Anti-inflammatory action of new hybrid N-acyl-[1,2]dithiolo-[3,4-c]quinoline-1-thione.

Most of pharmaceutical agents display a number of biological activities. It is obvious that testing even one compound for thousands of biological activities is not practically possible. A computer-aided prediction is therefore the method of choice in this case to select the most promising bioassays for particular compounds. Using the PASS Online software, we determined the probable anti-inflammatory action of the 12 new hybrid dithioloquinolinethiones derivatives. Chemical similarity search in the World-Wide Approved Drugs (WWAD) and DrugBank databases did not reveal close structural analogues with the anti-inflammatory action. Experimental testing of anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds in the carrageenan-induced inflammation mouse model confirmed the computational predictions. The anti-inflammatory activity of the studied compounds (2a, 3a-3k except for 3j) varied between 52.97% and 68.74%, being higher than the reference drug indomethacin (47%). The most active compounds appeared to be 3h (68.74%), 3k (66.91%) and 3b (63.74%) followed by 3e (61.50%). Thus, based on the in silico predictions a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents was discovered.

Zinc Ionophore Pyrithione Mimics CD28 Costimulatory Signal in CD3 Activated T Cells.

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in T cell immunity. During T cell activation, zinc is not only structurally important, but zinc signals can also act as a second messenger. This research investigates zinc signals in T cell activation and their function in T helper cell 1 differentiation. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated via the T cell receptor-CD3 complex, and via CD28 as a costimulatory signal. Fast and long-term changes in intracellular zinc and calcium were monitored by flow cytometry. Further, interferon (IFN)-γ was analyzed to investigate the differentiation into T helper 1 cells. We show that fast zinc fluxes are induced via CD3. Also, the intracellular zinc concentration dramatically increases 72 h after anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation, which goes along with the high release of IFN-γ. Interestingly, we found that zinc signals can function as a costimulatory signal for T helper cell 1 differentiation when T cells are activated only via CD3. These results demonstrate the importance of zinc signaling alongside calcium signaling in T cell differentiation.

Synthesis of 3-sulfenylindole derivatives from 4-hydroxy-2H-chromene-2-thione and indole using oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction and anti-proliferative activity study of some of their sulfone derivatives.

The synthesis of hitherto unreported 3-sulfenylindole derivatives is achieved from 4-hydroxy-2H-chromene-2-thione (1) and indole (2) by employing an oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction using a combination of 10 mol% of molecular iodine and 1 equivalent of TBHP in DMSO at room temperature. Then, the 3-sulfenylindole derivatives 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 3 h, and 3 k were converted into their corresponding sulfone derivatives because of lead likeness properties. Subsequently, a target prediction and docking study of six sulfone derivatives (5a-f) was performed, and four sulfones, namely 5a, 5d, 5e, and 5f, were selected for further in-vitro studies. The four sulfones mentioned above exhibited prominent anti-proliferative activity on breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. In addition, this reaction was exergonic through quantum chemical analysis of the mechanistic steps. The salient features of this reaction are mild reaction conditions, good yields, and broad substrate scope.

New imidazole-2-ones and their 2-thione analogues as anticancer agents and CAIX inhibitors: Synthesis, in silico ADME and molecular modeling studies.

The present study involves the synthesis of a series of new imidazole-2-ones derivatives and their 2-thione analogs using conventional heating and the environmentally friendly benign technique, the microwave technique. Structure of the compounds was well elucidated by considering the data of both elemental and spectral analyses. The obtained data and theoretical values of the synthesized molecules correlated with the proposed molecular structure. Moreover, all the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for antitumor activity against HCT-116 and HeP2 human cancer cell panels and assessed as selective carbonic anhydrase IX isozyme (CA9/CAIX) inhibitors, thereby providing useful preliminary evidence for drug development. In addition, computational techniques were used to investigate the molecular and electronic characteristics of the investigated organic compounds. The 4b compound exhibited the best quantum chemistry features, as the highest occupied molecular orbital, softness, energy gap, and dipole moment, indicating the highest biological activity. This was supported by the experimental findings. Moreover, the in silico evaluation of drug candidates was also investigated. Thereafter, the anticancer activity of the most reactive candidate was studied via molecular docking to determine the types of interactions between this molecule and CAIX. According to the docking experiments, the 4b molecule generates five hydrogen bond interactions with active amino acid residues, Gln 92, Gln 67, and Thr 200.

