Changes in volatile compounds and aromatic series in sherry wine with high gluconic acid levels subjected to aging by submerged flor yeast cultures

Volatile compounds of sherry wine containing gluconic acid under aging by submerged flor yeast cultures were analyzed. The aroma profile was obtained by grouping the compounds in nine aromatic series. The balsamic, fatty, herbaceous and empyreumatic series increased significantly as consequence of the increase of pantolactone, acids (butanoic, 2-methylbutanoic and 3-methylbutanoic), methionol and gamma-butyrolactone compounds, respectively. The decrease of higher alcohols promoted solvent series diminished. These changes are consistent with those observed in the production of commercial sherry wine using traditional biological aging.     

Antioxidative activity of some quaternary ammonium salts incorporated into erythrocyte membranes

The antioxidative activity of two series of amphiphilic compounds from a group of quaternary ammonium salts has been investigated. They were so-called bifunctional surfactants synthesized to be used as common pesticides or as antioxidants. The latter application was to be ensured by providing the compounds studied with an antioxidant group. Studies on antioxidative possibilities of those compounds were performed on pig erythrocytes. Due to their hydrophobic parts, they anchor in the erythrocyte membrane and influence the degree of lipid oxidation in the erythrocyte membrane subjected to UV radiation. It was found that compounds of both series decreased the oxidation of the membrane lipids. The inhibition of this oxidation increased with the length of their hydrophobic chains up to fourteen carbon atoms. The compounds of the longest hydrophobic chains showed a somewhat weaker antioxidative activity. Of the two series studied compounds were more effective having bromide ions as counterions. The corresponding compounds of a second series (chlorides) protected erythrocyte significantly weaker against oxidation. The effect of the compounds on fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane has been studied in order to explain the oxidation results. Change in fluidity of the erythrocyte ghost membranes was found also dependent on length of the hydrophobic part of the compounds and was more pronounced in the case of bromide surfactants. The final conclusion is that the compounds studied can be succesfully used as antioxidant agents of good efficacy.     

Design and synthesis of macrocyclic indoles targeting blood coagulation cascade Factor XIa

The synthesis of a series of novel macrocyclic compounds designed to target blood coagulation Factor XIa is described. The compounds were evaluated for their inhibition of a small set of serine proteases. Several compounds displayed modest activity and good selectivity for Factor XIa. Within the series, a promising lead structure for developing novel macrocyclic inhibitors of thrombin was identified.     

Novel glucocorticoids containing a 6,5-bicyclic core fused to a pyrazole ring: synthesis, in vitro profile, molecular modeling studies, and in vivo experiments

Chemistry was developed to synthesize the title series of compounds. The ability of these novel ligands to bind to the glucocorticoid receptor was investigated. These compounds were also tested in a series of functional assays and some were found to display the profile of a dissociated glucocorticoid. The SAR of the 6,5-bicyclic series differed markedly from the previously reported 6,6-series. Molecular modeling studies were employed to understand the conformational differences between the two series of compounds, which may explain their divergent activity. Two compounds were profiled in vivo and shown to reduce inflammation in a mouse model. An active metabolite is suspected in one case.     

Discovery of estrogen receptor α modulators from natural compounds in Si-Wu-Tang series decoctions using estrogen-responsive MCF-7 breast cancer cells

The binding between the estrogen receptor α (ER-α) and a variety of compounds in traditional Chinese formulae, Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) series decoctions, was studied using a stably-transfected human breast cancer cell line (MVLN). In 38 compounds tested from SWT series decoctions, the estrogen-like activity of 22 compounds was above 60% in 20 μg mL(-1). Furthermore, theoretical affinity of these compounds was certificated using the functional virtual screen of ER-α modulators by FlexX-Pharm. The accuracy of functional virtual screening of ER-α modulators could reach to 77.27%. The results showed that some compounds, such as organic acids and flavones in SWT series decoctions could be used as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and could be selected for further development as potential agents for estrogen related diseases.     

Quantification of Compositional Changes of Petroleum Hydrocarbons by GC/FID and GC/MS during a Long-Term Bioremediation Experiment

