New triterpene oligoglycosides from the Caribbean sponge Erylus formosus

Seven new triterpene glycosides, erylosides R₁ (1), T₁ (3), T₂ (4), T₃ (5), T₄ (6), T₅ (7), and T₆ (8) along with the known formoside (2) were isolated from the sponge Erylus formosus collected along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Glycoside 1 was determined as a trisaccharide, glycoside 2 as a tetrasaccharide while glycosides 3–8 were hexasaccharide. Their carbohydrate chains were unprecedented and have never been found in oligosaccharides from other biological sources, except Erylus spp. Three carbohydrate chains in the glycosides 3 and 6, 4 and 7, 5 and 8 correspondingly are new. The glycosides 1–5 have penasterol as aglycone while glycosides 6–8 proved to be glycoconjugates of 24-methylene-14-carboxy-lanost-8(9)-en-3β-ol.     

Synthesis of Acyclovir and HBG Analogues Having Nicotinonitrile and Its 2-methyloxy 1,2,3-triazole

Reaction of pyridin-2(1H)-one 1 with 4-bromobutylacetate (2), (2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl bromide (3) gave the corresponding nicotinonitrile O-acyclonucleosides, 4 and 5, respectively. Deacetylation of 4 and 5 gave the corresponding deprotected acyclonucleosides 6 and 7, respectively. Treatment of pyridin-2(1H)-one 1 with 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol (8), epichlorohydrin (10) and allyl bromide (12) gave the corresponding nicotinonitrile O-acyclonucleosides 9, 11, and 13, respectively. Furthermore, reaction of pyridin-2(1H)-one 1 with the propargyl bromide (14) gave the corresponding 2-O-propargyl derivative 15, which was reacted via [3+2] cycloaddition with 4-azidobutyl acetate (16) and [(2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl]azide (17) to give the corresponding 1,2,3-triazole derivatives 18 and 19, respectively. The structures of the new synthesized compounds were characterized by using IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectra, and microanalysis. Selected members of these compounds were screened for antibacterial activity.     

Synthesis Of 2,2,3-Tris(Hydroxymethyl)Methylenecyclopropane Analogues Of Nucleosides

Synthesis of 2,2,3-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylenecyclopropane analogues 16a, 16b, 17a, and 17b is described. Diethyl ester of Feist's acid 18b was hydroxymethylated via carbanion formation using formaldehyde under simultaneous isomerization to cis diester to give intermediate 19. Reduction followed by acetylation gave triacetate 22. Addition of bromine afforded reagent 23, which was used for alkylation-elimination of adenine and 2-amino-6-chloropurine to provide Z,E-isomeric mixtures of 24a and 24b. Deacetylation and separation furnished the Z-isomers 16a, 16c and E-isomers 17a, 17c. Hydrolytic dechlorination of 16c and 17c gave guanine analogues 16b and 17b. None of the analogues exhibited a significant antiviral activity. Adenosine deaminase is refractory toward adenine analogues 16a and 17a.     

Phosphoralaninate Pronucleotides of Pyrimidine Methylenecyclopropane Analogues of Nucleosides: Synthesis and Antiviral Activity

The Z- and E-thymine and cytosine pronucleotides 3d, 4d, 3e, and 4e of methylenecyclopropane nucleosides analogues were synthesized, evaluated for their antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HSV-1), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their potency was compared with the parent compounds 1d, 2d, 1e, and 2e. Prodrugs 3d and 4d were obtained by phosphorylation of parent analogues 1d or 2d with reagent 8. A similar phosphorylation of N⁴-benzoylcytosine methylenecyclopropanes 9a and 9b gave intermediates 11a and 11b. Deprotection with hydrazine in pyridine–acetic acid gave pronucleotides 3e and 4e. The Z-cytosine analogue 3e was active against HCMV and EBV. The cytosine E-isomer 4e was moderately effective against EBV.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some Unsaturated 6-Azauracil Acyclonucleosides

A useful route is described for obtaining Z and E unsaturated alkylating agents 3 and 4. Coupling 6-azauracils 5 and 6 with unsaturated alkylating agent followed by the deprotection with H⁺ resin gave acyclonucleosides 11–14 in good overall yields. Unsaturated acyclonucleosides phosphonates 19 and 20 were prepared using potassium carbonate as base and 4-bromobut-2-enyl diethyl phosphonate 16 as the alkylating agent. The introduction of a propargyl group at the N-3 position of acyclonucleosides 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, and 20 was achieved using potassium carbonate in DMF.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alansmia</Emphasis>, a new genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) segregated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Terpsichore</Emphasis>

