Synthesis, anticonvulsant activity, and neuropathic pain-attenuating activity of N-benzyl 2-amino-2-(hetero)aromatic acetamides

N-Benzyl 2-acetamido-2-substituted acetamides, where the 2-substituent is a (hetero)aromatic moiety, are potent anticonvulsants. We report the synthesis and whole animal pharmacological evaluation of 16 analogues where the terminal 2-acetyl group was removed to give the corresponding primary amino acid derivatives (PAADs). Conversion to the PAAD structure led to a substantial drop in seizure protection in animal tests, demonstrating the importance of the N-acetyl moiety for anticonvulsant activity. However, several of the PAADs displayed notable pain-attenuating activities in a mouse model.     

Synthesis and biofilm inhibition studies of 2-(2-amino-6-arylpyrimidin-4-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-ones

Synthesis of novel 4(3H)-quinazolinonyl aminopyrimidine derivatives has been achieved via quinazolinonyl enones which in turn were obtained from 2-acyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone. They have been assayed for biofilm inhibition against Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii). The analogues with 2,4,6-trimethoxy phenyl, 4-methylthio phenyl, and 3-bromo phenyl substituents (5h, 5j & 5k) have been shown to inhibit biofilm formation efficiently in MRSA with IC₅₀ values of 20.7–22.4 μM). The analogues 5h and 5j have demonstrated low toxicity in human cells in vitro and can be investigated further as leads.     

Synthesis of AZT analogues: 7-(3-azido-2hydroxypropyl)-, 7-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl)-, 7-(3-triazolyl-2-hydroxypropyl)theophyllines

Nucleophilic displacement of the tosyloxy group in 7-(2-hydroxy-3-p-toluenesulfonyloxypropyl)theophylline (1) with azide anion afforded 7-(3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl)theophylline (2). Reduction of the 3-azido group in 2 with Ph₃P/Py/NH₄OH afforded the 3-amino derivative 4, alternatively obtained by regioselective amination of 7-(2,3-epoxypropyl)theophylline (3). Selective acetylation of 4 gave the N-acetyl derivative 5. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of the azide group in 2 with N¹-propargyl thymine (6) afforded the regioisomeric triazole 7.     

Synthesis of AZT analogues: 7-(3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl)-, 7-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl)-,7-(3-triazolyl-2-hydroxypropyl)theophylline

Nucleophilic displacement of the tosyloxy group in 7-(2-hydroxy-3-p-toluenesulfonyloxypropyl)theophylline (1) with azide anion afforded 7-(3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl)theophylline (2). Reduction of the 3-azido group in 2 with Ph3P/Py/NH4OH afforded the 3-amino derivative 4, alternatively obtained by regioselective amination of 7-(2,3-epoxypropyl)theophylline (3). Selective acetylation of 4 gave the N-acetyl derivative 5. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of the azide group in 2 with N1-propargyl thymine (6) afforded the regioisomeric triazole 7.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purines and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1- yl)purines as potential prodrugs of penciclovir.

A series of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purin es (1-8) and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyl-oxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut -1-yl)purines (9-12) were synthesized as potential prodrugs of penciclovir. Treatment of 6-deoxypenciclovir with trimethyl orthoacetate or triethyl orthopropionate (1.2 equiv) in DMF in the presence of p-TsOH.H2O (0.1 equiv) followed by quenching with excess H2O gave the corresponding mono-O-acetyl or mono-O-propionyl compound, 17 or 18, in excellent yields of 95 and 92%, respectively. Reactions of 17 or 18 with an appropriate alkyl (Me, Et, n-Pr, and i-Pr) 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (1.2 equiv) in pyridine in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP (0.1 equiv) at 80 degrees C afforded the monoacyl, monocarbonate derivatives of 6-deoxypenciclovir, 1-8, in 86 94% yields. Similar reactions of 6-deoxypenciclovir with 2.1 equiv of alkyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate produced the dicarbonate derivatives 9 12 in 81-83% yields. Of the prodrugs tested in rats, 2-amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purine (4) achieved the highest mean urinary recovery of penciclovir (36%), followed in order by compounds 2 (35%), 6 (35%), 7 (34%), 10 (34%), 8 (32%), 3 (32%), and famciclovir (31%). The mean urinary recovery of penciclovir and concentrations of penciclovir in the blood from 4 in mice were also slightly higher than those from famciclovir. The in vivo antiviral efficacy of 4 in HSV-1-infected normal BALB/c mice was higher than those of famciclovir and valaciclovir in terms of mortality (100, 80, and 40%) and mean survival time ( > 21, 13+/-5.0 (SEM), and 13+/-1.6 days). Compound 4 demonstrated an effective anti-hepadnaviral response with intrahepatic viral load being reduced by 90%, the viral supercoiled DNA levels reduced by 70% and Pre-S expression inhibited by 30% against duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) in vivo, and did not cause any significant hepatotoxicity after 4 weeks of treatment.     

