QSAR studies in substituted 1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12a-octa-hydropyrazino[2',1':6,1]pyrido[3,4-b]indoles--a potent class of neuroleptics

A series of nineteen substituted 1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12a-octahydropyrazino[2',1':6,1]pyrido[3, 4-b]indoles analogues of neuroleptic drug, Centbutindole have been studied using quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis. The derived models display good fits to the experimental data (r>or=0.75) having good predictive power (r(cv)>or=0.688). The best model describes a high correlation between predicted and experimental activity data (r=0.967). Statistical analysis of the equation populations indicates that hydrophobicity (as measured by pi(R), logP(o/w) and SlogP_VSA8), dipole y and structural parameters in terms of indicator variable, (In(1)) and globularity are important variables in describing the variation in the neuroleptic activity in the series.     

1-[4-[3-[4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxymethyl]-1- piperidinyl]propoxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]ethanone(AHR-5333): a selective human blood neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

In this study we report the in vitro inhibition of leukotriene synthesis in calcium ionophore (A23187)-stimulated, intact human blood neutrophils by AHR-5333. The results showed that AHR-5333 inhibits 5-HETE, LTB4 and LTC4 synthesis with IC50 values of 13.9, 13.7 and 6.9 microM, respectively. Further examination of the effect of AHR-5333 on individual reactions of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway (i.e. conversion of LTA4 to LTB4, LTA4 to LTC4, and arachidonic acid to 5-HETE) showed that this agent was not inhibitory to LTA4 epoxyhydrolase and glutathione-S-transferase activity in neutrophil homogenates. However, conversion of arachidonic acid (30 microM) to 5-HETE was half maximally inhibited by 20 microM AHR-5333 in the cell-free system. The inhibition of LTB4 and LTC4 formation in intact neutrophils by AHR-5333 appears to be entirely due to a selective inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase activity and an impaired formation of LTA4, which serves as substrate for LTA4 epoxyhydrolase and glutathione-S-transferase. AHR-5333 did not affect the transformation of exogenous arachidonic acid to thromboxane B2, HHT and 12-HETE in preparations of washed human platelets, indicating that this agent has no effect on platelet prostaglandin H synthase, thromboxane synthase and 12-lipoxygenase activity. The lack of inhibitory activity of AHR-5333 on prostaglandin H synthase activity was confirmed with microsomal preparations of sheep vesicular glands.     

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of pyridazino[1',6':1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-5-inium derivatives as anti-cancer agents

Several new pyridazino[1',6':1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-5-inium derivatives were synthesised from beta-carboline derivatives and their cytotoxic activity and effect on the cell cycle were evaluated against L1210 cancer cells.     

Enzymatic syntheses of 6-(4H-selenolo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl)-L-alanine, 4-(6H-selenolo[2,3-b]pyrrolyl)-L-alanine, and 6-(4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl-L-alanine

6-(4H-Selenolo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl)-L-alanine 1, 4-(6H-selenolo[2,3-b]pyrrolyl)-L-alanine 2, and 6-(4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl)-L-alanine 3 have been synthesized via reactions of selenolo[3,2-b]pyrrole, selenolo[2,3-b]pyrrole, and furo[3,2-b]pyrrole, respectively, with L-serine. The reactions are catalyzed by Salmonella typhimurium tryptophan synthase.     

Chemopreventive potential of 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

In the present work, a new bis heterocyclic compound comprising both the piperidone and thiohydantoin nuclei namely 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one was synthesised and characterised with the help of mp, elemental analysis, FT-IR, MS and one-dimensional NMR (¹H and ¹³C) spectra. The inhibitory effect of 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis was investigated in Syrian male hamsters. All the hamsters that were painted with DMBA on their buccal pouches for 14 weeks developed squamous cell carcinoma. Administration of 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one effectively suppressed the oral carcinogenesis initiated with the DMBA as revealed by a reduced incidence of neoplasms. Lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) were used to biomonitor the chemopreventive potential of 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one. Lipid peroxidation was found to be significantly decreased, whereas GSH, GPx, GST and GGT were elevated in the oral mucosa of tumour bearing animals. Our data suggest that 3-[2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperidin-4-ylideneamino]-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one may exert its chemopreventive effects in the oral mucosa by modulation of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and detoxification systems.     

