Development of 3,5-Dinitrophenyl-Containing 1,2,4-Triazoles and Their Trifluoromethyl Analogues as Highly Efficient Antitubercular Agents Inhibiting Decaprenylphosphoryl-ß-d-ribofuranose 2'-Oxidase.

We report herein the discovery of 3,5-dinitrophenyl 1,2,4-triazoles with excellent and selective antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, including clinically isolated multidrug-resistant strains. Thorough structure-activity relationship studies of 3,5-dinitrophenyl-containing 1,2,4-triazoles and their trifluoromethyl analogues revealed the key role of the position of the 3,5-dinitrophenyl fragment in the antitubercular efficiency. Among the prepared compounds, the highest in vitro antimycobacterial activities against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and against seven clinically isolated multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis were found with S-substituted 4-alkyl-5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols and their 3-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl analogues. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of these compounds reached 0.03 µM, which is superior to all the current first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Furthermore, almost all compounds with excellent antimycobacterial activities exhibited very low in vitro cytotoxicities against two proliferating mammalian cell lines. The docking study indicated that these compounds acted as the inhibitors of decaprenylphosphoryl-ß-d-ribofuranose 2'-oxidase enzyme, which was experimentally confirmed by two independent radiolabeling experiments.

Development of water-soluble 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazole and oxadiazole antitubercular agents.

In this work, four series of tertiary amine-containing derivatives of 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazole and oxadiazole antitubercular agents were prepared, and their in vitro antimycobacterial effects were evaluated. We found that the studied compounds showed lipophilicity-dependent antimycobacterial activity. The N-benzylpiperazine derivatives, which had the highest lipophilicity among all of the series, showed the highest in vitro antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis CNCTC My 331/88 (H37Rv), comparable to those of the first-line drugs isoniazid and rifampicin. The presence of two tertiary amines in these N-benzylpiperazine derivatives enabled us to prepare water-soluble dihydrochloride salts, overcoming the serious drawback of previously described 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazole and oxadiazole lead compounds. The water-soluble 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazole and oxadiazole antitubercular agents described in this work are good candidates for further in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

Structure-activity relationship studies on 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazoles as antitubercular agents.

In this study, we described the structure-activity relationships of substituted 3,5-dinitrophenyl tetrazoles as potent antitubercular agents. These simple and readily accessible compounds possessed high in vitro antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including clinically isolated multidrug (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, with submicromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The most promising compounds showed low in vitro cytotoxicity and negligible antibacterial and antifungal activities, highlighting their highly selective antimycobacterial effects. 2-Substituted 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-2H-tetrazole regioisomers, which are the dominant products of 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1H-tetrazole alkylation, showed better properties with respect to antimycobacterial activity and cytotoxicity than their 1-substituted counterparts. The 2-substituent of 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-2H-tetrazole can be easily modified and can thus be used for the structure optimization of these promising antitubercular agents. The introduction of a tetrazole-5-thioalkyl moiety at position 2 of the tetrazole further increased the antimycobacterial activity. These compounds showed outstanding in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis (MIC values as low as 0.03 µM) and high activity against non-tuberculous mycobacterial strains.

S-substituted 3,5-dinitrophenyl 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiols and tetrazole-5-thiols as highly efficient antitubercular agents.

Two new classes of antitubercular agents, namely 5-alkylsulfanyl-1-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1H-tetrazoles and 2-alkylsulfanyl-5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, and their structure-activity relationships are described. These compounds possessed excellent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including the clinically isolated multidrug (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, with no cross resistance with first or second-line anti-TB drugs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the most promising compounds reached 0.03 µM. Furthermore, these compounds had a highly selective antimycobacterial effect because they were completely inactive against 4 gram positive and 4 gram negative bacteria and eight fungal strains and had low in vitro toxicity for four mammalian cell lines, including hepatic cell lines HepG2 and HuH7. Although the structure-activity relationship study showed that the presence of two nitro groups is highly beneficial for antimycobacterial activity, the analogues with a trifluoromethyl group instead of one of the nitro groups maintained a high antimycobacterial activity, which indicates the possibility for further structural optimization of this class of antitubercular agents.

Development of 3,5-Dinitrobenzylsulfanyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and Thiadiazoles as Selective Antitubercular Agents Active Against Replicating and Nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Herein, we report the discovery and structure-activity relationships of 5-substituted-2-[(3,5-dinitrobenzyl)sulfanyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles as a new class of antituberculosis agents. The majority of these compounds exhibited outstanding in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis CNCTC My 331/88 and six multidrug-resistant clinically isolated strains of M. tuberculosis, with minimum inhibitory concentration values as low as 0.03 µM (0.011-0.026 µg/mL). The investigated compounds had a highly selective antimycobacterial effect because they showed no activity against the other bacteria or fungi tested in this study. Furthermore, the investigated compounds exhibited low in vitro toxicities in four proliferating mammalian cell lines and in isolated primary human hepatocytes. Several in vitro genotoxicity assays indicated that the selected compounds have no mutagenic activity. The oxadiazole and thiadiazole derivatives with the most favorable activity/toxicity profiles also showed potency comparable to that of rifampicin against the nonreplicating streptomycin-starved M. tuberculosis 18b-Lux strain, and therefore, these derivatives, are of particular interest.

Prediction of retention characteristics of heterocyclic compounds.

The CORAL software ( http://www.insilico.eu/coral ) was used to build up quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) for the retention characteristics of 93 derivatives of three groups of heterocyclic compounds: 2-phenyl-1,3-benzoxazoles, 4-benzylsulfanylpyridines, and benzoxazines. The QSPRs are one-variable models based on the optimal descriptors calculated from the molecular structure represented by simplified molecular input-line entry systems (SMILES). Each symbol (or two undivided symbols) of SMILES is characterized by correlation weight. The optimal descriptor is the sum of the correlation weights. The numerical data on the correlation weights were calculated with the Monte Carlo method by the manner which provides best correlation between endpoint and optimal descriptor for the calibration set. The predictive ability of the model is checked with the validation set (compounds invisible during building up of the model). The approach has been checked with three random splits into the training, calibration, and validation sets: all models have apparent predictive potential. The mechanistic interpretation of the molecular features extracted from SMILES as the promoters of increase or decrease of examined endpoints is suggested.

1-Substituted-5-[(3,5-dinitrobenzyl)sulfanyl]-1H-tetrazoles and their isosteric analogs: A new class of selective antitubercular agents active against drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant mycobacteria.

In this work, a new class of highly potent antituberculosis agents, 1-substituted-5-[(3,5-dinitrobenzyl)sulfanyl]-1H-tetrazoles and their oxa and selanyl analogs, is described. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values reached 1 µM (0.36-0.44 µg/mL) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis CNCTC My 331/88 and 0.25-1 µM against six multidrug-resistant clinically isolated strains of M. tuberculosis. The antimycobacterial effects of these compounds were highly specific because they were ineffective against all eight bacterial strains and eight fungal strains studied. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited low in vitro toxicity in four mammalian cell lines (IC50 > 30 µM). We also examined the structure-activity relationships of the compounds, particularly the effects on antimycobacterial activity of the number and position of the nitro groups, the linker between tetrazole and benzyl moieties, and the tetrazole itself. Relatively high variability of substituent R(1) on the tetrazole in the absence of negative effects on antimycobacterial activity allows further structural optimization with respect to toxicity and the ADME properties of the 1-substituted-5-[(3,5-dinitrobenzyl)sulfanyl]-1H-tetrazoles lead compounds.

New synthetic pyridine derivate as potential elicitor in production of isoflavonoids and flavonoids in Trifolium pratense L. suspension culture.