Indole Derivatives Bearing Imidazole, Benzothiazole-2-Thione or Benzoxazole-2-Thione Moieties-Synthesis, Structure and Evaluation of Their Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Fungicidal Activities.

In the search for new bioactive compounds, a methodology based on combining two molecules with biological properties into a new hybrid molecule was used to design and synthesize of a series of ten indole derivatives bearing imidazole, benzothiazole-2-thione, or benzoxazole-2-thione moieties at the C-3 position. The compounds were spectroscopically characterized and tested for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and fungicidal activities. The crystal structures were determined for five of them. Comparison of the closely related structures containing either benzothiazole-2-thione or benzoxazole-2-thione clearly shows that the replacement of -S- and -O- ring atoms modify molecular conformation in the crystal, changes intermolecular interactions, and has a severe impact on biological activity. The results indicate that indole-imidazole derivatives with alkyl substituent exhibit an excellent cytoprotective effect against AAPH-induced oxidative hemolysis and act as effective ferrous ion chelating agents. The indole-imidazole compound with chlorine atoms inhibited the growth of fungal strains: Coriolus versicolor (Cv), Poria placenta (Pp), Coniophora puteana (Cp), and Gloeophyllum trabeum (Gt). The indole-imidazole derivatives showed the highest antibacterial activity, for which the largest growth-inhibition zones were noted in M. luteus and P. fluorescens cultures. The obtained results may be helpful in the development of selective indole derivatives as effective antioxidants and/or antimicrobial agents.

New Cycloadditon Reaction of 2-Chloroprop-2-enethioamides with Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates: Synthesis of Dialkyl 2-[4,5-bis(alkoxycarbonyl)-2-(aryl{alkyl}imino)-3(2H)-thienylidene]-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dicarboxylates.

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones with alkynes to form 1,3-dithioles is one of the most studied reactions in this class of polysulfur-containing heterocycles. Nucleophilic substitution of chlorine atoms in dimethyl 2-(1,2-dichloro-2-thioxoethylidene)-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dicarboxylate, which was obtained by addition one molecules of DMAD to 4,5-dichloro-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione, led to a series of 2-chloro-2-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)ethanethioamides. Cycloaddition reaction of 2-chloro-2-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)ethanethioamides with activated alkynes led to the unexpected formation of 2-(thiophen-3(2H)-ylidene)-1,3-dithioles via new intermediate, 1-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-N-phenylethan-1-yliumimidothioate. Structure of dimethyl 2-(4,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-2-(phenylimino)thiophen-3(2H)-ylidene)-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dicarboxylate was finally proven by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Optimized reaction conditions and a mechanistic rationale for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of novel intermediate are presented.

Pumice as a Novel Natural Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Designation of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-ones/thiones under Solvent-Free Conditions.

In this study, pumice is used as a novel natural heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-ones/thiones via the one-pot multi-component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, urea/thiourea, and ethyl acetoacetate or acetylacetone in excellent yields (up to 98%). The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst were studied. Their geochemical analysis revealed a basaltic composition. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction showed that it is composed of amorphous materials with clinoptilolite and heulandites zeolite minerals in its pores. Moreover, pumice has a porosity range from 78.2-83.9% (by volume) and is characterized by a mesoporous structure (pore size range from 21.1 to 64.5 nm). Additionally, it has a pore volume between 0.00531 and 0.00781 m2/g and a surface area between 0.053 and 1.47 m2/g. The latter facilitated the reaction to proceed in a short time frame as well as in excellent yields. It is worth noting that our strategy tolerates the use of readily available, cheap, non-toxic, and thermally stable pumice catalyst. The reactions proceeded smoothly under solvent-free conditions, and products were isolated without tedious workup procedures in good yields and high purity. Indeed, pumice can be reused for at least five reuse cycles without affecting its activity.