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of 4-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-1-[2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl] ethyl] piperidine (NRA0161)

Atypical antipsychotic properties of 4-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-1-[2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]ethyl] piperidine (NRA0161) were investigated by in vitro receptor affinities, in vivo receptor occupancies and findings were compared with those of risperidone and haloperidol in rodent behavioral studies. In in vitro receptor binding studies, NRA0161 has a high affinity for human cloned dopamine D(4) and 5-HT(2A) receptor with Ki values of 1.00 and 2.52 nM, respectively. NRA0161 had a relatively high affinity for the alpha(1) adrenoceptor (Ki; 10.44 nM) and a low affinity for the dopamine D(2) receptor (Ki; 95.80 nM). In in vivo receptor binding studies, NRA0161 highly occupied the 5-HT(2A) receptor in rat frontal cortex. In contrast, NRA0161 did not occupy the striatal D(2) receptor. In behavioral studies, NRA0161, risperidone and haloperidol antagonized the locomotor hyperactivity in mice, as induced by methamphetamine (MAP). At a higher dosage, NRA0161, risperidone and haloperidol dose-dependently antagonized the MAP-induced stereotyped behavior in mice and NRA0161 dose-dependently and significantly induced catalepsy in rats. The ED(50) value in inhibiting the MAP-induced locomotor hyperactivity was 30 times lower than that inhibiting the MAP-induced stereotyped behavior and 50 times lower than that which induced catalepsy.These findings suggest that NRA0161 may have atypical antipsychotic activities yet without producing extrapyramidal side effects.     

Optimization of the aminopyridopyrazinones class of PDE5 inhibitors: Discovery of 3-[(trans-4-hydroxycyclohexyl)amino]-7-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-1-(2-propoxyethyl)pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazin-2(1H)-one

We describe efforts to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of the aminopyridopyrazinone class of PDE5 inhibitors. These efforts led to the discovery of 3-[(trans-4-hydroxycyclohexyl)amino]-7-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-1-(2-propoxyethyl)pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazin-2(1H)-one, a potent and selective inhibitor of PDE5 with an excellent PK profile.     

Identification of a butyrophenone analog as a potential atypical antipsychotic agent: 4-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butan-1-one

The synthesis and exploration of novel butyrophenones have led to the identification of a diazepane analogue of haloperidol, 4-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butan-1-one (compound 13) with an interesting multireceptor binding profile. Compound 13 was evaluated for its binding affinities at DA subtype receptors, 5HT subtype receptors, H-1, M-1 receptors and at NET, DAT, and SERT transporters. At each of these receptors, compound 13 was equipotent or better than several of the standards currently in use. In in vivo mouse and rat models to evaluate its efficacy and propensity to elicit catalepsy and hence EPS in humans, compound 13 showed similar efficacy as clozapine and did not produce catalepsy at five times its ED(50) value.     

Antipsychotic profile of 5-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1H-indole-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazole-2-carboxylic acid amide (NRA0562) in rats

The antipsychotic profile of 5-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1H-indole-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazole-2-carboxylic acid amide (NRA0562) was investigated using the conditioned avoidance test in rats. NRA0562 is a putative "atypical" antipsychotic agent with moderate to high affinities for dopamine D(1), D(2), D(4), 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptors and alpha(1) adrenoceptor. NRA0562 (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly impaired the conditioned avoidance response. Likewise other atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) and clozapine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly impaired the conditioned avoidance response in rats. In addition, typical antipsychotics, haloperidol (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) potently impaired the conditioned avoidance response.These results suggest that antipsychotic profile of NRA0562 is consistent with profiles of clozapine or risperidone and may be considered an atypical antipsychotic agent.     

Discovery and activity of (1R,4S,6R)-N-[(1R)-2-[4-cyclohexyl-4-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-1-piperidinyl]-1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-oxoethyl]-2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-6-carboxamide (3, RY764), a potent and selective melanocortin subtype-4 receptor agonist

A novel isoquinuclidine containing selective melanocortin subtype-4 receptor small molecule agonist, 3 (RY764), is reported. Its in vivo characterization revealed mechanism-based food intake reduction and erectile activity augmentation in rodents.     

Diastereoselective reduction of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-oxo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one to Ezetimibe by the whole cell catalyst Rhodococcus fascians MO22

The asymmetric microbial reduction of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-oxo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one to 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3(S)-hydroxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one (Ezetimibe) by Rhodococcus fascians MO22 is described. The catalytic capability of the microorganism for reduction has been examined also with protected ketone, an intermediate from chemical synthesis of Ezetimibe. Various parameters of the bioreduction have been optimized: the strain converted 94.8% of ketone and 63% of protected ketone into Ezetimibe with the same de of 99.9%. In the later case, two chemical steps are replaced with a single biotransformation.     

Synthesis and dopamine transporter affinity of chiral 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(2-hydroxypropyl)piperazines as potential cocaine abuse therapeutic agents

A series of optically pure phenyl-and non-phenyl-substituted 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(2-hydroxypropyl)piperazines was synthesized and their binding affinity for dopamine transporter (DAT) was investigated. The analogues with a hydroxyl group in the S configuration were more selective for the DAT over the serotonin transporter (SERT) than the corresponding R enantiomers. Compound (+)-11 showed high affinity and selectivity for DAT over the SERT and, therefore, is a potential candidate for the development of a long-acting cocaine abuse therapeutic agent.     

Discovery of (2S)-N-[(1R)-2-[4-cyclohexyl-4-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-1-piperidinyl]-1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-oxoethyl]-4-methyl-2-piperazinecarboxamide (MB243), a potent and selective melanocortin subtype-4 receptor agonist

We report the discovery and optimization of substituted 2-piperazinecarboxamides as potent and selective agonists of the melanocortin subtype-4 receptor. Further in vivo development of lead agonist, MB243, is disclosed.     

Synthesis,antidepressant evaluation and QSAR studies of novel 2-(5H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3-ylthio)-N-(substituted phenyl)acetamides

In search for novel antidepressants, a series of 2-(5H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3-ylthio)-N-(substituted phenyl)acetamides was synthesized and screened for potential antidepressant activity by tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Number of synthesized compounds exhibited impressive antidepressant activity, measured in terms of percentage decrease in immobility duration (%DID). QSAR analysis was also undertaken which correlated three parameters FOSA, PISA, and glob with biological activity.     

Evaluation of the eutomer of 4-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl}-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butan-1-one, {(+)-SYA 09}, a pyrrolidine analog of haloperidol

Enantiomeric separation of the racemic 4-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl}-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butan-1-one, a pyrrolidine analog of haloperidol, {(+/-)-SYA 09}, and subsequent binding studies revealed that most of the binding affinity at dopamine and serotonin receptors resides in the (+)-isomer {(+)-SYA 09} or the eutomer. Further pharmacological evaluation of the eutomer revealed that it has a higher affinity for the dopamine D4 (DAD4) receptor subtype (Ki = 3.6 nM) than for the DAD2 subtype (Ki = 51.1 nM) with a ratio of 14.2 (D2Ki/D4Ki ratio = 14.2). In an animal model of antipsychotic efficacy, the (+)-SYA 09 was efficacious with an ED50 value of 1.6 mg/kg, i.p., and at twice this value, (+)-SYA 09 did not induce significant catalepsy in rats.     

Synthesis of 1-(3',4',5'-trimethoxy) phenyl naphtho[2,1b]furan as a novel anticancer agent

3',4',5'-Trimethoxy benzoyl-naphthalene 2-O-acetic acid (5) underwent base catalysed intramolecular condensation to yield exclusively 1-(3',4',5'-trimethoxy) phenyl naphtho[2,1-b]furan 8. The cyclised product 8 has been characterised by spectroscopy. The product 8 showed significant anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines COLO320DM (colon), CaCO2 (colon) and WRL68 (liver) at 0.7, 0.65 and 0.50 microg/ml concentrations, respectively, in the in vitro MTT assay.     

Discovery of (-)-6-[2-[4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl]-1-hydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone--a potent NR2B-selective N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist for the treatment of pain

(-)-6-[2-[4-(3-Fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl]-1-hydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone was identified as an orally active NR2B-subunit selective N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It has very high selectivity for NR2B subunits containing NMDA receptors versus the HERG-channel inhibition (therapeutic index=4200 vs NR2B binding IC(50)). This compound has improved pharmacokinetic properties compared to the prototype CP-101,606.     

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of pyrazino[1,2-b]-isoquinolines, 1-(3-isoquinolyl)isoquinolines, and 6,15-iminoisoquino[3,2-b]-3-benzazocines

A series of pyrazino[2,1-b]isoquinoline and 6,15-iminoisoquino[3,2-b]-3-benzazocine compounds related to renieramycins, cribrostatin 4, and phthalascidin was synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxic activities were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines. Pyrazino[2,1-b]isoquinolines, 6,15-iminoisoquino[3,2-b]-3-benzazocines, and other more complex octacyclic compounds have been obtained and derived to precursors of iminium ion species. Hydrogenolysis of the lactam function in pentacyclic compounds gave 1-(3-isoquinolyl)isoquinolines. The micromolar cytotoxic activity of representative structures was apparently uninfluenced by the ability to generate intermediates which would permit covalent bonding to DNA.     

A new synthesis of 6-N-hydroxy-4-(2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-5-ylmethyl)benzamide, tubastatin a, a highly selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase

A highly selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6, tubastatin A, was synthesized in four steps under smooth and safe reaction conditions.