The γ-butyrolactone and δ-valerolactone structural units are present in different natural products with significant pharmacological
properties. Fumaric acid ester-based drugs are used for the treatment of psoriasis and, more recently, multiple sclerosis. We
synthesized different γ-butyrolactone and δ-valerolactone derivatives where the fumarate moiety is forced into a lactone ring in
search of strategies to maintain the anti-inflammatory activity of fumaric acid esters limiting the side effects and enhancing the
bioavailability. The structures of all synthesized compounds obtained were identified on the basis of their spectral data. The
toxicity profile as well as the neuroprotective properties of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated in human neuroblastoma
SH-SY5Y cell line. All tested fumaric esters presented lower cytotoxicity and higher neuroprotective properties, in comparison to
dimethyl fumarate. Pre-treatment of cells with at least seven compounds for 24 h lead to a significantly neuroprotection against
H2O2-induced cell damage. Our results demonstrate that SH-SY5Y cells are suitable cellular model to evaluate the
neuroprotective role of fumaric acid esters, and support further evaluation of BG-12 derivatives aimed at decreasing cytotoxicity
and limiting the side effects for improvement of treatments for multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.
