Triterpenoids,lignans and a benzofuran derivative from the bark of Aglaia elaeagnoidea

One 1H-cyclopentatetrahydro[b]benzofuran, two lignans, two dammarane triterpenoids and one limonoid were isolated from the bark of Aglaia elaeagnoidea. The structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of spectral data. The lignan trans-2,3-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,4-butanediol diacetate and 20S,24S-epoxy-25-hydroxymethyldammarane-3-one are new compounds. trans-3,4-Bis(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)tetrahydrofuran has been synthesized, but not previously reported as a natural product.     

The effects of colchicine analogues on the reaction of tubulin with iodo[14C]acetamide and N,N'-ethylenebis(iodoacetamide)

We have previously found (Ludue?a, R. F., and Roach, M. C. (1981b) Biochemistry 20, 4444-4450) that colchicine and podophyllotoxin inhibit the alkylation of tubulin by iodo[14C]acetamide and the formation of an intrachain cross-link in the beta-tubulin subunit by N,N'-ethylenebis(iodoacetamide) (EBI). It was not clear whether these effects were due to conformational changes in tubulin induced by drugs or to direct steric blockage of the sulfhydryl groups involved. In an effort to characterize further these phenomena, we have examined the effects of single-ring and bicyclic analogues of colchicine on the reaction of tubulin with iodo[14C]acetamide and EBI. We have found that neither the A-ring analogues, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl alcohol, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde, 2,3,4-trimethoxybenzaldehyde, and benzaldehyde, nor the C-ring analogues, tropolone and tropolone methyl ether, inhibited alkylation. In contrast, colchicine, podophyllotoxin, and nocodazole and the bicyclic analogues, 5-(2',3',4'-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-methoxytropone and combretastatin, inhibited tubulin alkylation. Since the presence of a bond joining the A and C rings seems to be the determining factor in the suppression of alkylation, it is likely that inhibition by colchicine of the reaction with iodo[14C] acetamide is due largely to a conformational change induced by colchicine. A different pattern was obtained when the effects on cross-link formation by EBI were examined. Here, all the A-ring analogues, the bicyclic analogues, and colchicine, podophyllotoxin, and nocodazole all inhibited formation of the cross-link, whereas the C-ring analogue tropolone methyl ether did not inhibit cross-link formation. Since compounds whose effect on alkylation is markedly different have the same effect on cross-link formation, it is possible that this effect is a steric one and that perhaps the A-ring of colchicine binds to tubulin very close to one of the sulfhydryls involved in the intrachain cross-link formed by EBI in beta-tubulin.     

Synthesis,in vitro antitumour activity,and molecular docking study of novel 2-substituted mercapto-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone analogues

A novel series of 2-substituted mercapto-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 1–20 was synthesised and evaluated for in vitro antitumour activity. N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-[(3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinon-2-yl)thio)acetamide (7) and N-(3,4,5 trimethoxybenzyl)-2-[(3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinon-2-yl)thio]propanamide (19) exhibited excellent antitumour properties, with mean growth inhibitory concentration (GI₅₀) of 17.90 and 6.33 µΜ, respectively, compared with those of 5-fluorouracil 5-FU, gefitinib, and erlotinib (mean GI₅₀: 18.60, 3.24, and 7.29 µΜ, respectively). Comparison of the GI₅₀ (µM) values of compounds 7 and 19 versus those of 5-FU, gefitinib, and erlotinib against an in vitro subpanel of tumour cells lines showed that compounds 7 and 19 have activities almost equal to or higher than that of those standard drugs, especially against lung, CNS, and breast cancer cells. However, compounds 5, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20 exhibited effective antitumour activity against the different cell lines tested, with growth inhibition percentage (MGI%) of 19, 24, 19, 17, 16, 15, and 16, respectively. A modelling study was performed for compounds 7 and 19 by docking them into the EGFR kinase enzyme to study their mode of binding with the putative binding site.     

1,2,3-Triazole analogs of combretastatin A-4 as potential microtubule-binding agents

A series of cis-restricted 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole analogs of combretastatin A-4 (1) have been prepared. Cytotoxicity and tubulin inhibition studies showed that 2-methoxy-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)aniline (5e) and 2-methoxy-5-(1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)aniline (6e) were two of the most active compounds. Molecular modeling studies revealed that the N-2 and N-3 atoms in the triazole rings in 5e and 6e did not form hydrogen bonds with the amino acids in the anticipated pharmacophore.     

Novel azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane derivatives and their activities against Plasmodium falciparum K1 and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense

New diaryl substituted 2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane derivatives have been synthesized in order to investigate the influence of the aromatic substitution and of N substitution on the antiprotozoal activities of those compounds. Following a manual method for the Hansch approach, different 4-substituted aryl rings were systematically inserted, and moieties with varying basicity and polarity were attached to the ring nitrogen. All compounds were investigated for their activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900) and the K(1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum (resistant to chloroquine and pyrimethamine) and for their cytotoxicity using microplate assays. Some of the new compounds are amongst the most active antitrypanosomal agents in this series, and the selectivity index of a single derivative is superior in the 2-azabicyclo-nonane series.     

Synthetic tyrosyl gallate derivatives as potent melanin formation inhibitors

Three tyrosyl gallate derivatives (1-3) with variable hydroxyl substituent at the aromatic ring of tyrosol were synthesized and evaluated as potent inhibitors on tyrosinase activity and melanin formation in melan-a cells. Among three tyrosyl gallate derivatives, 4-hydroxyphenethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenote (1) (IC(50)=4.93 microM), 3-hydroxyphenethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenote (2) (IC(50)=15.21 microM), and 2-hydroxyphenethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenote (3) (IC(50)=14.50 microM) exhibited significant inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity. Compound 1 was the most active compound, though it did not show the inhibitory effect on melanin formation in melan-a cells. However, compounds 2 (IC(50)=8.94 microM) and 3 (IC(50)=13.67 microM) significantly suppressed the cellular melanin formation without cytotoxicity. This study shows that the position of hydroxyl substituent at the aromatic ring of tyrosol plays an important role in the intracellular regulation of melanin formation in cell-based assay system.     

New analogues of the anticancer E7070: synthesis and pharmacology

Cell cycle control in the G1 phase has attracted considerable attention in recent cancer research, because many of the important proteins involved in G1 progression or G1/S transition have been found to play a crucial role in proliferation, differentiation, transformation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). E7070 is a novel antitumor sulfonamide, with a unique mode of action that affects G1 progression of the cell cycle. A series of compounds containing an N-[1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]benzene sulfonamide, analogues of E7070, was synthesized and evaluated as potential antitumor agents. Cell cycle analysis with PC3 human prostate cancer cells revealed a cellular accumulation in the G1 phase.     

Novel 1-(azacyclyl)-3-arylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines as 5-HT6 agonists and antagonists

1-Aminoethyl-3-arylsulfonyl-1H-indoles 1 are 5-HT(6) receptor ligands with modest activity in a 5-HT(6) cyclase assay. Introduction of an additional nitrogen in the indole ring provides 1-aminoethyl-3-arylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines 2 with both enhanced 5-HT(6) affinity and cyclase activity, many acting as 5-HT(6) agonists. We constrained the basic side chain as part of a ring to make 1-(azacyclyl)-3-arylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines incorporating a pyrrolidinyl 3 or piperidinyl 4 ring system. Preparation of compounds 3 and 4 required synthesis of the key intermediates, 1-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines 7 and 1-(piperidin-3-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines 8, respectively. Intermediates 7 were prepared through alkylation of 7-azaindole while the intermediates 8 required an alternate synthesis. The compounds of both series 3 and 4 were shown to have high binding affinities for the 5-HT(6) receptor. The in vitro functional activity at the 5-HT(6) receptor varied depending on various functionalities including the selection of the arylsulfonyl, the substitution on the arylsulfonyl group, the ring size, and the substitution on the basic amine moiety producing either 5-HT(6) receptor agonists or antagonists.     

Rational design and synthesis of novel thiazolidin-4-ones as non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors

A series of novel thiazolidin-4-one analogues, characterized by different substitution patterns at positions C-2 and N-3 of the thiazolidin-4-one scaffold for anti-HIV-1 activity has been investigated. Most of the compounds showed anti-HIV-1 activity at micromolar concentrations when tested in TZM-bl cells in vitro. Among the thirty-three compounds tested, compound 16 was the most potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication against HIV-1_IIIB, HIV-1_ADA5, HIV-1_UG070 and HIV-1_VB59 (EC₅₀ = 0.02, 0.08, 0.08 and 0.08 μM, respectively) with selectivity index (SI = 6940, 1735, 1692 and 1692) against tested viral strains, respectively. The results of the present study suggested that the substitution of the nitro group at 6′ position of the C-2 phenyl ring and 4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl at the N-3 position of thiazolidin-4-one had a major impact on the anti-HIV-1 activity and was found to lower cytotoxicity. The substitution of the heteroaryl ring with bromo group and bicyclic heteroaryl ring at N-3 thiazolidin-4-one was found to lower anti-HIV-1 activity and increase cytotoxicity. The undertaken docking studies thus facilitated the identification of crucial interactions between the HIV-1 RT enzyme and thiazolidin-4-one inhibitors, which can be used to design new potential inhibitors.     

Synthesis and SAR studies of bicyclic amine series GPR119 agonists

We disclosed a novel series of G-protein coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists based on a bicyclic amine scaffold. Through the optimization of hit compound 1, we discovered that the basic nitrogen atom of bicyclic amine played an important role in GPR119 agonist activity expression and that an indanone in various bicyclic rings was suitable in this series of compounds. The indanone derivative 2 showed the effect of plasma glucose control in oGTT and scGTT in the rodent model.     

Synthesis and structural analysis of the copper(II) complexes of N2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide

Previous investigations of the potential of metal-organic compounds as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type I protease (HIV-1 PR) showed that the copper(II) complex diaqua [bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amido] copper(II) nitrate dihydrate and the complex bis[N2-(2,3,6-trimethoxybenzyl)-4-2-pyridinecarboxamide] copper(II) behaved as inhibitors of HIV-1 PR. In a search for similar readily accessible ligands, we synthesised and studied the structural properties of N2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide (L) copper(II) complexes. Three different crystal structures were obtained. Two were found to contain ligand L simultaneously in a tridentate and bidentate conformation [Cu(L(tri)L(bi))]. The other contained two symmetry-related ligands, coordinated through the pyridine nitrogen and the amide oxygen atoms [Cu(L(bi))(2)]. A search of the Cambridge Structural Database indicated that L(tri) resulting from nitrogen bound amide hydrogen metal substitution is favoured over chelation through the amide oxygen atom. In our case, we calculated that the conformation of L(tri) is 11 kcal/mol more favourable than that of L(bi). ESI-MS experiments showed that the Cu(L(bi))(2) structure could not be observed in solution, while Cu(L(tri)L(bi))-related complexes were indeed present. The lack of protease inhibition of the pyridine carboxamide copper(II) complexes was explained by the fact that the Cu(L(bi)L(tri)) complex could not fit into the HIV-1 active site.     

New Analogues of the Anticancer E7070: Synthesis and Pharmacology

Cell cycle control in the G1 phase has attracted considerable attention in recent cancer research, because many of the important proteins involved in G1 progression or G1/S transition have been found to play a crucial role in proliferation, differentiation, transformation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). E7070 is a novel antitumor sulfonamide, with a unique mode of action that affects G1 progression of the cell cycle. A series of compounds containing an N-[1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]benzene sulfonamide, analogues of E7070, was synthesized and evaluated as potential antitumor agents. Cell cycle analysis with PC3 human prostate cancer cells revealed a cellular accumulation in the G1 phase.     

Lignans from Piper cubeba

From the hot petrol extract of Piper cubeba ftuits, six lignans were isolated. Two of these, which have been obtained from a natural source for the first time, have been characterized as (2R,3R)-2-(3″,4″,5″-trimethoxybenzyl)-3-(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,4-butanediol [(?)-dihydroclusin] and (3R,4R)-3,4-bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)tetra-hydro-2-furanol [(?)-cubebinin]. (?)Cubebin, (?)-hinokinin, (?)-clusin and (?)-dihydrocubebin were also found in this plant. Only (?)-cubebin has been reported so far from this source.     

Synthesis,characterization and DNA binding studies of platinum(II) complexes with benzimidazole derivative ligands

The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate plasmid DNA interaction of new platinum(II) complexes with some 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives as carrier ligands which may have potent anticancer activity and low toxicity. Twelve benzimidazole derivatives carrying indole, 2-/or 3-/or 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylthio or dimethylamino ethyl groups in their position 2 and twelve platinum(II) complexes with these carrier ligands were synthesized. The chemical structure of the platinum complexes have been characterized by their elemental analysis and FIR, ¹H NMR and mass spectra and their ¹H NMR and FIR spectra were interpreted by comparison with those of the ligands. The interaction of all the ligands and their complexes with plasmid DNA and their restriction endonuclease reactions by BamHI and HindIII enzymes were studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. It was determined that complex 1 [dichloro-di(2-(1H-indole-3-yl)benzimidazole)platinum(II)·2H₂O] has stronger interaction than carboplatin and complex 10 [dichloro-di(2-(3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)benzimidazole)platinum(II)·2H₂O] has stronger interaction than both carboplatin and cisplatin with plasmid DNA.     

N-Glycosidation of D-arabino-hex-2-ulosonic acid

Two approaches to N-functionalized D-arabino-hex-2-ulosonic acid derivatives were established by nucleophilic substitution of methyl (3,4,5-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D-arabino-hex-2-ulopyranosyl)onate bromide (1). Reaction of 1 with amino compounds in the presence of mercury(II) cyanide led to the 2,3-cis configured beta-D-arabino N-glycosides. On the other hand, the reaction of bromide 1 with azide, followed by catalytic hydrogenation led to 2,3-trans alpha-D-arabino glycosyl amine methyl 3,4,5-tri-O-acetyl-2-amino-alpha-D-arabino-hex-2-ulopyranosonate, which was easily rearranged to the thermodynamically more stable beta-D-arabino N-acetyl derivative methyl 4,5-di-O-acetyl-2-acetylamino-3-hydroxy-beta-D-arabino-hex-2-ulopyranosonate. The assignment of configuration of the tertiary anomeric centre and conformation of all products was based on 1H NMR H,H coupling constants and NOE difference experiments.     

Theoretical studies on β-lactam antibiotics. IV. Conformational analysis of novel β-lactam antibiotics and the binding specificities of crosslinking enzyme(s) and β-lactamases

Conformational-energy calculations were carried out on the new family of β-lactam antibiotics (viz., thienamycin, PS-5, 1-oxa- and 1-thiapenems, and their close analogs); these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and stability towards β-lactamase-producing strains. The bicyclic ring system in all the compounds studied was found to be highly rigid and to favor only one conformation. This is in contrast to findings in penicillins, where the five-membered ring assumes two puckered conformations. The relative orientations of the bicyclic ring system and the nature and configuration of the substituent at C-5 position, besides nonplanarity of the lactam peptide bond, are shown to be important for biological activity. The present study, in agreement with x-ray studies, predicts that the lactam peptide bond in 1-carbapenem is more nonplanar than in 1-thiapenem. These studies also suggest that the conformational requirement of bicyclic ring system to bind to crosslinking enzyme(s) and β-lactamases is very similar.     

Computational study of energetic nitrogen-rich derivatives of 1,4-bis(1-azo-2,4-dinitrobenzene)-iminotetrazole

The heats of formation (HOFs), electronic structure, energetic properties, and thermal stabilities for a series of 1,4-bis(1-azo-2,4-dinitrobenzene)-iminotetrazole derivatives with different substituents and substitution positions and numbers of nitrogen atoms in the nitrobenzene rings were studied using the DFT-B3LYP method. All the substituted compounds have higher HOFs than their parent compounds. As the number of nitrogen atoms in the nitrobenzene ring increases, the HOFs of the derivatives with the same substituent rise gradually. Replacing carbon atoms in the nitrobenzene with nitrogen atoms to form N–N bonds is very helpful in improving their HOFs. Most of the substituted compounds have higher HOMO–LUMO gaps than the corresponding unsubstituted compounds. Substitution of the –NO₂, –NF₂, or –ONO₂ group and an increase in the number of nitrogen atoms in the nitrobenzene rings are useful for enhancing their detonation performance. The substituents’ substitution is not favorable for improving thermal stability. Considering detonation performance and thermal stability, five compounds may be considered potential candidates for high energy density compounds (HEDCs).     

Antioxidant profile of dihydroxy- and trihydroxyphenolic acids--a structure-activity relationship study

Eight structurally similar dihydroxy and trihydroxyphenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydrocaffeic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and 3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)propenoic acid) were examined for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, their ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals, generated by AAPH in liposomes, was determined. The antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity of the compounds was screened using the 2'-deoxyguanosine assay. All compounds behave as radical scavengers, with 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenylacetic acid being the most potent. Nevertheless, in the lipid peroxidation assay an inverse ranking order was observed, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid being the most effective compound. All the dihydroxylated compounds showed a pro-oxidant behaviour leading to an increase of 50% in 8-OH-dG induction. From the structure-antioxidant activity relationship studies performed it may be concluded that the number of phenolic groups and the type of the alkyl spacer between the carboxylic acid and the aromatic ring strongly influence the antioxidant activity.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a gamma-lactam as a highly selective EP2 and EP4 receptor agonist

Gamma-lactam analogs (2) of EP(4) receptor agonists were identified by substitution of the pyrazolidinone ring (1) with a pyrrolidinone ring. Several compounds (such as 2a, 2h) with high potency, selectivity and acceptable PK profiles were discovered. These were assessed in animal models of ovulation induction and bronchoconstriction.     

Development of tricyclic hydroxy-1H-pyrrolopyridine-trione containing HIV-1 integrase inhibitors

New tricyclic HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors were prepared that combined structural features of bicyclic pyrimidinones with recently disclosed 4,5-dihydroxy-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-diones. This combination resulted in the introduction of a nitrogen into the aryl ring and the addition of a fused third ring to our previously described inhibitors. The resulting analogues showed low micromolar inhibitory potency in in vitro HIV-1 integrase assays, with good selectivity for strand transfer relative to 3′-processing.