Isolation, DNA topoisomerase-II inhibition, and cytotoxicity of three new terpenoids from the bark of Macaranga tanarius

One new pimarane-type diterpenoid (1) and two new taraxerane-based triterpenoids (2 and 3) were isolated from the bark of Macaranga tanarius, along with seven known compounds. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods including NMR and MS analyses. Compounds 1-5 were tested for their in vitro inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II, as well as for their cytotoxicities against human lung carcinoma A549 cells (Table 3). The triterpenoids 2-5 showed strong activities in both assays, but the diterpenoid 1 was only moderately active.     

Biphenyl derivatives from the twigs of Garcinia bracteata and their biological activities

Three new biphenyl derivatives, bractebiphenyls A–C (1–3), along with five known biphenyl derivatives (4–8) were isolated from the acetone extract of the twigs of Garcinia bracteata. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities of 1–8 were evaluated. Compound 3 showed high anti-TMV activities with inhibition rates of 28.4%, which is close to that of Ningnanmycin (30.2%). Compounds 1–3, 6 and 8 were also tested for their cytotoxicities against five human tumor cell lines (NB4, A549, SHSY5Y, PC3, and MCF7), and 3 showed high cytotoxicities against A549 and PC3 cell with IC₅₀ values of 3.6 and 2.7 μM, respectively.     

Cytotoxic Activities of Amino Acid‐Conjugate Derivatives of Abietane‐Type Diterpenoids against Human Cancer Cell Lines

Nine amino acid conjugate derivatives, each 2 – 10 and 12 – 20 , were prepared from abietic acid ( 1 ) and dehydroabietic acid ( 11 ), respectively, and they were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against four human cancer cell lines, i.e., leukemia (HL60), lung (A549), stomach (AZ521), and breast (SK‐BR‐3). All compounds showed cytotoxicities against HL60 with IC₅₀ values in the range of 2.3–37.3 μM . In addition, most of the derivatives exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against the other cancer cell lines. Among the derivatives, methyl N‐[18‐oxoabieta‐8,11,13‐trien‐18‐yl]‐L ‐tyrosinate ( 19 ) exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against four cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 2.3 (HL60), 7.1 (A549), 3.9 (AZ521), and 8.1 μM (SK‐BR‐3). Furthermore, all derivatives were shown to possess high selective cytotoxic activities for leukemia cells, since they exhibited only weak cytotoxicities against normal lymphocyte cell line RPMI1788.     

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of 2alpha-amido docetaxel analogues

Various 2-amido docetaxel analogues were prepared and evaluated for their cytotoxicities. Among them, m-methoxy and m-chlorobenzoylamido analogues were most active but not superior to docetaxel and paclitaxel, and D-seco analogues inactive. Change of 2-benzoate to 2-benzamide may not improve their activities to drug-resistant cell lines.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a new series of substituted acyl(thio)urea and thiadiazolo [2,3-a] pyrimidine derivatives as potent inhibitors of influenza virus neuraminidase

A series of substituted acyl(thio)urea and 2H-1,2,4-thiadiazolo [2,3-a] pyrimidine derivatives were prepared and both of their cell culture and enzymatic activity toward influenza virus were tested. Their in vitro neuraminidase inhibitory activities were in good agreement with the corresponding activities in cultured cells and they were evaluated as potent neuraminidase inhibitors. Of the analogues that demonstrated IC₅₀s < 0.1 μM, 16 and 60 were further investigated as candidates with the most potential for future development. The molecular docking work of the representative compound was described to provide more insight into their mechanism of action and further rationalize the observations of this new series herein, which represents a novel class of highly potent and selective inhibitors of influenza virus.     

Synthesis and in Vitro Anti-Tumor Activity of A New Class of Acyclic Thioglycosides

The reaction of sodium 2-cyano-ethylene-1-thiolate salts with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-D-gluco- and D-galactopyranosyl bromides and with 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-D-xylo-. and L-arabinopyranosyl bromides, respectively, afforded new thioglycosides. Heating of the resultout glycosides with hydrazine produced pyrazole derivatives. The cytotoxicities toward the hepatoma cell line (HEPG2) of some synthesized compounds were tested. Some compounds showed high cytotoxic activity against (HEPG2) cell line. The OH moieties in the free glycosides were vital for potency. The synthesis procedures, spectroscopic data and antitumor activities for the prepared compounds are reported herein.     

