Chemoselective Synthesis and Anti-Kinetoplastidal Properties of 2,6-Diaryl-4H-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-one S-Oxides: Their Interplay in a Cascade of Redox Reactions from Diarylideneacetones.

2,6-Diaryl-4H-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones and corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone derivatives were designed to lower the major toxicity of their parent anti-kinetoplatidal diarylideneacetones through a prodrug effect. Novel diastereoselective methodologies were developed and generalized from diarylideneacetones and 2,6-diaryl-4H-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones to allow the introduction of a wide substitution profile and to prepare the related S-oxides. The in vitro biological activity and selectivity of diarylideneacetones, 2,6-diaryl-4H-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones, and their S-sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites were evaluated against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and various Leishmania species in comparison with their cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts hMRC-5. The data revealed that the sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones, in which the Michael acceptor sites are temporarily masked, are less toxic against mammal cells while the anti-trypanosomal potency was maintained against T. b. brucei, T. cruzi, L. infantum, and L. donovani, thus confirming the validity of the prodrug strategy. The mechanism of action is proposed to be due to the involvement of diarylideneacetones in cascades of redox reactions involving the trypanothione system. After Michael addition of the dithiol to the double bonds, resulting in an elongated polymer, the latter-upon S-oxidation, followed by syn-eliminations-fragments, under continuous release of reactive oxygen species and sulfenic/sulfonic species, causing the death of the trypanosomal parasites in the micromolar or submicromolar range with high selectivity indexes.

A plant-derived flavonoid inhibits entry of all HCV genotypes into human hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Interferon-based therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are limited by side effects and incomplete response rates, particularly among transplant recipients. We screened a library of plant-derived small molecules to identify HCV inhibitors with novel mechanisms. METHODS: We isolated phenolic compounds from Marrubium peregrinum L (Lamiaceae). Replication of HCV RNA, virus production, and cell entry were monitored using replicons and infectious HCV. Inhibition of HCV was measured in hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes using luciferase reporter gene assays, core enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, or infectivity titration. We tested the bioavailability of the compound in mice. RESULTS: We identified a flavonoid, ladanein (BJ486K), with unreported antiviral activity and established its oral bioavailability in mice. Natural and synthetic BJ486K inhibited a post-attachment entry step, but not RNA replication or assembly; its inhibitory concentration 50% was 2.5 µm. BJ486K was effective against all major HCV genotypes, including a variant that is resistant to an entry inhibitor; it prevented infection of primary human hepatocytes. Combined administration of BJ486K and cyclosporine A had a synergistic effect in inhibition of HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: BJ486K has oral bioavailability and interferes with entry of HCV into cultured human hepatocytes. It synergizes with cyclosporine A to inhibit HCV infection. Its inhibitory effects are independent of HCV genotype, including a variant that is resistant to an entry inhibitor against scavenger receptor class B type I. Flavonoid derivatives therefore might be developed as components of combination therapies because they are potent, broadly active inhibitors of HCV entry that could prevent graft reinfection after liver transplantation.

Glutathione reductase-catalyzed cascade of redox reactions to bioactivate potent antimalarial 1,4-naphthoquinones--a new strategy to combat malarial parasites.

Our work on targeting redox equilibria of malarial parasites propagating in red blood cells has led to the selection of six 1,4-naphthoquinones, which are active at nanomolar concentrations against the human pathogen Plasmodium falciparum in culture and against Plasmodium berghei in infected mice. With respect to safety, the compounds do not trigger hemolysis or other signs of toxicity in mice. Concerning the antimalarial mode of action, we propose that the lead benzyl naphthoquinones are initially oxidized at the benzylic chain to benzoyl naphthoquinones in a heme-catalyzed reaction within the digestive acidic vesicles of the parasite. The major putative benzoyl metabolites were then found to function as redox cyclers: (i) in their oxidized form, the benzoyl metabolites are reduced by NADPH in glutathione reductase-catalyzed reactions within the cytosols of infected red blood cells; (ii) in their reduced forms, these benzoyl metabolites can convert methemoglobin, the major nutrient of the parasite, to indigestible hemoglobin. Studies on a fluorinated suicide-substrate indicate as well that the glutathione reductase-catalyzed bioactivation of naphthoquinones is essential for the observed antimalarial activity. In conclusion, the antimalarial naphthoquinones are suggested to perturb the major redox equilibria of the targeted infected red blood cells, which might be removed by macrophages. This results in development arrest and death of the malaria parasite at the trophozoite stage.

Antimalarial dual drugs based on potent inhibitors of glutathione reductase from Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium parasites are exposed to higher fluxes of reactive oxygen species and need high activities of intracellular antioxidant systems providing a steady glutathione flux. As a future generation of dual drugs, 18 naphthoquinones and phenols (or their reduced forms) containing three different linkers between the 4-aminoquinoline core and the redox active component were synthesized. Their antimalarial effects have been characterized in parasite assays using chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant strains of Plasmodium, alone or in drug combination, and in the Plasmodium berghei rodent model. In particular, two tertiary amides 34 and 36 showed potent antimalarial activity in the low nanomolar range against CQ-resistant parasites. The ability to compete both for (Fe (III))protoporphyrin and for chloroquine transporter was determined. The data are consistent with the presence of a carrier for uptake of the short chloroquine analogue 2 but not for the potent antimalarial amide 34, suggesting a mode of action distinct from chloroquine mechanism.