Study of Direct N7 Regioselective tert-Alkylation of 6-Substituted Purines and Their Modification at Position C6 through O, S, N, and C Substituents.

A new N7 direct regioselective method allowing the introduction of tert-alkyl groups into appropriate 6-substituted purine derivatives is developed. This method is based on a reaction of N-trimethylsilylated purines with a tert-alkyl halide using SnCl4 as a catalyst. In this work, we study the structure and optimal reaction conditions leading to the N7 isomer and in some cases also to the N9 isomer. The main goal is devoted to preparing 7-(tert-butyl)-6-chloropurine as a suitable compound for other purine transformations. The stability of the tert-butyl group at the N7 position is tested for classic model reactions, leading to the preparation of new 6,7-disubstituted purine derivatives, which is also interesting from the point of view of possible biological activity.

Rapid profiling of cytokinins using supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: The determination of plant hormones is still a very challenging analytical discipline, mainly due to their low concentration in complex plant matrices. Therefore, the involvement of very sensitive high-throughput techniques is required. Cytokinins (CKs) are semi-polar basic plant hormones regulating plant growth and development. Modern methods for CK determination are currently based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), which enables the separation of CK isomeric forms occurring endogenously in plants. Here, ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS/MS) was used for the simultaneous determination of 37 CK metabolites. RESULTS: The chromatographic conditions were tested on three different columns with various retention mechanisms. Hybrid silica modified with 2-picolylamine was selected as the stationary phase. Several parameters such as column temperature, back pressure regulation, mobile phase composition and make-up solvent were investigated to achieve efficient separation of CK isomers and reasonable sensitivity. Compared to UHPLC-MS/MS, a 9-min chromatographic analysis using a mobile phase of supercritical CO2 and 5 mM ammonia in methanol represents a three-fold acceleration of total run time. The quantification limit of UHPSFC-MS/MS method was in the range of 0.03-0.19 fmol per injection and the method validation showed high accuracy and precision (below 15 % for most analytes). The method was finally applied to the complex plant matrix of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the obtained profiles of CK metabolites were compared with the results from the conventional UHPLC-MS/MS method. SIGNIFICANCE: The presented work offers a novel approach for quantification of endogenous CKs in plants. Compared to the conventional UHPLC-MS/MS, the total run time is shorter and the matrix effect lower for the key CK metabolites. This approach opens the opportunity to utilize UHPSFC-MS/MS instrumentation for targeted plant hormonomics including other plant hormone families.

Study of the N7 Regioselective Glycosylation of 6-Chloropurine and 2,6-Dichloropurine with Tin and Titanium Tetrachloride.

6-Chloropurine and 2,6-dichloropurine were regioselectively glycosylated at position 7 to give the corresponding peracetylated N7-nucleosides, which can be suitable for other purine transformations. In this work, we study the distribution of N7/N9-isomers produced via the Vorbrüggen method under different conditions, using an N-trimethylsilylated purine derivative and SnCl4 or TiCl4 as a catalyst. The main effort is devoted to reversing the disadvantageous predominant selectivity of most glycosylation reactions at the N9 position and thus to determining conditions that maximize the regioselectivity of glycosylation toward the desired N7-isomer.

General Synthesis of 1-Aryl-6-azaisocytosines and Their Utilization for the Preparation of Related Condensed 1,2,4-Triazines.

A simple general synthesis of 1-aryl-6-azaisocytosine-5-carbonitriles 4 is described. This method is based on coupling diazonium salts with cyanoacetylcyanamide 2 and then cyclization of the formed 2-arylhydrazono-2-cyanoacetylcyanamides 3. The 6-azaisocytosines 4 were studied with respect to tautomeric equilibrium and the transformation of functional groups, and used in the synthesis of the condensed heterocyclic compounds: Purine isosteric imidazo[2,1-c]-[1,2,4]triazine 8 and the 1,2,4-triazino[2,3-a]quinazolines 9-12.

Synthesis of [15 N4 ] purine labeled cytokinin glycosides derived from zeatins and topolins with 9-ß-d, 7-ß-d-glucopyranosyl, or 9-ß-d-ribofuranosyl group.