水朝阳旋覆花中新的细胞毒活性麝香草酚类化合物

从水朝阳旋覆花（1nula heliamhus-aquatica）的95％乙醇提取物中分离得到4个麝香草酚类化合物,其中化合物1为新化合物。它们的化学结构通过波谱方法鉴定为：8-hydroxy-9,10-dioxyisopropylidene-thymol（1）,10-hydroxy-8,9-dioxyisopropylidene—thymol（2）,8-hydroxy-9,10-diisobutyryloxy—thymol（3）和8,10-dihydroxy-9-isobutyryloxy—thymol（4）。肿瘤细胞毒试验结果表明它们在6种肿瘤细胞株上（K562,HT-29,SGC-7901,DU145,MDA-MB-231,U251）显示一定的细胞毒活性,其中化合物2活性最强,它的IC50值为4．20～33．12umol／L。具有细胞毒活性的麝香草酚类化合物是首次在该种植物中发现。     

Design,synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of 5-(2-carboxyethenyl)isatin derivatives as anticancer agents

Forty four di- or trisubstituted novel isatin derivatives were designed and synthesized in 5–6 steps in 25–45% overall yields. Their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR as well as LC–MS. The anticancer activity of these new isatin derivatives against three human tumor cell lines, K562, HepG2 and HT-29, were evaluated by MTT assay in vitro. SAR studies suggested that the combination of 1-benzyl and 5-[trans-2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethen-1-yl] substitution greatly enhance their cytotoxic activity, whereas an intact carbonyl functionality on C-3 as present in the parent ring is required to such a potency. This study leads to the identification of two highly active molecules, compounds 2h (IC₅₀ = 3 nM) and 2k (IC₅₀ = 6 nM), against human leukemia K562 cells.     

Synthesis of aminooxy-functionalized lanthanide(III) chelates for carbonyl-group conjugation

The syntheses of three new aminooxy-tethered lanthanide(III) chelates, compounds 1-3, incorporating DOTA (= 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid), DTPA (= diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), or a substituted terpyridine (2,2',2',2'-[2,2': 6',2'-terpyridine-6,6'-diylbis(methylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid), respectively, are described. Reagents 1-3 can be used for carbonyl 'labeling', as shown by the formation of the corresponding oxime-ether bioconjugates of naltrexone (16) and 2-deoxy-beta-D-glucose (17) (Scheme 4).     

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of xanthones from Cudrania tricuspidata

The new catecholic xanthone, 1,3,7-trihydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-5,6-(2,2-dimethylchromeno)-xanthone (1), was isolated from the root bark of Cudrania tricuspidata together with seven known xanthones. The structures were fully characterized by analysis of physical and spectral (UV, IR, mass, and NMR) data. Relationships between the structural characteristics of xanthones and their antioxidant activities (DPPH, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical) were studied. Among the range of catecholic xanthones, 6,7-dihydroxyl xanthones (3–8) exhibited a strong scavenging effect on the DPPH radical. When one of the catecholic hydroxyl groups was protected as in compounds 1 and 2, DPPH radical scavenging activity was markedly decreased (IC₅₀ > 200 μM). DPPH activities were consistent with electrochemical response by cyclic voltammetry. Interestingly, compounds (1, 2) which had the weak activities on DPPH, exhibited both potent superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. The strong activity on the hydroxyl radical of compounds (1, 2) could be rationalized by their chelating effect with iron (Fe²⁺) due to a redshift of its complex. The catecholic xanthones (3–8), being able to convert quinone methide intermediate, showed potent cytotoxicities against human cancer cell lines (HT-29, HL-60, SK-OV3, AGS, and A549). In particular, compounds 3, 6, and 7 had strong cytotoxic activities against AGS (LD₅₀ < 5 μM). DNA fragmentation patterns induced by catecholic xanthones revealed that tumor cell death was due to apoptosis.     

Chemosystematic value of chemical constituents from Scabiosa hymettia (Dipsacaceae)

The first phytochemical investigation of Scabiosa hymettia led to the isolation and characterization of nine known compounds, 2-10, and of the new kaempferol derivative 1. In total, two flavonoids, three coumarins, three iridoids, and two phenolic constituents were obtained. The chemosystematic value of these compounds, as well as the metabolic relationship between swertiamarin (6) and the other isolated coumarins, are discussed. Both the extracts as well as all isolated constituents of S. hymettia were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against six Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, and against three human pathogenic fungi. The new compound 1 was found to exhibit the highest activity against all organisms tested.     