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of N-substituted 2-amino-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles

A number of N-substituted 2-amino-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities. The panel substitution included alkyl, aryl, and morpholinoalkyl derivatives. The structures of compounds were identified from elemental, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and MS spectra analyses. The cytotoxicity in vitro against the four human cell lines: SW707 (rectal), HCV29T (bladder), A549 (lung), and T47D (breast) was determined. Alkyl and morpholinoalkyl derivatives exhibited significantly lower effect than phenyl ones. The highest antiproliferative activity was found for 2-(2,4-dichlorophenylamino)-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, with ID(50) two times lower (SW707, T47D) than for cisplatin studied comparatively as the control compound.     

Synthesis and immunobiological activity of base substituted 2-amino-3-(purin-9-yl)propanoic acid derivatives

2-Amino-3-(purin-9-yl)propanoic acids substituted at position 6 of the purine base moiety by dimethylamino, cyclopropylamino, pyrrolidin-1-yl, hydroxy, and sulfanyl group as well as their 2-aminopurine analogues were prepared from corresponding 9-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)purines and 2-aminopurines, respectively, by the Strecker synthesis. 2-Aminopropanoic acid derivatives were tested for their immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory potency. Some of these compounds significantly enhanced secretion of chemokines RANTES and MIP-1alpha, the most potent was 2-amino-6-sulfanylpurine derivative. Most of these compounds also augmented NO biosynthesis triggered primarily by IFN-gamma.     

Synthesis of four stereoisomers of 4-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-4-carboxylic acid

The 5-benzyl ether, 15, of a 1,2,4,5-pentanetetrol of known 2S configuration was made by a multistep synthesis from d-ribose. Ring-closure of the 1-O-tosyl derivative, 17, with retention of configuration, followed by oxidation, gave the 2S enantiomer, 22, of 2-benzyloxymethyl-4-oxotetrahydrofuran. The latter was converted by a hydantion synthesis into the 4-amino-4-carboxylic acid (mixture of 2S,4R and 2S,4S isomers, 28 and 29). Spontaneous lactonization of the 2S,4R diastereomer proved it to have the “cis” configuration. The remaining, 2S,4S diastereomer then must be “trans” it is identical with a natural compound recently isolated from an acid hydrolyzate of diabetic urine. In a parallel synthesis, the 4-O-mesyl derivative (de-O-isopropylidenated 19) was cyclized, with inversion at ring-position 2, leading after oxidation to the 2R enantiomer, 25, of the 4-oxotetrahydrofuran. The hydantoin synthesis this time yielded a mixture of the 2R,4R and 2R,4S amino-acids. Spontaneous lactonization of the latter showed it to have the “cis” configuration. Absolute configurations were assigned to the four optically active products, based on the known absolute configuration of d-ribose and the known mechanisms of the synthetic reactions.     

Dual effects of isoflavonoids from Pueraria lobata roots on estrogenic activity and anti-proliferation of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells

Pueraria lobata root (PLR), well known as Kudzu root, has recently become commercially available in Western dietary supplements for menopausal symptoms. The scientific basis for its action has been attributed to the action of phytoestrogens. This study aimed to investigate the estrogen-like activity of isoflavonoids isolated from P. lobata root and their safety with respect to their effect on breast cancer cell proliferation. In an E-screen assay, crude MeOH extract of PLR significantly increased the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the four fractions obtained by solvent fractionation of MeOH extract, the n-BuOH fraction had significant estrogen-like activities at all concentrations tested. Phytochemical analysis of the n-BuOH fraction led to the isolation of 10 isoflavones (1–10), among which genistein (10) had significant estrogen-like activities at all concentrations tested. These activities were significantly enhanced by treatment with genistein and 17β-estradiol compared with 17β-estradiol alone, and this effect was mediated by decreased expression of estrogen receptor (ER)α and phospho-ERα in MCF-7 cells. In a cell cytotoxicity assay, genistein (10) exhibited significant cytotoxicity in both ER-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This cytotoxicity was characterized by the induction of apoptotic cells stained with annexin V conjugated with Alexa Fluor 488 and involved activation of mitochondria-independent and -dependent apoptosis pathways in MCF-7 cells. Our results demonstrated that genistein (10) has estrogen-like effects dependent on ER pathway activation and anti-proliferative effects mediated by the apoptosis pathway rather than the ER pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.     

