4,5-dialkylsubstituted 2-imino-1,3-thiazolidine derivatives as potent inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

In the course of our search for selective iNOS inhibitors, we have previously reported that 2-imino-1,3-oxazolidine derivatives (1) and 2-aminothiazole derivatives (2) are selective iNOS inhibitors. In order to find more potent iNOS inhibitors, we focused our efforts on the synthesis and evaluation of the inhibitory activity against iNOS and selectivity for iNOS both in vitro and in vivo of a series of 2-imino-1,3-thiazolidine derivatives (3), which are analogues of 1 and 2. Our results show that among the compounds synthesized (4R,5R)-5-ethyl-2-imino-4-methyl-1,3-thiazolidine [(4R,5R)-14a: ES-1537] exhibited potent inhibitory activity and selectivity for iNOS. In addition, ES-1537 had good pharmacokinetic profile in rats with BA value of 80%. It is therefore expected that ES-1537 may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of diseases related to excess production of NO.     

Synthesis and biological properties of novel sphingosine derivatives

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1P) derivatives such as threo-(2S,3S)-analogues, which are C-3 stereoisomers of natural erythro-(2S,3R)-S-1P, have been synthesized starting from l-serine or (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-aryl-1,3-propanediols (6). threo-(1S,2R)-2-Amino-1-aryl-3-bromopropanols (HBr salt) have also been prepared from 6. The threo-S-1Ps and the threo-amino-bromide derivatives have shown potent inhibitory activity against Ca(2+) ion mobilization in HL60 cells induced by erythro-S-1P, suggesting that these compounds would compete with cell surface EDG/S1P receptors.     

Studies on scavenger receptor inhibitors. Part 1: synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel derivatives of sulfatides

Scavenger receptors have been proven to be implicated in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. A series of novel derivatives of sulfatides were synthesized, and their inhibitory activities against incorporation of DiI-acetyl-LDL into macrophages were evaluated in order to clarify the structure-activity relationships of sulfatides as a scavenger receptor inhibitor and find out novel inhibitors with synthetic easiness. The chemical modification of the substructures of sulfatides led to the establishment of the following structure-activity relationships; (1) the ceramide moiety can be replaced with another structure bearing two long chains, (2) the galactose moiety can be replaced with another structure or be deleted without a large decrease in the inhibitory activity, (3) the sulfate moiety was crucial, and it was the most preferable functional group for a potent inhibitory activity. The inhibitory activity of (S)-2-octadecanoylamino-2-tetradecylcarbamoyl)ethyl sulfate sodium salt (3a) against incorporation of DiI-acetyl-LDL into macrophages was proven to be based on the inhibition against the binding of acetyl-LDL to the surface of macrophages. We discovered novel scavenger receptor inhibitors with synthetic easiness, such as (S)-2-octadecanoylamino-2-(tetradecylcarbamoyl)ethyl sulfate sodium salt (3a) and 2-octadecanoylamino-1-(octadecanoylaminomethyl)ethyl sulfate sodium salt (13q).     

Anti-cancer and immunostimulatory activity of chromones and other constituents from Cassia petersiana

Phytochemical investigation of Cassia petersiana Bolle leaves afforded four new compounds, including two chromone derivatives, 7-acetonyl-5-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (petersinone 1, 1) and 7-(propan-2'-ol-l'-yl)-5-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (petersinone 2, 2), two benzoic acid derivatives, 5-methyl-3-(propan-2'-on-1'-yl) benzoic acid (petersinone 3, 3) and 5-(methoxymethyl)-3-(propan-2'-ol-1'-yl) benzoic acid (petersinone 4, 4), and glyceryl-1-tetracosanoate (6), in addition to the known compound sistosterol-3-beta-D-glycoside (5). The structures of these compounds were determined by comprehensive NMR studies, including DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, MS and IR. Compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 were tested for antioxidant, anti-cancer and immunostimulatory properties. The biological investigations indicated that compound 6, among others, possessed the highest anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma, immunoproliferative activity via induction of T-lymphocytes and macrophage proliferation, anti-inflammatory activity as indicated by NO inhibition, and antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. Moreover, compound 5 was the most effective cytotoxic compound against breast carcinoma and stimulated a consistent immunoproliferative effect on lymphocytes and macrophages combined with strong NO inhibitory activity, while compound 1 was promising as immunoproliferative agent and may act as anti-inflammatory agent as a consequence of its NO inhibitory activity.     