Synthesis of [15 N4 ] purine labeled cytokinine glycosides derived from zeatins and topolins containing a 9-ß-d, 7-ß-d-glucopyranosyl, or 9-ß-d-ribofuranosyl group is described. These N6 -substituted adenine derivatives are intended as internal analytic standards for phytohormone analysis. All labeled compounds were prepared from 6-chloro[15 N4 ]purine (1). The equilibrium reaction of 1 with acetobromo-α-d-glucose gave isomeric 7-ß-d (3) and 9-ß-d (4) chloro glucosyl precursors, which were treated with the corresponding amines to get desired labeled cytokinin 7-ß-d (6) and 9-ß-d (5) glucopyranosides. Cytokinins containing 9-ß-d-ribofuranosyl group (8) were obtained by direct enzymatic transglycosylation reaction of cytokinins (7) prepared from 6-chloro[15 N4 ] purine (1).

Synthesis, Bacteriostatic and Anticancer Activity of Novel Phenanthridines Structurally Similar to Benzo[c]phenanthridine Alkaloids.

In this study, we report the synthesis, antibacterial and anticancer evaluation of 38 novel phenanthridines that were designed as analogs of the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids. The prepared phenanthridines differ from the benzo[c]phenanthridines in the absence of a benzene A-ring. All novel compounds were prepared from 6-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde in several synthetic steps through reduction of Schiff bases and accomplished by radical cyclization. Twelve derivatives showed high antibacterial activity against Bacillussubtilis, Micrococcusluteus and/or Mycobacteriumvaccae at single digit micromolar concentrations. Some compounds also displayed cytotoxicity against the K-562 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines at as low as single digit micromolar concentrations and were more potent than chelerythrine and sanguinarine. The active compounds caused cell-cycle arrest in cancer cells, increased levels of p53 protein and caused apoptosis-specific fragmentation of PARP-1. Biological activity was connected especially with the presence of the N-methyl quaternary nitrogen and 7-benzyloxy substitution (compounds 7i, 7j, 7k, and 7l) of phenanthridine.

Microscale magnetic microparticle-based immunopurification of cytokinins from Arabidopsis root apex.

Cytokinins (CKs) are pivotal plant hormones that have crucial roles in plant growth and development. However, their isolation and quantification are usually challenging because of their extremely low levels in plant tissues (pmol g-1 fresh weight). We have developed a simple microscale magnetic immunoaffinity-based method for selective one-step isolation of CKs from very small amounts of plant tissue (less than 0.1 mg fresh weight). The capacity of the immunosorbent and the effect of the complex plant matrix on the yield of the rapid one-step purification were tested using a wide range of CK concentrations. The total recovery range of the new microscale isolation procedure was found to be 30-80% depending on individual CKs. Immunoaffinity extraction using group-specific monoclonal CK antibodies immobilized onto magnetic microparticles was combined with a highly sensitive ultrafast mass spectrometry-based method with a detection limit close to one attomole. This combined approach allowed metabolic profiling of a wide range of naturally occurring CKs (bases, ribosides and N9 -glucosides) in 1.0-mm sections of the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristematic zone. The magnetic immunoaffinity separation method was shown to be a simple and extremely fast procedure requiring minimal amounts of plant tissue.

Fluorescence properties of selected benzo[c]phenanthridines.

The fluorescence properties of selected benzo[c]phenanthridines (BPs) were examined. The effect of structure, pH and solvent on the fluorescence properties has been investigated. It was found out that the presence of charged iminium nitrogen significantly decreased the fluorescence of the compounds. The fluorescence (intensity as well as emission spectra shape) of the investigated compounds was significantly dependent on pH as well as used solvent. The utilization in epigenetic modification mechanisms studies as demethylase probe and as possible pH indicator was suggested.

Overcoming instability and low solubility of new cytostatic compounds: a comparison of two approaches.

The pharmaceutical use of some 3-hydroxyquinolinone derivatives with high cytotoxic and cytostatic activities (under in vitro conditions) as well as potential immunosuppressive properties is seriously limited by their low solubility in water accompanied by instability in oxidative environment, like physiological fluids. In an attempt to improve the bioavailability and the stability of four of these derivatives, we propose here two different approaches: complexation with ß-cyclodextrin derivatives and incorporation of these substances inside antioxidant micelles. The comparison of the two different methods is the focus of this work, as well as the investigation of some physicochemical properties of the micellar aqueous dispersions. Antioxidant micellar dispersions appear to be suitable for increasing the apparent solubility and stability for all the compounds studied, most probably because of the antioxidant activity of the specific surfactant used, combined with the low amount of water present in the center of the micelles. On this regard, (1)H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy result as efficient tools to verify that the drug molecules are indeed placed in the core of the micelles. Moreover, freeze-drying provides a very easy and powerful technique to obtain solid formulations starting from micellar dispersions. On the contrary, cyclodextrins could potentially be used as solubilizing agents, but the drawback connected to degradation in aqueous media could not be overcome with this type of solubilizer.

