Lidocaine: An inhibitor in the free‐radical‐induced hemolysis of erythrocytes

Lidocaine was reported to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis induced by 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Since AAPH‐induced hemolysis was a convenient in vitro experimental system to mimic erythrocytes undergoing peroxyl radicals attack, the aim of this work was to investigate the antioxidant effect of lidocaine on AAPH‐induced hemolysis by chemical kinetics. As a result, one molecule of lidocaine can only trap 0.37 radical, much lower than melatonin. Meanwhile, lidocaine cannot protect erythrocytes from hemolysis induced by hemin, which the mechanism of hemolysis was due to the erythrocyte membrane destroyed by hemin. Accordingly, lidocaine protected erythrocytes by scavenging radicals preferentially rather than by stabilizing membrane. Moreover, the interactions of lidocaine with two radical species, including 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS^+?) and 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), indicated that lidocaine can reduce ABTS^+? with 260 µM as the 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) and cannot react with DPPH. Thus, lidocaine served as a reductant rather than a hydrogen donor to interact with radicals. Finally, the quantum calculation proved that, compared with the melatonin radical, the stabilization of N‐centered radical of lidocaine was higher than the amide‐type N‐centered radical but lower than the indole‐type N‐centered radical in melatonin. These results provided basic information for lidocaine to be an antiradical drug. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:81–86, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20267     

Pro‐oxidant effects of phenothiazine and phenoxazine on erythrocytes in the presence of peroxyl radical

Phenothiazine (PtzNH) and phenoxazine (PozNH) can protect human erythrocytes against hemolysis induced by 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH), a peroxyl radical supplier. However, an antioxidant may be a pro‐oxidant to accelerate the oxidation in the presence of radicals. The aim of this work is to assess whether PtzNH and PozNH have the potential to be pro‐oxidants in AAPH‐induced hemolysis of human erythrocytes. It has been found that high concentrations of PtzNH and PozNH employed were able to initiate hemolysis even in the absence of AAPH. In the presence of AAPH, the period of PtzNH and PozNH to lag hemolysis (t_lag) decreased with the increase in the concentrations of PtzNH and PozNH, implicating that high concentration of PtzNH and PozNH accelerated hemolysis. So, PtzNH and PozNH played pro‐oxidants' role in this case. Furthermore, high concentrations of AAPH employed made the pro‐oxidant effect of PtzNH more remarkable. On the contrary, PozNH played a pro‐oxidant role if only low concentration of AAPH was employed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:280–286, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20290     

Comparison of antioxidant effectiveness of lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid

The abilities of dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) to scavenge peroxynitrite (ONOO^?), galvinoxyl radical, 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) cation radical (ABTS^+?), and 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) were higher than those of lipoic acid (LA). The effectiveness of DHLA to protect methyl linoleate against 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)‐induced oxidation was about 2.2‐fold higher than that of LA, and DHLA can retard the autoxidation of linoleic acid (LH) in the β‐carotene‐bleaching test. DHLA can also trap ～0.6 radicals in AAPH‐induced oxidation of LH. Moreover, DHLA can scavenge ～2.0 radicals in AAPH‐induced oxidation of DNA and AAPH‐induced hemolysis of erythrocytes, whereas LA can scavenge ～1.5 radicals at the same experimental conditions. DHLA can protect erythrocytes against hemin‐induced hemolysis, but accelerate the degradation of DNA in the presence of Cu²⁺. Therefore, the antioxidant capacity of –SH in DHLA is higher than S‐S in LA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:216–223, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/jbt.20378     

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of new di- and polyamine caffeine analogues

