Synthesis and biological activity of novel 5-(omega-aryloxyalkyl)oxazole derivatives as brain-derived neurotrophic factor inducers.

A novel series of 5-(omega-aryloxyalkyl)oxazole derivatives was prepared and their effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production were evaluated in human neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) cells. Syntheses were performed by construction of an oxazole ring as a key reaction. Most of the 5-(omega-aryloxyalkyl)oxazole derivatives markedly increased BDNF production in SK-N-SH cells. 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-[3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propyl]-1, 3-oxazole, one of the most promising compounds, showed potent activity (EC(50)=7.9 microM) and the improvement of the motor nerve conduction velocity and the tail-flick response accompanied by a recovery of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the sciatic nerve of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats.