Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review.

Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.

Palladium-based pseudohomogeneous catalyst for highly selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes.

This study presents a novel class of pseudohomogeneous catalysts (PHC) based on carbon quantum dots functionalized with terpyridine ligands (CQDs-Tpy) to immobilize and stabilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Extensive characterization techniques clearly confirmed the successful stabilization of Pd NPs on CQDs-Tpy. The effectiveness of the catalyst was demonstrated in the selective aerobic oxidation of primary and secondary of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes in the absence of additives and phase transfer catalyst (PTC). Remarkably, the reactions predominantly yielded aldehydes without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. By employing low catalyst loadings (0.13 mol%), high conversions (up to 89%) and excellent selectivity (> 99%) of the aldehyde derivatives were achieved. Moreover, the CQDs-Tpy/Pd NPs catalyst displayed suitable catalytic activity and recyclability, offering potential economic advantages. This promising approach opens up new opportunities in the field of catalysis for designing subnanometric metal-based PHCs.

Photocatalytic removal of imidacloprid pesticide from wastewater using CdS QDs passivated by CQDs containing thiol groups.

Over the past decade, CdS QDs have become versatile semiconductors. Surface modification of CdS QDs has become an interesting case study, as it can eliminate surface defects and improve their photochemical properties. In this study, we report a new strategy of using carbon quantum dots containing a large number of thiol groups (CQDs-SH) as a passivating agent for the stabilization of CdS quantum dots (QDs). Various characterization techniques have clearly revealed that the CdS QDs have been successfully passivated by CQDs-SH. The photocatalytic performance of CQDs-SH/CdS QDs was investigated for the degradation of the insecticide imidacloprid from an aqueous solution. Parameters affecting the photodegradation process, including the light source, photocatalyst amount, initial concentration of the pollutant, radiation time, pH, oxidizing agent, and temperature, were investigated. Furthermore, the HPLC technique was applied to quantitatively analyze imidacloprid and its degradation products. The results of the HPLC analysis revealed that under simulated visible light at pH 9, imidacloprid scarcely existed after 90 min of irradiation (90.13% degradation). The LC-MS method was also used to detect the degradation products and investigate the mechanism of photodegradation of the pesticide. The results showed that the CQDs-SH/CdS QDs composite was a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of imidacloprid in wastewater.

Analysis of Elements and Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Iranian Honeys.

Honey is one of the most valuable food products, which, in addition to its nutritional value, also has therapeutic properties. In our study, the physicochemical (Brix, viscosity, free acid content, pH, moisture, diastase activity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proline content, sugars content, and reducing sugars content) and microbial (mold and yeast content) characteristics and 15 element contents (As, Cd, K, Al, Pb, Hg, Ba, Ni, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se) of the samples were evaluated. Among the essential elements, the maximum mean was related to K (630 ± 50.8 mg/kg), and the minimum mean was related to Se that was lower than the limit of detection. Also, among all toxic elements, the maximum mean was related to Ni (234 ± 54.7 µg/kg), and the minimum mean was related to Hg that was lower than the limit of detection. Furthermore, the mean of free acidity, pH, °Brix, moisture, diastase content, HMF, and proline content was 35.4 ± 1.27 meq/kg, 4.61 ± 0.21, 82.2 ± 3.08, 16.3 ± 0.33%, 9.10 ± 1.14 DN, 21.1 ± 2.65 mg/kg, and 482 ± 18.1 mg/kg, respectively. Also, the mean percentage of fructose, glucose, and sucrose was 32.4 ± 1.07% (27.5-40.0%), 27.2 ± 0.85% (23.5-31.7%), and 2.28 ± 0.70% (0.72-4.11%), respectively. Finally, the mean of mold and yeast in all samples was 14.2 ± 0.37 CFU/g. Also, the principal component analysis and heat map allowed us to determine a more accurate distinction between the physicochemical characteristics of bee honey. The results of our findings showed that in most cases, the results obtained were within the standard range, which indicates the good quality of Iranian honeys.

Effect of the extra-nuclear cation on the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate Ga(III) complexes.

