Synthesis and PPAR-γ Ligand-Binding Activity of the New Series of 2′-Hydroxychalcone and Thiazolidinedione Derivatives

Fifteen chalcones and three thiazolidinedione (TZD) chalcones were prepared to evaluate their peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) ligand-binding activities. Among the three TZDs, one compound possessed PPAR-γ transactivation potential, while the others showed antagonistic activity against PPAR-γ transactivation. Among the chalcones, compound 5 was the most potent, and structure–activity relationship studies indicated that a methoxyl group in position C-4 and hydroxyl group in position C-4′ or 5′ in chalcone plays a key role in determining the potency of PPAR-γ activation.