Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Pharmacologically Active 4-Phenoxyquinolines and their Benzazole-quinoline Hybrids Through SNAr Reaction of 4,7-dichloroquinoline and Phenols Using [bmim][PF6] as a Green Solvent.

BACKGROUND: Quinoline and its derivatives have been shown to display a wide spectrum of biological properties, especially anticancer activity. Particularly, diverse potent anticancer drugs are based on the 4-phenoxyquinoline skeleton, acting as small-molecules VEGR2 and/or c-Met kinase inhibitors. However, the design of new drugs based on these quinoline derivatives remains a challenge. Up till now, all approaches to 4-phenoxyquinoline skeleton construction do not obey any green chemistry principles. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Developing a new, and efficient protocol for the synthesis of potentially bioactive 4-phenoxyquinoline derivatives and benzazole-quinoline-quinoline hybrids from commercially available 4,7-dichloroquinoline and phenol derivatives using microwave energy (MW) in the presence of 1-methyl 3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. METHODS: Neweco-efficient protocol for valuable 7-chloro-4-phenoxyquinolines and their hybrids, which is based on SNAr reaction of 4,7-dichloroquinoline with respective simple phenols and hydroxyaryl- benzazoles under MWenergy in green reaction media, is studied for the first time. RESULTS: We found that among various solvents tested, the ionic liquid 1-methyl 3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) favored the SNAr reaction affording phenoxyquinolines in excellent yields (72-82%) in 10 min. The developed protocol allowed to obtain quickly in good yields (48-60%) new diverse benzazole-quinoline hybrids, which are expected to be pharmacologically active. According to the calculated bioactivity scores, new hybrids are potential kinase inhibitors that could be useful in anticancer drug research. CONCLUSION: We developed for the first time a new green, efficient method to prepare potentially bioactive functionalized 7-chloro-4-phenoxyquinolines and benzazole-quinoline molecules. Good to excellent yields of the quinoline products, use of MW irradiation in ([bmim] [PF6] as a green solvent, and short times of reactions are some of the main advantages of this new protocol.

Synthesis, In Silico and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Functionalized Pyridophenanthridinones via Sequential MW-Assisted Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation and Direct C-H Arylation.

A rapid, efficient, and original synthesis of novel pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-ones is reported. First, the key cinnamamide intermediates 8a-f were easily prepared from commercial substituted anilines, cinnamic acid, and 2-bromobenzylbromide in a tandem amidation and N-alkylation protocol. Then, these N-aryl-N-(2-bromobenzyl) cinnamamides 8a-f were subjected to a TFA-mediated intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation followed by a Pd-catalyzed direct C-H arylation to obtain a series of potentially bioactive 4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-6H,8H-pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-one derivatives 4a-f in good yields. Finally, the toxicological profile of the prepared final compounds, including their corresponding intermediates, was explored through in silico computational methods, while the acute toxicity toward zebrafish embryos (96 hpf-LC50, 50% lethal concentration) was also determined in the present study.

Effect of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives on the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and its relationship with apoptosis / Efecto de derivados de tetrahidroquinolinas sobre la homeostasis del Ca2+ intracelular en células de cáncer de mama (MCF-7) y su relación con la apoptosis

Abstract Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives are interesting structures exhibiting a wide range of biological activities, including antitumor effects. In this investigation, the effect of the synthesized tetrahydroquinolines JS-56 and JS-92 on apoptosis, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity was determined on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Colorimetric assays were used to assess MCF-7 cells viability and SERCA activity. Fura-2 and rhodamine 123 were used to measure the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the mitochondrial electrochemical potential, respec tively. TUNEL assay was used to analyze DNA fragmentation, while caspase activity and NF-κB-dependent gene expression were assessed by luminescence. In silico models were used for molecular docking analysis. These compounds increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration; the main contribution is the Ca2+ entry from the extracellular milieu. Both JS-56 and JS-92 inhibit the activity of SERCA and dissipate the mitochondrial electrochemical potential through processes dependent and independent of the Ca2+ uptake by this organelle. Furthermore, JS-56 and JS-92 generate cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. The effect of JS-92 is higher than JS-56. Both compounds activate caspases 7 and 9, cause DNA fragmentation, and potentiate the effect of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate on NF-κB-dependent gene expression. Molecular docking analysis suggests that both compounds have a high interaction for SERCA, similar to thapsigargin. Both tetrahydroquinoline derivatives induced cell death through a combination of apoptotic events, increase [Ca2+]i, and inhibit SERCA activity by direct interaction.

