Novel inhibitors of enkephalin-degrading enzymes. II: N5'-substituted-4-thioxohydantoic acids as aminopeptidase inhibitors

Some 2-substituted-(2'-aminophenyl)-4-thioxohydantoic acids (o-amino PTC-amino acids) have antinociceptive activity when administered (icv) alone (IC50 = 0.04-0.87 microM/animal) and show a striking prolongation of the antinociceptive action of (D-Ala-2 D-Leu5)-enkephalin (DADL) in combination. The effects are thought to be mediated via opioid receptors since they are naloxone-reversible. Although inhibitors of the enkephalin degrading puromycin-insensitive, bestatin-sensitive aminopeptidase (possibly aminopeptidase M) their action is weak (IC50 = 32 microM leucine, 536 microM, glycine) and they might be considered to have a direct antinociceptive effect on opioid receptors. The titled compounds constitute novel 'lead' compounds for the development of potent aminopeptidase M inhibitors.     

Disaccharide Pyrimidine Nucleosides and Their Derivatives: A Novel Group of Cell-Penetrating Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1

Nearly 30 synthetic nucleosides were tested with human recombinant poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 as potential inhibitors of this enzyme. The most active compounds were some disaccharide analogues of thymidine: 3′-O-β-D-ribofuranosyl-5-iodo-dUrd (2d; IC₅₀ = 45 μM), 3′-O-β-D-ribofuranosyl-2′-deoxythymidine (2e; IC₅₀ = 38 μM), and 3′-O-β-D-ribofuranosyl-2′-deoxythymidine oxidized (4; IC₅₀ = 25 μM). These compounds also reduced H₂O₂-induced synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose) in cultured human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3) cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, compounds 2d or 2e until a concentration of 1 mM did not affect growth of SKOV-3 cells, whereas dialdehyde compound 4, as well as thymidine, exhibited a significant cytotoxicity.     

Interaction of barbiturates with dihydropicrotoxinin binding sites related to the GABA receptor-ionophore system.

Barbiturate drugs of diverse chemical structure inhibited the binding of [³H] α-dihydropicrotoxinin to rat brain membranes. This biologically active analoque of picrotoxin labels membrane sites related to the convulsant action of these drugs in inhibiting GABA postsynaptic receptor-ionophore function at a site distinct from the GABA receptor. Depressant barbiturates such as pentobarbital inhibited dihydropicrotoxinin binding competitively at therapeutic concentrations (IC₅₀ = 50 μM) whereas the drug does not alter GABA receptors, uptake, or release at this concentration. Antiepileptics such as phenobarbital (IC₅₀=400 μM), were weaker inhibitors of binding. Convulsant barbiturates, however, such as dimethylbutylbarbiturate (IC₅₀=0.05 μM) and cyclohexylidene-ethyl barbiturate (IC₅₀=0.7 μM), were potent inhibitors. The displacement of radioactive dihydropicrotoxinin binding by the convulsant barbiturates had different slopes and Hill numnbers (0.4) compared to displacement by depressant barbiturates and picrotoxinin itself (Hill numbers = 1.0), indicating heterogeneity of binding sites or negative cooperativity. These potent intractions of barbiturates with dihydropicrotoxinin binding sites are consistent with neurophysiological evidence that depressant or convulsant action of barbiturates may involve modulation of CNS inhibitory synaptic transmission at the level of the postsynaptic GABA receptor-ionophores.     

Design,synthesis, and screening of ortho-amino thiophene carboxamide derivatives on hepatocellular carcinomaas VEGFR-2Inhibitors

In this work, design, synthesis, and screening of thiophene carboxamides 4–13 and 16–23 as dual vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and mitotic inhibitors was reported. All compounds were screened against two gastrointestinal solid cancer cells, HepG-2 and HCT-116 cell lines. The most active cytotoxic derivatives 5 and 21 displayed 2.3- and 1.7-fold higher cytotoxicity than Sorafenib against HepG-2 cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis analyses for compounds 5 and 21 showed cells accumulation in the sub-G1 phase, and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. The apoptotic inducing activities of compounds 5 and 21were correlated to the elevation of p53, increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and increase in caspase-3/7.Compounds 5 and 21 showed potent inhibition againstVEGFR-2 (IC₅₀?=?0.59 and 1.29?μM) and β-tubulin polymerization (73% and 86% inhibition at their IC₅₀ values).Molecular docking was performed with VEGFR-2 and tubulin binding sites to explain the displayed inhibitory activities.     

