Hybrid Molecules of Azithromycin with Chloramphenicol and Metronidazole: Synthesis and Study of Antibacterial Properties.

The sustained rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes a strong need to develop new antibacterial agents. One of the methods for addressing the problem of antibiotic resistance is through the design of hybrid antibiotics. In this work, we proposed a synthetic route for the conjugation of an azithromycin derivative with chloramphenicol and metronidazole hemisuccinates and synthesized two series of new hybrid molecules 4a-g and 5a-g. While a conjugation did not result in tangible synergy for wild-type bacterial strains, new compounds were able to overcome AMR associated with the inducible expression of the ermC gene on a model E. coli strain resistant to macrolide antibiotics. The newly developed hybrids demonstrated a tendency to induce premature ribosome stalling, which might be crucial since they will not induce a macrolide-resistant phenotype in a number of pathogenic bacterial strains. In summary, the designed structures are considered as a promising direction for the further development of hybrid molecules that can effectively circumvent AMR mechanisms to macrolide antibiotics.

Calix[4]arene-pyrazole conjugates as potential cancer therapeutics.

Tumor selectivity is yet a challenge in chemotherapy-based cancer treatment. A series of calixarenes derivatized at the lower rim with 3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole units with variable upper-rim substituent and conformations of macrocyclic core, alkyl chain length between heterocycle and core, as well as phenolic monomer (5-(4-tert-butylphenyloxy)methoxy-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole) have been synthesized and characterized in a range of therapeutically relevant cellular models (M-HeLa, MCF7, A-549, PC3, Chang liver, and Wi38) from different target organs/systems. Specific cytotoxicity for M-HeLa cells has been observed in tert-butylcalix[4]arene pyrazoles in 1,3-alternate (compound 7b) and partial cone (compound 7c) conformations with low mutagenicity and haemotoxicity and in vivo toxicity in mice. Compounds 7b,c have induced mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis of M-HeLa cells through caspase-9 activation preceded by the cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. A concomitant overexpression of DNA damage markers in pyrazole-treated M-HeLa cells suggests that calixarene pyrazoles target DNA, which was supported by the presence of interactions between calixarenes and ctDNA at the air-water interface.

Tuning Crystal Packing and Magnetic Properties in a Series of [Dy12] Metallocubanes Based on Azobenzene Derivatives of Salicylic Acid.

A series of four new Dy12 dodecanuclear clusters based on azobenzene derivative ligands of salicylic acid (L1-L4) has been synthesized and characterized in the crystalline phase using X-ray diffraction on single crystal and powder, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC-TGA methods. It was revealed that all obtained clusters exhibit the formation of the similar metallic cluster nodes, as vertex-sharing heterocubanes, obtained from four Dy3+ cations, three bridging hydroxyl groups, and O atoms from the salicylic ligands. The coordination geometry around the Dy(III) centers has been carefully analyzed. Whereas Dy12-L1 and Dy12-L2 with L1 and L2 containing Me and OMe groups in para positions of the phenyl rings, respectively, form similar porous 3D diamond-like molecular networks due to CH-π interactions, for Dy12-L3 with L3 bearing NO2-electron-withdrawing group, the generation of 2D molecular grids assembled by π-π staking is observed, and for Dy12-L4 with L4 bearing phenyl substituent, 3D hexagonal channels have been generated. The complexes Dy12-L1, Dy12-L2, and Dy12-L3 exhibit a zero-field slow magnetic relaxation effect. After UV irradiation of Dy12-L1, a decrease of the magnetic anisotropy energy barrier displaying the possibility of control over magnetic properties by the external stimulus has been observed.

DFT study of the conformation, hydrogen bonds, IR, Raman, and NMR spectra of 1,3-disubstituted p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arenes.

