Design,synthesis and in vitro apoptotic mechanism of novel pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives

In this work we described the synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of novel pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives against A549, PC3 and MCF-7 cells. Among the synthesized compounds, 6b, 8a, 9a and 7a, 8b displayed the significant cytotoxic activities against A549 and PC3 cells with IC₅₀ value of 0.35, 1.48, 1.56 and 1.04, 1.89 µM, respectively. It was found that A549 cells were more sensitive to synthesized compounds than PC3 and MCF-7 cells. In order to evaluate the mechanism of cytotoxic activity in A549, compounds 6b, 8a and 9a were selected for further studies. Annexin V binding assay and western blot analysis results revealed that 6b, 8a and 9a induced apoptosis in A549 cells by intrinsic apoptotic pathway through the activation pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bim, Bax, Bak, Puma and deactivation of anti-apoptotic proteins including Bcl-2, Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL accompanied by the activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and cleavage of PARP. Also, compounds 6b, 8a and 9a triggered apoptosis in HCT116 wt cells via activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, but not in HCT116 Bax/Bak KO cells, indicating resistance to 6b, 8a and 9a treatment.     

Discovery and optimization of tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel ATX and EGFR dual inhibitors

In order to discovery autotaxin (ATX) and EGFR dual inhibitors with potential therapeutic effect on IPF-LC, a series of novel tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives possessing semicarbazones moiety were designed and synthesized. The preliminary investigation at the cellular level indicated six compounds (7h, 8a, 8c, 8d, 9a and 9d) displayed preferable anti-tumor activities against A549, H1975, MKN-45 and SGC cancer cells. Further enzymatic assay against EGFR kinase identified 8a and 9a as promising hits with IC₅₀ values of 18.0?nM and 24.2?nM. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory assessment against cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) cell and RAW264.7 macrophages led to the discovery of candidate 9a, which exhibited considerable potency both on inhibition rate of 77% towards CFs and on reducing NO production to 1.05?μM at 10?μg/mL. Simultaneously, 9a indicated preferable potency towards ATX with IC₅₀ value of 29.1?nM. Significantly, a RT-PCR study revealed the function of 9a to down-regulate the mRNA expression of TGF-β and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular docking analysis together with the pharmacological studies validated 9a as a potential ATX and EGFR dual inhibitor for IPF-LC treatments.     

Phytochemical constituents of leaves and twigs of Elaeagnus umbellata

A phytochemical study of the leaves and twigs of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. has led to the isolation and identification of 12 compounds, including two flavonoid coumaroyl glycosides (1 and 2), two simple phenolic compounds (3 and 4), one coniferyl alcohol derivative (5), one monoterpene (6), two pairs of enantiomeric neolignans (7a/7b and 8a/8b), and a pair of enantiomeric sesquineolignans (9a/9b). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through the analysis of their MS, ECD, and 1D/2D NMR spectra as well as comparison with previously reported data. This is the first time that 1 and 2 have been isolated from this species, and the first time that 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b have been identified in the Elaeagnaceae family.     

Novel amidino substituted 2-phenylbenzothiazoles: Synthesis,antitumor evaluation in vitro and acute toxicity testing in vivo

The efficient synthesis of new bis-substituted nitro-amidino, amino-amidino (10a, 10b–13a, 13b) and previously prepared diamidino 2-phenyl-benzothiazoles (9a, 9b) is described. The compounds 11a and 11b were prepared by recently developed methodology of the key precursors in zwitterionic form 8a and 8b with 4-nitrobenzoylchloride in a very good yield (70%). All compounds except diamidino-substituted 2-phenylbenzothiazole 9a show exceptionally prominent tumor cell-growth inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity, whereby the special selectivity of amino-amidine 2-phenylbenzothiazole 12a towards MCF-7 and H 460 cells makes this compound a prospective lead compound that should be further evaluated in animal models. All in vivo tested compounds (12a, 12b, 13a and 13b) are absorbed from mice gastrointestinal system. LD₅₀ are between 67.33 and 696.2 mg/kg body weight (OECD/EPA toxicity categories 2–3).     

