New ß-ketophosphonates for the synthesis of prostaglandin analogues. 1. Phosphonates with a bicyclo[3.3.0]octene scaffold spaced by a methylene group from the ß-ketone.

The synthesis of ß-ketophosphonates, linked by a methylene group to a bicyclo[3.3.0]octene fragment, was performed by the reaction of dimethyl methanephosphonate with the ester group of two intermediates with this scaffold. Starting from a diol, protected with good leaving groups (mesyl and tosyl), we performed a sequence of reactions with good yields: the carbon chain lengthening by reaction with KCN, the hydrolysis of the nitrile groups to carboxyl, the esterification of carboxyl to ester and finally the phosphonate synthesis, which gave one bis-ß-ketophosphonate and two mono ß-ketophosphonates. The new ß-ketophosphonates are key intermediates for obtaining new prostaglandin analogues with a bicyclo[3.3.0]octene fragment in the ω-side chain. The bicyclo[3.3.0]octane scaffold, found in natural products and in anticancer compounds, are expected to keep their activity in PG analogs; the bulky scaffold, separated by a methylene group from the C-15 carbon atom, is expected to diminish the inactivation of the PG analog by enzyme oxidation of 15α-OH oxidation to 15-Keto via PGDH pathway.

ß-Ketophosphonates with Pentalenofuran Scaffolds Linked to the Ketone Group for the Synthesis of Prostaglandin Analogs.

ß-Ketophosphonates with pentalenofurane fragments linked to the keto group were synthesized. The bulky pentalenofurane skeleton is expected to introduce more hindrance in the prostaglandin analogues of type III, greater than that obtained with the bicyclo[3.3.0]oct(a)ene fragments of prostaglandin analogues I and II, to slow down (retard) the inactivation of the prostaglandin analogues by oxidation of 15α-OH to the 15-keto group via the 15-PGDH pathway. Their synthesis was performed by a sequence of three high yield reactions, starting from the pentalenofurane alcohols 2, oxidation of alcohols to acids 3, esterification of acids 3 to methyl esters 4 and reaction of the esters 4 with lithium salt of dimethyl methanephosphonate at low temperature. The secondary compounds 6b and 6c were formed in small amounts in the oxidation reactions of 2b and 2c, and the NMR spectroscopy showed that their structure is that of an ester of the acid with the starting alcohol. Their molecular structures were confirmed by single crystal X-ray determination method for 6c and XRPD powder method for 6b.

Lactones in the Synthesis of Prostaglandins and Prostaglandin Analogs.

In the total stereo-controlled synthesis of natural prostaglandins (PGs) and their structural analogs, a vast class of compounds and drugs, known as the lactones, are encountered in a few key steps to build the final molecule, as: δ-lactones, γ-lactones, and 1,9-, 1,11-, and 1,15-macrolactones. After the synthesis of 1,9-PGF2α and 1,15-PGF2α lactones, many 1,15-lactones of E2, E3, F2, F3, A2, and A3 were found in the marine mollusc Tethys fimbria and the quest for understanding their biological role stimulated the research on their synthesis. Then 1,9-, 1,11-, and 1,15-PG lactones of the drugs were synthesized as an alternative to the corresponding esters, and the first part of the paper describes the methods used for their synthesis. The efficient Corey procedure for the synthesis of prostaglandins uses the key δ-lactone and γ-lactone intermediates with three or four stereocenters on the cyclopentane fragment to link the PG side chains. The paper describes the most used procedures for the synthesis of the milestone δ-Corey-lactones and γ-Corey-lactones, their improvements, and some new promising methods, such as interesting, new stereo-controlled and catalyzed enantioselective reactions, and methods based on the chemical/enzymatic resolution of the compounds in different steps of the sequences. The many uses of δ-lactones not only for the synthesis of γ-lactones, but also for obtaining 9ß-halogen-PGs and halogen-substituted cyclopentane intermediates, as synthons for new 9ß-PG analogs and future applications, are also discussed.

Synthesis of prostaglandin analogues, latanoprost and bimatoprost, using organocatalysis via a key bicyclic enal intermediate.

Two antiglaucoma drugs, bimatoprost and latanoprost, which are analogues of the prostaglandin, PGF2α, have been synthesized in just 7 and 8 steps, respectively. The syntheses employ an organocatalytic aldol reaction that converts succinaldehyde into a key bicyclic enal intermediate, which is primed for attachment of the required lower and upper side chains. By utilizing the crystalline lactone, the drug molecules were prepared in >99% ee.

Discovery of novel prostaglandin analogs as potent and selective EP2/EP4 dual agonists.

