Discovery and optimization of ATX inhibitors via modeling, synthesis and biological evaluation.

Autotaxin (ATX) is a potential target for the treatment of various cancers. A new series of ATX inhibitors was rationally designed and synthesized based on our previous study. Biological evaluation and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of this series are discussed. Among fourteen synthesized derivatives, six compounds (2, 3, 4, 12, 13 and 14) exhibited enhanced ATX inhibitory activities with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Molecular interactions of all the synthesized compounds within the active site of ATX were studied through molecular docking studies. Herein, we describe our lead optimization efforts that resulted in the identification of a potent ATX inhibitor (compound 4 with IC50 = 1.23 nM, FS-3 and 2.18 nM, bis-pNPP). Furthermore, pharmacokinetic properties of this most promising compound are profiled.

Green tea extract increases cyclophosphamide-induced teratogenesis by modulating the expression of cytochrome P-450 mRNA.

The effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the fetal development and external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities induced by cyclophosphamide were investigated in rats. Pregnant rats were daily administered GTE (100mg/kg) by gavage for 7 d, from the 6th to 12th day of gestation, and intraperitoneally administered with cyclophosphamide (11mg/kg) 1h after the final treatment. On the 20th day of gestation, maternal and fetal abnormalities were determined by Cesarian section. Cyclophosphamide was found to reduce fetal and placental weights without increasing resorption or death. In addition, it induced malformations in live fetuses; 94.6%, 41.5% and 100% of the external (skull and limb defects), visceral (cleft palate and ureteric dilatation) and skeletal (acrania, vertebral/costal malformations and delayed ossification) abnormalities. When pre-treated with GTE, cyclophosphamide-induced body weight loss and abnormalities of fetuses were remarkably aggravated. Moreover, repeated treatment with GTE greatly increased mRNA expression and activity of hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2B, which metabolizes cyclophosphamide into teratogenic acrolein and cytotoxic phosphoramide mustard, while reducing CYP3A expression (a detoxifying enzyme). The results suggest that repeated intake of GTE may aggravate cyclophosphamide-induced body weight loss and malformations of fetuses by modulating CYP2B and CYP3A.