Three oxygenated cyclohexenone derivatives produced by an endophytic fungus

Three cyclohexenone derivatives, (4S,5S,6S)-5,6-epoxy-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one (1), (4R,5R)-4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one (2), and (4R,5S,6R)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one (3), were isolated from unpolished rice fermented with an xylariaceous endophytic fungus (strain YUA-026). The structures of three compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical conversion. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 and 3 were 100 microg/ml and 400 microg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, 100 microg/ml and 200 microg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 200 microg/ml and >400 microg/ml against Candida albicans, respectively. In addition, 1 and 3 exhibited phytotoxic activity against lettuce.     

Synthesis, in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic evaluation, and mechanism of action studies of 1-benzoyl-β-carboline and 1-benzoyl-3-carboxy-β-carboline derivatives

In the present study, various 1-substituted and 1,3-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives were synthesized by a modified single-step Pictet-Spengler reaction. The compounds were examined for cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity, as measured by the inhibition of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production and nitric oxide (NO) production. While only two compounds (28 and 31) showed marginal cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines, most of the tested compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity of both NO and PGE(2) production. Moreover, compounds 6 and 16 significantly reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), suggesting that β-carboline analogs can inhibit NO and PGE(2) production at the translational level. In addition, several of the β-carboline derivatives (1, 2, 4-8, 11, 13, 22, 25, 27, 31, and 41-43) displayed significant inhibitory activity of superoxide anion (O(2)(·-)) generation or elastase release compared to the reference compound, with 6 being the most potent. N-Formyl-L-methionyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced phosphorylation of c-JunN-terminal kinase (JNK) and protein kinase B (AKT) were also inhibited by 6, suggesting that it suppresses human neutrophil functions by inhibiting the activation of JNK and AKT signaling pathways. Therefore, the synthetic 1-benzoyl-3-carboxy β-carboline analogs may have great potential to be developed as anti-inflammatory agents.     

First chemoenzymatic synthesis of (+)-2-carboxypyrrolidine-3-acetic acid, the nucleus of kainoid amino acids

The distinctive nucleus of kainoid amino acids, (2S,3R)-(+)-2-carboxypyrrolidine-3-acetic acid 6, was synthesized by a chemoenzymatic process, exploiting the diastereomeric cis/trans methyl pyroglutamate derivatives 10a-c/11a-c as key intermediates. These mixtures, when subjected to a kinetic resolution mediated by α-chymotrypsin, reacted diastereo-, regio-, and enantioselectively to give the trans derivatives (+)-10a-c possessing the correct (2S,3R) configuration. Subsequently, the desired product (2S,3R)-(+)-6 could be obtained after well-established transformations.     

Effect of synthetic enantiomeric cannabinoids on platelet aggregation.

The effect of a synthetic pair of enantiomeric cannabinoids on platelet function was evaluated. The nonpsychotropic enantiomer, the 1,1-dimethylheptyl homolog of (+)-(3S,4S)-7-hydroxy-delta-6-tetrahydrocannabinol (HU-211), was found to be more active in inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation than the highly psychotropic (-)-enantiomer (HU-210). The related (+)-(3R,4R) cannabinoid, HU-213, which lacks the 7-hydroxy moiety, exerted its inhibitory effect within a wider range of concentrations. The results indicate a differentiation between psychotropic activity and inhibition of platelet aggregation in the cannabinoid group of compounds.     

