Design, Synthesis, and In Silico and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Isoniazid-Hydrazone Analogues Linked to Fluorinated Sulfonate Esters.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and significant efforts are still being made to treat it. In this study, we synthesized and characterized novel hybrid molecules (10-18) containing hydrazone and sulfonate moieties and tested their cell growth inhibitory effect on human colon cancer cells (DLD-1), human prostate cancer cells (PC3), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293T) using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method for 72 h. In cell culture studies, all tested hybrid molecules except for 12 and 13 showed significant cytotoxic activities at a micromolar level with IC50 values in the range of 10.28-214.0 µM for the PC3 cell line and 13.49-144.30 µM for the DLD-1 cell line. Compounds 4 (10.28 µM) and 5 (11.22 µM) demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity against the PC3 cell line. Against the DLD-1 cell line, compounds 1 (22.53 µM), 4 (13.49 µM), 5 (19.33 µM), 6 (17.82 µM), 8 (24.71 µM), 9 (17.56 µM), and 10 (17.90 µM) in the series showed anticancer activity at lower micromolar levels compared to cisplatin (26.70 µM). Moreover, the study was handled computationally, and molecular docking studies were performed for compounds 1, 4, and 5 for PC3-FAK and PC3-Scr and compounds 4, 6, and 9 for the DLD-1-TNKS target. In this study, compound 4 was found to be the most effective and promising molecule for both targets.

New palladium complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene and morpholine ligands: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, molecular docking, and biological activities.

This work includes the synthesis of a new series of palladium-based complexes containing both morpholine and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. The new complexes were characterized using NMR (1 H and 13 C), FTIR spectroscopic, and elemental analysis techniques. The crystal structure of complex 1b was obtained by utilizing the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. X-ray studies show that the coordination environment of palladium atom is completed by the carbene carbon atom of the NHC ligand, the nitrogen atom of the morpholine ring, and a pair of bromide ligand, resulting in the formation of slightly distorted square planar geometry. All complexes were determined for some metabolic enzyme activities. Results indicated that all the synthetic complexes exhibited powerful inhibitory actions against all aims as compared to the control molecules. Ki values of new morpholine-liganded complexes bearing 4-hydroxyphenylethyl group 1a-e for hCA I, hCA II, AChE, BChE, and α-glycosidase enzymes were obtained in the ranges 0.93-2.14, 1.01-2.03, 4.58-10.27, 7.02-13.75, and 73.86-102.65 µM, respectively. Designing of reported complexes is impacted by molecular docking study, and interaction with the current enzymes also proclaimed that compounds 1e (-12.25 kcal/mol for AChE and -11.63 kcal/mol for BChE), 1c (-10.77 kcal/mol and -9.26 kcal/mol for α-Gly and hCA II, respectively), and 1a (-8.31 kcal/mol for hCA I) are showing binding affinity and interaction from the synthesized five novel complexes.

Novel hydrazones derived from anthranilic acid as potent cholinesterases and α-glycosidase inhibitors: Synthesis, characterization, and biological effects.

N-substitued anthranilic acid derivatives are commonly found in the structure of many biologically active molecules. In this study, new members of hydrazones derived from anthranilic acid (1-15) were synthesized and investigated their effect on some metabolic enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly). Results indicated that all the molecules exhibited potent inhibitory effects against all targets as compared to the standard inhibitors, revealed by IC50 values. Ki values of compounds for AChE, BChE, and α-Gly enzymes were obtained in the ranges 66.36 ± 8.30-153.82 ± 13.41, 52.68 ± 6.38-113.86, and 2.13 ± 0.25-2.84 nM, respectively. The molecular docking study was performed for the most active compounds to the determination of ligand-enzyme interactions. Binding affinities of the most active compound were found at the range of -9.70 to -9.00 kcal/mol for AChE, -11.60 to -10.60 kcal/mol for BChE, and -10.30 to -9.30 kcal/mol for α-Gly. Molecular docking simulations showed that the novel compounds had preferential interaction with AChE, BChE, and α-Gly. Drug-likeness properties and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analyzes of all synthesized compounds (1-15) were estimated and their toxic properties were evaluated as well as their therapeutic properties. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to understand the accuracy of the most potent derivatives of docking studies.