Samples from a long-term bioremediation experiment contaminated with two crude oils, Arabian Heavy and Gullfax, was used to analyze the compositional change of petroleum hydrocarbons. A time course of five different homologous series of petroleum hydrocarbons were analysed by GC/FID and GC/MS. The homologous series were n-alkanes, acyclic isoprenoids, alkylated naphthalenes, alkylated phenanthrenes, and alkylated dibenzothiophenes. Several biomarker compounds were monitored during the experiment to evaluate the possible use as conserved reference compounds for the quantification of other oil compounds, that is, nor-hopanes, hopanes, methyl-hopanes, steranes, mono- og triaromatic steranes. The 17α(H),21β(H)-hopane was found to be stable toward biodegradation and was used as reference compound. The internal standard quantification method was used to quantify changes of the homologous series of oil compounds, and a graphic presentation was used to compare the decrease of the individual compounds. This was found to be an easy way of comparing relative changes in oil. The disappearance of the compounds was extensive and in 6 to 7 months less than 6% remained. The decrease of the n-alkanes (>C15) and acyclic isoprenoids was almost uniform within each homologous series and thus independent of physical-chemical characteristics. Evaporation affected compounds with boiling points lower than n-C15. The alkylated aromatic and sulfur-aromatic compounds decreased according to the degree of alkylation and the decrease showed to be delayed by 10 to 20% by each additional alkyl group. The lack of isomeric-specific degradation of most of the aromatic and sulfur-aromatic compounds, until extensive decrease in concentration had occurred, suggests these compounds have to be dissolved, before any biodegradation occurs.     

QSAR studies on structurally similar 2-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)pyran-4-ones as selective COX-2 inhibitors: a Hansch approach

QSAR analysis based on classical Hansch approach was adopted on two recently reported novel series of 2-phenylpyran-4-ones as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. The 6-methyl derivatives of title compounds bifurcate as 3-phenoxypyran-4-ones (subset A) and 3-phenylpyran-4-ones (subset B) among series 1. Series 2 consists of 5-chloro derivatives of title compounds. Various regression equations were derived to study the influence of phenoxy and phenyl ring substituents of series 1 compounds on COX-2, COX-1 and selective COX-2 over COX-1 inhibitory activity. The best triparametric equation derived for 36 compounds of series 1 explains the hydrophobic, electronic and steric requirements for improved COX-2 inhibitory activity. QSAR model derived to explore the selective COX-2 over COX-1 inhibition showed that selectivity could be influenced by size and lipophilicity of substituents. The size of the first atom of 2 substituents appears to have negative effect on selectivity, whereas highly polar 3 substituents at R are favorable for improved selectivity. QSAR investigations on series 2 compounds revealed some interesting correlation of COX-2 inhibitory activity with calculated physicochemical properties of whole molecules. The positive logP confirms the hydrophobic interaction of series 2 compounds with COX-2 enzyme. The positive MR term indicates that an overall increase in size and polarizabilty of the molecules increases COX-2 inhibitory activity. The positive contribution of structural variable suggests biphenyl analogs are extremely potent COX-2 inhibitors.     

Identification and optimization of N3,N6-diaryl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,6-diamines as a novel class of ACK1 inhibitors

A new series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,6-diamines was designed and synthesized as potent and selective inhibitors of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, ACK1. These compounds arose from efforts to rigidify an earlier series of N-aryl pyrimidine-5-carboxamides. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of this new series of inhibitors are reported. The most promising compounds were also profiled for their pharmacokinetic properties.     

Analgesic and hypnosis potentiation effect of some 1-(2-benzothiazolyl)-1-aryl-3-phenyl-4-aryl guanidines.

1-(2-benzothiazolyl)-1-aryl-3-phenyl-4-arylguanidines (I-X) were prepared by oxidation of 1,3-diarylthioureas. The compounds were screened for their analgesic and hypnotic activities in rats. Of these, p-methyl group substituted compound of the series was the most potent analgesic as compared to other compounds of the series. In hypnotic test all the compounds potentiated pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis.     

Semipreparative enantiomeric separation of a series of putative melatonin receptor agents using tri-acetylcellulose as chiral stationary phase

In order to obtain milligram amounts of the enantiomers of a series of compounds to be tested for binding to the melatonin binding site, a system for semipreparative enantiomeric separation was set up using tri-acetylcellulose as the chiral stationary phase. Interactions of this class of compounds with tri-acetylcellulose were examined on an analytical scale with a series of 20 compounds. Apparently, both steric and electrostatic interactions determine retention behavior on tri-acetylcellulose. Semipreparative separations were carried out for a subset of seven compounds. The purity of the first eluting enantiomer usually was around 99%, whereas the purity of the second eluting enantiomer was slightly less. The system described is easy to use and has the major advantage that a series of compounds can be separated with one technique. The purities obtained are sufficient for a first screen of their affinity. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Lead optimization of a sulfonylurea-based piperazine pyridazinone series of glucan synthase inhibitors

The structure-activity relationship studies of a novel sulfonylurea series of piperazine pyridazine-based small molecule glucan synthase inhibitors is described. The optimization of PK profiles within the series led to the discovery of several compounds with improved pharmacokinetic profiles which demonstrated in vitro potency against clinically relevant strains. However, the advancement of compounds from this series into a non-lethal systemic fungal infection model failed to show in vivo efficacy.     

