Polyhydroxylated azetidine iminosugars: Synthesis,glycosidase inhibitory activity and molecular docking studies

An efficient and practical strategy for the synthesis of unknown azetidine iminosugars (2S,3R,4S)-2-((R)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)azetidine 2, (2S,3r,4R)-3-hydroxy-2,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)azetidine 3 and (2S,3R,4S)-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-N-methylazetidine-2-carboxylic acid 4, starting from the d-glucose has been reported. The methodology involves preparation of the 3-amino-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-3-deoxy-6-O-tert-butyldimethylsillyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose 9, which was converted to the C-5-OMs derivative 11. Intramolecular nucleophilic displacement of the C-5-OMs group with in situ generated 3-amino functionality provided the required key azetidine ring skeletons 10 with additional hydroxymethyl group. Removal of 1,2-acetonide protection, followed by reduction and hydrogenolysis afforded azetidine iminosugar 2. Alternatively, removal of 1,2-acetonide group and chopping of C1-anomeric carbon gave C2-aldehyde that on reduction or oxidation followed by hydrogenolysis gave 2,4-bis(hydroxymethyl) azetidine iminosugars 3 and N-methylazetidine-2-carboxylic acid 4 respectively. The glycosidase inhibitory activity of 2–4 iminosugars was screened against various glycosidase enzymes and compared with a standard miglitol. Amongst synthesized targets, the compound 2 was found to be more potent amyloglucosidase inhibitor than miglitol. These results were supported by molecular docking studies.     

Sulfur-containing constituents and one 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivative from pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] fruit

Two sulfur-containing compounds, (S)-2-amino-5-((R)-1-carboxy-2-((E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)allylthio)ethyl-amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (1) and (S)-2-amino-5-((R)-1-(carboxymethylamino)-3-((E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)allylthio)-1-oxopropan-2-ylamino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (2), and one 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivative, 6-(3-(1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyloxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid (3), together with eighteen known phenolic compounds, were isolated from the fruits of pineapple. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses. Some of these compounds showed inhibitory activities against tyrosinase. The half maximal inhibitory concentration values of compounds 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 are lower than 1 mM. These compounds may contribute to the well-known anti-browning effect of pineapple juice and be potential skin whitening agents in cosmetic applications.     

Studies on dehydro-l-ascorbic acid 3-oxime 2-phenylhydrazone: Conversion into substituted triazoles

l-threo-2,3-Hexodiulosono-1,4-lactone 3-oxime 2-(phenylhydrazone) (1) gave 2-(p-bromophenyl)-4-(l-threo-1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone (2), and this gave a diacetyl and a dibenzoyl derivative. On treatment of 2 with liquid ammonia, methylamine, or dimethylamine, the corresponding triazole-5-carboxamides (5–7) were obtained. Periodate oxidation of 5 gave 2-(p-bromophenyl)-4-formyl-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxamide (10), and, on reduction, 10 gave 2-(p-bromophenyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxamide, characterized as its monoacetate. Condensation of 10 with phenylhydrazine gave the triazole hydrazone. Acetonation of 2 gave the isopropylidene derivative. Reaction of 2 with HBr-HOAc gave 4-(l-threo-2-O-acetyl-3-bromo-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-2-(p-bromophenyl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone. Similar treatment of 1 with HBr-HOAc gave 5-O-acetyl-5-bromo-6-deoxy-l-threo-2,3-hexodiulosono-1,4-lactone 3-oxime 2-(phenylhydrazone). This was converted into 4-(l-threo-2-O-acetyl-3-bromo-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone on treatment with boiling acetic anhydride. On reaction of 1 with benzoyl chloride in pyridine, dehydrative cyclization occurred, with the formation of 4-(l-threo-2,3-dibenzoyloxy-1-hydroxypropyl)-2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone, which was converted into the amide on treatment with ammonia.     

