Synthesis and evaluation of the anticancer activity of bischalcone analogs in human lung carcinoma (A549) cell line.

Bischalcone has gained much attention because of its wide range of application in pharmaceutical chemistry. This work aims to evaluate the antiproliferation effects and explore the anticancer mechanism of bischalcone analogs on human lung cancer A549 cells. In this study, we synthesized a series of bischalcone analogs via Aldol condensation reaction; MTT method was used to evaluate the antiproliferation effects; the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence assay was used to determine the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels; the glutathione reductase-DTNB recycling assay was used to detect the redox imbalance; determination of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance was used to evaluate the lipid peroxidation; Rhodamine 123 was used to test the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); the FITC/PI kit was used to detect the apoptosis; Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bax and Caspase 3. After treatment with curcumin and bischalcone analogs, compounds 1d and 1g, the more stabilities compounds than curcumin, exhibited much higher potency in A549 cells than curcumin and other bischalcone analogs. Further mechanism of action studies revealed that 1d and 1g exhibited more stronger reactive oxygen species production abilities than curcumin and accompanied by the redox imbalance, lipid peroxidation, the loss of MMP, the activition of Bax and Caspase 3, and ultimately resulted in apoptosis of A549 cell. These data suggest that enhancing the reactive oxygen species generation ability of bischalcone analogs may be a promising strategy for the treatment of human lung cancer.

Convenient Synthesis and Physiological Activities of Flavonoids in Coreopsis lanceolata L. Petals and Their Related Compounds.

Chalcones, flavanones, and flavonols, including 8-methoxybutin isolated from Coreopsis lanceolata L. petals, were successfully synthesized with total yields of 2⁻59% from O-methylpyrogallols using the Horner⁻Wadsworth⁻Emmons reaction as a key reaction. Aurones, including leptosidin, were also successfully synthesized with 5⁻36% total yields using the Aldol condensation reaction as a key reaction. Each chalcone, flavanone, flavonol, and aurone with the 3,4-dihydroxy groups in the B-ring showed high antioxidant activity. Additionally, each of the chalcones, flavanones, flavonols, and aurones with the 2,4-dihydroxy groups in the B-ring showed an excellent whitening ability.

SYNTHESIS AND IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF PIPERAZINE SUBSTITUTED QUINAZOLINE-BASED THIOUREA/THIAZOLIDINONE/CHALCONE HYBRIDS.

In frames of the search for new biological entities to fight against recent drug-resistant microbial strains, we report a library of quinazoline-based thiourea/4-thiazolidinone/chalcone hybrids. The newly synthesized compounds were studied for efficacy against several bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus clavatus) using the broth dilution technique. From the biological evaluation, (E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-((4-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)quinazolin-2-yl)amino)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one was found to be the most active analogue (microbial inhibition concentration 3.12 µg/mL) to inhibit the bacterial growth. The rest of the compounds showed equipotent efficacy (3.12-12.5 µg/mL) as compared to the standard. Final compounds were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.

Benzylideneacetophenone derivatives attenuate IFN-γ-induced IP-10/CXCL10 production in orbital fibroblasts of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy through STAT-1 inhibition.

The aim of the present study was to identify a new candidate anti-inflammatory compound for use in the active stage of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Benzylideneacetophenone compound JC3 [(2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)phenylpro-2-en-l-one] was synthesized based on a structural modification of yakuchinone B, a constituent of the seeds of Alpinia oxyphylla, which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), has been widely used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory phytochemical. Orbital fibroblasts were primarily cultured from patients with TAO, and the potential of JC3 to suppress the interferon (IFN)-γ-induced protein (IP)-10/CXCL10 production in these cells was determined. IFN-γ strongly increased the level of IP-10/CXCL10 in orbital fibroblasts from patients with TAO. JC3 exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the IFN-γ-induced increase in IP-10/CXCL10 in a dose-dependent manner; its potency was greater than that of an identical concentration of yakuchinone B with no toxicity to cells at the concentration range used. Moreover, the constructed dimer and trimer polystructures of JC3, showed greater potency than JC3 in suppressing the IFN-γ-induced production of IP-10/CXCL10. JC3 significantly attenuated the IP-10/CXCL10 mRNA expression induced by IFN-γ, and a gel-shift assay showed that JC3 suppressed IFN-γ-induced DNA binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1) in TAO orbital fibroblasts. Our results provide initial evidence that the JC3 compound reduces the levels of IP-10/CXCL10 protein and mRNA induced by IFN-γ in orbital fibroblasts of TAO patients. Therefore, JC3 might be considered as a future candidate for therapeutic application in TAO that exerts its effects by modulating the pathogenic mechanisms in orbital fibroblasts.

