 1 nitrate group, 2 nitrate groups, 3 nitrate groups, or 4 nitrate groups. As another example, L₁5 nitrate groups may be included. As another example, L₁Inorganic nitrate salts may be included. For example, the inorganic nitrate salt may include nitrate salts such as potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and the like. L is₁May be a nitrite or nitrite salt.

The 3',5' -cyclic nucleotide Phosphodiesterase (PDE) degrades the second messengers cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The PDEs comprise 11 gene families (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE4, PDE5, PDE6, PDE7, PDE8, PDE9, PDE10 and PDE 11). Each member of the PDE enzyme family has its own substrate preference for cAMP and/or cGMP, tissue distribution, and is regulated by specific cofactors and activators. PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE10 and PDE11 degrade both cAMP and cGMP. PDE4, PDE7 and PDE8 selectively degrade cAMP. PDE5, PDE6 and PDE9 selectively degrade cGMP.

In some embodiments, L₂May include a partial or complete function as a PDE inhibitor for inhibiting PDE activityCan be agglomerated. As used herein, the term "activity" of an enzyme refers to the functional ability (e.g., catalysis) of any molecule (e.g., enzyme) in a region (e.g., a cellular region) or tissue. Activity may be affected by changes in the level of expression of the molecule, or by changes in the level of function per unit of molecule, or both. For example, PDE activity can be inhibited by reducing the expression of the PDE and/or blocking the function of the PDE.

In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor can be a selective inhibitor that inhibits a particular member of the PDE family. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may inhibit multiple members of the PDE family.

In some embodiments, the PDE may be PDE4, and the PDE inhibitor may be a PDE4 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE4 inhibitor is a specific inhibitor with a specificity above a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the PDE may be PDE3, and the PDE inhibitor may be a PDE3 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE may be PDE5, and the PDE inhibitor may be a PDE5 inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor can be a PDE1 inhibitor, a PDE2 inhibitor, a PDE4 inhibitor, a PDE5 inhibitor, a PDE6 inhibitor, a PDE7 inhibitor, a PDE8 inhibitor, a PDE9 inhibitor, a PDE10 inhibitor, a PDE11 inhibitor, and the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE5 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE7 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE8 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/9 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE10 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE11 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PDE inhibitor may be a dual PDE4/PDE 2 inhibitor.

PDE4 is one of the major cAMP degrading enzymes of alveolar endothelial and epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, etc. PDE4 inhibitors prolong cAMP-mediated signaling, reduce infiltration of a variety of inflammatory mediators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory cells into the alveoli, stimulate the secretion of epithelial mucus, and promote the clearance of microorganisms and cellular debris. PDE4 inhibitors are effective in the ARDS model and are useful for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), psoriasis and eczema. For example, PDE4 inhibitors may include roflumilast, aplite, Crisabiolite, cilomilast, CDP-840, MK0359, MK0873, MK0952, ibudilast, CHF6001, Ronomilast, Oglemlilast, tetomilast, GSK256066, 656066, YM 95-G516-1616-M97-1616-M97, ASP3258, E6005, GW842470X, OPA-0716, Leo-29102, HFP034, CBS3596, Revamilast (GRC4039), NCS613, FCPP03, BAY 5-8004, L-6, 3874, 7205, L-6,4, 818976, rolipram, HT-0712, ABI-4, FC 03, RVT 6005 (HFP 6006, 842470X, HFP-02, DRM 1540 034, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the PDE4 inhibitor may inhibit the efficacy of at least one of PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C, or PDE 4D.

PDE5 inhibitors can block the degradation of cyclic GMP by PDE5, e.g., the lining smooth muscle cells of blood vessels supplying various tissues. PDE5 inhibitors may be used as vasodilators to improve hemodynamic modulation, thereby treating vasoconstrictive diseases in humans and animals. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (wanaco), tadalafil (celecoxib), avanafil (Stendra) and vardenafil (Levitra) are used clinically for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil and tadalafil are also suitable for the treatment of certain subtypes of pulmonary hypertension, while tadalafil is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Other exemplary PDE5 inhibitors may include milrinone, udenafil, lodenafil, zaprinast, icariin, and the like.

PDE3 inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of cardiac disease and peripheral artery disease. PDE3 inhibitors may include, for example, milrinone and cilostazol, amrinone and enoximone. Other PDE inhibitors, including PDE7 inhibitors, may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases or as neuroprotective agents.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the structural formulae of a PDE4 inhibitor and a PDE3 inhibitor according to some embodiments of the present application. Roflumilast shown in fig. 2 can be used for treating severe COPD, aplet can be used for treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA), cilomilast can be used for treating respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, pentoxifylline can be used for treating and improving blood circulation, and cilostazol can be used for treating peripheral vascular diseases.

