Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization and Diels–Alder Reaction of 1,4,9‐Dienyne Esters to 3 a,6‐Methanoisoindole Esters with Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokine Antagonist Activity

A synthetic method to prepare 3a,6‐methanoisoindole esters efficiently by gold(I)‐catalyzed tandem 1,2‐acyloxy migration/Nazarov cyclization followed by Diels–Alder reaction of 1,4,9‐dienyne esters is described. We also report the ability of one example to inhibit binding of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) site and TNF‐α‐induced nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation in cell at a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 6.6 μM . Along with this is a study showing the isoindolyl derivative to exhibit low toxicity toward human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells and its possible mode of activity based on molecular modeling analysis.     

6,7‐Dimethoxy‐quinazolin‐4‐yl‐amino‐thiophene‐2‐carboxamides as Potent Inhibitors of VEGF Receptors 1 and 2

The identification of agents with antiproliferative activity against endothelial cells has significant value for the treatment of many angiogenesis‐dependent pathologies. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors have been implicated as key factors in tumor angiogenesis and are major targets in cancer therapy. A series of novel 6,7‐dimethoxy‐quinazolin‐4‐yl‐amino‐thiophene‐2‐carboxamides were synthesized and evaluated as antagonists of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2. More specifically, several analogues exhibited low micromolar to nanomolar potency in the inhibition of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2. The most potent compound in this series, compound 7b , was found to be a potent inhibitor of VEGFR‐2 in a homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence enzymatic assay with an IC₅₀ as low as 87 nm.     

Discovery of Cell‐Permeable Inhibitors That Target the BRCT Domain of BRCA1 Protein by Using a Small‐Molecule Microarray

BRCTs are phosphoserine‐binding domains found in proteins involved in DNA repair, DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation. BRCA1 is a BRCT domain‐containing, tumor‐suppressing protein expressed in the cells of breast and other human tissues. Mutations in BRCA1 have been found in ca. 50 % of hereditary breast cancers. Cell‐permeable, small‐molecule BRCA1 inhibitors are promising anticancer agents, but are not available currently. Herein, with the assist of microarray‐based platforms, we have discovered the first cell‐permeable protein–protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors against BRCA1. By targeting the (BRCT)₂ domain, we showed compound 15 a and its prodrug 15 b inhibited BRCA1 activities in tumor cells, sensitized these cells to ionizing radiation‐induced apoptosis, and showed synergistic inhibitory effect when used in combination with Olaparib (a small‐molecule inhibitor of poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase) and Etoposide (a small‐molecule inhibitor of topoisomerase II). Unlike previously reported peptide‐based PPI inhibitors of BRCA1, our compounds are small‐molecule‐like and could be directly administered to tumor cells, thus making them useful for future studies of BRCA1/PARP‐related pathways in DNA damage and repair response, and in cancer therapy.     

6,7‐Dimethoxy‐Quinazolin‐4‐yl‐Amino‐Nicotinamide Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of VEGF Receptor II

The sprouting of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is necessary for any solid tumor to grow large enough to cause life‐threatening disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key promoters of tumor‐induced angiogenesis. Inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway has emerged as one of the most promising new approaches for cancer therapy. A series of 6,7‐dimethoxy‐quinazolin‐4‐yl‐amino‐nicotinamides were synthesized and evaluated as antagonists of VEGF receptor II (VEGFR‐2). Many compounds display VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity, and compound 7a was found to be a potent inhibitor of VEGFR‐2 in an homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence enzymatic assay with an IC₅₀ as low as 48 nM (comparable activity to ZD‐6474).     

Separation of acteoside and linarin from Buddlejae Flos by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography and their anti‐inflammatory activities

Buddleja officinalis Maxim., a deciduous, flowering shrub, is used as a traditional Chinese medicine; the bioactivity of B. officinalis is primarily due to flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides. In the study, acteoside and linarin were successfully isolated from B. officinalis by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with a two‐phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate: n‐butanol: water (5:0.8:5, v/v/v). The purities of acteoside and linarin were determined to be 97.3 and 98.2%, respectively, using one‐step high‐speed countercurrent chromatography separation. The chemical structures of the two compounds were identified by electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. After separation, the anti‐inflammatory effects of the two compounds were evaluated using lipopolysaccharide‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Acteoside and linarin inhibited the expression of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β, which demonstrated that acteoside and linarin possessed anti‐inflammatory activity.     