6-(1-Hydroxyalkyl)penam sulfone derivatives as inhibitors of class A and class C beta-lactamases I

Five 6-(1-hydroxyalkyl)penam sulfone derivatives and two 6-(hydroxymethyl)penams were synthesized for beta-lactamase inhibitor screens. The substituent effects and stereochemical requirements of 6alpha- and 6beta-(1-hydroxyalkyl) groups for the biological activity of penam sulfone derivatives were investigated. Of these substituents, only the 6beta-hydroxymethyl group of 15 improved the activity of sulbactam against both TEM-1 and AmpC beta-lactamases. The sulfone moiety is required for the enhancement of the beta-lactamase inhibitory activity. 6Beta-hydroxymethylsulbactam (15) was able to restore the activity of piperacillin in vitro and in vivo against various beta-lactamase producing microorganisms.     

Green tea catechins as a BACE1 (beta-secretase) inhibitor

In the course of searching for BACE1 (beta-secretase) inhibitors from natural products, the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of green tea, which was suspected to be rich in catechin content, showed potent inhibitory activity. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin gallate, and (-)-gallocatechin gallate were isolated with IC(50) values of 1.6 x 10(-6), 4.5 x 10(-6), and 1.8 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Seven additional authentic catechins were tested for a fundamental structure-activity relationship. (-)-Catechin gallate, (-)-gallocatechin, and (-)-epigallocatechin significantly inhibited BACE1 activity with IC(50) values of 6.0 x 10(-6), 2.5 x 10(-6), and 2.4 x 10(-6) M, respectively. However, (+)-catechin, (-)-catechin, (+)-epicatechin, and (-)-epicatechin exhibited about ten times less inhibitory activity. The stronger activity seemed to be related to the pyrogallol moiety on C-2 and/or C-3 of catechin skeleton, while the stereochemistry of C-2 and C-3 did not have an effect on the inhibitory activity. The active catechins inhibited BACE1 activity in a non-competitive manner with a substrate in Dixon plots.     

Synthesis and PTP1B inhibition of 1,2-naphthoquinone derivatives as potent anti-diabetic agents

A new series of 1,2-naphthoquinone derivatives was synthesized by various synthetic methods and evaluated for their ability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). 1,2-Naphthoquinone derivatives with substituent at R(4) position showed submicromolar inhibitory activity, and compound 24 demonstrated 10- to 60-fold selectivity against the tested phosphatases. Also, several 4-aryl-1,2-naphthoquinone derivatives with substituents at R(3), R(6), R(7), or/and R(8) showed submicromolar inhibitory activity and good plasma stability.     

Syntheses of C(18) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan derivatives as anti-HBsAg and anti-HBeAg agents

(+)-Gomisin K(3) (1) and kadsurarin (2) were isolated from Schizandra arisanensis and Kadsura matsudai, respectively, and a series of C(18) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan analogues (5-20) derived from 1 and 2 were synthesized. Esterified derivatives of 1 and 2 were evaluated for inhibitory activity against human type B hepatitis with surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg). Most of the analogues (5-8, 10, 12-13) derived from 1 exhibited higher anti-HBsAg effects and lower toxicity, and 6, 7, 8 and 12 also showed higher anti-HBeAg activity. Among these active C(18) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan analogues, the lignan with a but-3-enoyl group (6) exhibited the most active inhibition.     

Synthesis of 2-(thienyl-2-yl or -3-yl)-4-furyl-6-aryl pyridine derivatives and evaluation of their topoisomerase I and II inhibitory activity,cytotoxicity, and structure–activity relationship

A series of 2-(thienyl-2-yl or -3-yl)-4-furyl-6-aryl pyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their topoisomerase I and II inhibition and cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines. Compounds 10–19 showed moderate topoisomerase I and II inhibitory activity and 20–29 showed significant topoisomerase II inhibitory activity. Structure–activity relationship study revealed that 4-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-2-(thiophen-3-yl) moiety has an important role in displaying topoisomerase II inhibition.     

Synthesis and biological activity of the tea catechin metabolites, M4 and M6 and their methoxy-derivatives

Syntheses are reported for metabolites M4 (1) and M6 (2) of the green tea polyphenols epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin (EGC) and their gallate derivatives. Several methoxy-derivatives of 1 and 2 were also prepared. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for growth inhibitory activity against a panel of immortalized and malignant human cell lines with 1 being the more active compound. The possible antiinflammatory activity of 1 and its trimethoxy derivative was also evaluated. Neither compound inhibited the release of arachidonic acid, although 1 inhibited NO production by 50% at 20 microM.     

Stereoselective synthesis of 2,3,7-trimethylcyclooctanone and related compounds and determination of their relative and absolute configurations by the MalphaNP acid method

The copper/chiral phosphoramidite (L(1))-catalyzed conjugate addition of dimethylzinc to cycloocta-2,7-dienone 4, followed by the methylation of the intermediate enolate, yielded a single isomer of 7,8-dimethylcyclooct-2-enone (+)-5. Compound (+)-5 was subjected to the second conjugate addition with ent-L(1) giving only one stereoisomer of 2,3,7-trimethylcyclooctanone (+)-6, which was converted to 2,3,7-trimethylcyclooctanol 7. To determine the relative and absolute configurations of these compounds, the (1)H NMR anisotropy method using (S)-(+)-2-methoxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propionic acid {(S)-(+)-MalphaNP acid} 1 was applied. Racemic alcohol (+/-)-7 was esterified with (S)-(+)-MalphaNP acid 1 yielding diastereomeric esters, which were efficiently separated by HPLC on silica gel affording the first-eluted MalphaNP ester (-)-10a and the second-eluted one (-)-10b. The relative and absolute configurations of ester (-)-10a were determined to be (S;1R,2S,3R,7S) by analyzing the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of (-)-10a and (-)-10b, especially their HSQC-TOCSY and NOESY spectra, and by applying the MalphaNP anisotropy method. The alcohol 7 formed from (+)-6 was similarly esterified with (S)-(+)-MalphaNP acid 1 yielding an MalphaNP ester, which was identical with (-)-10a, and the relative and absolute configurations of 2,3,7-trimethylcyclooctanone (+)-6 were determined to be (2S,3R,7S).     

(+)-12alpha-Hydroxysophocarpine, a new quinolizidine alkaloid and related anti-HBV alkaloids from Sophora flavescens

(+)-12alpha-Hydroxysophocarpine (8), a new quinolizidine alkaloid was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens, together with 10 known quinolizidine alkaloids, (+)-oxymatrine (1), (+)-matrine (2), (+)-9alpha-hydroxymatrine (3), (+)-allomatrine (4), (+)-oxysophocarpine (5), (-)-sophocarpine (6), (-)-9alpha-hydroxysophocarpine (7), (+)-lehmannine (9), (-)-13,14-dehydrosophoridine (10), and (-)-anagyrine (11). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the stereochemistry of 8 was confirmed by X-ray analysis. These alkaloids were tested for anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity in vitro, compounds 5, 6, 9, and 10 showed significant anti-HBV activity with inhibitory potency against HBsAg secretion at 48.3-79.3% and that against HBeAg secretion at 24.6-34.6%.     

Two new megastigmane glycosides, physanosides A and B, from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii, and their effect on NO release in macrophages

Two new megastigmane glycosides, physanosides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii, together with four known compounds (6S,9R)-roseoside (3), (6S,9S)-roseoside (4), (6R,9S)-3-oxo-alpha-ionol beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), and citroside A (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence, in-depth NMR spectroscopic analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and CD spectroscopy, and their inhibitory effect on NO production was also examined. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited strong inhibition on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO release by macrophages with IC(50) values of 9.93 and 7.31 microM, respectively.     