CONTEXT: The molecular design of spatially preorganized molecules is one of the critical issues in organic chemistry. Molecular recognition and multipoint binding define them. They organize nanoscale assemblies and devices and stably form host-guest inclusion complexes. Not only is this kind of research important in theory but it also has applications. They are used to create the basic elements of sensory devices: elements of cellular electronics, functional nanofilms and coatings, molecular switches, etc. Thiacalix[4]arenes are a useful molecular platform for constructing a wide range of preorganized receptor structures. This research aims to examine the structure and spectra of distally substituted para-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene aliphatic (C1) and aromatic (C2) esters. The comparison of the spectra of C1, C2, and C3 makes it possible to reveal the structures and H-bonds of these compounds. The structures and H-bonds of these compounds can be seen by analyzing the spectra of C1, C2, and C3. Calculations were made for the spectra of various C1 and C2 molecule conformations. The most stable conformation for C1 and C2 molecules is a distorted cone 2 (DC2) with the same ester group orientation. The pinched cone (PC) conformation is the most unstable. Thiacalixarene molecules' cavities shrink from 3.61 to 3.57 Å when aromatic ester groups take the place of aliphatic ester groups. Two OH groups are linked to an oxygen atom in the DC1 and DC2 conformations of the C1 and C2 molecules. H-bonds in C1 and C2 molecules affect the supramolecular characteristics of these molecules. A drop in ionization energy and increases in electron affinity, chemical potential, softness, electrophilicity index, and dipole moment occur when aliphatic esters are replaced with aromatic ones. METHODS: Disubstituted aliphatic and aromatic esters' IR, Raman, and NMR spectra have been investigated. The DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method and the GAUSSIAN 09W software were used to determine the vibrational spectra of molecules and optimize their geometry. A gauge-independent (GIAO) approach was used to determine chemical shifts in the NMR spectra with respect to tetramethylsilane.

(2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzylidene)thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines: Synthesis, Self-Assembly in the Crystalline Phase and Cytotoxic Activity.

A series of new 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenethiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines with different aryl substituents at the 5 position are synthesized and characterized by 1H/ 13C NMR and IR-spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). It was demonstrated that the type of hydrogen bonding can play a key role in the chiral discrimination of these compounds in the crystalline phase. The hydrogen bond of the O-H...N type leads to 1D supramolecular heterochiral chains or conglomerate crystallization in the case of the formation of homochiral chains. The hydrogen bond of O-H...O type gave racemic dimers, which are packed into 2D supramolecular layers with a parallel or angular dimers arrangement. Halogen bonding of the N...Br or O...Br type brings a new motif into supramolecular self-assembly in the crystalline phase: the formation of 1D supramolecular homochiral chains instead 2D supramolecular layers. The study of cytotoxicity against various tumor cells in vitro was carried out. It was found that 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenethiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines with 3-nitrophenyl substituent at C5 carbon atom demonstrated a high efficiency against M-HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma) and low cytotoxicity against normal liver cells.

Semisynthetic Amides of Polyene Antibiotic Natamycin.

Natamycin is a macrolide polyene antibiotic, characterized by a potent broad spectrum antifungal activity and low toxicity. However, it is not used for the treatment of systemic mycoses due to its low bioavailability and low solubility in aqueous solutions. In order to create new semisynthetic antifungal agents for treatment of mycoses, a series of water-soluble amides of natamycin were synthesized. Antifungal activities of natamycin derivatives were investigated against Candida spp., including a panel of Candida auris clinical isolates and filamentous fungi. Toxicity for mammalian cells was assayed by monitoring antiproliferative activity against human postnatal fibroblasts (HPF) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). By comparing leakage of contents from ergosterol versus cholesterol containing vesicles, a ratio that characterizes the efficacy and safety of natamycin and its derivatives was determined (EI, efficiency index). Ability of all tested semisynthetic natamycines to prevent proliferation of the yeast Candida spp. cells was comparable or even slightly higher to those of parent antibiotic. Interestingly, amide 8 was more potent than natamycin (1) against all tested C. auris strains (MIC values 2 µg/mL vs 8 µg/mL, respectively). Among 7 derivatives, amide 10 with long lipophilic side chains showed the highest EI and strong antifungal activity in vitro but was more toxic against HPF. In vivo experiments with amide 8 showed in vivo efficacy on a mouse candidemia model with a larger LD50/ED50 ratio in comparison to amphotericin B.