The production of secondary metabolites in Trifolium pratense L. suspension culture of the family of legume plants (Fabaceae) is low, and therefore there was an attempt to increase it by elicitation. New synthetic substance, 2-(2-fluoro-6-nitrobenzylsulfanyl)pyridine-4-carbothioamide, was tested as elicitor--a substance that showed the best elicitation effect after 48-hour application of 1 µmol L⁻¹ concentration. Maximum contents of genistin (11.60 mg g⁻¹ DW), daidzein (8.31 mg g⁻¹ DW), and genistein (1.50 mg g⁻¹ DW) were recorded, and the production of these isoflavonoids thus significantly increased, when compared with the control, by 152%, 151%, and 400%. The maximum content of flavonoids (5.78 mg g⁻¹ DW) and the increase in the production by 142%, when compared with the control, were induced by 6-hour application of 100 µmol L⁻¹ concentration. The tested substance showed to be an effective elicitor of phenylpropane metabolism.

Structure-activity relationships of 2-benzylsulfanylbenzothiazoles: synthesis and selective antimycobacterial properties.

A set of 2-benzylsulfanyl derivatives of benzothiazole was synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The biological screening on antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi identified benzylsulfanyl derivatives of benzothiazole as selective inhibitors of mycobacteria. The lead compounds in the set, dinitro derivatives exhibited significant activity against sensitive and multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and low cytotoxicity. The QSAR study indicated that the antituberculotic activity is connected with LUMO and HOMO energies. The lower lipophilicity and the increased size of the molecule contribute to antituberculotic activity. Thus, dinitrobenzylsulfanyl derivatives of benzothiazole represent promising smallmolecule synthetic antimycobacterials.

Effect of substitution on the antimycobacterial activity of 2-(substituted benzyl)sulfanyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles--a quantitative structure-activity relationship study.

A set of 1160 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values evaluating effect of substitution on the antimycobacterial activity of the previously published 2-(substituted benzyl)sulfanyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles has been analyzed by the methods of multidimensional analysis (exploratory analysis, 2D-nonlinear mapping (NLM), principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA), multiple linear regression (MLR)). The antimycobacterial activity of 2-(subst. benzyl)sulfanyl derivatives of benzimidazole (BIM), 5-methylbenzimidazole (5-Me-BIM), benzoxazole (BOZ), and benzothiazole (BTZ) increased in the order of BTZ

A note to the biological activity of benzoxazine derivatives containing the thioxo group.

New 3-benzyl-4-thioxo-2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2(3H)-ones and 3-benzyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dithiones were synthesized. The compounds were tested for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium avium. The replacement of the carbonyl group by the thiocarbonyl group increased the antimycobacterial activity. The most active derivatives were more active than isonicotinhydrazide (INH). The cytotoxicity and the antiproliferative activity were studied as well.

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of 4-benzylsulfanylpyridine-2-carbohydrazides as potential antituberculosis agents.

A set of 4-benzylsulfanylpyridine-2-carbohydrazides was synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis. The activities expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) fall into a range of 2 to 125 micromol/L, most often 4 to 32 micromol/L. The results revealed that the substituents on the benzyl moiety do not influence the antimycobacterial efficacy. The substances exhibited similar activities against sensitive and resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, compounds show low antiproliferative effect and cytotoxicity.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of benzylsulfanyl benzoxazole derivatives as potential antituberculosis agents.

A set of 2-benzylsulfanyl derivatives of benzoxazole was synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria and multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis. The activities were expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in mmol/L. The substances showed similar activity against all tested strains. The lead compounds in the set, dinitro derivatives exhibited significant activity against both sensitive and resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and also against non-tuberculous mycobacteria. To facilitate drug design of benzoxazole as potential antituberculosis agent, we have explored the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). We demonstrated that lower lipophilicity has significant contribution to activity. Dinitrobenzylsulfanyl derivative of benzoxazole represents the promising small-molecule synthetic antimycobacterials.

The oriented development of antituberculotics (Part II): halogenated 3-(4-alkylphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4-(3H)-diones.

Based on our previous studies, 21 new halogenated 3-(4-alkylphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4-(3H)-diones were synthesized by the reaction of salicylanilides and methyl-chloroformate. All compounds were screened in vitro against three different strains of mycobacterium, and Free-Wilson method was used to establish structure-activity relationships. 6-Bromo-3-(4-butylphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4-(3H)-dione 3b proved to be the most active compound of the series.