Alansmia, a new genus of grammitid ferns is described and combinations are made for the 26 species known to belong to it. Alansmia is supported by five morphological synapomorphies: setae present on the rhizomes, cells of the rhizome scales turgid, both surfaces of the rhizome scales ciliate, laminae membranaceous, and sporangial capsules setose. Other diagnostic characters include pendent fronds with indeterminate growth, concolorous, orange to castaneous rhizome scales with ciliate or sometimes glandular margins, hydathodes often cretaceous, and setae simple, paired or stellate. The group also exhibits the uncommon characteristic of producing both trilete and apparently monolete spores, sometimes on the same plant. New combinations are made for Alansmia alfaroi, A. bradeana, A. canescens, A. concinna, A. contacta, A. cultrata, A. dependens, A. diaphana, A. elastica, A. glandulifera, A. heteromorpha, A. immixta, A. kirkii, A. lanigera, A. laxa, A. longa, A. monosora, A. reclinata, A. semilunaris, A. senilis, A. smithii, A. spathulata, A. stella var. stella, A. stella var. flava, A. turrialbae, A. variabilis, A. xanthotrichia. Lectotypifications are made for Alansmia concina, A. variabilis, Polypodium ciliare, P. flexile, and P. ovalescens. The genus is named in honor of pteridologist Alan R. Smith.     

A Convenient Synthesis of Acyclic Adenosines with an Unsaturated Side Chain by Modification of 9-(2,3-O-Isopropylidene-D-Ribityl)Adenine

Abstract

In expectation of discovering their antiviral activity, acyclic adenosine derivatives 7, 11, 12, and 16 were designed as analogs of neplanocin A (NPA) and L-eritadenine which are strong inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase. The 1′,5′-seco-analog of 4′-deoxymethyl-NPA (DHCA) 7 was synthesized by dideoxygenation of 9-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-ribityl)adenine (2). Acyclic DHCA analogs 11 and 16 were obtained by Wittig reaction of the aldehyde 3 with Ph₃P=CHCO₂Et and Ph₃P=CHCN, respectively. Hydrolysis of the ester 11 afforded a vinylog of L-eritadenine 12. The synthesized acyclic nucleosides 7, 10, and 11 were evaluated for antiviral activity, however, none of them showed any significant antiviral activity.     

Synthesis of 1′-Deoxypsicofuranosyl-deoxynucleosides as Potential Anti-HIV Agents

Abstract

Various routes to the targets 1, 2, 3, 1-deoxy-psicofuranosyl nucleoside analogues related to anti-HIV agents, are reported. Two routes afforded their 6′-benzylated derivatives 9, 10 and 15. Only the epoxide 12 and deoxynucleosides 19 and 22 were able to be deprotected leading in the first case to 16 and its ring opening derivative 17 and in the second case to 20 and to the target 3.     

Evaluation of novel <Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc(I)-labeled homobivalent α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogs for melanocortin-1 receptor targeting

Abstract  

Aiming to apply the multivalency concept to melanoma imaging, we have assessed the in vivo melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC1R)-targeting properties of ^99mTc(I)-labeled homobivalent peptide conjugates which contain copies of the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analog [Ac-Nle⁴, Asp⁵, d-Phe⁷, Lys¹¹]α-MSH_4–11 separated by linkers of different length (L ² nine atoms and L ³ 14 atoms). The MC1R-binding affinity of L ² and L ³ is significantly higher than that of the monovalent conjugate L ¹ . Metallation of these conjugates yielded the complexes fac-[M(CO)₃(k³-L)]⁺ (M is ^99mTc/Re; 1/1a, L is L ¹ ; 2/2a, L is L ² ; 3/3a, L is L ³ ), with IC₅₀ values in the subnanomolar and nanomolar range. The MC1R-mediated internalization of 2 and 3 is higher than that of 1 in B16F1 melanoma cells. Biodistribution studies in melanoma-bearing mice have shown low nonspecific accumulation with a tumor uptake that correlates with IC₅₀ values. However, no correlation between tumor uptake and valency was found. Nevertheless, 2 displayed the highest tumor retention, and the best tumor to nontarget organ ratios.     

SYNTHESIS OF HALOGEN-SUBSTITUTED 3-DEAZAADENOSINE AND 3-DEAZAGUANOSINE ANALOGUES AS POTENTIAL ANTITUMOR/ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

Various 2-halogen-substituted analogues (38, 39, 43 and 44), 3-halogen- substituted analogues (51 and 52), and 2′, 3′-dihalogen-substituted analogues (57–60) of 3-deazaadenosine and 3-halogen-substituted analogues (61 and 62) of 3-deazaguanosine have been synthesized as potential anticancer and/or antiviral agents. Among these compounds, 3-deaza-3-bromoguanosine (62) showed significant cytotoxicity against L1210, P388, CCRF-CEM and B₁₆F₁₀ cell lines in vitro, producing IC₅₀ values of 3, 7, 9 and 7,μM, respectively. Several 3-deazaadenosine analogues (38, 51, 57 and 59) showed moderate to weak activity against hepatitis B virus.