Exploring MDR‐TB Inhibitory Potential of 4‐Aminoquinazolines as Mycobacterium tuberculosis N‐Acetylglucosamine‐1‐Phosphate Uridyltransferase (GlmUMTB) Inhibitors

Drug resistance tuberculosis is one of the challenging tasks that dictates the desperate need for the development of new antitubercular agents which operate via novel modes of action. Here, we are reporting on 4‐aminoquinazolines as M. tuberculosis N‐acetylglucosamine‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GlmU^MTB) inhibitors to overcome the problem of the MDR‐TB. Amongst the synthesized compounds, two of them were observed to be the effective compounds of the series (IC₅₀=6.4 μM (H37Rv), MIC=25 μM (MDR‐TB) and IC₅₀=2.9 μM (H37Rv), MIC=6.25 μM (MDR‐TB), respectively).     

Analogs of arachidonic acid methylated at C-7 and C-10 inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis and phospholipase A2 activity

The ability of (all Z)-7,7-dimethyl-5,8,11,14-eico-satetraenoic acid, (all Z)-7,7-dimethyl-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid, (Z,Z)-7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, (all Z)-10,10-dimethyl-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, (all Z)-10,10-dimethyl-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid, and rac-(Z,Z)-15-hydroxy-7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid to inhibit ionophore-induced slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) biosynthesis in rat peritoneal cells was studied. It was thought that compounds such as these might inhibit proton abstractions at the 7 or 10 carbon positions on arachidonic acid which are thought to be important in the mechanism of catalysis of Δ⁵-lipoxygenase(Δ⁵-LO). All compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of SRS-A biosynthesis in the in vitro rat peritoneal cell system (IC₅₀ < 10 μM). In fact they were more potent inhibitors in the test system than standard Δ⁵-LO inhibitors such as NDGA and quercetin. To determine if the mechanism of inhibition of the dimethyl arachidonic acid analogs did involve gD⁵-LO inhibition these compounds were evaluated in an assay system utilizing the Δ⁵-LO from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL^?1_cells. It was found, however, that these compounds were much less potent inhibitors of this enzyme (IC₅₀ ～ 100 μM) than standard compounds such as NDGA (IC₅₀ 0.14 μM) and quercetin (IC₅₀, 0.2 μM). The arachidonic acid analogs were subsequently found to be potent inhibitors of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) enzymes with IC₅₀'s between 10–20 μM as inhibitors of a snake venom enzyme. In fact these compounds are among the most potent inhibitors of PLA₂ yet studied, having potencies better than standards such as p-bromophenacyl bromide (IC₅₀, 87 μM) and U-10029A (IC₅₀, 36 μM). These results suggest that the methylated arachidonic acid analogs may inhibit SRS-A biosynthesis through inhibiting PLA₂.     

Synthesis of a novel series of L-isoserine derivatives as aminopeptidase N inhibitors

A series of novel L-isoserine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their ability to inhibit aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13. In our preliminary biological results, some of these compounds possessed a potent inhibitory activity against the APN. Within this series, compound 14b not only showed similar enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ of 12.2?μM) compared with the positive control bestatin (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 7.3?μM), but also had a potent antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines cells.     

Evaluation of Mongolian compound library for potential antimalarial and anti-Toxoplasma agents

179 compounds in a Mongolian compound library were investigated for their inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. Among these compounds, brachangobinan A at a half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of 2.62 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 27.91; 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-O-methylphenyl)-5-(2″,5″-dihydroxyphenyl)oxazole (IC₅₀ 3.58 μM and SI 24.66); chrysosplenetin (IC₅₀ 3.78 μM and SI 15.26); 4,11-di-O-galloylbergenin (IC₅₀ 3.87 μM and SI 13.38); and 2-(2′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(2″-hydroxyphenyl)oxazole (IC₅₀ 6.94 μM and SI 11.48) were identified as potential inhibitors of P. falciparum multiplication. Additionally, tricin (IC₅₀ 12.94 μM and SI > 23.40) was identified as a potential inhibitor of T. gondii multiplication. Our findings represent a good starting point for developing novel antimalarial and anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics from Mongolian compounds.     

Design and synthesis of novel chloramphenicol amine derivatives as potent aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) inhibitors

Herein we report a series of novel chloramphenicol amine derivatives as aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13 inhibitors. All compounds were synthesized starting from commercially available (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl) propane-1,3-diol. The preliminary biological screening showed that some compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity against APN. It should be noted that one compound, 13b (IC₅₀ = 7.1 μM), possess similar APN inhibitory activity compared with Bestatin (IC₅₀ = 3.0 μM).     

