Chromatographic procedures for the isolation of plant steroids.

In this review, we consider the general principles and specific methods for the purification of different classes of phytosteroids which have been isolated from plant sources: brassinosteroids, bufadienolides, cardenolides, cucurbitacins, ecdysteroids, steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, vertebrate-type steroids and withanolides. For each class we give a brief summary of the characteristic structural features, their distribution in the plant world and their biological effects and applications. Most classes are associated with one or a few plant families, e.g., the withanolides with the Solanaceae, but others, e.g., the saponins, are very widespread. Where a compound class has been extensively studied, a large number of analogues are present across a range of species. We discuss the general principles for the isolation of plant steroids. The predominant methods for isolation are solvent extraction/partition followed by column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography/HPLC.     

具有抗肿瘤活性甾体氮芥类化合物的研究进展

本文按照甾体的甾核结构对甾体氮芥化合物进行分类,综述了近年来新合成的甾体氮芥类化合物及其衍生物的抗肿瘤活性及研究进展,并对此方面的发展趋势和应用前景作了展望。     

Liquid ion exchangers in paper chromatography of steroidal glucosiduronic acids, glucosiduronic esters and free steroids. Influence of concentration of exchanger and counterion.

The chromatographic mobility of steroidal glucosiduronic acids on paper in chloroform-formamide increases as the concentration of ion exchanger in the chloroform phase increases; mobility decreases as the concentration of counterion in formamide increases. Mobility of glucosiduronic esters and of hydroxylated free steroids increases with an increase in concentration of exchanger; small changes in concentration of counterion in the stationary phase do not alter the migration of these nonionizable compounds. Data are presented which suggest that partition of the glucosiduronic acids between the two phases occurs predominantly by an ion-exchange process and that hydrogen bonding plays a secondary role. Partition of the glucosiduronic esters and hydroxylated free steroids appears to occur primarily by a hydrogen-bonding process.     

Calixarene-based sensing agents

The well-known selective receptor properties and ease of structural modification makes calixarene derivatives attractive materials for use in chemical sensors. This review looks at the history of sensor-related calixarene research prior to 1994 and identifies current trends in sensor research which are influencing the types of derivatives being synthesised and methods of evaluation, such as the increasing popularity of optical modes of transducing host-guest interaction. Future possibilities are briefly discussed and the need for more fundamental studies highlighted.This paper is dedicated to the commemorative issue on the 50th anniversary of calixarenes.     

Structural Modification for Antitumor Nitrogenous Steroids

Natural steroids have been showing notable cytotoxic activities, which are quite interesting lead compounds for the development of anticancer drug including estramustine and prednimustine. Considering that these semi-synthetic molecules are nitrogen mustard functionalized steroidal derivatives, the present review is focused on the methodologies of introducing nitrogen atom or nitrogen-containing heterocycles on A~D rings or side chains of steroids, and analysis of the structure-activity relationship(SAR) for these man-made cytotoxic steroids.     

Interaction behaviour of a PDMS–calixarene system and polar analytes characterised by microcalorimetry and spectroscopic methods

Spectroscopic techniques and microcalorimetry were applied to investigate a polymer–(polydimethylsiloxane; PDMS) calixarene system during interaction with propylamine and n-propanol as analyte molecules. This was done to understand the sensitivity and selectivity of this system. By these means the interesting binding site of the calixarene selector was identified and dependencies on specific properties of the polymer and the functional groups were determined. Reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS) was used to characterize the kinetics whereas isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) yielded thermodynamic data. Infrared (IR) and ¹H NMR spectroscopy allowed identification of the sensing process as an interaction between the selective group of the PDMS–calixarene system and the amino group of propylamine, and measurement of the effects on hydrogen bonds. The combination of the different spectroscopic methods and the microcalorimetric measurements broadened the understanding of this system, regarded as a model system. Thus, future tailoring of functional groups designed for improved and more selective analyte detection is possible.     

新型甾体缀合物的设计合成及活性研究*

甾体化合物是一类生物体中广泛存在并起重要功能的生物分子。其特殊结构使这类化合物具有亲脂性,膜亲合性以及与低密度脂蛋白的特异性结合等性能。利用这些特性设计合成各种药物分子的甾体缀合物,可增加药物分子的脂溶性,提高跨膜渗透能力,在特定组织中的分布以及甾体缀合物自身具有独特的生物活性,对探索新型生物活性分子具有重要意义。本文介绍了近年来在设计合成新型甾体缀合物领域的研究进展,包括甾体药物缀合物、含磷甾体缀合物、作为离子通道和分子载体的缀合物及甾体二聚缀合物等。     

Complexation of phenols by calix[4]arene Diethers in a low-permittivity solvent. Self-switched complexation by 25,27-Dibenzyloxycalix[4]arene

