1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives as a Novel Deoxyribonuclease I Inhibitors

Herein we report an assessment of 24 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives for potential DNase I (deoxyribonuclease I) inhibitory properties in vitro. Four of them inhibited DNase I with IC₅₀ values below 200 μM. The most potent was 1-(6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl)propan-2-one ( 2 ) (IC₅₀=134.35±11.38 μM) exhibiting slightly better IC₅₀ value compared to three other active compounds, 2-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one ( 15 ) (IC₅₀=147.51±14.87 μM), 2-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl]cyclohexan-1-one ( 18 ) (IC₅₀=149.07±2.98 μM) and 2-[6,7-dimethoxy-2-(p-tolyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl]cyclohexan-1-one ( 22 ) (IC₅₀=148.31±2.96 μM). Cytotoxicity assessment of the active DNase I inhibitors revealed a lack of toxic effects on the healthy cell lines MRC-5. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that interactions with Glu 39, His 134, Asn 170, Tyr 211, Asp 251 and His 252 are an important factor for inhibitors affinity toward the DNase I. Observed interactions would be beneficial for the discovery of new active 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-based inhibitors of DNase I, but might also encourage researchers to further explore and utilize potential therapeutic application of DNase I inhibitors, based on a versatile role of DNase I during apoptotic cell death.     

Deoxyribonuclease I Inhibitory Properties,Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of 1-(Pyrrolidin-2-yl)propan-2-one Derivatives

Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) inhibitory properties of two 1-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)propan-2-one derivatives were examined in vitro. Determined IC₅₀ values of 1-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl]propan-2-one ( 1 ) (192.13±16.95 μM) and 1-[1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl]propan-2-one ( 2 ) (132.62±9.92 μM) exceed IC₅₀ value of crystal violet, used as a positive control, 1.89- and 2.73-times, respectively. Compounds are predicted to be nontoxic and to have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, with high gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that interactions with Glu 39, Glu 78, Arg 111, Pro 137, Asp 251 and His 252 are an important factor for inhibitors affinity toward the DNase I. Determined inhibitory properties along with predicted ADMET profiles and observed interactions would be beneficial for the discovery of new active 1-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)propan-2-one-based inhibitors of DNase I.     

Synthesis and DNase I inhibitory properties of some 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines

A series of six novel and six known thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amines 2–13 were synthesized, and further were used as a starting material for preparation of a small series of eight novel thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-phthalimides 14–21. Eight compounds, five amine and three phthalimide derivatives, inhibited bovine pancreatic DNase I with an IC₅₀ below 200 µM, being more effective than referent inhibitor crystal violet. Phthalimide derivatives 16, 18 and 19 exhibited higher DNase I inhibitory activity compared to their amine precursors 7, 10 and 11. Compound 19, as the most potent (IC₅₀ = 106 ± 16 µM), offers a good starting point for a design of new DNase I inhibitors. The Pharma RQSAR model showed a significant enhancement of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines activity using aryl substituents at R1 position. The E-State RQSAR model clarified the most important structural fragments relevant for DNase I inhibition. Molecular docking and Site Finder module defined the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines interactions with the most important catalytic residues of DNase I, including Glu 39, His 134, Asp 168 and His 252. We also found that steric effects and increase of molecular volume play a vital role in DNase I inhibition.     

(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)methanone and its derivatives as carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes inhibitors

In this study, we have synthesised (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)methanone and a series of its derivatives (5, 13–16) and tested the ability of these compounds to inhibit two metalloenzyme human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes, hCA I and hCA II. The synthesised compounds showed inhibitory effect on hCA I and hCA II isozymes. The results showed that synthesised compounds (5, 13–16) demonstrated the best inhibition activity against hCA I (IC₅₀: 3.22–54.28 μM) and hCA II (IC₅₀: 18.52–142.01 μM). The compound 14 showed the highest inhibiton effect against hCA I (IC₅₀: 3.22 μM; K_i: 1.19?±?1.4 μM). On the other hand, the compound 13 showed the highest inhibiton effect against hCA II (IC₅₀: 18.52 μM; K_i: 3.25?±?1.13 μM).     