Preparation and evaluation of 17-ethynyl-substituted 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiols: Selective receptor-based PET imaging agents

We have prepared and studied six new analogs of 16α-fluoroestradiol (FES): 17α- and 17β-ethynyl-FES (7 [FEES]and 7a), and the 11β-ethyl (8 and 8a) and 11β-methoxy (9 and 9a) derivatives, novel estrogen receptor-based PET imaging agents. The relative binding affinity (RBA) for the estrogen receptor (ER) versus FES is increased for 7, 9 and 9a but decreased for 7a, 8 and 8a. All six analogs have been labeled in the 16α position with ¹⁸F by the nucleophilic displacement of the corresponding 16β-trifluoromethanesulfonate with nBu₄N¹⁸F. Subsequent ethynylation with lithium trimethylsilylacetylide yielded the FEES analogs (total synthesis time: 120 min; effective specific activity: 200–2400 Ci/mmol). Selective uptake in the uterus was high for [¹⁸F)7, [¹⁸F]8, [¹⁸F]9 and [¹⁸F]9a (% ID/g values at 1 h: 11.2, 12.9, 9.9 and 8.3, respectively), while uptake was effectively blocked by coinjection of an excess of unlabeled estradiol. The FEES analogs, [¹⁸F]7, [¹⁸F]8 and [¹⁸F]9, exhibited the highest selectivity, in terms of target (uterus)-to-blood ratios, ever seen amongst estrogen radiopharmaceuticals, 154, 145 and 169, respectively. The analogs [¹⁸F]7a and [¹⁸F]8a displayed no uptake in the uterus, consistent with their low RBAs. Metabolism studies revealed that most of the uterine activity is unmetabolized while the blood exhibits a rapid and subsequently sustained mixture of metabolites. The muscle shows a metabolic profile intermediate to the uterus and blood. These analogs provide an array of desirable characteristics for the optimal PET imaging of ER-rich target tissues.     

COX-1/COX-2 inhibition assays and histopathological study of the new designed anti-inflammatory agent with a pyrazolopyrimidine core

Four pyrazolopyrimidine series were prepared with a substitution at position- 4 by Schiff base, triazole, oxadiazole and pyrazole moieties (7a-f, 8a,b, 9a-f, 10a,b and 13a,b), respectively. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro against COX-2 and in vivo against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema as anti-inflammatory agents. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity (AI) compounds 7c, 7f, 8a, and 9a showed higher activity with respect to celecoxib. Compounds 9a, 7d, and 7f were closely selective to celecoxib. Also, 7c and 7d were safer than indomethacin and similar to celecoxib as resulted from the histopathological study. In addition, the docking study that showed the binding mode of prominent pyrazolopyrimidine compounds inside the COX-2 receptor. Formation of unexpected pyrazole 13a and 13b was briefly discussed using 2D NMR.     

Synthesis of new antimicrobial pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-ones

The attractive structure of the pyrroloisoquinoline moiety, together with its potential antimicrobial activity, encouraged us to prepare six 8-substituted and seven 8,9-disubstituted-1,2,3,5,6,10b-hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-ones in a few steps with good yields. We applied a convenient methodology via double intramolecular cyclization conducted by a Bischler-Napieralski cyclodehydration-imine reduction sequence, which is widely employed in the synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids. Therefore, we synthesized three series of these pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-ones characterized by the substituent at the 8-position or 8,9-positions of the aromatic ring: (a) different side chains are attached to an 8-OH group (series 1); (b) a chlorine atom is attached to the 8-position (series 2); and (c) 8- and 9-carbons are bearing an identical group (series 3). The compounds bearing a benzylic moiety at the 8-position, for example, 8-benzyloxy-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-one (1a) and 8-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-one (1e), as well as, a 8-chloro-9-methoxy moiety including the 8-chloro-9-methoxy-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-one (2a), provided the most fungicide and bactericide agents, respectively.     

