iNOS/PGE2 inhibitors as a novel template for analgesic/anti-inflammatory activity: Design, synthesis, in vitro biological activity and docking studies.

Due to the serious gastrointestinal side effects associated with prolonged use of current anti-inflammatory therapies, various strategies such as the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production have been explored in the field of anti-inflammatory drug development. In this study, a series of disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles (3a-f and 4a-f) and their cyclized 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (5a-e and 6a-e) were synthesized and tested for their NO, PGE2, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) releasing inhibition ability. All of the compounds were observed to reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite production in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, compounds 3b (50 µM) and 6d (1 µM) exhibited 63% and 49% inhibition, respectively, while indomethacin showed 52% at 100 µM. Based on a preliminary NO inhibition assay, 10 of the compounds (3a, 3b, 3e, 4b, 4d, 6a-e) were selected to be evaluated for in vitro PGE2, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition. Notably, compound 6d proved to be the most active of the series with the lowest dose (1 µM), in comparison to the other further tested compounds (5-100 µM) and the reference drug indomethacin (100 µM). The inhibitory activity of the compounds was supported by docking simulations into the binding site of the iNOS protein receptor (Protein Data Bank [PDB]ID: 3E7G). The data showing that 4d reduced iNOS levels the most can be explained by the H-bond with Tyr347 through oxadiazole and π-halogen interactions through the p-bromo, in addition to aromatic interactions with protoporphyrin IX.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, and biological studies of 3,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione derivatives.

The reaction of 3,4-dichlorophenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2( 3H )-thione with piperidine derivatives via Mannich reaction was used to generate eleven novel compounds in moderate to good yields. Synthesized molecules were characterized according to their structure with 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR spectral foundations, which were compatible with literature informations. Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity studies were done by disc diffusion and NCI-60 sulphordamine B assay methods. The antimicrobial test results revealed that synthesized compounds have better activity against gram-positive species than gram-negative ones. A total analysis of the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiyeast activity revealed that newly synthesized compounds were really active against Bacillus cereus , Bacillus ehimensis, and Bacillus thuringiensis species . For cytotoxicity, among three different cancer cell lines (HCT116, MCF7, HUH7) compounds 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5i, 5j and 5k were seemed especially effective on HUH7 cancer cell line via moderate to good activity. More significantly, against liver carcinoma cell line (HUH7) most of the compounds of the series ( 5c-5g and 5i-5j ) have better IC50 values (IC50= 18.78 µM) than 5-Florouracil (5-FU) and also compound 5d possessed 10.1 µM value, which represents good druggable cytotoxic activity. Further, the molecules were also screened for in silico chemoinformatic and toxicity data to gather the predicted bioavailibity and safety measurements.

Design, synthesis, and molecular docking of novel 3,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as iNOS inhibitors.

To obtain new anti-inflammatory agents, recent studies have aimed to replace the carboxylate functionality of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with less acidic heterocyclic bioisosteres like 1,3,4-oxadiazole to protect the gastric mucosa from free carboxylate moieties. In view of these observations, we designed and synthesized a series of 3,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as inhibitors of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) and NO production with an improved activity profile. As initial screening, and to examine the anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds, the inhibitions of the productions of lipopolysaccharide-induced NO and PGE2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages were evaluated. The biological assays showed that, compared with indomethacin, compounds 5a, 5g, and 5h significantly inhibited NO production with 12.61 ± 1.16, 12.61 ± 1.16, and 18.95 ± 3.57 µM, respectively. Consequently, the three compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 5a, 5g, and 5h showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity profile almost equivalent to indomethacin at the same dose in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Moreover, the treatment with 40 mg/kg of 5h produced significant anti-inflammatory activity data. Furthermore, docking studies were performed to reveal possible interactions with the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme. Docking results were able to rationalize the biological activity data of the studied inhibitors. In summary, our data suggest that compound 5h is identified as a promising candidate for further anti-inflammatory drug development with an extended safety profile.

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity, and molecular docking studies of some novel Mannich bases of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione scaffold.

A series of novel ibuprofen and salicylic acid-based 3,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione derivatives was synthesized, and they were evaluated as potential anti-inflammatory agents. Following the structure identification studies employing IR, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13 C NMR, and elemental analysis, the title compounds were tested by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 inhibition assays concomitant to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin production prevention experiments. The results indicated that the majority of the compounds displayed either a superior or comparable activity in preventing both LPS-induced NO production and COX-1 activity in comparison to the activities of the reference molecules. Furthermore, docking studies were also performed to reveal possible interactions with the COX enzymes.

A Quantitative Curriculum Mapping of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Yeditepe University, Turkey: A Process to Assess the Consistency of a Curriculum with the Mission and Vision of an Institution and National Requirements.