Identification of benzo[c]phenanthridine metabolites in human hepatocytes by liquid chromatography with electrospray ion-trap and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The metabolism of the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids was studied using human hepatocytes which are an excellent model system for biotransformation studies. For analysis of the alkaloids and their metabolites, an electrospray quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometry (ESI ion-trap MS) connected to a reversed phase chromatographic system based on cyanopropyl modified silica was used. The optimized experimental protocol allowed simultaneous analysis of the alkaloids and their metabolites and enabled study of their uptake into and interconversion in human hepatocytes. The results show that formation of the dihydro metabolite which may be followed by specific O-demethylenation/O-demethylation processes, is probably the main route of biotransformation (detoxification) of the benzo[c]phenanthridines in human hepatocytes. The structure of the main O-demethyl metabolite (2-methoxy-12-methyl-12,13-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4',5':4,5]benzo[1,2-c]phenanthridin-1-ol; 336.1 m/z,) was proposed by the multi-stage MS and quadrupole time-of-flight MS methods using chemically synthesized standard.

Liposomal solubilization of new 3-hydroxy-quinolinone derivatives with promising anticancer activity: a screening method to identify maximum incorporation capacity.

Four new 3-hydroxy-quinolinone derivatives with promising anticancer activity could be solubilized using liposomes as vehicle to an extent that allows their in vitro and in vivo testing without use of toxic solvent(s). A screening method to identify the maximum incorporation capacity of hydrophobic drugs within liposomes was successfully applied. The compounds and lipid(s) were dissolved in methanol, and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation. The film was resuspended with phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), and the dispersion was sonicated to reduce vesicle size. Ultracentrifugation was used to separate liposome-associated drug from free (i.e., precipitated) drug, and the amount of drug incorporated within the liposomes was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. All four compounds were found to be significantly incorporated within soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) liposomes, resulting in a 200-500-fold increase in apparent solubility. Drug-to-lipid ratios in the range of 2-5 µg/mg were obtained. Interestingly, the four quinolinone derivatives have shown different association tendencies with liposomes, probably due to the physicochemical properties of the different group bonded in position 2 of the quinolinone ring. None of the alternative lipids/lipid blends tested incorporated as much drug as SPC. Photon correlation spectroscopy analyses indicated that use of ultrasounds produced an efficient reduction in liposome size. The present approach appears suitable for incorporation capacity studies of any lipophilic drug in liposomes.

Mass spectrometry as a tool for characterization of N,N-dialkylaminoethane-2-thiols--precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents.

N,N-dialkylaminoethane-2-thiols belong to the group of precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). These compounds were analyzed by means of electrospray ionization-multiple stage mass spectrometry (ion trap) and proposed fragments were confirmed by accurate mass measurement using a QqTOF system. The fragmentation pathways of studied compounds and the products of oxidation (formation of -S-S- linkage) were described. Some minor interesting processes, such as rearrangement of SH group, were observed and proved. A new microLC/MS method, based on ion-pairing chromatography, was developed. Trifluoroacetic acid was employed as an ion-pairing agent to increase the low retention of compounds of interest in the reverse-phase system. The technique was compared with the UPLC/MS method, allowing fast analysis of all the studied thiols as well as an explorative control of originated disulfides.

Synthesis of 2-aryl-4-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,2-dihydro[1,2,4]triazino-[4,5-a]benzimidazol-1-one derivatives with preferential cytotoxicity against carcinoma cell lines.

In this paper we describe the preparation of some derivatives of 1,2,4-triazino[4,5-a]benzimidazol-1-ones (5 and 6), containing additional benzimidazole ring. These compounds were prepared using coupling reactions of diazonium salts with 1,1-bis(1-ethoxycarbonyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)methane (2) to obtain unstable hydrazones 4, which readily undergo cyclization. Interestingly, the selected compounds demonstrated preferential cytotoxic activities against human carcinoma and glioma cell lines compared with leukemic cells. They showed significant activity against multidrug-resistant P-glycoprotein expressing cell lines but had less effect on multidrug-resistance protein 1 positive and topoisomerase IIalpha negative leukemias.

Mass spectrometric study of selected precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents.

