Design, synthesis, and biological activity of novel semicarbazones as potent Ryanodine receptor1 inhibitors of Alzheimer's disease.

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are important ligand-gated Ca2+ channels; their excessive activation leads to Ca2+ leakage in the sarcoplasmic reticulum that may cause neurological diseases. In this study, three series of novel potent RyR1 inhibitors based on dantrolene and bearing semicarbazone and imidazolyl moieties were designed and synthesized, and their biological activity was evaluated. Using a single-cell calcium imaging method, the calcium overload inhibitory activities of 26 target compounds were tested in the R614C cell line, using dantrolene as a positive control. The preliminary investigation showed that compound 12a suppressed Ca2+ release as evidenced by store overload-induced Ca2+release (SOICR) (31.5 ± 0.1%, 77.2 ± 0.1%, 93.7 ± 0.2%) at 0.1 µM, 3 µM and 10 µM, respectively. Docking simulation results showed that compound 12a could bind at the active site of the RyR1 protein. The Morris water-maze test showed that compound 12a significantly improved the cognitive behavior of AD-model mice. Further studies on the structural optimization of this series of derivatives are currently underway in our laboratory.

Synthesis and preliminary screening for the biological activity of some steroidal Δ4-unsaturated semicarbazone derivatives.

Eleven new steroidal mono- and bis(semicarbazones) 2a-e, 4d and 3a-e have been prepared starting from various 3-oxo-α,ß-unsaturated steroids. Mono-semicarbazones 2a-e were further subjected to ethyl chloroacetate in boiling absolute ethanol but, instead of expected intramolecular cyclocondensation reaction products, the new carbazate esters 5a-e were obtained. The structures of all synthesized compounds and identification of each E/Z isomer were deduced by elemental analysis, HRMS, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Preliminary screening for the cytotoxic activity in vitro of the new compounds has been conducted against three cancer cell lines, K562, Jurkat and HeLa cells. HeLa cells were the most sensitive while K562 cells were the least sensitive to the cytotoxic action of the novel steroid derivatives. Compounds 2e, 3c and 5e were found to have the best but still moderate cytotoxic effects. All tested compounds showed very weak antimicrobial activities. These results demonstrate that the replacement of thioxo group with carbonyl group in steroidal hydrazone derivatives resulted in decrease in their biological activity.

A Nonbactericidal Zinc-Complexing Ligand as a Biofilm Inhibitor: Structure-Guided Contrasting Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm.

Zinc-complexing ligands are prospective anti-biofilm agents because of the pivotal role of zinc in the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Accordingly, the potential of a thiosemicarbazone (compound C1) and a benzothiazole-based ligand (compound C4) in the prevention of S. aureus biofilm formation was assessed. Compound C1 displayed a bimodal activity, hindering biofilm formation only at low concentrations and promoting biofilm growth at higher concentrations. In the case of C4, a dose-dependent inhibition of S. aureus biofilm growth was observed. Atomic force microscopy analysis suggested that at higher concentrations C1 formed globular aggregates, which perhaps formed a substratum that favored adhesion of cells and biofilm formation. In the case of C4, zinc supplementation experiments validated zinc complexation as a plausible mechanism of inhibition of S. aureus biofilm. Interestingly, C4 was nontoxic to cultured HeLa cells and thus has promise as a therapeutic anti-biofilm agent. The essential understanding of the structure-driven implications of zinc-complexing ligands acquired in this study might assist future screening regimes for identification of potent anti-biofilm agents.

Phenolic thio- and selenosemicarbazones as multi-target drugs.

A series of isosteric phenolic thio- and selenosemicarbazones have been obtained by condensation of naturally-occurring phenolic aldehydes and thio(seleno)semicarbazides. Title compounds were designed as potential multi-target drugs, and a series of structure-activity relationships could be established upon their in vitro assays: antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibition and antiproliferative activity against six human tumor cell lines: A549 (non-small cell lung), HBL-100 (breast), HeLa (cervix), SW1573 (non-small cell lung), T-47D (breast) and WiDr (colon). For the antiradical activity, selenium atom and 2 or 3 phenolic hydroxyl groups proved to be essential motifs; remarkably, the compound with the most potent activity, with a trihydroxyphenyl scaffold (EC50 = 4.87 ± 1.57 µM) was found to be stronger than natural hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant present in olive oil (EC50 = 13.80 ± 1.41 µM). Furthermore, one of the thiosemicarbazones was found to be a strong non-competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase (Ki = 9.6 ± 1.6 µM), with an 8-fold increase in activity compared to acarbose (Ki = 77.9 ± 11.4 µM), marketed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Most of the synthesized compounds also exhibited relevant antiproliferative activities; in particular, seleno derivatives showed GI50 values lower than 6.0 µM for all the tested cell lines; N-naphthyl mono- and dihydroxylated derivatives behaved as more potent antiproliferative agents than 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin.

Design, synthesis, in vitro MAO-B inhibitory evaluation, and computational studies of some 6-nitrobenzothiazole-derived semicarbazones.