The oriented development of antituberculotics: salicylanilides.

On the basis of our previous results 22 salicylanilides were synthesized. The compounds were tested for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium avium. The Free-Wilson method was used to evaluate structure-antimycobacterial activity relationships. 4-Chloro-N-(4-propylphenyl)salicylamide and 5-chloro-N-(4-propylphenyl)salicylamide were selected for preclinical studies.

Heterocyclic isosters of antimycobacterial salicylanilides.

A series of 64 derivatives of substituted heterocyclic analogues of salicylanilides was synthesized. The compounds were evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium and two strains of Mycobacterium kansasii. For the QSAR study, the combination of Free-Wilson approach with Hansch approach was used. The molecules were separated on the heterocyclic and salicyl moieties and the study of influences of electronic and hydrophobic properties was used as well. The compounds are a new group of potential anti-tuberculotics.

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of pyridylmethylsulfanyl and naphthylmethylsulfanyl derivatives of benzazoles, 1, 2, 4-triazole, and pyridine-2-carbothioamide/-2-carbonitrile.

A set of four types of benzazoles, 1, 2, 4-triazole, and pyridine-2-carbonitrile/-2-carbothioamide substituted with 1-naphthylmethylsulfanyl or pyridylmethylsulfanyl was prepared to modify the structure of benzylsulfanyl derivatives of the above-mentioned heterocycles. The compounds were evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, and two strains of M. kansasii. The activities were expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC values fall into a range of 2 to >1000 micromol/L. Introduction of a pyridyl moiety into the molecule mostly decreased the activity. A naphthyl moiety did not influence the activity in comparison with a phenyl. The most active substances were 4-(3-pyridylmethylsulfanyl)pyridine-2-carbothioamide (7b) (MIC = 2 - >62.5 micromol/L) and 4-(1-naphthylmethylsulfanyl)pyridine-2-carbothioamide (7d) (MIC = 2 - >32 micromol/L).

Antimycobacterial N-pyridinylsalicylamides, isosters of salicylamides.

The series of derivatives of substituted N-pyridinylsalicylamides were synthesized. The compounds were evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium and two strains of Mycobacterium kansasii. In the quantitative structure activity relationships analysis (QSAR), the Free-Wilson and Hansch approaches were used but the analysis was not significant. (The standard deviations of regression coefficients were greater than the values of the coefficients). The molecules were separated the heterocyclic and salicyl moiety in the molecules, and the study of influences of substituents on salicyl moiety was used, as well. 5-chloro-pyridin-2-yl, and the substitution of the salicyl moiety by chlorine in position 4 or 5 had the strongest influence on the increase in antimycobacterial activity.

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of 1,2,4-triazole 3-benzylsulfanyl derivatives.

Series of 3-benzylsulfanyl derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole and 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazole were synthesized by alkylation of starting triazole-3-thiol with appropriately substituted benzyl halide. All members of the set were evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, and two strains of M. kansasii. The activities were expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration. The compounds exhibited only a moderate or slight antimycobacterial activity. Minimum inhibitory concentrations fall into a range of 32->1000 micromol/l. The most active substances bear two nitro groups or a thioamide group on the benzyl moiety. As regards the cytotoxicity effect, the evaluated compounds can be considered as moderately toxic.

3-Benzyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-diones, a new group of antimycobacterial compounds against potentially pathogenic strains.

A series of derivatives of 3-benzyl-2H-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dione substituted in positions 6, 7 or 8 on the benzoxazine, and in positions 3 or 4 on the benzyl moiety was synthesized. The compounds were evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium and two strains of Mycobacterium kansasii. The disadvantage of the compounds is in their low solubility in water. The antimycobacterial activity of N-benzylsalicylamides correlates with that of 3-benzyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazin-2,4(3H)-diones and depends on the partition coefficients and electronic indexes.