Selected precursors and degradation products of chemical warfare agents namely N,N-dialkylaminoethane-2-ols, N,N-dialkylaminoethyl-2-chlorides and some of related N-quaternary salts were studied by means of electrospray ionization-multiple tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)). Proposed structures were confirmed with accurate mass measurement. General fragmentation patterns of these compounds are discussed in detail and suggested processes are confirmed using deuterated standards. The typical processes are elimination of alkene, hydrogen chloride, or water, respectively. Besides, elimination of ethene from propyl chain under specific conditions was observed and unambiguously confirmed using exact mass measurement and labelled standard. The potential of mass spectrometry to distinguish the positional isomers occurring among the studied compounds is reviewed in detail using two different MS instruments (i.e. ion trap and hybrid quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF) analyzer). A new microcolumn liquid chromatography (microLC)/MS(n) method was designed for the cases where the resolution based solely on differences in fragmentation is not sufficient. Low retention of the derivatives on reversed phase (RP) was overcome by using addition of less typical ion pairing agent (1 mM/l, 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid) to the mobile phase (mixture water : acetonitrile).

HPLC analysis of rosmarinic acid in feed enriched with aerial parts of Prunella vulgaris and its metabolites in pig plasma using dual-channel coulometric detection.

This paper describes a sensitive isocratic HPLC/ECD method developed for the determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) in plant material, animal feed, and pig plasma. The plasma sample preparation only includes protein precipitation and adjustment of the pH. The applicability of the method was tested on plasma samples of pigs that were exposed to a 91-day oral intake of RA via feed enriched by aerial parts of Prunella vulgaris. The plasma was directly analyzed using the method described as well as after enzymatic hydrolysis. When no hydrolysis step was included, RA and caffeic acid (CA) were quantified in the plasma. In hydrolyzed plasma samples, several other metabolites were determined, including dihydrocaffeic, ferulic, and dihydroferulic acid. The dual-channel coulometric detection employed, as an alternative to mass spectrometry, offers good selectivity and sensitivity owing to the electrochemical properties of the phenolic constituents.

Classical anticytokinins do not interact with cytokinin receptors but inhibit cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that regulate the cell cycle and diverse developmental and physiological processes. Several compounds have been identified that antagonize the effects of cytokinins. Based on structural similarities and competitive inhibition, it has been assumed that these anticytokinins act through a common cellular target, namely the cytokinin receptor. Here, we examined directly the possibility that various representative classical anticytokinins inhibit the Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors CRE1/AHK4 (cytokinin response 1/Arabidopsis histidine kinase 4) and AHK3 (Arabidopsis histidine kinase 3). We show that pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine anticytokinins do not act as competitors of cytokinins at the receptor level. Flow cytometry and microscopic analyses revealed that anticytokinins inhibit the cell cycle and cause disorganization of the microtubular cytoskeleton and apoptosis. This is consistent with the hypothesis that they inhibit regulatory cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) enzymes. Biochemical studies demonstrated inhibition by selected anti-cytokinins of both Arabidopsis and human CDKs. X-ray determination of the crystal structure of a human CDK2-anticytokinin complex demonstrated that the antagonist occupies the ATP-binding site of CDK2. Finally, treatment of human cancer cell lines with anticytokinins demonstrated their ability to kill human cells with similar effectiveness as known CDK inhibitors.

Capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry: a promising tool for the control of some physiologically hazardous compounds. I-derivatives of 3-quinuclidinol.

A method based on the coupling of capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry (CE/MS) was developed for the monitoring of 3-quinuclidinol and its four N-alkyl derivatives (methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl derivatives). A fragmentation study (collision-induced dissociation of ions in an ion trap) and optimization of the ion optics set-up for CE/MS experiments using direct infusion of a methanolic solution of the standards into the mass spectrometer were carried out in advance. Molecular ions of all quaternary compounds and the quasi-molecular ion [M + H]+ of free 3-quinuclidinol prevail in the mass spectra. In the MS/MS of propyl and isopropyl derivatives, the elimination of the alkyl chain dominates, leading to the ion at m/z 128. The fragmentation of the other compounds is more complex. Previous CE separation of the mixture of isobaric propyl and isopropyl derivatives is necessary for their unambiguous identification. A 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.0) is the optimum running electrolyte, allowing the CE separation of methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl derivatives. A 0.5% (v/v) solution of acetic acid in methanol provides sufficient detection sensitivity when used as the sheath liquid. Limits of detection of 0.1 ppm for 3-quinuclidinol and 0.05 ppm for quaternary derivatives were achieved under the optimum conditions. The optimized method was applied to the determination of 3-quinuclidinol and related quaternary derivatives spiked into a sample of pond water. The experimental set-up for CE/MS/MS was investigated, which strongly increases the identification capability of the technique.