Bis-coumarins; non-cytotoxic selective urease inhibitors and antiglycation agents

The current study is concerned with the identification of lead molecules based on the bis-coumarin scaffold having selective urease inhibitory and antiglycation activities. For that purpose, bis-coumarins (1-44) were synthesized and structurally characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. Eight derivatives 4, 8-10, 14, 17, 34, and 40 demonstrated urease inhibition in the range of IC₅₀ = 4.4 ± 0.21–115.6 ± 2.13 μM, as compared to standard thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.3 ± 1.3 μM). Especially, compound 17 (IC₅₀ = 4.4 ± 0.21 μM) was found to be five-fold more potent than the standard. Kinetic studies were also performed on compound 17 in order to identify the mechanism of inhibition. Kinetic studies revealed that compound 17 is a competitive inhibitor. Antiglycation activity was evaluated using glycation of bovine serum albumin by methylglyoxal in vitro. Compounds 2, 11-13, 16, 17, 19–22, 35, 37, and 42 showed good to moderate antiglycation activities with IC₅₀ values of 333.63–919.72 μM, as compared to the standard rutin (IC₅₀ = 294.46 ± 1.5 μM). Results of both assays showed that the compounds with urease inhibitory activity did not show any antiglycation potential, and vice versa. Only compound 17 showed dual inhibition potential. All compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxicity. Compounds 17, 19, and 37 showed a weak toxicity towards 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. All other compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic. Urease inhibition is an approach to treat infections caused by ureolytic bacteria whereas inhibition of glycation of proteins is a strategy to avoid late diabetic complications. Therefore, these compounds may serve as leads for further research.     

Synthesis and antiglycation potentials of bergenin derivatives

Bergenin (1), major bioactive compound isolated from methanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis, displayed moderate AGE inhibition activity (IC₅₀ = 186.73 μM). A series of derivatives of bergenin (3a-k) containing variety of aromatic acids were synthesized under mild conditions by modification of sugar part. Selective esterification of hydroxyl groups on the sugar part enhanced antiglycation potential of bergenin. Compounds 3j and 3k exhibited potent antiglycation activity with the IC₅₀ values of 60.75 and 12.28 μM, respectively.     

Inhibitory potential of proanthocyanidins from the fruit pulp of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels against α-glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycation: Activity and mechanism

Inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase and glycosylation of protein is an important way to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications. In this study, we investigated the anti-α-glucosidase activity, anti-glycation potential and structure of proanthocyanidins from fruit pulp of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels. C. lansium fruit pulp proanthocyanidins showed a remarkable inhibition against α-glucosidase activity with IC₅₀ vaule of 0.26 ± 0.01 μg/mL in a competitive manner, and quenched the fluorescence of α-glucosidase by forming proanthocyanidin-α-glucosidase complex. Furthermore, compared to positive agent aminoguanidine (AG), the proanthocyanidins were the more significant inhibitors of non-enzymatic glycation by strongly inhibiting the formation of α-dicarbonyl compounds and advanced glycation end products. In addition, the structure of the proanthocyanidins was characterized in detail. These compounds were mainly composed of prodelphinidins, and their gallates. The main extender units, gallocatechin epigallocatechin and their gallates, were critical factor of the strong anti-α-glucosidase and anti-glycation activity. Therefore, this study authenticated a efficient α-glucosidase inhibitors and antiglycation agents, which would contribute to the development of anti-diabetic drug.     

Antioxidant and antiglycation properties of Hydnora johannis roots

Natural extracts or compounds that possess both antioxidant and antiglycation activities might have great therapeutic potential for treating diabetic complications. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antiglycation properties of aqueous and EtOH (70%) extracts as well as three isolated compounds (protocatechuic acid, catechin and vanillin) from Hydnora johannis (Hydnoraceae) roots. The antioxidant activity of both extracts and isolated compounds was tested by measuring their capacity to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals. The glucose-induced advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation of the extracts and isolated compounds was also carried out using in vitro glucose-bovine serum albumin (BSA-glucose) assay. Results showed that the ethanolic (70%) extract as well as isolated protocatechuic acid and catechin exhibited strong antioxidant and inhibitory effect of AGE formation. Thus, H. johannis roots with its high amount of protocatechuic acid (≈ 3.75 mg/100 g) and catechin (≈ 26.9 mg/100 g) could be a natural candidate for studies of herbal complement to diabetes treatment since it combines antioxidant and anti-AGE formation activities.     