The novel pyrimidine and purine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid: synthesis, one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR study, cytostatic and antiviral evaluation

The syntheses of the novel C-5 substituted pyrimidine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid containing free hydroxy groups at C-2' (6-10) or C-2' and C-3' (11-15) positions of the lactone ring are described. Debenzylation of the 6-chloro- and 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine derivatives of 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-l-ascorbic acid (16 and 17) gave the new compounds containing hydroxy groups at C-2' (18) and C-2' and C-3' (19 and 20). Z- and E-configuration of the C4'C5' double bond and position of the lactone ring of the compounds 6-9 were deduced from their one- and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and connectivities in NOESY and HMBC spectra. Compounds 15 and 18 showed the best inhibitory activities of all evaluated compounds in the series. The compound 15 containing 5-(trifluoromethyl)uracil showed marked inhibitory activity against all human malignant cell lines (IC(50): 5.6-12.8 microM) except on human T-lymphocytes. Besides, this compound influenced the cell cycle by increasing the cell population in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in SW 620 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. The compound 18 containing 6-chloropurine ring expressed the most pronounced inhibitory activities against HeLa (IC(50): 6.8 microM) and MiaPaCa-2 cells (IC(50): 6.5 microM). The compound 20 with 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine moiety showed the best differential inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells (IC(50): 35.9 microM).     

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of novel oxadiazole derivatives

In the present study, 5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-2-thiones (1a-b) were synthesized via the ring closure reactions of appropriate acid hydrazides with carbon disulphide. N-(Benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-[[5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]sulfanyl]acetamide derivatives (3a-j) were obtained by the nucleophilic substitution reactions of 5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-2-thiones (1a-b) with N-(benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-chloroacetamides. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and FAB(+)-MS spectral data and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities against Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans. All compounds except compound 3h exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. Among all compounds (3a-j), the compounds bearing 4-methoxyphenoxymethyl moiety on oxadiazole ring (3a-e) exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against C. albicans. Although compound 3j did not possess 4-methoxyphenoxymethyl moiety on oxadiazole ring, this derivative also exhibited the same level of anti-candidal activity. The compounds were also investigated for their cytotoxic effects using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Compound 3a exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity, whereas compound 3g possessed the lowest cytotoxic activity against NIH/3T3 cells.     

Structure-activity relationships of hydrazono derivatives of biological interest

The following hydrazono derivatives (I-XXIII) of type (A), (formula; see text) where: X = NO2 (II, IV, VI, VIII, X, XIV-XXIII), X = H (I, III, V, VII, IX, XI, XII, XIII), and Y = H (I, II); 3-Cl (III, IV); 4-Cl (V, VI); 3,4-Cl2 (VII, VIII); 2,6-Cl2 (IX, X); 2-NO2 (XI); 3-NO2 (XII); 4-NO2 (XIII, XIV); 2-F (XV); 3-F (XVI); 4-F (XVII); 2-OH (XVIII); 4-OH (XIX); 2,4-(OH)2(XX); 2,4,6-(OH)3(XXI); 2,3-(OH,NO2) (XXII); 2,4-(NO2)2 (XXIII), were prepared and tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. All of these compounds were prepared in satisfactory yield by reaction of aromatic aldehydes with 2-furoyl and 5-nitro-2-furoyl hydrazide. The hydrazono derivatives I-XXIII prepared in this investigation were screened for antimicrobial activity by a disk-diffusion assay (Kirby-Bauer modified). The organisms used were laboratory cultures of S. aureus, S. -haemoliticus, B. subtilis, M. paratuberculosis, E. coli, S. typhi, Ps. aeruginosa, K1. pneumoniae, A. niger, S. cerevisiae, C. albicans. The results of this study showed that a number of the prepared hydrazono derivatives exhibited varying degrees of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds IV and XV possessed broad spectrum "in vitro" against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds XII greater than IV greater than XV showed inhibitory activity especially toward S. aureus. Compounds IV greater than XV greater than XVI were especially active against E. coli. Compounds XV greater than IV were especially inhibitory toward S. typhi and most of the prepared compounds inhibited considerably Ps. aeruginosa and K1. pneumoniae.