Diterpenoids from the needles and twigs of the cultivated endangered pine Pinus kwangtungensis and their PTP1B inhibitory effects

Pinus kwangtungensis is an endangered pine species native to China. In the present study, 15 diterpenoids including three new labdane-type analogs were isolated and characterized during a pioneer phytochemical investigation on a mass-limited sample of the needles and twigs of this plant, which is growing in a Cantonese garden. The new structures, (4S,5R,9S,10R)-6-oxo-labd-7,13-dien-16,15- olid-19-oic acid (1), 15(S)-n-butoxypinusolidic acid (2), and β-d-glucopyranosyl- (4S,5R,9S,10R)-labda-8(17),13-dien-15,16-olid-19-oate (3), were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. Among the isolates, lambertianic acid (10) and cassipourol (15) showed inhibitory activities against human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B), a target for the treatment of type-II diabetes and obesity, with IC₅₀ values of 25.5 and 11.2 μM, respectively.     

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.     

Development of selective inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: (R)-3-(3-(Methyl(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile as a JAK1-selective inhibitor

A series of 3(R)-aminopyrrolidine derivatives were designed and synthesized for JAK1-selective inhibitors through the modification of tofacitinib’s core structure, (3R,4R)-3-amino-4-methylpiperidine. From the new core structures, we selected (R)-N-methyl-N-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine as a scaffold for further SAR studies. From biochemical enzyme assays and liver microsomal stability tests, (R)-3-(3-(methyl(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile (6) was chosen for further in vivo test through oral administration. Compound 6 showed improved selectivity for JAK1 compared to that of tofacitinib (IC₅₀ 11, 2.4?×?10², 2.8?×?10³, and 1.1?×?10²?nM for JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2, respectively). In CIA and AIA model tests, compound 6 exhibited similar efficacy to tofacitinib citrate.     

Facile synthesis, ex-vivo and in vitro screening of 3-sulfonamide derivative of 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-1-ylamide (SR141716) a potent CB1 receptor antagonist

Facile synthesis of biaryl pyrazole sulfonamide derivative of 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-1-ylamide (SR141716, 1) and an investigation of the effect of replacement of the –CO group in the compound 1 by the –SO₂ group in the aminopiperidine region is reported. Primary ex-vivo pharmacological testing and in vitro screening of sulfonamide derivative 2 showed the loss of CB1 receptor antagonism.     

Dr. Horace S. Isbell

Addition of ethyl isocyanoacetate in strongly basic medium to the glycosuloses 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-ribo-hexofuranos-3-ulose (1) and 1,2-O-isopropylidene-5-O-trityl-d-erythro-pentos-3-ulose (2) gave the unsaturated derivatives (E)- and (Z)-3-deoxy-3-C-ethoxycarbonyl(formylamino)methylene-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose (3 and 4), and (E)-3-deoxy-3-C-ethoxycarbonyl(formylamino)methylene-1,2-O-isopropylidene-5-O-trityl-α-d-ribofuranose (5). In weakly basic medium, ethyl isocyanoacetate and 1 gave 3-C-ethoxycarbonyl(formylamino)methyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose (12) in good yield. The oxidation of 3 and 4 with osmium tetraoxide to 3-C-ethoxalyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose (17), and its subsequent reduction to 3-C-(R)-1′,2′-dihydroxyethyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose (18) and its (S) epimer (19) and to 3-C-(R)-ethoxycarbonyl(hydroxy)methyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose (21) and its (S) epimer (22) are described. Hydride reductions of 12 yielded the corresponding 3-C-(1-formylamino-2-hydroxyethyl), 3-C-(2-hydroxy-1-methylaminoethyl), and 3-C-(R)-ethoxycarbonyl(methylamino)methyl derivatives (13, 14 and 16). Catalytic reduction of 3 and 4 yielded the 3-deoxy-3-C-(R)-ethoxycarbonyl-(formylamino)methyl derivative 6 and its 3-C-(S) epimer. Further reduction of 6 gave 3-deoxy-3-C-(R)-(1-formylamino-2-hydroxyethyl)-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose (23) which was deformylated with hydrazine acetate to 3-C-(R)-(1-amino-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-deoxy-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose (24). The configurations of the branched-chains in 16, 21, and 22 were determined by o.r.d.     