The changing role of the pharmacist led to some improvements of pharmacy education worldwide these last years. Curricula have evolved and the content-based education has been converted into a competency-based education. The definition of a global practice-based competency framework by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the European Pharmacy Competencies Framework by the European the Quality Assurance in European Pharmacy Education and Training (PHAR-QA) project helps Universities to keep in with these changes. The National Council of Deans of Faculties of Pharmacy in Turkey also defined 169 competencies with their sub-competencies that have to be reached upon the completion of a pharmacy education program, yet it did not indicate how the faculties can measure if their curricula are consistent with these competencies. This study aims to provide a method for a quantitative mapping of a given curriculum in order to analyze if a curriculum fulfills the requirements defined by the National Deans Council. It also helps to easily determine the weaknesses and strengths of a program. Moreover, with this study, the consistency of the content of the courses with the mission and vision defined by an institution can be easily determined. Thus, this study can also be a useful tool for the revision and enhancement of a program according to institutional targets.

A QSAR Study for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of 5-/6-Acyl-3-alkyl-2-Benzoxazolinone Derivatives.

In this publication, QSAR models were developed to predict analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of some 2-benzoxazolinone derivatives using multiple linear regression method. The models were validated internally and externally according to the OECD principles. With the help of these models, pronounced molecular properties of these compounds related to activities were also explored. The developed models demonstrated that hydrophobicity, the number of halogens, and the shape of the molecular structure of these candidate drugs are prominent to represent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Based on the previously tested compounds and the developed models, 77 new compounds were designed as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Majority of the newly designed compounds demonstrated promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.

Some Novel Mannich Bases of 5-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-one and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are widely used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, pain, and many different types of inflammatory disorders, cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. The free carboxylic acid group existing on their chemical structure is correlated with GI toxicity related with all routine NSAIDs. Replacing this functional group with the 1,3,4-oxadiazole bioisostere is a generally used strategy to obtain an anti-inflammatory agent devoid of GI side effects. In the present work, a novel group of 5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-one Mannich bases were synthesized and characterized on the basis of IR, 1 H NMR, and elemental analysis results. The target compounds were first tested for cytotoxicity to determine a non-toxic concentration for anti-inflammatory screening. Anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds were evaluated by in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production and in vivo carrageenan footpad edema with ulcerogenic profile. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, most of the compounds showed inhibitory activity on nitrite production while compounds 5a, 5h, and 5j exhibited the best profiles by suppressing the NO production. To evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potency of the compounds, the inflammatory response was quantified by increment in paw size in the carrageenan footpad edema assay. The anti-inflammatory data scoring showed that compounds 5a-d, 5g, and 5j, at the dose of 100 mg/kg, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, which for compound 5g was comparable to that of the reference drug indomethacin with 53.9% and 55.5% inhibition in 60 and 120 min, respectively.

Cancer cell cytotoxicities of 1-(4-substitutedbenzoyl)-4-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazine derivatives.

A series of novel 1-(4-substitutedbenzoyl)-4-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazine derivatives 5a-g was designed by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of 1-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazine with various benzoyl chlorides and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was demonstrated on cancer cell lines from liver (HUH7, FOCUS, MAHLAVU, HEPG2, HEP3B), breast (MCF7, BT20, T47D, CAMA-1), colon (HCT-116), gastric (KATO-3) and endometrial (MFE-296) cancer cell lines. Time-dependent cytotoxicity analysis of compound 5a indicated the long-term in situ stability of this compound. All compounds showed significant cell growth inhibitory activity on the selected cancer cell lines.

Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of Novel Indole-Based Sigma Receptors Ligands.

To investigate the molecular features involved in sigma (σ) receptors binding, a series of compounds based on indole scaffolds were synthesized and their chemical structures were confirmed by (1) H-NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. Their affinity toward σ(1) and σ(2) receptor subtypes was evaluated. 1-{[4-(2-phenylethyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-3-methyl-1H-indole 3b had a high affinity to σ(1) receptors, while three compounds, 1-{3-[4-(substitutedphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl}-1H-indole derivatives 4a-c had shown high affinity and selectivity for σ(2) receptors. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was demonstrated on cancer cell lines from liver (HUH7), breast (MCF7), and colon (HCT-116) cancer cell lines. Compound 1c (3-{[4-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-indole) showed significant cell growth inhibitory activity on the selected cancer cell lines.

Synthesis and characterization of some new 2(3H)-benzoxazolones with analgesic and antiinflammatory activities.

The synthesis, characterization and pharmacological activities of a new series of (6-difluorobenzoyl)-5-methyl-3-benzoylmethyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone and 5-methyl-3-(2-hydroxyl-2-phenylethyl)-2(3H)-benzoxazolone are described. Antiinflammatory activity was investigated by the carrageenin-induced paw oedema test and analgesic activity by acetic acid writhing and hot plate tests in mice. Among the synthesized compounds, compound 3e 6-(2,5-difluorobenzoyl)-3-(4-bromobenzoylmethyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone was found to be the most promising compound for analgesic activity. Reduced compounds (4a-4d) displayed considerable anti-inflammatory activity compared to the other derivatives.

Synthesis, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of new 5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(aroylmethyl) thio-1,3,4-oxadiaxoles.

Several 5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(aroylmethyl)thio-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. All compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by determining their ability to provide protection against carregeenan-induced edema in rat paw. In addition, ulcerogenic activity was determined. The anti-inflammatory data scoring showed that compounds 5e, 5f and 5g, at the dose of 100 mg/kg, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, which for compound 5f was comparable to that of the reference drug indometacin (CAS 53-86-1).