To identify potent EP2/EP4 dual agonists with excellent subtype selectivity, a series of γ-lactam prostaglandin E analogs bearing a 16-phenyl ω-chain were synthesized and evaluated. Structural hybridization of 1 and 2, followed by more detailed chemical modification of the benzoic acid moiety, led us to the discovery of a 2-mercaptothiazole-4-carboxylic acid analog 3 as the optimal compound in the series. An isomer of this compound, the 2-mercaptothiazole-5-carboxylic acid analog 13, showed 34-fold and 13-fold less potent EP2 and EP4 receptor affinities, respectively. Structure activity relationship data from an in vitro mouse receptor binding assay are presented. Continued evaluation in an in vivo rat model of another 2-mercaptothiazole-4-carboxylic acid analog 17, optimized for sustained compound release from PLGA microspheres, demonstrated its effectiveness in a rat bone fracture-healing model following topical administration.

Synthesis of neuroprotective cyclopentenone prostaglandin analogs: suppression of manganese-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells.

The synthesis and evaluation for anti- and proapoptotic properties of cyclopentenone prostaglandin analogs are described. Novel J-type analogs of NEPP11 with a cross-conjugated cyclopentadienone moiety and a lipophilic omega-side chain suppressed manganese ion-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells at comparable levels to NEPP11, while monoenone derivatives were inactive. The proapoptotic activities of J-type analogs were much lower than that of NEPP11. Natural 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) and Delta(7)-PGA(1) methyl ester were highly toxic, inducing apoptosis at lower concentrations.

Prostacyclin, atherothrombosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) is a major product of COX-2 catalyzed metabolism of arachidonic acid in the endothelium. Recent studies have demonstrated that PGI(2) protects against atherothrombosis. The prostacyclin receptor knockout mice exhibit increased atherosclerosis, enhanced thrombosis, and enhanced proliferative response to carotid vascular injury with increased intima to media ratios [1-3]. Moreover, the recent withdrawal of rofecoxib (Vioxx) due to increased cardiovascular events further supports the critical role of prostacyclin in inhibiting atherothrombosis in humans. Such studies have paralleled intense chemical biology studies to develop more stable prostacyclin analogues. Indeed a number of these analogues are currently being successfully used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In this review we will summarize the current literature on some principles of prostacyclin analogue development, our current understanding of the receptor, and recent developments which implicate prostacyclin in atherothrombotic protection. More than 68 million Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease, which causes more deaths, disability and economic loss than any other group of diseases. Further clinical investigations of orally stable prostacyclin analogues for treatment of cardiovascular diseases other than pulmonary hypertension may now be warranted.

Novel synthetic strategies for the preparation of prostacyclin and prostaglandin analogues--off the beaten track.

The recent increase in activity in the fields of neuroscience and life sciences has been mirrored by the design and synthesis of novel chemically and metabolically stable prostaglandin and prostacyclin analogues. Consequently, convenient and practical access to these important classes of compounds is greatly coveted. Various strategies for the preparation of prostacyclin, prostaglandin and isoprostane analogues are discussed, with particular focus on novel approaches developed in our own laboratories.

Chemical transformation of prostaglandin-A2: a novel series of C-10 halogenated, C-12 hydroxylated prostaglandin-A2 analogues.

[reaction: see text] Synthesis of a novel class of C-10 halogenated and C-12 oxygenated prostaglandin-A(2) derivatives (6a-6c) has been accomplished. (15S)-Prostaglandin-A(2) (1), from the gorgonian Plexaura homomalla, served as the starting material for the synthesis. The absolute configuration was determined using NMR.

Development of a common fully stereocontrolled access to the medicinally important and promising prostacyclin analogues iloprost, 3-oxa-iloprost and cicaprost.

We describe new fully stereocontrolled syntheses of the prostacyclin analogues iloprost (2), the most active component of the drugs Ilomedin and Ventavis, and 3-oxa-iloprost (3), a derivative that is expected to have a significantly higher metabolic stability than 2 perhaps allowing an oral application. The syntheses are based on the same strategy and chiral bicyclic building block as used in the synthesis of cicaprost (4), the third most potent analogue that exhibits, besides prostacyclin-like activities, antimetastatic activities. Reaction of the enantiopure C6-C13 bicyclic aldehyde 17 with Cl(3)CCOOH/Cl(3)CCOONa afforded trichlorocarbinol 24 which was converted via mesylate 25 to the C6-C14 bicyclic alkyne 9. The palladium-catalysed hydrostannylation of alkyne 9 gave with high regio- and stereoselectivity the alkenylstannane 26, Sn/Li exchange of which afforded the E-configured alkenyllithium derivative 8. Coupling of the C6-C14 building block 8 with the enantiopure C15-C20 building block, the N-methoxyamide 7, gave the C6-C20 bicyclic ketone 6 in high yield without epimerisation at C16. The configuration at C15 of iloprost (2) and 3-oxa-iloprost (3) was established through a highly diastereoselective reduction of ketone 6 with catecholborane and the chiral oxazaborolidine 28 which furnished alcohol (15S)-29. The highly stereoselective conversions of alcohol (15S)-29 to iloprost (2) and 3-oxa-iloprost (3), which include as key stereoselective steps an olefination with a chiral phosphonoacetate and a copper-mediated allylic alkylation, have already been described.