1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diyl esters,a novel compound class with potent chemoreversal activity

1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diyl esters, which share a fragment from (±)-3′-O-4′-O-bis(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)-cis-khellactone (DMDCK) and 3′R,4′R-disubstituted-2′,2′-dimethyldihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromone (DSP), exhibited remarkable chemoreversal activity on multidrug resistant human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KB) when combined with three anticancer drugs, paclitaxel, vincristine and doxorubicin. Among 15 novel synthesized analogs, bis-trimethoxybenzoyl derivative 15 was the most active (340-fold more active than verapamil when used with vincristine) followed by two di-cinnamoyl derivatives, 10 and 11, and then di-cyclohexanecarbonyl derivative 9. All aliphatic chain derivatives, 3–5, showed no activity. Structure-activity relationship study indicated that a di-ester structure was critical to enhance the activity resulting from the maintenance of the spatial arrangement proposed by the pharmacophore based on the verapamil-binding site. Further mechanism of action study showed 15 inhibited mainly P-glycoprotein efflux pump function, while 13 exhibited an additional multidrug resistance-associated protein efflux pump function.     

Isolation and structure elucidation of caryophyllane sesquiterpenoids from leaves of Eremophila spathulata

Crude extract of Eremophila spathulata leaves was investigated by semi-preparative scale high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), analytical scale HPLC, and hyphenated high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-high-resolution mass spectrometry-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-PDA-HRMS-SPE-NMR), which afforded seven previously unreported caryophyllane sesquiterpenoids. Semi-preparative scale separation of the crude extract afforded (1R*,4R*,9S*,E)-8-formyl-11,11-dimethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-7-ene-4-carboxylic acid (5) and analytical-scale HPLC separation afforded (1R*,4S*,7S*,9S*)-7-hydroxy-11,11-dimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-4-carboxylic acid (1), (1S*,6R*,9R*,E)-10,10-dimethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-2-ene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (2), (1R*,4S*,9S*)-11,11-dimethyl-8-oxobicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-4-carboxylic acid (3), and (1R*,4R*,9S*)-11,11-dimethyl-8-oxobicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-4-carboxylic acid (4). HPLC-PDA-HRMS-SPE-NMR afforded (1R*,4R*,9S*)-11,11-dimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-4-carboxylic acid (6) and (1R*,4S*,9S*)-11,11-dimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-4-carboxylic acid (7). The structures of all isolated compounds were established based on HRMS as well as extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Relative configurations were determined by correlations in spectra from rotational Overhauser effect spectroscopy.     

Structural development of 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives as human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα)-selective agonists

We previously reported that 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid derivative 6 is an agonist of human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (hPPARα). Here, we prepared a series of 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives in order to examine the structure-activity relationships (SAR). SAR studies clearly indicated that the steric bulkiness of the substituent on 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine ring, the position of the distal hydrophobic tail part, and the distance between the distal hydrophobic tail part and the acidic head part are critical for hPPARα agonistic activity. These SAR results are somewhat different from those reported for fibrate-class hPPARα agonists. A representative compound (10f) was as effective as fenofibrate in reducing the elevated plasma triglyceride levels in a high-fructose-fed rat model.     