Synthesis, anti-tuberculosis activity, and 3D-QSAR study of 4-(adamantan-1-yl)-2-substituted quinolines

Structural optimization of the previously identified 4-(adamantan-1-yl)-2-quinolinecarbohydrazide (AQCH, MIC=6.25 microg/mL, 99% inhibition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv) has led to two series of 4-(adamantan-1-yl)-2-substituted quinolines (Series 1-2). All new derivatives were evaluated in vitro for antimycobacterial activities against drug-sensitive M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Several 4-adamantan-1-yl-quinoline-2-carboxylic acid N'-alkylhydrazides (Series 1) described herein showed promising inhibitory activity. In particular, analogs 7, 9, 20, and 21 displayed MIC of 3.125 microg/mL. Further investigation of AQCH by its reaction with various aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes led to the synthesis of 4-adamantan-1-yl-quinoline-2-carboxylic acid alkylidene hydrazides (Series 2). Analogs 42-44 and 48 have produced promising antimycobacterial activities (99% inhibition) at 3.125 microg/mL against drug-sensitive M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. The most potent analog 35 of the series produced 99% inhibition at 1.00 microg/mL against drug-sensitive strain, and MIC of 3.125 microg/mL against isoniazid-resistant TB strain. To understand the relationship between structure and activity, a 3D-QSAR analysis has been carried out by three methods-comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), CoMFA with inclusion of a hydropathy field (HINT), and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Several statistically significant CoMFA, CoMFA with HINT, and CoMSIA models were generated. Prediction of the activity of a test set of molecules was the best for the CoMFA model generated with database alignment. Based on the CoMFA contours, we have tried to explain the structure-activity relationships of the compounds reported herein.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 4-hydroxy-4-(pyridyl)alk-3-en-2-ones

4-Hydroxy-4-(pyridyl)alk-3-en-2-ones were prepared by base-mediated condensation of ketones with pyridinecarboxylates. Several derivatives show weak antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.     

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of N-(4-amino-2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-N’-(1,4-diarylpiperidine-4-yl)methylureas as anti-hyperlipidemic agents

Based on 1,4-diarylpiperidine-4-methylureas, a new class of ACAT inhibitors, we examined in the study the SAR of a series of compounds prepared by replacing the substituent at the three aromatic parts. Introduction of long alkoxy group onto the phenyl moiety at the B-part was effective in improving both the inhibitory activity for ACAT and the up-regulatory activity for LDL-R expression. Particularly, 3-hydroxypropoxy group (43) on the phenyl moiety of B-part led to improved solubility, while keeping both biological activities. Compound 43 inhibited ACAT activity with an IC₅₀ value of 18 nM, which is superior to that of a known ACAT inhibitor, CI-1011. In addition, compound 43 revealed an LDL-R up-regulatory activity comparable to that of SMP-797. We therefore expect this compound to be a novel ACAT inhibitor.     

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of 4-[5-(substituted phenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methylphenols

Compounds based on the isoxazoline moiety were screened for their antimycobacterial activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37R (MTB), and INH (isoniazid) resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (INHR-MTB) using the agar dilution method and bactec 460. Among the synthesized compounds, 4-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methylphenol (4l) was found to be the most active agent against MTB and INHR-MTB with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.62 microM. When compared to INH, compound (4l) was 1.12 fold and 3.0 fold more active against MTB and INHR-MTB, respectively.     

