Oncotoxic Properties of Serotonin Transporter Inhibitors and 5-HT1A Receptor Ligands.

The cytotoxic activity of several serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitors and subtype of serotonin receptor 1A (5-HT1A receptor) ligands have been examined in androgen-insensitive human PC-3 prostate and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cancer cells. Almost all of the studied compounds (except 5-HT1A receptor agonist (2R)-(+)-8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT)) exhibited absolute cytotoxic activity against the examined cancer cells. The compound 4-Fluoro-N-[2-[4-(7-methoxy-1-naphthalenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]benzamide hydrochloride (S14506) that showed highest activity against neuroblastoma tumors was the 5-HT1A receptor agonist (although not alike other 5-HT1A receptor agonists). On the other hand, the compound 6-nitro-2-(4-undecylpiperazin-1-yl)quinoline hydrochloride (AZ07) that had the highest activity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells was a compound exhibiting antagonistic activity against the 5-HT1A receptor. Thus, compounds of oncotoxic properties S14506 and AZ07 should be evaluated further for their potential use in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Most of the 15 compounds tested exhibited either agonistic or antagonistic activity for both the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells that overexpress the 5HT1AR gene. However, compounds paroxetine, N-Ac-paroxetine and 2-[4-(cyclobutylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-6-nitroquinoline hydrochloride (AB22) simultaneously exhibited antagonistic activity on the cAMP pathway and agonistic activity on the ERK1/2 pathway. Fluoxetine relative to compound AZ07 had almost three times lower cytotoxic activity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells. However, the proapoptotic activity of fluoxetine compared to compound AZ07 is almost two times higher which would suggest that the cytotoxic activity of both compounds may be dependent on different cell death mechanisms. Compound S14506 was found to be an antagonist of the serine-threonine protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Prosurvival Akt activity may be reversed by Akt antagonists. Therefore, the antagonistic activity of S14506 on the Akt pathway may evoke caspase-3 expression and cytotoxicity. It appears that one should not expect a straightforward relationship between the activation of particular serotonergic pathways by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and 5-HT1A receptor ligands and their cytotoxic or cytoprotective activity. Additionally, nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB), which may be involved in 5-HT-dependent biochemical pathways by coordinating different subunits in the formation of a dimer, may regulate the transcription of different transduction pathways. Therefore, it can be suggested that the mechanism of the cytotoxic activity of certain compounds (serotonergic against nonserotonergic) may depend on the compound and cancer type being examined. Docking studies showed that S14506, buspirone and spiperone bind in similar ways in the 5-HT1A receptor model and interacted with similar 5-HT1A receptor residues. S14506 and spiperone were found to be located closer to both phenylalanines in TM6 than buspirone, thus exhibiting more antagonist binding modes.

New, Substituted Derivatives of Dicarboximides and their Cytotoxic Properties.

A large group of aminoalkyl and aminoalkanol derivatives of selected dicarboximides were synthesized and characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and ESI MS spectra analysis. The thirty nine new compounds were tested for their cytotoxic properties in human chronic (K562), acute leukemia (HL-60), and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) as well as in normal endothelial cells (HUVEC). The most promising compounds are 4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-, (diethylamino) ethyl]-, 4-[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]-, 4-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]- and 4-[2-hydroxy-3-(propan- 2-ylamino)propyl]- derivatives of 1,7-diethyl-8,9-diphenyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5,10-trione exhibiting high and selective cytotoxicity towards K562 and HL-60 cells (IC50 in the range of 1-10 µM) while being non-toxic towards HUVEC and HeLa cells (IC50> 100 µM). Moreover, the preliminary studies have showed that 4-[2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl]- 1,7-diethyl-8,9-diphenyl-4-azatricyclo [5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5,10-trione induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in leukemia cells.

Synthesis and cytotoxic properties of halogen and aryl-/heteroarylpiperazinyl derivatives of benzofurans.

A series of seven derivatives of 1,1'-(5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-1-benzofuran-2,7-diyl)diethanone was synthesized and characterized by (1)HNMR and ESI MS spectra and elemental analyses. The obtained new compounds and three halogen derivatives of benzofuran, reported in our earlier work, were tested for their cytotoxic properties in human chronic (K562) and acute (HL60) leukemia cells, human cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal endothelial cells (HUVEC). Four compounds (2, 3, 4, 5), which contain halogens in their structure showed significant anticancer activity. The most promising was 1,1'-[3- (bromomethyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-1-benzofuran-2,7-diyl]diethanone (2), which was highly and selectively toxic for K562 cells (IC50 of 5µM) and HL60 cells (IC50 of 0.1µM), which showed no cytotoxicity toward HeLa and HUVEC cells. Moreover, the observed remarkable cytotoxicity of this compound toward K562 cells resulted from cells apoptosis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-substituted polycyclic imides derivatives.