Resumen Los derivados de tetrahidroquinolina son estructuras interesantes que exhiben una amplia gama de actividades biológicas, incluyendo efectos antitumorales. Se determinó el efecto de las tetrahidroquinolinas sintetizadas JS-56 y JS-92 sobre la apoptosis, concentración intracelular de Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) y la actividad Ca2+-ATPasa del retículo sarco(endo)plásmico (SERCA) en células de cáncer de mama MCF-7. Se usaron ensayos colorimétricos para evaluar la viabilidad de las células MCF-7 y la actividad SERCA. Se emplearon Fura-2 y rodamina 123 para medir la concentración de Ca2+ intracelular y el potencial electroquímico mitocondrial, respectivamente. El ensayo TUNEL se utilizó para analizar la fragmentación del ADN, mientras que la actividad de caspasas y la expresión génica dependiente de NF-κB se evaluaron mediante luminiscencia. Modelos in silico permitieron el análisis del acoplamiento molecular. Estos compuestos aumentan la concentración de Ca2+ intracelular; la principal contribución es la entrada de Ca2+ desde el medio extracelular. Tanto JS-56 como JS-92 inhiben la actividad de SERCA y disipan el potencial electroquímico mitocondrial a través de procesos dependientes e independientes de la captación de Ca2+ por este orgánulo. Además, JS-56 y JS-92 generan citotoxicidad en células MCF-7. El efecto de JS-92 es mayor que JS-56. Ambos compuestos activan las caspasas 7 y 9, provocan la fragmentación del ADN y potencian el efecto del 12-miristato-13-acetato de forbol en la expresión génica dependiente de NF-κB. El análisis de acoplamiento molecular sugiere que ambos compuestos tienen una alta interacción con SERCA, similar a la tapsigargina. Ambos derivados de tetrahidroquinolina indujeron la muerte celular a través de una combinación de eventos apoptóticos, aumento de [Ca2+]i e inhibición de la actividad SERCA por interacción directa.

Synthesis of endo-fused 5-unsubstituted Hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolinesvia Sequential Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed Cationic Imino-Diels-Alder Reaction/N-debenzylation using N-benzylanilines, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran and Paraformaldehyde under MW Irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolines are known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor properties. Great efforts have been made to develop new synthetic methods that lead to the synthesis of valuable libraries. Extensive methodologies, low yields, excessive amounts of catalyst and expensive reactants are some of the limitations of current methodologies. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Developing a useful and efficient method to construct diversely substituted hexahydro-2Hpyrano[ 3,2-c]quinolines into good to excellent yields through a cationic imino-Diels-Alder/N-debenzylation methodology. METHOD: The cationic imino-Diels-Alder/N-debenzylation methodology was used for the preparation of substituted hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolines. It involves the use of Sc(OTf)3 for activation of cationic imino- Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of N-benzylanilines, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran and paraformaldehyde in MeCN; and microwave irradiation to shorten reaction time to afford new 6-benzyl-hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2- c]quinolines whose catalytic transfer debenzylation reactions with HCO2NH4 in the presence of Pd/C (10%) and methanol give the new 5-unsubstituted pyrano[3,2-c]quinolines in excellent yields. RESULTS: We found that optimal conditions for the preparation of hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolines were Sc(OTf)3 0.5 % and acetonitrile at 160°C for 15 min; and using paraformaldehyde obtained the 6-benzylhexahydro- 2H-pyrano [3,2-c]quinolines with excellent yields, while the N-debenzylation process using ammonium formate in the presence of Pd/C and methanol resulted in the synthesis of hexahydro-2H-pyrano [3,2-c] quinolines with quantitative yields (95-98%). CONCLUSION: We describe an efficient method to synthesize hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolines via the cationic imino-Diels-Alder/N-debenzylation methodology using Sc(OTf)3 0.5 % as Lewis Acid catalyst. Excellent yields of the products, use of MW irradiation, short times of reactions, and an efficient and highly diversified method are some of the main advantages of this new protocol.

Pyridine and quinoline molecules as crucial protagonists in the never-stopping discovery of new agents against tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) disease remains to be an alarming infection worldwide with nearly 1.6 million deaths per year ranking above HIV/AIDS. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which causes TB, was identified more than 130 years ago, nowadays only old vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine) and classical toxic drugs that are losing its effectiveness are available in clinic practice. Despite enormous efforts in drug research on TB treatment including vaccines and diagnostics investigations, this old contagious, infectious disease is still a major public health problem. The goal of elimination of epidemic TB disease by 2035 will not be achieved without combined strategies based on faster diagnostic tools, effective vaccines and drugs. In the field of TB chemotherapy, novel molecular design of new compounds able to efficiently kill Mtb via a disruption of new diverse biological targets is evidently required. In this sense, pyridine and quinoline compounds stand out as promising molecules against drug-resistant tuberculosis. Indeed, many candidate drugs based on heterocyclic skeletons are currently being tested. Among them, quinoline derivatives like gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin and bedaquiline (sirturo), and pyridine molecules such as sudoterb and agent BRD-8000.3 have been shown to have high potential for more effective treatment of the drug-resistant forms of TB disease. In this work we review the most significant advances in the design of such molecules discussing briefly their physicochemical parameters (descriptors) calculated by available Molinspiration software.

