In Vivo Antidiabetic and Antilipidemic Effect of Thiazolidine-2,4-Dione Linked Heterocyclic Scaffolds in Obesity-Induced Zebrafish Model.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a significant global health challenge, with obesity being a major contributing risk factor alongside genetic and non-genetic elements. Current treatments focus on reducing hyperglycemia and preventing T2DM progression, often involving drug combinations for enhanced efficacy. This study introduces two novel nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds: neocryptolepine-thiazolidinedione (NC-TZD) 8 and acridine-thiazolidinedione (AC-TZD) 11. Methods: These compounds were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Their antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects were assessed in an obesity-induced zebrafish model. Hyperglycemia was induced by immersing zebrafish in 100 mM glucose monohydrate for two weeks. Fish were then divided into groups receiving either 20 mg or 80 mg of the drugs per kg of body weight, alongside negative and positive control groups. Results: Both doses of hybrids 8 and 11 effectively restored glucose, triglyceride, insulin, and nuclear factor kappa beta (nfκβ) mRNA levels to normal. However, only the lower doses restored peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (acox1) mRNA levels, with higher doses proving less effective. A molecular modeling study supported the antidiabetic potential of hybrids 8 and 11, suggesting interactions with target proteins PPAR-α and acox1. In silico ADMET analysis revealed promising oral bioavailability and drug likeness for both compounds. Conclusions: The findings indicate that both hybrids exhibit significant antihyperglycemic and antihypertriglyceridemic effects, particularly at lower doses. These results highlight the promising therapeutic potential of these novel oral bioavailable compounds in managing T2DM. Further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action.