Synthesis, in vitro anticancer activity, and pharmacokinetic profiling of the new tetrahydropyrimidines: Part I.

Different vanillin-based aldehydes were used to synthesize novel tetrahydropyrimidines (THPMs) via conventional Biginelli reaction. The THPMs were tested against human normal cells (MRC-5) and cancer cell lines (HeLa, K562, and MDA-MB-231). With IC50 values of 10.65, 10.70, and 12.76 µM, compounds 4g, 4h, and 4i exerted the strongest cytotoxic effects against K562 cells. The best activity was achieved for 4g on MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 = 9.20 ± 0.14 µM). The effects of compounds 4g, 4h, and 4i on the cell-cycle phase distribution of K562 cells were analyzed. Principal component analysis was carried out for the chemometrics analysis to comprehend the relationship between the anticancer activity of the THPMs, pharmacokinetic properties, and partition coefficients, as well as the relationship between the chromatographic behavior and retention parameters. The highest retention rates are found for molecules 4g, 4h, and 4i, which have the longest carbon chains, indicating that the length of the alkyl chain positively affects the molecule's anticancer activity but only if the number of carbon atoms is not higher than seven. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was performed to determine the preferred binding modes of the investigated ligands (4g, 4h, and 4i) with a DNA dodecamer and bovine serum albumin.

From Synthesis to Functionality: Tailored Ionic Liquid-Based Electrospun Fibers with Superior Antimicrobial Properties.

Herein, we report an efficient and facile strategy for the preparation of imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) monomers ([CnVIm][Br], n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) and their corresponding polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) with potent antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. The electrospinning technique was utilized to tailor the polymers with the highest antimicrobial potency into porous membranes that can be easily implemented into diverse systems and extend their practical bactericidal application. The antimicrobial mechanism of obtained ILs, polymers, and nanomaterials is considered concerning the bearing chain length, polymerization process, and applied processing technique that provides a unique fibrous structure. The structure composition was selected due to the well-established inherent amphiphilicity that 1-alkylimidazolium ILs possess, coupled with proven antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antifungal behavior. The customizable nature of ILs and PILs complemented with electrospinning is exploited for the development of innovative antimicrobial performances born from the intrinsic polymer itself, offering solutions to the increasing challenge of bacterial resistance. This study opens up new prospects toward designer membranes providing a complete route in their designing and revolutionizing the approach of fabricating multi-functional systems with tunable physicochemical, surface properties, and interesting morphology.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel cobalt(II) complexes with ß-diketonates: crystal structure determination, BSA binding properties and molecular docking study.

In order to discover a new antibiotic drug with better or similar activity of the already existing drugs, a series of novel cobalt(II) complexes with ß-diketonate as ligands is synthesized and tested on four strains of bacteria and four species of fungi. All compounds showed notable antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. More importantly, some cobalt(II) complexes displayed greater activity than ketoconazole. It is important to notice that on the tested strains Mucor mucedo and Penicillium italicum complex 2B showed five times better activity compared to ketoconazole, while complex 2D had two times better activity on Penicillium italicum strain compared to ketoconazole. Moreover, investigations with bovine serum albumin were performed. Investigations showed that the tested complexes have an appropriate affinity for binding to bovine serum albumin. In addition, the molecular docking study was performed to investigate more specifically the sites and binding mode of the tested cobalt(II) complexes with ß-diketonate as ligands to bovine serum albumin, tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, topoisomerase II DNA gyrase, and cytochrome P450 14 alpha-sterol demethylase. In conclusion, all the results indicated the great prospective of the novel cobalt complexes for some potential clinical applications in the future.

Enhancing Bioactivity of N,N,N-Chelating Rhodium(III) Complexes with Ionic Liquids: Toward Targeted Cancer Therapy.

This study investigates the potential of using ionic liquids as cosolvents to enhance the solubility and activity of poorly soluble rhodium(III) complexes, particularly those with diene, pyridine derivatives, and camphor-derived bis-pyrazolylpyridine ligands, in relation to 5'-GMP, CT-DNA, and HSA as well as their biological activity. Findings indicate that ionic liquids significantly increase the substitution activity of these complexes toward 5'-GMP while only marginally affecting DNA/HSA binding affinities with molecular docking, further confirming the experimental results. Lipophilicity assessments indicated good lipophilicity. Notably, cytotoxicity studies show that Rh2 is selectively effective against HeLa cancer cells, with IL1 and IL10 modulating the cytotoxic effects. Redox evaluations indicate that rhodium complexes induce oxidative stress in cancerous cells while maintaining redox balance in noncancerous cells. By elucidating the role of ionic liquids in modulating these effects, the study proposes a promising avenue for augmenting the efficacy and selectivity of cancer treatments, thus opening new horizons in cancer therapeutics.

