Synthesis of 2-, 4- and 5-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-alkyloxybenzo[b]furans and their leukotriene B4 receptor antagonistic activity

Variable benzo[b]furan derivatives having (E)- and (Z)-2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl groups at the 2-, 4- and 5-positions and a carboxylpropoxy or (1-phenyl)ethoxy group at the 7-position were prepared to find novel and selective leukotriene B4(LTB4) receptor antagonists. (E)-2-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (4v) showed selective inhibition to the human BLT2 receptor (hBLT2). On the other hand, (E)-2-acetyl-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (7v) inhibited both human BLT(1) receptor (hBLT1) and hBLT2. The (E)-2-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group lay on approximately the same plane as the benzo[b]furan ring, whereas the (E)-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl) group had the torsion angle (45.7 degree) from the benzo[b]furan ring plane. However, the (Z)-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)benzo[b]furans were inactive. The inhibitory activity depended on the conformation of the 2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl group.     

Preparation of 2- and 4-(2-alkylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-alkyloxybenzo[b]furans having potent antagonistic activity against human leukotriene B4 BLT1 and/or BLT2 receptors

(E)-2-Acetyl-4-(2-diethylcarbamoyl-1-methylvinyl)-7-(1-phenylethoxy)benzo[b]furan (4b) with a characteristic conformation and (E)-2-(2-morpholinocarbo-1-methylvinyl)-7-ethoxycarbopropoxybenzo[b]furan ((E)-3b) were prepared and evaluated for their leukotriene B4(LTB4) antagonistic activity. Compound 4b showed potent antagonistic activity against human BLT1 and BLT2 receptors. Compound (E)-3b displayed selective BLT2 receptor antagonistic activity. Both compounds were inactive to cysteinyl LT receptors.     

Synthesis and biological activities of novel furo[2,3,4-jk][2]benzazepin-4(3H)-one derivatives

A novel seven-membered lactam formation method has been established by intramolecular ring closure reaction of 4-bromo-(E)-3-[(2-alkylvinyl)carbonylamino]benzo[b]furans under Heck coupling conditions. A number of furo[2,3,4-jk][2]benzazepin-4(3H)-ones, tricyclicbenzo[b]furans, have been prepared by this method and evaluated for their leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitory activities.     

Preparation of leukotriene B(4) inhibitory active 2- and 3-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan derivatives and their growth inhibitory activity on human pancreatic cancer cells

A series of 2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan and 3-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan derivatives were prepared, and their leukotriene B(4) inhibitory activity and growth inhibitory activity in cancer cell lines were evaluated. Several compounds showed strong inhibition of calcium mobilization in CHO cells overexpressing human BLT(1) and BLT(2) receptors and growth inhibition to human pancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa-2. 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-[5-formyl-2-[(dimethylamino)methyleneamino]thiazol-4-yl]-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan 8b showed the most potent and selective inhibition for the human BLT(2) receptor, and its IC(50) value was smaller than that of the selected positive control compound, ZK-158252. 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-[2-[(dimethylamino)methyleneamino]-5-(2-hydroxyethyliminomethyl)thiazol-4-yl]-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan 9a displayed growth inhibitory activity towards MIA PaCa-2.     

Preparation of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan derivatives and their leukotriene B(4) inhibitory activity

A series of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan derivatives 6-10 were prepared and their leukotriene B(4) inhibitory activity was evaluated. We found that several compounds showed strong inhibition of calcium mobilization in CHO cells overexpressing human BLT(1) and BLT(2) receptors. Among them, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[5-formyl-2-[(dimethylamino)methyleneamino]thiazol-4-yl]-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan 9b showed the most potent and selective inhibition for the human BLT(2) receptor, and its IC(50) value was smaller than that of the selected positive control compound, ZK-158252.     

Syntheses of 3-acetoacetylaminobenzo[b]furan derivatives having cysteinyl leukotriene 2 receptor antagonistic activity

Novel 3-acetoacetylaminobenzo[b]furan derivatives having a modified triene system at the 3-position were synthesized starting with 3-aminobenzo[b]furans. The enol isomers, 3-[(3-hydroxybut-2-enonyl)amino]benzo[b]furans (), of the 3-acetoacetylaminobenzo[b]furans were obtained as stable isomers owing to formation of a hydrogen bonding between the enol hydroxyl group and the amidocarbonyl group. The planarity of the C-2 substituent through the C-3 side chain suggested the existence of a modified conjugational triene system in the enol compound. Cysteinyl leukotriene 1 and 2 receptor antagonistic activities for these compounds were evaluated. 2-(4-Cyanobenzoyl or ethoxycarbonyl)-3-[(2-cyano-3-hydroxybut-2-enonyl)amino]benzo[b]furans (, ) were moderately active.     