Mild and efficient synthesis of new tetraketones as lipoxygenase inhibitors and antioxidants

A mild and efficient route to tetraketones (2–22) has been developed by way of tetraethyl ammonium bromide (Et₄N⁺Br^? ) mediated condensation of dimedone (5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, 1) with a variety of aldehydes. All these compounds showed significant lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and moderate to strong antioxidant potential. Compounds 19 (IC₅₀ = 7.8 μM), 22 (IC₅₀ = 12.5 μM), 3 (IC₅₀ = 16.3 μM), 11 (IC₅₀ = 17.5 μM) and 8 (IC₅₀ = 21.3 μM) showed significant inhibitory potential against lipoxygenase (baicalein, IC₅₀ = 22.4 μM). On the other hand compound 19 (IC₅₀ = 33.6 μM) also showed strong antioxidant activity compared to the standard (IC₅₀ = 44.7 μM). This study is likely to lead to the discovery of therapeutically efficient agents against very important disorders including inflammation, asthma, cancer and autoimmune diseases.     

Synthesis of chiral pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides with tyrosinase and urease inhibitory activity

A new series of sulfonamide derivatives of pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine with chiral amino group has been synthesized and characterized. The compounds were tested for their tyrosinase and urease inhibitory activity. Evaluation of prepared derivatives demonstrated that compounds (8b) and (8j) are most potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors whereas all of the obtained compounds showed higher urease inhibitory activity than the standard thiourea. The compounds (8a), (8f) and (8i) exhibited excellent enzyme inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ 0.037, 0.044 and 0.042?μM, respectively, while IC₅₀ of thiourea is 20.9?μM.     

Quinazoline Based HSP90 Inhibitors: Synthesis,Modeling Study and ADME Calculations Towards Breast Cancer Targeting

A new 2-thioquinazolinones series was designed and synthesized as HSP90 inhibitors based on the structure of hit compound VII obtained by virtual screening approach. Their in vitro anti-proliferative activity was evaluated against three human cancer cell lines rich in HSP90 namely; colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116), and cervical carcinoma (Hela), breast carcinoma (MCF-7). Compounds 5a, 5d, 5e and 9h showed a significant broad spectrum anti-proliferative activity against all tested cell lines. They were characterized by potent effect against breast cancer in particular with IC₅₀ of 11.73, 8.56, 7.35 and 9.48 μM, respectively against Doxorubicin (IC₅₀ 4.17 μM). HSP90 ATPase activity inhibition assay were conducted where compound 5d exhibited the best IC₅₀ with 1.58 μM compared to Tanespimycin (IC₅₀ = 2.17 μM). Compounds 5a and 9h showed higher IC₅₀ values of 3.21 and 3.41 μM, respectively. The effects of 5a, 5d and 9h on Her2 (a client proteins of HSP90) and HSP70 were evaluated in MCF-7 cells. All tested compounds were found to reduce Her2 protein expression levels and induce Hsp70 protein expression levels significantly, emphasizing that antibreast cancer effect is a consequence of HSP90 chaperone inhibition. Cell cycle analysis of MCF-7 cells treated with 5d showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase 38.89% and pro-apoptotic activity as indicated by annexin V-FITC staining by 22.42%. Molecular docking studies suggested mode of interaction to HSP90 via hydrogen bonding. ADME properties prediction of the active compounds suggested that they could be used as orally absorbed anticancer drug candidates.     

Design,Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Benzo[b]thiophene Derivatives as Serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) Inhibitors

Serotonin N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) is the penultimate enzyme in melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine) biosynthesis. It is the key-enzyme responsible of the nocturnal rhythm of melatonin production in the pineal gland. Specific AANAT inhibitors could be useful for treatment of different physiopathological disorders encountered in diseases such as seasonal affective disorders or obesity. On the basis of previous works and 3D-QSAR studies carried out in our laboratory, we have synthesized and evaluated four novel benzo[b]thiophene derivatives designed as AANAT inhibitors. Compound 13 exhibited high inhibitory activity (IC₅₀=1.4?μM) and low affinities for both MT1 (1100?nM) and MT2 (1400?nM) receptors.     

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase by geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase are important targets to treat obesity and diabetes, due to their deep correlation with insulin and leptin signalling, and glucose regulation. The methanol extract of Paulownia tomentosa fruits showed potent inhibition against both enzymes. Purification of this extract led to eight geranylated flavonoids (1–8) displaying dual inhibition of PTP1B and α-glucosidase. The isolated compounds were identified as flavanones (1–5) and dihydroflavonols (6–8). Inhibitory potencies of these compounds varied accordingly, but most of the compounds were highly effective against PTP1B (IC₅₀?=?1.9–8.2?μM) than α-glucosidase (IC₅₀?=?2.2–78.9?μM). Mimulone (1) was the most effective against PTP1B with IC₅₀?=?1.9?μM, whereas 6-geranyl-3,3′,5,5′,7-pentahydroxy-4′-methoxyflavane (8) displayed potent inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀?=?2.2?μM). All inhibitors showed mixed type Ι inhibition toward PTP1B, and were noncompetitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. This mixed type behavior against PTP1B was fully demonstrated by showing a decrease in V_max, an increase of K_m, and K_ik/K_iv ratio ranging between 2.66 and 3.69.     