A new entry into the portfolio of α-glucosidase inhibitors as potent therapeutics for type 2 diabetes: Design,bioevaluation and one-pot multi-component synthesis of diamine-bridged coumarinyl oxadiazole conjugates

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic multifarious metabolic disorder resulting from impaired glucose homeostasis has become one of the most challenging diseases with severe life threat to public health. The inhibition of α-glucosidase, a key carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme, could serve as one of the effective methodology in both preventing and treating diabetes through controlling the postprandial glucose levels and suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia. In this context, three series of diamine-bridged bis-coumarinyl oxadiazole conjugates were designed and synthesized by one-pot multi-component methodology. The synthesized conjugates (4a–j, 5a–j, 6a–j) were evaluated as potential inhibitors of glucosidases. Compound 6f containing 4,4′-oxydianiline linker was identified as the lead and selective inhibitor of α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC₅₀ value of 0.07 ± 0.001 μM (acarbose: IC₅₀ = 38.2 ± 0.12 μM). This inhibition efficacy was ∼545-fold higher compared to the standard drug. Compound 6f was also emerged as the lead molecule against intestinal maltase-glucoamylase with good inhibition strength (IC₅₀ = 0.04 ± 0.02 μM) compared to acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.06 ± 0.01 μM). Against β-glucosidase enzyme, compound 6 g was noted as the lead inhibitor with IC₅₀ value of 0.08 ± 0.002 μM. Michaelis–Menten kinetic experiments were performed to explore the mechanism of inhibition. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized library of hybrid structures against glucosidase enzyme were performed to describe ligand-protein interactions at molecular level that provided an insight into the biological properties of the analyzed compounds. The results suggested that the inhibitors could be stabilized in the active site through the formation of multiple interactions with catalytic residues in a cooperative fashion. In addition, strong binding interactions of the compounds with the amino acid residues were effective for the successful identification of α-glucosidase inhibitors.     

Rutin as Deoxyribonuclease I Inhibitor

DNase I inhibitory potential of water extract of nine Hypericum species (H. umbellatum, H. barbatum, H. rumeliacum, H. rochelii, H. perforatum, H. tetrapterum, H. olympicum, H. hirsutum, H. linarioides) and the most important Hypericum secondary metabolites (hypericin, hyperforin, quercetin, and rutin) was investigated. All examined Hypericum extracts inhibited DNase I with IC₅₀ below 800 μg/ml, whereby H. perforatum was the most potent (IC₅₀=391.26±68.40 μg/ml). Among the investigated Hypericum secondary metabolites, rutin inhibited bovine pancreatic DNase I in a non‐competitive manner with IC₅₀ value of 108.90±9.73 μm . DNase I inhibitory ability of rutin was further confirmed on DNase I in rat liver homogenate (IC₅₀=137.17±16.65 μm ). Due to the involvement of DNase I in apoptotic processes the results of this study indicate the importance of frequent rutin and H. perforatum consumption in daily human nutrition. Rutin is a dietary component that can contribute to male infertility prevention by showing dual mechanism of sperm DNA protection, DNase I inhibition and antioxidant activity.     

Sulfonyl hydrazones derived from 3-formylchromone as non-selective inhibitors of MAO-A and MAO-B: Synthesis,molecular modelling and in-silico ADME evaluation

A series of sulfonyl hydrazones derived from 3-formylchromone was synthesized and discovered to be effective, non-selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B). The compounds are easily (synthetically) accessible in high yields, by simple condensation of 4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide with different (un)substituted 3-formylchromones. All compounds had IC₅₀ values in lower micro-molar range (IC₅₀ = 0.33–7.14 μM for MAO-A, and 1.12–3.56 μM for MAO-B). The most active MAO-B inhibitor was N′-[(E)-(6-fluoro-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylidene]-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide (3e) with IC₅₀ value of 1.12 ± 0.02 μM, and N′-[(E)-(6-chloro-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylidene]-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide (3f) was the most active MAO-A inhibitor with IC₅₀ value of 0.33 ± 0.01 μM. From enzyme kinetic studies, the mode of inhibition against MAO-B was found to be competitive, whereas against MAO-A, it was found to be non-competitive. Molecular docking studies indicated a new binding pocket for non-competitive MAO-A inhibitors. The activity of these compounds is optimally combined with highly favorable ADME profile with predicted good oral bioavailability.     

Discovery,molecular dynamic simulation and biological evaluation of structurally diverse cholinesterase inhibitors with new scaffold through shape-based pharmacophore virtual screening

Designing small molecule inhibitors targeting cholinesterases (ChEs) is considered as an efficient strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer′s disease (AD). In the present study, based on a shaped-based pharmacophore (SBP) model that we reported previously, virtual screening was performed on four commercial compound databases, from which eight small molecules containing new structurally scaffolds were retained and evaluated. In general, six of these potential hits were identified to be selective ChEs inhibitors. Three compounds exhibited IC₅₀ values and K_i values in micromolar range on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the most active compound 4 showed IC₅₀ value of 6.31 ± 2.68 μM and K_i value of 4.76 μM. Other three compounds displayed IC₅₀ values and K_i values in micromolar range on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with high target selectivity, the most active compound 1 showed IC₅₀ value of 3.87 ± 2.48 μM and K_i value of 1.52 μM. Multiple biological evaluations were performed to determine their cytotoxicity, cyto-protective effects, antioxidant effect as well as druglike properties. These compounds provide new cores for the further design and optimization, with the aim to discover new ChEs inhibitors for the treatment of AD.     