Synthesis, Self-Assembly in Crystalline Phase and Anti-Tumor Activity of 2-(2-/4-Hydroxybenzylidene)thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines.

A series of new thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines different by aryl substituents in 2 and 5 positions are synthesized and characterized in solution as well as in the crystalline phase using 1H and 13C NMR-, IR-spectroscopies, mass-spectrometry methods, and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). The SCXRD study revealed the role of intermolecular H-bonding in the formation of supramolecular architectures (racemic monomers, centrosymmetric racematic dimers, or homochiral 1D chains) of obtained thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines derivatives depending on solvents (aprotic DMSO or protic EtOH) used upon the crystallization process. Moreover, the in vitro study of cytotoxicity toward different tumor cells showed their high or moderate efficiency with moderate cytotoxicity against normal liver cells which allows to consider the obtained thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives as promising candidates for application as antitumor agents.

Selective gas adsorption by calixarene-based porous octahedral M32 coordination cages.

Giant octahedral M32 coordination cages were prepared via self-assembly of sulfonylcalix[4]arene-supported tetranuclear M(II) clusters (M = Co, Ni) with hybrid linker based on tris(dipyrrinato)cobalt(III) complexes appended with peripherical carboxylic groups. Due to intrinsic and extrinsic porosity, the obtained solid-state supramolecular architectures demonstrated good performance as adsorbents for the separation of industrially important gases mixtures.

Thermodynamic vs. Kinetic Control in Synthesis of O-Donor 2,5-Substituted Furan and 3,5-Substituted Pyrazole from Heteropropargyl Precursor.

Elaboration of a convenient route towards donor-substituted pyrazoles from heteropropargyl precursors is challenging due to a number of thermodynamically favorable side reactions (e.g., acetylene-allene isomerization and Glaser homocoupling). In this work, Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions of 4-tert-butylphenyl propargyl ether with benzoyl chloride followed by tandem Michael addition/cyclocondensation with hydrazine into 3,5-disubstituted pyrazole (kinetic control), as well as cycloisomerization conditions of ketoacetylene intermediate into 2,5-disubstituted furan (thermodynamic control), were established through a variation of the catalyst loading, solvent polarity, excess of triethylamine, and time of reaction. During the optimization of process parameters, a number of by-products represented by a monophosphine binuclear complex (PPh3PdI2)2 with two bridging iodine atoms and diyne were identified and isolated in the pure form. The quantum-chemical calculations and solution-state 1H/13C NMR spectroscopy suggested that the 5(3)-(4-tert-butylphenyloxy)methoxy-3(5)-phenyl-1H-pyrazole exists in the tautomeric equilibrium in a polar methanol solvent and that individual tautomers could be characterized in case aprotic solvents employed. The pyrazole features a unique tetramer motif in the crystal phase formed by alternating 3(5)-phenyl-1H-pyrazole tautomers, which was stabilized by N-H···N bonds and stacking interactions of pyrazole rings, whereas pyrazole dimers were identified in the gas phase.

New Calix[4]arene-Fluoresceine Conjugate by Click Approach-Synthesis and Preparation of Photocatalytically Active Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.

New fluorescent systems for photocatalysis, sensors, labeling, etc., are in great demand. Amphiphilic ones are of special interest since they can form functional colloidal systems that can be used in aqueous solutions. A new macrocycle platform for click chemistry and its adduct with o-propargylfluoresceine was synthesized and characterized using modern physical techniques. Nanosized solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) from the calixarene-fluoresceine adduct were synthesized through the solvent injection technique and well-characterized in the solution and in solid state using light-scattering and microscopy methods. The maximum fluorescence intensity of the SLNs was found to be in the pH range from 7 to 10. The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency from SLNs to rhodamine 6g was found to be 97.8%. Finally, pure SLNs and the FRET system SLNs-Rh6G were tested in model photocatalytic ipso oxidative hydroxylation of phenylboronic acid under blue LED light. The SLNs-Rh6G system was found to be the best, giving an almost qualitative phenol yield, which was shown by HPLC-UV analysis.