1,3,5-Thiadiazinane thione derivatives as significant urease inhibitors.

We report the promising urease inhibitory activity of four sets of tetrahydro thiadiazine thiones (THTT) namely 3,5-disubstituted tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine thiones: THTT 5-8 (set A) having alkyl/aryl substituents at N-3 and N-5 positions; THTT 9-12 (set B) and THTT 13-14 (set C) with 3-carboxylic acid derivatives and tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-6-thione esters 15-16 (set D). Gratifyingly, all four sets of THTT were recognized as promising inhibitors of urease enzyme. Among 12 tested compounds; THTT 6, 8, 10, 14 and 15 from each set respectively, demonstrated significant urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 11.2-29.8µM which is mostly found higher than that for thiourea, a standard urease inhibitor with IC50 value of 22.4µM. Furthermore, compound 7 showed almost the same level of inhibition (IC50 = 22.5µM) as of standard. In addition, molecular docking study supported the phenomenon that thiadiazinane ring itself is an active pharmacophore that binds through CH2 groups and S atom via carbon-hydrogen/π-sulfur interactions respectively to the active site of the urease enzyme. The optimistic results from this study suggest the use of thiadiazinane skeleton as a guided template for the advancement of new urease inhibitors in drug discovery.

One pot domino synthesis of new 3,5-disubstituted-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thiones (THTTs) as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive candidates: A proof from in-vivo to in-vitro and in-silico mechanistic studies.

A series of alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids appended tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thiones (4a-i, 5a-g, 6 and 7) were synthesized via one pot domino synthesis. The synthesis involved reacting alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids with carbon disulfide employing basic aqueous medium and further cyclization with formaldehyde and alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids. In addition, the carboxy-functionalized 1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione 6 was further subjected to esterification. All the structures were confirmed through spectral techniques i.e IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS analysis. Furthermore, the newly synthesized compounds were biologically assessed via in vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX assays, in vivo anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Among the screened compounds, 6, 5f, and 7 exhibited highest inhibitory potency against COX-2 with IC50 values of 11.96, 13.54, and 13.93 µM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 6 and 7 exhibited excellent inhibitory potential against 5-LOX with IC50 values of 14.01 and 14.13 µM. The in-vivo anti-inflammatory bioassay studies showed that compounds 6, 7 and 5f dramatically reduced the paw edema size at 1 h and 3 h time intervals. In the anti-nociceptive activity, compound 6 showed pain protection comparative to Tramadol in all tested time intervals. In addition, studies of molecular docking revealed the compounds binding modes in the allosteric site of COX-2 and active site of 5-LOX, where these compounds exhibited higher binding scores and good binding interactions.

Solvent promoted tautomerism in thione-containing tetraazatricyclics: evidence from 1H NMR spectroscopy and transition state studies.

Tautomerism in the nitro substituted thione-containing traazatricyclics has been investigated. Evidence from 1H NMR indicating the existence of the tautomers has been augmented with computational studies providing evidence of the stability or otherwise of these tautomers. The role of water and DMSO in the formation of the tautomers has been explained. The role of the nitro group in assisting in the formation of the tautomers has been discussed.

Metal-Free Temperature-Controlled Intermolecular [3 + 2] Annulation to Access Benzo[d]thiazole-2(3H)-thiones and Benzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-ones.

A facile access to benzo[d]thiazole-2(3H)-thiones and benzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-ones has been developed through a temperature-controlled intermolecular [3 + 2] annulation of N,N-disubstituted arylhydrazines with CS2 in the presence of DMSO. This protocol can obviate the prefunctionalization of the starting materials. This direct C-S/C-N bond formation reaction was performed in the absence of any external catalysts, transition metals, bases, ligands, and oxidants with high step economy.