In some embodiments, -X-may be a link L₁And L₂And the compound may be produced based on a chemical reaction involving a NO-releasing moiety and a PDE-inhibiting moiety. For example, the compound may be produced based on an addition reaction, an elimination reaction, a substitution reaction, a peri-reaction, a rearrangement reaction, a photochemical reaction, a redox reaction, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound may be produced using a core scaffold. In some embodiments, the core scaffold does not include L₁Or L₂. Can be prepared by mixing L₁And L₂Grafting onto a core scaffold to produce the compound. For example, the core scaffold may be a compound that is branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted. In some embodiments, the core scaffold may comprise L₁Or L₂. For example, including L₂The PDE4 inhibitor of (a) is useful as a core scaffold. L is₁May be grafted onto a PDE4 inhibitor to produce a compound. Similarly, includes L₁The NO-releasing compound of (a) may be used as a core scaffold. L is₂May be grafted onto the NO-releasing compound to produce the compound.

In some embodiments, L₂May be derived from Apremilast (Apremilast). In some embodiments, L₂Can be

In some embodiments, the compound may be represented by formula (II):

wherein-X-is a covalent bond, a non-covalent bond, or a divalent bond; l is₁Functional groups may be included as part or all of the NO-releasing agent. For more on NO-releasing agents see above.

In some embodiments, the NO-releasing agent may be glycerol nitrate (GTN), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), or pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

In some embodiments, L₁May comprise one or more-ONO₂A group. For example, L₁May comprise one, two or three ONOs₂A group. In some embodiments, L₁May be-C (CH)₃)₂-CH₂-ONO₂、-C(CH₃)-(CH₂-ONO₂)₂And the like.

In some embodiments, X may comprise O, C, N, S or P. In some embodiments, X may comprise 0-10 atoms. In some embodiments, -X-can include an ester bond, an amide bond, a sulfonamide bond, a sulfate bond, a phosphoramide bond, a phosphate bond, a ketone bond, or an arylene group.

In some embodiments, the compound may be (S) -2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionate, also referred to as "compound-1," which has the following structure:

in some embodiments, the compound may be (S) -2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- ((nitrooxy) methyl) propanoate, also referred to as "compound-2," which has the structure:

in some embodiments, the compound may be (S) -3- ((2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl) amino) -2, 2-dimethyl-3-oxopropylnitrate, also referred to as "compound-3," having the following structure:

in some embodiments, the compound may be (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6- (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylisulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethoxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl nitrate, also referred to aS "compound-4", having the following structure:

in some embodiments, the compound may be (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxyethyl) carbamate, also referred to aS "compound-5", having the following structure:

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the structural formulae of novel NO releasing PDE4 inhibitors according to some embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments, X shown in FIG. 3 may be O, S or CH₂And the like. In some embodiments, n may range from 1 to 20. In some embodiments, Y shown in fig. 3 may be O, N, S or CH₂And the like. For example, X may be CH₂Y isSo as to be N. As another example, X may be CH₂And Y may be O. Compounds a-G shown in figure 3 have NO release properties and PDE4 inhibitory properties. For example, compound D comprises two-ONO₂A group. One compound D molecule can release two NO molecules by biological activation. Illustratively, compounds a-G may be used for the treatment or prevention of viral or bacterial infections, diseases associated with damage to the vasculature, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or other inflammatory diseases associated with the immune system.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a novel NO-releasing PDE4 inhibitor shown according to some embodiments herein. In some embodiments, compounds a and B may be used to treat or prevent viral or bacterial infections, diseases associated with damage to the vasculature, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or other immune system related inflammatory diseases.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided the use of the compound. The compounds may be used for the treatment or prevention of certain human or animal diseases. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of a compound provided herein for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of certain human or animal diseases, as described herein, or as described in the description of the relevant mechanisms and functions of the compounds described herein.

In some embodiments, the compounds may be used to treat PDE-related diseases. In some embodiments, the compounds can be used to inhibit PDE inhibitors per se (which include L)₂Functional groups capable of inhibiting PDE) for treating PDE-related diseases. As used herein, the term "therapeutic window" refers to a range of drug doses that are effective in treating a disease without causing undesirable adverse effects (e.g., toxic effects) or causing toxic effects below a predetermined level of toxic effects.

In some embodiments, the PDE-related disease may comprise a PDE 4-related disease. Specifically, the PDE 4-associated disease may include, but is not limited to, a PDE 4A-associated disease, a PDE 4B-associated disease, a PDE 4C-associated disease, or a PDE 4D-associated disease. In some embodiments, the compound may exhibit a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) that inhibits PDE4A of less than 720 nM. In some embodiments, the compound may exhibit an IC50 of less than 200nM for inhibiting PDE 4A. In some embodiments, the compound may exhibit an IC50 that inhibits PDE4C of less than 2.3 μ Μ. In some embodiments, the compound may exhibit an IC50 inhibition of PDE4C of less than 0.7 μ Μ.

