Schiff bases of 3-formylchromone as thymidine phosphorylase inhibitors

3-Formylchromone (1), 3-methyl-7-hydroxychromone (2) and Schiff bases of 3-formylchromone 3–19 have been synthesized and their anti-thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory activity was evaluated. Compounds 1–19 showed a varying degree of thymidine phosphorylase inhibition with IC₅₀ values 19.77 ± 3.25 to 480.21 ± 2.34 μM. Their activity was compared with the standard 7-deazaxanthine (IC₅₀ = 39.28 ± 0.76 μM). Compound 12 showed an excellent thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 19.77 ± 3.25 μM, better than the standard. Compound 4 also showed an excellent inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 40.29 ± 4.56 μM). The parent 3-formylchromone (1) and 3-methyl-7-hydroxychromone (2) were found to be inactive. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by using spectroscopic techniques, including ¹H NMR, EI MS, IR, UV and elemental analysis.     

Thymidine esters as substrate analogue inhibitors of angiogenic enzyme thymidine phosphorylase in vitro

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) catalyzes the cleavage of thymidine into thymine and 2-deoxy-α-d-ribose-1-phosphate. Elevated activity of TP prevents apoptosis, and induces angiogenesis which ultimately leads to tumor growth and metastasis. Critical role of TP in cancer progression makes it a valid target in anti-cancer research. Discovery of small molecules as TP inhibitors is vigorously pursued in cancer therapy. In the present study, we functionalized thymidine as benzoyl ester to synthesize compounds 3–16. In vitro evaluation of thymidine esters for their thymidine phosphorylase inhibition activity was subsequently carried out. Compounds 4, 10, 14, and 15 showed good activities with lower IC₅₀ values than the standard, 7-deazaxanthine (IC₅₀ = 41.0 ± 1.63 μM). Among them, compound 14 showed five folds higher activity (IC₅₀ = 7.5 ± 0.8 μM), while 4 (IC₅₀ = 18.5 ± 1.0 μM) and 10 (IC₅₀ = 18.8 ± 1.2 μM) showed two folds higher activity than the standard. Compound 15 showed slightly better activity (IC₅₀ = 33.3 ± 1.5 μM) to the standard. Potent compounds were further subjected to kinetic and molecular docking studies to identify their mode of inhibition, and to study their interactions with the protein at atomic level, respectively. All active compounds were non-cytotoxic to mouse fibroblast 3T3 cell line. These results identify thymidine esters as substrate analogue (substrate-like) inhibitors of angiogenic enzyme thymidine phosphorylase for further studies.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel oxadiazole derivatives: A new class of thymidine phosphorylase inhibitors as potential anti-tumor agents

Based on the fact that the thymidine phosphorylase inhibitors are considered potential anti-tumor agents, a range of novel oxadiazole derivatives 3a–3u was designed and synthesized by a simple and facile synthetic route. The biological assay revealed that majority of compounds displayed modest inhibitory activity against thymidine phosphorylase at low micromolar concentrations (IC₅₀ 173.23 ± 3.04 to 14.40 ± 2.45 μM). In the current study the most active compounds were 3h and 3q with IC₅₀ values 14.40 ± 2.45 and 17.60 ± 1.07 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies were performed on the most active compounds (3h, 3k, 3o–3q) to show their binding mode.     

Synthesis and in vitro acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of hydrazide based Schiff bases

To discover multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, a series of hydrazide based Schiff bases were designed and synthesized based on multitarget-directed strategy. We have synthesized twenty-eight analogs of hydrazide based Schiff bases, characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and evaluated in vitro for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. All compounds showed varied degree of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition when compared with standard Eserine. Among the series, compounds 10, 3 and 24 having IC₅₀ values 4.12 ± 0.01, 8.12 ± 0.01 and 8.41 ± 0.06 μM respectively showed potent acetylcholinesterase inhibition when compared with Eserine (IC₅₀ = 0.85 ± 0.0001 μM). Three compounds 13, 24 and 3 having IC₅₀ values 6.51 ± 0.01, 9.22 ± 0.07 and 37.82 ± 0.14 μM respectively showed potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibition by comparing with eserine (IC₅₀ = 0.04 ± 0.0001 μM). The remaining compounds also exhibited moderate to weak inhibitory potential. Structure activity relationship has been established. Through molecular docking studies the binding interaction was confirmed.     