New Anthranilic Acid Hydrazones as Fenamate Isosteres: Synthesis,Characterization, Molecular Docking,Dynamics & in Silico ADME,in Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activity Studies

In this study, twenty new anthranilic acid hydrazones 6 – 9 ( a – e ) were synthesized and their structures were characterized by Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H-NMR – ¹³C-NMR), and High-resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HR-MS). The inhibitory effects of the compounds against COX-II were evaluated. IC₅₀ values of the compounds were found in the range of >200–0.32 μM and compounds 6e , 8d , 8e , 9b , 9c , and 9e were determined to be the most effective inhibitors. Cytotoxic effects of the most potent compounds were investigated against human hepatoblastoma (Hep-G2) and human healthy embryonic kidney (Hek-293) cell lines. Doxorubicin (IC₅₀: 8.68±0.16 μM for Hep-G2, 55.29±0.56 μM for Hek-293) was used as standard. 8e is the most active compound, with low IC₅₀ against Hep-G2 (4.80±0.04 μM), high against Hek-293 (159.30±3.12), and high selectivity (33.15). Finally, molecular docking and dynamics studies were performed to understand ligand-protein interactions between the most potent compounds and COX II, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and Transforming Growth Factor beta II (TGF-βII). The docking scores were calculated in the range of −10.609–−6.705 kcal/mol for COX-II, −8.652–−7.743 kcal/mol for EGFR, and −10.708–−8.596 kcal/mol for TGF-βII.     

2,5-Disubstituted thiadiazoles as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors; Synthesis,in vitro and in silico studies

Twenty-five thiadiazole derivatives 1–25 were synthesized from methyl 4-methoxybenzoate via hydrazide and thio-hydrazide intermediates, and evaluated for their potential against β-glucuronidase enzyme. Most of the compounds including 1 (IC₅₀ = 26.05 ± 0.60 μM), 2 (IC₅₀ = 42.53 ± 0.80 μM), 4 (IC₅₀ = 38.74 ± 0.70 μM), 5 (IC₅₀ = 9.30 ± 0.29 μM), 6 (IC₅₀ = 6.74 ± 0.26 μM), 7 (IC₅₀ = 18.40 ± 0.66 μM), and 15 (IC₅₀ = 18.10 ± 0.53 μM) exhibited superior activity potential than the standard d-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (IC₅₀ = 48.4 ± 1.25 μM). Molecular docking studies were conducted to correlate the in vitro results and to identify possible mode of interaction with enzyme active site.     

Profiling Auspicious Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Two Herbal Molecules: Hyperforin and Hyuganin C

Cholinergic therapy based on cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory drugs is the mainstay for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, an extensive research has been continuing for the discovery of drug candidates as inhibitors of acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase. In this study, two natural molecules, e. g. hyperforin and hyuganin C were tested in vitro for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. Both of the compounds were ineffective against AChE, whereas hyperforin (IC₅₀=141.60±3.39 μm ) and hyuganin C (IC₅₀=38.86±1.69 μm ) were found to be the highly active inhibitors of BChE as compared to galantamine (IC₅₀=46.58±0.91 μm ) which was used as the reference. Then, these molecules were further proceeded to molecular docking experiments in order to establish their interactions at the active site of BChE. The molecular docking results indicated that both of them are able to block the access to key residues in the catalytic triad of the enzyme, while they complement some of the hydrophobic residues of the cavity, what is consistent with our in vitro data. While both compounds were predicted as mutagenic, only hyuganin C showed hepatotoxicity in in silico analysis. According to whole outcomes that we obtained, particularly hyuganin C besides hyperforin are the promising BChE inhibitors, which can be the promising compounds for AD therapy.     