Bioactivity of semisynthetic eugenol derivatives against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae infesting maize in Colombia.

The anti-acetylcholinesterase, larvicidal, antifeedant activities and general toxicity of 15 semisynthetic eugenol derivatives based on clove oil (including the own oil), were evaluated against the maize armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Therefore, promising eugenol molecules were classified with larvicidal, anti-acetylcholinesterase and antifeedant activities for controlling this pest. During structure-activity relationship studies and physicochemical profile analysis, it was found that among tested molecules 1-15, eugenol 1, prenyl eugenol 4, isoeugenol 8 and isoeugenol acetate 11 exhibited lethal effects LD50 at concentrations <1 mg/g of insect. On the other hand, eugenol 1, metallyl eugenol 3, isoeugenol 8 and isoeugenol acetate 11 showed a good antifeedant activity (CE50 = 158-209 µg/mL) with a high antifeedant index (70-78%) at concentration 1000 µg/mL, possessing a weak anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 = 21-31 µg/mL). According to their ecotoxicological profiles (LC50 = 2033.1-6303.8 µg/mL on Artemia salina larvae), isoeugenol 8 and its acetate derivative 11 could be potential used in control of the growth, feeding, or reproduction of S. frugiperda larvae, acting as moderate insecticidal acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or antifeedant molecules. Such structure-activity relationship studies could stimulate the identification of lead structures from natural sources for the development of larvicidal and deterrent products against S. frugiperda and related insect pests.

Biomimetic Total Synthesis of Dysoxylum Alkaloids.

A five-step total synthesis of Dysoxylum alkaloids has been achieved using a biomimetic approach from zanthoxylamide protoalkaloids. The synthesis featured a direct amidation and a Bischler-Napieralski reaction to form the dihydroisoquinoline ring, which was then subjected to a Noyori asymmetric transfer hydrogenation to establish the stereogenic center at C-1. Our synthetic sequence provides an important perspective on the biosynthetic origin of Dysoxylum alkaloids, since 6 natural alkaloids and 12 synthetic analogues were obtained with high enantioselectivity and in overall yields up to 68%. In addition, we describe the acute toxicity toward zebrafish embryos of Dysoxylum alkaloids, comparing their toxicity with that of their corresponding zanthoxylamide protoalkaloids and establishing an enantioselectivity-toxicity relationship.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Computational Studies of 7-Chloro-4-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinoline Derivatives: Search for New Controlling Agents against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae.

The insecticidal and antifeedant activities of five 7-chloro-4-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinoline derivatives were evaluated against the maize armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). These hybrids were prepared through a copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC, known as a click reaction) and displayed larvicidal properties with LD50 values below 3 mg/g insect, and triazolyl-quinoline hybrid 6 showed an LD50 of 0.65 mg/g insect, making it 2-fold less potent than methomyl, which was used as a reference insecticide (LD50 = 0.34 mg/g insect). Compound 4 was the most active antifeedant derivative (CE50 = 162.1 µg/mL) with a good antifeedant index (56-79%) at concentrations of 250-1000 µg/mL. Additionally, triazolyl-quinoline hybrids 4-8 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against commercial acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus electricus (electric-eel AChE) (IC50 = 27.7 µg/mL) as well as low anti-ChE activity on S. frugiperda larvae homogenate (IC50 = 68.4 µg/mL). Finally, molecular docking simulations suggested that hybrid 7 binds to the catalytic active site (CAS) of this enzyme and around the rim of the enzyme cavity, acting as a mixed (competitive and noncompetitive) inhibitor like methomyl. Triazolyl-quinolines 4-6 and 8 inhibit AChE by binding over the perimeter of the enzyme cavity, functioning as noncompetitive inhibitors. The results described in this work can help to identify lead triazole structures from click chemistry for the development of insecticide and deterrent products against S. frugiperda and related insect pests.

Anti-leishmanial effect of spiro dihydroquinoline-oxindoles on volume regulation decrease and sterol biosynthesis of Leishmania braziliensis.