Regiospecific Displacement of the C-B Bond of Tris[4-(substituted)furan-3-yl]boroxines with C-Sn Bond and C-O Bond: Syntheses of 3,4-Disubstituted Furans and 4-Substituted-3(2H)-furanones,

Tris[4-(substituted)furan-3-yl]boroxines 2 , prepared from the corresponding 4-(substituted)-3-(trimethylsilyl) furan 1, were converted successfully to 4-(substituted)-3-(tributylstannyl)furans 3 through palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with tributylstannyl chloride. Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of 3 with organohalides afforded 3,4-disubstituted furans 4 . Regiospecific iodination of 4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-((tributylstannyl) furan ( 3a ) gave 4-iodo-3-(trimethylsilyl)furan ( 5 ), which reacted with excess ethyl acrylate under a common Heck-condition to produce 2,3-bis(trans-ethoxycarbonylvinyl)-4-(trimethylsilyl)furan ( 6 ). A thermal 6-electrocyclic reaction followed by dehydration converted 6 into benzo[2,3-6]furan 8 . Oxidation of 2 generated the corresponding 4-substituted-3(2H)-furanones 9 .     

The synthesis and transition temperatures of 5-(4-alkyl- and 4-alkoxy-phenyl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furans and a 5-(4'-alkylbiphenyl-4-yl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furan: a comparison with their biphenyl and terphenyl analogues

The synthesis and transition temperatures of a series of 5-(4-alkyl- and 4-alkoxy-phenyl)2-cyanobenzo[b]furans and a 5-(4'-alkylbiphenyl-4-yl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furan are presented. The 2-cyanobenzo[b]furans show similar mesophase types to the analogous biphenyl and terphenyl compounds, which are obtained by replacing the benzo[b]furan unit with a phenyl ring. The transition temperatures for the 2-cyanobenzo[b]furan compounds are always higher than for their biphenyl and terphenyl counterparts, but they are much lower than for the corresponding phenylnaphthalenes. Five mesogenic benzo[b]furans without a cyano group were prepared as intermediates and these compounds have lower clearing points than their biphenyl analogues.     

Syntheses of 4-(benzo[b]furan-2 or 3-yl)- and 4-(benzo[b]-thiophen-3-yl)piperidines with 5-HT2 antagonist activity

The syntheses of 4-(benzo[b]furan-3-yl)piperidines, 4-(benzo[b]furan-2-yl)piperidines and 4-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)piperidines with 5-HT₂ antagonist activity are described. Reaction of 1-acetyl-4-(2,4-difluorobenzo-yl)piperidine 2 with methyl glycolate gave methyl 6-fluoro-3-(1-acetylpiperidin-4-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-carboxylate 3 , which was converted to 2-[2-[4-(benzo[b]furan-3-yi)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one hydrochloride 9 . Analogous benzo[b]furans 17a-d and benzo[b]thiophenes 10a,b and 18a were prepared by a similar method. Cyclization of 4-fluoro-2-(4-pyridinylmethoxy)acetophenones 20a,b afforded 4-(benzo[b]furan-2-yl)pyridines 21a,b , which were converted to 2-[2-[4-(benzo[b]furan-2-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one hydrochlorides 24a,b. Among them, benzo[b]furans 9 and 17a,d and benzo[b]thiophenes 10 and 18a showed potent 5-HT₂ antagonist activity in vitro.     

Low-dose UVB irradiation stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression via a BLT2-linked pathway in HaCaT cells