Synthesis of triazole Schiff bases: Novel inhibitors of nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1

A series of Schiff base triazoles 1–25 was synthesized and evaluated for their nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 inhibitory activities. Among twenty-five compounds, three compounds 10 (IC₅₀ = 132.20 ± 2.89 μM), 13 (IC₅₀ = 152.83 ± 2.39 μM), and 22 (IC₅₀ = 251.0 ± 6.64 μM) were identified as potent inhibitors with superior activities than the standard EDTA (IC₅₀ = 277.69 ± 2.52 μM). The newly identified inhibitors may open a new avenue for the development of treatment of phosphodiesterase-I related disorders. These compounds were also evaluated for carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential and were found to be inactive. The compounds showed non-toxic effect towards PC3 cell lines.     

Isatin based Schiff bases as inhibitors of α-glucosidase: Synthesis,characterization, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies

Isatin base Schiff bases (1–20) were synthesized, characterized by ¹H NMR and EI/MS and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Out of these twenty (20) compounds only six analogs showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging in between 2.2 ± 0.25 and 83.5 ± 1.0 μM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 840 ± 1.73 μM). Among the series compound 2 having IC₅₀ value (18.3 ± 0.56 μM), 9 (83.5 ± 1.0 μM), 11 (3.3 ± 0.25 μM), 12 (2.2 ± 0.25 μM), 14 (11.8 ± 0.15 μM), and 20 (3.0 ± 0.15 μM) showed excellent inhibitory potential many fold better than the standard acarbose. The binding interactions of these active analogs were confirmed through molecular docking.     

Novel biphenyl bis-sulfonamides as acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: Synthesis,biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies

A series of new biphenyl bis-sulfonamide derivatives 2a–3p were synthesized in good to excellent yield (76–98%). The inhibitory potential of the synthesized compounds on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was investigated. Most of the screened compounds showed modest in vitro inhibition for both AChE and BChE. Compared to the reference compound eserine (IC₅₀ 0.04 ± 0.0001 μM for AChE) and (IC₅₀ 0.85 ± 0.0001 μM for BChE), the IC₅₀ values of these compounds were ranged from 2.27 ± 0.01 to 123.11 ± 0.04 μM for AChE and 7.74 ± 0.07 to <400 μM for BuChE. Among the tested compounds, 3p was found to be the most potent against AChE (IC₅₀ 2.27 ± 0.01 μM), whereas 3g exhibited the highest inhibition for BChE (IC₅₀ 7.74 ± 0.07 μM). Structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these compounds was developed and elaborated with the help of molecular docking studies.     

Active compounds from a diverse library of triazolothiadiazole and triazolothiadiazine scaffolds: Synthesis,crystal structure determination,cytotoxicity, cholinesterase inhibitory activity,and binding mode analysis

In an effort to identify novel cholinesterase candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a diverse array of potentially bioactive compounds including triazolothiadiazoles (4a–h and 5a–f) and triazolothiadiazines (6a–h) was obtained in good yields through the cyclocondensation reaction of 4-amino-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (3) with various substituted aryl/heteroaryl/aryloxy acids and phenacyl bromides, respectively. The structures of newly prepared compounds were confirmed by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and, in case of 4a, by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The purity of the synthesized compounds was ascertained by elemental analysis. The newly synthesized conjugated heterocycles were screened for cholinesterase inhibitory activity against electric eel acetylcholinesterase (EeAChE) and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE). Among the evaluated hybrids, several compounds were identified as potent inhibitors. Compounds 5b and 5d were most active with an IC₅₀ value of 3.09 ± 0.154 and 11.3 ± 0.267 μM, respectively, against acetylcholinesterase, whereas 5b, 6a and 6g were most potent against butyrylcholinesterase, with an IC₅₀ of 0.585 ± 0.154, 0.781 ± 0.213, and 1.09 ± 0.156 μM, respectively, compared to neostigmine and donepezil as standard drugs. The synthesized heteroaromatic compounds were also tested for their cytotoxic potential against lung carcinoma (H157) and vero cell lines. Among them, compound 6h exhibited highest antiproliferative activity against H157 cell lines, with IC₅₀ value of 0.96 ± 0.43 μM at 1 mM concentration as compared to vincristine (IC₅₀ = 1.03 ± 0.04 μM), standard drug used in this study.     