The preparation of 16 derivatives of 3,5,8-trioxo-4-azatricyclo- [5.2.2.0(2.6)]undec-1-yl acetate and 8 derivatives of 1-isobutoxy-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2.6)]undecane-3,5,8-trione was described. Substituents to the imide N-atom were alkyl-(aryl)piperazine fragments with an alkyl linker being propyl or butyl group. Selected newly obtained compounds were evaluated in vitro against anti-HIV-1 activity. A broad group o fderivatives were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The pharmacological properties of butyl derivatives of imide 6 were evaluated in three behavioral tests in mice. The molecular structures of starting polycyclic 6-acetyl-imides, 1 and 5, were determined by X-ray crystallography. Presented tests have not revealed any activity of the compounds, however, selected derivatives exerted no neurotoxicity in behavioral tests.

Proapoptotic activity of heterocyclic compounds containing succinimide moiety in the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60.

In the present paper, we describe proapoptotic activity of several heterocyclic compounds 9, 12, 18, 19 and 20 possessing succinimide (as well as succinimide related) moieties. The compounds properties were examined with the aid of flow cytometry on the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. The highest proapoptotic activity exhibited compound 12 (4-{4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}-1,7-diethyl-8,9-diphenyl-4-azatricyklo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]-dec-8-ene-3,5,10-trione). The synthesis of compounds 1-17 is also described. The structures of obtained compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI MS and/or elemental analyses.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of 1,8,11,11-tetramethyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione derivatives. [corrected].

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of N-substituted derivatives of 1,8,11,11-tetramethyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione (1) are described. The molecular structure of starting compound (1) was confirmed by elemental analysis, 13C NMR and X-ray crystallography. The structures of derivatives were confirmed by 1H NMR and mass spectra. The compounds were investigated for antibacterial activity, including Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and antifungal activity. Studied compounds were evaluated also for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity in MT-4 cells.

Synthesis and biological activity of novel series of 1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one derivatives.

In the search for novel biological agents, a series of new derivatives N-substituted 1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one, 5-chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one, 6-bromo-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one were prepared. All of the compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI MS spectra. Moreover, for compound 1 an Xray structure was determined. All derivatives were tested for antimicrobial activity against a selection of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. The selected compounds (2-8, 10) were tested for their cytotoxic properties in K562, HeLa and normal cells.

Synthesis, antidepressant evaluation and docking studies of long-chain alkylnitroquipazines as serotonin transporter inhibitors.

Twelve alkyl analogues (1-12) of the high-affinity serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor 6-nitroquipazine (6-NQ) were synthesized and studied using in vitro radioligand competition binding assays to determine their binding affinity (Ki ). The putative antidepressant activity of five of the binders with the highest SERT binding affinities was studied by the forced swim and locomotor activity mouse tests. The three-dimensional (3D) structures of 8 and 9 were determined using NOE NMR technique. Flexible docking of the compounds was undertaken to illustrate the binding of the compounds in the SERT model. Our results showed that several of the 6-NQ analogues are high-affinity SERT inhibitors and indicated that the octyl (8), decyl (10) and dodecyl (12) 6-NQ analogues exhibit moderate antidepressant activity.

Synthesis and biological activity of a novel series of 17-azapentacyclo [6.6.5.0(2.7).0(9.14).0(15,19)]nonadeca-2,4,6,9,11,13-hexaen-16,18-dione derivatives.

In the search for novel antimicrobial agents, a series of new derivatives - N-substituted imides were prepared. All of the compounds were characterized by 'H NMR and ESI MS spectra. These derivatives were tested for antimicrobial activity. Microorganisms used in this study included aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and obligatory anaerobes such as Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Propionibacterium acnes. Moreover, Candida albicans yeast was used. For representatives of all species the MICs of the investigated compounds were determined. Most of investigated derivatives had no antimicrobial activity (MIC > 512 mg/L) except the derivative 22 which showed slight activity against Gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of derivatives of 2- and 3-benzofurancarboxylic acids.

We found that amiodarone has potent antifungal activity against a broad range of fungi, potentially defining a new class of antimycotics. Investigations into its molecular mechanisms showed amiodarone mobilized intracellular Ca2+, which is thought to be an important antifungal characteristic of its fungicidal activity. Amiodarone is a synthetic drug based on the benzofuran ring system, which is contained in numerous compounds that are both synthetic and isolated from natural sources with antifungal activity. To define the structural components responsible for antifungal activity, we synthesized a series of benzofuran derivatives and tested them for the inhibition of growth of two pathogenic fungi, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, to find new compounds with antifungal activity. We found several derivatives that inhibited fungal growth, two of which had significant antifungal activity. We were surprised to find that calcium fluxes in cells treated with these derivatives did not correlate directly with their antifungal effects; however, the derivatives did augment the amiodarone-elicited calcium flux into the cytoplasm. We conclude that antifungal activity of these new compounds includes changes in cytoplasmic calcium concentration. Analyses of these benzofuran derivatives suggest that certain structural features are important for antifungal activity. Antifungal activity drastically increased on converting methyl 7-acetyl-6-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-benzofurancarboxylate (2b) into its dibromo derivative, methyl 7-acetyl-5-bromo-6-hydroxy-3-bromomethyl-2-benzofurancarboxylate (4).

Synthesis and characterization of selected methyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1-benzofuran-3-carboxylate derivatives with potential antimicrobial activity.