Two Ga(III) complexes (C1) and (C2) were prepared by the one-pot reaction of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and aminopyridine derivatives with gallium(III) nitrate octahydrate. The compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The distorted octahedral geometry was confirmed by crystallographic data for both complexes. The study of the in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds showed that the presence of different extra-nuclear cations can affect the cytotoxicity of the same anionic complexes. The most significant antiproliferative activity was observed for C1 (IC50 = 0.69 µM, MAE = 73.96%) and C2 (IC50 = 3.78 µM, MAE = 60.35%) (where MAE represents the maximal antiproliferative effect) against A431 cell line. The mechanistic study evidenced the same pathway for the death of A431 cells treated with the complexes, although the results for C2 were obtained at approximately five times the concentration of C1. According to the study, both complexes induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in A431 cells by upregulating the levels of p21, p27, p-cdc25C, and p-cdc2 and downregulating the levels of cdc25C, cdc2, and cyclin B1. In addition, apoptosis via a caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway was confirmed by a decrease in Bcl-2 family proteins and an increase in the expression of procaspase-9 and 3. Also, the complexes induced autophagic cell death by activating the RAGE /PI3KC3/Beclin 1 pathway in A431 cells. DATA AVAILABILITY: CCDC 874052 and 874055 contain the supplementary crystallographic data for C1 and C2, respectively. These data can be obtained free of charge via http://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/services/structures?pid=ccdc:874052,874055&sid=CCDCManual, or from the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, UK; fax: (+44) 1223-336-033; or e-mail: deposit@ccdc.cam.ac.uk.

Cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of metal complexes: An overview.

After the discovery of cisplatin, many metal compounds were investigated for the therapy of diseases, especially cancer. The high therapeutic potential of metal-based compounds is related to the special properties of these compounds, such as their redox activity and ability to target vital biological sites. The overproduction of ROS and the consequent destruction of the membrane potential of mitochondria and/or the DNA helix is one of the known pathways leading to the induction of apoptosis by metal complexes. The apoptosis process can occur via the death receptor pathway and/or the mitochondrial pathway. The expression of Bcl2 proteins and the caspase family play critical roles in these pathways. In addition to apoptosis, autophagy is another process that regulates the suppression or promotion of various cancers through a dual action. On the other hand, the ability to interact with DNA is an important property found in several metal complexes with potent antiproliferative effects against cancer cells. These interactions were classified into two important categories: covalent/coordinated or subtle, and non-coordinated interactions. The anticancer activity of metal complexes is sometimes achieved by the simultaneous combination of several mechanisms. In this review, the anticancer effect of metal complexes is mechanistically discussed by different pathways, and some effective agents on their antiproliferative properties are explained.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, antimalarial, and antiproliferative activities of benzyloxy-4-oxopyridin benzoate derivatives.

Background and purpose: Malaria and cancer are two major health issues affecting millions of lives annually. Maltol complexes and derivatives have been extensively investigated as chemotherapeutic and antimalarial activities. In this study, the design, synthesis, biological activities, and docking study of a novel series of pyridinones derivatives were reported. Experimental approach: The chemical structures of synthesized compounds were approved by FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and mass spectroscopies. The antimalarial activity was evaluated through ß-hematin inhibition assay and the cytotoxicity activities were evaluated against PC12 and fibroblast cell lines via MTT and cell uptake assays. To theoretically investigate the ability of compounds to inhibit hemozoin formation, the synthesized compounds were docked in a heme sheet to explore their binding mode and possible interactions. Findings/Results: ß-Hematin inhibition assay showed acceptable activity for 7f, 7c, and 7d compounds and the molecular docking study showed 7h and 7f had effective interactions with the heme sheet. The cytotoxic study revealed compound 4b (IC50 = 18 µM) was significantly more active against PC12 cells than docetaxel (IC50 = 280 µM). The observations of cell uptake images were also shown both cell penetration and monitoring potential of synthesized compounds. Conclusion and implications: The compounds showed a moderate ability to inhibition of heme polymerization and also good interaction with heme through molecular docking was observed. Additionally, some of them have a good cytotoxic effect on the study2 cell line. So further study on these compounds can lead to compounds that can be considered as anti-malarial and/or anticancer agents.

Novel Tl(III) complexes containing pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate derivatives with selective anticancer activity through inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in A375 cells.

Three novel Tl(III) complexes (C1), (C2) and (C3) were synthesized using the one-pot reactions of pyridine dicarboxylic acid derivatives, 2-aminobenzimidazole and/or 4-aminopyridine, and also thallium(III) nitrate trihydrate metal salt. The structure of all three complexes was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. C1 and C2 were realized to be isostructural with disordered square anti-prismatic geometry and for C3 arrangement of the distorted tricapped triangular prism was proposed. Cyclic voltammetry measurements on the complexes exhibited that formal potential values are more positive for C1 (E0' 0.109 V) and C3 (E0' 0.244 V) compared to C2 (E0' -0.051 V), versus Ag/AgCl under argon. Moreover, cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in vitro against two cancer cell lines including a human melanoma (A375), a human colon adenocarcinoma (HT29), and also one normal cell human foreskin fibroblast (HFF). The selective and potent cytotoxicity effect was exhibited by C1 and C3 on cancer cell lines. The apoptosis through a caspase-dependent mitochondrion pathway was confirmed by ROS production, MMP reduction, p53 activation, Bax up-regulation, and Bcl-2 down-regulation, cytochrome c release, procaspase-9, and 3 expression, for A375 cells treated to C1 and C3. According to similar cellular uptake of the complexes in A375 cell line, the generation of ROS was considered as an effective agent to justify the inhibition effect C1 and C3 on mentioned cells. Furthermore, arresting the cell cycle in the G2-M phase and inducing apoptosis were indicated by these two complexes.

Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptosis activity of synthetic 1,3-thiazole incorporated phthalimide derivatives on cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer is the second important reason for death worldwide. In spite of advances in cancer treatment, however, survival of patients stays weak. Therefore, there is a critical need for advancement of new anticancer drugs. Regarding the hopeful biological activity of phthalimide derivatives, in this study, synthesis, cytotoxicity, and pro-apoptosis activity of eleven derivatives of thiazole bearing phthalimide structure were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, target derivatives were synthesized. All synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptosis activity of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in MDA-MB-468, PC-12, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity, and TUNEL assay. Finally, expression of BAX, BCL-2, and FAS (as markers of apoptosis) was assessed by the RT-PCR procedure. RESULTS: Among the eleven compounds, 5b (IC50 = 0.2±0.01 µM) was found to be the most potent derivative against MCF-7 cells. Also, Compound 5k and 5g showed strong cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-468 and PC-12 cells with IC50 value of 0.6±0.04 µM and 0.43±0.06 µM, respectively. DNA fragmentation and activity of caspase-3 data suggest that cytotoxic activity of the compounds on cancer cells might be related to apoptosis. Also, RT-PCR of apoptosis markers indicated that these compounds induce apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that para chloro derivative (5c) may be a promising agent for treatment of cancer cells by the targeted intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and could be used as a drug candidate for in vivo assessment in the treatment of cancer.

Preclinical studies conducted on nanozyme antioxidants: shortcomings and challenges based on US FDA regulations.

The wide prevalence of oxidative stress-induced diseases has led to a growing demand for antioxidant therapeutics worldwide. Nanozyme antioxidants are drawing enormous attention as practical alternatives for conventional antioxidants. The considerable body of research over the last decade and the promising results achieved signify the potential of nanozyme antioxidants to secure a place in the expanding market of antioxidant therapeutics. Nonetheless, there is no report on clinical trials for their further evaluation. Through analyzing in-depth selected papers which have conducted in vivo studies on nanozyme antioxidants, this review aims to pinpoint and discuss possible reasons impeding development of research toward clinical studies and to offer some practical solutions for future studies to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical stages.

Lay abstract "We did not experience these kinds of strange illnesses in the past." Everybody might have heard such a familiar sentence from their grandparents and asked themselves, why? The current paper aims to provide readers with one of the answers: "Oxidative stress", which happens when the body fails to neutralize damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. In this paper, the authors present the seriousness of oxidative stress-induced clinical conditions. They discuss one of the promising treatments, nanozyme antioxidants, these are mostly based on nano-sized materials with enzyme-like function, in other words, they can speed up chemical reactions. Despite significant results, nanozyme antioxidants have not been investigated in clinical studies. This paper intends to search for the main reasons for this and suggest possible solutions.

Synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of (Z)-4-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)-N-phenylbenzamide derivatives in mice.

Due to resistance of some epileptic patients to the current medications and the general incidence of severe side effects of these drugs, development and discovery of novel antiepileptic drugs is crucial. Isatin-based derivatives are promising compounds as antiepileptic agents. In this study a new series of isatin-containing derivatives were synthesized via the imine formation between isatin and p-aminobenzoic acid. Subsequently, the obtained acidic compound was utilized to prepare the final amidic derivatives (4a-4l) through the reaction with various aniline derivatives. Then, their anti-seizure activity was investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) as well as pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models in mice. Neurotoxicity of target compounds was also determined by rotarod test. Tested isatin-based derivatives exhibited a favorable protection in both MES and PTZ procedures with high safety levels in neurotoxicity test. The introduced derivatives have demonstrated remarkable activity in mice and could be suggested as potential anticonvulsant lead compounds. All methoxylated derivatives (4j, 4k, 4l) showed a significant anti-seizure activity in MES model. Compounds 4j (2-OCH3) and 4l (4-OCH3) also demonstrated a potent anti-seizure activity against PTZ. Compound 4k (m-OCH3) did not induce protection towards PTZ-induced convulsion.

Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of some new 3-(2-(2-phenylthiazol-4-yl) ethyl)-quinazolin-4(3H) one derivatives with potential anticancer effects.

Quinazolinones are a group of heterocyclic compounds that have important biological activities such as cytotoxicity, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Thiazole-containing compounds have also many biological effects including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Due to significant cytotoxic effects of both quinazoline and thiazole derivatives, in this work a group of quinazolinone-thiazol hybrids were prepared and their cytotoxic effects on three cell lines were evaluated using MTT assay. Compounds A3, A2, B4, and A1 showed highest cytotoxic activities against PC3 cell line. Compounds A3, A5, and A2 were most active against MCF-7 and A3, A5, and A6 showed good cytotoxic effect on HT-29 cell line. According to the results, A3 efficiently inhibited all cell growth tested in a dose dependent manner. The IC50 of A3 was 10 M, 10 µM, and 12 µM on PC3, MCF-7, and HT-29 cells, respectively.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N-(5-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzamide Derivatives as Lipoxygenase Inhibitor with Potential Anticancer Activity.

In the recent years, the role of LOX enzymes in the origin of neoplastic diseases such as colorectal, skin, pancreatic and renal cancers has been confirmed. A new series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives bearing 2-pyridyl moiety was synthesized and the cytotoxicity of the members of this series was assessed using MTT protocol. Enzyme inhibitory activity of the prepared compounds was also tested against 15-lipoxygenase-1 as a novel target for the discovery of anticancer drugs. PC3, HT29 and SKNMC cell lines were utilized and the obtained results were compared with doxorubicin. Overall, nitro containing derivatives exerted a higher cytotoxic activity against PC3 cell line and methoxylated derivatives showed an acceptable activity against SKNMC cell line. Methoxylated derivatives were also the most potent enzyme inhibitors especially at position ortho of the phenyl residue.

2-(2-(4-Benzoylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives: Synthesis, docking and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory evaluation as anti-alzheimer agents.

OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) as progressive cognitive decline and the most common form of dementia is due to degeneration of the cholinergic neurons in the brain. Therefore, administration of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as donepezil is the first choice for treatment of the AD. In the present study, we focused on the synthesis and anti-cholinesterase evaluation of new donepezil like analogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new series of phthalimide derivatives (compounds 4a-4j) were synthesized via Gabriel protocol and subsequently amidation reaction was performed using various benzoic acid derivatives. Then, the corresponding anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of the prepared derivatives (4a-4j) was assessed by utilization of the Ellman's test and obtained results were compared to donepezil. Besides, docking study was also carried out to explore the likely in silico binding interactions. RESULTS: According to the obtained results, electron withdrawing groups (Cl, F) at position 3 and an electron donating group (methoxy) at position 4 of the phenyl ring enhanced the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Compound 4e (m-Fluoro, IC50 = 7.1 nM) and 4i (p-Methoxy, IC50 = 20.3 nM) were the most active compounds in this series and exerted superior potency than donepezil (410 nM). Moreover, a similar binding mode was observed in silico for all ligands in superimposition state with donepezil into the active site of acetylcholinesterase. CONCLUSION: Studied compounds could be potential leads for discovery of novel anti-Alzheimer agents in the future.

Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization and Anti-fungal Evaluation of Nystatin-Loaded PLGA-Glucosamine Nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: Nystatin loaded PLGA and PLGA-Glucosamine nanoparticles were formulated. PLGA were functionalized with Glucosamine (PLGA-GlcN) to enhance the adhesion of nanoparticles to Candida Albicans (C.albicans) cell walls. METHOD: Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method was employed using PLGA and PLGA-GlcN with various drug-polymer ratios for the preparation of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were evaluated for size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug crystallinity, loading efficiency and release properties. DSC, SEM, XRPD, 1H-NMR, and FT-IR were performed to analyze the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles. Antifungal activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by determination of MICs against C.albicans. RESULTS: The spectra of 1H-NMR and FT-IR analysis ensured GlcN functionalization on PLGA nanoparticles. SEM characterization confirmed that particles were in the nanosize range and the particle size for PLGA and PLGA-GlcN nanoparticles were in the range of 108.63 ± 4.5 to 168.8 ± 5.65 nm and 208.76 ± 16.85 nm, respectively. DSC and XRPD analysis ensured reduction of the drug crystallinity in the nanoparticles. PLGA-GlcN nanoparticles exhibit higher antifungal activity than PLGA nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: PLGA-GlcN nanoparticles showed more antifungal activity with appropriate physicochemical properties than pure Nystatin and PLGA nanoparticles.