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is an important drug target for the treatment of neurological disorders. A series of 6-nitrobenzothiazole-derived semicarbazones were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as inhibitors of the rat brain MAO-B isoenzyme. Most of the compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of MAO-B, with IC(50) values in the nanomolar to micromolar range. Molecular docking studies were performed with AutoDock 4.2 to deduce the affinity and binding mode of these inhibitors toward the MAO-B active site. The free energies of binding (ΔG) and inhibition constants (K(i)) of the docked compounds were calculated by the Lamarckian genetic algorithm (LGA) of AutoDock 4.2. Good correlations between the calculated and experimental results were obtained. 1-[(4-Chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methylene]-4-(6-nitrobenzothiazol-2-yl)semicarbazide emerged as the lead MAO-B inhibitor, with top ranking in both the experimental MAO-B assay (IC(50): 0.004±0.001 µM) and in computational docking studies (K(i): 1.08 µM). Binding mode analysis of potent inhibitors suggests that these compounds are well accommodated by the MAO-B active site through stable hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Interestingly, the 6-nitrobenzothiazole moiety is stabilized in the substrate cavity with the aryl or diaryl residues extending up into the entrance cavity of the active site. According to our results, docking experiments could be an interesting approach for predicting the activity and binding interactions of this class of semicarbazones against MAO-B. Thus, a binding site model consisting of three essential pharmacophoric features is proposed, and this can be used for the design of future MAO-B inhibitors.

Non-substituted N-heteroaromatic selenosemicarbazone metal complexes induce apoptosis in cancer cells via activation of mitochondrial pathway.

We previously published the synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic effect of the novel Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) complexes with 2-formylpyridine selenosemicarbazone. Here we further investigate the mechanism of their antiproliferative activity against several cancer and vascular endothelial cell lines and compared it to the activity of the ligand itself, corresponding salts and, as a referent compound, cisplatin. Investigated complexes induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner as well as changes in a cell cycle distribution. Caspase-3 activation in HeLa cells, MDA-MB-361 and vascular endothelial cells EA.hy 926 cells by ligand alone, as well as Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) complexes was preceded by the activation of the p53 tumor-suppressor gene family protein p73. In addition to activation of p73, these compounds also trigger cytochrome C release by upregulation of Bax expression. The release of cytochrome C has been linked to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. However, our data indicated that the increased phosphorylation of ERK could be also one of the mechanism involved in the Zn(II), and Cd(II) complexes- induction of apoptosis. Selenosemicarbazone complexes with Cd(II) and Ni(II), possess dual ability to induce apoptosis as well as necrosis, and might present an added advantage for inducing cell death in a diverse array of malignant cells. Taken together, our findings could indicate potential role of these complexes as activator of cross-talk between different signaling pathways that leads to cell death, and thus making the complex intriguing field for further scientific, and maybe clinical investigations.

Synthesis, anticonvulsant and toxicity screening of newer pyrimidine semicarbazone derivatives.

A number of N-(4,6-substituted diphenylpyrimidin-2-yl) semicarbazones (4a-t) were synthesized and tested for their anticonvulsant activity against the two seizure models, maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ). All the synthesized compounds possessed the four essential pharmacophoric elements for good anticonvulsant activity. Most of the compounds displayed good anticonvulsant activity with lesser neurotoxicity. To assess the unwanted effects of the compounds on liver, estimation of enzymes and proteins was carried out.

Semicarbazone-based inhibitors of cathepsin K, are they prodrugs for aldehyde inhibitors?

Starting from potent aldehyde inhibitors with poor drug properties, derivatization to semicarbazones led to the identification of a series of semicarbazone-based cathepsin K inhibitors with greater solubility and better pharmacokinetic profiles than their parent aldehydes. Furthermore, a representative semicarbazone inhibitor attenuated bone resorption in an ex vivo rat calvarial bone resorption model. However, based on enzyme inhibition comparisons at neutral pH, semicarbazone hydrolysis rates, and 13C NMR experiments, these semicarbazones probably function as prodrugs of aldehydes.

Anticonvulsants containing the N-(3-aryl-2-propenoyl) amido pharmacophore.

A series of 1-(3-aryl-2-propenoyl)-4-oxopiperidines (1) as well as some related semicarbazones (2) and thiosemicarbazones (3) were prepared in order to determine whether the relative locations of aryl rings and amidic groups would lead to novel anticonvulsant agents. Initially the compounds were administered intraperitoneally to mice and examined in the maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) and neurotoxicity (NT) screens. The biodata revealed that anticonvulsant properties were displayed by most of the compounds in series (1), in half of the semicarbazones (2) while protection was absent by members of series (3). Molecular modeling was utilized in order to compare the positions of a phenyl ring in relation to amidic groups in representative compounds in series (1-3) with previously reported anticonvulsant agents. Molecular simplification of 4-oxo-1-(3-phenyl-2-propenoyl)piperidine (la) led to 1-(3-phenyl-2-propenoyl)piperidine (7) and N,N-diethylcinnamamide (8) with retention of anticonvulsant properties. Both (la) and (8) afforded protection in the hippocampal kindling screen in rats. When administered orally to rats, (la) and (8) demonstrated activity in the MES screen and in the case of (8), a huge protection index was observed revealing it to be an important lead compound. The IC50 values of all of the compounds towards murine P388 cells were in excess of 50 microM while several compounds displayed cytotoxicity towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

4-sulphamoylphenyl semicarbazones with anticonvulsant activity.