To improve the selectivity of sensing, the thermodynamics of the complex formation of some calix[4]arene hosts with neutral phenol guests was studied in carbon tetrachloride as nonpolar solvent. The molecular shape of calixarenes was varied by the selective functionalization with tBu and O-CH2-Ph (O-benzyl) or OPr groups at the upper and lower rim, respectively. To vary the electron density on the guest's aromatic rings, the parent phenol was functionalized in the para position with electron-withdrawing Cl, as well as H, and electron-releasing CH3 and tBu groups. To study the interaction between calixarene and the guests, PL and quantum-chemical methods were applied. The results revealed an overall 1:1 complex stoichiometry except for the parent dibenzyloxycalix[4]arene, where 1:2 host-guest stoichiometries were observed irrespective of the quality of phenol. In the latter case, the complex formation shows a self-switched character: the first phenol molecule is included in the calixarene cavity, and only afterward, a second guest molecule is bound by the two benzyloxy aromatics. Although the enthalpy change predicts strong interaction between the host and the guest, the Gibbs free energy change of the complex formation is small, resulting in a relatively low complex stability. The solvent-relaxation measurements support that the unexpected entropy change could be the consequence of the reorientation of solvent molecules around the calixarene building block. The reorientation is assisted by dispersive forces between solute and solvent molecules. IR and RAMAN analysis of the complexes exclude a considerable participation of the phenolic OH group in the stabilization of the complex. This result is in agreement with earlier findings where deterministic role of pi-pi interaction in the complex stability was assumed.     

Highlights on Steroidal Arylidene Derivatives as a Source of Pharmacologically Active Compounds: A Review

Steroids constitute a unique class of chemical compounds, playing an important role in physiopathological processes, and have high pharmacological interest. Additionally, steroids have been associated with a relatively low toxicity and high bioavailability. Nowadays, multiple steroidal derivatives are clinically available for the treatment of numerous diseases. Moreover, different structural modifications on their skeleton have been explored, aiming to develop compounds with new and improved pharmacological properties. Thus, steroidal arylidene derivatives emerged as a relevant example of these modifications. This family of compounds has been mainly described as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and aromatase inhibitors, as well as neuroprotective and anticancer agents. Besides, due to their straightforward preparation and intrinsic chemical reactivity, steroidal arylidene derivatives are important synthetic intermediates for the preparation of other compounds, particularly bearing heterocyclic systems. In fact, starting from arylidenesteroids, it was possible to develop bioactive steroidal pyrazolines, pyrazoles, pyrimidines, pyridines, spiro-pyrrolidines, amongst others. Most of these products have also been studied as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents, as well as 5α-reductase and aromatase inhibitors. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of steroidal arylidene derivatives described in the literature, highlighting their bioactivities and importance as synthetic intermediates for other pharmacologically active compounds.     

Application of liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for screening and quantitative analysis of C21 steroids in the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum paniculatum

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method is presented for the quantification of C21 steroids in the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum paniculatum. Eight C21 steroids, including five steroidal aglycones and three steroidal glycosides, were simultaneously analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The extracted ion current chromatograms were extracted from the total ion current chromatogram using characteristic ions produced by target compounds for peak determination. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 reversed-phase column within 60 min, using an acetonitrile/water gradient. For comparision, six C. paniculatum samples from different locations were investigated by the established method, and the results indicated that the different geographical origin significantly influenced the C21 steroid composition. The method was observed to have the necessary sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy, and to be suitable for quality control of herbal medicines and their preparations.     

Tubular conjugated polymer for chemosensory applications

In this paper, we present the concept of a soluble tubular conjugated polymer (TCP). We report on a fluorescent 5,5'-Bicalixarene-based polymer where the calixarene units are seamlessly incorporated in the conjugated polymeric chain that can respond to a small molecule complexation inside the hydrophobic cavity. In particular, our system demonstrated a reversible rapid fluorescence quenching upon interaction of gaseous nitric oxide with the calixarene moiety.     

Preparation and characterization of six calixarene bonded stationary phases for high performance liquid chromatography

Six calixarene bonded silica gel stationary phases were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Their chromatographic performance was investigated by using PAHs, aromatic positional isomers and E- and Z-ethyl 3-(4-acetylphenyl) acrylate isomers as probes. Separation mechanism based on the different interactions between calixarenes and analytes were discussed. The chromatographic behaviors of those analytes on the calixarene columns were influenced by the supramolecular interaction including pi-pi interaction, space steric hindrance and hydrogen bonding interaction between calixarenes and analytes. Notably, the presence of polar groups (-OH, -NO(2) and -NH(2)) in the aromatic isomers could improve their separation selectivity on calixarene phase columns. The results from quantum chemistry calculation using DFT-B3LYP/STO-3G* base group were consistent with the retention behaviors of PHAs on calix[4]arene column.     