Novel benzothiazine-piperazine derivatives by peptide-coupling as potential anti-proliferative agents

In an attempt to develop potential and selective anti-proliferative agents, a series of novel benzothiazine-piperazine derivatives 8a–i and 10a–g were synthesized by coupling of 2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one with various amines 7a–i and 9a–g in excellent yields and evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activity against four cancer cell lines, HeLa (cervical), MIAPACA (pancreatic), MDA-MB-231 (breast) and IMR32 (neuroblastoma). In vitro inhibitory activity indicated that compounds 8a, 8d, 8g, 10a, 10b, 10e, 10f were found to be good anti-proliferative agents. Among them the derivatives 8g, 10e and 10f were found to be the most active members exhibiting remarkable growth inhibitory activity. Molecular docking was undertaken to investigate the probable binding mode and key active site interactions in HDAC8 and EHMT2 proteins. The docking results are complementary to the experimental results.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of N-substituted cyclic imides and their evaluation for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities

A number of N-substituted cyclic imides 3a–e, 5a–e, 7a–d, and 9a–e have been synthesized in very high yields, by condensation of various diacids 2, 4, 6, and 8 with different amines under microwave irradiation. These compounds were screened for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, and compounds 3c, 3e, 5c, 9c, and 9d exhibited anticancer activity against colon (COLO 205) cancer better than 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C, and compound 9b exhibited anti-inflammatory activity better than standard drug phenyl butazone.     

The deamination of methyl 5-amino-5,6-dideoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-α-L-talo- and -β-D-allo-furanoside with nitrous acid

Deamination of methyl 5-amino-5,6-dideoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-α-L-talofuranoside (6) with sodium nitrite in 90% acetic acid at ≈0° gave methyl 6-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-α-L-talofuranoside (8a) and methyl 6-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-D-allofuranoside (9a) (combined yield, 12.3%), the corresponding 5-acetates 8b (2.9%) and 9b (26.4%), and the unsaturated sugar methyl 5,6-dideoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-D-ribo-hex-5-enofuranoside (10) (43.5%). Similar deamination of methyl 5-amino-5,6-dideoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-D-allofuranoside (7) gave 8a and 9a (combined yield, 20.4%), 8b (12.5%), 9b (25.8%), 10 (7.7%), and the rearranged products 6-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-5-O-methyl-L-talofuranose (13a, 17.5%) and the corresponding 1-acetate 13b (14.1%). A synthesis of 13a was accomplished by successive methylation and debenzylation of the conveniently prepared benzyl 6-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-α-L-talofuranoside (15b). Differences between the two sets of deamination products can be rationalized by assuming that the carbonium-ion intermediate reacts in the initial conformation assumed, before significant interconversion to other conformations occurs.     

Synthesis and evaluation of novel 7-azaindazolyl-indolyl-maleimide derivatives as antitumor agents and protein kinase C inhibitors

A series of novel 7-azaindazolyl-indolyl-maleimides were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against various human cancer cell lines and protein kinase C inhibitory activity. Compounds 8a–c, 8e and 14a were the most promising compounds against K562, A549, ECA-109, KB and SMMC-7721 cell lines in vitro. Compounds 9a–j showed moderate PKC inhibition. Further mechanism of action studies revealed that the antiproliferative activity of compound 8b in KB cells might involve the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.     

Synthesis and NMDA receptor affinity of fluorinated dioxadrol analogues

A series of dioxadrol analogues with fluorine substituents in position 4 of the piperidine ring has been synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. The key step in the synthesis was the fluorination of diastereomeric piperidones 6a and 6c as well as diastereomeric alcohols 9a and 9c with DAST. The reaction of the alcohols 9a and 9c took place with inversion of configuration. After removal of the Cbz-protective group, the NMDA receptor affinities of the resulting secondary amines 8a, 8c, 12b, and 12d were investigated in receptor binding studies. It was shown that the like-configuration of the ring junction was crucial for high NMDA receptor affinity. An axially oriented fluorine atom in position 4 led to 2-(2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-4-fluoropiperidine (12d, WMS-2517) with a K_i-value of 27 nM. The NMDA receptor affinity of 8c (WMS-2513) with an additional fluorine atom in equatorial 4-position was slightly reduced (K_i = 81 nM). Both fluorinated dioxadrol derivatives 8c and 12d showed high selectivity against σ₁ and σ₂ receptors as well as the polyamine binding site of NR2B receptors.     

A-ring modification of SCH 900229 and related chromene sulfone γ-secretase inhibitors

Attempts to block metabolism by incorporating a 9-fluoro substituent at the A-ring of compound 1 (SCH 900229) using electrophilic Selectfluor? led to an unexpected oxidation of the A-ring to give difluoroquinone analog 1a. Oxidation of other related chromene γ-secretase inhibitors 2–8 resulted in similar difluoroquinone analogs 2a–8a, respectively. These quinone products exhibited comparable in vitro potency in a γ-scretase membrane assay, but were several fold less potent in a cell-based assay in lowering Aβ40–42, compared to their parent compounds.     

Design,synthesis, structural characterization and in vitro evaluation of new 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole derivatives against glioblastoma cells

A new series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized through the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (Click chemistry) and their inhibitory activities were evaluated against different human glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines, including highly drug-resistant human cell lines GBM02, GBM95. The most effective compounds were 9d, containing the methylenoxy moiety linked to triazole and the tosyl-hydrazone group, and the symmetrical bis-triazole 10a, also containing methylenoxy moiety linked to triazole. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was employed for structural elucidation of compound 9d. In silico analyses of physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties suggest that compounds 8a, 8b, 8c, 9d, and 10a are potential candidates for central nervous system-acting drugs.     

Synthesis,molecular docking and anti-inflammatory screening of novel quinoline incorporated pyrazole derivatives using the Pfitzinger reaction II

In continuation of our study of novel quinolines with anti-inflammatory activity using the Pfitzinger reaction, several new quinoline derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effect. A docking study on the COX-2 binding pocket was carried out for the target compounds to rationalize the possible selectivity of them against COX-2 enzyme. The most active compounds (5a, 8a and 11a) were found to be superior to celecoxib. Compound 11a demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity as well as the best binding profiles into the COX-2 binding site. Moreover, compounds 9c, 9e, 10a and 11a were devoid of ulcerogenic activity.     

Synthesis and radiofluorination of novel fluoren-9-one based derivatives for the imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with PET

By structure–activity relationship studies on the tilorone scaffold, the ‘one armed’ substituted dibenzothiophenes and the fluoren-9-ones were identified as the most potential α₇ nAChR ligands. While the suitability of dibenzothiophene derivatives as PET tracers is recognized, the potential of fluoren-9-ones is insufficiently investigated. We herein report on a series of fluoren-9-one based derivatives targeting α₇ nAChR with compounds 8a and 8c possessing the highest affinity and selectivity. Accordingly, with [¹⁸F]8a and [¹⁸F]8c we designed and initially evaluated the first fluoren-9-one derived α₇ nAChR selective PET ligands. A future application of these radioligands is facilitated by the herein presented successful implementation of fully automated radiosynthesis.     

Enantiomeric 4′-Truncated 3-deaza-1′,6′-isoneplanocins: Synthesis and antiviral properties including Ebola

Enantiomeric 3-deaza-1′,6′-isoneplanocins (C-3 unsubstituted 7a/7b and C-3 with a bromine 8a/8b) lacking the 4′-hydroxymethyl as mechanistically designed anti-viral targets have been prepared by utilizing the Ullmann reaction. Anti-Ebola properties were found for the D-like 7a and 8a and L-like 8b. All four products showed effects against human cytomegalovirus while D-like 7a/8a affected measles; 7a was effective versus norovirus and 8a inhibited Pichinde. Both 7a and 8a produced SAHase inhibitory effects. However, the anti-EBOV activity of 7a and 8a cannot be readily correlated with this observation due with their contrasting IC₅₀ values (8a > 7a). It is to be noted that 7b showed no effects on this enzyme and 8b was minimally inhibitory. These results offer preliminary insight into the differing mechanisms of action of D- and L- like structures and enlighten structural features to guide additional antiviral agent pursuit in the isoneplanocin series.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrano[4,3-b][1]benzopyranone derivatives as monoamine oxidase and cholinesterase inhibitors