Synthesis and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Evaluation of 4-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-N-Phenyl Benzamide Derivatives as Potential Anti-Alzheimer Agents.

Alzheimerá¾½s disease is characterized by cognitive deficits, impaired long-term potentiation of learning and memory. A progressive reduction in cholinergic neurons in some areas of the brain such as cortex and hippocampus is related to the deficits in memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the current project a new series of phthalimide derivatives were synthesized. Phthalic anhydride was reacted with 4-aminobenzoic acid in the presence of triethylamine under reflux condition. Then, the obtained acidic derivative was utilized for preparation of final compounds via an amidation reaction through a carbodiimde coupling reaction. Anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of synthesized derivatives was assessed by Ellmaná¾½s test. Compound 4g in this series exhibited the highest inhibitory potency (IC50 = 1.1 ± 0.25 µM) compared to donepezil (IC50 = 0.41 ± 0.12 µM) as reference drug.

Synthesis and evaluation of LOX inhibitory activity of 2-(1,3-Dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)-N-phenylacetamide derivatives.

A family of structurally related LOX enzymes present in human cells which catalyse the metabolism of released arachidonic acid from phospholipids by inflammatory stimuli, to biologically active mediators. Mainly, expression of three types of LOXs occurs in cells, which catalyse the insertion of molecular oxygen into the molecule of arachidonic acid at carbon 5, 12, and 15. According to this chemical reaction, the LOXs are named 5-, 12-, and 15-LOX, amongst which, 15-LOX with isoforms 15-LOX-1 and 15-LOX-2 have critical role in neoplastic diseases. 15-LOX-1 is overexpressed in some neoplastic conditions. Hence, in this research, we focused on the synthesis of naphthalimide analogs as potential 15-LOX-1 inhibitors. Fortunately, the most of synthesized compounds demonstrated remarkable inhibitory potency towards 15-LOX-1 in nanomolar ranges. Naphthalimide derivatives could be suggested as potential LOX inhibitors with likely applications of anticancer activity.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of some new 6-nitro derivatives of thiazole-containing 4-(3H)-quinazolinone.

Quinazolinones are a group of fused heterocyclic compounds which have valuable biological properties including cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Thiazole group-containing compounds have been also reported to have a wide range of biological activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects. Due to valuable cytotoxic effects of both thiazole groups and quinazoline derivatives, in this study a series of quinazolinone-thiazole hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on three cell lines including MCF-7, HT-29, and PC-3. Among tested compounds (quinazolinones and three intermediates), k5 and k6 showed highest cytotoxic activities against PC3 cell line. K6 and C were most active compounds against MCF7 and K6 showed best cytotoxicity on HT-29 cell line.

1,3,4-Thiadiazole Based Anticancer Agents.

In recent years, researchers like medicinal chemists in the field of medicinal chemistry have widely utilized the 1,3,4-thiadiazole nucleus to investigate its biological and pharmacological effects. This heterocyclic structure has demonstrated various bioactivities such as antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, antileishmanial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiepileptic, and anticancer effects among others. Anticancer activity is one of its promising effect as five membered heterocyclic rings have widely been investigated by researchers in the recent years. Herein, we reviewed the chemical structures bearing 1,3,4-thiadiazole template exerting anticancer activity.

Phthalimide analogs as probable 15-lipoxygenase-1 inhibitors: synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have been explained the role of lipoxygenases (LOX) in the origin of cancer. Among the lipoxygenases, the 5-LOX, 12-LOX and 15-LOX are more important in the cause of neoplastic disorders. In the present investigation, a new series of anticancer agents with 1,3,4-thiadiazole and phthalimide substructures were synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Moreover, enzyme inhibitory potency was also assessed by enzymatic protocol towards 15-LOX-1. Molecular docking was performed to explore in silico binding mode of the target compounds. RESULTS: Tested compounds showed a better cytotoxic activity against HT29 cell line (colorectal cancer) in comparison with other cell lines (PC3: prostate carcinoma; SKNMC: neuroblastoma). Unfortunately, all of the tested derivatives rendered lower inhibitory potency than quercetin towards 15-LOX-1. Four hydrogen bonds were detected in docking studies for compound 4d as the most potent derivative in enzymatic assay. CONCLUSIONS: The biological results of reported compounds in this research were not so satisfactory. But, further structural modifications are necessary to improve the bioactivity of these derivatives.