Artemisinin-derived dimer phosphate esters as potent anti-cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) and anti-cancer agents: A structure–activity study

We recently reported the anti-cancer and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) activity of artemisinin-derived trioxane diphenylphosphate dimer 838. To probe the relationship between chemical structure and anti-CMV and anti-cancer activities, we now report synthesis and evaluation of a series of eight new dimer phosphate ester analogs of 838. This series of novel molecules was screened against human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) infected with CMV and against the human Jurkat T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line. This SAR study confirms the very high anti-CMV and anti-cancer potencies of dimer diphenyl phosphate ester 838 without its being toxic to normal cells.     

Antimalarial activity of abietane ferruginol analogues possessing a phthalimide group

The abietane-type diterpenoid (+)-ferruginol, a bioactive compound isolated from New Zealand’s Miro tree (Podocarpus ferruginea), displays relevant pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-plasmodial, leishmanicidal, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Herein, we demonstrate that ferruginol (1) and some phthalimide containing analogues 2–12 have potential antimalarial activity. The compounds were evaluated against malaria strains 3D7 and K1, and cytotoxicity was measured against a mammalian cell line panel. A promising lead, compound 3, showed potent activity with an EC₅₀ = 86 nM (3D7 strain), 201 nM (K1 strain) and low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells (SI > 290). Some structure–activity relationships have been identified for the antimalarial activity in these abietane analogues.     

Synthesis of structurally diverse benzosuberene analogues and their biological evaluation as anti-cancer agents

Diversely functionalized, fused aryl–alkyl ring systems hold a prominent position as well-established molecular frameworks for a variety of anti-cancer agents. The benzosuberene (6,7 fused, also referred to as dihydro-5H-benzo[7]annulene and benzocycloheptene) ring system has emerged as a valuable molecular core component for the development of inhibitors of tubulin assembly, which function as antiproliferative anti-cancer agents and, in certain cases, as vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). Both a phenolic-based analogue (known as KGP18, compound 39) and its corresponding amine-based congener (referred to as KGP156, compound 45), which demonstrate strong inhibition of tubulin assembly (low micromolar range) and potent cytotoxicity (picomolar range for KGP18 and nanomolar range for KGP156) are noteworthy examples of such benzosuberene-based compounds. In order to extend the structure–activity relationship (SAR) knowledge base related to benzosuberene anti-cancer agents, a series of eleven analogues (including KGP18) were prepared in which the methoxylation pattern on the pendant aryl ring as well as functional group incorporation on the fused aryl ring were varied. The synthetic approach to these compounds featured a sequential Wittig olefination, reduction, Eaton’s reagent-mediated cyclization strategy to achieve the core benzosuberone intermediate, and represented a higher-yielding synthesis of KGP18 (which we prepared previously through a ring-expansion strategy). Incorporation of a fluorine or chlorine atom at the 1-position of the fused aryl ring or replacement of one of the methoxy groups with hydrogen (on the pendant aryl ring of KGP18) led to benzosuberene analogues that were both strongly inhibitory against tubulin assembly (IC₅₀ approximately 1.0 μM) and strongly cytotoxic against selected human cancer cell lines (for example, GI₅₀ = 5.47 nM against NCI-H460 cells with fluoro-benzosuberene analogue 37). A water-soluble phosphate prodrug salt of KGP18 (referred to as KGP265, compound 44) and a water-soluble serinamide salt (compound 48) of KGP156 were also synthesized and evaluated in this study.     

Resistance to enzymic degradation of LH-RH analogues possessing increased biological activity.

Three analogues of LH-RH in which Dextrarotatory amino acids were substituted for the Gly⁶, and two additional analogues in which the Leu⁷ residue was also modified, were subjected to enzymic preparations derived from rat hypothalamus or anterior pituitary. These enzymes, known to cleave LH-RH, preferentially at the Gly⁶-Leu⁷ position, proved less effective in degrading all the analogues tested. Among the Gly⁶ substituted analogues, [D-Trp⁶] LH-RH, having the highest LH-releasing activity, was most resistant to degradation. Additional modification, at position 7, although rendering the analogues immune to enzymic attack, did not further enhance their biological potency. These data suggest that degradation of LH-RH is a physiological determinant of its biological activity and has therefore to be considered with on designing new, potent analogues of the hormone.     