The botanical extracts of Achyrocline satureoides and Ilex paraguariensis prevent methylglyoxal-induced inhibition of plasminogen and antithrombin III

Endogenously produced dicarbonyls, such as methylglyoxal (MG), are involved in advanced glycation end-product formation and thus linked to the pathophysiology of diabetic chronic complications. While the search for synthetic new antiglycation agents continues, little attention has been paid to putative antiglycation agents in natural compounds. Given the link between glycation and oxidation, in this work, we study the effects of methylglyoxal on two model systems; plasminogen and antithrombin III (AT III), then we set out to unravel a possible antiglycation effect for extracts of the flavonoid-rich common herbal species Achyrocline satureoides (AS) and Ilex paraguariensis (IP). Using SAR-PRO-ARG-pNA as a specific thrombin substrate, we show that incubation of plasma with MG decreases heparin activation of AT III by up to a 70%, in a dose-dependent manner. A parallel dose-dependent decrease in plasminogen activity reaching more than 50% was shown using D-BUT-CHT-lys-pNA as a plasmin-specific substrate. Extracts of AS and IP display a dose dependent inhibition of the action of the dicarbonyl, already significant at a 1/100 dilution of the herbal infusions. The inhibition was comparable to that obtained by using millimolar concentrations of known AGE inhibitors such as aminoguanidine and carnosine as well as micromolar concentrations of the antioxidant ascorbic acid. We believe our system of whole plasma glycation over 16 h with micromolar concentrations of MG, coupled with the measurement of activities of plasminogen and AT III by specific substrates provides a straightforward, practical method for monitoring the action of putative antiglycation agents. If predictably milder glycated forms of AT III and plasminogen were to be secreted in vivo, the loss of activities shown here could act synergistically to generate hyperthrombicity.     

Protein glycation inhibitory activities of Lawsonia inermis and its active principles

The protein glycation inhibitory activity of ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis (henna) plant tissues was evaluated in vitro using the model system of bovine serum albumin and glucose. Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of Lawsonia inermis ethanolic extract and its components, on protein damage induced by a free radical generator in in vitro assay system. We found that alcoholic extract of Lawsonia inermis can effectively protect against protein damage and showed that its action is mainly due to Lawsone. In addition, the presence of gallic acid also plays an important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation. Two known compounds, namely, Lawsone and gallic acid previously isolated from this plant were subjected to glycation bioassay for the first time. It was found that the alcoholic extract, lawsone (1) and gallic acid (2) showed significant inhibition of Advanced Glycated End Products (AGEs) formation and exhibit 77.95%, 79.10% and 66.98% inhibition at a concentration of 1500 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL and 1000 μM respectively. Lawsonia inermis, compounds 1 and 2 were found to be glycation inhibitors with IC₅₀ 82.06 ± 0.13 μg/mL, 67.42 ± 1.46 μM and 401.7 ± 6. 23 μM respectively. This is the first report on the glycation activity of these compounds and alcoholic extract of Lawsonia inermis.     

Synthesis,Antiproliferative Evaluation,and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Longifolene-Derived Tetraline Fused Thiazole-Amide Derivatives

Twenty novel longifolene-derived tetraline fused thiazole-amide compounds were synthesized from longifolene, a renewable natural resource. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of these compounds against SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines, MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, HepG2 human liver cancer cell lines, A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and T-24 human bladder cancer cell lines was tested by MTT assay. Compounds 6a – 6c displayed significant and broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity against almost the tested cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ in the range of 7.84 to 55.88 μM, of which compound 6c exhibited excellent antiproliferative activities with 7.84 μM IC₅₀ against SKOV-3, 13.68 μM IC₅₀ against HepG2, 15.69 μM IC₅₀ against A549, 19.13 μM IC₅₀ against MCF-7, and 22.05 μM IC₅₀ against T-24, showing better and broad-spectrum antiproliferative effect than that of the positive control 5-FU. Furthermore, the action model was analyzed by the molecular docking study. Some intriguing structure-activity relationships were found and discussed herein by DFT theoretical calculation.     

The polyamines spermine and spermidine protect proteins from structural and functional damage by AGE precursors: a new role for old molecules?

Due to the importance of glycation in the genesis of diabetic complications, an intense search for synthetic new antiglycation agents is ongoing. However, a somewhat neglected avenue is the search for endogenous compounds that may inhibit the process and be a source of protodrugs. Based on their ubiquity, their polycationic nature, their essential role in growth, their relatively high concentrations in tissues, and their high concentrations in sperm, we hypothesized that polyamines inhibit glycation and that might be one of their so far elusive functions. In this study we demonstrate a potent antiglycation effect of physiological concentrations of the polyamines spermine and spermidine. We employed two approaches: in the first, we monitored structural changes on histones and ubiquitin in which polyamines inhibit glycation-induced dimer and polymer formation. In the second we monitored functional impairment of catalytic activity of antithrombin III and plasminogen. Protection is afforded against glycation by hexoses, trioses and dicarbonyls AGE precursors and is comparable to those of aminoguanidine and carnosine.     