Tyrosinase inhibitory effects of Vinca major and its secondary metabolites: Enzyme kinetics and in silico inhibition model of the metabolites validated by pharmacophore modelling

In the present study, we aimed to identify the tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory potential of Vinca major L. extract and its secondary metabolites. The extract possessed remarkable tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ value of 20.39 ± 0.44 µg/mL compared to the positive control, kojic acid (IC₅₀ 8.56 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Compounds 1 and 5 were the most potent isolates with IC₅₀ values of 32.41 ± 0.99 and 31.34 ± 0.75 µM, they were more potent than kojic acid (IC₅₀: 60.25 ± 0.54 µM). Compound 2 also exhibited remarkable tyrosinase inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 64.51 ± 1.29 µM. An enzyme kinetics analysis revealed that 1 was a mixed-type, 2 and 5 were noncompetitive inhibitors. Using molecular docking, we predicted binding affinity and interactions of the compounds, which were in good alignment with a pharmacophore hypothesis generated out of a number of known tyrosinase inhibitors. The modelling studies underlined crucial interactions with the copper ions and residues around them such as Asn260, His263, and Met280.     

Synthesis,Antiproliferative Evaluation,and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Longifolene-Derived Tetraline Fused Thiazole-Amide Derivatives

Twenty novel longifolene-derived tetraline fused thiazole-amide compounds were synthesized from longifolene, a renewable natural resource. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of these compounds against SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines, MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, HepG2 human liver cancer cell lines, A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and T-24 human bladder cancer cell lines was tested by MTT assay. Compounds 6a – 6c displayed significant and broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity against almost the tested cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ in the range of 7.84 to 55.88 μM, of which compound 6c exhibited excellent antiproliferative activities with 7.84 μM IC₅₀ against SKOV-3, 13.68 μM IC₅₀ against HepG2, 15.69 μM IC₅₀ against A549, 19.13 μM IC₅₀ against MCF-7, and 22.05 μM IC₅₀ against T-24, showing better and broad-spectrum antiproliferative effect than that of the positive control 5-FU. Furthermore, the action model was analyzed by the molecular docking study. Some intriguing structure-activity relationships were found and discussed herein by DFT theoretical calculation.     

Phytoconstituents of Selaginella effusa Alston and Their α-Glucosidase as well as Urease Inhibitory Activities

Three new compounds ( 1 – 2 , 14 ), as well as 22 known compounds ( 3 – 13 , 15 – 25 ), were extracted for the first time from the Selaginella effusa Alston (S. effusa). For the unknown compounds, the planar configurations were determined via NMR and by high-resolution mass spectrometry, while their absolute configurations were determined by calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and the configuration of the stereogenic center of biflavones 4 – 5 were established for the first time. The pure compounds ( 1 – 25 ) were tested in vitro to determine the inhibitory activity of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Compounds 1 – 9 inhibited α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.30±0.02 to 4.65±0.04 μM and kinetic analysis of enzyme inhibition indicated that biflavones 1 – 3 were mixed-type α-glucosidase inhibitors. Compounds 12 – 13 showed excellent inhibitory activity against urease, with compound 12 (IC₅₀=4.38±0.31 μM) showing better inhibitory activity than the positive control drug AHA (IC₅₀13.52±0.61 μM). In addition, molecular docking techniques were used to simulate inhibitor-enzyme binding and to estimate the binding posture of the α-glucosidase and urease catalytic sites.     

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.     

Syntheses,in vitro urease inhibitory activities of urea and thiourea derivatives of tryptamine,their molecular docking and cytotoxic studies

Urease is an enzyme of amidohydrolase family and is responsible for the different pathological conditions in the human body including peptic ulcers, catheter encrustation, kidney stone formation, hepatic coma, encephalopathy, and many others. Therefore, the search for potent urease inhibitors has attracted major scientific attention in recent years. Urea and thiourea derivatives of tryptamine (1–25) were synthesized via reaction of tryptamine with different substituted phenyl isocyanates/isothiocyanates. The synthetic compounds were evaluated for their urease enzyme inhibitory activity and they exhibited good inhibitory potential against urease enzyme in the range of (IC₅₀ = 11.4 ± 0.4–24.2 ± 1.5 μM) as compared to the standard thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.2 ± 1.3 μM). Out of twenty-five compounds, fourteen were found to be more active than the standard. Limited structure-activity relationship suggested that the compounds with CH₃, and OCH₃ substituents at aryl part were the most potent derivatives. Compound 14 (IC₅₀ = 11.4 ± 0.4 μM) with a methyl substituent at ortho position was found to be the most active member of the series. Whereas, among halogen substituted derivatives, para substituted chloro compound 16 (IC₅₀ = 13.7 ± 0.9 μM) showed good urease inhibitory activity. These synthetic derivatives were found to be non-cytotoxic in cellular assay. Kinetic studies revealed that the compounds 11, 12, 14, 17, 21, 22, and 24 showed a non-competitive type of inhibition. In silico study identified the possible bindings interactions of potential inhibitors with the active site of enzyme. These newly identified inhibitors of urease enzyme can serve as leads for further research and development.     