N‐phosphorylated 3,5‐bis(arylidene)4‐piperidones: Synthesis,X‐ray structure,and evaluation of antitumor activity

In a search for cytotoxic fluorescent materials, a series of N‐phosphorylated compounds 2a–c were prepared by phosphorylation of 3,5‐bis(4‐N,N‐dimethylbenzylidene)‐4‐piperidone 1 . According to X‐ray investigations, molecule 2a is E,E‐isomer with axial position of the P(O)(OCH₂CF₃)₂ substituent. Fluorescence of compounds 2a–c was found to be similar to fluorescence of nonphosphorylated compound 1 . The cytotoxicity of the compounds 2a–c was estimated on several human tumor cell lines (H9, K562, and MCF7). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:497–502, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20147     

A Macrocyclic Ruthenium(III) Complex Inhibits Angiogenesis with Down‐Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 and Suppresses Tumor Growth In Vivo

A macrocyclic ruthenium(III) complex [Ru^III(N₂O₂)Cl₂]Cl ( Ru‐1 ) is reported as an inhibitor of angiogenesis and an anti‐tumor compound. The complex is relatively non‐cytotoxic towards endothelial and cancer cell lines in vitro, but specifically inhibited the processes of angiogenic endothelial cell tube formation and cancer cell invasion. Moreover, compared with known anti‐cancer ruthenium complexes, Ru‐1 is distinct in that it suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2), and the associated downstream signaling that is crucial to tumor angiogenesis. In addition, in vivo studies showed that Ru‐1 inhibited angiogenesis in a zebrafish model and suppressed tumor growth in nude mice bearing cancer xenografts.     

Synthesis,Supramolecular Behavior,and In Vitro Photodynamic Activities of Novel Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines “Side‐strapped” with Crown Ether Bridges

Two new tetra‐ or di‐α‐substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines 5 and 6 have been prepared through a “side‐strapped” method. In the molecules, the adjacent benzene rings of the phthalocyanine core are linked at α‐position through a triethylene glycol bridge to form a hybrid aza‐/oxa‐crown ether. The tetra‐α‐substituted phthalocyanine 5 shows an eclipsed self‐assembly property in CH₂Cl₂ and the effect on the di‐α‐substituted analogue 6 is significantly weakened. Furthermore, the crown ethers of these compounds can selectively complex with Fe³⁺ or Cu²⁺ ion in DMF, leading to formation of J‐aggregated nano‐assemblies, which can be disaggregated in the presence of some organic or inorganic ligands, such as triethylamine, tetramethylethylenediamine, CH₃COO^?, or OH^?. In addition, both compounds are efficient singlet oxygen generators with the singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ_Δ) of 0.54‐0.74 in DMF relative to unsubstituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Φ_Δ=0.56). They exhibit photodynamic activities toward HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells, but the compound 6 , which has more than 40‐fold lower IC₅₀ value (0.08 μM ) compared to the analogue 5 (IC₅₀=3.31 μM ), shows remarkablely higher in vitro photocytotoxicity due to its significantly higher cellular uptake and singlet oxygen generation efficiency. The results suggest that these compounds can serve as promising multifunctional materials both in (opto)electronic field and photodynamic therapy.     

The first N‐terminal unprotected (Gly‐Aib)n peptide: H‐Gly‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐OtBu

Glycine (Gly) is incorporated in roughly half of all known peptaibiotic (nonribosomally biosynthesized antibiotic peptides of fungal origin) sequences and is the residue with the greatest conformational flexibility. The conformational space of Aib (α‐aminoisobutyric acid) is severely restricted by the second methyl group attached to the C_α atom. Most of the crystal structures containing Aib are N‐terminal protected. Deprotection of the N‐ or C‐terminus of peptides may alter the hydrogen‐bonding scheme and/or the structure and may facilitate crystallization. The structure reported here for glycyl‐α‐aminoisobutyrylglycyl‐α‐aminoisobutyric acid tert‐butyl ester, C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₅, describes the first N‐terminal‐unprotected (Gly‐Aib)_n peptide. The achiral peptide could form an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C=O group of Gly1 and the N—H group of Aib4. This hydrogen bond is found in all tetrapeptides and N‐terminal‐protected tripeptides containing Aib, apart from one exception. In the present work, this hydrogen bond is not observed (N...O = 5.88 Å). Instead, every molecule is hydrogen bonded to six other symmetry‐related molecules with a total of eight hydrogen bonds per molecule. The backbone conformation starts in the right‐handed helical region (and the left‐handed helical region for the inverted molecule) and reverses the screw sense in the last two residues.     

