Novel Bidentate Amine Ligand and the Interplay between Pd(II) and Pt(II) Coordination and Biological Activity.

Pt(II) and Pd(II) coordinating N-donor ligands have been extensively studied as anticancer agents after the success of cisplatin. In this work, a novel bidentate N-donor ligand, the N-[[4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]methyl]-2-pyridinemethanamine, was designed to explore the antiparasitic, antiviral and antitumor activity of its Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes. Chemical and spectroscopic characterization confirm the formation of [MLCl2 ] complexes, where M=Pt(II) and Pd(II). Single crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed a square-planar geometry for the Pd(II) complex. Spectroscopic characterization of the Pt(II) complex suggests a similar structure. 1 H NMR, 195 Pt NMR and HR-ESI-MS(+) analysis of DMSO solution of complexes indicated that both compounds exchange the chloride trans to the pyridine for a solvent molecule with different reaction rates. The ligand and the two complexes were tested for in vitro antitumoral, antileishmanial, and antiviral activity. The Pt(II) complex resulted in a GI50 of 10.5 µM against the NCI/ADR-RES (multidrug-resistant ovarian carcinoma) cell line. The ligand and the Pd(II) complex showed good anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with around 65 % reduction in viral replication at a concentration of 50 µM.

LQFM289: Electrochemical and Computational Studies of a New Trimetozine Analogue for Anxiety Treatment.

This study employs electrochemical and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation approaches to investigate the potential of a novel analogue of trimetozine (TMZ) antioxidant profile. The correlation between oxidative stress and psychological disorders indicates that antioxidants may be an effective alternative treatment option. Butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant widely used in industry. The BHT-TMZ compound derived from molecular hybridization, known as LQFM289, has shown promising results in early trials, and this study aims to elucidate its electrochemical properties to further support its potential as a therapeutic agent. The electrochemical behavior of LQFM289 was investigated using voltammetry and a mechanism for the redox process was proposed based on the compound's behavior. LQFM289 exhibits two distinct oxidation peaks: the first peak, Ep1a ≈ 0.49, corresponds to the oxidation of the phenolic fraction (BHT), and the second peak, Ep2a ≈ 1.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl/KClsat), denotes the oxidation of the amino group from morpholine. Electroanalysis was used to identify the redox potentials of the compound, providing insight into its reactivity and stability in different environments. A redox mechanism was proposed based on the resulting peak potentials. The DFT calculation elucidates the electronic structure of LQFM289, resembling the precursors of molecular hybridization (BHT and TMZ), which may also dictate the pharmacophoric performance.

Enhancing the Luminescence of Eu(III) Complexes with the Ruthenocene Organometallic Unit as Ancillary Ligand.

Five novel Eu(III)-ß-diketonate complexes containing ruthenocene ancillary ligands (1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)ruthenocene─RcBPO) were synthesized and characterized. The coordination compounds presented the general formula [Eu(ß-dik)3(RcBPO)], where ß-dik stands for 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (tta), 3-benzoyl-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (btf), 2-dibenzoylmethanate (dbm), 2-acetyl-1,3-indandionate (aind), and 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandionate (bind), and RcBPO stands for 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)ruthenocene. The [Eu(aind)3(RcBPO)] complex crystallizes in a monoclinic Cc non-centrosymmetric space group with the europium site environment, assuming a bicapped trigonal prism coordination polyhedron with the symmetry point group close to C2v. Photoluminescent properties for the solid-state samples were described in terms of excitation, emission, lifetime decay curves, and intrinsic and overall quantum yields. The replacement of the two coordinated H2O molecules by the RcBPO ancillary ligand leads to great enhancements of the overall quantum yields (QEuL), with the minimum increment by a factor of 5 for the case of [Eu(btf)3(RcBPO)] and the maximum enhancement of 270 times for the case of the [Eu(dbm)3(RcBPO)] complex. In addition, theoretical calculations were carried out to model the spectroscopic properties of the investigated compounds. To obtain theoretical Judd-Ofelt parameters (Ωλ, λ = 2, 4, and 6) and intramolecular energy transfer rates, the JOYSpectra web platform was employed using the structure obtained from density functional theory calculations. Hence, a rate equation model provided theoretical overall quantum yields, which are in great agreement with measured data.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity profile of a new lead compound - LQFM219.

LQFM219 is a molecule designed from celecoxibe (COX-2 inhibitor) and darbufelone (inhibitor of COX-2 and 5-LOX) lead compounds through a molecular hybridisation strategy. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of this new hybrid compound. The acute oral systemic toxicity of LQFM219 was evaluated via the neutral red uptake assay. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia were performed to evaluate the antinociceptive activity, and the anti-oedematogenic activity was studied by CFA-induced paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema. Moreover, the acute anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced pleurisy. In addition, cell migration, myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, and TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were determined in pleural exudate. Moreover, a redox assay was conducted using electroanalytical and DPPH methods. The results demonstrated that LQFM219 was classified as GHS category 4, and it showed better free radical scavenger activity compared to BHT. Besides, LQFM219 decreased the number of writhings induced by acetic acid and the response to the mechanical stimulus in the CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia test. Furthermore, LQFM219 reduced oedema formation, cell migration, and IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in the pleural cavity and inhibited myeloperoxidase enzyme activity. Thus, our study provides that the new pyrazole derivative, LQFM219, demonstrated low toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro and in vivo.