Diverse spiro dihydroquinoline-oxindoles (JS series) were prepared using the BF3•OEt2-catalyzed imino Diels-Alder reaction between ketimine-isatin derivatives and trans-isoeugenol. Ten spiro-oxiindole derivatives were selected and evaluated at different stages of the life cycle of Leishmania braziliensis parasites, responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. Among them, the 8'-ethyl-4'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3'-methyl-3',4'-dihydro-1'H-spiro[indoline-3,2'-quinolin]-2-one called JS87 was able to inhibit the growth of promastigotes without affecting the mammalian cells viability, and to decrease the number of intracellular amastigotes of L. braziliensis. This spiro compound was found to act through the alteration of parasite internal regulation by disrupting the regulatory volume decrease (RVD), and to affect the sterol biosynthetic pathway at level of squalene epoxidase (SE) enzyme. These results revealed that the spiro annulation between quinoline and oxindole scaffolds enhances the anti-leishmanial activity, and could assist in the development of potent quinoline-oxindole hybrids against Leishmania braziliensis, the main etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America.

Facile and highly diastereo and regioselective synthesis of novel octahydroacridine-isoxazole and octahydroacridine-1,2,3-triazole molecular hybrids from citronella essential oil.

A novel and highly efficient synthetic approach for the expedite construction of new octahydroacridine-isoxazole- and octahydroacridine-1,2,3-triazole-based molecular hybrids is first reported. Rapid access to the octahydroacridine core was achieved in a highly diastereoselective fashion via cationic Povarov reaction of N-propargyl anilines and citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus). The subsequent 1,3-dipolar and Cu (I) catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of the terminal alkyne fragment with the corresponding oxime or azide affords the desired 3,5-isoxazoles and 1,2,3-triazoles, respectively, as interesting molecular hybrid models for pharmacological studies.

Synthesis of zanthoxylamide protoalkaloids and their in silico ADME-Tox screening and in vivo toxicity assessment in zebrafish embryos.

Inspired by the simple and attractive structure of zanthoxylamide protoalkaloids: armatamide, rubecenamide, lemairamin, rubemamine and zanthosine; isolated from plants of the genus Zanthoxylum. We report the synthesis of a series of 29 substituted N-phenylethyl cinnamamides through the direct amidation of a variety of cinnamic acids with a broad range of phenylethylamines promoted by tris-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate (B(OCH2CF3)3) in excellent yields and under mild reaction conditions. Then, the toxicological profile of the prepared compounds was studied through in silico computational methods, analyzing eight toxicity risks (hepatotoxicity, mutagenic, carcinogenicity, tumorigenic, immunotoxicity, cytotoxicity, irritant and reproductive effects) and two toxicity targets (AOFA and PGH1), while the acute toxicity toward zebrafish embryos (96 hpf-LC50, 50% lethal concentration) was also determined in the present study. From the results of the toxicity tests, we concluded that zanthoxylamide protoalkaloids can be classified as slightly toxic compounds, with a LC50 values around 217 µM that gave an understanding of their toxicity on living organisms and their possible environmental impact.

Toxicidad y afectación en la locomoción de Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille 1811) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) tratados con análogos de girgensohnina / Toxicity and affectation in locomotion of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille 1811) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) treated with analogues of girgensohnine

Resumen Introducción: Análogos del alcaloide girgensohnina, diseñados y sintetizados para inhibir a la enzima acetilcolinesterasa, han presentado efecto insecticida sobre insectos vectores de enfermedades. Objetivo: Determinar la actividad insecticida de 12 análogos sintéticos de gingersohnina sobre ninfas del primer estadio de Triatoma dimidiata. Materiales y Métodos: Se tomó como referencia el protocolo de la OMS 2005. Ninfas del primer estadio de T. dimidiata fueron expuestas a los análogos por aplicación tópica y exposición a superficies para determinar las dosis letales (DL50 y DL95) y verificar alteración en la locomoción mediante el software Videomex V. Resultados: El análogo 6 presentó la mayor actividad insecticida a las 72h con una mortalidad del 20,8% ± 3,57 para el tratamiento de topicación 25% ± 0,00 para las superficies no porosas. Las dosis letales de la molécula 6 fueron: DL50 1036,8 ± 0,38 ng/insecto y DL95 3991,4 ± 0,50 ng/insecto respectivamente. Con respecto a la locomoción, el análogo indujo un comportamiento similar al insecticida comercial deltametrina.