Novel insight into mitochondrial dynamin-related protein-1 as a new chemo-sensitizing target in resistant cancer cells.

Mitochondrial dynamics have pillar roles in several diseases including cancer. Cancer cell survival is monitored by mitochondria which impacts several cellular functions such as cell metabolism, calcium signaling, and ROS production. The equilibrium of death and survival rate of mitochondria is important for healthy cellular processes. Whereas inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics can have crucial regulatory decisions between cell survival and death. The steady rate of physiological flux of both mitochondrial fission and fusion is strongly related to the preservation of cellular bioenergetics. Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics including fission and fusion is a critical machinery in cells accompanied by crosstalk in cancer progression and resistance. Many cancer cells express high levels of Drp-1 to induce cancer cell invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance including breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer. Targeting Drp-1 by inhibitors such as Midivi-1 helps to enhance the responsiveness of cancer cells towards chemotherapy. The review showed Drp-1 linked processes such as mitochondrial dynamics and relationship with cancer, invasion, and chemoresistance along with computational assessing of all publicly available Drp-1 inhibitors. Drp1-IN-1, Dynole 34-2, trimethyloctadecylammonium bromide, and Schaftoside showed potential inhibitory effects on Drp-1 as compared to standard Mdivi- 1. This emerging approach may have extensive strength in the context of cancer development and chemoresistance and further work is needed to aid in more effective cancer management.

Dual activity of indolin-2-ones containing an arylidene motif: DNA and BSA interaction.

Applying a multistep approach, novel indolin-2-ones (IND) that possess an arylidene motif have been synthesized. Eight compounds were chosen for different biological tests (antimicrobial and cytotoxicity). IND containing 2-thienyl (4h) fragment have been found to exhibit good antimicrobial activity against B. cereus. Molecules that have 3-aminophenyl (4d) or 2-pyridyl (4g) groups have shown the best antifungal activities against all tested fungi. These compounds have also been noticed as promising pharmaceuticals against MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Experimental outcomes from the investigation of the interaction of 4d with DNA implied its moderate binding to DNA (KSV = 1.35 × 104 and 3.05 × 104 M-1 for EB and Hoechst binder, respectively). However, considerably stronger binding of 4d to BSA has been evidenced (Ka = 6.1 × 106 M-1). In summary, IND that contains m-aminobenzylidene fragment (4d) exhibits a good dual biological activity making it a promising candidate for further investigation in the drug discovery sector.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of some 2,4-diketo esters containing dehydrozingerone fragment: DNA and protein binding study.

Due to the increased resistance to antibiotics, in recent years there has been a growing interest in the discovery of new antimicrobial agents from different sources. Bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics are a global public health concern. In order to find a new antimicrobial drug, we synthesized a small series of 2,4-diketo esters and tested them on some gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Two compounds showed very good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Trichophyton mentagrophytes proved to be the most sensitive of the tested species regarding antifungal activity. Also, research was conducted on the biomolecule of bovine serum albumin. Examining these interactions, we concluded that all compounds have the appropriate binding affinity for bovine serum albumin, which is vital. Furthermore, to investigate the potential antitumor activity, interactions with DNA were carried out. Examining the interactions between our compounds and DNA using fluorescence, we concluded that all but one of the compounds interacts with the DNA molecule by intercalation. In addition, a molecular docking study was performed to investigate the binding mode of the tested compounds to DNA and bovine serum albumin. In conclusion, all the results indicate a great potential for the future application of these compounds in clinical practice in the future.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Meldrum's Acid Derivatives: Dual Activity and Molecular Docking Study.

In the presented study, eight novel Meldrum's acid derivatives containing various vanillic groups were synthesized. Vanillidene Meldrum's acid compounds were tested against different cancer cell lines and microbes. Out of nine, three showed very good biological activity against E. coli, and HeLa and A549 cell lines. It is shown that the O-alkyl substituted derivatives possessed better antimicrobial and anticancer activities in comparison with the O-acyl ones. The decyl substituted molecule (3i) has the highest activity against E. coli (MIC = 12.4 µM) and cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and LS174 = 15.7, 21.8, and 30.5 µM, respectively). The selectivity index of 3i is 4.8 (HeLa). The molecular docking study indicates that compound 3i showed good binding affinity to DNA, E. coli Gyrase B, and topoisomerase II beta. The covalent docking showed that 3i was a Michael acceptor for the nucleophiles Lys and Ser. The best Eb was noted for the topoisomerase II beta-LYS482-3i cluster.