For example, the compound may be compound-2, and may exhibit an IC50 of less than 320nM, less than 315nM, or less than 310nM that inhibits PDE 4A. Compound-2 may exhibit an IC50 that inhibits PDE4C of less than 2.5 μ Μ, less than 2.3 μ Μ or less than 2.275 μ Μ. As another example, the compound can be compound-1, and can exhibit an IC50 of less than 200nM, less than 190nM, or less than 180nM that inhibits PDE 4A. Compound-1 can exhibit an IC50 that inhibits PDE4C of less than 2.5 μ M, less than 2.3 μ M, or less than 2.24 μ M. For another example, the compound may be compound 3. Compound 3 may exhibit an IC50 of less than 250nM, less than 230nM, or less than 220nM that inhibits PDE 4A. Compound 3 inhibits PDE4C with an IC50 of less than 1.2. mu.M or less than 1.1. mu.M. For another example, the compound may be compound 4. Compound 4 may exhibit an IC50 of less than 750nM, less than 730nM, or less than 720nM for inhibition of PDE 4A. Compound 4 can exhibit an IC50 of less than 300nM, less than 150nM, or less than 120nM for inhibition of PDE 4C. For another example, the compound may be compound 5. Compound 5 may exhibit an IC50 that inhibits PDE4A of less than 100nM, less than 80nM, or less than 45 nM. Compound 5 may exhibit an IC50 that inhibits PDE4A of less than 1000nM, less than 900nM, or less than 850 nM.

In some embodiments, the compounds may further be used to improve microcirculation, reduce inflammation, improve immunomodulation, or stimulate repair of endothelial injury.

In some embodiments, the compounds may also be used to simultaneously improve microcirculation, reduce inflammation, improve immunomodulation, and stimulate endothelial injury repair to treat a subject's associated condition.

In some embodiments, the compounds, when administered to a subject, may further be used to release NO and inhibit PDE activity in local tissues. For example, plasma nitrate levels may increase in a subject following administration of a compound to the subject.

In some embodiments, the compounds may further be used to enhance PDE4 inhibition of the vasculature and the sub-vasculature spaces to enhance the therapeutic window for treating related diseases.

In some embodiments, the compounds may further be used to treat inflammatory, immune, or vascular diseases.

In some embodiments, the compounds may further be used to possess/utilize a tunable NO release profile. In some embodiments, the modulated NO release profile can be used to modulate the delivery of a PDE4 inhibitor to the vasculature/space near the vasculature. The NO release profile of the compound can be modified by altering the compound L₁The number of NO-releasing groups in the molecule. For example, by increasing the amount of compound L₁With the number of NO-releasing groups, the compound can release more NO molecules, thereby increasing the concentration of NO in the local tissue. In addition, L of the compound can also be increased₁The number of NO-releasing groups in the compound is such that the compound can continuously release NO for a longer period of time.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder. The method may comprise administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound as described above. For example, the method may comprise administering the composition to the subject by oral administration, injection administration, topical administration, and the like, or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect of the present application, compositions comprising the compounds can be formulated and used to treat or prevent a disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may further comprise an excipient.

In some embodiments, the composition may also include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. For example, the carrier may include a coating, a capsule, a microcapsule, a nanocapsule, etc., or any combination thereof. It is noted that the carrier may need to be non-toxic and may not significantly affect the activity of a key ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition (e.g., the compounds described above). In some embodiments, the carrier may provide protection for the key ingredient from some undesirable conditions, such as oxidation, decomposition, or inactivation of the key ingredient. For example, enzymes or relatively low pH values in the stomach can lead to the breakdown or inactivation of key components. The carrier may help maintain or increase the efficacy of the pharmaceutical composition by protecting key ingredients in the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the carrier may be used for controlled release of key ingredients. Controlled release may include, but is not limited to, sustained release, targeted release, and the like. For example, the carrier may include hydrogel capsules, microcapsules, or nanocapsules made of collagen, gelatin, chitosan, alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, starch, cross-linked starch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier may facilitate controlled release of key ingredients in the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the composition may be formulated as a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, micelle, liquid, suspension, cream, foam, gel, emulsion, paste, or ointment.

In some embodiments, the composition may be administered to a subject by oral administration, injection administration, or topical administration. In some embodiments, administration by injection may include subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, and the like. In some embodiments, administration by injection may comprise injecting the composition into a tumor or an area near a tumor. In some embodiments, administration by injection may comprise injecting the composition into the kidney, liver, heart, thyroid, or joint. In some embodiments, topical administration may include applying the composition to the skin to alleviate cancer, e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma. In some embodiments, topical administration may include vaginal, rectal, nasal, otic, intramedullary, intra-articular, intra-pleural, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition may be administered to a subject by a combination of different modes of administration. In some embodiments, the method may comprise administering the composition to the subject three times a day, twice a day, once every two days, and the like.