Abstract Introduction: Analogs of the girgensohnine alkaloid, designed and synthesized to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme, have presented an insecticidal effect on vectors insects of diseases. Objective: To determine the insecticidal activity of 12 synthetic analogs of gingersohnine in first stage nymphs of Triatoma dimidiata. Materials and methods: WHO protocol 2005, using exploratory doses, was used to determine the best molecule according to its mortality. First stage nymphs of T. dimidiata were exposed to different doses of the analogs by topical application and surface exposure. Lethal doses (LD50 and DL95) and alterations in locomotion using Videomex V software were determined. Results: Analog 6 presented the highest insecticidal activity at 72 h with a mortality of 20.8% ± 3.57 for topical treatment and 25%±0,0 for non-porous surfaces evaluation. Analog 6 lethal doses were LD50 1036.8 ± 0.38 ng/insecto and DL95 3991.4 ± 0.508 ng/insecto, respectively. With regard to locomotion, analogue 6 induced a similar behavior to that observed for commercial insecticide deltametrin.

Synthesis of new α-amino nitriles with insecticidal action on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of arboviral pathogens that may cause diseases as dengue fever, chikungunya and zika. The harmful environmental effects of commercial pesticides coalesced with the development of insecticide-resistant populations encourage the discovery and generation of new alternative products as a tool to reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases. In this work, through the classic three component Strecker reaction of commercial benzaldehydes, cyclic secondary amines and KCN, a new series of nine α-amino nitriles, girgensohnine analogs, has been synthetized and screened for larvicide and adulticide properties against A. aegypti, one of the dominant vectors of dengue, chikungunya and zika in tropical and subtropical areas all over the world. Molecules 3 and 4 were identified as potential larvicidal agents with LC50 values of 50.55 and 69.59 ppm, respectively. Molecule 3 showed 100% of mortality after 2 h of treatment when a concentration of 30 ppm in adulticidal assays was evaluated. Additionally, in order to elucidate the mode of action of these molecules, their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory properties were evaluated using the Ellman assay. It was found that the molecules possess a weak AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 148.80 and 259.40 µM, indicating that AChE could not be a principal target for insecticide activity.

Behavior of detoxifying enzymes of Aedes aegypti exposed to girgensohnine alkaloid analog and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil.

Because mosquito control depend on the use of commercial insecticides and resistance has been described in some of them, there is a need to explore new molecules no resistant. In vivo effects of girgensohnine analog 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)acetonitrile DPPA and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil CFEO, on the detoxifying enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), nonspecific esterases (α- and ß-), mixed function oxidases (MFO) and p-NPA esterases were evaluated on a Rockefeller (Rock) and wild Aedes aegypti population from Santander, Colombia (WSant). The action was tested after 24h of exposure at concentrations of 20.10, 35.18 and 70.35mgL-1 of DPPA and 18.45, 30.75 and 61.50mgL-1 of CFEO, respectively. It was found that AChE activity of Rock and WSant was not influenced by the evaluated concentration of DPPA and CFEO (p>0.05), while MFO activity was significantly affected by all CFEO concentrations in WSant (p<0.05). GST, α- and ß-esterase activities were affected in Rock exposed at the highest CFEO concentration, this concentration also modified ß-esterases activity of WSant. DPPA and CFEO sublethal doses induced inhibition of AChE activity on untreated larvae homogenate from 12 to 20% and 18 to 26%, respectively. For untreated adult homogenate, the inhibition activity raised up to 14 to 27% for DPPA and 26 to 34% for CFEO. Elevated levels of detoxifying enzymes, found when CFEO was evaluated, showed a larval sensitivity not observed by the pure compound suggesting that DPPA, contrary to CFEO, was not recognized, transformed or eliminated by the evaluated detoxifying enzymes.

[Insecticidal action of synthetic girgensohnine analogues and essential oils on Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)].

INTRODUCTION: The alkaloid girgensohnine has been used as a natural model in the synthesis of new alkaloid-like alpha-aminonitriles with insecticidal effect against disease vectors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biocide activity of girgensohnine analogues and essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis and Eucalyptus citriodora in stage I and stage V Rhodnius prolixus nymphs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a topical application model in tergites and sternites, as well as exposure to treated surfaces with different exploratory doses of each of the molecules and essential oils to determine the lethal doses (LD50 and LD95). RESULTS: Analogue 3 showed the highest insecticidal activity with 83.3±16.7% of mortality when applied on tergites, 38.9±4.8% on sternites and 16.7±0% on treated surfaces in stage I nymphs at 72 hours (h) and 500 mg.L-1. In stage V nymphs, the compounds induced mortality only in sternums (11.1±9.6% for analogue 6 and 5.5±4.7% for analogues 3 and 7 at 72 h and 1500 mg.L-1). The lethal doses for molecule 3 on tergites in stage I nymphs were LD50 225.60 mg.L-1 and LD95 955.90 mg.L-1. The insecticidal effect of essential oils was observed only in stage I nymphs, with 11.1±4.8% for C. flexuosus when applied in sternites, while using exposure to surfaces treated it was 5.6±4.8% for C. sinensis applied on tergites and 8.3±0% on sternites at 72 h and 1000 mg.L-1. CONCLUSION: Synthetic girgensohnine analogues, and C. flexuosus and C. sinensis essential oils showed insecticidal activity in R. prolixus. Analogue 3 showed the greatest insecticidal activity among all molecules and oils evaluated under our laboratory conditions.