1-Phenyl ethyl substituted tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione derivatives as promising antimicrobial agents.

Seven derivatives of 1-phenyl ethyl group containing 3,5-disubstituted tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-thiones (THTT) were prepared and examined for their antibacterial and antifungal properties by using Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) and agar tube dilution protocol respectively. In vitro antifungal potential was investigated against five human pathogens and compared with the standard drugs amphotericin B and miconazole. In vitro antibacterial activity was investigated against four pathogens and compared with the ofloxacin. All compounds exhibited very promising antifungal activities against all tested pathogens. Structure activity relationship showed the importance of the presence of 1-phenyl ethyl substituent at N-3 of THTT nucleus for antifungal effects. However, these compounds showed significant antibacterial activity only against S. aureus. The compound 6c of the series was found most active compound that displayed promising antifungal potential against all tested pathogens [Growth Inhibition (GI) = 100%], and also showed promising antibacterial potential against S. aureus (GI% = 83.49) which is very much closer to the standard ofloxacin (GI% = 88.05). The study may be useful in the development of improved antimicrobial agents.

Novel transformation products from glucosinolate-derived thioglucose and isothiocyanates formed during cooking.

Glucosinolates are plant secondary metabolites occurring in Brassicaceae plants. Upon tissue disruption, these compounds can be enzymatically hydrolyzed into isothiocyanates, which are very reactive and can react with nucleophiles during thermal processes such as boiling. Here, a novel type of glucosinolate degradation product was identified resulting from the reaction of thioglucose with the isothiocyanates sulforaphane or allyl isothiocyanate during aqueous heating. The two heterocyclic compounds 4-hydroxy-3-(4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl)thiazolidine-2-thione and 3-allyl-4-hydroxythiazolidine-2-thione were isolated and their structure elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Based on a set of chemical experiments, a reaction mechanism was proposed. Finally, the formation of the two 3-alk(en)yl-4-hydroxythiazolidine-2-thiones was quantified in boiled cabbage samples using a standard addition method in which 92 pmol/g and 19 pmol/g fresh weight of the sulforaphane and allyl isothiocyanate derivatives were found, respectively.

Complexes of 1-(2-R(F, CH3, Cl)-phenyl)-1,4-dihydro-5H-tetrazole-5-thiones with cadmium chloride: Synthesis, molecular, crystal structures and computational investigation approach.

New complex compounds (I) - (IV) were synthesized by the reaction of 1-(2-fluorofluorophenyl) -1,4-dihydro-5H-tetrazole-5-thione (HL1), 1-(2-methylphenyl)-1,4-dihydro-5H-tetrazole-5-thione (HL2) and 1-(2-chlorochlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-5H-tetrazole-5-thione (HL3) with cadmium chloride. By X-ray diffraction analysis, molecular and crystal structures of complexes (I), (II), (III) and (IV) are determined. (CIF files CCDC № 2,003,797 (I), 1,993,454 (II), 2,151,359 (III), 2,098,997 (IV)). Hirshfeld surface analysis, frontier orbital analysis, atomic charges, electrostatic potential, nonlinear optical properties, and natural bond analysis of all three­cadmium metal-organic complexes were discussed. A molecular docking study was used to investigate compounds' binding and interactions with DNA molecules, which predicted compound I as the best binder at the DNA minor groove and demonstrated closed distance interactions. In a long run of molecular dynamics simulations, the compound I complex was also depicted with good dynamics.

Synthesis of 4,4-Disubstituted 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and -thiones, the Corresponding Products of Biginelli Reaction Using Ketone, and Their Antiproliferative Effect on HL-60 Cells.