Benzylideneacetophenone derivatives attenuate IFN-gamma-induced IP-10/CXCL10 production in orbital fibroblasts of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy through STAT-1 inhibition

The aim of the present study was to identify a new candidate anti-inflammatory compound for use in the active stage of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Benzylideneacetophenone compound JC3 [(2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)phenylpro-2-en-l-one] was synthesized based on a structural modification of yakuchinone B, a constituent of the seeds of Alpinia oxyphylla, which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), has been widely used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory phytochemical. Orbital fibroblasts were primarily cultured from patients with TAO, and the potential of JC3 to suppress the interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced protein (IP)-10/CXCL10 production in these cells was determined. IFN-gamma strongly increased the level of IP-10/CXCL10 in orbital fibroblasts from patients with TAO. JC3 exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the IFN-gamma-induced increase in IP-10/CXCL10 in a dose-dependent manner; its potency was greater than that of an identical concentration of yakuchinone B with no toxicity to cells at the concentration range used. Moreover, the constructed dimer and trimer polystructures of JC3, showed greater potency than JC3 in suppressing the IFN-gamma-induced production of IP-10/CXCL10. JC3 significantly attenuated the IP-10/CXCL10 mRNA expression induced by IFN-gamma, and a gel-shift assay showed that JC3 suppressed IFN-gamma-induced DNA binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1) in TAO orbital fibroblasts. Our results provide initial evidence that the JC3 compound reduces the levels of IP-10/CXCL10 protein and mRNA induced by IFN-gamma in orbital fibroblasts of TAO patients. Therefore, JC3 might be considered as a future candidate for therapeutic application in TAO that exerts its effects by modulating the pathogenic mechanisms in orbital fibroblasts.

Evaluation of new chalcone derivatives as polyphenol oxidase inhibitors.

A newly series of 4-(phenylurenyl)chalcone (4a-j) and 4'-(phenylurenyl/thiourenyl)chalcone (9a-l) derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on the diphenolase activity of banana tyrosinase were evaluated. Tyrosinase has been purified from banana on an affinity gel comprised of Sepharose 4B-l-tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid. The result showed that 4a-j inhibited the PPO enzyme activity. Conversely, 9a-h and 9i-l showed activator effect on tyrosinase enzyme activity.

Design, synthesis and antitumor activity of novel artemisinin derivatives using hybrid approach.

In an attempt to develop potent and selective anti-tumor agents, two novel series of artemisinin-chalcone hybrids were designed, synthesized and screened for their antitumor activities against HT-29, A549, MDA-MB-231, HeLa and H460 cell lines in vitro. Nearly all of the tested compounds showed significantly increased anti-tumor activity compared with the corresponding dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Most of the title compounds displayed good selectivity toward HT-29 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.09 to 0.85 µM. Among them, the most promising compound 9c (IC50) range of 0.09-0.93 µM) was 10.5- to 70-times more active than DHA (IC50 range of 5.6-15.6 µM) respectively.

Pharmacophore identification, synthesis, and biological evaluation of carboxylated chalcone derivatives as CysLT1 antagonists.

The pharmacophore model (Hypo1) with a well prediction capacity for CysLT(1) antagonists was developed using Catalyst/HypoGen program. Virtual screening against an in-house database consisted of carboxylated chalcones using Hypo1 was performed. Retrieved hits 26a, 26b, 27a, and 27b were synthesized and biological evaluated, the results of which demonstrated that these compounds showed moderate to good CysLT(1) antagonistic activities. This study indicated that the generated model (Hypo1) is a reliable and useful tool in lead optimization for novel CysLT(1) antagonists.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel chalcone derivatives with (99m)Tc/Re complexes as potential probes for detection of ß-amyloid plaques.

