Synthesis,reactions, and biological study of some new thienopyrimidine derivatives as antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory agents

Pyrimidine and thienopyrimidine derivatives play a very important role in organic chemistry because of their wide applications as bioactive compounds with multiple biological activities. However, a literature survey revealed that the merger of different groups in the thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine heterocyclic ring enhances its antibacterial, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory activities. This encouraged us to prepare a new series of thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine heterocyclic compounds and to test them as antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory agents. These compounds have shown remarkable activity toward fungi, bacteria, and inflammation. Thus, these compounds have been prepared by the chloroacylation of 5‐amino‐4‐phenyl‐2‐(p‐tolylamino)thieno[2,3‐d] pyrimidine‐6‐carboxamide ( 4 ) using chloroacetyl chloride under neat condition to afford the target compound ( 6 ), which was used as precursor for the synthesis of a number of bioactive compounds. Thus reaction of the chloromethylpyrimidine derivative ( 6 ) with triphenylphosphine in dry benzene gave the corresponding ((4‐oxo‐9‐phenyl‐7‐(p‐tolylamino)‐3,4‐dihydropyrimido[4′,5′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐2‐yl)methyl) triphenylphosphonium chloride ( 7 ). Compounds 8a – 8c and 9a – 9c were obtained by the reaction of 7 with some selected aromatic aldehydes and ketones in methanol and sodium methoxide under Wittig reaction condition. The structures of the all new synthesized compounds were established on the basis of their analytical and spectral data (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS).     

Facile synthesis,characterisation and anti‐inflammatory activities of ferrocenyl ester derivatives of 4‐arylidene‐5‐imidazolinones

This article describes the synthesis, optoelectronic properties and anti‐inflammatory activities of a series of seven ferrocenyl ester‐linked 4‐arylidene‐5‐imidazolinone conjugates. Three different types of ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐substituted ferrocenyl esters have been prepared. Their UV–Vis spectra and electrochemical studies are described. The structure of one of the conjugates was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. These conjugates exhibited moderate anti‐inflammatory activities.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and anti‐inflammatory activity of fluorine‐substituted 1,4,5,6‐tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinazolin‐2‐amine derivatives

Two fluorine‐substituted 1,4,5,6‐tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinazolin‐2‐amine (BQA) derivatives, namely 2‐amino‐4‐(2‐fluorophenyl)‐9‐methoxy‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinazolin‐3‐ium chloride, ( 8 ), and 2‐amino‐4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐9‐methoxy‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinazolin‐3‐ium chloride, ( 9 ), both C₁₉H₁₉FN₃O⁺·Cl^?, were generated by Michael addition reactions between guanidine hydrochloride and the α,β‐unsaturated ketones (E)‐2‐(2‐fluorobenzylidene)‐7‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one, C₁₈H₁₅FO₂, ( 6 ), and (E)‐2‐(4‐fluorobenzylidene)‐7‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one, ( 7 ). Because both sides of α,β‐unsaturated ketones ( 6 ) or ( 7 ) can be attacked by guanidine, we obtained a pair of isomers in ( 8 ) and ( 9 ). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicates that each isomer has a chiral C atom and both ( 8 ) and ( 9 ) crystallize in the achiral space group P2₁/c. The chloride ion, as a hydrogen‐bond acceptor, plays an important role in the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds. Thus, adjacent molecules are connected through intermolecular hydrogen bonds to generate a banded structure. Furthermore, these bands are linked into an interesting 3D network via hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. Fortunately, the solubilities of ( 8 ) and ( 9 ) were distinctly improved and can exceed 50 mg ml^?1 in water or PBS buffer system (pH 7.4) at room temperature. In addition, the results of an investigation of anti‐inflammatory activity show that ( 8 ) and ( 9 ), with o‐ and p‐fluoro substituents, respectively, display more potential for inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced NO secretion than starting ketones ( 6 ) and ( 7 ).     

