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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Simultaneous Measurement of Superoxide/Hydrogen Peroxide and NADH Production by Flavin-containing Mitochondrial Dehydrogenases
Published on: February 24, 2018
Small-molecule inhibitors of NADPH oxidase 4
Gábor Borbély1, István Szabadkai, Zoltán Horváth
1Vichem Chemie Research Ltd., Budapest, Hungary. gabor.borbely@kkk.org.hu
Abstract:
NOX enzymes are the major contributors in many oxidative damage related diseases. Unfortunately, at present no specific NOX inhibitor is available. Here, we describe the discovery and development of novel NOX4 inhibitors. Compound libraries were tested in a cell-based assay as a primary screen, monitoring H2O2 production. Twenty-four compounds inhibited Nox4 activity with low-micromolar IC(50) values of which three were selected for further drug development.
Insights
Researchers discovered novel inhibitors for NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), an enzyme implicated in oxidative stress diseases. This development addresses the lack of specific NOX inhibitors, offering potential therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes are key players in oxidative damage and related diseases.
- Currently, no specific inhibitors targeting NOX enzymes are available for therapeutic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discover and develop novel inhibitors specifically targeting NOX4.
Main Methods:
- Utilized compound libraries for a primary screen using a cell-based assay.
- Monitored hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production to assess NOX4 activity inhibition.
Main Results:
- Identified twenty-four compounds that inhibited NOX4 activity.
- These compounds demonstrated low-micromolar IC50 values.
- Three promising compounds were selected for further drug development.
Conclusions:
- Successfully discovered novel NOX4 inhibitors.
- These findings represent a significant step towards developing specific NOX inhibitors for treating oxidative damage-related diseases.
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