Insecticidal action of synthetic girgensohnine analogues and essential oils on Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Acción insecticida de análogos sintéticos de girgensohnina y de aceites esenciales sobre Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The alkaloid girgensohnine has been used as a natural model in the synthesis of new alkaloid-like alpha-aminonitriles with insecticidal effect against disease vectors. Objective: To evaluate the biocide activity of girgensohnine analogues and essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis and Eucalyptus citriodora in stage I and stage V Rhodnius prolixus nymphs. Materials and methods: We used a topical application model in tergites and sternites, as well as exposure to treated surfaces with different exploratory doses of each of the molecules and essential oils to determine the lethal doses (LD50 and LD95). Results: Analogue 3 showed the highest insecticidal activity with 83.3±16.7% of mortality when applied on tergites, 38.9±4.8% on sternites and 16.7±0% on treated surfaces in stage I nymphs at 72 hours (h) and 500 mg.L-1. In stage V nymphs, the compounds induced mortality only in sternums (11.1±9.6% for analogue 6 and 5.5±4.7% for analogues 3 and 7 at 72 h and 1500 mg.L-1). The lethal doses for molecule 3 on tergites in stage I nymphs were LD50 225.60 mg.L-1 and LD95 955.90 mg.L-1. The insecticidal effect of essential oils was observed only in stage I nymphs, with 11.1±4.8% for C. flexuosus when applied in sternites, while using exposure to surfaces treated it was 5.6±4.8% for C. sinensis applied on tergites and 8.3±0% on sternites at 72 h and 1000 mg.L-1. Conclusion: Synthetic girgensohnine analogues, and C. flexuosus and C. sinensis essential oils showed insecticidal activity in R. prolixus. Analogue 3 showed the greatest insecticidal activity among all molecules and oils evaluated under our laboratory conditions.

RESUMEN Introducción. El alcaloide natural girgensohnina se ha usado como modelo en la síntesis de nuevos análogos de alcaloidales alfa-aminonitrílicos con efecto insecticida en vectores de enfermedades. Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad biocida de análogos de girgensohnina y de aceites esenciales de las plantas Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis y Eucalyptus citriodora en ninfas de estadios I y V de Rhodnius prolixus. Materiales y métodos. Se empleó la aplicación tópica en terguitos, esternitos y superficies tratadas con diferentes dosis exploratorias de cada una de las moléculas y aceites esenciales para determinar las dosis letales (LD50 y LD95). Resultados. El análogo 3 tuvo la mayor actividad insecticida, con una mortalidad de 83,3±16,7% en los terguitos, de 38,9±4,8 % en los esternitos y de 16,7±0 % a las 72 horas en ninfas de estadioI expuestas a superficies tratadas y 500 mg.L-1. En las ninfas de estadio V solo se presentó mortalidad en los esternitos (11,1±9,6 % con el análogo 6 y 5,5±4,7 % con los análogos 3 y 7 a las 72 h y 1.500 mg.L-1). Las dosis letales para la molécula 3 en los terguitos de ninfas de estadio I fueron las siguientes: DL50, 225,60 mg.L-1 y DL95, 955,90 mg.L-1. En cuanto a los aceites esenciales, el efecto insecticida solo se presentó con C. flexuosus (11,1±4,8%) en los esternitos de ninfas de estadio I expuestas a superficies tratadas; con C. sinensis (5,6±4,8%) en los terguitos y en los esternitos (8,3±0%) a las 72 horas y 1.000 mg.L-1. Conclusión. Los análogos sintéticos del alcaloide girgensohnina y los aceites esenciales de C. flexuosus y C. sinensis exhibieron actividad insecticida en R. prolixus. El análogo 3 exhibió la mayor actividad insecticida de todas las moléculas evaluadas bajo las condiciones de laboratorio.

