Synthesis and Evaluation of Neuroprotective Selenoflavanones

• Main Authors: Yong-Sung Choi, Dong-Myung Kim, Yoon-Jung Kim, Sai Yang, Kyung-Tae Lee, Jong Hoon Ryu, Jin-Hyun Jeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: selenoflavanone; flavanone; selenium; neuroprotect; antioxidant; blood-brain barrier (BBB)
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/16/12/26188

The physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of a molecule could be improved by the substitution of an oxygen atom in a molecule with selenium. We synthesized selenoflavanones and flavanones to evaluate their neuroprotective effects. The selenoflavanones showed improved physicochemical properties, suggestive of the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They showed in vitro antioxidant effects against hydrogen peroxide, and did not result in severe cytotoxicity. Moreover, infarction volumes in a transient ischemia mouse model were significantly reduced by the selenoflavanone treatments.