Synthesis, SAR, and antibacterial activity of novel oxazolidinone analogues possessing urea functionality

The syntheses of a number of novel oxazolidinone analogues possessing an urea functionality are reported. While the urea derivatives possessing aliphatic and aromatic groups were prepared by the more conventional isocyanate method, the derivatives possessing heterocyclic rings were synthesized by a relatively uncommon but otherwise efficient carbamate chemistry. Though the SAR resulted in novel compounds possessing in vitro activity equivalent to Linezolid, the compounds possess a range of substituents that are amenable for altering physicochemical properties of the resultant drug. The antibacterial activity was found to be not sensitive to the functional groups attached to the urea site regardless of the size and electronic characteristics. Based on in vivo results, one molecule has been identified as a candidate and additional work such as salt selection, scale-up, etc., are currently underway to take the molecule further through development.     

Semisynthesis of salviandulin E analogues and their antitrypanosomal activity

A series of analogues of salviandulin E, a rearranged neoclerodane diterpene originally isolated from Salvia leucantha (Lamiaceae), were prepared and their in vitro activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei was evaluated with currently used therapeutic drugs as positive controls. One of the 19 compounds prepared and assayed in the present study, butanoyl 3,4-dihydrosalviandulin E analogue was found to be a possible candidate for an antitrypanosomal drug with fairly strong antitrypanosomal activity and lower cytotoxicity.     

Functionalization of peptide nucleolipid bioconjugates and their structure anti-cancer activity relationship studies

In the search for more potent peptide-based anti-cancer conjugates the generation of new, functionally diverse nucleolipid derived D-(KLAKLAK)₂-AK sequences has enabled a structure and anti-cancer activity relationship study. A reductive amination approach was key for the synthesis of alkylamine, diamine and polyamine derived nucleolipids as well as those incorporating heterocyclic functionality. The carboxy-derived nucleolipids were then coupled to the C-terminus of the D-(KLAKLAK)₂-AK killer peptide sequence and produced with and without the FITC fluorophore for investigating biological activity in cancer cells. The amphiphilic, α-helical peptide-nucleolipid bioconjugates were found to exhibit variable effects on the viability of MM.1S cells, with the histamine derived nucleolipid peptide bioconjugate displaying the most significant anti-cancer effects. Thus, functionally diverse nucleolipids have been developed to fine-tune the structure and anti-cancer properties of killer peptide sequences, such as D-(KLAKLAK)₂-AK.     

Synthesis and in vitro anti-leukemic activity of structural analogues of JS-K, an anti-cancer lead compound

Structural analogues of JS-K, an anti-cancer lead compound, were prepared and their in vitro anti-leukemic activity was determined. The rate of nitric oxide release from the corresponding diazeniumdiolate anions did not appear to affect the anti-leukemic activity of the prodrug forms. Two compounds with potent inhibitory activity and a potentially favorable toxicological profile were identified.     

O-Methylglucogalloyl esters: synthesis and evaluation of their antimycotic activity

The two anomers of O-methyl gluco-2,3-digalloyl esters were synthesized and their antimycotic activity toward yeasts of biomedical importance was evaluated. When used at subinhibitory concentration and regardless of stereochemistry at the anomeric carbon, these compounds enhance the antimycotic activity of Amphotericin B.     

The 6-azauridine analogues possessing sedative and hypnotic effects.

Pharmacological effects of 6-azauridine (4) analogues were evaluated using hypnotic activity, pentobarbital (PB)-induced sleep prolongation and locomotor activity as indices. Compound 4, N3-benzyl- (10), N3-o-xylyl- (11), N3-m-xylyl- (12), N3-p-xylyl- (13), N3-alpha-phenylethyl-substituted 6-azauridine (14) exhibited hypnotic activity and PB-induced sleep prolongation, whereas N3-alkyl substituted analogues (methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, n-butyl- and allyl-substitution) did not. Compound 4 and xylyl analogues (11-13) significantly decreased locomotor activity of mice by i.c.v. injection and produced motor incoordination. The results indicate that 4 and its benzyl related analogues, but not alkyl analogues have depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS).     