2-Methyltetrahydro-3-benzazepin-1-ols – The missing link in SAR of GluN2B selective NMDA receptor antagonists

The NMDA receptor containing GluN2B subunits represents a promising target for the development of drugs for the treatment of various neurological disorders including neurodegenerative diseases. In order to study the role of CH₃ and OH moieties trisubstituted tetrahydro-3-benzazepines 4 were designed as missing link between tetra- and disubstituted 3-benzazepines 2 and 5. The synthesis of 4 comprises eight reaction steps starting from alanine. The intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation to obtain the ketone 12 and the base-catalyzed elimination of trifluoromethanesulfinate (CF₃SO₂^?) followed by NaBH₄ reduction represent the key steps. The GluN2B affinity of the cis-configured 3-benzazepin-1-ol cis-4a with a 4-phenylbutyl side chain (K_i?=?252?nM) is considerably lower than the GluN2B affinity of (R,R)-2 (K_i?=?17?nM) indicating the importance of the phenolic OH moiety for the interaction with the receptor protein. Introduction of an additional CH₃ moiety in 2-position led to a slight decrease of GluN2B affinity as can be seen by comparing the affinity data of cis-4a and 5. The homologous phenylpentyl derivative cis-4b shows the highest GluN2B affinity (K_i?=?56?nM) of this series of compounds. According to docking studies cis-4a adopts the same binding mode as the cocrystallized ligand ifenprodil-keto 1A and 5 at the interface of the GluN2B and GluN1a subunits. The same crucial H-bonds are formed between the C(O)NH₂ moiety of Gln110 within the GluN2B subunit and the protonated amino moiety and the OH moiety of (R,R)-cis-4a.     

Acylated hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides from flowers of Telekia Speciosa

One new derivative of ferulic acid (1), two new caffeic acid derivatives (2 and 3) and three known derivatives of caffeic acid: 6-O-(E)-caffeoyl-glucopyranose (4), (E)-caffeic acid 4-O-β-glucopyranoside (5) and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid, 6) were isolated from a butanolic fraction of extract from Telekia speciosa flowers. Moreover, the flavonol glucoside–patulitrin (7) was identified in the analyzed extract. Structures of (E)-ferulic acid 4-O-β-(6-O-2-hydroxyisovaleryl)-glucopyranoside (1), (E)-caffeic acid 4-O-β-(6-O-2-hydroxyisovaleryl)-glucopyranoside (2) and (E)-caffeic acid 4-O-β-(6-O-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoyl)-glucopyranoside (3) were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and other spectral analyses.     

Design,synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of N-(4-mono and 4,5-disubstituted thiazol-2-yl)-2-aryl-3-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)propanamides as glucokinase activators

A series of N-thiazole substituted arylacetamides were designed on the basis of metabolic mechanism of the aminothiazole fragment as glucokinase (GK) activators for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Instead of introducing a substituent to block the metabolic sensitive C-5 position on the thiazole core directly, a wide variety of C-4 or both C-4 and C-5 substitutions were explored. Compound R-9k bearing an iso-propyl group as the C-4 substituent was found possessing the highest GK activation potency with an EC₅₀ of 0.026 μM. This compound significantly increased both glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in rat primary cultured hepatocytes. Moreover, single oral administration of compound R-9k exerted significant reduction of blood glucose levels in both ICR and ob/ob mice. These promising results indicated that compound R-9k is a potent orally active GK activator, and is warranted for further investigation as a new anti-diabetic treatment.     

Dimeric argininamide-type neuropeptide Y receptor antagonists: Chiral discrimination between Y1 and Y4 receptors