Investigation of the radical scavenging potential of vanillin-based pyrido-dipyrimidines: experimental and in silico approach.

Antioxidants have a significant contribution in the cell protection against free radicals which may induce oxidative stress, and permanently damage the cells causing different disorders such as tumors, degenerative diseases, and accelerated aging. Nowadays, a multi-functionalized heterocyclic framework plays an important role in drug development, and it is of great importance in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Encouraged by the bioactivity of the pyrido-dipyrimidine scaffold and vanillin core, herein, we made an effort to thoroughly investigate the antioxidant potential of the vanillin-based pyrido-dipyrimidines A-E to reveal novel promising free radical inhibitors. The structural analysis and the antioxidant action of the investigated molecules were performed in silico by DFT calculations. Studied compounds were screened for their antioxidant capacity using in vitro ABTS and DPPH assays. All the investigated compounds showed remarkable antioxidant activity, especially derivative A exhibiting inhibition of free radicals at the IC50 value (ABTS and DPPH assay 0.1 mg ml-1 and 0.081 mg ml-1, respectively). Compound A has higher TEAC values implying its stronger antioxidant activity compared to a trolox standard. The applied calculation method and in vitro tests confirmed that compound A has a strong potential against free radicals and may be a novel candidate for application in antioxidant therapy.

Anticancer potential of some ß-diketonates: DNA interactions, protein binding properties, and molecular docking study.

With the goal to discover a new antitumor drug with the better or similar effects to existing, a small series of ß-diketonate was tested on a cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 and HeLa tumor cell lines, and nontumor MRC-5 cell line. All compounds showed notable cytotoxicity against both tumor cell lines and good selectivity. Importantly, ß-diketonates displayed greater selectivity than cisplatin, which is the crucial factor for a new antitumor drug candidate. Further, investigations with biomacromolecules such as DNA and serum albumin were performed. Investigations showed that tested compounds bind to DNA through intercalation and have appropriate affinity for binding to bovine serum albumin. In addition, the molecular docking study was performed to investigate more specifically the sites and binding mode of tested ß-diketonate to DNA or bovine serum albumin. In conclusion, all results indicated the big potential of these compounds for application in clinical practice in future.

Synthesis, characterization, antitumor potential, and investigation of mechanism of action of copper(ii) complexes with acylpyruvates as ligands: interactions with biomolecules and kinetic study.

Considering the urgency of finding a cure for vicious diseases such as tumors, we have synthesized and characterized a small series of new copper(ii) complexes with biologically important ligands such as acylpyruvate. In addition to this, we used another four copper(ii) complexes, with ligands of the same type to examine the antitumor potential. The antitumor potential of the copper(ii) complexes was examined on three tumor cell lines and one normal human cell line using the MTT assay. All seven tested complexes showed very good cytotoxic effects. Two copper complexes that showed the best antitumor potential were selected for further testing that showed the best potential for potential application in the future. The mechanism of activity of these complexes was examined in detail using tests such as cell cycle, ROS level, oxidative DNA damage, and proteins related to hypoxia analysis. In addition, we examined the binding abilities of these complexes with biomolecules (Guo, Ino, 5'-GMP, BSA, and DNA). The results showed that the tested compounds bind strongly to DNA molecules through intercalation. Also, it has been shown that the tested compounds adequately bind to the BSA molecule, which indicates an even greater potential for some future application of these compounds in clinical practice.

Influence of Sodium Salicylate on Self-Aggregation and Caffeine Solubility in Water-A New Hypothesis from Experimental and Computational Data.

The present study analyzed experimental data from volumetric and viscosimetric measurements and computational simulations to understand caffeine hydration and aggregation properties in 0.1 mol∙kg-1 of sodium salicylate aqueous solution. Sodium salicylate reduces the bitter taste and increases the solubility of caffeine in water, which is the main reason for their combination in food products. The results noted in volumetric and viscosimetric measurements indicate that sodium salicylate promotes the self-aggregation of caffeine in water. After self-aggregation, the hydration number of caffeine significantly increases. Molecular simulations have allowed us to hypothesize how salicylate increases caffeine solubility. At the molecular level, relocating salicylate moiety from the parallel stacking (π-π) aromatic complex with caffeine and its hydration could be the main reason for increasing the solubility of caffeine in water. The presented study provides clear guidelines on the choice of additives to increase caffeine's solubility in aqueous media. The choice of salicylate as an additive to increase the solubility of caffeine is very important because caffeine and salicylate are found in combination in a large number of formulations.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Tetrahydropyrimidines: Dual-Activity and Mechanism of Action.