A convergent synthesis of the 11-oxa prostaglandin analogue AL-12182.

[reaction: see text] The 11-oxa prostaglandin analogue AL-12182 1 has potent topical ocular hypotensive activity. A convergent and concise general synthesis of this class of prostanoid was developed employing a stereoselective coupling reaction between a tetrahydrofuran core electrophile and a nucleophilic omega side chain component, providing a route that should be suitable for commercial scale production. The tetrahydrofuran core was assembled from dimethyl d-malate using a stereoselective beta-hydroxy ester dianion alkylation reaction.

Cyclooxygenase isozymes: the biology of prostaglandin synthesis and inhibition.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent one of the most highly utilized classes of pharmaceutical agents in medicine. All NSAIDs act through inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, a catalytic activity possessed by two distinct cyclooxygenase (COX) isozymes encoded by separate genes. The discovery of COX-2 launched a new era in NSAID pharmacology, resulting in the synthesis, marketing, and widespread use of COX-2 selective drugs. These pharmaceutical agents have quickly become established as important therapeutic medications with potentially fewer side effects than traditional NSAIDs. Additionally, characterization of the two COX isozymes is allowing the discrimination of the roles each play in physiological processes such as homeostatic maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract, renal function, blood clotting, embryonic implantation, parturition, pain, and fever. Of particular importance has been the investigation of COX-1 and -2 isozymic functions in cancer, dysregulation of inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease. More recently, additional heterogeneity in COX-related proteins has been described, with the finding of variants of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These variants may function in tissue-specific physiological and pathophysiological processes and may represent important new targets for drug therapy.

Studies on ocular inflammation and development of a prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma treatment.

This review summarizes the Ernst H. Bárány Prize Lecture given at the meeting of the International Society of Eye Research in Geneva 2002. In the paper the path from the author's early studies on neurogenic inflammation in the eye to the search for a suitable prostaglandin analogue for glaucoma treatment, and the development of latanoprost are described. In particular the solution to the nociceptive and hyperemic side-effects of naturally occurring prostaglandins in the eye, the mechanism of action of FP prostanoid receptor agonists as well as the selection of dose for glaucoma treatment are discussed. In addition, pharmacokinetical aspects of latanoprost, and the melanogenic side-effect of prostaglandins in the iris are addressed. The paper is primarily focused on studies performed by the author and complete reference to other previous, or contemporary studies is therefore not always given as the purpose is not to present a comprehensive review article.

Asymmetric synthesis of the highly potent anti-metastatic prostacyclin analogue cicaprost and its isomer isocicaprost.

An asymmetric synthesis of the anti-metastatic prostacyclin analogue cicaprost and a formal one of its isomer isocicaprost by a new route are described. A key step of these syntheses is the coupling of a chiral bicyclic C6-C14 ethynyl building block with a chiral C15-C21 omega-side chain amide building block with formation of the C14-C15 bond of the target molecules. A highly stereoselective reduction of the thereby obtained C6-C21 intermediate carrying a carbonyl group at C15 of the side chain was accomplished by the chiral oxazaborolidine method. The chiral phosphono acetate method was used for the highly stereoselective attachment of the alpha-side chain to the bicyclic C6-C21 intermediate carrying a carbonyl group at C6. Asymmetric syntheses of the bicyclic C6-C14 ethynyl building blocks were carried out starting from achiral bicyclic C6-C12 ketones by using the chiral lithium amide method. In the course of these syntheses, a new method for the introduction of an ethynyl group at the alpha-position of the carbonyl group of a ketone with formation of the corresponding homopropargylic alcohol was devised. Its key steps are an aldol reaction of the corresponding silyl enol ether with chloral and the elimination of a trichlorocarbinol derivative with formation of the ethynyl group. In addition, a new aldehyde to terminal alkyne transformation has been realized. Its key steps are the conversion of an aldehyde to the corresponding 1-alkenyl dimethylaminosulfoxonium salt and the elimination of the latter with a strong base. Two basically different routes have been followed for the synthesis of the enantiomerically pure C15-C21 omega-side chain amide building block. The first is based on the chiral oxazolidinone method and features a highly stereoselective alkylation of (4R)-N-acetyl-4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one, and the second encompasses a malonate synthesis of the racemic amide and its efficient preparative scale resolution by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase containing column.