Ultrasonic synthesis of tyramine derivatives as novel inhibitors of α-glucosidase in vitro

Tyramine derivatives 3–27 were synthesized by using conventional and environmental friendly ultrasonic techniques. These derivatives were then evaluated for the first time for their α-glucosidase (Sources: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian rat-intestinal acetone powder) inhibitory activity by using in vitro mechanism-based biochemical assays. Compounds 7, 14, 20, 21 and 26 were found to be more active (IC₅₀?=?49.7?±?0.4, 318.8?±?3.7, 23.5?±?0.9, 302.0?±?7.3 and 230.7?±?4.0?μM, respectively) than the standard drug, acarbose (IC₅₀?=?840.0?±?1.73?μM (observed) and 780?±?0.028?μM (reported)) against α-glucosidase obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Kinetic studies were carried out on the most active members of the series in order to determine their mode of inhibition and dissociation constants. Compounds 7, 20 and 26 were found to be the competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. These compounds were also screened for their protein antiglycation, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities. Only compounds 20, 22 and 27 showed weak antiglycation activity with IC₅₀ values 505.27?±?5.95, 581.87?±?5.50 and 440.58?±?2.74?μM, respectively. All the compounds were found to be inactive against DDP-IV enzyme. Inhibition of α-glucosidase, DPP-IV enzymes and glycation of proteins are valid targets for the discovery of antidiabetic drugs. Cytotoxicity of compounds 3–27 was also evaluated by using mouse fibroblast 3T3 cell lines. All the compounds were found to be noncytotoxic. The current study describes the synthesis α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of derivatives, based on a natural product tyramine template. The compounds reported here may serve as the starting point for the design and development of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors as antidiabetic agents.     

1-[(4′-Chlorophenyl) carbonyl-4-(aryl) thiosemicarbazide derivatives as potent urease inhibitors: Synthesis,in vitro and in silico studies

A series of 1-[(4′-chlorophenyl)carbonyl-4-(aryl)thiosemicarbazide derivatives 1–25 was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS and ¹H NMR. All compounds were screened for urease inhibitory activity in vitro and demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity in the range of IC₅₀ = 0.32 ± 0.01–25.13 ± 0.13 μM as compared to the standard thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.25 ± 0.13 μM). Amongst the potent analogs, compounds 3 (IC₅₀ = 2.31 ± 0.01 μM), 6 (IC₅₀ = 2.14 ± 0.04 μM), 10 (IC₅₀ = 1.14 ± 0.06 μM), 20 (IC₅₀ = 2.15 ± 0.05 μM), and 25 (IC₅₀ = 0.32 ± 0.01 μM) are many folds more active than the standard. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) was rationalized by looking at the effect of diversely substituted aryl ring on inhibitory potential which predicted that regardless of the nature of substituents, their positions on aryl ring is worth important for the potent activity. Furthermore, to verify these interpretations, in silico study was performed on all compounds and a good correlation was perceived between the biological evaluation and docking study of compounds.     

Isolation of a new bioactive cinnamic acid derivative from the whole plant of Viola betonicifolia

A new cinnamic acid derivative was isolated from the whole plant of Viola betonicifolia as off white needle. On the basis of various modern spectroscopic techniques including HREI–MS and 1D and 2D NMR, its structure was elucidated as 2,4-dihydroxy, 5-methoxy-cinnamic acid. It showed marked inhibition against DPPH (diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) free radicals with IC₅₀ = 124?±?5.76 µM. The antioxidant property of the compound was compared with α-tocopherole and vitamin C having IC₅₀ values 96?±?0.46 and 90?±?0.56 µM, respectively. In case of antiglycation assay, the compound exhibited moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 355?±?7.56 µM) similar to standard compound, rutin (IC₅₀ = 294?±?0.56 µM). However, it was non-toxic to PC-3 cell line. It is concluded that 2,4-dihydroxy, 5-methoxy-cinnamic acid has antiglycation potential which was further augmented by its antioxidant activity and thus offered an ideal natural therapeutic option for the effective management of diabetes.     