Synthesis and evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of new 6-acyl-3-alkyl-5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolones.

A new series of 6-acyl-3-alkyl-5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolones have been obtained starting from 5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone. All the compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The new compounds were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and ulcerogenic effect. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the synthesized compounds were tested by the nitric oxide radical scavenging assay. Most of the compounds showed antiinflammatory activity. Among them, 3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinomethyl] -6-(3-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (3j) was found more potent than the reference drug indometacin (CAS 53-86-1) with 41.66% decrease in edema. Compared with the control, some of the compounds exhibited analgesic effects. Similar to the anti-inflammatory activity results, compound 3j showed the highest analgesic profile with 48.56% inhibition. No active hemorragic focus was observed in the microscopic evaluation in the ulcerogenic effect studies of the tested compounds. 6-(3-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (2b) and 3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl-piperazino)methyl]-6-(3-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (3j) showed nearly maximum antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid (CAS 50-81-7) with IC50 values of 27.6 and 30.1 microg/mL, respectively.

Synthesis and antidepressant-like profile of novel 1-aryl-3-[(4-benzyl)piperidine-1-yl]propane derivatives.

This study describes the chemical synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some new 1-aryl-3-[(4-benzyl)piperidine-1-yl]propane derivatives as antidepressants. The structures attributed to the compounds were elucidated using IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques besides elemental analysis. The antidepressant-like effect of these compounds was assessed by using the forced swimming test (FST), a validated experimental model of depression in mice. A clear antidepressant-like effect was shown for compounds 1, 2 and 4 by a significant decrease in immobility behaviour.

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of some new Mannich bases of 5-nitro-2-benzoxazolinones.

In this study, the synthesis of a novel series Mannich bases of 5-nitro-3-substituted piperazino-methyl-2-benzoxazolinones are described. The structures attributed to compounds 3a-3k were elucidated using IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques besides elemental analysis. The compounds were examined for their in vivo antiinflammatory and analgesic activities in two different bioassays, namely, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction tests in mice, respectively. In addition, the ulcerogenic effects of the compounds were determined. Among the tested derivatives most promising results were obtained for the compounds bearing electron-withdrawing substituents (F, Cl, COCH3) in the ortho/para position of the phenyl nucleus on the piperazine ring at 3 position of benzoxazolinone moiety (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3h). The analgesic activities of all compounds are higher than their antiinflammatory activities. Antiinflammatory inhibitory ratios for all compounds were above 30% for the last two measurements. Because of this compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d deserve attention and may be considered for further evaluation.

Synthesis, analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of certain 5-/6-acyl-3-(4-substituted-1-piperazinylmethyl)-2-benzoxazolinones derivatives.

The synthesis of a novel series of Mannich bases of 5-/6-acyl-5-methyl-2-benzoxazolinones has been described. The structures attributed to compounds 2a, 3a, 4a, 4b, 9a, 9b, 5a-5g, 6a-6g, 10a, 10g, 11a, 11g have been elucidated using IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopic techniques besides elemental analysis. The compounds have been evaluated for their in vivo analgesic and antiinflammatory activities using the p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test and the carrageenan hind paw oedema test in mice, respectively. In addition, the ulcerogenic effects of the compounds were determined. Among the tested derivatives most promising results were obtained for the compounds bearing a 6-(4-chlorobenzoyl) at C-6 position and 2-/4-fluorophenyl at C-3 position of 2-benzoxazolinone ring (11c, 11d).

3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-5-methyl-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one and 3-[4-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-5-methyl-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one.

The title compounds, both C(19)H(20)FN(3)O(2), contain essentially planar benzoxazolinone ring systems, within which the C-N bond distances and angles do not differ significantly between the two compounds. In both cases, the piperazine ring adopts an almost perfect chair conformation and the benzoxazolinone ring system lies nearly perpendicular to it. The structures contain intermolecular C-H.O contacts, and the interactions between the benzoxazolinone and fluorophenylpiperazine portions of the molecules are segregated.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity evaluation of some new adamantane derivatives.

In this study, some new Schiff bases were synthesized as antimicrobial agents using benzaldehyde derivatives and 1- or 2-aminoadamantane. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR and elementary analysis. Antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were tested against some bacteria and yeast-like fungi. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was investigated by broth microdilution method using two Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) and two Gram negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) bacteria and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019). The antifungal activity of 1-((2-chloro-3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene) amino(adamantane (compound 3) against C. krusei and C. parapsilosis (minimal inhibitory concentration 32 micrograms/ml) was higher than that of the other tested compounds.

Synthesis of 3-(4-substituted benzoylmethyl)-2-benzoxazolinones and screening antimicrobial activities.

A number of 3-(4-substituted benzoylmethyl)-2-benzoxazolinones have been synthesized by reacting with 2-benzoxazolinone and 4-substituted phenacyl bromide in ethanol. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. For screening antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined against two Gram positive, one Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and three yeast-like the fungi (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis).