Antiviral activity of 2,3′-anhydro and related pyrimidine nucleosides against hepatitis B virus

Various 2,3′-anhydro analogs of 5-substituted 1-(2-deoxy-β-d-lyxofuranosyl)uracils (10–15) and a related 1-(3-O-mesyl-2-deoxy-β-d-lyxofuranosyl) pyrimidine nucleoside analog (18) have been synthesized for evaluation as a new class of potential anti-HBV agents. The compounds 10, 12, and 15 demonstrated most potent anti-HBV activities against duck HBV (DHBV) and human HBV with EC₅₀ values in the range of 2.5–10 and 5–10 μg/mL, respectively, at non-toxic concentrations (CC₅₀ = >200 μg/mL). The nucleoside 18 also demonstrated significant anti-HBV activity against DHBV with an EC₅₀ value of 2.5 μg/mL, however, it was less active against HBV in 2.2.15 cells (EC₅₀ = >10 μg/mL).     

The synthesis and SAR study of phenylalanine-derived (Z)-5-arylmethylidene rhodanines as anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compounds

A focused library of rhodanine compounds containing novel substituents at the C5-position was synthesized and tested in vitro against a panel of clinically relevant MRSA strains. The present SAR study was based on our lead compound 1 (MIC = 1.95 μg/mL), with a focus on identifying optimal C5-arylidene substituents. In order to obtain this objective, we condensed several unique aromatic aldehydes with phenylalanine-derived rhodanine intermediates to obtain C5-substituted target rhodanine compounds for evaluation as anti-MRSA compounds. These efforts produced three compounds with significant efficacy: 23, 32 and 44, with MIC values ranging from 0.98 to 1.95 μg/mL against all tested MRSA strains as compared to the reference antibiotics penicillin G (MIC = 15.60–250.0 μg/mL) and ciprofloxacin (MIC = 7.80–62.50 μg/mL) and comparable to that of vancomycin (MIC = 0.48 μg/mL). In addition, compounds 24, 28, 37, 41, 46 and 48 (MIC = 1.95–3.90 μg/mL) were efficacious against all MRSA strains. The majority of the synthesized compounds had bactericidal activity at concentrations only two to fourfold higher than their MIC. Overall, the results suggest that compounds 23, 32 and 44 may be of potential use in the treatment of MRSA infections.     

Two polymethoxylated flavonoids with antioxidant activities and a rearranged clerodane diterpenoid from the leaf exudates of Microglossa pyrifolia

Three novel compounds; two polymethoxylated flavonoids, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,8,3′,5′-tetramethoxyflavone (1), 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-3,8,4′,5′-trimethoxyflavone (2), and a clerodane diterpenoid; 8-acetoxyisochiliolide lactone (3) were characterized from the leaf exudates of Microglossa pyrifolia. In addition, three known polymethoxylated flavonoids including; 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,8,3′-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5,3′4′-trihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (5), 5,3′4′-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (6) and a clerodane diterpenoid; 7,8-epoxyisocholiolide lactone (7) were identified. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. All the compounds did not exhibit antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities at 47.6 μg/mL and were not cytotoxic at 5 μg/mL. Compound 6 exhibited modest antileishmanial activity with IC₅₀ value of 13.13 μg/mL with 5 and 7 showing activities with IC₅₀ values of 31.13 and 38.00 μg/mL, respectively, therefore inactive. The flavonoids (quercetin derivatives, 4 and 5) showed similar antioxidant activities, using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, with IC₅₀ values of 6.2 ± 0.3 μg/mL for 4 (17.3 μM) and 5 (17.8 μM) respectively. These activities were comparable to that of the standard quercetin (IC₅₀ value of 6.0 ± 0.2 μg/mL (19.9 μM)), irrespective of methylation of the characteristic hydroxyl groups expected to be responsible for activity and additional substitution at C-8 in ring A of the flavonoid ring. These studies revealed that the presence of an hydroxyl group at C-4′ positions and oxygenation at C-3 in flavone skeleton, appears to be necessary for good antioxidant activities as encountered in compounds 1, 4 and 5. Substantial reduction in antioxidant activity was shown by methoxylation of the 4′-OH as observed in compound 2 with an IC₅₀ value of 8.79 ± 0.3 μg/mL (24.4 μM).     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel thiadiazole amides as potent Cdc25B and PTP1B inhibitors