An efficient synthetic method for novel 4,4-disubstituted 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones 5 and -thiones 6 was developed. The cyclocondensation reaction of O-methylisourea hemisulfate salt 11 with 8 gives a tautomeric mixture of dihydropyrimidines 12 and 13 following acidic hydrolysis of the cyclized products to produce 5 in high yields. Thionation reaction of 5 at the 2-position smoothly proceeds to give 2-thioxo derivatives 6. These compounds 5 and 6, corresponding to the products of a Biginelli-type reaction using urea or thiourea, a ketone and a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, have long been inaccessible and hitherto unavailable for medicinal chemistry. These methods are invaluable for the synthesis of 5 and 6, which have been inaccessible by conventional methods. Therefore, the synthetic methods established in this study will expand the molecular diversity of their related derivatives. These compounds were also assessed for their antiproliferative effect on a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60. Treatment of 10 µM 6b and 6d showed high inhibitory activity similarly to 1 µM all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), indicating that the 2-thioxo group and length of two alkyl substituents at the 4-position are strongly related to activity.

Transdermal Delivery of a Hydrogen Sulphide Donor, ADT-OH Using Aqueous Gel Formulations for the Treatment of Impaired Vascular Function: an Ex Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an important signalling molecule involved in the regulation of several physiological and pathophysiological processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transdermal delivery of ADT-OH, a H2S donor, by investigating the transdermal flux of aqueous gels loaded with penetration enhancers or liposomes. Furthermore, we explored the ability of permeated ADT-OH to promote angiogenesis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in HUVEC cells. METHODS: Aqueous hypromellose gels (5% w/v) were prepared with up to 10% v/v propylene glycol (PG) or deformable liposomes with 0.025% w/w ADT-OH. ADT-OH permeation from formulations across excised murine skin into PBS was quantified over 24 h using HPLC-UV detection. Media was collected and applied to HUVEC cells to evidence ADT-OH functionality following permeation. Tube formation assays were performed as indicative of angiogenesis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was evaluated using a Seahorse XF24. RESULTS: Increasing the loading of PG caused an increase in ADT-OH permeation rate across skin and a decrease in dermal drug retention whereas liposomal gels produced a slow-release profile. Treatment of HUVEC's using conditioned media collected from the ADT-OH loaded permeation studies enhanced tube formation and the basal oxygen consumption rates after 30 min of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that transdermal delivery of ADT-OH may provide a promising approach in the treatment of impaired vascular function. Gels prepared with 10% v/v PG have the potential for use in conditions requiring rapid H2S release whereas liposomal loaded gels for treatment requiring sustained H2S release.

Multi-activity tetracoordinated pallado-oxadiazole thiones as anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-microbial agents: Structure, stability and bioactivity comparison with pallado-hydrazides.

Herein, we report a comparative study based on structure, thermal and solution stability, and biopotency against lipoxygenase (LOX), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and microbes for Pd(II) compounds of N,O,S bearing 5-(C5H4XR)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiones (L') of type [PdL'Cl2] (P'n) and N,O bearing respective hydrazides (L) of type trans-[PdL2Cl2] (Pn) {X = C, R = 4-I, 2-Br, 4-NO2, 3-NO2, 2-Cl, 3-Cl (n = 1-6, serially); X = N (n = 7)}. Spectral techniques (IR, EI-MS, NMR) and physicochemical evaluations successfully characterized the new compounds. The L' behaved as bidentate S-N donors bonded through exocyclic sulfur and N-3' nitrogen, while L acted as amino N donors. UV-vis (solution speciation) and thermal degradation profiles consistently confirmed the greater stability for P'n than Pn compounds. These compounds manifested varying degree in vitro potential to inhibit LOX, BChE and several bacteria and fungi, affected mainly by Pd(II) presence, M-L binding mode, nature and position of R, or halo groups electronegativity. Molecular docking with human 5-LOX and BChE further validated the respective experimental inhibition findings and explored several putative mechanistic interactions (H-bonding, π-stacking, π-alkyl, π-S, etc.) at the enzyme active sites. Pn generally offered superior antimicrobial and anti-LOX (anti-inflammatory) potential than respective P'n compounds, with P3/P'5, P(2,3,7)/P'3, and P6 being comparable, better and equivalent to ampicillin, nystatin and baicalein, the reference antibacterial, antifungal and anti-LOX drugs, respectively. Contrarily, the anti-BChE activity of P'n was found better than Pn compounds, showing P'2/P1 as the most promising anti-Alzheimer drug candidates. This study bares important structural and mechanistic aspects in optimizing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-Alzheimer activities, highlighting some potential future pallado-drug candidates.