The structurally related peptides neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) are endogenous agonists of the NPY receptor (YR) family, which in humans comprises four functionally expressed subtypes, designated Y₁R, Y₂R, Y₄R and Y₅R. Nonpeptide antagonists with high affinity and selectivity have been described for the Y₁R, Y₂R and Y₅R, but such compounds are still lacking for the Y₄R. In this work, the structures of the high affinity selective (R)-argininamide-type Y₁R antagonists BIBP3226 and BIBO3304 were linked via the guanidine or urea moieties to give homo-dimeric argininamides with linker lengths ranging from 31 to 41 atoms. Interestingly, the twin compounds proved to be by far less selective for the Y₁R than the R-configured monovalent parent compounds. The decrease in selectivity ratio was most pronounced for Y₁R versus Y₄R subtype, resulting in comparable affinities of bivalent ligands for Y₁R and Y₄R (e.g. UR-MK177 ((R,R)-49): K_i = 230 nM (Y₁R) and 290 nM (Y₄R)). With a K_i value of 130 nM and a K_b value of 20 nM, UR-MK188 ((R,R)-51) was superior to all Y₄R antagonists known to date. The S,S-configured optical antipodes of UR-MK177 and UR-MK188 (UR-MEK381 ((S,S)-49) and UR-MEK388 ((S,S)-51)) were synthesized to investigate the stereochemical discrimination by the different receptor subtypes. Whereas preference for R,R-configured argininamides was characteristic of the Y₁R, stereochemical discrimination by the Y₄R was not observed. This may pave the way to selective Y₄R antagonists.     

Monomolar acetalations of methyl α-d-mannosides—synthesis of methyl α-d-talopyranoside

Methyl α-d-mannopyranoside (1 mole) reacts with 2,2-dimethoxypropane (1 mole), to give the 4,6-O-isopropylidene derivative (2) which rearranges to the 2,3-O-isopropylidene derivative (4). Compound4 can also be prepared by graded hydrolysis of methyl 2,3:4,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-mannopyranoside. Successive benzoylation, oxidation, and reduction of4 provides a useful route to a number ofd-talopyranoside compounds. Methyl α-d-mannofuranoside (1 mole) reacts with 1–2 moles of 2,2-dimethoxypropane to give the 5,6-O-isopropylidene derivative (16) in 90% yield.     

Synthesis of 6-substituted uridines. synthesis of (R or S)-6-(3-amino-2-carboxypropyl)uridine

Addition of 5-bromo-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (2) in pyridine to an excess of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane (3) in oxolane at 78° gave (6R)-5,6-dihydro-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene -5′-O-trityluridine (4), (5S,6S)-5-bromo-5,6-dihydro-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (5), and its (5R) isomer 6 in yields of 37, 35, and 10%, respectively. The structure of 4 was proved by Raney nickel desulphurization to (6S)-5,6-dihydro-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-6-methyl-5′-O-trityluridine (7) and by acid hydrolysis to give D-ribose and (6R)-5,6-dihydro-6-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)uracil (9). Treatment of 4 with methyl iodide in aqueous acetone gave a 30&%; yield of (R,S)-5,6-dihydro-6-formyl-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityl-uridine (10), characterized as its semicarbazone 11. Both 5 and 6 gave 4 upon brief treatment with Raney nickel. Both 5 and 6 also gave 6-formyl-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′- O-trityluridine (12) in ～41%; yield when treated with methyl iodide in aqueous acetone containin- 10%; dimethyl sulfoxide. A by-product, identified as the N-methyl derivative (13) of 12 was also formed in yields which varied with the amount of dimethyl sulfoxide used. Reduction of 12 with sodium borohydride, followed by deprotection, afforded 6-(hydroxymethyl)uridine (17), characterized by hydrolysis to the known 6-(hydroxymethyl)uracil (18). Knoevenagel condensation of a mixture of the aldehydes 12 and 13 with ethyl cyanoacetate yielded 38%; of E- (or Z-)6-[(2-cyano-2-ethoxycarbonyl)ethylidene]-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (19) and 10%; of its N-methyl derivative 20. Hydrogenation of 19 over platinum oxide in acetic anhydride followed by deprotection gave R (or S)-6-(3-amino-2-carboxypropyl)uridine (23).     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel potent FFA1 agonists containing 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine

FFA1 (free fatty acid receptor 1) has emerged as an attractive antidiabetic target due to its role in mediating the enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells with a low risk of hypoglycemia. Many reported FFA1 agonists possessed somewhat pharmacokinetic and/or safety issues. Herein, we describe the identification of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine as a novel scaffold for FFA1 agonists. Comprehensive structure-activity relationship study based on this scaffold led to the discovery of (S)-3-(4-(((S)-7-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo [b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methoxy) phenyl)hex-4-ynoic acid (26k), which displayed a potent FFA1 agonistic activity and good pharmacokinetic profiles. Subsequent in vivo studies demonstrated that compound 26k significantly improved the glucose tolerance in ICR mice. In summary, compound 26k is a promising drug candidate for further investigation.     

Studies on dehydro-d-arabino-ascorbic acid 2-arylhydrazone 3-oximes: Conversion into substituted triazoles and isoxazolines

d-erythro-2,3-Hexodiulosono-1,4-lactone 2-arylhydrazones (2) were prepared by condensation of dehydro-d-arabino-ascorbic acid with the desired arylhydrazine. Reaction of 2 with hydroxylamine gave the 2-arylhydrazone 3-oximes (3). On boiling with acetic anhydride, 3 gave 2-aryl-4-(2,3-di-O-acetyl-d-erythro-glycerol-1-yl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone (5), whereas the unacetylated triazole derivatives were obtained upon reaction of 3 with bromine in water. On treatment of 5 with hydrazine hydrate, 2-aryl-4-(d-erythro-glycerol-1-yl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5-hydrazides (6) were obtained. Acetylation of 6 gave the hexaacetyl derivatives. Similarly, treatment of 5 with liquid ammonia gave the triazolecarboxamides (12). Vigorous acetylation of 12 with boiling acetic anhydride gave tetraacetates, whereas acetylation with acetic anhydride-pyridine gave triacetates. Periodate oxidation of 6 gave the 2-aryl-4-formyl-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5-hydrazides (8), and, on reduction, 8 gave the 2-aryl-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5-hydrazides, characterized as acetates. Similarly, periodate oxidation of 12 gave the triazolealdehyde (15), and reduction of 15 gave the hydroxymethyl derivatives (16). Acetylation of 16 gave the mono- and di-acetates, and, on reaction with o-phenylenediamine, 15 afforded the triazoleimidazole. Controlled reaction of 3 with sodium hydroxide, followed by neutralization, gave 3-(d-erythro-glycerol-1-yl)-4,5-isoxazolinedione 4-arylhydrazones. Reaction of 3 with HBr-HOAc gave 5-O-acetyl-6-bromo-6-deoxy-d-erythro-2,3-hexodiulosono-1,4-lactone 2-arylhydrazone 3-oximes (21). Compounds 21 were converted into 4-(2-O-acetyl-3-bromo-3-deoxy-d-erythro-glycerol-1-yl)-2-aryl-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxylic acid 5,1¹-lactone on treatment with acetic anhydride.     

Monoterpenoids from the aerial parts of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus and their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities

The aerial parts of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus afforded five new monoterpenoids (1-5): 4-(erythro-6,7-dihydroxy-9-methylpent-8-enyl)furan-2(5H)-one (1, aruncin A), 2-(8-ethoxy-8-methylpropylidene)-5-hydroxy-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxylic acid (2, aruncin B), 4-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(8-methylprop-7-enyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one-11-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3, aruncide A), (3S,4S,5R,10R)-3-(10-ethoxy-11-hydroxyethyl)-4-(5-hydroxy-7-methylbut-6-enyl)oxetan-2-one-11-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4, aruncide B), and (3S,4S,5R,7R)-5-(9-methylprop-8-enyl)-1,6-dioxabicyclo[3,2,0]heptan-2-one-7-(hydroxymethyl)-12-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5, aruncide C). Compound 2 showed potent cytotoxicity against Jurkat T cells with an IC₅₀ value of 17.15 μg/mL. In addition, compounds 7 and 10 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 46.3 and 11.7 μM, respectively.