Two New Limonoids from the Fruits of Melia azedarach (Meliaceae)

Two new limonoids, trichilinin M ( 1 ) and ohchinin benzoate ( 2 ), along with two known limonoids, 12-hydroxyamoorastatone ( 3 ) and mesendanin H ( 4 ), were isolated from the fruits of Melia azedarach Linn. The structures of new limonoids were determined by analyses of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) data. All compounds were evaluated against human pancreatic cancer PANC1 cells and the results showed that compounds 3 – 4 exhibited substantial cytotoxic activity ( 3 : IC₅₀=4.55 μM; 4 : IC₅₀=7.54 μM), and compounds 1 – 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity ( 1 : IC₅₀=27.06 μM; 2 : IC₅₀=21.17 μM).     

Oncocalyxone A Functions As an Anti-Glycation Agent In Vitro

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) are the result of post-translational changes to proteins, which ultimately compromise their structure and/or function. The identification of methods to prevent the formation of these compounds holds great promise in the development of alternative therapies for diseases such as diabetes. Plants used in traditional medicine are often rich sources of anti-glycation agents. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anti-glycation activity of one such compound, Oncocalyxone A (Onco A). Using spectrofluorimetric techniques, we determined that Onco A inhibits AGE formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Its IC₅₀ value (87.88 ± 3.08 μM) was almost two times lower than the standard anti-glycation compound aminoguanidine (184.68 ± 4.85 μM). The excellent anti-glycation activity of Onco A makes it an exciting candidate for the treatment of diseases associated with excessive accumulation of AGE. However, additional studies are necessary to identify its mechanism of action, as well as the in vivo response in suitable model organisms.     

Westalsan: A New Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitor from the Endophytic Fungus Westerdykella nigra

A new cytochalasan alkaloid, westalsan ( 1 ), along with two known cytochalasan compounds, phomacin B ( 2 ) and 19-hydroxy-19,20-dihydrophomacin C ( 3 ), were isolated from the solid rice culture of Westerdykella nigra, a marine-derived endophytic fungus, isolated from the roots of mangrove Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. The structures of compounds 1 – 3 were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques in combination with HR-ESI-MS. The ability of the isolated compounds to inhibit acetylcholine esterase activity was evaluated. Compound 3 showed the highest acetylcholine esterase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 0.056±0.003 μM), followed by compound 1 (IC₅₀ 0.088±0.005 μM) and compound 2 (IC₅₀ 0.140±0.007 μM) compared to donepezil (IC₅₀ 0.035±0.002 μM). This was further confirmed by molecular docking experiment.     

Mild and efficient synthesis of new tetraketones as lipoxygenase inhibitors and antioxidants

A mild and efficient route to tetraketones (2–22) has been developed by way of tetraethyl ammonium bromide (Et₄N⁺Br^? ) mediated condensation of dimedone (5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, 1) with a variety of aldehydes. All these compounds showed significant lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and moderate to strong antioxidant potential. Compounds 19 (IC₅₀ = 7.8 μM), 22 (IC₅₀ = 12.5 μM), 3 (IC₅₀ = 16.3 μM), 11 (IC₅₀ = 17.5 μM) and 8 (IC₅₀ = 21.3 μM) showed significant inhibitory potential against lipoxygenase (baicalein, IC₅₀ = 22.4 μM). On the other hand compound 19 (IC₅₀ = 33.6 μM) also showed strong antioxidant activity compared to the standard (IC₅₀ = 44.7 μM). This study is likely to lead to the discovery of therapeutically efficient agents against very important disorders including inflammation, asthma, cancer and autoimmune diseases.     

Click chemistry based multicomponent approach in the synthesis of spirochromenocarbazole tethered 1,2,3-triazoles as potential anticancer agents

A series of spirochromenocarbazole tethered 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized via click chemistry based one-pot, five component reaction between N-propargyl isatins, malononitrile, 4-hydroxycarbazole, aralkyl halides and sodium azide using cellulose supported CuI nanoparticles (Cell-CuI NPs) as the heterogeneous catalyst. Antiproliferative activity of all the synthesized compounds was investigated against panel of cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, PANC-1, A-549, and THP-1. Many of the synthesized compounds exhibited good anti-proliferative activity against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells with IC₅₀ values less than 10 μM. In case of MCF-7 cells, among the nine compounds that showed good anti-proliferative activity, compounds 6f and 6j were found to be highly potent (IC₅₀ = 2.13 μM and 4.80 μM, respectively). In case of MDA-MB-231, three compounds (6k, 6j and 6s) showed antiproliferative activity amongst which 6k was the most potent one (IC₅₀ = 3.78 μM). On the other hand, in cervical cancer HeLa cells, compounds 6b, 6g, 6s and 6u showed excellent antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ = 4.05, 3.54, 3.83, 3.35 μM, respectively). All the compounds were found to be nontoxic to the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). AO and EtBr staining and fluorescence microscopy studies of the active compounds (IC₅₀ < 5 μM) suggested that these compounds induce cell death by apoptosis.     