Synthesis of novel 2-cyano substituted glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives as inhibitors of cancer cells growth and NO production in LPS-activated J-774 cells

Here we report the synthesis and biological activity of new semi-synthetic derivatives of naturally occurring glycyrrhetinic acid bearing a 2-cyano-3-oxo-1-en moiety in the A-ring and double bonds and carbonyl groups in the C, D and E rings. Bioassays using murine macrophage-like and tumor cells show that compound 4, which differs from Soloxolone methyl by the absence of a 9(11)-double bond in the C-ring, displays anti-inflammatory and inhibitory activities with respect to tumor cells with a high selectivity index value.     

Cytotoxic prenylated phenolic compounds from the twig bark of Garcinia xanthochymus

Three new hydroxylated xanthones with prenyl or geranyl substituents, compounds 1-3, were isolated from the twig bark of Garcinia xanthochymus, along with the four known compounds 1,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-7,8-diprenylxanthone (4), 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-4,7,8-triprenylxanthone (5), garciniaxanthone E (6), and 6-prenylapigenin (7). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as HR-MS experiments. All compounds showed moderate cytotoxicities against breast cancer (MDA-MB-435S) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines, but lacked antifungal activity against Candida albicans.     

Effects of 9,10-dihydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-5,8-dihydro-1(4H)-anthracenone derivatives on tumor cell respiration

A series of tricyclic hydroquinones, incorporating a carbonyl group in the ortho position relative to the phenol function, were tested as inhibitors of oxygen uptake against the TA3 mouse carcinoma cell line and its multidrug-resistant variant TA3-MTX-R. The title compound, which proved to be the most active one, also exhibited low micromolar dose-dependent growth inhibition of the human tumor U937 cell line (human monocytic leukemia). A tentative structure-activity relationship is proposed for these substances. A comparison between the cytotoxicities of the title compound and 4,4-dimethyl-5,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-1-one, with their activities as inhibitors of oxygen uptake by the TA3-MTX-R cell line, is presented. Also, the inhibition of oxygen uptake by 6-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone was determined and compared with its reported cytotoxicity toward P-388 (murine lymphocytic leukemia), A-549 (human lung carcinoma), HT-29 (human colon carcinoma), and MEL-28 (human melanoma) cells. The inhibition of oxygen uptake by TA3-MTX-R cells is useful as a quick test for preliminary screening of possible anticancer activity.     

New Thymol Derivatives and Cytotoxic Constituents from the Root of Eupatorium cannabinum ssp. asiaticum

Two new thymol (=5‐methyl‐2‐(1‐methylethyl)phenol) derivatives, 8,10‐didehydro‐9‐(3‐methylbutanoyl)thymol 3‐O‐tiglate ( 1 ) and 9‐O‐angeloyl‐8‐methoxythymol 3‐O‐isobutyrate ( 2 ), were isolated from the root of Eupatorium cannabinum ssp. asiaticum, together with six known compounds, 3 – 8 . The structures of 1 and 2 were determined through extensive 1D/2D‐NMR and MS analyses. Among the isolates, 9‐acetoxy‐8,10‐epoxythymol 3‐O‐tiglate ( 3 ) was the most cytotoxic, with IC₅₀ values of 0.02±0.01, 1.02±0.07, and 1.36±0.12 μg/ml, respectively, against DLD‐1, CCRF‐CEM, and HL‐60 cell lines. In addition, 10‐acetoxy‐9‐O‐angeloyl‐8‐hydroxythymol ( 4 ) and eupatobenzofuran ( 6 ) exhibited cytotoxicities, with IC₅₀ values of 1.14±0.16 and 2.63±0.22, and 7.63±0.94 and 2.31±0.14 μg/ml, respectively, against DLD‐1 and CCRF‐CEM cell lines.     