Skin exposure to low-dose ultraviolet B (UVB) light up-regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), thus contributing to premature skin aging (photo-aging). Although cyclooxygenase-2 (COX- 2) and its product, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE((2))), have been associated with UVB-induced signaling to MMP expression, very little are known about the roles of lipoxygenases and their products, especially leukotriene B((4)) (LTB((4))) and 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), in MMP-1 expression in skin keratinocytes. In the present study, we demonstrate that BLT2, a cell surface receptor for LTB((4)) and 12(S)-HETE, plays a critical role in UVB-mediated MMP-1 upregulation in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Moreover, our results demonstrated that BLT2-mediated MMP-1 upregulation occurs through a signaling pathway dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the subsequent stimulation of ERK. Blockage of BLT2 via siRNA knockdown or with the BLT2-antagonist LY255283 completely abolished the up-regulated expression of MMP-1 induced by low-dose UVB irradiation. Finally, when HaCaT cells were transiently transfected with a BLT2 expression plasmid, MMP-1 expression was significantly enhanced, along with ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that BLT2 overexpression alone is sufficient for MMP-1 up-regulation. Together, our results suggest that the BLT2-ROS- ERK-linked cascade is a novel signaling mechanism for MMP-1 upregulation in low-dose UVB- irradiated keratinocytes and thus potentially contributes to photo-aging.     

The synthesis and transition temperatures of 5-(4-alkyl- and 4-alkoxy-phenyl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furans and a 5-(4'-alkylbiphenyl-4-yl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furan: a comparison with their biphenyl and terphenyl analogues

The synthesis and transition temperatures of a series of 5-(4-alkyl- and 4-alkoxy-phenyl)2-cyanobenzo[b]furans and a 5-(4'-alkylbiphenyl-4-yl)-2-cyanobenzo[b]furan are presented. The 2-cyanobenzo[b]furans show similar mesophase types to the analogous biphenyl and terphenyl compounds, which are obtained by replacing the benzo[b]furan unit with a phenyl ring. The transition temperatures for the 2-cyanobenzo[b]furan compounds are always higher than for their biphenyl and terphenyl counterparts, but they are much lower than for the corresponding phenylnaphthalenes. Five mesogenic benzo[b]furans without a cyano group were prepared as intermediates and these compounds have lower clearing points than their biphenyl analogues.     

Cinnamyl derivatives: synthesis and factor Xa (FXa) inhibitory activities

To develop a potent and oral anticoagulant, a series of compounds with cinnamyl moiety was synthesized and their factor Xa (FXa) inhibitory activities were examined. As a result, some cinnamyl derivatives showed potent FXa inhibitory activities in vitro. Among them, compounds with substituent at the 3-position on the central benzene ring represented by (N-{4-[1-(acetimidoyl)piperidin-4-yloxy]-3-chlorophenyl}-N-[(E)-3-(3-amidinophenyl)-2-propenyl]sulfamoyl)acetic acid dihydrochloride (45b) and (N-{4-[1-(acetimidoyl)piperidin-4-yloxy]-3-carbamoylphenyl}-N-[(E)-3-(3-amidinophenyl)-2-propenyl]sulfamoyl)acetic acid dihydrochloride (45j) exhibited potent FXa inhibitory activities with IC(50) values of less than 10 nM in vitro. These compounds also showed potent anticoagulant activities both in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited no lethal toxicity (30 mg/kg, i.v.).     

Furopyridines. XI. 13C NMR Spectra of 2- or 3-Substituted Furo[2,3-b]-, Furo[3,2-b]-, Furo[2,3-c]- and Furo[3,2-c]pyridine

The ¹³C nmr spectra of 2- or 3-monosubstituted furo[2,3-b]- 1a-1j , furo[3,2-b]- 2a-2j , furo[2,3-c]- 3a-3j and furo[3,2-c]pyridine derivatives 4a-4j are reported. Effects by change in annelation and substituent effects on ¹³C chemical shifts and carbon-proton coupling constants are discussed. The spectra of benzo[b]furan derivatives 5a-5j having the corresponding substituent are also reported for comparison.     

Synthesis and aldose reductase-inhibitory activity of benzo[b]furan derivatives possessing a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group

Various benzo[b]furan derivatives with a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group were prepared and evaluated for aldose reductase-inhibitory potency. Most of the compounds displayed significant inhibitory activities (IC50, 10(-8)-10(-7) M). Among the test compounds, the compounds having a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group at the 3- or 4-position exhibited the greatest inhibitory potency. Structure-activity trends of the tested compounds are discussed.     

Preparation of 3-acetoacetylaminobenzo[b]furan derivatives with cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2 antagonistic activity

Novel 3-acetoacetylaminobenzo[b]furan derivatives with a modified triene system at the 3-position were prepared through acylation of the 3-aminobenzo[b]furans with 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxylic acid chloride followed by basic cleavage of the isoxazole ring and several of these compounds showed moderate cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2 antagonistic activity.     