Selenadiazole Derivatives Inhibit Angiogenesis‐Mediated Human Breast Tumor Growth by Suppressing the VEGFR2‐Mediated ERK and AKT Signaling Pathways

Selenadiazole derivatives (SeDs) have been found to show promise in chemo‐/radiotherapy applications by activating various downstream signaling pathways. However, the functional role of SeDs on angiogenesis, which is pivotal for tumor progression and metastasis, has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we have examined the antiangiogenic activities of SeDs and elucidated their underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the as‐synthesized SeDs not only enhanced their anticancer activities against several human cancer cells but also showed more potent inhibition on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The in vitro results suggested that SeDs, especially 1 a , dose‐dependently inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced cell migration, invasion, and capillary‐like structure formation of HUVECs. Compound 1 a also significantly suppressed VEGF‐induced angiogenesis in a Matrigel plug assay as part of a C57/BL6 mice assay by means of down regulation of VEGF. Furthermore, we found that 1 a significantly inhibited MCF‐7 human breast tumor growth in nude mice without severe systematic cytotoxicity. Compound 1 a was more effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and induced a much more pronounced apoptosis effect in endothelial cells than MCF‐7 cells, which implies that endothelial cells might be the primary target of 1 a . Further mechanistic studies on tumor growth inhibition effects and neovessel formation suppression demonstrated that 1 a inhibited cell viability of MCF‐7 and HUVECs by induction of cell apoptosis, accompanied by poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage and caspase activation. Additionally, the 1 a ‐induced antiangiogenesis effect was achieved by abolishing the VEGF‐VEGFR2‐ERK/AKT (ERK=extracellular signal–regulated kinases; AKT=protein kinease B) signal axis and enhanced the apoptosis effect by triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated DNA damage. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate the antiangiogenic potency of SeDs and the underlying molecular mechanisms.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of 6‐Pyrrolidinyl‐2‐(2‐Substituted Phenyl)‐4‐Quinazolinones

In our continuing search for potential anticancer candidates, 2‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐pyrrolidinyl‐4‐quinazolinone ( JJC‐1 ) was selected as the lead compound. Starting 5‐pyrrolidinyl‐2‐aminobenzamide was prepared using standard methodology from 5‐chloro‐2‐nitrobenzoic acid by reaction with SOCl₂, NH₃, pyrrolidine, and H₂. The starting benzamide then was reacted with 2‐substituted benzaldehyde or benzoyl chloride in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAC) in the presence of NaHSO₃ at 150 °C. Thermal cyclodehydration/dehydrogenation gave the target 6‐pyrrolidinyl‐2‐(2‐substituted phenyl)‐4‐quinazolinones ( 15–22 ). These target compounds were assayed for their cytotoxicity in vitro against six cancer cell lines, including human monocytic leukemia cells (U937), mouse monocytic leukemia cells (WEHI‐3), human hepatoma cells (HepG2, Hep3B) and human lung carcinoma cells (A549, CH27). Most of them exhibited significant cytotoxic effect toward U937 and WEHI‐3 cells, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.30 to 10.10 μM. Compound 19 was investigated further for its action mechanisms. Preliminary findings indicated that compound 19 induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis on U937 cells.     

Assessment of the hemolysis and endothelial cell cytotoxicity induced by residual linear alkylbenzene sulfonates on pharmaceutical rubber stoppers based on HPLC‐ESI‐MS

This study was designed to develop a high‐performance liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) method for quantitative determination of residual surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) compounds on pharmaceutical rubber stoppers. An HPLC‐ESI‐MS method was developed for separation and determination of five LAS homologs (C10–C14) under gradient conditions using methanol and ammonium acetate as mobile phases. Hemolysis activity of residual LAS compounds was analyzed by spectrophotometry. Expression of interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after LAS compound treatment was examined by enzyme‐linked sorbent assay. LAS compounds were well separated and determined by the established gradient conditions. The linear range was 0.05–8 µg/mL with correlation coefficients ≥0.997. Recoveries were from 73 to 134% and the relative standard deviation was <13.7%. There was a correlation between hemolysis rate and LAS compounds concentration when it was ≥0.8 µg/cm². LAS compounds decreased the viability of HUVECs and promoted the production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. The developed analytical method was successful for quantitative determination of residual LAS compounds on pharmaceutical rubber stoppers and it is important to monitor and control the amount of LAS compounds on rubber stoppers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Probing long‐range spin–spin coupling constants in 2‐halo‐substituted cyclohexanones and cyclohexanethiones: The role of solvent and stereoelectronic effects

Earlier studies with 2‐bromocyclohexanone demonstrated a measurable long‐range coupling constant (⁴J_H2,H6) for the equatorial conformer, although ⁴J_H2,H4 and ⁴J_H4,H6 were not observed; as a consequence, it is inferred that the carbonyl group plays an important role particularly due to hyperconjugative interactions σ_C2H2→π*_C═O and σ_C6H6→π*_C═O. In the present study, NBO analysis and coupling constant calculations were performed to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanethione alpha substituted with F, Cl, and Br, aiming to evaluate the halogen effect and acceptor character of the π* orbital on the long‐range coupling pathway. The σ_C2H2→π*_C1═Y and σ_C6H6→π*_C1═Y (Y═O and S) hyperconjugative interactions for the equatorial conformer indeed contribute for the ⁴J_H2,H6 transmission mechanism_. Surprisingly, the ⁴J_H2,H6 value is higher for the carbonyl compounds, although the interactions σ_C2H2→π*_C═Y and σ_C6H6→π*_C═Y are more efficient for the thiocarbonyl compounds. Accordingly, the Fermi contact (FC) contribution for the thiocarbonyl compounds decays deeper than in ketones, thus reducing more the ⁴J_H2,H6 values. Moreover, both π_C═S→σ*_C─X and π_C═S→σ*_C─H interactions seem to be stronger in thiocarbonyl than in carbonylic compounds. The implicit solvent effect (DMSO and water) on the coupling constant values was negligible when compared with the gas phase. On the other hand, an explicit solvent effect was found and ⁴J_H2,H6 for the thiocarbonyl compounds appeared to be more sensitive than for the cyclohexanones.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity in Vitro of N‐Aryl‐4‐(tert‐butyl)‐5‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)thiazol‐2‐amine

A series of novel N‐aryl‐4‐(tert‐butyl)‐5‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)thiazol‐2‐amines synthesized in a green way. H₂O₂‐NaBr Brominating circulatory system was used in the synthesis of the key intermediate in a mild condition. All of the target compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR and elemental analysis and tested for their cytotoxicity against two different human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that some of the title compounds showed moderate to strong cytotoxic activities. Compound 2i was the most potent compound with the IC₅₀ values of 9 μM against Hela cells and 15 μM against Bel–7402 cells, respectively.     

Three Arene‐Ru(II) compounds of 2‐halogen‐5‐aminopyridine: Synthesis,characterization, and cytotoxicity

Three novel compounds, (η⁶‐p‐cymene)RuCl₂(2‐fluoro‐5‐aminopyridine) (compound 1), (η⁶‐p‐cymene)RuCl₂(5‐amino‐2‐chlorpyridine) (compound 2) and (η⁶‐p‐cymene)RuCl₂(2‐bromo‐ 5‐aminopyridine) (compound 3), were synthesized and characterized. The compound 1 and 3 were determined by X‐ray diffraction, showing a distorted piano‐stool type of geometry with similar bond lengths and angles around the ruthenium. Compound 2 exhibited moderate in vitro activity against A549 and MCF‐7 human cancer cells, the other two lower activities. The UV–vis and fluorescent absorption titrations showed that three compounds binded with CT‐DNA in a minor groove. The intrinsic binding constants (Kb) were calculated to be 2.13(±0.03) × 10⁵ M^?1, 2.89(±0.03) × 10⁵ M^?1 and 2.45(±0.03) × 10⁵ M^?1 for compound 1, 2 and 3, respectively, by using UV–vis absorption titrations data. Among the three compound, the highest value of intrinsic binding constant of compound 2 was consistent with its highest cytoxicity against A549 and MCF‐7 human cancer cells in vitro.     