Study of the conformation and hydrogen bonds of the p-tetrasulfonatothiacalix[4]arene pentasodium salt by vibrational spectroscopy and DFT.

The vibrational spectra of the p-tetrasulfonatothiacalix[4]arene pentasodium salt (TCAS) and tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (BuTCA) were studied. Comparison of the TCAS and BuTCA IR spectra allows us to isolate the bands of tert-butyl and sulfonate groups. Geometry, IR and Raman spectra were calculated for conformation cone, partial cone, 1,2-, and 1,3-alternate. The most stable conformation of the TCAS is the cone. Characteristic bands were determined for each of the possible conformations. In the case of the TCAS molecule, four ions of sodium are coordinated with the oxygen atoms of sulfonate groups, and the fifth ion interacts with the oxygen and sulfur atoms of the macrocycle. Under the influence of sodium ions, the distribution of electron density in the TCAS molecule and its ability to supramolecular interactions change.

Discovery of derivatives of 6(7)-amino-3-phenylquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides: novel, hypoxia-selective HIF-1α inhibitors with strong antiestrogenic potency.

In this article, we describe the synthesis of 3-phenylquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides bearing cyclic diamine residues at positions 6 or 7; the synthesis is based on the nucleophilic substitution of halogens. All synthesized 6(7)-aminoquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides 3-6 demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and hypoxia selectivity compared to the reference agent tirapazamine against breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-231). The structure and position of the diamine residue considerably affects the antiproliferative properties of the quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides. The introduction of a halogen atom at position 7 in the quinoxaline ring of 4a considerably increases the cytotoxicity of compounds 5a and 6a under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. However, the most hypoxia-selective derivatives were non-halogenated 7-aminosubstituted 3-phenylquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides 3a-j. Of the 32 novel synthesized derivatives, approximately 20 of the 6(7)-amino-3-phenylquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxides demonstrated high antiproliferative potency against wild type leukemia cells K562 and drug-resistant subline K562/4 with the expression of p-glycoprotein (p-gp) compared to the reference agent doxorubicin, which exhibited one order of magnitude lower activity towards K562/4 cells than towards K562 cells. Lead compounds 5a and 3f inhibited HIF-1α expression and activity and induced apoptosis in hypoxic tumor cells, which was confirmed by poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Moreover, 5a and 3f showed strong antiestrogenic potencies in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Thus, the described series of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides has high anticancer potential and good aqueous solubility. Therefore, these compounds are promising for further drug development of hypoxia-targeted anticancer agents.

Discovery of Amphamide, a Drug Candidate for the Second Generation of Polyene Antibiotics.

Amphotericin B (AmB, 1) is the drug of choice for treating the most serious systemic fungal or protozoan infections. Nevertheless, its application is limited by low solubility in aqueous media and serious side effects such as infusion-related reactions, hemolytic toxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Owing to these limitations, it is essential to search for the polyene derivatives with better chemotherapeutic properties. With the objective of obtaining AmB derivatives with lower self-aggregation and improved solubility, we synthesized a series of amides of AmB bearing an additional basic group in the introduced residue. The screening of antifungal activity in vitro revealed that N-(2-aminoethyl)amide of AmB (amphamide, 6) had superior antifungal activity compared to that of the paternal AmB. Preclinical studies in mice confirmed that compound 6 had a much lower acute toxicity and higher antifungal efficacy in the model of mice candidosis sepsis compared with that of AmB (1). Thus, the discovered amphamide is a promising drug candidate for the second generation of polyene antibiotics and is also prospective for in-depth preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Synthesis of new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-based polyammonium triazolyl amphiphiles and their binding with nucleoside phosphates.