Four (99m)Tc-labeled chalcone derivatives and their corresponding rhenium analogues were tested as potential probes for imaging ß-amyloid plaques. The chalcones showed higher affinity for Aß(1-42) aggregates than did (99m)Tc complexes. In sections of brain tissue from an animal model of AD, the four Re chalcones intensely stained ß-amyloid plaques. In biodistribution experiments using normal mice, (99m)Tc-BAT-chalcone ([(99m)Tc]17) displayed high uptake in the brain (1.48% ID/g) at 2 min postinjection. The radioactivity washed out from the brain rapidly (0.17% ID/g at 60 min), a highly desirable feature for an imaging agent. [(99m)Tc]17 may be a potential probe for imaging ß-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's brains.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of a novel rigid 3, 4-dihydroxy chalcone in mice.

There have been many reports indicating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 3,4-dihydroxychalcones. We have designed and synthesized a rigid 3,4-dihydroxychalcone (RDHC) as a possible drug effecting inflammation and nociception. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by formalin and hot-plate tests, respectively. The results showed that RDHC induced significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects (P < 0.01). Maximum analgesia (63.7%) was observed at 37.5 mg/kg in the first phase of the formalin test. The effect of RDHC was higher in the chronic phase (inflammation phase) of the formalin test (86.4%, P < 0.01). In addition, a significant analgesia (maximum possible effect; MPE = 30.1%) was observed in the hot plate test 45 min after injection of 37.5 mg/kg RDHC (P < 0.01). As a result of our findings, this new RDHC could be suggested for further pharmacological studies.

Influence of chalcone analogues on serum glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats.

A series of chalcone derivatives from 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde and substituted acetophenones have been synthesized and investigated as antihyperglycemic agents in a glucose loaded animal model. Chalcones with biological activity were compared with lispro, regular insulin and tolbutamide effects on serum glucose levels. Compound 01, without substituent in the A-ring was not able to change glycemic levels. On the other hand, compounds 03, 04, 05, 09 and 10 with substitutions at position 3' and/or 4' in the A-ring caused significant reduction in serum glucose levels. Concerning the antihyperglycemic effect, compounds 03 and 05 (methoxy substituent) inhibited the hyperglycemia induced by glucose around 96% similar to that demonstrated for lispro insulin and tolbutamide at 60 min. A rapid and lasting antihyperglycemic effect was found with compound 09 and 10 (nitro substituent). In conclusion, besides the nature of the functional groups electron-donor substituent, as methoxy and hydroxyl or electron-acceptor, as nitro groups, the position of the group may be mandatory for biological activity.

Synthesis of 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one derivatives and evaluation of their biological activities.

A simple synthesis and biological properties of 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-ones 18-22 and 25-26 are described. The key synthetic strategies involve Grignard reaction of aldehyde 2 and oxidation reaction of 8-12 in high yields. The prepared compounds 18-22 and 25-26 were evaluated for free-radical scavenging, suppression of LPS-induced NO generation, and anti-excitotoxicity in vitro. It was found that a couple of compounds, especially 21 and 26, were potent suppressors of NO generation and demonstrated anti-excitotoxicity with the concentration range 10-20 microM in vitro.

Novel bis(1-acyl-2-pyrazolines) of potential anti-inflammatory and molluscicidal properties.

A variety of bis[3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-carboxaldehydes] 4a-h were obtained via reaction of bis[1-aryl-2-propen-1-ones] 3a-h with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing formic acid. In addition, the corresponding bis[1-acetyl-3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles] 4i-m were formed through conducting the reaction of 3 with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing acetic acid. The starting bis(2-propen-1-ones) 3a-h were prepared stereoselectively as E,E'-geometric isomer via condensation of bisbenzaldehydes 1a,b with (un)substituted acetophenones 2 in ethanolic KOH solution. Anti-inflammatory as well as ulcerogenic activities of the prepared pyrazolines were evaluated in vivo and compared with that of a standard drug (indomethacin). Many of the tested compounds show remarkable anti-inflammatory properties with an ulcerogenic liability (especially 4f, g, j, and k) lower than that of the standard used drug. Compound 4f was established to be the best effectively prepared anti-inflammatory active pyrazoline derivative and safer than indomethacin with respect to its ulcerogenic liability. Molluscicidal activity of the prepared compounds against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails (the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni) was screened. Where, some of the prepared compounds show considerable activities.

Combinatorial synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of an indexed chalcone library.

