Fibrate-derived N-(methylsulfonyl)amides with antagonistic properties on PPARa

The identification of novel PPAR ligands represents an attractive research to fully understand the complex biological pathways regulated by these receptors. Selective PPAR modulators, inverse agonists and antagonists of three PPAR isoforms could help to clarify biological effects on lipid and glucose homeostasis. Here we describe the identification of a group of N-(methylsulfonyl)amides, derived from PPARα agonist carboxylic acids. Transactivation and FRET assay confirmed an antagonist behaviour on PPARα for some of these compounds, with submicromolar IC(50). A preliminary analysis on selectivity α/γ revealed different profiles of inhibition or activation.