In some embodiments, the methods are useful for treating or preventing Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by other coronavirus infections. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by other viral infections. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by bacterial infection. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by parasitic infection. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by fungal infection. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by trauma. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS resulting from surgery. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by high altitude airway edema. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by drug-induced injury. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent ARDS caused by sepsis.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent bronchitis, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), high altitude pulmonary edema, or cystic fibrosis by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to improve cytokine storm management by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent a cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent a cytokine storm caused by PD-1 or PD1-1 antibodies. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent a cytokine storm caused by a therapeutic antibody that targets T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages or monocytes.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent stroke by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease, various types of nephritis or Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), idiopathic FSGS by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent AKI caused by cancer drug use.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), cirrhosis, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or diabetic complications by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. For example, diabetic complications may include, but are not limited to, diabetic foot, diabetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic ketoacidosis, or other diabetic vascular complications.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent an allergic reaction or inflammation by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent an eye disease, including uveitis, dry eye, ocular allergy, macular degeneration (AMD), or glaucoma, by administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent a peripheral immune disorder, including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), behcet's syndrome, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, vulvodynia, acne, lichen planus, prurigo sarcoidosis, discoid lupus erythematosus, or crohn's disease, by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat, prevent, or ameliorate central nervous system disorders, including alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, or stroke, by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent cancer by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. For example, the cancer can be leukemia, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, or peritoneal cancer.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent multiple sclerosis by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent transplant rejection by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent sepsis, high altitude pulmonary edema, asthma, or bronchitis by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods may be used to treat or prevent allergic rhinitis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, allergic conjunctivitis, diabetic macular degeneration, chronic kidney disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic granuloma, osteoarthritis, colitis, or pancreatitis by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application.

In some embodiments, the methods can be used to treat or prevent a skin disorder by administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the present application. For example, the skin disorder may include psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic granuloma, or psoriasis.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing ALI or ARDS. The method may comprise administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound. The methods can include administering one or more compounds (e.g., a composition comprising one or more compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) to a subject by oral administration, administration by injection, topical administration, etc., or any combination thereof, to treat ARDS. In some embodiments, the compound may be compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of treating or preventing a PDE-related disease in a subject. For example, the PDE-related disease may include a PDE 4-related disease, such as a PDE 4A-related disease, a PDE 4B-related disease, a PDE 4C-related disease, or a PDE 4D-related disease, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the methods can include administering one or more compounds (e.g., a composition comprising one or more compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) to a subject by oral administration, administration by injection, topical administration, or the like, or any combination thereof, to treat ARDS. In some embodiments, the compound may be compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5.

Illustratively, a method for treating or preventing an ALI, ARDS, or PDE-related disorder may comprise orally administering the compound to a subject at 0.01-50 mg/kg. For example, the method may comprise orally administering the compound to the subject at 1-50 mg/kg. For another example, the method can include orally administering the compound to the subject at 5-50 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the method can comprise orally administering compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5, or any combination thereof, to the subject at about 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 50 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, there is provided the use of the compounds for the treatment or prevention of ALI or ARDS. For example, the compound may include one or more of compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided the use of the compound for the treatment or prevention of cancer. For example, the compound may include one or more of compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5.

According to another aspect of the application there is provided the use of said compounds for the treatment or prevention of PDE-related diseases. For example, the compound may include one or more of compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, or compound-5.

In some embodiments, a composition comprising the compound may be administered to a subject before or after administration of other pharmaceutical compositions for treating a disease or disorder. Alternatively, the composition and the other pharmaceutical composition may be administered to the subject simultaneously to treat the disease or disorder.

The present application is further disclosed in accordance with the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Example 1 preparation of (S) -2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propanoate (also referred to as Compound-1)

Compound-1 was prepared as follows. Figure 5 is an exemplary flow diagram for the preparation of compound-1, shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

Step 1, preparation of methyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionate (product 2 shown in fig. 5):

adding HNO₃(0.2mL) was added continuously to a solution of methyl 3-hydroxy-2, 2-dimethylpropionate (2mL) in acetic anhydride (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 0 ℃ or lower for 2 hours (hrs). Water (20mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EA (20 mL. times.2). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated NaHCO₃The solution (20 mL. times.2) and saturated brine (20 mL. times.2) were washed with Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to provide product 2 as a pale yellow oil (2.2g, 84% yield). The obtained compound was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the test results were as follows: 1H NMR (300MHz, CDCl 3). delta.4.49 (s,2H),3.71(s,3H), 1.46-1.10 (m, 6H).