Synthesis,in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies of thiazole derivatives as new inhibitors of α-glucosidase

A series of thiazole derivatives 1–21 were prepared, characterized by EI-MS and ¹H NMR and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All twenty one derivatives showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value ranging between 18.23 ± 0.03 and 424.41 ± 0.94 μM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC₅₀, 38.25 ± 0.12 μM). Compound (8) (IC₅₀, 18.23 ± 0.03 μM) and compound (7) (IC₅₀ = 36.75 ± 0.05 μM) exhibited outstanding inhibitory potential much better than the standard acarbose (IC₅₀, 38.25 ± 0.12 μM). All other analogs also showed good to moderate enzyme inhibition. Molecular docking studies were carried out in order to find the binding affinity of thiazole derivatives with enzyme. Studies showed these thiazole analogs as a new class of α-glucosidase inhibitors.     

Design,synthesis and preliminary activity assay of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives as novel Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes involved in tumor genesis and development. Herein, we report a novel series of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives as HDACs inhibitors. The preliminary biological screening showed that most of our compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity against HDACs. Within this series, five compounds, 13a (IC₅₀ = 0.58 ± 0.10 μM), 7d (IC₅₀ = 1.00 ± 0.16 μM), 8l (IC₅₀ = 1.06 ± 0.14 μM), 7i (IC₅₀ = 1.17 ± 0.19 μM) and 7a (IC₅₀ = 1.29 ± 0.15 μM) possessed better HDACs inhibitory activity than Vorinostat (IC₅₀ = 1.48 ± 0.20 μM). So these five compounds could be used as novel lead compounds for further design of HDACs inhibitors. The anti-proliferative activities of a few compounds and the structure–activity relationships are also briefly discussed.     

Dihydropyrimidones: As novel class of β-glucuronidase inhibitors

Dihydropyrimidones 1–37 were synthesized via a ‘one-pot’ three component reaction according to well-known Biginelli reaction by utilizing Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O as catalyst, and screened for their in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. It is worth mentioning that amongst the active molecules, compounds 8 (IC₅₀ = 28.16 ± .056 μM), 9 (IC₅₀ = 18.16 ± 0.41 μM), 10 (IC₅₀ = 22.14 ± 0.43 μM), 13 (IC₅₀ = 34.16 ± 0.65 μM), 14 (IC₅₀ = 17.60 ± 0.35 μM), 15 (IC₅₀ = 15.19 ± 0.30 μM), 16 (IC₅₀ = 27.16 ± 0.48 μM), 17 (IC₅₀ = 48.16 ± 1.06 μM), 22 (IC₅₀ = 40.16 ± 0.85 μM), 23 (IC₅₀ = 44.16 ± 0.86 μM), 24 (IC₅₀ = 47.16 ± 0.92 μM), 25 (IC₅₀ = 18.19 ± 0.34 μM), 26 (IC₅₀ = 33.14 ± 0.68 μM), 27 (IC₅₀ = 44.16 ± 0.94 μM), 28 (IC₅₀ = 24.16 ± 0.50 μM), 29 (IC₅₀ = 34.24 ± 0.47 μM), 31 (IC₅₀ = 14.11 ± 0.21 μM) and 32 (IC₅₀ = 9.38 ± 0.15 μM) found to be more potent than the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC₅₀ = 48.4 ± 1.25 μM). Molecular docking study was conducted to establish the structure–activity relationship (SAR) which demonstrated that a number of structural features of dihydropyrimidone derivatives were involved to exhibit the inhibitory potential. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H, ¹³C NMR, EIMS and HREI-MS.     

Design,synthesis and evaluation of novel metalloproteinase inhibitors based on l-tyrosine scaffold

A series of novel l-tyrosine derivatives were designed, synthesized and assayed for their inhibitory activities on matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC-8). The results showed that these l-tyrosine derivatives exhibited inhibitory profiles against MMP-2 and HDAC-8. The compounds 6h (IC₅₀ = 0.013 ± 0.001 μM) and 6j (IC₅₀ = 0.017 ± 0.001 μM) were equal potent MMP-2 inhibitors to the positive control NNGH (IC₅₀ = 0.014 ± 0.001 μM). As for HDAC-8 inhibition, some of the hydroxamate compounds, such as 6d (IC₅₀ = 3.6 ± 0.2 μM) and 6c (IC₅₀ = 5.8 ± 0.5 μM), were equal potent to the positive control SAHA (IC₅₀ = 1.6 ± 0.1 μM). Structure–activity relationships were also briefly discussed.     