Synthesis,X‐ray crystal structure and biological activities of α‐phenoxyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazoleacetamide

The annelation of 1,2,3‐thiadiazole rings was accomplished by the reaction of N‐acylhydrazone 2a bearing an adjacent α‐methyl with thionyl chloride to give α‐chloro‐N‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐4‐acetamide 4 and was demonstrated by the X‐ray crystal structure of its derivative 5a. A novel series of α‐substituted phenoxy‐N‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐4‐acetamide 5 were synthesized through the reaction of the compound 4 and phenols. The results of bioassays show that the title compounds exhibit good anti‐HBV activities. The crystal of compound 5a , N‐methyl‐α‐2‐bromophenyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐4‐acetamide, has been prepared and determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

A Conjugate Addition Approach to Diazo‐Containing Scaffolds with β Quaternary Centers

Structurally complex diazo‐containing scaffolds are formed by conjugate addition to vinyl diazonium salts. The electrophile, a little studied α‐diazonium‐α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compound, is formed at low temperature under mild conditions by treating β‐hydroxy‐α‐diazo carbonyls with Sc(OTf)₃. Conjugate addition occurs selectively at the 3‐position of indole to give α‐diazo‐β‐indole carbonyls, and enoxy silanes react to give 2‐diazo‐1,4‐dicarbonyl products. These reactions result in the formation of tertiary and quaternary centers, and give products that would be otherwise difficult to form. Importantly, the diazo functional group is retained within the molecule for future manipulation. Treating an α‐diazo ester indole addition product with Rh₂(OAc)₄ caused a rearrangement to occur to give a 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐enoate. In the case of diazo ketone compounds, this shift occurred spontaneously on prolonged exposure to the Lewis acidic reaction conditions.     

Steric and Electronic Requirements in the Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐4(1H)‐quinolinones by the Tandem Michael‐SNAr Reaction

The steric and electronic requirements have been investigated for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐4(1H)‐quinolinones by the tandem Michael‐S_NAr reaction. Substrates bearing a single methyl group at the β‐enone carbon gave excellent yields of the title compounds from both the E and Z isomers with X═H or NO₂. Substrates with β,β‐dimethyl substitution at the Michael terminus gave low yields of heterocyclic products in molecules having monoactivated S_NAr aromatic acceptor rings (X═H) and very good yields for diactivated systems (X═NO₂). For these hindered substrates, success in the final cyclization hinges on the ability of the aromatic acceptor to capture the pendant nitrogen nucleophile of the initial Michael adduct before this intermediate can revert to starting materials.     

Artocarpol A,a Novel Constituent with Potent Anti‐inflammatory Effect,Isolated from Artocarpus rigida

A novel phenolic compound, artocarpol A ( 1 ), was isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida and its structure determined by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with its diacetate derivative. Compound 1 strongly inhibited superoxide formation in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) stimulated rat neutrophils in a concentration‐dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 13.7±0.7 μM . Compound 1 also showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) formation in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.     

Deuterium‐induced isotope effects on the 13C chemical shifts of α‐d‐glucose pentaacetate

1,2,3,4,6‐Penta‐O‐acetyl‐α‐d ‐glucopyranose and the corresponding [1‐²H], [2‐²H], [3‐²H], [4‐²H], [5‐²H], and [6,6‐²H₂]‐labeled compounds were prepared for measuring deuterium/hydrogen‐induced effects on ¹³C chemical shift ⁿΔ (DHIECS) values. A conformational analysis of the nondeuterated compound was achieved using density functional theory (DFT) molecular models that allowed calculation of several structural properties as well as Boltzmann‐averaged ¹³C NMR chemical shifts by using the gauge‐including atomic orbital method. It was found that the DFT‐calculated C–H bond lengths correlate with ¹Δ DHIECS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.