A series of new di- and polyamine-caffeine analogues were synthesised and characterised by NMR, FT-IR, and MS spectroscopic methods. To access the stability of the investigated caffeine analogues, molecular dynamic simulations were performed in NAMD 2.9 assuming CHARMM36 force field. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of new compounds, three different antioxidant assays were used, namely 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH^?) scavenging activity, ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating activity, and Fe³⁺→Fe²⁺reducing ability. In vitro, the ability of new derivatives to protect human erythrocytes against oxidative haemolysis induced by free radical from 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was estimated. The cytotoxic activity was tested using MCF-7 breast cancer cells and human erythrocytes. All compounds showed the antioxidant capacity depending mostly on their ferrous ions chelating activity. In the presence of AAPH, some derivatives were able to effectively inhibit the oxidative haemolysis. Two derivatives, namely 8-(methyl(2-(methylamino)ethyl)-amino)caffeine and 8-(methyl(3-(methylamino)propyl)amino)caffeine, showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells but not against human erythrocytes. Therefore, it is concluded that the selected di- and polyamine caffeine analogues, depending on their chemical structure, were able to minimise the oxidative stress and to inhibit the tumour cell growth. The confirmed antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of some caffeine derivatives make them attractive for potential applications in food or pharmaceutical industries.     

Asymmetric catalysis of homo‐coupling of 3‐substituted naphthylamine and hetero‐coupling with 3‐substituted naphthol leading to 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diaminobinaphthyl and ‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl

Optically active 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diamino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (DM‐DABN) and 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl (DM‐NOBIN) derivatives were synthesized by Cu‐(?)‐sparteine complex‐catalyzed enantioselective homo‐ and hetero‐coupling of 2‐naphthylamine, respectively. The difference in enantioselectivity was observed by changing the concentration of oxygen. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Antioxidative effect of melatonin on DNA and erythrocytes against free-radical-induced oxidation

The aim of this work is to investigate the antioxidative effect of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) on the oxidation of DNA and human erythrocytes induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH). First, the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of melatonin is measured by reacting with two radical species, i.e., 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS*+) and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The IC50 of melatonin are 75microM and 300microM when melatonin reacts with ABTS*+ and DPPH, respectively. Especially, the reactions of melatonin with ABTS*+ and DPPH are the direct evidence for melatonin to trap radicals. Then, melatonin is applied to protect DNA and human erythrocytes against oxidative damage and hemolysis induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH). The presence of melatonin prolongs the occurrence of the oxidative damage of DNA and hemolysis of erythrocytes, generating an inhibition period (t(inh)). The proportional relationship between t(inh) and the concentration of melatonin ([MLT]) is treated by the chemical kinetic equation, t(inh)=(n/R(i))[MLT], in which n means the number of peroxyl radical trapped by an antioxidant, and R(i) stands for the initiation rate of the radical reaction. It is found that every molecule of melatonin can trap almost two radicals in protecting DNA and erythrocytes. Furthermore, quantum calculation proves that the indole-type radical derived from melatonin is much stable than amide-type radical. Finally, melatonin is able to accelerate hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by hemin, indicating that melatonin leads to the collapse of the erythrocyte membrane in the presence of hemin. This may provide detailed information for the usage of melatonin and helpful reference for the design of indole-related drugs.     

Free radical–scavenging activity and DNA damaging potential of auxins IAA and 2‐methyl‐IAA evaluated in human neutrophils by the alkaline comet assay

Auxins, of which indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) is the most widespread representative, are plant hormones. In addition to plants, IAA also naturally occurs in humans in micromolar concentrations. In the presence of peroxidase, indolic auxins are converted to cytotoxic oxidation products and have thus been proposed for use in gene‐directed enzyme/prodrug tumor therapy. Since data on the genotoxicity of IAA and its derivatives are not consistent, here we investigate the early DNA damaging effects (2‐h treatment) of the auxins, IAA, and 2‐methyl‐indole‐3‐acetic acid (2‐Me‐IAA) by the alkaline comet assay and compare them with their free radical–scavenging activity measured by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Human neutrophils are chosen as the test system since they possess inherent peroxidase activity. The results of the comet assay indicate an increase in DNA damage in a dose‐dependent manner up to 1.00 mM of both auxins. Generally, IAA applied in the same concentration had greater potential to damage DNA in human neutrophils than did 2‐Me‐IAA. The genotoxicities of the two examined auxins are negatively correlated with their antioxidant activities, as measured by the DPPH assay; 2‐Me‐IAA showed a higher antioxidant capacity than did IAA. We assume that differences in the molecular structure of the tested auxins contributed to differences in their metabolism, in particular, with respect to interactions with peroxidases and other oxidative enzymes in neutrophils. However, the exact mechanisms have to be elucidated in future studies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:165–173, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20323     

Synthesis and antioxidant capacities of hydroxyl derivatives of cinnamoylphenethylamine in protecting DNA and scavenging radicals

Cinnamoylphenethylamine (CNPA) derivatives including feruloylphenethylamine (FRPA), caffeoylphenethylamine (CFPA), cinnamoyltyramine (CNTA), feruloyltyramine (FRTA) and caffeoyltyramine (CFTA) were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of the number and position of hydroxyl group on Cu(2+)/glutathione (GSH) and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation of DNA. The radical-scavenging properties of these CNPA derivatives were also evaluated by trapping 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) cationic radical (ABTS(+?)), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and galvinoxyl radical. In addition, these CNPA derivatives were tested by linoleic acid (LH)-β-carotene-bleaching experiment. The chemical kinetic was employed to treat the results from AAPH-induced oxidation of DNA and gave the order of antioxidant ability as CFTA > CFPA > FRTA > FRPA. CFTA and CFPA also possessed high abilities to inhibit Cu2(+)/GSH-mediated degradation of DNA, whereas FRPA and FRTA can protect LH against the auto-oxidation efficiently. Finally, CFPA and FRPA exhibited high activity in trapping ABTS(+?), DPPH and galvinoxyl radicals. Therefore, the cinnamoyl group bearing ortho-dihydroxyl or hydroxyl with ortho-methoxyl benefited for CNPA derivatives to protect DNA, while hydroxyl in tyramine cannot enhance the radical-scavenging abilities of CNPA derivatives.     

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of novel Mannich base of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives possessing 1,4-benzodioxan

A new series of Mannich base of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives possessing 1,4-benzodioxan (6a–6ae) were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The structure of 6b was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All these novel compounds were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity employing 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic radical (ABTS⁺) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) scavenging assays. Due to the combination of 1,4-benzodioxan, 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and substituted phenyl ring, most of them exhibited nice antioxidant activities. In all of these three assays mentioned above, compounds 6f and 6e showed significant radical scavenging ability comparable to the commonly used antioxidants, BHT and Trolox. Seven compounds with representative substituents or activities were selected for further assays in chemical simulation biological systems—inhibition of microsomal lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protection against 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) induced DNA strand breakage, in which, 6f and 6e were demonstrated to be of the most potent antioxidant activities.     

Synthesis and in vitro antioxidant activity study of some new piperazinyl flavone compounds

Flavones exhibit a variety of beneficial effects and are well known for their medicinal importance in several diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and cancer. The inclusion of the piperazine ring to the flavone backbone is an important strategy in drug discovery but only a few studies have synthesized piperazinyl flavone compounds to test their biological activity. While there is a major focus on the antioxidant properties of drugs in therapy of several diseases of inflammatory origin, we synthesized a series of the novel piperazinyl flavone analogues bearing the phenyl ring with different substituents. The analogues were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity against superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging properties. The total antioxidant status based on the absorbance of the 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS^+?) and total antioxidant capacity using the Fe(III)‐ferrozine complex were also monitored. The results of the above studies showed that the compounds synthesized were found possessed moderate radical scavenging potential, and that their interaction with reactive oxygen species is complex and depends on their structural conformation and the type of substituent R in the piperazine ring being attached. Best antiradical activity were found for the compounds with methoxy groups on the phenyl ring of substituent R, whereas the presence of methoxy or trifluoromethyl groups in substituent R resulted in higher ABTS^+? and ion Fe(III) reduction. These compounds are promising molecules to be used for their antioxidant properties and may be regarded, after improvement of the antioxidant potential, to control diseases of free radical etiology.     

Protection of oxidative damage by aqueous extract from Antrodia camphorata mycelia in normal human erythrocytes

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of aqueous extract from A. camphorata mycelia to protect normal human erythrocytes against oxidative damage in vitro. Oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes induced by the aqueous peroxyl radical [2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, AAPH] were suppressed by A. camphorata mycelia in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. A. camphorata mycelia also prevented the depletion of cytosolic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and ATP in erythrocytes. Moreover, cultured human endothelial cell damage induced by AAPH was suppressed by A. camphorata mycelia. Interestingly, A. camphorata mycelia exhibited significant cytotoxicity against leukemia HL-60 cells but not against cultured human endothelial cells. These results imply that A. camphorata mycelia may have protective antioxidant and anticancer properties.     

Synthesis and Antioxidant Properties of Psoralen Derivatives

Five psoralen derivatives were synthesized and the structures of them were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and IR. The antioxidant properties of the compounds were tested by inhibiting the free radical-initiated DNA oxidation and scavenging the radical reaction. The results showed that the effective stoichiometric factors (n) of the compounds V and IV could reach 2.00 and 2.11 in the system of inhibiting the DNA oxidation reaction initiated by 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). In the inhibition of ⋅OH-oxidation of the DNA system, compounds I ~ V showed antioxidant properties. The thiobarbituric acid absorbance (TBARS) percentages of compounds IV and V were 76.19 % and 78.84 %. Compounds I ~ V could also inhibit Cu²⁺/GSH-oxidation of DNA, and all compounds exhibited good antioxidant properties except compound II (94.00 %). All the five compounds were able to trap diammonium 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) salt radical (ABTS⁺⋅), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH⋅) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-alpha-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-p-tolylox radical (galvinoxyl⋅). The ability of compounds I ~ V to scavenge those free radicals can be measured by the k values. The k values ranged from 0.07 to 0.82 in scavenging ABTS⁺⋅, galvinoxyl, and DPPH radicals, respectively.     

Inhibition of oxidative hemolysis in erythrocytes by mitochondria-targeted antioxidants of SkQ series

In the present work we studied the effect of antioxidants of the SkQ1 family (10-(6′-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium) on the oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by a lipophilic free radical initiator 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN) and a water-soluble free radical initiator 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). SkQ1 was found to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis, 2 μM being the optimal concentration. Both the oxidized and reduced SkQ1 forms exhibited protective properties. Both forms of SkQ1 also inhibited lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes induced by the lipophilic free radical initiator AMVN as detected by accumulation of malondialdehyde. However, in the case of induction of erythrocyte oxidation by AAPH, the accumulation of malondialdehyde was not inhibited by SkQ1. In the case of AAPH-induced hemolysis, the rhodamine-containing analog SkQR1 exerted a comparable protective effect at the concentration of 0.2 μM. At higher SkQ1 and SkQR1 concentrations, the protective effect was smaller, which was attributed to the ability of these compounds to facilitate hemolysis in the absence of oxidative stress. We found that plastoquinone in the oxidized form of SkQ1 could be reduced by erythrocytes, which apparently accounted for its protective action. Thus, the protective effect of SkQ in erythrocytes, which lack mitochondria, proceeded at concentrations that are two to three orders of magnitude higher than those that were active in isolated mitochondria.     

Diaryl-1,2,4-oxadiazole antioxidants: Synthesis and properties of inhibiting the oxidation of DNA and scavenging radicals

Six 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were prepared in order to compare their abilities to protect DNA against radical-mediated oxidation and to scavenge radicals. These derivatives had a structure based on disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole, in which a vanillin group (A ring) and a substituted benzene group (B ring) were the substituents. The functional group at B ring was assigned as ortho- or meta-hydroxylbenzene group, ortho-chlorobenzene group, no group contained, and pyridine group or vanillin group at B ring. It was found that the compound with two vanillin groups attaching to oxadiazole can trap 2.05 radicals in protecting DNA against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation, and the compound with an ortho-hydroxylbenzene group at B ring can trap 1.78 radicals. The compound with an ortho-chlorobenzene group at B ring exhibited the highest ability to inhibit ^·OH-induced oxidation of DNA, while the compound with a meta-hydroxylbenzene group at B ring inhibited Cu²⁺/glutathione (GSH)-induced oxidation of DNA efficiently. The ortho- and para-hydroxylbenzene groups at B ring made the compounds possess the highest rate constant (k) in scavenging 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic radical (ABTS^+.) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Therefore, only a few hydroxyl groups can markedly enhance the activity of the core-branched antioxidant, which may be a novel structural feature in designing antioxidant.     

Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of 3‐(Pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,3‐thiazinan(thiazolidin)‐4‐ones

The antioxidant properties of two series of thiazolidinones and thiazinanones were reported. The novel six‐membered thiazinanones were synthesized from the efficient multicomponent reaction of 2‐picolylamine (2‐aminomethylpyridine), arenaldehydes, and the 3‐mercaptopropionic acid in moderate to excellent yields. These novel compounds were fully identified and characterized by NMR and GC‐MS techniques. In vitro antioxidant activities of all compounds were evaluated by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) tests. The antioxidant assays of thiobarbituric acid reactive species and total thiol content levels in the cerebral cortex and liver of rats were also performed. Thiazinanone 5a showed the best radical scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS tests, as well as reduced lipid peroxidation and increased total thiol group in biological systems. Altogether, the results may be considered a good starting point for the discovery of a new radical scavenger.     

An Alternative Standard for Trolox‐Equivalent Antioxidant‐Capacity Estimation Based on Thiol Antioxidants. Comparative 2,2′‐Azinobis[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic Acid] Decolorization and Rotational Viscometry Study Regarding Hyaluronan Degradation

Comparison of the effectiveness of antioxidant activity of three thiol compounds, D ‐penicillamine, reduced L ‐glutathione, and 1,4‐dithioerythritol, expressed as a radical‐scavenging capacity based on the two independent methods, namely a decolorization 2,2′‐azinobis[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid] assay and a rotational viscometry, is reported. Particular concern was focused on the testing of potential free‐radical scavenging effects of thiols against hyaluronan degradation, induced by hydroxyl radicals. A promising, solvent‐independent, antioxidative function of 1,4‐dithioerythritol, comparable to that of a standard compound, Trolox^®, was confirmed by the 2,2′‐azinobis[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid] assay. The new potential antioxidant 1,4‐dithioerythritol exhibited very good solubility in a variety of solvents (e.g., H₂O, EtOH, and DMSO) and could be widely accepted and used as an effective antioxidant standard instead of a routinely used Trolox^® on 2,2′‐azinobis[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid] assay.     

Free radical scavenging abilities of flavonyl‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione compounds

Free radical scavenging activity of flavonyl‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione compounds has been evaluated using chemiluminescence, electron spin resonance spectroscopy with 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐1‐oxide as spin trap and DPPH (2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) method. The examined compounds exhibited 28–50% scavenging superoxide anion radical ( ), 16.7–76.7% hydroxyl radical (HO^?) and 9–40% DPPH radical. Compounds containing carbonyl group in their structure can be considered as antioxidants with high relevance and great biological importance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Coumarins with tert‐Butyl and Terpene Substituents

Coumarins with terpene and tert‐butyl substituents were synthesized via Pechmann condensation reaction. New derivatives were investigated in different model system for the exhibition of antioxidant, radical scavenging and membrane‐protective activities. It has been found that 4‐methylcoumarin derivatives with monoterpene moieties exhibit high antioxidant activities. The most active and promising for further investigations is 5‐hydroxy‐6,8‐diisobornyl‐4‐methylcoumarin, containing two isobornyl substituents on the benzopyran ring.     

Enantioselective synthesis and antioxidant activity of 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐glyceric acid—Basic monomeric moiety of a biologically active polyether from Symphytum asperum and S. caucasicum

The racemic and enantioselective synthesis of a novel glyceric acid derivative, namely, 2,3‐dihydroxy‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐propionic acid as well as the antioxidant activities is described. The virtually pure enantiomers, (+)‐(2R,3S)‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐propionic acid and (?)‐(2S,3R)‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐propionic acid were synthesized for the first time via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of trans‐caffeic acid derivatives using the enantiocomplementary catalysts, (DHQD)₂‐PHAL and (DHQ)₂‐PHAL. The determination of enantiomeric purity of the novel chiral glyceric acid derivatives was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatographic techniques on the stage of their alkylated precursors. The novel glyceric acid derivatives show strong antioxidant activity against hypochlorite and N,N‐diphenyl‐N‐picryl‐hydrazyl free radical. Their antioxidant activity is about 40‐fold higher than that of the corresponding natural polyether and three‐fold higher of trans‐caffeic acid itself. Chirality, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.