A 120-membered chalcone library has been designed and prepared from six differently substituted acetophenones (A1-A6) and 20 benzaldehydes (B1-B20). The library was subjected to biological studies targeted against six bacterial strains. For the identification of the most-active member(s) of the library, the so-called indexed or positional-scanning method was applied. Six out of 26 sub-libraries, i.e., AL1-AL6, were synthesized by keeping the acetophenone moiety A fixed and using equimolar quantities of the 20 different benzaldehydes. The remaining 20 sub-libraries BL1-BL20 were prepared by keeping the benzaldehyde B component fixed and varying the six acetophenones (Table 1). The bactericidal activities of the resulting sub-libraries were tested and used as indices to the rows or columns of a two-dimensional matrix. Finally, parallel synthesis of 24 specific members with the highest-expected antibacterial activities, present in two sub-libraries, was carried out. These chalcones were screened again, and the results were exploited for establishing the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and the identification of the lead compound, which turned out to be 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (A2B2) in terms of activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis (Tables 5-7).

Anti-AIDS agents 54. A potent anti-HIV chalcone and flavonoids from genus Desmos.

Sixteen flavonoids and their derivatives isolated from Desmos spp. were evaluated for inhibition of HIV replication in H9 lymphocyte cells. 2-Methoxy-3-methyl-4,6-dihydroxy-5-(3'-hydroxy)cinnamoylbenzaldehyde (12) and lawinal (6) demonstrated potent anti-HIV activity with EC(50) values of 0.022 and 2.30 microg/mL and therapeutic indexes of 489 and 45.2, respectively. Compound 12 appears to be an excellent lead for further anti-HIV drug development.

Isolation and synthesis of chalcones with different degrees of saturation.

Crotaoprostrin, a chalcone not yet known as a plant constituent, was isolated from the aerial parts of the Indian medicinal plant Crotalaria prostrata. The structures of the chalcone polyarvin and the partially hydrogenated naturally occurring derivatives crotaramin, crotaramosmin, and crotin were confirmed by chemical synthesis.

Improved synthesis of chalcones under ultrasound irradiation.

Claisen-Schmidt condensation of acetophenone with aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by pulverized KOH and KF-Al2O3 results chalcones in 52-97% and 83-98% yields respectively in alcoholic solvent under ultrasound irradiation.

Synthesis and inhibitory activity of dimethylamino-chalcone derivatives on the induction of nitric oxide synthase.

A series of nine dimethylamino-chalcone derivatives (1,3-diaryl-propenones) was synthesized and screened as potential inhibitors of NO and PGE(2) production in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. 4-Dimethylamino-2',5'-dimethoxychalcone (6) was found to be the most potent and dual inhibitor (IC(50s) in the submicromolar range) of NO and PGE(2) production. 2',6'-Dimethoxylation appeared to be an effective requirement for selective and potent inhibition of nitric oxide synthase induction as it was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Chalcone (6) at 25 mg kg(-1) by oral route, inhibited significantly the formation of oedema in the carrageenan-induced model of inflammation in mice.

Synthesis of quinolinyl chalcones and evaluation of their antimalarial activity.

Quinolinyl chalcones were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition of the Plasmodium falciparum cystein protease falcipain and their activity against cultured P. falciparum parasites. They were also tested for in vivo efficacy in a rodent P. berghei model. Their activity against falcipain and as antimalarials was moderate, but antimalarial activity was probably not due to the inhibition of falcipain and may follow a different mechanism. 1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-[3-(2-chloro-6,7-dimethoxiquinolinyl)]-2-propen-1-one 3j was the most promising compound among those here reported (IC50 19.0 microM).

Synthetic and biological activity evaluation studies on novel 1,3-diarylpropenones.

Fourteen novel C-prenylated and O-allylated 1,3-diarylpropenones (chalcones) were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of C-prenylated/O-allylated acetophenones with appropriate aldehydes; twelve of these model chalcones were screened in an assay based on the confrontation of invasive human MCF-7/6 mammary carcinoma cells with fragments of normal embryonic chick heart in vitro. Out of the twelve chalcones tested, three were found to exhibit potent anti-invasive activity. Some of these chalcones and their precursor acetophenones were also tested for inhibition of initiation of lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes; a prenylated acetophenone carrying two methoxy groups and two free phenolic hydroxy functions was found to be a potential antioxidant.