Step 2, preparation of 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionic acid (product 3 shown in fig. 5):

to a solution of methyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionate (2.2g,0.012mol) in MeOH (20mL) was added NaOH (2.5M,20 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 16 hours. MeOH was removed under vacuum. Water (30mL) was added, acidified to pH 3-4 with 5N aqueous HCl, and extracted with EA (30mLx 3). The organic layer was washed with brine (30mL) and concentrated to dryness to give product 3as a pale yellow oil (2g, 89% yield). The obtained compound was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the test results were as follows: 1H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) δ 11.04(s,1H),4.48(d, J ═ 19.8Hz,2H), 1.40-1.28 (m, 6H).

Step 3, preparation of 2, 2-dimethyl-3-nitrooxy-propionyl chloride (product 4 shown in fig. 5):

to a solution of 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionic acid (200mg,1.23mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added oxalyl chloride (0.17mL,1.84mmol), 0.05mL Dimethylformamide (DMF). After 2 hours, the solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was extracted with EA (20 mL. times.3). The organic layer was washed with brine (20mL) and concentrated to dryness to give product 4(200mg, 90% yield) as a pale yellow oil.

Step 4, preparation of (S) -2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionate (compound-1):

to a solution of 2, 2-dimethyl-3-nitrooxy-propionyl chloride (150mg, 0.83nmol) and TEA (251mg, 2.47mmol) in Dichloromethane (DCM) (10mL) was added a solution of N- {2- [ (1S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2-methanesulfonylethyl]-1, 3-dioxoisoindol-4-yl } -2-hydroxyacetamide (also known as compound-6) in DCM. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 1 hour. Water (20mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.2). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated brine (20 mL. times.2) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/EA ═ 1:1) to afford compound-1 (90mg, 17% yield) as a light yellow solid. The obtained compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the test results were as follows: mass (m/z): 643.9[ M + Na ]]⁺.¹H NMR(400MHz,DMSO-d⁶)δ10.04(s,1H),8.53(d,J＝8.4Hz,1H),7.82(t,J＝7.8Hz,1H),7.61(d,J＝7.4Hz,1H),7.07(s,1H),7.00(d,J＝8.4Hz,1H),6.93(d,J＝8.4Hz,1H),5.77(dd,J＝11.2,4.8Hz,1H),4.85(s,2H),4.74(s,2H),4.32(dd,J＝14.0,10.8Hz,1H),4.15(dd,J＝14.2,4.2Hz,1H),4.01(q,J＝6.8Hz,2H),3.73(s,3H),3.01(s,3H),1.35-1.31(m,9H)。

EXAMPLE preparation of 2- (({2- [ (1S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2-methanesulfonylethyl ] -1, 3-dioxoisoindol-4-yl } carbamoyl) methyl 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- [ (nitrooxy) methyl ] propanoate (also referred to as Compound-2)

Compound-2 was prepared as follows. Figure 6 is an exemplary flow diagram for the preparation of compound-2, shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

Step 1, preparation of 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- [ (nitrooxy) methyl ] propionic acid (product-2 shown in fig. 6):

adding HNO₃(0.5mL) was added continuously to a solution of 3-hydroxy-2- (hydroxymethyl) -2-methylpropionic acid (2mL) in acetic anhydride (20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 2 hours. Water (20mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EA (20 mL. times.2). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated NaHCO₃The solution (20 mL. times.2) and saturated brine (20 mL. times.2) were washed with Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to give compound-2 (2.9g, 50% yield) as a pale yellow oil. The obtained compound was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the test results were as follows:¹H NMR(400MHz,DMSO)δ13.41(s,1H),4.68(d,J＝2.0Hz,4H),1.32–1.21(m,3H)。

step 2, preparation of 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- [ (nitrooxy) methyl ] propionyl chloride:

to a solution of 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- [ (nitrooxy) methyl ] propanoic acid (500mg,2.23mmol) in DCM (15mL) was added oxalyl chloride (0.43mL,3.34mmol), 0.1mL DMF. After 2 hours, the solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was extracted with EA (20 mL. times.3). The organic layer was washed with brine (20mL) and concentrated to dryness to give product 4 as a pale yellow oil (500mg, 74% yield).

Step 3, preparation of (S) -2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionate (compound-2):

to 2-methyl-3- (nitrooxy) -2- [ (nitrooxy) methyl]Propionyl chloride (210mg, 0.87mmol) and TEA (251mg, 2.47mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added N- {2- [ (1S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2-methanesulfonylethyl]-1, 3-dioxoisoindol-4-yl } -2-hydroxyacetamide (500mg,1.05mmol) in DCM (2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 1 hour. Water (20mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.2). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated brine (20 mL. times.2) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/EA ═ 2:1) to afford compound-2 (400mg, 67% yield) as a light yellow solid. The obtained compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the test results were as follows: mass (m/z): 704.8[ M + Na ]]⁺.¹HNMR(400MHz,DMSO-d⁶)δ10.07(s,1H),8.51(d,J＝8.4Hz,1H),7.84(t,J＝7.8Hz,1H),7.63(d,J＝7.2Hz,1H),7.07(d,J＝1.8Hz,1H),7.00(dd,J＝8.4,1.8Hz,1H),6.94(d,J＝8.4Hz,1H),5.77(dd,J＝11.2,3.2Hz,1H),4.92(d,J＝0.5Hz,2H),4.87(d,J＝4.2Hz,4H),4.33(dd,J＝14.2,10.8Hz,1H),4.15(dd,J＝14.4,4.2Hz,1H),4.07–3.97(m,2H),3.74(s,3H),3.01(s,3H),1.44(s,3H),1.33(t,J＝7.0Hz,3H)。

Example preparation of 3- (S) -3- ((2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl) amino) -2, 2-dimethyl-3-oxopropylnitrate (also referred to as Compound-3)

Compound 3 was prepared as follows. Fig. 7 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of compound 3, according to some embodiments shown herein.

Step 1, preparation of 2, 2-dimethyl-3-nitrooxy-propionyl chloride:

to a solution of 2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionic acid (318mg,1.95mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added (COCl)₂(297mg,2.34mmol) and DMF (50 mg). The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperatureStirring for 1 hour, then concentration gave 2, 2-dimethyl-3-nitrooxy-propionyl chloride (0.4g, 99% yield) as a white solid which was used directly in the next step.

Step 2, preparation of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycine methyl ester:

to a solution of 2, 2-dimethyl-3-nitrooxy-propionyl chloride (0.4g,1.95mmol) in DCM (20mL) was added glycine methyl ester HCl (295mg,2.34mmol) and triethylamine (591mg, 5.85 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL. times.3) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (PE/EA ═ 2:1) to afford (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propanoyl) glycine methyl ester as a colorless oil (0.384g, 84% yield).

Step 3, preparation of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycine:

to a solution of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycine methyl ester (0.384g, 1.64mmol) in THF (10mL) was added H₂O (6mL) and LiOH (157mg, 6.56 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The pH was adjusted to 2-3 using 1N HCl, water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EA (20mL × 3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL. times.3) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to give (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycine as a yellow oil (0.4g, 99% yield). The resulting compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and the results were as follows: mass (m/z): 439.1[2M-H]⁺。

Step 4, preparation of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycinoyl chloride:

to a solution of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycine (0.4g,1.64mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added (COCl)₂(352mg,2.77mmol) and DMF (50 mg). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then concentrated to give (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycinyl chloride (0.5g, 99% yield) as a white oil, which was used directly in the next step.

Step 5, preparation of (S) -3- ((2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)) amino) -2-oxyethyl) amino) -2, 2-dimethyl-3-oxopropylnitrate:

to a solution of (2, 2-dimethyl-3- (nitrooxy) propionyl) glycinoyl chloride (0.5g,1.64mmol) in DCM (20mL) was added (S) -4-amino-2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) isoindoline-1, 3-dione (330mg, 0.79mmol) and triethylamine (591mg, 5.85 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL. times.3) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (PE/EA ═ 1:1) to give (S) -3- ((2- ((2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl)) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl) amino) -2, 2-dimethyl-3-oxopropyl nitrate (144mg, 14% yield) as a yellow solid. The resulting compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and the results were as follows: mass (m/z): 621.2[ M + H]⁺。

Example 4 preparation of (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6- (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethoxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl nitrate (also referred to aS Compound-4)

Compound-4 was prepared as follows. Figure 8 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of compound-4, according to some embodiments shown herein.

Step 1, preparation of tert-butyl 2- (((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) acetate:

to (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6-hydroxyhexahydrofuran [3,2-b]To a solution of furan-3-yl nitrate (1g,5.24mmol) in THF (60mL) was added NaH (60%, 230mg,5.76mmol), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Tert-butyl 2-bromoacetate (1.12g, 5.76mmol) was added to the mixture. The mixture was further stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EA (30 mL. times.3). Are combined withThe organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL. times.2) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (PE/EA ═ 4:1) to give tert-butyl 2- (((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan]Furan-3-yl) oxy) acetate (0.8g, 50% yield) as a pale yellow oil.

Step 2, preparation of 2- ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) acetic acid:

to a solution of tert-butyl 2- (((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) acetate (0.8g,2.62mol) in DCM (10mL) was added TFA (3 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h and concentrated to afford 2- (((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) acetic acid (0.9g, 99% yield) aS a pale yellow oil.

Step 3, preparation of 2- ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) acetyl chloride:

to 2- (((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3, 2-b)]Furan-3-yl) oxy) acetic acid (0.9g, 2.62mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added (COCl)₂(0.4g, 3.12mmol) and DMF (50 mg). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Concentrating to obtain 2- ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuran [3, 2-b)]Furan-3-yl) oxy) acetyl chloride (1.0g, 99% yield) as a light yellow oil. Used directly in the next step.

Step 4, preparation of (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6- (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl)) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethoxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl nitrate:

to 2- ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuran [3, 2-b)]To a solution of furan-3-yl) oxy) acetyl chloride (1.0g, 2.62mmol) in DCM (20mL) was added (S) -4-amino-2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) isoindoline-1, 3-dione (125mg, 0.299mmol) and triethylamine (1.32g,13.1 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.3). For combined organic layersWashed with brine (20 mL. times.3) over Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (ACN-H2O, 0.1% FA) to give (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6- (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy) -4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethoxy) hexahydrofuran [3,2-b]Furan-3-yl nitrate (20mg, 10% yield) as a white solid. The resulting compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and the results were as follows: mass (m/z): 650.2[ M + H]⁺。

Example 5- (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxyethyl) carbamate (Compound-5)

Compound-5 was prepared as follows. Fig. 9 is an exemplary flow chart for the preparation of compound 5, according to some embodiments shown herein.

Step 1, preparation of 2-isocyanato-tert-butyl acetate:

to a solution of tert-butyl glycinate (300mg, 2.29mmol) in DCM (20mL) was added triphosgene (238mg, 0.80mmol) and NEt3(692mg, 6.86 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0 ℃ for 1 hour and concentrated to afford tert-butyl 2-isocyanatoacetate (0.4g, 99% yield) as a light yellow solid.

Step 2, preparation of (((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) carbonyl) glycine tert-butyl ester:

to a solution of tert-butyl 2-isocyanatoacetate (411mg,2.62mmol) in DCM (30mL) was added (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6-hydroxyhexahydrofuran [3,2-b ]]Furan-3-nitrate (291mg,1.53mmol), NEt3(770mg,7.62mmol) and DMAP (62mg,0.51 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (30 mL. times.3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20 mL. times.2) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (PE/EA ═ 1:1) to give ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuran [3, 2-b)]Furan-3-yl) Oxy) carbonyl) Glycine tert-butyl ester (0.6g mixture, containing 50% (3R,3aS,6S,6aR) -6-Hydroxyhexahydrofuro [3,2-b ]]Furan-3-nitrate, yield 32%) as colorless oil.

Step 3, preparation of (((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) carbonyl) glycine:

to a solution of tert-butyl ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) carbonyl) glycinate (0.6g,0.86mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added TFA (3 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, then concentrated to afford ((((((3S, 3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl) oxy) carbonyl) glycine (0.7g, 99% yield) aS a light yellow oil. The resulting compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and the results were as follows: mass (m/z): 583.1[2M-H ] -.

Step 4 preparation of (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl (2-oxyethyl) carbamoyl chloride:

to ((((3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3, 2-b)]Furan-3-yl) oxy) carbonyl) glycine (0.7g, 0.86mmol) in DCM (10mL) was added (COCl)₂(164mg, 1.29mmol) and DMF (50 mg). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Concentrating to obtain (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuran [3,2-b]Furan-3-yl (2-oxyethyl) carbamoyl chloride (1.0g, 99% yield) as a white solid. Used directly in the next step.

Step 5 preparation of (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ] furan-3-yl (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3) -ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxyethyl) carbamate:

to (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuran [3,2-b]To a solution of furan-3-yl (2-oxyethyl) carbamoyl chloride (1.0g, 0.86mmol) in DCM (20mL) was added (S) -4-amino-2- (1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) isoindoline-1, 3-dione (200mg,0.478mmol) and triethylamine (1.32g,13.1 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (30mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (20 mL. times.3). Incorporated by referenceThe organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL. times.3) and Na₂SO₄And (5) drying. The resultant was then filtered to collect the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (ACN-H2O, 0.1% FA) to give (3S,3aR,6R,6aS) -6- (nitrooxy) hexahydrofuro [3,2-b ]]Furan-3-yl (2- ((2- ((S) -1- (3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl) -2- (methylsulfonyl) ethyl) -1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl) amino) -2-oxoethyl) carbamate (example 5) (8.5mg, 1.4% yield) as a white solid. The resulting compound was subjected to mass spectrometry and the results were as follows: mass (m/z): 693.2[ M + H]+。

EXAMPLE 6 inhibition of PDE Activity by Compounds

Inhibition of PDE4 (e.g., PDE4A, PDE4C) activity by compounds (e.g., compound-1, compound-2, compound-3, compound-4, compound-5, and compound-6) was monitored using a test kit from BPS Bioscience (san diego, usa) according to the procedures provided. The assay is based on the selective binding of the fluorescent dye FAM labeled AMP produced by PDE from FAM-cAMP to its binding beads.

Briefly, compounds (2.5ul, different concentrations diluted in assay buffer) were mixed with 12.5ul FAM-cAMP substrate (200nM assay buffer) in 384-well plates, and 10ul human recombinant PDE4A (BPS, cat No. 60340) or PDE4C (BPS, cat No. 60384) was added. The plates were incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. 50ul of FAM-AMP binding agent was added. The mixture was incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes. The amount of binding agent that binds FAM-AMP was measured by fluorescence polarization method on an Envision spectrometer. The potency (IC50 values, table 1) of the exemplified compounds was calculated from dose-response curves using a 4-parameter nonlinear regression fitting procedure. The results show that the compound-1, the compound-2, the compound-3, the compound-4 and the compound-5 can effectively inhibit PDE 4.

TABLE 1 PDE4A and PDE4C inhibitory potencies (IC50, nM)

Compound (I)	IC50 inhibiting PDE4A	IC50 inhibiting PDE4C
			Compound-1	178	2230
Compound-2	308	2262
			Compound-3	215	1025
Compound-4	710	109
			Compound-5	38	826
Compound-6	214	734

EXAMPLE 7 Compounds inhibit TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production

The inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by the compounds provided herein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or blood was monitored by following the protocol of Claveau et al (JPET,310,752-760, 2004). The compounds can inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.

EXAMPLE 8 inhibition of acute Lung injury in mice by Compounds

The compound was administered orally to mice (C57Bl6 diet) at a dose of 10mL/kg using 1% methylcellulose as a carrier. After 30 minutes, LPS (30ug/kg) was instilled nasally to induce inflammation and acute airway injury. TNF- α levels in plasma and cellular infiltration in BALF were monitored 24 hours after LPS challenge. These compounds can reduce acute long-term injury in mice.

Example 9 production of Compound-6 after oral administration of Compound-1 in mice

FIG. 10 shows the blood levels of Compound-6 produced after administration of Compound-1 to mice. Exemplary Compound-1 (formulated as a 0.5mg/mL suspension in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/0.25% Tween-80 in water) was administered orally at 5mg/kg to 4 mice. After oral administration, Compound-1 was rapidly bioactivated in mice and PDE4 inhibitory metabolite compound-6 was formed in each mouse. Approximately 200ng/mL of Compound-6 was detected in the blood at 15 minutes. Blood levels of compound-6 peaked at about 250ng/mL between 1 and 2 hours and cleared mostly to about 25ng/mL at 6 hours. As shown in fig. 10, the trend of the change in the level of compound-6 in blood was relatively stable. The kinetic profile of blood levels of compound-6 provides the opportunity to treat diseases that respond to compound-6 without directly administering compound-6, e.g., to reduce the side effects of the expected high Cmax of directly administered compound-6.

Example 10 Generation of nitric oxide by biological activation of Compound-1, Compound-2 and Compound-4

Compound-1 and compound-2 were formulated at 5mg/ml, compound-4 at 1mg/ml in 1% CMC/0.5% Tween-80 aqueous solution as a vehicle. Total nitrate and nitrite levels in plasma were quantified using the nitric oxide assay kit (ab65327, AbCam) according to the protocol provided. Data are mean values (± SEM, 3 mice/group).

Figure 11 shows the nitrate levels in plasma 1 hour after compound administration to mice. Plasma nitrate levels were detected for each compound to be significantly higher than mice treated with vehicle. The data indicate that rapid bioactivation occurred with each compound after oral administration.

It should be noted that the above description is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. However, such changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Having thus described the basic concept, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative only and not as limiting the present specification. Various modifications, improvements and adaptations to the present description may occur to those skilled in the art, although not explicitly described herein. Such modifications, improvements and adaptations are proposed in the present specification and thus fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present specification.

Also, the description uses specific words to describe embodiments of the description. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and/or "some embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with at least one embodiment of the specification is included. Therefore, it is emphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, some features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments of the specification may be combined as appropriate.

Additionally, unless explicitly stated in the claims, the order or sequence of processing elements, use of numbers or letters, or use of other names in the present specification is not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods in the present specification. While various presently contemplated embodiments of the invention have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure by way of example, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the embodiments herein. For example, although the system components described above may be implemented by hardware devices, they may also be implemented by software-only solutions, such as installing the described system on an existing server or mobile device.

Similarly, it should be noted that in the preceding description of embodiments of the present specification, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure aiding in the understanding of one or more of the embodiments. This method of disclosure, however, is not intended to imply that more features than are expressly recited in a claim. Indeed, the embodiments may be characterized as having less than all of the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.