Citotoxicidad/capacidad antiradicalaria in-vitro y caracterización estructural por GC-MS/1H-13C-RMN de los aceites esenciales de hojas de árboles joven/adulto de annona purpurea Moc. & Sessé ex Dunal de Repelón (Atlántico, Colombia) / [in-vitro Cytotoxicity/Anti-Radical Capability and structural characterization by GC-MS/1H13C-NMR of theleaves essential oils of young/old trees of Annona purpurea Moc. & Sessé ex Dunal from Repelón (Atlántico,Colombia]

Annona purpurea es una planta empleada en etnomedicina, en la región norte de Colombia, que no tiene reportes científicos relacionados con la composición de su AE y sus actividades biológicas. En este trabajo, los AE de hojas de árboles joven/adulto se caracterizaron por GC-MS y RMN y se evaluaron sus propiedades antiradicalarias/citotóxicas. Los AE de hojas de árboles joven/adulto estuvieron representados por beta-eudesmol (68.9 por ciento) y alfa-eudesmol (16.8 por ciento), y germacreno D (55.6 por ciento) y biciclogermacreno (20.3 por ciento), respectivamente. El análisis por RMN mostró las señales distintivas de los constituyentes mayoritarios identificados. Los valores de TAA (mmol Trolox®/kg SE) obtenidos por los AE de árboles joven/adulto fueron 165 +/- 8 y 602 +/- 38. Los AE de árboles joven/adulto evaluados sobre linfocitos humanos fueron “moderadamente tóxicos” con valores de CL50 (ug/mL) de 145.5 +/- 0.7 y 346 +/- 8. Finalmente, la citotoxicidad en eritrocitos humanos reveló que el AE de árbol adulto no fue hemolítico (CL50 > 1000 μg/mL, 4.3 +/- 0.6 por ciento); mientras que, el AE de árbol joven fue hemolítico (CL50 490 +/- 48 ug/mL).

Annona purpurea is a plant used in ethnomedicine in the northern region of Colombia, which has no scientific reports on the composition of their essential oil (EO) and biological activities. In this work, the leaves EO of young/old trees were characterized by GC- MS and NMR, and their antiradical/cytotoxic properties were evaluated. beta-Eudesmol (68.9 percent) and alpha-eudesmol (16.8 percent), and germacrene D (55.6 percent) and bicyclogermacrene (20.3 percent), were the representative compounds of the leaves EO of young/old trees, respectively. The NMR analysis showed the distinctive signals of the main constituents identified. The TAA values (mmol Trolox®/kg ES) obtained from the EO of young/old trees were 165 +/- 8 and 602 +/- 38. The EO of young/old trees evaluated on human lymphocytes were “moderately toxic” with LC50 (μg/mL) of 145.5 +/- 0.7 and 346 +/- 8. Finally, the cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes revealed that the old tree EO was not haemolytic (LC50 > 1000 ug/mL, 4.3 +/- 0.6 percent); while the young tree EO was hemolytic (LC50 490 +/- 48 ug/mL).

Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Properties of Some 4-Aryl-3-Methyl-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines Derivatives / Síntesis y evaluación in vitro de las propiedades antifungicas de algunos derivados de 4-aril-3-metil-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolinas / Síntese e avaliação in vitro das propriedades antifungicas de alguns derivados de 4-Aryl-3-Methyl-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines

Two series of 4-aryl-3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were efficiently synthesized according to a two-step synthesis and evaluated as potential antifungal agents. The key step was the formation of the corresponding N-benzyltetrahydroquinolines 5 via a three-component cationic imino Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The second step was a catalytic debenzylation to obtain the N-unprotected tetrahydroquinolines 6. The products were isolated and purified by column chromatography. Substances were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) mass spectrometry (MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). All compounds were tested in vitro against standardized, clinically important fungi, including yeasts, hialohyphomycetes, and dermatophytes. These studies showed that between the tetrahydroquinoline series tested, compounds 6f and 6g showed antifungal activity, specifically against dermatophytes. The compound 6-methoxy-4-(4-hydroxi-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline 6g exhibited the best in vitro activity (MIC 32-65 μg/mL). The results indicated that the elimination of benzyl group from the N-benzyltetrahydroquinolines derivatives, as well as the introduction of a hydroxyl group in the 4-aryl substituent caused a significant improvement in the antifungal activity. These results were supplemented by the in silico prediction; most of the tetrahydroquinolines evaluated showed high bioavailability, high drugs score and low potential risk.

Dos series de 4-aril-3-metil-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolinas fueron sintetizadas de acuerdo con una metodología sintética de dos pasos y evaluadas como potenciales agentes antifúngicos. El paso clave involucró la formación de las correspondientes N-bencil tetrahidroquinolinas 5 vía una cicloadición imino Diels-Alder catiónica. El segundo paso consistió en obtener las tetrahidroquinolinas N-desprotegidas 6 vía una desbencilación catalítica. Los productos fueron aislados y purificados usando cromatografía en columna (CC). Las sustancias fueron identificadas usando resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN), espectrometría de masas (EM) y espectroscopia infrarroja (IR). Los compuestos fueron evaluados in vitro frente a cepas estandarizadas de hongos clínicamente relevantes, incluyendo levaduras, hialohifomicetes y dermatofitos. Estos estudios mostraron que, de las tetrahidroquinolinas ensayadas, los compuestos 6f y 6g mostraron actividad antifúngica, específicamente frente a dermatofitos. El compuesto 6-metoxi-4-(4-hidroxi-3-metoxifenil)-3-metil-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolina 6g exhibió la mejor actividad (MIC 32-65 μg/mL). Los resultados indican que remover el grupo bencilo e introducir un grupo hidroxilo en el sustituyente arilo de las N-bencil tetrahidroquinolinas produce un mejoramiento de la actividad antifúngica. Predicciones in silico complementaron los resultados: la mayoría de las tetrahidroquinolinas ensayadas mostraron alta biodisponibilidad, altos "drug scores" y bajo riesgo potencial.

