Exploratory toxicology studies of 2,3-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Background: Trichomoniasis and amoebiasis are neglected diseases and still remain as a global health burden not only for developing countries, from where are endemic, but also for the developed world. Previously, we tested the antiparasitic activity of a number of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives (IMPYs) on metronidazole-resistant strains of Entamoeba Hystolitica (HM1:IMSS), and Trichomonas Vaginalis (GT3). Their anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated. Objective: The present work is a part of a project whose aim is to find new alternatives to standard treatments for these maladies, and to address the current concern of emerging resistant parasite strains. Here we report a non-clinical study focused on exploratory toxicology assays of seven IMPYs that showed the best antiparasitic and/or anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Acute, and subacute toxicity tests were carried out. After 14-day oral treatment, liver and kidney functionality assays in combination with chemometric methods were implemented to detect hepatic and/or kidney damage. Results: Some compounds produced off-target effects. Vehicle effects were also detected. However, no signs of hepatic or renal toxicity were observed for any IMPY. Conclusion: These compounds can continue non-clinical evaluations, and if possible, clinical trials as new candidates to treat trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, and inflammatory diseases. Further studies are also needed to fully elucidate a proposed dual effect that may exert these molecules against trichomoniasis and amoebiasis, which may also signify a novel mechanism of action to treat these infections.

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of unsymmetrical selenides.

The alkylation reaction of 2,2'-diseleno and 4,4'-diseleno-bis(benzoic acid) derivatives in the presence of sodium borohydride and alkyl halides allowed the synthesis of various new o- and p-alkylselenenylated benzoic acid derivatives in good yields. The anti-inflammatory activity of selected selenide derivatives on granuloma induced by subcutaneous implantation of cotton pellets in Wistar rats was examined. Selenium derivatives 2a, 2c and 2e showed anti-inflammatory activity although to a lesser extent as compared to indomethacin, however they were found less toxic than the latter.

In vitro anti-Giardia lamblia activity of 2-aryl-3-hydroxymethyl imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and -pyrimidines, individually and in combination with albendazole.

Giardiasis is a major diarrheal disease found throughout the world, the causative agent being the flagellate protozoan Giardia intestinalis. Infection is more common in children than in adults. The appearance of drug resistance has complicated the treatment of several parasitic diseases, including giardiasis. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to make an in vitro evaluation of the antigiardia response of synthetic derivatives 2-aryl-3-hydroxymethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines 1 and -pyrimidines 2 against trophozoites of Giardia lamblia WB, in comparison with the reference drug, albendazole. Additionally, the synergistic action of albendazole in combination with each of the most active 2-aryl-3-hydroxymethyl imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and pyrimidines was also assessed. Based on the IC50 values obtained, the best anti-Giardia activity was provided by the 3-hydroxymethyl-4-fluorophenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivative 2c and the corresponding imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine with the p-tolyl substituent 2d, followed by 2a and 2b. These four compounds showed effectiveness at a concentration similar to that of albendazole. Regarding synergism, the IC50 of the combination of albendazole with 2a, 2b or 2c gave the best anti-Giardia action, showing greater efficacy than albendazole alone. Hence, G. lamblia WB showed high susceptibility to some 2-aryl-3-hydroxymethyl imidazo[1,2-a] pyrimidines, which acted synergistically when used in combination with albendazole.

Cytogenetic study of metronidazole and three metronidazole analogues in cultured human lymphocytes with and without metabolic activation.

Metronidazole (MTZ) and other nitroimidazole derivatives have been extensively used to treat infections caused by protozoa and anaerobic bacteria. However, the need for new derivatives with similar therapeutic activity but lower toxicity to human beings prevails. On this purpose, three metronidazole analogues were synthesized, namely: 1-(p-methylphenacyl)-2-methyl-4-nitro imidazole (CPMe), 1-(p-methoxyphenacyl)-2-methyl-4-nitroimidazole (CPMeO), and 1-(p-fluorphenacyl)-2-methyl-4-nitroimidazole (CPF), which at low concentrations (0.5-2 microg/ml) showed a higher activity against Entamoeba histolytica than MTZ (3-6 microg/ml). The aim of this work was to investigate the cytogenetic effect of the three MTZ analogues on human lymphocyte cultures with and without metabolic activation in vitro, using the sister chromatid exchange test (SCE), comparatively with MTZ. The effect of the compounds on the cell proliferation kinetics (CPK) measured by the replication index (RI) and the cytotoxic effect in the mitotic index (MI) was evaluated as well. The SCE frequencies with and without S9 metabolic activation in treated and control lymphocytes showed no significant statistical differences. However when metabolic activation was involved a significant increase in the amount of third division metaphases provoked the CPK increased significantly with all the tested compounds. The RI showed similar behaviour, except for compound CPF.

Intramolecular H-bonding interaction in angular 3-π-EWG substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines contributes to conformational preference.

BACKGROUND: The proton at position 5 of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines substituted with an angular electron withdrawing group (EWG) at position 3, shows an unusual downfield chemical shift, which is usually explained in terms of a peri effect. However usage of this term is sometimes confusing. In this investigation, it is proposed that the aforementioned shift is in fact a combination of several factors: Anisotropy, long-distance mesomerism and an attractive intramolecular interaction of the electrostatic hydrogen bond type. RESULTS: Theoretical calculations were performed aimed to obtain evidence of the existence of an intramolecular non-bonding interaction between H-5 and the oxygen atom of the EWG. Results derived from conformational and vibrational analysis at the DFT B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory, the determination of Bond Critical Points derived from AIM theory, and the measurement of some geometrical parameters, support the hypothesis that the higher stability of the prevailing conformation in these molecules (that in which the oxygen of the EWG is oriented towards H-5) has its origin in an intramolecular interaction. CONCLUSION: Computational calculations predicted correctly the conformational preferences in angular 3-π-EWG-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. The existence of an electrostatic hydrogen bond between H-5 and the oxygen atom of the π-EWG was supported by several parameters, including X-ray crystallography. The existence of such structural array evidently impacts the H-5 chemical shift.