Search for novel histone deacetylase inhibitors. Part II: Design and synthesis of novel isoferulic acid derivatives

Previously, we described the discovery of potent ferulic acid-based histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) with halogeno-acetanilide as novel surface recognition moiety (SRM). In order to improve the affinity and activity of these HDACIs, twenty seven isoferulic acid derivatives were described herein. The majority of title compounds displayed potent HDAC inhibitory activity. In particular, IF5 and IF6 exhibited significant enzymatic inhibitory activities, with IC₅₀ values of 0.73 ± 0.08 and 0.57 ± 0.16 μM, respectively. Furthermore, these compounds showed moderate antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells. Especially, IF6 displayed promising profile as an antitumor candidate with IC₅₀ value of 3.91 ± 0.97 μM against HeLa cells. The results indicated that these isoferulic acid derivatives could serve as promising lead compounds for further optimization.     

5-Bromo-2-aryl benzimidazole derivatives as non-cytotoxic potential dual inhibitors of α-glucosidase and urease enzymes

On the basis of previous report on promising α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 5-bromo-2-aryl benzimidazole derivatives, these derivatives were further screened for urease inhibitory and cytotoxicity activity in order to get more potent and non-cytotoxic potential dual inhibitor for the patients suffering from diabetes as well as peptic ulcer. In this study, all compounds showed varying degree of potency in the range of (IC₅₀ = 8.15 ± 0.03–354.67 ± 0.19 μM) as compared to standard thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.25 ± 0.15 μM). It is worth mentioning that derivatives 7 (IC₅₀ = 12.07 ± 0.05 μM), 8 (IC₅₀ = 10.57 ± 0.12 μM), 11 (IC₅₀ = 13.76 ± 0.02 μM), 14 (IC₅₀ = 15.70 ± 0.12 μM) and 22 (IC₅₀ = 8.15 ± 0.03 μM) were found to be more potent inhibitors than standard. All compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxicity towards 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and found to be completely non-toxic. Previously benzimidazole 1–25 were also showed α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. In silico studies were performed on the lead molecules i.e. 2, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 22, in order to rationalize the binding interaction of compounds with the active site of urease enzyme.     

Design,synthesis, and docking studies of phenylpicolinamide derivatives bearing 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine moiety as c-Met inhibitors

Four series of phenylpicolinamide derivatives bearing 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine moiety (12a–e, 13a–f, 14a–f and 15a–i) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the IC₅₀ values against three cancer cell lines (A549, PC-3 and MCF-7) and c-Met kinase. Five selected compounds (13b, 15b, 15d, 15e and 15f) were further evaluated for the activity against HepG2 and Hela cell lines. Eighteen of the compounds showed excellent cytotoxicity activity and selectivity with the IC₅₀ valuables in single-digit μM to nanomole range. Seven of them are equal to more active than positive control Foretinib against one or more cell lines. The most promising compound 15f showed superior activity to Foretinib, with the IC₅₀ values of 1.04 ± 0.11 μM, 0.02 ± 0.01 μM and 9.11 ± 0.55 μM against A549, PC-3 and MCF-7 cell lines, which were 0.62 to 19.5 times more active than Foretinib (IC₅₀ values: 0.64 ± 0.26 μM, 0.39 ± 0.11 μM, 9.47 ± 0.22 μM), respectively. Structure–activity relationships (SARs) and docking studies indicated that replacement of quinoline nucleus of the previous active compounds with 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine moiety maintained even improved the potent cytotoxic activity. The results suggested that the introduction of fluoro atoms to the aminophenoxy part of target compounds or the phenyl group of pyrimidine substituted on C-4 position was benefit for the activity.     