Interactions study of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives in acid medium using molecular dynamics.

We investigated the interaction of some 1,2,4-triazoles derivatives: 4-amino-3-methylthio-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole 1, 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol 2 A, 4-amino-5-phenyl-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 2B, and 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol 2 C (respectively MTE 1, TL 2 A, TN 2B and TL 2 C) using the molecular dynamics simulation. First, we employed this method to predict the total energies in vacuum and in solutions (water and acid media). Then, we calculated the MD parameters: interaction energies and angle parameters. We have also evaluated the conformations of these molecules in gas and in solutions. Next, we compared the calculated results in water with those in acid solution. Our simulated results prove that the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bond increases the interaction energies in the tautomer thione 2B. We confirm that the TN 2B reaches its high stable conformation state in the solution environment. The calculations confirm that the compound MTE 1 has a spatial conformation state and shows high interaction energy in acid medium. Our molecular dynamics results complete very well our quantum chemical calculations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Lepidilines A-D: Comparison with Some 4,5-Diphenyl Analogues and Related Imidazole-2-thiones.

A straightforward access to 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides with subsequent deoxygenation by treatment with Raney-nickel followed by N-benzylation opens up a convenient route to lepidilines A and C. Both imidazolium salts were used to generate in situ the corresponding imidazol-2-ylidenes, which smoothly reacted with elemental sulfur, yielding imidazole-2-thiones. These reactions were performed either under classical conditions in pyridine solutions or mechanochemically using solid Cs2CO3 as a base. The structure of lepidiline C was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray analysis of its hexafluorophosphate. An analogous protocol toward lepidilines B and D and their 4,5-diphenyl analogues is less efficient due to observed instability of the key precursors, i.e., the respective 2-methylimidazole N-oxides. Comparison of cytotoxic activity against HL-60 and MCF-7 cell lines of all lepidilines, as well as their selected structural analogues (e.g., 4,5-diphenyl derivatives and PF6 salts), revealed slightly more potent activity of the 2-methylated series, irrespectively of the type of counterion present in the imidazolium salt. Remarkably, the well-known 1,3-diadamantylimidazolium bromide (the "Arduengo salt"), known as the precursor of the first, shelf-stable NHC representative, and its adamantyloxy analogue displayed the most significant cytotoxic activity in the studied series.

Design, Synthesis, and Antipoliferative Activities of Novel Substituted Imidazole-Thione Linked Benzotriazole Derivatives.

A new series of benzotriazole moiety bearing substituted imidazol-2-thiones at N1 has been designed, synthesized and evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity against the different cancer cell lines MCF-7(breast cancer), HL-60 (Human promyelocytic leukemia), and HCT-116 (colon cancer). Most of the benzotriazole analogues exhibited promising antiproliferative activity against tested cancer cell lines. Among all the synthesized compounds, BI9 showed potent activity against the cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, HL-60 and HCT-116 with IC50 3.57, 0.40 and 2.63 µM, respectively. Compound BI9 was taken up for elaborate biological studies and the HL-60 cells in the cell cycle were arrested in G2/M phase. Compound BI9 showed remarkable inhibition of tubulin polymerization with the colchicine binding site of tubulin. In addition, compound BI9 promoted apoptosis by regulating the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2. These results provide guidance for further rational development of potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.