A series of novel thiadiazole amide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activities against Cdc25B and PTP1B. Most of them showed inhibitory activities against Cdc25B (IC₅₀ = 1.18–8.01 μg/mL) and PTP1B (IC₅₀ = 0.85–8.75 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, compounds 5b and 4l were most potent with IC₅₀ values of 1.18 and 0.85 μg/mL for Cdc25B and PTP1B, respectively, compared with reference drugs Na₃VO₄ (IC₅₀ = 0.93 μg/mL) and oleanolic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.85 μg/mL). The results of selectivity experiments showed that the target compounds were selective inhibitors against PTP1B and Cdc25B. Enzyme kinetic experiments demonstrated that compound 5k was a specific inhibitor with the typical characteristics of a mixed inhibitor.     

Synthesis of novel 4-nitropyrrole-based semicarbazide and thiosemicarbazide hybrids with antimicrobial and anti-tubercular activity

We report the synthesis and screening of forty novel 4-nitropyrrole-semicarbazide conjugates inspired from the reported bio-potential of bromopyrrole alkaloids and semicarbazide derivatives for antimicrobial activity. Herein, hybrids 5k–5o, 5r, 5s and 5t displayed four-fold increased activity (MIC = 0.39 μg/mL) against Escherichia coli compared to standard ciprofloxacin. Eight hybrids, 5k–5o and 5r–5t displayed equal antibacterial activity (MIC = 1.56 μg/mL) against Klebsiella pneumonia compared to standard ciprofloxacin. Hybrid, 5k–5o (MIC = 0.195 μg/mL) displayed highly potent antibacterial activity against MSSA as compared to standard ciprofloxacin. Eight-fold superior activity was observed for four hybrids 5k–5m and 5o (MIC = 0.39 μg/mL) against MRSA. Further, nine hybrids displayed four-fold superior antifungal activity (MIC = 0.78 μg/mL) compared to standard Amphotericin B. Encouraging MICs of these hybrids recognize them as promising leads for development of potential antimicrobial drugs.     

Isolation,structure, and bioactivities of abiesadines A–Y, 25 new diterpenes from Abies georgei Orr

Twenty-five new (abiesadines A–Y, 1–25) and 29 known (26–54) diterpenes were isolated from the aerial parts of Abies georgei. Abiesadine A (1) is a novel 8,14-seco-abietane, while abiesadine B (2) is a novel 9,10-seco-abietane. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. Manool (52) showed the strongest effect against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages with the IC₅₀ value of 11.0 μg/mL. In another anti-inflammatory assay against TNFα-triggered NF-κB activity, (12R,13R)-8,12-epoxy-14-labden-13-ol (54) exhibited the strongest effect (IC₅₀ = 8.7 μg/mL). For antitumor assays, pomiferin A (26) and 8,11,13-abietatriene-7α,18-diol (29) both showed the most significant activity against LOVO cells (IC₅₀ = 9.2 μg/mL). While 7-oxocallitrisic acid (46) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against QGY-7703 tumor cells (IC₅₀ = 10.2 μg/mL).     

Aspernolides F and G,new butyrolactones from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus

Two new butyrolactones: aspernolides F (6) and G (7), together with three stigmasterol derivatives: (22E,24R)-stigmasta-5,7,22-trien-3-β-ol (1), stigmast-4-ene-3-one (2), and stigmasta-4,6,8(14), 22-tetraen-3-one (3), two meroterpenoids: terretonin A (4) and terretonin (5), and a butyrolactone derivative: butyrolactone VI (8) have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus isolated from the roots of Carthamus lanatus (Asteraceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic means (1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS), as well as optical rotation measurement and comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-leishmanial, and cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 displayed a potent activity against MRSA and C. neoformans with IC₅₀ values of 0.96 μg/mL and 4.38 μg/mL, respectively compared to ciprofloxacin (IC₅₀ 0.07 μg/mL) and amphotericin B (IC₅₀ 0.34 μg/mL), respectively. While, 6 showed good activity against C. neoformans (IC₅₀ 5.19 μg/mL) and mild activity against MRSA (IC₅₀ 6.39 μg/mL). Moreover, 1 and 2 exhibited very good anti-leishmanial activity towards L. donovani with IC₅₀ values of 4.61 and 6.31 μg/mL, respectively and IC₉₀ values of 6.02 and 16.71 μg/mL, respectively.     

Bacterial Peptide deformylase inhibition of cyano substituted biaryl analogs: Synthesis,in vitro biological evaluation,molecular docking study and in silico ADME prediction

Herein, we report the synthesis and screening of cyano substituted biaryl analogs 5(a–m) as Peptide deformylase (PDF) enzyme inhibitors. The compounds 5a (IC₅₀ value = 13.16 μM), 5d (IC₅₀ value = 15.66 μM) and 5j (IC₅₀ value = 19.16 μM) had shown good PDF inhibition activity. The compounds 5a (MIC range = 11.00–15.83 μg/mL), 5b (MIC range = 23.75–28.50 μg/mL) and 5j (MIC range = 7.66–16.91 μg/mL) had also shown potent antibacterial activity when compared with ciprofloxacin (MIC range = 25–50 μg/mL). Thus, the active derivatives were not only potent PDF inhibitors but also efficient antibacterial agents. In order to gain more insight on the binding mode of the compounds with PDF, the synthesized compounds 5(a–m) were docked against PDF enzyme of Escherichia coli and compounds exhibited good binding properties. In silico ADME properties of synthesized compounds were also analyzed and showed potential to develop as good oral drug candidates.     

Constituents of Leonotis leonurus flowering tops

Phytochemical investigation of flowering tops of Leonotis leonurus, yielded a new diterpene ester, 1,2,3-trihydroxy-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecan-1-yl-palmitate along with five known metabolites. The structures of all compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D NMR spectroscopy. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for antimalarial, cytotoxicity and for antimicrobial activities. Antimalarial activity for luteolin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4) (IC₅₀ = 2.2 μg/mL for the D6 clone and 1.8 μg/mL for the W2 clone) was observed. Chloroquine and artemisinin were used as positive controls which showed IC₅₀ of 0.016 and 0.0048 μg/mL for the D6 clone, respectively, and IC₅₀ of 0.14 and 0.0047 μg/mL for the W2 clone, respectively. None of the compounds were cytotoxic to Vero cells up to a concentration of 4.76 μg/mL.     

Constituents of Nelumbo nucifera leaves and their antimalarial and antifungal activity

From the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera (an aquatic plant), one new compound, 24(R)-ethylcholest-6-ene-5α-ol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), along with 11 known metabolites (2–12), were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D NMR. Antifungal activity for (R)-roemerine (3) (IC₅₀/MIC = 4.5/10 μg/mL against Candida albicans) and antimalarial activity for (R)-roemerine (3) and N-methylasimilobine (5) (IC₅₀ = 0.2 and 4.8 μg/mL for the D6 clone, respectively, and 0.4 and 4.8 μg/mL for the W2 clone, respectively) was observed. None of the compounds were cytotoxic to Vero cells up to a concentration of 23.8 μg/mL. NMR data for 10-eicosanol (7) and 7,11,15-trimethyl-2-hexadecanone (10) are presented for the first time. An analysis of the structure–activity relationship shows that the substituents in position C-1 and C-2 of aporphine alkaloids are crucial for the antimalarial activity.     