The synthesis of new calix[4]arenes adopting a cone stereoisomeric form bearing two or four azide fragments on the upper rim and water-soluble triazolyl amphiphilic receptors with two or four polyammonium headgroups via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction has been performed for the first time. It was found that the synthesized macrocycles form stable aggregates with hydrodynamic diameters between 150-200 nm and electrokinetic potentials about +40 to +60 mV in water solutions. Critical aggregation concentration (CAC) values were measured using a micelle method with pyrene and eosin Y as dye probes. The CAC values of tetraalkyl-substituted macrocycles 12a,b (5 µM for both) are significantly lower than those for dialkyl-substituted macrocycles 10a,b (790 and 160 µM, respectively). Premicellar aggregates of macrocycles 10a,b and 12a,b with the dye eosin Y were used for nucleotides sensing through a dye replacement procedure. It is unusual that disubstituted macrocycles 10a,b bind more effectively a less charged adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) than adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). A simple colorimetric method based on polydiacetylene vesicles decorated with 10b was elaborated for the naked-eye detection of ADP with a detection limit of 0.5 mM.

Calixarene alpha-ketoacetylenes: versatile platforms for reaction with hydrazine nucleophile.

Late stage diversification of calix[4]arenes and thiacalix[4]arenes with heterocycles remains a significant synthetic challenge and hampers further exploitation of the scaffolds. Here we describe the development of a short and facile synthetic route to conformationally diverse novel calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene ynones using a palladium cross coupling approach (5% Pd(ii) + 10% Cu(i)) with benzoyl chloride. Their successful conversion to heterocycles to afford pyrazoles was demonstrated through treatment with hydrazine. Functionalisation is calixarene conformation and linker independent enabling access to a library of structures.

Langmuir monolayers and thin films of amphifilic thiacalix[4]arenes. Properties and matrix for the immobilization of cytochrome c.

Formation and properties of Langmuir films of thiacalix[4]arene (TCA) derivatives containing N-donor groups on the lower rim (Y═O(CH2)3CN; OCH2CN; NH2; OCH2ArCN-p) in 1,3-alternate conformation on aqueous subphase and solid substrates have been studied. Only tetra-cyanopropoxy-p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene 1 forms a typical monomolecular layer with perpendicular orientation of the macrocycle relative to the water-air interface that is able to immobilize cytochrome c in the entire range of the surface pressure. Obtained monolayers were transferred by Langmuir-Schaefer technique onto quartz, indium-tin oxide (ITO), and silicon. It was demonstrated that protein activity is retained after immobilization on the substrate.

Design of supramolecular biomimetic catalysts of high substrate specificity by noncovalent self-assembly of calix[4]arenes with amphiphilic and polymeric amines.

Supramolecular biomimetic catalysts of high substrate specificity are developed based on amphiphilic oxyethylated calix[4]arene bearing iso-nonyl fragments at the upper rim and hexadeca(ethylene glycol) fragments at lower rim (9CO16), and amines of amphiphilic or polymeric nature. Two critical concentrations determined by tensiometry and dye solubilization methods are probably reflect the onset of association process and transition from bimodal to monomodal size distribution revealed by the dynamic light scattering method. Amine components used may form aggregates as well, which is mediated by hydrophobic effect due to occurrence of long-chain alkyl tails. The micellar rate effect of the designed systems toward the cleavage of carboxylic acid ester is shown to be contributed by the formation of mixed aggregates with the reactive functional groups, as well as by the pKa shift of the amine and the character of the distribution of reagents in functional micelles. In the case of long-chain primary amines, an inversion of micellar rate effect (catalysis to inhibition) occurs upon transferring from the less hydrophobic substrate, p-nitrophenyl acetate, to the more hydrophobic analogs, p-nitrophenyl laurate and p-nitrophenyl caprinate. The opposite effect (inhibition of the reaction of p-nitrophenyl acetate and the acceleration of the process of hydrophobic analogs) was observed in systems based on polyethyleneimine.

Structure-antifungal activity relationships of polyene antibiotics of the amphotericin B group.