Synthesis,anti‐inflammatory activity,and molecular docking study of novel azo bis antipyrine derivatives against cyclooxygenase‐2 enzyme

We have synthesized a new series of azo‐bis antipyrine derivatives from a one‐pot multicomponent Knoevenagel/Michael addition reaction of antipyrine, with a diversity of azo aldehydes in ethanol and L‐Proline as a catalyst under reflux condition. The anti‐inflammatory activity of the final products was assessed using the inhibition of albumin denaturation technique. Compound 3f showed an inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ values of 3.6 μM with respect to the standard anti‐inflammatory drug Aspirin, with IC₅₀ values of 2 μM. In addition, molecular docking was performed to confirm the in vitro results against the enzymatic inhibition activity of COX‐2 enzymes in which compound 3f showed good binding affinity with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 1.79 nM.     

Clay‐Na as a sorbent for the extraction of anti‐inflammatory compounds in water samples

In this work, clay‐Na particles are used as the adsorbent for the solid‐phase extraction of acidic compounds. The novel sorbent under study is based on high‐specific surface area, cation‐exchange capacity designed specifically to offer ion‐exchange properties with the goal being to selectively extract a group of acidic compounds. The effects of the extraction parameters including extraction elution solvent, sample volume and pH. In optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 3), expressed as % relative standard deviation, was between 0.3 and 4.3% for the acid compounds. The detection limits for the studied acidic compounds were between 0.1–0.6 μg/L. The developed method offers the advantages of being simple to use and having a low cost of equipment.     

Transition metal complexes of 1,2‐dihydroquinazolinone derivative,an emerging class of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory agents

A new 1,2‐dihydroquinazolinone, 2‐(2‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐3‐[1‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐ethylideneamino]‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐quinazolin‐4‐one (L) and its Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been prepared. These were characterized by elemental, spectral [UV–visible, IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C and 2D heteronuclear correlation) and mass], conductance, magnetic susceptibility and thermal studies. The physicochemical data indicate that the ligand behaves as tridentate with ONO donor sequence towards the metal ions, and trigonal bipyramidal geometry was assigned for complexes. The ligand and its metal complexes were evaluated for their in vivo anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activity. The tested compounds have shown excellent activity, which are almost equipotent to the standard used in the study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Graphene nanoparticles as pseudostationary phase for the electrokinetic separation of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs

The exceptional properties of graphene (G) were exploited here to facilitate capillary electrokinetic separations. Two types of commercially available G consisting of nanoparticles containing—one to three and—four to six G sheets, respectively, were compared for this purpose. Both proved effective in separating the arylpropyl derivatives of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The highest resolution and shortest migration times were obtained with G containing high amount of single and double G nanosheets. G affords higher resolution than other types of nanoparticles; stable suspensions can be easily prepared and used as BGE without the need of adding an additional surfactant. This results in a high reproducibility in migration times and stability in background noise. The LOD and LOQ obtained by using G nanoparticles as pseudostationary phases spanned the range 0.29–1.18 mg/L and 0.95–3.95 mg/L, respectively, and the RSD was less than 4.7% in all instances.     

Relationship between the UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS fingerprinted constituents from Daphne genkwa and their anti‐inflammatory,anti‐oxidant activities

Daphne genkwa Sieb.et Zucc. is a well‐known medicinal plant. This study was designed to apply the ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography system to establish a quality control method for D. genkwa. Data revealed that there were 15 common peaks in 10 batches of D. genkwa Sieb. Et Zucc. (Thymelaeaceae) from different provinces of China. On this basis, the fingerprint chromatogram was established to provide references for quality control. Afterwards, the chemical constitutions of these common peaks were analyzed using the UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS system and nine of them were identified. In addition, LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages and DPPH assay were used to study the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation effects of D. genkwa . Then the fingerprint–efficacy relationships between UPLC fingerprints and pharmacodynamic data were studied with canonical correlation analysis. Analysis results indicated that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation effects differed among the 10 D. genkwa samples owing to their inherent differences of chemical compositions. Taken together, this research established a fingerprint–efficacy relationship model of D. genkwa plant by combining the UPLC analytic technique and pharmacological research, which provided references for the detection of the principal components of traditional Chinese medicine on bioactivity.     

Metabolomics study of different parts of licorice from different geographical origins and their anti‐inflammatory activities

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., known as licorice, is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, we perform a metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to assign bioactive components in different parts of licorice from different geographical origins in Gansu province of China. Sixteen potential biomarkers of taproots from different geographical origins were annotated, such as glycycoumarin, gancaonin Z, licoricone, and dihydroxy kanzonol H mainly exist in the sample of Jiuquan; neoliquiritin, 6′‐acetylliquiritin, licochalcone B, isolicoflavonol, glycyrol, and methylated uralenin mainly exist in Glycyrrhiza uralensis from Lanzhou; gancaonin L, uralenin, and glycybridin I mainly exist in licorice from Wuwei for the first time.     