In this paper, the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of the novel tetrahydropyrimidines-THPMs are described. THPMs are well-known for wide pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, etc. This research includes obtained results of in vitro antimicrobial, anticancer, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the eleven novel THPMs. An antibiotic assessment was done against five bacteria (two Gram-positive and three Gram-negative) and five fungi by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), using the broth tube dilution method. The most active antibacterial compounds were 4a, 4b, and 4d, while the best antifungal activity was shown by 4e, 4f, and 4k. The lowest MIC value (0.20 mg/mL) was measured for 4e, 4f, and 4k against the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Moreover, examining the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity revealed the compound 4g as the one with the best activity. The cytotoxic activity was performed on the tumor cell lines (HeLa, K562, and MDA-MB-231) and normal cells (MRC-5). The best antitumor activity was shown by compounds 4b and 4k against HeLa cell lines. The influence on cell cycle and mechanism of action of the most active compounds were examined too. Compound 4b had good antibacterial and anticancer activities, while 4k showed promising antifungal and anticancer activities.

A new class of half-sandwich ruthenium complexes containing Biginelli hybrids: anticancer and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities.

In order to discover new dual-active agents, a series of novel Biginelli hybrids (tetrahydropyrimidines) and their ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, and X-ray techniques and investigated for their cytotoxic effect on human cancer cell lines HeLa, LS174, A549, A375, K562 and normal fibroblasts (MRC-5). For further examination of the cytotoxic mechanisms of novel complexes, two of them were chosen for analyzing their effects on the distribution of HeLa cells in the cell cycle phases. The results of the flow cytometry analysis suggest that the proportion of cells in G2/M phase was decreased following the increase of subG1 phase in all treatments. These results confirmed that cells treated with 5b and 5c were induced to undergo apoptotic death. The ruthenium complexes 5a-5d show significant inhibitory potency against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Therefore, molecule 5b has significance, while 5e possesses the lowest values of ΔGbind and Ki, which are comparable to cinanserin, and hydroxychloroquine. In addition, achieved results will open a new avenue in drug design for more research on the possible therapeutic applications of dual-active Biginelli-based drugs (anticancer-antiviral). Dual-active drugs based on the hybridization concept "one drug curing two diseases" could be a successful tactic in healing patients who have cancer and the virus SARS-CoV-2 at the same time.

Synthesis and Characterization of Dihydrouracil Analogs Utilizing Biginelli Hybrids.

Dihydrouracil presents a crucial intermediate in the catabolism of uracil. The vital importance of uracil and its nucleoside, uridine, encourages scientists to synthesize novel dihydrouracils. In this paper, we present an innovative, fast, and effective method for the synthesis of dihydrouracils. Hence, under mild conditions, 3-chloroperbenzoic acid was used to cleave the carbon-sulfur bond of the Biginelli hybrids 5,6-dihydropyrimidin-4(3H)-ones. This approach led to thirteen novel dihydrouracils synthesized in moderate-to-high yields (32-99%).

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential, BSA and DNA Binding Properties of Some 3-Hydroxy-3-Pyrrolin-2-Ones Bearing Thenoyl Fragment.

BACKGROUND: It is known that pyrrolidinone derivates belong to a class of biologically active compounds with a broad spectrum of biological actions. Nowadays, many scientists are making an effort in the discovery of more effective ways to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress or to eliminate the harmful microorganisms from the organism in humans. Therefore, pyrrolidinones seem to be great candidates for the research of this field. METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of tested compounds was estimated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth micro-dilution method against four species of bacteria and five species of fungi. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging and reducing power. RESULTS: Among the tested compounds, P22 showed marked antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 0.312 mg/mL. Maximum antifungal activity with MIC value 0.625 mg/mL was shown by P23 and P25 compounds against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Tested samples showed a relatively strong scavenging activity on DPPH radical (IC50 ranged from 166.75- 727.17 µg/mL). The strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown by P3 compound with an IC50 value of 166.75 µg/mL. Moreover, the tested compounds had effective reducing power. Compounds P3, P10, and P13 showed the highest reducing power than those from the other samples. Results of the interactions between DNA and P3 indicated that P3 had the affinity to displace EB from the EB-DNA complex through intercalation [Ksv = (1.4 ± 0.1) × 105 M-1], while Ka values obtained via titration of BSA with P23 or P25 [Ka = (6.2 ± 0.2) and (5.0 ± 0.2) × 105 M-1] indicate that the notable quantity of the drug can be transmitted to the cells. CONCLUSION: Achieved results indicate that our compounds are potential candidates for use as medicaments.