     

Novel steroidal saponins from Dioscorea esculenta (Togedokoro)

Fifteen steroidal saponins 1–15, which include 4 furostanol glycosides 1–3 and 15, and 11 spirostanol glycosides 4–14, were isolated from the tubers and leaves of lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta, Togedokoro). Their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. Four steroidal saponins 9, 11, 14, and 15 were found to be novel compounds.     

Synthesis of novel carbazole chalcones as radical scavenger,antimicrobial and cancer chemopreventive agents

A series of novel carbazole chalcones has been synthesised and evaluated for radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 12m, 12o and 12c exhibited good 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, compounds 12e, 12m and 12d were excellent hydroxyl radical scavengers and compounds 12a, 12e, 12g, 12n and 12m have shown inhibition of oxidative DNA damage induced by 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane hydrochloride). Compounds 12j, 12i, 12n, 12c, 12m and 12e were most active against the selected cancer cell lines. Compounds 12a, 12e and 12m showed good antibacterial activity and compounds 12h and 12m have shown good antifungal activity. All the compounds were subjected for absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) predictions by computational method and found that these molecules could be considered as potential candidates for oral drug development.     

Miscellaneous mistletoe notes, 48–60: Descriptions of twelve new species of Loranthaceae and Viscaceae

Twelve new South American species of Loranthaceae (Aetanthus, Cladocolea, Oryctanthus, and Struthanthus) and Viscaceae (Dendrophthora and Phoradendron) are described and illustrated: Aetanthus trifolius, Cladocolea rostrifolia, Dendrophthora lanceolata, Dendrophthora rotundata, Dendrophthora tenuis, Dendrophthora werffii, Oryctanthus minor, Phoradendron pascoi, Phoradendron vasquezianum, Struthanthus apiculatus, Struthanthus schultesii, and Struthanthus sessiliflorus. Additionally, Cladocolea alternifolia, previously thought to be probably extinct, is reported to occur on Ilha Grande, just west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of novel 1,3-thiazine-2-amines comprising morpholine nucleus

A collection of 4-(4-morpholinophenyl)-6-aryl-6H-1,3-thiazin-2-amines (20–28) were synthesized and their in vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated. Compound 21 against P. aeruginosa, 23 against B. subtilis, 24 against V. cholerae and P. aeruginosa, 26 against S. aureus and B. subtilis, 27 against B. subtilis and E. coli, and 28 against all tested bacterial strains exerted excellent antibacterial activity. Compound 20 against A. flavus and Rhizopus, 21, 26 against Rhizopus, 22, 27 against Mucor, 23 against A. flavus, 24 against both A. flavus and Mucor, 25 against all tested strains, and 28 against Rhizopus and M. gypseum exerted excellent antifungal activity.     

Thiosugar Nucleosides. Synthesis and Biological Activity of 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole,Thiazoline and Thiourea Derivatives of 5‐Thio‐d‐Glucose

New acylated 5‐thio‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylimino‐disusbstituted 1,3,4‐thiadiazols 8, and 11 were prepared, via spontaneous rearrangements, by cycloaddition of the glycosyl isothiocyanate 2 with the reactive intermediates 1‐aza‐2‐azoniaallene hexachloroantimonates 4 and 6, respectively. Reaction of 2 with aminoacetone or chloroethylamine afforded the acylated 5‐thio‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐4‐imidazoline‐2‐thione nucleoside 16 and glucopyranosylamino‐2‐thiazoline derivative 18, respectively. Deblocking of 8, 11, 17 and 19 furnished the free nucleoside analogues 9, 12, 18 and 20, respectively. Analogously, treatment of 2 with chloroethylamine in the 1:2 ratio afforded the thioureylendisaccharide 21. No in vitro antiviral activity against HIV‐1, HIV‐2, human cytomegallovirus (HMCV), has been found for the new synthesized compounds.     