A series of eighteen pyrano[4,3-b][1]benzopyranone derivatives (1a-9b) were synthesized, and structure-activity relationships of their monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were evaluated. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited weak inhibitory activity toward MAO-A, whereas compounds 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 8a and 8b showed potent inhibitory activities toward MAO-B. Intriguingly, compounds 5a, 5b, and 8a showed inhibitory activities comparable to pargylin, used as a positive control for MAO-B. Substitution of butoxy at the C3 position or of chlorine at the C8 position of pyrano[4,3-b][1]benzopyranone increased the inhibitory activity of the compound toward MAO-B. The results of a molecular docking study supported this structural effect. Most of the compounds exhibited no or slight inhibitory activity toward AChE and BChE, with exo type compounds bearing a butoxy group, such as compounds 2b, 5b and 8b, showing weak but distinct inhibitory activities toward BChE. This report is the first to identify pyrano[4,3-b][1]benzopyranone derivatives as potent and selective MAO-B inhibitors. 3-Butoxy-8-chloro-pyrano[4,3-b][1]benzopyranone (5b) may be useful as a lead compound for the development of MAO-B inhibitors.     

Enantiomeric lignans with anti-β-amyloid aggregation activity from the twigs and leaves of Pithecellobium clypearia Benth

To develop potential agents for slowing the progression of Alzheimer′s disease, two pairs of new enantiomeric lignans, including a couple of rarely 8′,9′-dinor-3′,7-epoxy-8,4′-oxyneolignanes named (7S, 8S)- and (7R, 8R)-pithecellobiumin A (1a/1b) and a pair of 2′,9′-epoxy-arylnaphthalenes named (7R, 8R, 8′R)- and (7S, 8S, 8′S)-pithecellobiumin B (2a/2b) were separated by chiral high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their planar structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyses. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The inhibitory activity on Aβ aggregation of all optical pure compounds was tested by ThT assay. Interestingly, enantiomeric inhibitors 1a (62.1%) and 1b (81.6%) exhibited different degrees of anti-Aβ aggregation activity. However, 2a (65.4%) and 2b (68.4%) showed similar inhibition rate. The different inhibition profiles were explained by molecular dynamics and docking simulation studies.     

Pyrazoles containing thiophene,thienopyrimidine and thienotriazolopyrimidine as COX-2 selective inhibitors: Design,synthesis, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity,docking and in silico chemo-informatic studies

New thiophene and annulated thiophene pyrazole hybrids were synthesized and screened for their in vitro COX-1/COX-2 enzymatic inhibition and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. All compounds were more COX-2 selective inhibitors than COX-1 with compound 13 exhibiting the highest COX-2 selectivity index. Compounds 3, 6a, 9 and 11 were the most promising in the acute anti-inflammatory assay while compounds 3, 5, 6a, 6c, 9, 10, 11 and 13 exerted promising anti-inflammatory activity in the sub-acute anti-inflammatory assay. Compounds 3, 6a, 6c, 9, 10 and 11 were evaluated for their ED₅₀ values and were more potent than diclofenac sodium while compounds 6a, 6c and 9 were of greater potency than celecoxib with compound 6a being the most potent showing ED₅₀ = 0.033 mmol/kg. These compounds were non-toxic and proved to be gastrointestinal safe compared to indomethacin, diclofenac sodium and celecoxib. Docking studies into COX-2 active site (PDB code 3LN1) revealed that compounds 3, 6a, 6c, 9, 10, 11 and 13 had binding modes and energies comparable to that of celecoxib. Compounds 3, 9, 10 and 11 complied with Lipinski’s RO5 while compounds 6a and 6c showed one violation whereas compound 13 deviated by 2 violations. Compounds 6a, 6c and 13 showed 100% plasma protein binding (PPB) and showed no aqueous solubility while compounds 3, 10 and 11 demonstrated the best drug likeness model scores. Therefore, the thiophene analog 3 and the thienopyrimidine derivatives 10 and 11 are promising anti-inflammatory candidates that exert moderate selective COX-2 inhibition with acceptable physicochemical properties.