Synthesis and biological activity of new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase inhibitors: 2-oxetanones with a side chain mimicking the extended structure of 1233A.

Structural analogs of 1233A, a microbial metabolite inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, were designed and synthesized. The 2-oxetanone moiety was left intact. All analogs prepared were tested for inhibition of HMG-CoA synthase activity and sterol synthesis in mouse liver and for effect on serum triglyceride levels. Of these analogs, trans-4-[2-[3-(7-carboxy-2- naphthyl)phenyl]ethyl]-3-hydroxymethyl-2-oxetanone (4a) showed the highest inhibitory activity in vitro, and also had in vivo inhibitory activity without causing any increase in triglyceride level.