Modified steroids: Pb(OAc)4 mediated one-pot multistage transformations of steroidal unsaturated 1,2-diols

Lead tetraacetate treatment of steroidal 1,2-unsaturated diols provided a convenient route to molecules possessing functionalities that are appropriate for the synthesis of a great variety of skeleton modified steroids, such as A-nor or A-nor-B-homosteroids, which could present interesting biological activities.     

分子内环加成的甾体全合成

近年来,分子内环加成反应已广泛用于甾体化合物全合成,其主要一步是由取代的苯并环丁烯热裂而成的5,6-二亚甲基-1,3-环己二烯发生区域专一和立体选择性的环加成反应,构成甾体骨架。现在用此法已合成了一系列消旋和光学活性的甾体化合物。     

Development of three end-capped para-benzoyl calix[4,6, or 8]arene bonded stationary phases for HPLC

Three end-capped para-benzoyl calixarene bonded silica gel stationary phases are prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The comparison and selectivity of these phases are investigated by using PAHs, disubstituted benezene, and naphthalene positional isomers as probes. Possible separation mechanism based on the different interactions between calixarenes and analytes are discussed. The results indicate that the separation for those analytes are influenced by the supramolecular interaction including π-π interaction, π-electron transfer interactions, space steric hindrance, and hydrogen bonding interaction on the calixarene columns. Importantly, the aromatic probes with polar groups such as -OH, -NO(2), and -NH(2) could regulate the selectivity of calixarene-bonded stationary phases.     

Receptors for organochlorine pesticides based on calixarenes

The water soluble 4-sulfocalix[n]arenes (with n?=?4,6,8) have been investigated as potential synthetic receptors for cyclodiene organochlorine pesticides. Steady state fluorescence experiments in ethanol solution have shown that only the cavitands with n equal to 6 and 8 form complexes, of comparable stability, with heptachlor. Electrochemical data, obtained in water solution, confirmed the ability of 4-sulfocalix[6]arene to bind the heptachlor, unlike the smaller calixarene. Moreover, a significant increase in the stability constant is observed in water solutions. This stability is caused by the sterical hindrance of pesticides with respect to the cavity dimension of the calixarene. This results in a selective interaction of this molecule with other organochlorine pesticides. Binding experiments, carried out with endosulfan have shown that, despite of chemical similarity, 4-sulfocalix[6]arene and 4-sulfocalix[8]arene behave in a very different way: the former is unable to bind this pesticide, while the latter shows a binding constant of 4.7?×?10⁵ with endosulfan. To investigate the molecular features of the interactions, molecular dynamic simulations of 4-sulfocalix[6]arene in presence of heptachlor in water solution have been performed. These simulations show that different configurations of heptachlor inside the calixarene cavity are equally populated and easily interconverting, suggesting that a non specific hydrophobic interaction plays a key role in the complex stability. These studies have permitted to individuate versatile synthetic receptors for organochlorine pesticides.     

Convenient method for the functionalization of the 4- and 6-positions of the androgen skeleton

The preparation and reactivity of steroidal vinyldiazo compounds is reported, providing a convenient, substituent tolerant, chemo- and stereoselective entry into 4- and 6-substituted androgen analogues from a common precursor. Under dirhodium catalysis, O-H insertion occurs at the carbenoid site, leading to 4-substituted steroids, but under silver catalysis, O-H insertion occurs at the vinylogous position, leading to 6-substituted steroids.     

具有生物活性氮杂甾体化合物的研究进展

本文概述了近年来新合成的氮杂甾体类化合物的生物活性及研究进展,并对此方面的发展趋势、应用前景做了展望.     

Molybdocalixarene structure control via rim deprotonation. synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of calix[4]arene Mo(VI) monooxo complexes and calix[4]arene alkali metal/Mo(VI) dioxo complexes

We report a series of calix[4]arene Mo(VI) dioxo complexes M2RC4MoO2 (M = alkali metal, R = H or Bu(t)) that were fully characterized by NMR, X-ray, IR, UV/vis, and elemental analysis. Molybdocalix[4]arene structures can be controlled via lower rim deprotonation, groups at para positions of calix[4]arene, and alkali metal counterions. Mono deprotonation at the lower rim leads to calix[4]arene Mo(VI) monooxo complexes RC4MoO (R = H, Bu(t), or allyl), and full deprotonation gives rise to calix[4]arene Mo(VI) dioxo complexes. Structural studies indicate that HC4 Mo(VI) dioxo complexes easily form polymeric structures via cation-pi interaction and coordination between different calixarene units. However, Bu(t)C4 Mo(VI) dioxo complexes tend to form dimers or tetramers due to steric hindrance of the tert-butyl groups at para positions in calixarene. The structures of the reduced side products A and C were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The mechanism of RC4MoO formation from the reaction of calixarene monoanions with MoO2Cl2 appears to include the addition of a calixarene -OH group across a Mo=O bond.