A comprehensive comparative analysis of the structure-antifungal activity relationships for the series of biosynthetically engineered nystatin analogues and their novel semisynthetic derivatives, as well as amphotericin B (AMB) and its semisynthetic derivatives, was performed. The data obtained revealed the significant influence of the structure of the C-7 to C-10 polyol region on the antifungal activity of these polyene antibiotics. Comparison of positions of hydroxyl groups in the antibiotics and in vitro antifungal activity data showed that the most active are the compounds in which hydroxyl groups are in positions C-8 and C-9 or positions C-7 and C-10. Antibiotics with OH groups at both C-7 and C-9 had the lowest activity. The replacement of the C-16 carboxyl with methyl group did not significantly affect the in vitro antifungal activity of antibiotics without modifications at the amino group of mycosamine. In contrast, the activity of the N-modified derivatives was modulated both by the presence of CH3 or COOH group in the position C-16 and by the structure of the modifying substituent. The most active compounds were tested in vivo to determine the maximum tolerated doses and antifungal activity on the model of candidosis sepsis in leukopenic mice (cyclophosphamide-induced). Study of our library of semisynthetic polyene antibiotics led to the discovery of compounds, namely, N-(L-lysyl)-BSG005 (compound 3n) and, especially, L-glutamate of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl amide of S44HP (compound 2j), with high antifungal activity that were comparable in in vitro and in vivo tests to AMB and that have better toxicological properties.

IR and NMR spectra, intramolecular hydrogen bonding and conformations of para-tert-butyl-aminothiacalix[4]arene in solid state and chloroform solution.

It is demonstrated that dissolution of aminothiacalix[4]arene in chloroform results in transformation of 1,3-alternate conformation, adopted in single-crystal and bulk polycrystalline solids, to the pinched-cone form. This conformer is stabilised by the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of two distal amino-groups acting as H-donors with another two amino moieties that appear as H-acceptors. The H-bonds cause quite small (ca. 10-20 cm(-1)) red shift of the IR bands of the NH(2) stretching vibrations, which suggests rather weak NHcdots, three dots, centeredN hydrogen bonding. This latter is sufficient to stabilize the pinched-cone conformation in the chloroform solution, but the energy gap between the pinched-cone and other conformations is small, and solid-state intermolecular forces easily overcome it, leading to realisation of the 1,3-alternate conformer. The comparison of the DFT computed and experimental vibrational and NMR spectra demonstrates good quality of present quantum-chemical computations, allows complete interpretation of the spectra and reveals simple IR and NMR spectroscopic markers of the conformers of aminothiacalix[4]arenes.

Synthesis and study of the antifungal activity of new mono- and disubstituted derivatives of a genetically engineered polyene antibiotic 28,29-didehydronystatin A1 (S44HP).

Mono- and disubstituted novel derivatives of the heptaene nystatin analog 28,29-didehydronystatin A(1) (S44HP, 1) were obtained by chemical modification of the exocyclic C-16 carboxyl and/or an amino group of mycosamine moiety. The strategy of preparation of mono- and double-modified polyene macrolides was based on the use of intermediate hydrophobic N-Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) derivatives that facilitated the procedures of isolation and purification of new compounds. The antifungal activity of the new derivatives was first tested in vitro against yeasts and filamentous fungi, allowing the selection of the most active compounds that were subsequently tested for acute toxicity in mice. 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylamide of 1 (2) and 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylamide of N-fructopyranosyl-28,29-didehydronystatin A(1) (2a) were then selected for further evaluation in a mouse model of disseminated candidosis, and showed high efficacy while being considerably less toxic than amphotericin B (AmB). The compound with improved water solubility (2G, L-glutamic acid salt of 2) showed better chemotherapeutic activity than AmB in the mouse model of candidosis sepsis on a leucopenic background. Very low antifungal effect was seen after treatment with AmB, even if it was used in maximum tolerated dose (2 mg kg(-1)). Unlike AmB, compound 2G exhibited high activity in doses from 0.4 up to 4.0 mg kg(-1), despite leucopenic conditions.