Morpho-histochemical characterization of salivary gland cells of males of the tick <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhipicephalus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">sanguineus</Emphasis> (Acari: Ixodidae) at different feeding stages: description of new cell types

This study describes the changes undergone by cells of the salivary glands of unfed and feeding (at day two and four post-attachment) Rhipicephalus sanguineus males, as well as new cell types. In unfed males, types I and II acini are observed with cells “undifferentiated”, undefined 1 and 2 (the latter, with atypical granules), a, c1 and c3; type III is composed of cells d and e; and type IV present cells g. In males at day two post-attachment, type I acini exhibit the same morphology of unfed individuals. An increase in size is observed in types II, III, and IV, as cells are filled with secretion granules. Some granules are still undergoing maturation. In type II acinus, cells a, b and c1–c8 are observed. Cells c7 and c8 are described for the first time. Cells c7 are termed as such due to the addition of polysaccharides in the composition of the secretion granules (in unfed individuals, they are termed undefined 1). Type III acini exhibit cells d and e completely filled with granules, and in type IV, cells g contain granules in several stages of maturation. In males at day four post-attachment, type I acini do not exhibit changes. Granular acini exhibit cells with fewer secretion granules, which are already mature. In type II acini, cells a, b, c1–c5 are present, type III exhibit cells d and e, and type IV contain cells g with little or no secretion. This study shows that in the salivary glands of R. sanguineus males, cells a, c1, and c3 of type II acinus, and cells d and e of type III do not exhibit changes in granular content, remaining continuously active during the entire feeding period. This indicates that during the intervals among feeding stages, gland cells reacquire the same characteristics found in unfed individuals, suggesting that they undergo reprogramming to be active in the next cycle.     

Rubralactone,Rubralides A,B and C,and Rubramin Produced by Penicillium rubrum

Rubralactone (1), rubralides A, B and C (2–4), rubramin (5), and 2-formyl-3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzoic acid (6), were isolated from Penicillium rubrum, and their structures established by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR. The effects on plant growth of 1–6 were examined using the lettuce seedling bioassay. Compound 1 promoted root growth. Compounds 2, 3 and 5 inhibited the growth of lettuce seedlings, but 4 and 6 did not have any inhibitory effect on their growth.     

Conformational behaviours of 2-substituted cyclohexanones: a complete basis set,hybrid-DFT study and NBO interpretation

The generalised anomeric effect (GAE) and gauche effect (GE) associated with donor–acceptor delocalisations, dipole–dipole interactions and total steric exchange energies (TSEE) on the conformational properties of 2-methoxy- (1), 2-methylthio- (2), 2-methylseleno- (3), 2-fluoro- (4), 2-chloro- (5) and 2-bromocyclohexanone (6) have been studied by means of ab initio and hybrid density functional theory methods and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. All methods used showed that the axial conformation stability increased from 2-methoxy- (1) to 2-methylselenocyclohexanone (3) and also from 2-fluoro- (4) to 2-bromocyclohexanone (6), which is in agreement with reported NMR data. The results obtained by complete basis set 4 (CBS-4), B3LYP/6-311+G** and HF/6-311+G** levels for compounds 1, 5 and 6 are very similar, but the CBS-4 results for compound 4 are not in agreement with the reported experimental data (vapour phase). The NBO analysis showed that the GAE increases from compounds 1 to 3 and also from compounds 4 to 6. The low axial conformer populations of compounds 1 and 4 can be reasonably explained by their small GAE. GE does not have significant impact on the conformational behaviours of compounds 1–6 and GAE succeeds in accounting qualitatively for the increase in the axial preferences in both series of compounds. The results showed that the calculated Δ(TSEE_eq–ax) values decrease from compounds 4 to 6 which contradicts the suggested arguments in the literature about these compounds. On the other hand, the calculated differences between the dipole moment values of the axial and equatorial conformations, Δ(μ_eq ? μ_ax), increase from compounds 1 to 2, but decrease from compounds 2 to 3 and also decrease from compounds 4 to 6. The calculated GAE values are more significant for the explanation of the conformational preferences of compounds 1–6 than the dipole–dipole repulsion effects. The correlations between the GAE, GE, dipole–dipole interactions, Wiberg Bond Index, TSEE, donor and acceptor orbital energies and occupancies, structural parameters and conformational behaviour of compounds 1–6 have been investigated.     

Eriogonum (Polygonaceae) novelties from Baja California,Mexico

Five new entities ofEriogonum are described from Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, including one species,E. preclarum, and four varieties of other species:E. fasciculatum var.emphereium,E. wrightii var.oresbium,E. elongatum var.areorivum, andE. grande var.testudinum. Three combinations are proposed:E. wrightii var.dentatum,E. elongatum var.vollmeri, andE. repens.     

New combinations and typifications in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bistorta</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Persicaria</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygonum,</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rumex</Emphasis> (Polygonaceae)

New combinations are proposed in anticipation of the Polygonaceae treatment in the forthcoming volume of Intermountain Flora: Polygonum kelloggii var. esotericum, P. kelloggii var. watsonii , Rumex densiflorus var. pycnanthus , R. salicifolius var. utahensis, and R. occidentalis var. tomentellus. Typifications are proposed to facilitate ongoing studies in Polygonaceae and to maintain current usage.