Cytotoxic and Melanogenesis‐Inhibitory Activities of Limonoids from the Leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Seventeen limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids), 1 – 17 , including three new compounds, i.e., 17‐defurano‐17‐(2,5‐dihydro‐2‐oxofuran‐3‐yl)‐28‐deoxonimbolide ( 14 ), 17‐defurano‐17‐(2ξ‐2,5‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐oxofuran‐3‐yl)‐28‐deoxonimbolide ( 15 ), and 17‐defurano‐17‐(5ξ‐2,5‐dihydro‐5‐hydroxy‐2‐oxofuran‐3‐yl)‐2′,3′‐dehydrosalannol ( 17 ), were isolated from an EtOH extract of the leaf of neem (Azadirachta indica). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature. Upon evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of these compounds against leukemia (HL60), lung (A549), stomach (AZ521), and breast (SK‐BR‐3) cancer cell lines, seven compounds, i.e., 1 – 3, 12, 13, 15 , and 16 , exhibited potent cytotoxicities with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.1–9.9 μM against one or more cell lines. Among these compounds, cytotoxicity of nimonol ( 1 ; IC₅₀ 2.8 μM ) against HL60 cells was demonstrated to be mainly due to the induction of apoptosis by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis suggested that compound 1 induced apoptosis via both the mitochondrial and death receptor‐mediated pathways in HL60 cells. In addition, when compounds 1 – 17 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, induced with α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), seven compounds, 1, 2, 4 – 6, 15 , and 16 , exhibited inhibitory activities with 31–94% reduction of melanin content at 10 μM concentration with no or low toxicity to the cells (82–112% of cell viability at 10 μM ). All 17 compounds were further evaluated for their inhibitory effects against the Epstein? Barr virus early antigen (EBV‐EA) activation induced by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) in Raji cells.     

Synthesis of C(7) modified chrysin derivatives designing to inhibit β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III (FabH) as antibiotics

As a naturally wide distributed flavone, chrysin exhibits numerous biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobials activities. β-Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III (FabH) catalyzes the initial step of fatty acid biosynthesis via a type II fatty acid synthase in most bacteria. The important role of this essential enzyme combined with its unique structural features and ubiquitous occurrence in bacteria has made it an attractive new target for the development of antibacterial agents. We first used a structure-based approach to develop 18 novel chrysin analogues that target FabH for the development of new antibiotics. Structure-based design methods were used for the expansion of the chrysin derivatives including molecular docking and SAR research. Based on the results, 5-hydroxy-2-phenyl-7-(2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (3g) showed the most potent antibacterial activity with MIC of 1.56–6.25 μg/mL against the test bacterial stains, and docking simulation was performed to position compound 3g into the Escherichia coli FabH active site to determine the probable binding conformation. The biological assays indicated that compound 3g is a potent inhibitor of E. coli FabH as antibiotics.     

An aromatic amide C-glycoside and a cyclitol derivative from stem barks of Piper guineense Schum and Thonn (Piperaceae)

Two new compounds, an aromatic amide C-glycoside, 4-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxybenzamide (1) and a cyclitol derivative, 4-O-caffeoyl-2-C-methoxycarbonyl-1-C-methyl-2,3,6-trihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2), were isolated from the methanol soluble extract of the stem barks of Piper guineense Schum and Thonn, together with four known quinic acids derivatives including 3-O-caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid (3), 3-O-feruloylquinic acid (4), ethyl-4-O-feruloylquinate (5), and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (6). Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The radical scavenging activity of the isolates were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay. Five of them were found to have significant radical scavenging activities, while compounds 2 and 3 displayed the highest activities with IC₅₀ values of 8.35 and 7.06 μM, respectively.     

Synthesis,antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity of new Mannich bases bearing 1,2,4-triazole moiety

Abstract

This study presents the synthesis, antiproliferative and antimicrobial evaluation of a new series of Mannich base derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazole system. New compounds were prepared by the reaction of 4,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones with formaldehyde and various amines. The structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by means of ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and elemental analyses. Twelve compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against six chosen cancer cell lines. All synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by using the agar dilution technique. For 17 potentially active compounds, their antibacterial activity was confirmed on the basis of MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) by broth microdilution method using the reference Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.     

New taxol assay method using tubulin-assembly stimulation

Summary A novel taxol determination method which involves the tubulin-assembly stimulation is described. The tubulin-assembly was monitored by turbidity change at 350nm. In a limited range of taxol concentration (0 to 24 M), taxol stimulated tubulin-assembly linearly. And this linear relation was observed from 20min to 30min after the reaction started. Bioactive derivatives of taxol, such as cephalomanin and 7-epi-10-deacetyltaxol also stimulated the tubulin-assembly. However, baccatin III, which was known as less active taxol derivative did not stimulate tubulin assembly. This result showed that the stimulation of tubulin assembly has a relationship with the antimiotic activity. This assay method have several advantages. 1) Time required for the measurement is relatively short. 2) Multiple samples can be measured simultaneously. 3) It can remove interference of less active taxane compounds more selectively than immuno-assay. Consequently, this method can be used to determine taxol concentration in biological samples. Especially, this method can be used for large scale selection of cell line and primary screening of new antimiotic compounds.