Activity of caffeic acid derivatives against Candida albicans biofilm

The aim of this study was to evaluate the caffeic acid (1) and ester derivatives (2–10) against Candida albicans biofilm and to investigate whether these compounds are able to inhibit the biofilm formation or destroy pre-formed biofilm.Caffeic acid ester 7, cinnamic acid ester 8 and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid ester 10 are more active than fluconazole, used as reference drug, both on biofilm in formation with MIC₅₀ values of 32, 32 and 16 μg/mL, respectively, and in the early stage of biofilm formation (4 h) with MIC₅₀ values of 64, 32 and 64 μg/mL, respectively. These esters result also more active than fluconazole on mature biofilm (24 h), especially 8 and 10 with MIC₅₀ values of 64 μg/mL.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of polyhalo isophthalonitrile derivatives

A series of polyhalo isophthalonitrile derivatives (3 and 4) that incorporate a variety of substituents at the 2-, 4-, 5- and/or 6-positions of the isophthalonitrile moieties have been designed and synthesized. These derivatives were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria); and Candida albicans (Fungi). Compounds 3 and 4 showed stronger inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi growth, and the antimicrobial ability of compound 3j (a 4-(benzylamino)-5-chloro-2,6-difluoro analog, MIC[SA] = 0.5 μg/mL; MIC[BC] = 0.4 μg/mL; MIC[CA] = 0.5 μg/mL) were close to nofloxacin and fluconazole and identified as the most potent antimicrobial agents in the series. The preliminary analysis of structure–activity relationships is also discussed.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial profile of N-substituted imidazolium oximes and their monoquaternary salts against multidrug resistant bacteria

Two different series of N-substituted imidazolium oximes and their monoquaternary salts were synthesized and biologically tested with respect to their ability to inhibit growth a diverse panel of antibiotic susceptible Gram-positive and antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria as well fungal strains. The newly synthesized compounds were analyzed by spectral studies to confirm their structure. The preliminary results showed that all compounds tested possess promising antimicrobial potential against both susceptible Gram-positive and antibiotic resistant Gram-negative isolates, exhibiting a wide range of MIC values from 0.14 to 100.0 μg/mL. The structure–activity relationship demonstrates that the p-methylphenyl and p-fluorophenyl groups in monoquaternary salts 6 and 7 attached directly to the imidazolium ring could be essential for observed remarkable inhibitory profiles against clinically important pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.14 μg/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 1.56 μg/mL). Furthermore, the broth microdilution assay was then used to investigate the antiresistance efficacy of compound 7 against fourteen extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains in comparison to eight clinically relevant antibiotics. Compound 7 exhibited a remarkable antiresistance profiles ranging between 0.39 and 12.50 μg/mL against all of ESBL-producing strains, which leads to the suggestion that may be interesting candidate for development of new antimicrobials to combat multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria.     

Bioactivity-guided isolation of cytotoxic constituents from stem–bark of Premna tomentosa

A bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of the stem bark of Premna tomentosa resulted in the isolation and characterization of four new icetexane diterpenes (1–4), along with the known compounds coniferaldehyde (5), syringaldehyde (6), lupeol (7), betulin (8), and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone (9). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 2D NMR) data analysis and by comparison with the spectroscopic data reported in the literature. The new compounds exhibited diverse functionalities on a common icetexane diterpene skeleton. In addition, cytotoxic activities of the icetexanes (1–3) were evaluated by determining their inhibitory effects on the human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HT-29, Hep-G2, A-431, and A-549). Compounds 1 and 3 showed selective inhibitory activity against MCF-7 (15.96 μg/mL and 15.84 μg/mL) and HT-29 cell lines (16.21 μg/mL and 14.57 μg/mL), respectively.     

New nemadectin congeners with acaricidal and nematocidal activity from Streptomyces microflavus neau3 Y-3

Two nemadectin congeners 1 and 2 were isolated from the fermentation broth of a mutant strain (Y-3) of Streptomyces microflavus neau3. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with data from the literature. Compound 2 possessed a 5-membered ring lactone that is unprecedented among known milbemycins and avermectins. Both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent acaricidal activity and nematocidal activity. Especially, compound 2 demonstrated impressive acaricidal activity against adult mites with an IC₅₀ of 2.3 ± 0.9 μg/mL and mite eggs with an IC₅₀ of 17.5 ± 2.1 μg/mL and nematocidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans with an IC₅₀ of 0.7 ± 0.2 μg/mL, which are higher than those of nemadectin and the known commercial acaricide and nematocide milbemycin A3/A4.     