Duas séries de 4-aril-3-metil-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolina foram sintetizadas de acordo com um método de síntese em duas etapas e avaliadas como potenciais agentes antifúngicos. O passo chave envolveu a formação dos correspondentes N-bencil tetrahidroquinolinas 5 via uma cicloadição de imino Diels-Alder catiónica. O segundo passo foi obter as N-tetrahidroquinolinas 6 através de uma desbenzilação catalítica. Os produtos foram purificados utilizando cromatografia em coluna. As substancias foram identificadas por ressonancia magnética nuclear (RMN), espectrometria de massa (EM) e espectroscopia de infravermelho (IR). Todos o compostos foram testados in vitro contra as estirpes padrao e os fungos clinicamente importantes, incluindo as leveduras, hialohifomicetes e dermatófitos. Estes estudos mostraram que entre a série de tetrahidroquinolinas (THQ) os compostos 6f e 6g mostraram atividade antifúngica, particularmente contra dermatófitos. O composto 6-metoxi-4-(4-hidroxi-3-metoxifenil)-3-metil-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinila 6g mostrou melhor atividade (MIC 32-65 μg/mL). Os resultados indicam que a remoção do grupo benzilo e a introdujo de um grupo hidroxilo no substituinte arilo do N-benzil-tetrahidroquinolina, resultou num aumento significativo da atividade antifúngica. Os resultados foram suplementados por previsöes in silico, que mostraram alta biodisponibilidade e pouco risco potencial da maioria dos tetrahidroquinolinas avaliados.

In vitro activity of synthetic tetrahydroindeno[2,1-c]quinolines on Leishmania mexicana.

New synthetic compounds based on tetrahydroindenoquinoline structure were evaluated for their in vitro antileishmanial activities. The seven compounds assayed have antiproliferative activities against promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana. Compound 1 and 3 were the most active (IC50 1.0 µg/ml) and showed high selectivity towards the parasite. These compounds were selected to evaluate their effect on promastigote morphology and mitochondrial transmembrane potential as well as on the amastigote capability to survive into macrophages J774 cell line. Whereas compound 1 affected the promastigote cell cycle, compound 3 induced morphological changes and the total collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, a hallmark of apoptosis. Both compounds also affected the amastigote form of the parasite, decreasing their survival rate in J774 macrophages. Due to the greatest selectivity index, the apparent effect as apoptotic inducer and its sustained inhibition on intracellular amastigote replication, compound 3 is the best candidate to be tested in vivo. This compound is worth considering for the development of new antileishmanial drugs.

Genotoxicity risk assessment of diversely substituted quinolines using the SOS chromotest.

Quinolines are aromatic nitrogen compounds with wide therapeutic potential to treat parasitic and microbial diseases. In this study, the genotoxicity of quinoline, 4-methylquinoline, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO), and diversely functionalized quinoline derivatives and the influence of the substituents (functional groups and/or atoms) on their genotoxicity were tested using the SOS chromotest. Quinoline derivatives that induce genotoxicity by the formation of an enamine epoxide structure did not induce the SOS response in Escherichia coli PQ37 cells, with the exception of 4-methylquinoline that was weakly genotoxic. The chemical nature of the substitution (C-5 to C-8: hydroxyl, nitro, methyl, isopropyl, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine atoms; C-2: phenyl and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl rings) of quinoline skeleton did not significantly modify compound genotoxicities; however, C-2 substitution with α-, ß-, or γ-pyridinyl groups removed 4-methylquinoline genotoxicity. On the other hand, 4-NQO derivatives whose genotoxic mechanism involves reduction of the C-4 nitro group were strong inducers of the SOS response. Methyl and nitrophenyl substituents at C-2 of 4-NQO core affected the genotoxic potency of this molecule. The relevance of these results is discussed in relation to the potential use of the substituted quinolines. The work showed the sensitivity of SOS chromotest for studying structure-genotoxicity relationships and bioassay-guided quinoline synthesis.