Synthesis, Characterization, Antitumor Potential, BSA and DNA Binding Properties, and Molecular Docking Study of Some Novel 3-Hydroxy-3- Pyrrolin-2-Ones.

BACKGROUND: In order to make progress in discovering the new agents for cancer treatment with improved properties and considering the fact that 3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones belong to a class of biologically active compounds, we tested series of eleven novels 1,5-diaryl-4-(2- thienylcarbonyl)-3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones for their antitumor potential. METHODS: All novel compounds were characterized by spectral (IR, NMR, MS) and elemental analysis. All novel 3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones were screened for their cytotoxic activity on two cancer cell lines, SW480 and MDA-MB 231, and non-transformed fibroblasts (MRC-5). RESULTS: Compounds B8, B9, and B10 showed high cytotoxicity on SW480 cells together with good selectivity towards MRC-5 cells. It is important to empathize that the degree of selectivity of B8 and B10 was high (SI = 5.54 and 12.09, respectively). Besides, we explored the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of novel derivatives, B8, B9, and B10. The assay showed that tested derivatives induce an apoptotic type of cell death in SW480 cells, with a minor percent of necrotic cells. Additionally, to better understand the suitability of the compounds for potential use as anticancer medicaments, we studied their interactions with biomacromolecules (DNA or BSA). The results indicated that the tested compounds have a great affinity to displace EB from the EB-DNA complex through intercalation. Also, DNA and BSA molecular docking study was performed to predict the binding mode and the interaction region of the compounds. CONCLUSION: Achieved results indicate that our compounds have the potential to become candidates for use as medicaments.

Selenocyclization by Formation of Carbon-nitrogen Bonds.

Selenium promoted-cyclization of unsaturated substrates containing internal nitrogen nucleophiles, such as different amines and amides, including the examples of its application in the synthesis of more complex polycyclic compounds is reviewed. Selenocyclization reactions of some more specific polyfunctional substrates, like Biginelli hybrids and hydantoins, are also covered.

Antitumor activity, DNA and BSA interactions of novel copper(II) complexes with 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinoxalinones.

In order to discover new therapeutically active agents a series of novel copper(II) complexes with 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinoxalinones were synthesized. All complexes were characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopic techniques and examined for their cytotoxic effect on human cancer cell lines HeLa, LS174, A549 and normal fibroblasts (MRC-5). For further examination of the cytotoxic mechanisms of novel complexes, three of them were chosen for analysing their effects on the distribution of HeLa cells in the cell cycle phases. The results of the flow cytometry analysis suggest that tested complexes lead to time-dependent accumulation of the cells in S and G2/M phases. The strongest accumulation effect showed complex 2d after 48 h of incubation. Competitive experiments with ethidium bromide (EB) indicated that tested compound 2d have affinity to displace EB from the EB-DNA complex through intercalation. Also, the binding parameters values for 2d-BSA complex showed that a reversible 2d-BSA complex is formed and ligand 2d can be stored and carried by BSA.

3D HeLa spheroids as a model for investigating the anticancer activity of Biginelli-hybrids.

In previous study, we examined the anticancer effects of novel Biginelli-hybrids against HeLa cell line on 2D monolayer culture. The five most effective compounds were chosen for further analysis of their anticancer activity against HeLa spheroids. Using the 3D models implies the possible differences in anticancer effects and mechanisms of activity of tested compounds. The compounds 4c and 4d exerted the strongest activity against 3D HeLa spheroids and induced to some extent loosened cell-cell contacts in spheroids, leading to the largest reduction in the diameter of the spheroids. Additionally, the highest accumulation of the cells in the subG1 phase of the cell cycle was observed after the treatment with compounds 4d and 4c, while the compound 4f led to the G2/M arrest. The invasion potential of treated HeLa cells in spheroids was monitored by imaging of spheroids embedded in a matrix made of matrigel and collagen and by determination of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF gene expression levels. The compound 4l did not show invasion-suppressive activity, while the compounds 4c and 4d exerted the strongest anti-invasive activity.