2- and 3-[(Aryl)(azolyl)methyl]indoles as Potential Non-steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors

The present study was designed to follow our pharmacomodulation work in the field of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. All target compounds 12a–h and 28a–h were tested in vitro for human placental aromatase inhibition, using testosterone or androstenedione as the substrate for the aromatase enzyme and the IC₅₀ and relative potency to aminoglutethimide data are included. A SAR study indicated that 3-[(4-fluorophenyl)(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-1-ethyl-2-methyl-1H-indole (28?g) was a highly potent and selective aromatase inhibitor with IC₅₀ value of 0.025?μM. 28?g was also a weak inhibitor of androstenedione synthesis.     

Synthesis and anticholinesterase activities of novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole based compounds

In the present study, new (1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol based compounds have been synthesized and their potential anticholinesterases properties have been investigated using the modified of Ellman’s spectrophotometric method. The compounds were obtained by the reaction of hydrazides or thiosemicarbazides with aryl-modified sulfinylbis[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methanethione]s. Their chemical structures were elucidated by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and EI-MS spectral data and elemental analyses. Most of the compounds acted as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors in vitro, with IC₅₀ values ranging from >500 to 0.053 μM and from >500 to 0.105 μM, respectively. The most potent compound 9 (IC₅₀ = 0.053 μM) proved to be selective toward AChE, exhibiting selectivity ratios versus BuChE of ca. 950. The kinetic studies showed that it is a mixed-type of AChE inhibitor. Another compound (2) was active against both enzymes with IC₅₀ values in the low nM range. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the compounds under consideration were discussed.     

Design,synthesis, and biological evaluation of resveratrol analogues as aromatase and quinone reductase 2 inhibitors for chemoprevention of cancer

A series of new resveratrol analogues were designed and synthesized and their inhibitory activities against aromatase were evaluated. The crystal structure of human aromatase (PDB 3eqm) was used to rationalize the mechanism of action of the aromatase inhibitor 32 (IC₅₀ 0.59 μM) through docking, molecular mechanics energy minimization, and computer graphics molecular modeling, and the information was utilized to design several very potent inhibitors, including compounds 82 (IC₅₀ 70 nM) and 84 (IC₅₀ 36 nM). The aromatase inhibitory activities of these compounds are much more potent than that for the lead compound resveratrol, which has an IC₅₀ of 80 μM. In addition to aromatase inhibitory activity, compounds 32 and 44 also displayed potent QR2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1.7 μM and 0.27 μM, respectively) and the high-resolution X-ray structures of QR2 in complex with these two compounds provide insight into their mechanism of QR2 inhibition. The aromatase and quinone reductase inhibitors resulting from these studies have potential value in the treatment and prevention of cancer.     

The insight of in vitro and in silico studies on cholinesterase inhibitors from the roots of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim.

Cholinesterases (ChEs) are enzymes that break down neurotransmitters associated with cognitive function and memory. We isolated cinnamic acids (1 and 2), indolinones (3 and 4), and cycloartane triterpenoid derivatives (5–19) from the roots of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. by chromatography. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity toward ChEs. Compound 1 was determined to have an IC₅₀ value of 16.7?±?1.9?μM, and to act as a competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Compounds 3, 4 and 14 were found to be noncompetitive with IC₅₀ values of 13.8?±?1.5 and 6.5?±?2.5?μM, and competitive with an IC₅₀ value of 22.6?±?0.4?μM, respectively, against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Our molecular simulation suggested each key amino acid, Tyr337 of AChE and Asn228 of BuChE, which were corresponded with potential inhibitors 1, and 3 and 4, respectively. Compounds 1 and 4 were revealed to be promising compounds for inhibition of AChEs and BuChEs, respectively.     

Structure-activity study on a series of α-glutamic acid scaffold based compounds as new ADAMTS inhibitors

A series of α-glutamic acid scaffold based 4-(benzamido)-4-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) butanoic acids were designed and synthesized as new ADAMTS inhibitors. The compounds dose-dependently inhibited the enzymatic activities of ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5. One of the most active compound 2h potently inhibited ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 with IC₅₀ values of 1.2 and 0.8 μM, respectively. These inhibitors may serve as new lead compounds for further development of therapeutics to treat osteoarthritis.