Substituted thieno[2,3-b]thiophenes and related congeners: Synthesis, β-glucuronidase inhibition activity,crystal structure,and POM analyses

A series of 15 novel compounds incorporating the thieno[2,3-b]thiophene moiety were synthesized. The chemical structures of these compounds were deduced from elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ESI-mass spectral data. The enzyme inhibition potential of these compounds was evaluated, in vitro, against β-glucuronidase, xanthine oxidase, and α-chymotrypsin enzymes. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by a cell viability assay utilizing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye. Among the compounds tested, compound 3 was the most potent β-glucuronidase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 0.9 ± 0.0138 μM; it was much more active than the standard, d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC₅₀ = 45.75 ± 2.16 μM). Compound 12, on the other hand, was the most potent as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ of 14.4 ± 1.2 μM. With the characterization of their mechanism of action and with further testing, these compounds could be useful candidates as anticancer drugs. In addition, the newly synthesized compounds were subjected to POM analyses to get insights about their degree of their toxicity.     

Triazinoindole analogs as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase: Synthesis,biological evaluation and molecular docking studies

A new series of triazinoindole analogs 1–11 were synthesized, characterized by EI-MS and ¹H NMR, evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All eleven (11) analogs showed different range of α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging between 2.46 ± 0.008 and 312.79 ± 0.06 μM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC₅₀, 38.25 ± 0.12 μM). Among the series, compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 showed excellent inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ values 2.46 ± 0.008, 37.78 ± 0.05, 28.91 ± 0.0, 38.12 ± 0.04, 37.43 ± 0.03, 36.89 ± 0.06 and 37.11 ± 0.05 μM respectively. All other compounds also showed good enzyme inhibition. The binding modes of these analogs were confirmed through molecular docking.     

Evaluation of bisindole as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors: Synthesis and in silico based studies

Bisindole analogs 1–17 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. Out of seventeen compounds, the analog 1 (IC₅₀ = 1.62 ± 0.04 μM), 6 (IC₅₀ = 1.86 ± 0.05 μM), 10 (IC₅₀ = 2.80 ± 0.29 μM), 9 (IC₅₀ = 3.10 ± 0.28 μM), 14 (IC₅₀ = 4.30 ± 0.08 μM), 2 (IC₅₀ = 18.40 ± 0.09 μM), 19 (IC₅₀ = 19.90 ± 1.05 μM), 4 (IC₅₀ = 20.90 ± 0.62 μM), 7 (IC₅₀ = 21.50 ± 0.77 μM), and 3 (IC₅₀ = 22.30 ± 0.02 μM) showed superior β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity than the standard (d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone, IC₅₀ = 48.40 ± 1.25 μM). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the binding interactions of bisindole derivatives with the enzyme. This study has identified a new class of potent β-glucouronidase inhibitors.     

Terpenoids with cytotoxic activity from the branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia

Twenty terpenoids, including a new triterpenoid (1) and a new monoterpenoid (20), were isolated from the branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia. The structures of two new compounds were determined to be 2α, 3β, 27-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (1) and (4α)-3-(5,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuranyl)-1-buten-3-ol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (20) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical method. Some of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines by MTT assay, using cisplatin as a positive control. Compound 14 exhibited cytotoxic activities against A549 (IC₅₀ = 19.18 ± 4.26 μM), Hela (IC₅₀ = 12.56 ± 3.89 μM), SGC7901 (IC₅₀ = 10.48 ± 1.95 μM) and NHI-1975 (IC₅₀ = 7.38 ± 2.31 μM) cell lines as well as compound 12 displayed cytotoxic activities against A549 (IC₅₀ = 14.71 ± 1.47 μM) and Hela (IC₅₀ = 12.22 ± 1.88 μM) cell lines.     

Synthesis and anti-parasitic activity of a novel quinolinone–chalcone series

A series of novel quinolinone–chalcone hybrids and analogues were designed, synthesized and their biological activity against the mammalian stages of Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania infantum evaluated. Promising molecular scaffolds with significant microbicidal activity and low cytotoxicity were identified. Quinolinone–chalcone 10 exhibited anti-parasitic properties against both organisms, being the most potent anti-L. infantum agent of the entire series (IC₅₀ value of 1.3 ± 0.1 μM). Compounds 4 and 11 showed potency toward the intracellular, amastigote stage of L. infantum (IC₅₀ values of 2.1 ± 0.6 and 3.1 ± 1.05 μM, respectively). Promising trypanocidal compounds include 5 and 10 (IC₅₀ values of 2.6 ± 0.1 and 3.3 ± 0.1 μM, respectively) as well as 6 and 9 (both having IC₅₀ values of <5 μM). Chemical modifications on the quinolinone–chalcone scaffold were performed on selected compounds in order to investigate the influence of these structural features on antiparasitic activity.