Synthesis,characterization and in vitro biological evaluation of some novel 1,3,5-triazine–Schiff base conjugates as potential antimycobacterial agents

A series of some novel 1,3,5-triazine–Schiff base conjugates (1–32) have been synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Alamar Blue assay and the activity expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in μg/mL. Compounds 4 (4-Methoxy-6-methyl-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine), 11 (4-Methoxy-6-methyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-bromo-5-chloro-benzylidene)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine) and 24 (4-Methoxy-6-methyl-N-(1-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylidene)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine) exhibited a significant activity at 3.125, 6.25 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively, when compared with the antitubercular drugs such as ethambutol (3.125 μg/mL), pyrazinamide (6.25 μg/mL) and streptomycin (6.25 μg/mL) and it could be a potential starting point to develop new lead compounds in the fight against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.     

The synthesis and biological evaluation of some caffeic acid amide derivatives: E-2-Cyano-(3-substituted phenyl)acrylamides

A series of caffeic acid amide derivatives 2-cyano-(3-substituted phenyl)acrylamides were synthesized via Knoevenogal condensation of substituted benzaldehydes with cyanoacetamides. The structure of compound 1f was determined as E-isomer by X-ray diffractive analysis. The biological screening tests in vitro showed that compound 1b has obvious inhibitory activities against human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC-823, human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line KB and human hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 with IC₅₀ values of 5.6 μg/mL, 13.1 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. Some preliminary structure–activity relationships (SAR) were also proposed which may provide a direction for further study.     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of novel triazole,urea and thiourea derivatives of quinoline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A new series of 20 quinoline derivatives possessing triazolo, ureido and thioureido substituents have been synthesized and their antimycobacterial properties have been evaluated. Compounds 10, 22 and 24 inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv up to 96%, 98% and 94% respectively, at a fixed concentration of 6.25 μg/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.125 μg/mL was obtained for compound 10 and 24, while for compound 22 it was 6.25 μg/mL. Molecular docking calculations suggest critical hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between polar functional groups (such as quinoline-nitrogen, urea-carbonyl and hydroxyl) of anti-mycobacterial (anti-TB) compounds and amino acids (Arg186 and Glu61) of ATP-synthase of M. tuberculosis, could be the probable reason for observed anti-mycobacterial action.     

Preparation and antitrypanosomal activity of secochiliolide acid derivatives

Secochiliolide acid (1) isolated from the Patagonian shrub Nardophyllum bryoides, was used as a scaffold for the preparation of a series of nine derivatives. Compound 1 and its derivatives were tested against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes grown in liquid media. It was first observed that secochiliolide acid (1) inhibited the proliferation of the parasites, with an IC₅₀ of 2 μg/mL. Six of the synthesized derivatives were also active with IC₅₀’s between 2 and 7 μg/mL which are comparable to that of the commercial drug benznidazole (2.5 μg/mL). These results indicate that the carboxyl group is not essential for the bioactivity of 1, while the presence of the tetrasubstituted exocyclic double bond seems to be important. Moreover, the presence of the furan and spirolactone rings is not essential for the bioactivity per se, but is important in combination with other structural fragments present in the molecule.     

Design,synthesis and antimycobacterial activity evaluation of natural oridonin derivatives

In an effort to develop novel potent antitubercular drugs, thirty-one oridonin derivatives were designed and prepared. All the compounds obtained were screened for their in vitro activities against Mycobacterium phlei, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium marinum. Among them, thirteen compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against M. phlei with MICs less than 2 μg/mL. Compounds 2k, 8d, 10c, 10d containing trans-cinnamic acid moiety were the most potent (MIC = 0.5 μg/mL), comparable to the well-known antitubercular drug streptomycin. The preliminary structure–activity relationships (SARs) were also analyzed.