A novel chalcone derivative, LQFM064, induces breast cancer cells death via p53, p21, KIT and PDGFRA.

This study shows the design, synthesis and antitumoral potential evaluation of a novel chalcone-like compound, (E)-3- (3, 5-di-ter-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1- (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one [LQFM064) (4)], against human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells. Some toxicological parameters were also investigated. LQFM064) (4) exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF7 cells (IC50=21µM), in a concentration dependent-manner, and triggered significant changes in cell morphology and biochemical/molecular parameters, which are suggestive of an apoptosis inductor. LQFM064) (4) (21µM) induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase with increased p53 and p21 expressions. It was also shown that the compound (4) did not interfere directly in p53/MDM2 complexation of MCF7 cells. In these cells, externalization of phosphatidylserine, cytochrome c release, increased expression of caspases-7, -8 and -9, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS overgeneration were also detected following LQFM064 (4) treatment. Further analysis revealed the activation of both apoptotic pathways via modulation of the proteins involved in the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways with an increase in TNF-R1, Fas-L and Bax levels and a reduction in Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase, insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) were downregulated, while glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) expressions were increased by LQFM064 (4)-triggered cytotoxic effects in MCF7 cells. Moreover, it can be inferred that compound (4) has a moderate acute oral systemic toxicity hazard, since its estimated LD50 was 452.50mg/kg, which classifies it as UN GHS Category 4 (300mg/kg>LD50<2000mg/kg). Furthermore, LQFM064 (4) showed a reduced potential myelotoxicity (IC50=150µM for mouse bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors). In conclusion, LQFM064 (4) was capable of inducing breast cancer cells death via different cytotoxic pathways. Thus, it is a promising alternative for the treatment of neoplasias, especially in terms of the drug resistance development.

rac-5-(1-Methyl-eth-yl)-2-sulfanylidene-imidazolidin-4-one.

In the title compound, C6H10N2OS, the 2-sulfanylideneimidazolidin-4-one fragment is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0033 Å). In the crystal, one amino group is involved in N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding, which links pairs of mol-ecules into inversion dimers, while the other amino group generates weak N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, which link these dimers into chains in [10-1]. The chains are further aggregated into layers parallel to the ac plane through weak C-H⋯O inter-actions.

3-Benzoyl-1-[4-(methyl-sulfan-yl)phen-yl]thio-urea.

The title compound, C15H14N2OS2, adopts a helix conformation. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond leads to a six-membered pseudo-ring [r.m.s. deviation = 0.0212 Å, maximum deviation = 0.033 (1) Šfor the N atom bearing the benzoyl group] in the central unit. The benzene and (methyl-sulfan-yl)benzene ring [r.m.s = 0.0028 Šand largest deviation of 0.067 (3) Šfor the methyl-sulfanyl C atom] make dihedral angles of 31.76 (8) and 54.68 (6)°, respectively, with the pseudo-ring plane. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 85.71 (8)°. In the crystal, pairs of weak N-H⋯S inter-actions form inversion dimers and mediate a linear chain along [001].

Biotransformation of LASSBio-579 and pharmacological evaluation of p-hydroxylated metabolite a N-phenylpiperazine antipsychotic lead compound.

Using a combination of docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we predicted that p-hydroxylation by CYP1A2 would be the main metabolic pathway for the 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-4pyrazolylmethyl] phenylhexahydropiperazine, LASSBio-579 (3). As the result of a screening process with strains of filamentous fungi, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244 was chosen to scale up the preparation of the p-hydroxylated metabolite (4). About 30 min after i.p. administration of (3) to rats was identified as the p-hydroxylated metabolite, confirming our in silico previsions. Chemical synthesis of the metabolite was performed and allowed its pharmacological evaluation in binding assays revealing its high affinity for D2 and D4 receptors, indicating that this metabolite should participate to the antipsychotic effect of (3) in vivo. Furthermore, we report here that both (3) and its p-hydroxylated metabolite (4) have a much lower affinity than clozapine for two receptors involved in adverse reactions. Voltammetric assays were useful to understand the redox profile of (3).

Absolute configuration of strictosidinic acid.