Halogen and aminoalkyl derivatives of methyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1-benzofuran-3-carboxylate were prepared using 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-benzofuranocarboxylic acid as starting material. (1)H-NMR spectra were obtained for all of the synthesized structures, and for compounds 1 and 2 X-ray crystal structures were obtained too. All derivatives were tested for antimicrobial activity against a selection of Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods and yeasts.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New 3-Phenyl-1-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)alkyl]-piperidine-2,6-diones.

A set of 13 alkyl derivatives of 3-phenylpiperidine-2,6-dione were synthesized. Newly obtained compounds were investigated in vitro against HIV-1 and other selected viruses. The benzyl 3f and fluorophenyl 3g derivatives showed moderate protection against CVB-2 and the compound 3g also against HSV-1. Derivatives were tested also for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The molecular structures of 3a and 3d were determined by an X-ray analysis.

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of selected 3-benzofurancarboxylic acid derivatives.

Halogen derivatives of selected 3-benzofurancarboxylic acids were prepared using 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-benzofuranocarboxylic acid as starting material. (1)H-NMR spectra were obtained for all of the synthesized structures, and for compound VI, an X-ray crystal structure was also obtained. All derivatives were tested for antimicrobial activity against a selection of Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods and yeasts. Three compounds, III, IV, and VI, showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 50 to 200 microg/mL). Compounds VI and III exhibited antifungal activity against the Candida strains C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (MIC-100 microg/mL).

Synthesis and microbiological activity of thiourea derivatives of 4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione.

A series of thiourea derivatives of 4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione were synthesized. The compounds were investigated for antibacterial activity, including Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and antifungal activity. Compounds 1b, 2b, 4b showed significant inhibition against Gram-positive cocci. Research was carried out over 10 standard strains and 20 hospital strains. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity in MT-4 cells.

Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro biological activity of 4-substituted arylpiperazine derivatives of 1,7,8,9-tetrachloro-10,10-dimethoxy-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione.

A series of twenty arylpiperazine derivatives of 1,7,8,9-tetrachloro-10,10-dimethoxy-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione have been prepared. These derivatives were tested in vitro with the aim of identifying novel lead compounds active against emergent and re-emergent human and cattle infectious diseases (AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhea). In particular, these compounds were evaluated in vitro against representatives of different virus classes, such as a HIV-1 (Retrovirus), a HBV (Hepadnavirus) and the single-stranded RNA(+) viruses Yellow fever virus (YFV) and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), both belonging to the Flaviridae. Compounds 2c, 2g and 3d showed a modest activity against CVB-2. The molecular structures of the starting imide 1 and one of propyl-piperazine derivatives, 3b, have been determined by an X-ray crystallography study.

Synthesis, pharmacological and antiviral activity of 1,3-thiazepine derivatives.

The preparation of new fourteen thiourea and fourteen product of their condensation with 1,4-dibromobutane, viz. 1,3-thiazepine derivatives, of 10-isopropyl-8-methyl-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione and 1-isopropyl-7-methyl-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione is described. Elemental analysis, MS and (1)H NMR spectra confirmed the identity of the products. The molecular structure of linear disubstituted thiourea derivative and its cyclization product was determined by an X-ray crystal structure analysis. Two of new obtained compounds (6b' and 7a') were tested for their pharmacological activity on animal central nervous system (CNS) in behavioral animal tests. With relatively low acute toxicity (LD(50) lower than 2000 mg kg(-1) i.p.) they exhibited significant influence on spontaneous locomotor activity and body temperature. Additionally, compounds reduced number of the "head twitch" episodes after 5-hydroksytryptophan (5-HTP) administration. New compounds were evaluated in vitro against representatives of different virus classes, such as a HIV-1 (Retrovirus), a HBV (Hepadnavirus) and the single-stranded RNA(+) viruses Yellow fever virus (YFV) and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), both belonging to Flaviridae. Three of new obtained compounds showed a modest activity against HIV-1 wt(IIIB), BVDV and YFV.

4-Azatricyclo[5.2.2.02,6]undecane-3,5,8-triones as potential pharmacological agents.

A series of twenty six arylpiperazine and aminoalkanol derivatives of 4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undecane-3,5,8-trione have been prepared. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity in MT-4 cells.

Synthesis of N-substituted derivatives of 8,11-dimethyl-3,5-dioxo-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-en-1-yl acetate and screening of cytotoxic activity of selected azatricycloundecane compounds.

This paper reports the synthesis of a number of aminoalkyl derivatives of 8,11-dimethyl-3,5-dioxo-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-en-1-yl acetate and 1,11 -dimethyl-4-azatricyclo [5.2.2.0(2,6)]undecan-3,5,8-tri-one. Fourteen compounds were prepared and the in vitro cytotoxic activities were evaluated against human cancer cell lines originating from solid tumors in the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Antimicrobial activity of 2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one derivatives.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of 2,4-dihydro- [1,2,4]triazol-3-one derivatives were examined by the disc-diffusion method (growth inhibition zone diameter in agar medium). The MIC's for the most active agents were determined. Of all the tested compounds, aminomethyl derivatives of 2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one exhibit activity against the majority of microorganisms studied.