Alkylxanthines: inhibition of adenosine-elicited accumulation of cyclic AMP in brain slices and of brain phosphodiesterase activity.

A series of 1, 3-dialkylxanthines was examined as antagonists of adenosine-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in guinea pig cerebral cortical slices and as inhibitors of brain phosphodiesterases. The order of potency as adenosine-antagonists was: 8-phenyltheophylline (IC₅₀ 6 μM) > 1, 3-dibutylxanthine (IC₅₀ 30 μM), 1, 3-dipropylxanthine > theophylline (IC₅₀ 60 μM), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), 1, 3, 7-triethylxanthine > 7-benzyl IBMX (IC₅₀ 100 μM), 8-methyl IBMX > 7-benzyl-8-bromo IBMX, 9-methyl IBMX, 8-bromo IBMX, 1-isoamyl-3-isobutylxanthine. The order of potency as inhibitors of brain calcium-dependent phosphodiesterase was: 7-benzyl IBMX (IC₅₀ 1.5 μM), 7-benzyl-8-bromo IBMX > 8-methyl IBMX (IC₅₀ 4.5 μM) > IBMX (IC₅₀ 7.5 μM), 8-bromo IBMX > 9-methyl IBMX (IC₅₀ 40 μM), 1, 3, 7-triethylxanthine > 1, 3-dibutylxanthine (IC₅₀ 100 μM), 1-isoamyl-3-isobutylxanthine > theophylline. 8-Phenyltheophylline and 1, 3-dibutylxanthine represented potent adenosine-antagonists with relatively low activity as phosphodiesterase inhibitors whereas 7-benzyl IBMX and 7-benzyl-8-bromo-IBMX were potent inhibitors of the calcium-dependent phosphodiesterase with relatively low activity as adenosine-antagonists. None of the compounds were potent inhibitors of the brain calcium-independent phosphodiesterase, although 1-isoamyl-3-isobutylxanthine might prove useful as an inhibitor of this enzyme because of its very low activity as an adenosine-antagonist.     

Synthesis of bis-Schiff bases of isatins and their antiglycation activity

Bis-Schiff bases 1–27 have been synthesized and their in vitro antiglycation potential has been evaluated. Compounds 21 (IC₅₀ = 243.95 ± 4.59 μM), 20 (IC₅₀ = 257.61 ± 5.63 μM), and 7 (IC₅₀ = 291.14 ± 2.53 μM) showed an excellent antiglycation activity better than the standard (rutin, IC₅₀ = 294.46 ± 1.50 μM). This study has identified a series of potential molecules as antiglycation agents. A structure–activity relationship has been studied, and all the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques.     

Design,synthesis, anticancer evaluation,molecular docking and cell cycle analysis of 3-methyl-4,7-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as potent histone lysine demethylases (KDM) inhibitors and apoptosis inducers

A novel series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were synthesized and proved by their spectral and elemental analysis, some elected of the newly synthesized compounds were examined for their cytotoxic activity employing MTT assay on two cancer cell lines (Breast and Hela cancers). Compounds 5, 7e and 7i showed the higher cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines with (IC₅₀ = 13.91 ± 1.4 and 22.37 ± 1.8 μM/L), (IC₅₀ = 6.56 ± 0.5 and 8.72 ± 0.9 μM/L) and (IC₅₀ = 4.17 ± 0.2 and 5.57 ± 0.4 μM/L) for two cancer cell lines breast and hela respectively, using doxorubicin as a reference drug. The most potent cytotoxic active compounds 5, 7e and 7i presented inhibitory activity against KDM (histone lysine demethylases) with IC₅₀ = 4.05, 1.91 and 2.31 μM, respectively. The most potent KDM inhibitor 7e (IC₅₀ = 1.91 μM) showed to cause cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase by 4 folds than control and induce total apoptotic effect by 10 folds more than control. In silico studies performed on the more potent cytotoxic active compounds 5, 7e and 7i included lipinisk's rule of five. Moreover, molecular docking study was utilized to explore the binding mode of the most active compounds to the target enzyme (PDB-ID: 5IVE). Also, some bioinformatics studies were carried out for compounds 7e and 7i using Swiss ADME (Swiss Institute of bioinformatics 2018).