Synthesis,and In Vitro and In Silico α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Studies of 5-Chloro-2-Aryl Benzo[d]thiazoles

Twenty-five derivatives of 5-chloro-2-aryl benzo[d]thiazole (1–25) were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase (S. cerevisiae EC 3.2.1.20) inhibitory activity in vitro. Among them eight compounds showed potent activity with IC₅₀ values between 22.1 ± 0.9 and 136.2 ± 5.7 μM, when compared with standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 840 ± 1.73 μM). The most potent compounds 4, 9, and 10 showed IC₅₀ values in the range of 22.1 ± 0.9 to 25.6 ± 1.5 μM. Compounds 2, 5, 11, and 19 showed IC₅₀ values within the range of 40.2 ± 0.5 to 60.9 ± 2.0 μM. Compounds 1 and 3 were also found to be good inhibitors with IC₅₀ values 136.2 ± 5.7 and 104.8 ± 9.9 μM, respectively. Their activities were compared with α-glucosidase inhibitor drug acarbose (standard) (IC₅₀ = 840 ± 1.73 μM). The remaining compounds were inactive. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) have also been established. Kinetics studies indicated compounds 2, 3, 10, 19, and 25 to be non-competitive, while 1, 5, 9, and 11 as competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase enzyme. All the active compounds (1–5, 9–11, and 19) were also found to be non-cytotoxic, in comparison to the standard drug i.e., doxorubicin (IC₅₀ = 0.80 ± 0.12 μM) in MTT assay. Furthermore, molecular interactions of active compounds with the enzyme binding sites were predicted through molecular modeling studies.     

Design,synthesis, biological evaluation of benzoyl amide derivatives containing nitrogen heterocyclic ring as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors

For the purpose of synthesizing drug candidates with desirable bioactivity, a class of benzoyl amide containing nitrogen heterocyclic ring derivatives targeting VEGFR-2 was designed and screened out using Discovery Studio. Eighteen target compounds were synthesized and then selected by some biological trials sequentially including inhibition of VEGFR-2, anti-proliferation in vitro, flow cytometry. Among them, compound 8h showed the best inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.34 ± 0.02 μM against VEGFR-2, IC₅₀ = 1.08 ± 0.06 μM and 2.44 ± 0.15 μM against MCF-7 and HepG-2, respectively, which were at the same inhibitory level with the commercially antitumor drug: vandetanib). In addition, flow cytometry demonstrated that compound 8h induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis through a cell membrane-mediated pathway. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of novel VEGFR-2 inhibitors in treating cancers and provides a promising strategy for drug discovery.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of purine-pyrazole hybrids incorporating thiazole,thiazolidinone or rhodanine moiety as 15-LOX inhibitors endowed with anticancer and antioxidant potential

Novel purine-pyrazole hybrids combining thiazoles, thiazolidinones and rhodanines, were designed and tested as 15-LOX inhibitors, potential anticancer and antioxidant agents. All tested compounds were found to be potent 15-LOX inhibitors with IC₅₀ ranging from 1.76 to 6.12 µM. The prepared compounds were evaluated in vitro against five cancer cell lines: A549 (lung), Caco-2 (colon), PC3 (prostate), MCF-7 (breast) and HepG-2 (liver). Compounds 7b and 8b displayed broad spectrum anticancer activity against the five tested cell lines (IC₅₀ = 18.5–95.39 µM). While, compound 7h demonstrated moderate anticancer activity against lung A549 and colon Caco-2 cell lines. Antioxidant screening revealed that six compounds (5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 7h and 8b) with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.93 to 14.43 µg/ml were found to be more potent scavengers of 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) than the reference ascorbic acid with IC₅₀ value of 15.34 µg/ml. Compounds 7b, 7h and 8b, when evaluated for their antioxidant activity, where found to be potent DPPH scavengers. Moreover, compound 7b displayed twice the potency of ascorbic acid as NO scavenger. Docking study was performed to elucidate the possible binding mode of the most active compounds with the active site of 15-LOX enzyme. Collectively, the purine-pyrazole hybrids having thiazoline or thizolidinone moieties (7b, 7h and 8b) constitute a promising scaffold in designing more potent 15-LOX inhibitors with anticancer and antioxidant potential.