Interaction between model membranes and a new class of surfactants with antioxidant function.

The effect of two series of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium salts on some properties of phospholipid membranes was studied. The compounds of one series, N-benzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl ammonium bromides, exert a destructive effect on membranes and are treated as reference compounds. The compounds of the other series, N-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy)benzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-alkyl ammonium bromides, are derivatives of the former ones, exhibit antioxidant properties, and do only relatively slight damage to the membranes. The aim of the work was to explain the difference in molecular interaction with membranes between the two kinds of hydrophobic compounds. Thermodynamic methods, a new mixing technique, and monolayer and quantum calculation methods were used. It has been shown that the antioxidant molecules are less hydrophobic than those of the reference compounds and disturb the membrane organization to a lesser extent. On the basis of monolayer data, we suggest that the studied antioxidant behaves like a substitutional impurity, whereas the reference behaves like an interstitial one.     

Adenosine derivatives with N6-alkyl, -alkylamine or -alkyladenosine substituents as probes for the A1-receptor

Three series of N6-substituted adenosine derivatives were synthesized, having in common an unbranched alkyl chain with lengths varying from 2 to 12 methylene units, but differing in their omega-alkyl substituents: N6-n-alkyladenosines (I), N6-omega-amino-alkyladenosines (II) and alpha omega,di-(adenosin-N6-yl)alkanes (III). The compounds of the latter series combine two functional groups in one molecule. A1-receptor affinity of these compounds was measured as inhibition of [3H]PIA binding to calf brain membranes. With relatively short chain lengths, compounds in series I are the most potent. In this series, optimum activity is reached with N6-n-pentyladenosine (Ki = 0.50 nM). With short chain lengths, compounds in series II and III are 6-20-fold less potent than their congeners in series I. The potency order however is reversed with higher chain lengths. While affinity in series II and III increases strongly, reaching an optimum with the nonyl derivatives, affinity in series I decreases sharply with alkyl chains larger than 8 methylene units. Highest affinity is found with 9-amino-nonyladenosine (Ki = 0.32 nM). In general, the omega-aminoalkyl derivatives are somewhat more potent than the corresponding di-adenosinyl derivatives. Implications for the possible topography of the N6 region of the A1-receptor and the area further removed from N6 are discussed.     

Inhibitors of NF-kappaB derived from thalidomide

A series of compounds originally derived from thalidomide were synthesized and evaluated. The most potent compounds in this series, 5HPP-33 and compound 20, inhibited NF-kappaB activation in HeLa cells. Preliminary study indicated that the mechanism of inhibition of NF-kappaB activation is through inhibition of its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.     

Synthesis,stereochemical assignment and biological activity of a novel series of C-4" modified aza-macrolides

Modification of the cladinose C-4" position via manipulation of the corresponding keto derivatives afforded two stereochemically pure series of compounds. The synthesis and structure determination of these compounds is described within. The in vitro and in vivo biological activity of this novel series of C-4" modified macrolides is also described.     

Design and synthesis of 1,5-diarylbenzimidazoles as inhibitors of the VEGF-receptor KDR

1,5-Diarylbenzimidazoles have been identified as potent inhibitors of KDR kinase activity. The series was developed with a goal of finding compounds with optimal drug-like properties. This communication describes structural modifications in the series that enhance solubility, lower protein binding, and provide compounds with excellent potency and pharmacokinetic profiles.     

Synthesis and biological activity of novel MIF antagonists

Two series of novel furan and indole compounds were synthesized and probed for inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activity. Several compounds from both series inhibited the enzymatic activity of MIF at levels equal to or significantly better than ISO-1 (an early MIF inhibitor). The majority of the compounds that robustly inhibited the spontaneous secretion/release/recognition of MIF from freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were from the furan series (compounds 5, 9, 13, 15, and 16). In contrast, compounds that markedly inhibited the MIF-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were predominantly from the indole series (compounds 26, 29, and 32).     

Discovery of a substituted 8-arylquinoline series of PDE4 inhibitors: structure-activity relationship, optimization, and identification of a highly potent, well tolerated, PDE4 inhibitor

The discovery and SAR of a new series of substituted 8-arylquinoline PDE4 inhibitors are herein described. This work has led to the identification of several compounds with excellent in vitro and in vivo profiles, including a good therapeutic window of emesis to efficacy in several animal models. Typical optimized compounds from this series are potent inhibitors of PDE4 (IC(50)<1nM) and also of LPS-induced TNF-alpha release in human whole blood (IC(50)<0.5microM). The same compounds are potent inhibitors of ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea pigs (EC(50)<0.1mg/kg ip) but require a dose of about 10mg/kg po in the squirrel monkey to produce an emetic response. From this series of compounds, 23a (L-454,560) was identified as an optimized compound.