A structural study of 4‐aminoantipyrine and six of its Schiff base derivatives

Six derivatives of 4‐amino‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐one (4‐aminoantipyrine), C₁₁H₁₃N₃O, (I), have been synthesized and structurally characterized to investigate the changes in the observed hydrogen‐bonding motifs compared to the original 4‐aminoantipyrine. The derivatives were synthesized from the reactions of 4‐aminoantipyrine with various aldehyde‐, ketone‐ and ester‐containing molecules, producing (Z)‐methyl 3‐[(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)amino]but‐2‐enoate, C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₃, (II), (Z)‐ethyl 3‐[(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)amino]but‐2‐enoate, C₁₇H₂₁N₃O₃, (III), ethyl 2‐[(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)amino]cyclohex‐1‐enecarboxylate, C₂₀H₂₅N₃O₃, (IV), (Z)‐ethyl 3‐[(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)amino]‐3‐phenylacrylate, C₂₂H₂₃N₃O₃, (V), 2‐cyano‐N‐(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)acetamide, C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂, (VI), and (E)‐methyl 4‐{[(1,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)amino]methyl}benzoate, C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₃, (VII). The asymmetric units of all these compounds have one molecule on a general position. The hydrogen bonding in (I) forms chains of molecules via intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds around a crystallographic sixfold screw axis. In contrast, the formation of enamines for all derived compounds except (VII) favours the formation of a six‐membered intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen‐bonded ring in (II)–(V) and an intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond in (VI), whereas there is an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond in the structure of imine (VII). All the reported compounds, except for (II), feature π–π interactions, while C—H...π interactions are observed in (II), C—H...O interactions are observed in (I), (III), (V) and (VI), and a C—O...π interaction is observed in (II).     

Capillary electrophoresis determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in wastewater using hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment due to growing worldwide consumption has become an important problem that requires analytical solutions. This paper describes a CE determination for several nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, aceclofenac and salicylic acid) in environmental waters using hollow fiber membrane liquid‐phase microextraction. The extraction was carried out using a polypropylene membrane supporting dihexyl ether and the electrophoretic separation was performed in acetate buffer (30 mM, pH 4) using ACN as the organic modifier. Detection limits between 0.25 and 0.86 ng/mL were obtained, respectively. The method could be applied to the direct determination of the seven anti‐inflammatories in wastewaters, and five of them have been determined or detected in different urban wastewaters.     

One‐step hydrothermal synthesis of magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in environmental water samples

Graphene oxide has received extensive attention because of its unique properties and potential applications. In this study, magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene was prepared by one‐step hydrothermal reaction using urea as the dopant and reductant, and ferroferric oxide nanoparticles were in situ deposited on the surface of the nanohybrids. The magnetic nitrogen‐doped graphene was characterized using various physical and chemical methods. It was used as a new adsorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of four nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs from the river water. The parameters influencing the extraction efficiency were optimized in detail. Under optimal conditions, this method provided a wide linear range (5–200 ng/mL). The limits of detection were in the range of 1.07–5.10 ng/mL. The recoveries varied from 81.2 to 121.5% with relative standard deviations of less than 10.8%. Overall, we can conclude that the proposed method offers an efficient pretreatment and enrichment and can be successfully applied for the extraction and determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in complex matrices.     

A new antibacterial silver(I) complex incorporating 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine and the anti‐inflammatory diclofenac

Ag^I‐containing coordination complexes have attracted attention because of their photoluminescence properties and antimicrobial activities and, in principle, these properties depend on the nature of the structural topologies. A novel two‐dimensional silver(I) complex with the anti‐inflammatory diclofenac molecule, namely bis{μ‐2‐[2‐(2,6‐dichloroanilino)phenyl]acetato‐κ³O,O′:O}bis(μ‐2,5‐dimethylpyrazine‐κ²N:N′)silver(I), [Ag₂(C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NO₂)₂(C₆H₈N₂)]_n, (I), has been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing that the Ag^I ions are chelated by the carboxylate groups of the anionic 2‐[2‐(2,6‐dichloroanilino)phenyl]acetate (dicl) ligand in a μ₃‐η¹:η² coordination mode. Each dicl ligand links three Ag^I atoms to generate a one‐dimensional infinite chain. Adjacent chains are connected through 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine (dmpyz) ligands to form a two‐dimensional layer structure parallel to the crystallographic bc plane. The layers are further connected by C—H…π interactions to generate a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Additionally, the most striking feature is that the structure contains an intramolecular C—H …Ag anagostic interaction. Furthermore, the title complex has been tested for its in vitro antibacterial activity and is determined to be highly effective on the studied microorganisms.     

Single‐drop microextraction combined in‐line with capillary electrophoresis for the determination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in urine samples

This study describes a method to determine nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in urine samples based on the use of single‐drop microextraction (SDME) in a three‐phase design as a preconcentration technique coupled in‐line to capillary electrophoresis. Different parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the SDME process were evaluated (e.g. type of extractant, volume of the microdroplet, and extraction time). The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of human urine samples with LODs ranging between 1.0 and 2.5 μg/mL for all of the NSAIDs under study. This method shows RSD values ranging from 8.5 to 15.3% in interday analysis. The enrichment factors were calculated, resulting 27‐fold for ketoprofen, 14‐fold for diclofenac, 12‐fold for ibuprofen, and 44‐fold naproxen. Samples were analyzed applying the SDME–CE method and the obtained results presented satisfactory recovery values (82–115%). The overall method can be considered a promising approach for the analysis of NSAIDs in urine samples after minimal sample pretreatment.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and anti‐inflammatory activity of four 3,5‐bis(arylidene)‐N‐benzenesulfonyl‐4‐piperidone derivatives

3,5‐Bis(arylidene)‐4‐piperidone (BAP) derivatives display good antitumour and anti‐inflammatory activities because of their double α,β‐unsaturated ketone structural characteristics. If N‐benzenesulfonyl substituents are introduced into BAPs, the configuration of the BAPs would change significantly and their anti‐inflammatory activities should improve. Four N‐benzenesulfonyl BAPs, namely (3E,5E)‐1‐(4‐methylbenzenesulfonyl)‐3,5‐bis[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin‐4‐one dichloromethane monosolvate, C₂₈H₂₁F₆NO₃S·CH₂Cl₂, ( 4 ), (3E,5E)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzenesulfonyl)‐3,5‐bis[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin‐4‐one, C₂₇H₁₈F₇NO₃S, ( 5 ), (3E,5E)‐1‐(4‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl)‐3,5‐bis[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin‐4‐one, C₂₇H₁₈F₆N₂O₅S, ( 6 ), and (3E,5E)‐1‐(4‐cyanobenzenesulfonyl)‐3,5‐bis[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin‐4‐one dichloromethane monosolvate, C₂₈H₁₈F₆N₂O₃S·CH₂Cl₂, ( 7 ), were prepared by Claisen–Schmidt condensation and N‐sulfonylation. They were characterized by NMR, FT–IR and HRMS (high resolution mass spectrometry). Single‐crystal structure analysis reveals that the two 4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl rings on both sides of the piperidone ring in ( 4 )–( 7 ) adopt an E stereochemistry of the olefinic double bonds. Molecules of both ( 4 ) and ( 6 ) are connected by hydrogen bonds into one‐dimensional chains. In ( 5 ) and ( 7 ), pairs of adjacent molecules embrace through intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a bimolecular combination, which are further extended into a two‐dimensional sheet. The anti‐inflammatory activity data reveal that ( 4 )–( 7 ) significantly inhibit LPS‐induced interleukin (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) secretion. Most importantly, ( 6 ) and ( 7 ), with strong electron‐withdrawing substituents, display more potential inhibitory effects than ( 4 ) and ( 5 ).     