Synthesis of aristolactam analogues and evaluation of their antitumor activity

A series of natural aristolactams and their analogues have been prepared and evaluated for antitumor activity against human cancer cells, including multi-drug resistant cell lines. Naturally occurring aristolactams, such as aristolactam BII (cepharanone B), aristolactam BIII, aristolactam FI (piperolactam A), N-methyl piperolactam A, and sauristolactam showed moderate antitumor activities in selected cell lines. However, several synthetic aristolactam derivatives exhibited potent antitumor activities against a broad array of cancer cell lines with GI₅₀ values in the submicromolar range.     

Synthesis of guanidino analogues of PMPDAP and their immunobiological activity

A series of novel 9-, 7- and 3-substituted 2- or 6-guanidinopurines as analogues of potent antiviral and immunobiologically active compound enantiomers of PMPDAP was synthesized and evaluated for their biological activity. Compounds containing the combination of guanidino and amino group at the purine moiety enhanced the interferon-gamma-triggered NO production in murine macrophages and stimulated the secretion of cytokines and chemokines in both murine macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The most active compounds are 27 and 54. None of the compounds tested exhibited any significant cytostatic effect or antiviral effect.     

Correlation of cytotoxic activity of betulinines and their hydroxy analogues

This research is based on intention to prepare and test 3beta-hydroxy and 3beta,28-dihydroxy analogues of new pro-apoptotic derivatives (betulinines) using selective hydrolysis procedure and strategic protective groups. The evaluation of cytotoxicity of prepared compounds on several tumor cell lines using an MTT test was our interest. It was found that hydrolysis of acetates in betulinines afforded compounds with higher cytotoxicity in case of 18-lupene-21-ones (e.g., ethyl 3beta-hydroxy-21-oxolup-18-en-28-oate), whereas hydrolysis of the 18-lupene-21,22-diones gave less active derivatives.     

Synthesis of spin labelled deoxynucleotide analogues and their incorporation with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase into DNA

The synthesis of novel spin labelled deoxynucleoside-5′-triphosphates and their enzymatic incorporation with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase into DNA are described.     

Structural characteristic of terminal dicarboxylic moiety required for apoptogenic activity of alpha-tocopheryl esters

alpha-Tocopheryl succinate (TS) is known to induce apoptosis in various cells and has attracted attention as a chemotherapeutic agent. Recently, we reported the structural significance of the terminal dicarboxylic moiety for the action of TS [J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 49 (2003) 310-314]. In this study, to determine details of the relationship between the structure and the function of the terminal ester moiety of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T), we synthesized four novel esters, alpha-tocopheryl oxalate (TO), alpha-tocopheryl malonate (TM), alpha-tocopheryl pimelate (TP) and alpha-tocopheryl succinate ethyl ester (TSE), and compared their apoptogenic activities with those of TS, alpha-T, gamma-tocopherol (gamma-T) and two commercially available alpha-T derivatives, alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate (TN) and alpha-tocopheryl acetate (TA), in vascular smooth muscle cells and a mouse breast cancer cell line C127I. TO and TM in addition to TS, but not the others, induced apoptosis in both cells. Particularly, TO was the most potent of all alpha-T derivatives used. The addition of exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly prevented the apoptosis induced by TM as well as that by TS as reported previously, but did not affect TO-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that O(2)(-) generated exogenously participates in TM-induced apoptosis but not in TO-induced apoptosis. The difference in their apoptotic effects is attributed to structural properties of the terminal dicarboxylic moiety, which has an inflexible plane conformation in TO, while it is highly flexible in TM and TS.     

Green synthesis of tetrahydropyrimidine analogues and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

It is the first report of 1,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidines derivatives, catalyzed by ZrOCl₂. The mild reaction conditions, excellent yields in shorter reaction time and evasion of cumbersome workup procedures make this process economically lucrative for industrial application. The novelty and highlight of the present method is the promising antibacterial and antifungal activity shown by compounds (4a, 4b, 4e, 4f, 4h and 4l) compared to standard.