Condensed Pyridine Bases. Synthesis and Reactions of Benzofuro[2,3-c]indeno[2,1-e]-, Benzothieno[2,3-c]Indeno[2,1-e]-, Benzofuro-[3,2-c]Indeno[2,1-e]- and Thieno[2,3:4′,5′]-thieno[3,2-c]indeno[2,1-e]pyridines

Condensation of hetarene carboxaldehydes with phthalide gave 2-(3-hydroxy-1-oxoinden-2-yl)benzo[b]furan and 2-(3-hydroxy-1-oxoinden-2-yl)-5-ethylthieno[2,3-b]thiophene. Starting from hetaryl acetic acids gave 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxoinden-2-yl)benzo[b]furan and 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxoinden-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene. Acylation of 3-hydroxy-1-oxoinden-2-yl-substituted heterocycles using acetic anhydride in the presence of 70% HClO₄ leads to the formation of pentacyclic pyrilium salts. Pentacyclic indenopyridines are prepared by treating the pyrilium salts with ammonia. The reaction of the carbonyl group in the indenopyridines with hydroxylamine, hydrazine hydrate, and in reduction using NaBH₄ has been studied.__________Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 435–443, March, 2005.     

Up-regulation of BLT2 is critical for the survival of bladder cancer cells

The incidence rates of urinary bladder cancer continue to rise yearly, and thus new therapeutic approaches and early diagnostic markers for bladder cancer are urgently needed. Thus, identifying the key mediators and molecular mechanisms responsible for the survival of bladder cancer has valuable implications for the development of therapy. In this study, the role of BLT2, a receptor for leukotriene B((4)) (LTB((4))) and 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), in the survival of bladder cancer 253J-BV cells was investigated. We found that the expression of BLT2 is highly elevated in bladder cancer cells. Also, we observed that blockade of BLT2 with an antagonist or BLT2 siRNA resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death, suggesting a role of BLT2 in the survival of human bladder cancer 253J-BV cells. Further experiments aimed at elucidating the mechanism by which BLT2 mediates survival revealed that enhanced level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via a BLT2-dependent up-regulation of NADPH oxidase members NOX1 and NOX4. Additionally, we observed that inhibition of ROS generation by either NOX1/4 siRNAs or treatment with an ROS-scavenging agent results in apoptotic cell death in 253J-BV bladder cancer cells. These results demonstrated that a 'BLT2-NOX1/4-ROS' cascade plays a role in the survival of this aggressive bladder cancer cells, thus pointing to BLT2 as a potential target for anti-bladder cancer therapy.     

2-Amino-3-(benzimidazol-2-yl)benzo[b]furans

The corresponding 2-amino-3-(benzimidazol-2-yl)benzo[b]furans were obtained by reaction of 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone with 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazoles. It is shown that new benzo[b]furo[2′,3′∶4,5]pyrimido[1,6-a]benzimidazole polynuclear heterocyclic systems (bases and quaternary salts) are formed in the reaction of these products with acylating agents. Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 164–166, February, 1980.     

Sequential and one-pot reactions of phenols with bromoalkynes for the synthesis of (Z)-2-bromovinyl phenyl ethers and benzo[b]furans

Benzo[b]furans were prepared in one pot based on the addition/palladium-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization of phenols with bromoalkynes. The addition reactions of phenols to bromoalkynes generated (Z)-2-bromovinyl phenyl ethers in high yields with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. The obtained (Z)-2-bromovinyl phenyl ethers subsequently proceeded by intramolecular cyclization to afford 2-substituted benzo[b]furans in good yields through palladium-catalyzed direct C-H bond functionalizations. It is important to note that the transformation of phenols with bromoalkynes into benzo[b]furans could be carried out in one pot with a simple and efficient tandem procedure.     

New benzo[b]furans as electroluminescent materials for emitting blue light

[structure: see text] New functionalized mono- and bis-benzo[b]furan derivatives were synthesized and developed as blue-light emitting materials. They possessed a CN, CHO, CH=CHPh, CH=CPh(2), or CH=CHCOOH group at the C4-position. Two benzo[b]furan nuclei in bis-benzo[b]furan derivatives were connected by a divinylbenzene bridge. With good volatility and thermal stability, bis-benzo[b]furan 7a was fabricated as a device. It emitted blue light with brightness 53430 cd/m(2) (at 15.5 V) and high maximum external quantum efficiency 3.75% (at 11 V).