Organotin mefenamic complexes—preparations,spectroscopic studies and crystal structure of a triphenyltin ester of mefenamic acid: novel anti‐tuberculosis agents

The triphenyltin adduct of mefenamic acid, [SnPh₃L] ( 1 ), the monophenyltin complex [PhSnOL] _n ( 2 ), and the dibutyltin complex [SnBu₂L₂] (3), where HL is 2‐[bis(2,3‐dimethylphenyl)amino]benzoic acid (mefenamic acid), have been prepared and structurally characterized by means of vibrational, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. X‐ray analysis revealed a pseudo‐pentacoordinated structure containing Ph₃Sn coordinated to the carboxylato group. The structural distortion is a displacement from the tetrahedron toward the trigonal bipyramid. Significant C? H–π interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure 1. The polar imino hydrogen atom participates in intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Complex 1 is self‐assembled via C? H–π and stacking interactions. Vibrational and NMR data are discussed in terms of the crystal structure and the proposed structures for 1–3. Compounds 1 and 3 were tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization, and evaluation of biological activities of new 4′‐substituted ruthenium (II) terpyridine complexes: Prospective anti‐inflammatory properties

The synthesis and characterization of Ru (II) terpyridine complexes derived from 4′ functionalized 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine (tpy) ligands are reported. The heteroleptic complexes comprise the synthesized ligands 4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐ 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) or (4′‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine and (dimethyl 5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)isophthalate). The new complexes [Ru(4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)Cl₂] ( 9 ), [Ru(4′‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)Cl₂] ( 10 ), and [Ru(4′‐(2‐thienyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)(5‐(pyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐isophthalic acid)(NCS)₂] ( 11 ) were characterized by ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, C, H, N, and S elemental analysis, UPLC‐ESI‐MS, TGA, FT‐IR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The biological activities of the synthesized ligands and their Ru (II) complexes as anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents were evaluated. Furthermore, the toxicity of the synthesized compounds was studied and compared with the standard drugs, namely, diclofenac potassium and ibuprofen, using hemolysis assay. The results indicated that the ligands and the complex 9 possess superior anti‐inflammatory activities inhibiting albumin denaturation (89.88–100%) compared with the standard drugs (51.5–88.37%) at a concentration of 500 μg g^?1. These activities were related to the presence of the chelating N‐atoms in the ligands and the exchangeable chloro‐ groups in the complex. Moreover, the chloro‐ and thiophene groups in complex 9 produce a higher anticancer activity compared with its isothiocyanate derivative in the complex 11 and the 3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl moiety in complex 10 . Considering the toxicity results, the synthesized ligands are nontoxic or far less toxic compared with the standard drugs and the metal complexes. Therefore, these newly synthesized compounds are promising anti‐inflammatory agents in addition to their moderate unique broad antimicrobial activity.     

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.     

The influence of electron donor and electron acceptor groups on the electronic structure of the anti‐inflammatory tripeptide Cys‐Asn‐Ser

It has been discussed in the literature that electron delocalization along the peptide backbone and side chain modulates the physical and chemical features of peptides and proteins. The structure and properties of peptides are determined by their charge‐density distribution, such that the modification of its side chain plays an important role on its electronic structure and physicochemical properties. Research on Entamoeba histolytica soluble factors led to the identification of the pentapeptide Met‐Gln‐Cys‐Asn‐Ser, with anti‐inflammatory in vivo and in vitro effects. A synthetic pentapeptide, Met‐Pro‐Cys‐Asn‐Ser, maintained the same anti‐inflammatory actions in experimental assays. A previous theoretical study allowed proposing the Cys‐Asn‐Ser tripeptide (CNS tripeptide) as the pharmacophore group of both molecules. This theoretical hypothesis was recently confirmed experimentally. The objective of this work was to study the influence of the electron donor and electron withdrawing substituent groups on the electronic structure and physicochemical properties of the CNS tripeptide derivatives through a theoretical study at the density functional theory level of theory. Our results in deprotonation energies showed that the relative acidity of hydrogen atom (H2) of the serine‐amide group increases with the electron withdrawing groups. This result was confirmed by means of a study of bond order. The proton affinities illustrated that the electron donor groups favored the basicity of the amino group of the cysteine amino acid. Atomic charges, Frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO–LUMO), and electrostatic potential isosurface and its geometric parameters permitted to analyze the effect that provoked the electron donor and electron attractor groups on its electronic structure and physicochemical features and to identify some reactive sites that could be associated with the anti‐inflammatory activity of tripeptide CNS derivatives. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2398–2410, 2010