Design, synthesis, structure-activity relationships and X-ray structural studies of novel 1-oxopyrimido[4,5-c]quinoline-2-acetic acid derivatives as selective and potent inhibitors of human aldose reductase

Human aldose reductase (AKR1B1, AR) is a key enzyme of the polyol pathway, catalyzing the reduction of glucose to sorbitol at high glucose concentrations, as those found in diabetic condition. Indeed, AKR1B1 overexpression is related to diabetes secondary complications and, in some cases, with cancer. For many years, research has been focused on finding new AKR1B1 inhibitors (ARIs) to overcome these diseases. Despite the efforts, most of the new...