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of 4-[5-(substituted phenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methylphenols

Compounds based on the isoxazoline moiety were screened for their antimycobacterial activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37R (MTB), and INH (isoniazid) resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (INHR-MTB) using the agar dilution method and bactec 460. Among the synthesized compounds, 4-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-methylphenol (4l) was found to be the most active agent against MTB and INHR-MTB with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.62 μM. When compared to INH, compound (4l) was 1.12 fold and 3.0 fold more active against MTB and INHR-MTB, respectively.     

Synthesis and antipicornavirus activity of (R)- and (S)-1-[5-(4'-chlorobiphenyl-4-yloxy)-3-methylpentyl]-3-pyridin-4-yl-imidazolidin-2-one

The new pyridyl imidazolidinone derivative, 1-[5-(4'-chlorobiphenyl-4-yloxy)-3-methylpentyl]-3-pyridin-4-yl-imidazolidin-2-one (+/-)-1a, was synthesized and found to have an excellent antiviral activity against EV71 (IC50 = 0.009 microM). Therefore, both the enantiomers, (S)-(+)-1a and (R)-(-)-1a, have been prepared starting from readily available monomethyl (R)-3-methylglutarate (7) as a useful chiral building block and their antiviral activity was evaluated in a plaque reduction assay. Interestingly, we observed that the enantiomer (S)-(+)-1a was 10-fold more active against enterovirus71 (EV71) (IC50 = 0.003 microM) than the corresponding enantiomer (R)-(-)-1a (IC50 = 0.033 microM). Similar results were found against all five strains (1743, 2086, 2231, 4643, and BrCr) of EV71 tested. This demonstrated that the absolute configuration of the chiral carbon atom at the 3-position of the alkyl linker considerably influenced the anti-EV71 activity of these pyridyl imidazolidinones.     

Synthesis and biological activity of fungal metabolite, 4-hydroxy-3-(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl)-benzoic acid

4-Hydroxy-3-(3'-methyl-2'-butenyl)-benzoic acid (HMBA) was previously isolated from Curvularia sp. KF119 as a cell-cycle inhibitor. However, the present study used a novel and practical synthetic method to prepare a large quantity of HMBA. The synthetic HMBA was found to inhibit the cell-cycle progression of HeLa cells with a comparable potency to the natural fungal metabolite. The inhibition of the cell-cycle progression by the synthetic HMBA involved both the activation of p21(WAFI) and the inhibition of cyclin Dl expression in the cells. Consequently, this new synthetic procedure provides an easy and convenient way to produce or manipulate the original fungal metabolite.     

Synthesis,structure and antibacterial activity of new 2-(1-(2-(substituted-phenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-yl)-3-(2-substitued-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-7-substitued-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives

A series of new 2-(1-(2-(substituted-phenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-yl)-3-(2-substitued-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-7-substitued-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were synthesized. The results showed that compounds 9q and 10q can strongly inhibit Staphylococcus aureus DNA gyrase and Bacillus subtilis DNA gyrase (with IC_50s of 0.125 and 0.25 μg/mL against S. aureus DNA gyrase, 0.25 and 0.125 μg/mL against B. subtilis DNA gyrase). On the basis of the biological results, structure–activity relationships were also discussed.     

Production of (R)-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid and (S)-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid from (R,S)-N-acetyl-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid using microorganisms having enantiomer-specific amidohydrolyzing activity

(R)-3-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid ((R)-beta-Phe) and (S)-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid ((S)-beta-Phe) are key compounds on account of their use as intermediates in synthesizing pharmaceuticals. Enantiomerically pure non-natural amino acids are generally prepared by enzymatic resolution of the racemic N-acetyl form, but despite the intense efforts this method could not be used for preparing enantiomerically pure beta-Phe, because the effective enzyme had not been found. Therefore, screening for microorganisms capable of amidohydrolyzing (R,S)-N-acetyl-3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid ((R,S)-N-Ac-beta-Phe) in an enantiomer-specific manner was performed. A microorganism having (R)-enantiomer-specific amidohydrolyzing activity and another having both (R)-enantiomer- and (S)-enantiomer-specific amidohydrolyzing activities were obtained from soil samples. Using 16S rDNA analysis, the former organism was identified as Variovorax sp., and the latter as Burkholderia sp. Using these organisms, enantiomerically pure (R)-beta-Phe (>99.5% ee) and (S)-beta-Phe (>99.5% ee) with a high molar conversion yield (67%-96%) were obtained from the racemic substrate.