The absolute configuration of strictosidinic acid, (2S,3R,4S)-3-ethenyl-2-(ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4-{[(1S)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-yl]methyl}-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylate, was determined from its sodium chloride trihydrate, poly[[diaqua((2S,3R,4S)-3-ethenyl-2-(ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4-{[(1S)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-ium-1-yl]methyl}-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylate)sodium] chloride monohydrate], {[Na(C(26)H(32)N(2)O(9))(H(2)O)(2)]Cl·H(2)O}(n). The strictosidinic acid molecule participates in intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the O-H...O and O-H...Cl types. The solid-state conformation was observed as a zwitterion, based on a charged pyridine N atom and a carboxylate group, the latter mediating the packing through coordination with the sodium cation.

The evaluation of quinonoid compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi: synthesis of imidazolic anthraquinones, nor-beta-lapachone derivatives and beta-lapachone-based 1,2,3-triazoles.

In continuing our screening program of naphthoquinone activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas' disease, new beta-lapachone-based 1,2,3-triazoles, 3-arylamino-nor-beta-lapachones, 3-alkoxy-nor-beta-lapachones and imidazole anthraquinones were synthesised and evaluated against bloodstream trypomastigote forms of the parasite. Compounds 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,4-dibromophenylamino)-2,3-dihydro-naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione, IC(50)/24h 24.9+/-7.4 and 4-azido-3-bromo-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione with 23.4+/-3.8 microM showed a trypanosomicidal activity higher than benznidazole. These results demonstrate the potential of naphthoquinone derivatives as novel structures for the development of alternative drugs for Chagas' disease.

Design of new dopamine D2 receptor ligands: biosynthesis and pharmacological evaluation of the hydroxylated metabolite of LASSBio-581.

LASSBio-581 is a N-phenylpiperazine derivative designed for the treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, four strains of filamentous fungi were screened for their capabilities to biotransform LASSBio-581. Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244 was chosen to scale up the biosynthesis of the p-hydroxylated metabolite of LASSBio-581. The chemical structure of the metabolite was confirmed by NMR, LC-MS and X-ray crystallography. Binding studies performed on brain homogenate indicated that the p-hydroxylated metabolite can be considered more selective for dopamine receptors than LASSBio-581, and, therefore, can be used to design new selective dopamine inhibitors.

Amaiouine, a cyclopeptide alkaloid from the leaves of Amaioua guianensis.

Amaiouine, a cyclopeptide alkaloid, was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Amaioua guianensis. The structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

catena-Poly[[[1-benzoyl-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)guanidine]chloridocopper(II)] chloride 0.61-hydrate].

The title copper(II) complex, {[CuCl(C(15)H(16)N(4)O(2))]Cl.0.61H(2)O}(n), is a one-dimensional zigzag coordination polymer structure extending along the (010) direction. The Cu(II) atom has a square-pyramidal geometry, where the basal plane is formed by two cis N atoms and one O atom from the ligand, and by a Cl atom. The apical position is occupied by a carbonyl O atom from a symmetry-related molecule. In the crystal structure, there are O-H...Cl and N-H...Cl hydrogen bonds, which link parallel polymer chains along the c direction, so building a two-dimensional structure via the interstitial Cl atoms.

1-Methyl-7-(4-nitro-phen-yl)-3-phenyl-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridine-6,8(3H,7H)-dione.

In the title compound, C(21)H(13)N(5)O(4), the dihedral angles formed between the planes of the phenyl and nitro-phenyl rings and that of the heterotricyclic plane are 41.29 (7) and 61.35 (6)°, respectively. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯O interactions help to establish the packing.

Bis(tetra-phenyl-phospho-nium) bis-[N-(octyl-sulfon-yl)dithio-carbimato(2-)-κS,S']-nickelate(II).

The Ni atom in the title complex, (C(24)H(20)P)(2)[Ni(C(9)H(17)NO(2)S(3))(2)], lies on a twofold axis within a square-planar geometry defined by four S atoms derived from two dithio-carbimate dianions, each forming a four-membered chelate ring. A small distortion, described by a deviation of the Ni(II) atom by 0.083 (1) Šfrom the plane through the four S atoms, and also by the torsion angles about the Ni-S bonds, implies a folded conformation for the chelate ring.

On the choice of d-orbital coordinate system in charge-density studies of low-symmetry transition-metal complexes.

The distribution of the d electrons over the corresponding orbitals in transition-metal complexes is a central concept in the theory of metal-ligand bonding. The description requires the assignment of an axis of quantization, which is unambiguous in symmetric environments but not clear-cut in the now commonly encountered case of a low-symmetry coordination environment. As the d-electron population can be derived from accurate diffraction data using the methods of charge-density analysis [HollaDay et al. (1983). Acta Cryst. A39, 377-387], the need for an appropriate procedure is relevant in this area of crystallography. Several criteria for the choice of coordinate system based on the resulting orbital populations are discussed. They are tested on a cobalt atom in a trigonal bipyramidal site and applied to transition-metal sites in Cu(II)-alanyl-valine, and an open zirconocene. The population of the d-orbital cross terms for the different coordinate-system orientations is used to judge the results. In the cases examined, the intuitively most reasonable coordinate system corresponds to the one with smaller value of the sum of the populations of the d-orbital cross terms.