A new strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of carba-prostacyclin analogues based on organocopper conjugate addition to a bicyclic azoene and its application to the synthesis of 13,14-dinor-inter-p-phenylene carbacyclin.

An enantioselective synthesis of E/Z-13,14-dinor-inter-p-phenylene carbacyclin (E/Z-2d) by a new strategy has been realized that holds the prospect of serving as a general route for carba-prostacyclin analogues. The key intermediate in this synthesis is the bicyclic azoene Ts-9, and the key step is the regio- and stereoselective conjugate addition of the chiral arylcopper compound Cu-8d/P-n-Bu3 to the azoene with formation of hydrazone 7d. Enantioselective synthesis of azoene Ts-9 of 95% ee from ketone 4 was accomplished in four and five steps, respectively. Thus, enantioselective deprotonation of bicyclic ketone 4 with chiral base Li-10 and trapping of lithium enolate 11 with ClSiMe3 gave enol ether 12, which was chlorinated with N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) to afford chloro ketone 13. Alternatively, chloro ketone 13 was also prepared upon chlorination of 11 with NCS. Chloro ketone 13 was converted to chloro hydrazone 14, which upon treatment with a mild base furnished azoene Ts-9. Arylcopper compound 8d of 98% ee was obtained in two steps from alcohol 16, which was prepared by enantioselective reduction of ketone 17 with (-)-diisopinocampheylchloroborane. Carbacyclin derivative E/Z-2d was found to be essentially inactive as an inhibitor of ADP induced human platelet aggregation, having an IC50 of >10 micromol/L.

The design and synthesis of selective prostaglandin analogs as bone anabolic agents for the potential treatment of osteoporosis.

A series of prostaglandins selective for the human FP receptor have been synthesized and evaluated as potential therapeutics for the treatment of osteoporosis. The compounds proved to be potent (nanomolar binding affinity) and selective (> 100x) ligands for the human FP receptor in vitro, and increased bone volume in the ovariectomized rat in vivo.

A new strategy for cyclopentenone synthesis.

[reaction--see text] A new strategy for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted cyclopentenones emerges from two key reactions-the ruthenium-catalyzed three-component coupling of an equivalent of HBr, an alkyne, and a vinyl ketone and the Ni-Cr Barbier type reaction. As a result, these important structures are readily accessed from an alkyne and a vinyl ketone (which derive directly from carboxylic acids). Syntheses of tetrahydrodicranenone B and rosaprostol illustrate the new strategy.

Synthesis of bicyclic ketones in prostaglandins and their antimitotic activity.

The synthesis of a second ring in the prostaglandin structure, located at positions C-11 and C-13, has been accomplished starting from prostaglandin A2. Also an efficient enantioselectivity was obtained through the conjugate addition of carbanions at position C-11, together with the stereospecificity of a Claisen rearrangement at position C-13. Evaluation of the inhibitory effects on the proliferation of the K-562 cell line, in vitro, is presented. A structure-activity relationship indicated that alterations of the functional groups incorporated in the second ring of the prostaglandin structure affected their hydrophobicity. The antimitotic activity for prostanoids 7b, 7c and 7e have shown substantial improvements in their activities according to their ID50 values (12.5, 9.0 and 1.12 micrograms/ml), respectively). Attention is called to the importance of derivative 7a in terms of its high potency, determined by its ID50 values (0.35 micrograms/ml).

Synthesis of C(10)-halogenated prostaglandins.

The synthesis of halogenated prostaglandins at position C(10), starting from prostaglandin A2, has been accomplished, as well as an efficient regioselective hydroxylation of the upper chain of the prostanoid structure. Evaluation of the inhibitory effects on the proliferation of the K-562 cell line in vitro is presented. When the prostaglandin was modified in the upper chain, the antimitotic activity for bromo derivatives 4b, c and iodo derivative 5b had shown substantial improvements in their activities according to their ID50 values (28, 25, and 22 micrograms/mL, respectively). Attention is called to the significance of chloro derivative 3a in terms of its high potency, determined by its ID50 value (0.06 micrograms/mL).