A series of 4-sulphamoylphenyl semicarbazone derivatives were prepared starting from sulphanilamide and screened for anticonvulsant activity. The results indicated that greater protection was obtained in the maximal electroshock screen (MES) and subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY) than the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests. All the compounds showed low neurotoxicity when compared to the clinically used drugs. Compounds with substituted acetophenone (8-11) showed good activity in the rat oral MES screen. Seven compounds (6, 8-10, 12, 14 and 15) exhibited anticonvulsant activity greater than sodium valproate. Among the new derivatives evaluated, compound 10 emerged as the most active compound as indicated by its protection in the MES and scSTY screens and with low neurotoxicity. Seven compounds possessed sedative-hypnotic activity.

Synthesis of isatin semicarbazones as novel anticonvulsants--role of hydrogen bonding.

PURPOSE: A series of substituted isatin semicarbazones and related bioisosteric hydrazones were designed and synthesised to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant properties. METHODS: The structures of all synthesised compounds were confirmed by means of infrared, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by elemental analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity by maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous metrazol (ScMet) and subcutaneous strychnine (ScSty) induced seizure methods and their neurotoxic effects were determined by rotorod test. RESULTS: A number of isatin semicarbazones exhibited significant protection after intraperitoneal administration at the dose of 100 and 300mg/kg. Some of them showed good anticonvulsant activity in MES test in rats after per oral administration at the dose of 30mg/kg. The bioisosteric hydrazone derivatives were inactive in all tests. Compound 6-chloroisatin-3- (4-bromophenyl)-semicarbazone has emerged as the most active analogue of the series showing good activity in all the three tests and was more active than phenytoin and valproic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The results evidenced the importance of hydrogen bonding and suggested a new pharmacophore model with four binding sites essential for anticonvulsant activity.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 4-bromophenyl substituted aryl semicarbazones.

A number of 4-bromophenyl semicarbazones were synthesised and evaluated for anticonvulsant and sedative -hypnotic activities. After intraperitoneal injection to mice, the semicarbazone derivatives were examined in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY) and neurotoxicity (NT) screens. All the compounds showed anticonvulsant activity in one or more test models. Compound 12 showed greatest activity, being active in all the screens with very low neurotoxicity and no sedative-hypnotic activity. All the compounds except 7 had lower neurotoxicity compared to phenytoin. Three compounds (6, 11 and 14) showed greater protection than sodium valproate. The essential structural features responsible for interaction with receptor site are established within a suggested pharmacophore.

Anticonvulsant activities of 4-bromobenzaldehyde semicarbazone.

Some of the properties of 4-bromobenzaldehyde semicarbazone (compound IV), a prototype molecule of a new class of anticonvulsants, aryl semicarbazones, are described. Compound IV demonstrated activity in the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) tests in mice, with low neurotoxicity. When given orally to rats, it displayed high potency in the MES test and very low neurotoxicity, resulting in a high protective index (PI). Compound IV displayed no proconvulsant properties, and development of rapid tolerance was not noted. When administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 100, 300, or 600 mg/kg to peritoneally (i.p.) at doses of 100, 300, or 600 mg/kg to rats, compound IV had no effect on levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or on GABA-T activity in whole brain. When tested in vitro, compound IV had no effect on rat brain GABA-T at a drug concentration of 100 microM. Although the activities of certain drug-metabolizing enzymes were increased after oral administration of compound IV to rats, these effects were less prominent than those of phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ). The principal mode of action of compound IV does not appear to be an interaction with the GABAA receptor complex, and other mechanisms, involving excitatory amino acid neurotransmission, will have to be considered in future investigations of the anticonvulsant activity of this compound.

Action site of antagonists of vitamin B6 in the central nervous system of the frogs and cockroaches.

Susceptibility to some antagonists of vitamin B6 was studied in frogs and cockroaches after operational intervention in their central nervous systems, and also in the intack frogs and cockroaches. Thiosemicarbazide, semicarbazide, isoniazide and penicillamine induced wild jumping behavior, and tonic or clonic convulsions in frogs, when the nervous parts posterior to the optic lobe inclusive remained intact. In frog, in which the nervous parts anterior to the diencephalon inclusive had been removed, no convulsions were induced by castrix or 4-deoxypyridoxine in large doses. In cockroaches excessive fluttering of wings and convulsions upon administration of thiosemicarbazide following severance of the central nerve cord between the subesophageal and prothoracic ganglions were induced. Castrix was not a convulsant in the intact frogs and cockroaches.