The synthesis, carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects of sulfonyl chloride moiety containing oxazolidinones using an intramolecular aza-Michael addition.

Oxazolidinones are used as various potent antibiotics, in organisms it acts as a protein synthesis inhibitor, focusing on an initial stage that encompasses the tRNA binding process. Novel intramolecular aza-Michael reactions devoid of metal catalysts have been introduced in an oxazolidone synthesis pathway, different from α,ß-unsaturated ketones. Oxazolidinone derivatives were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carbonic anhydrase I and II (hCA I and hCA II) enzymes. All the synthesized compounds had potent inhibition effects with Ki values in the range of 13.57 ± 0.98 - 53.60 ± 6.81 µM against hCA I and 9.96 ± 1.02 - 46.35 ± 3.83 µM against hCA II in comparison to the acetazolamide (AZA) (Ki = 50.46 ± 6.17 µM for hCA I) and for hCA II (Ki = 41.31 ± 5.05 µM). Also, most of the compounds demonstrated potent inhibition ability towards AChE enzyme with Ki values 78.67-231.75 nM and compared to tacrine (TAC) as standard clinical inhibitor (Ki = 142.48 nM). Furthermore, ADMET analysis and molecular docking were calculated using the AChE, hCA I and hCA II enzyme proteins to correlate the data with the experimental data. In this work, recent applications of a stereoselective aza-Michael reaction as an efficient tool for of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds and their useful to pharmacology analogs are reviewed and summarized.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Benzimidazolium Salts Bearing Nitrile Moieties: Synthesis, Enzyme Inhibition Profiling, and Molecular Docking Analysis for Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase.

This report presents the synthesis and characterization of a range of benzimidazolium salts featuring 3-cyanopropyl groups on the 1st nitrogen atom and varied alkyl groups on the 3rd nitrogen atom within the benzimidazole structure. Benzimidazolium salts were synthesized by N-alkylation of 1-alkyl benzimidazole with 3-cyanopropyl-bromide. The new salts were characterized by 1 H and 13 C-NMR, FT-IR spectroscopic and elemental analysis techniques. In this study, the enzyme inhibition abilities of seven nitrile substituted benzimidazolium salts were investigated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and hCA II). They showed a highly potent inhibition effect on AChE, hCA I and hCA II (Ki values are in the range of 26.71-119.09 nM for AChE, 19.77 to 133.68 nM for hCA I and 13.09 to 266.38 nM for hCA II). Reflecting the binding mode of the synthesized cyanopropyl series, the importance of the 2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzyl, 3-methylbenzyl and 3-benzyl groups for optimal interactions with target proteins, evaluated by molecular docking studies. At the same time, the docking findings support the inhibition constants (Ki ) values of the related compounds in this study. Potential compounds were also evaluated by their pharmacokinetic properties were predicted.

Evaluation of the Binding Properties of A New Phenylurea Appended Carbazole Compound to Pepsin/Trypsin by Computational and Multi-Spectral Analysis.

A novel carbazole compound, named 1-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-3-phenylurea (Cpu) was synthesized and its binding properties with protease enzymes (pepsin and trypsin) has been examined by steady-state fluorescence measurements, UV/vis absorption, infrared (FT-IR) and circular dicroism (CD) spectroscopies and also computational methods. The fluorescence experimental results indicated that the quenching mechanism of enzyme by Cpu is static process. The thermodynamic parameters (both negative ΔH/ΔS) and molecular docking results suggested that the binding of Cpu to pepsin/trypsin were driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Based on Förster's theory, the binding distance (r) between pepsin/trypsin and Cpu was calculated to be 3.072/2.784 nm, which implies that non-radiative energy transfer occurs from enzyme to Cpu. Furthermore, absorption, CD, and FT-IR spectral analysis provided an evidence that the presence of Cpu induced notable changes in the secondary structures and microenvironmental of both pepsin and trypsin, supporting its significant influence on these enzymes.

N-Heterocyclic Compounds, In silico Molecular Docking Studies, and In vitro Enzyme Inhibition Effect against Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: This work contains the synthesis of seven new N-heterocyclic compounds bearing imidazole, benzimidazole, pyridine, and morpholine moieties. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to synthesize N-heterocyclic compounds for a more effective drug candidate to increase the amount of acetylcholine in synapses in Alzheimer's disease. All compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR and elemental analysis. Enzyme inhibition activity of all compounds against acetylcholinesterase was investigated, which is an indirect treatment for Alzheimer's. Molecular docking was applied to estimate the binding energy of these compounds to the acetylcholinesterase. METHODS: All compounds were synthesized from reactions of 2 equivalents of N-heterocyclic starting material and 1 equivalent of 4,4'-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1'-biphenyl. The inhibition parameters of IC50 and Ki were calculated by the spectrophotometric method. AutoDock4 was used to define the binding pose of the compounds. RESULTS: Ki values were found in the range of 80.03 ± 19.64 to 5014.98 ± 1139.60 nM for AChE as an enzyme inhibition strategy, which is an important parameter for the treatment of neurodegenerative such as Alzheimer's disease. In this study, molecular docking is exerted to predict the binding energy of heterocyclic compounds (especially 2, 3, and 5) against acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Their docking binding energies are in good agreement with experimental findings. CONCLUSION: These new syntheses are drugs that can be used as AChE inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and docking analysis of pyrrolidine-benzenesulfonamides as carbonic anhydrase or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents.

The synthesis and biological assessment of novel multi-functionalized pyrrolidine-containing benzenesulfonamides were reported along with their antimicrobial, antifungal, CAs inhibition, and AChE inhibition as well as DNA-binding effects. The chemical structure of the compounds was elucidated by using FTIR, NMR, and HRMS. Compound 3b, which had Ki values of 17.61 ± 3.58 nM (hCA I) and 5.14 ± 0.61 nM (hCA II), was found the be the most potent CAs inhibitor. Compounds 6a and 6b showed remarkable AChE inhibition effects with Ki values 22.34 ± 4.53 nM and 27.21 ± 3.96 nM in comparison to tacrine. Compounds 6a-6c had moderate antituberculosis effect on M. tuberculosis with a MIC value of 15.62 µg/ml. Compounds had weaker antifungal and antibacterial activity in the range of MIC 500-62.5 µg/ml against standard bacterial and fungal strains. Besides these above, molecular docking studies were performed to examine and evaluate the interaction of the remarkable compounds (3b, 6a and 6b) against the current enzymes (CAs and AChE). Novel compounds gained interest in terms of enzyme inhibitory potencies. Therefore, the most potent enzyme inhibitors may be considered lead compounds to be modified for further research.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Chalcones bearing nitrogen-containing heterocyclics as multi-targeted inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies.

In this work, a series of chalcones (1a-d, 2a-d, 3a-d, 4a-d, and 5a-d) were designed and synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Also, their chemical structures were elucidated using UV-Vis, FT IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, MS spectral data, and elemental analyses. Subsequently, the anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, urease inhibitory activities and antioxidant activities of all chalcones were evaluated. The inhibitory potential of all chalcones in terms of IC50 value was observed to range from 7.18 ± 0.43 to 29.62 ± 0.30 µM against BChE by comparing with Galantamine (IC50 46.06 ± 0.10 µM) as a reference drug. Also, compounds 2c, 3c, 4c, 4b, and 4d exhibited high anticholinesterase activity against both AChE and BChE enzymes. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity results revealed that three compounds (IC50 1.75 ± 0.83 µM for 2b, IC50 2.24 ± 0.11 µM for 3b, and IC50 1.90 ± 0.64 µM for 4b) displayed good inhibitory activity against tyrosinase compared with kojic acid (IC50 0.64 ± 0.12 µM). In addition, other different three chalcones (IC50 22.34 ± 0.25 µM for 2c, IC50 20.98 ± 0.08 µM for 3c, and IC50 18.26 ± 0.13 µM for 4c) showed excellent inhibitory activity against the urease by comparing with thiourea (IC50 23.08 ± 0.19 µM). Compounds 3c and 4c showed the best potency in all antioxidant activity tests. In light of these findings, the structure-activity relationship for compounds was also described. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies, including molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and pharmacophore analyses of compounds, gave important information about the interactions and drug-likeness properties. As a result, all chalcones exhibited suitable ADMET findings, predicting good oral bioavailability.

Design, synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations, single crystal X-ray analysis, in vitro xanthine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory evaluation as well as in silico evaluation of selenium-based N-heterocyclic carbene compounds.

Herein, eight new NHC-based selenourea derivatives were synthesized and characterized by using spectroscopic method (1H, 19F, and 13C NMR, FT-IR), and elemental analysis techniques. These compounds were synthesized by mixing benzimidazolium salts, potassium carbonate, and selenium powder in ethyl alcohol. Additionally, the molecular and crystal structures of the three compounds (1c, 2b, and 2c) were determined using the single-crystal x-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Diffraction analysis demonstrated the partial carbon-selenium double-bond character of these compounds. All compounds were determined to be highly potent inhibitors for AChE and XO enzymes. The IC50 values for the compounds were found in the range of 0.361-0.754 µM for XO and from 0.995 to 1.746 µM for AChE. The DNA binding properties of the compounds were investigated. These compounds did not have a remarkable DNA binding property. Also, DPPH radical scavenging activities of the compounds were also investigated. Compounds (1c), (2a), (3a), and (3b) exhibited more pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity when compared to other compounds. Docking studies were applied by using AutoDock 4 to determine interaction mechanism of the selected compounds (1a), (1b), and (3b). The compound (1b) has good binding affinity (-9.78 kcal/mol) against AChE, and (-6.86 kcal/mol) for XO target. Drug similarity properties of these compounds compared to positive controls were estimated and evaluated by ADMET analysis. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations have been applied to understand the accuracy of docking studies. These findings and the defined compounds could be potential candidates for the discovery and progress of effective medicine(s) for AChE and XO in the future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In vitro anticancer, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potentials of endemic Cephalaria elazigensis var. purpurea with in silico studies.

In this study, the therapeutic potential and phytochemical composition of ethanolic extract of Cephalaria elazigensis var. purpurea (CE), an endemic species, were investigated. For this purpose, the antiproliferative effect of CE on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and its effectiveness on colony formation and cell migration was analyzed with clonogenic assay and wound healing assay, respectively. In addition, the cell death detection ELISA (CDDE) assay was conducted to determine the pro-apoptotic capacity of CE. The IC50 value of the CE was determined as 324.2 ± 14.7 µg/mL. Furthermore, upon 1000 µg/mL CE treatment, there was 4.96-fold increase in the population of cells undergoing apoptosis compared to the untreated control cells. The antioxidant activity tests were performed by DPPH free radical, ABTS cation radical, ferric-ion reducing power (FRAP) and ferrous-ion chelating power (FCAP) assays. Antioxidant activity values for the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays were found to be 125.6 ± 6.3, 34.09 ± 0.1 and 123.4 ± 4.2 µmol TE/mg DE, respectively. We further determined the effect of CE ethanolic extract against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. CE plays an effective inhibitory role in AChE and BuChE (AChE: IC50: 10.54 µg/mL, BuChE: IC50: 6.84 µg/mL) respectively. Further, molecular docking stuy was conducted to understand the nature of the all compound against AChE an BChE. It is revealed that α-Linolenic acid shows lowest binding energy (-7.90 kcal/mol) towards AChE, on the other side, Linoleic acid shows good binding affinity (-7.40 kcal/mol) for BChE.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Novel tetrakis-phthalocyanines bearing pyrimidine derivative: crystal XRD analysis, enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and anticancer effects.

In this study, the novel 4-(4-Aminopyrimidin-2-ylthio) phthalonitrile (1) as starting material was synthesized and its 3D structure was verified by the single crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. Then, its peripherally tetra-substituted phthalocyanines (2,3) and the methylated derivatives (2a,3a) containing pyrimidine derivative were synthesized. All these newly synthesized compounds were characterized with various spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MALDI-TOF MS by obtaining satisfactory results. In addition, these novel phthalocyanines effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme, with Ki values in the range of 10.43 ± 2.38 to 41.70 ± 9.32 µM. For the related enzyme, the IC50 values were obtained in the range of 11.68 to 44.28 µM. For α-glycosidase enzyme the most effective Ki values of (3a) and (2) were with Ki values of 92.87 ± 10.70 and 95.18 ± 17.83 µM, respectively. Indeed, the most potent phthalocyanines against both enzymes were recorded for the purpose of investigating interaction modes of these complexes in the active site of the target enzyme. The cytotoxicity potential of these phthalocyanines against human breast, colon, and prostate cancers demonstrated that these compounds had normal cytotoxic effects.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel xanthene-based thiazoles as potential antidiabetic agents.

A series of xanthene-based thiazoles was synthesized and characterized by different scpectroscopic methods, i.e. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H NMR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C NMR), infrared spectroscopy, carbon hydrogen nitrogen analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The inhibition potencies of 18 newly synthesized thiazole derivatives were investigated on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase (α-Amy), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly) enzymes in accordance with their antidiabetic and anticholinesterase ability. The synthesized compounds have the highest inhibition potential against the enzymes at low nanomolar concentrations. Among the 18 newly synthesized molecules, 3b and 3p were superior to the known commercial inhibitors of the enzymes and have a much more effective inhibitory potential, with IC50 : 2.37 and 1.07 nM for AChE, 0.98 and 0.59 nM for BChE, 56.47 and 61.34 nM for α-Gly, and 152.48 and 124.84 nM for α-Amy, respectively. Finally, the optimized 18 compounds were subjected to molecular docking to describe the interaction between thiazole derivatives and AChE, BChE, α-Amy, and α-Gly enzymes in which important interactions were monitored with amino acid residues of each target enzyme.

Acetylphenyl-substituted imidazolium salts: synthesis, characterization, in silico studies and inhibitory properties against some metabolic enzymes.

Herein, we present how to synthesize thirteen new 1-(4-acetylphenyl)-3-alkylimidazolium salts by reacting 4-(1-H-imidazol-1-yl)acetophenone with a variety of benzyl halides that contain either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups. The structures of the new imidazolium salts were conformed using different spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and FTIR) and elemental analysis techniques. Furthermore, these compounds' the carbonic anhydrase (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibition activities were investigated. They showed a highly potent inhibition effect toward AChE and hCAs with Ki values in the range of 8.30 ± 1.71 to 120.77 ± 8.61 nM for AChE, 16.97 ± 2.04 to 84.45 ± 13.78 nM for hCA I, and 14.09 ± 2.99 to 69.33 ± 17.35 nM for hCA II, respectively. Most of the synthesized imidazolium salts appeared to be more potent than the standard inhibitor of tacrine (TAC) against AChE and Acetazolamide (AZA) against CA. In the meantime, to prospect for potential synthesized imidazolium salt inhibitor(s) against AChE and hCAs, molecular docking and an ADMET-based approach were exerted.

Correction: Sharov et al. Computational Analysis of Molnupiravir. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 1508.

We received a complaint from the Université Catholique de Louvain [...].

DNA Binding and Anticancer Properties of New Pd(II)-Phosphorus Schiff Base Metal Complexes.

DNA has become the target of metal complexes in cancer drug discovery. Due to the side effects of widely known cisplatin and its derivative compounds, alternative metal-based drug discovery studies are still ongoing. In this study, the DNA-binding ability of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of four phosphorus Schiff base ligands and four hydrazonoic-phosphines are investigated by using in silico analyses. Phosphorus Schiff base-Pd(II) complexes encoded as B1 and B2 with the best DNA-binding potential are synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding potentials of these two new Pd(II) complexes are also investigated experimentally, and their antitumor properties are demonstrated in vitro in A549, MCF7, HuH7, and HCT116 cancer cells. The mechanisms of these metal complexes that kill the cells mentioned above in different activities are elucidated by flow cytometry apoptosis analysis and colony formation analysis The in silico binding energies of these two new palladium complexes ΔG (B1): -4.51 and ΔG (B2): -6.04 kcal/mol, and their experimental DNA-binding constants were found as Kb (B1): 4.24 × 105, Kb (B2): 4.98 × 105). The new complexes, which show different antitumor effects in different cells, are the least effective in HuH7 liver cells, while they showed the best antitumor properties in HCT116 colon cancer cells.

Benzimidazolium Salts Containing Trifluoromethoxybenzyl: Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, Molecular Docking Studies and Enzymes Inhibitory Properties.

The method for producing 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl substituted benzimidazolium salts is described in this article. The method is based on the reaction of 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl substituent alkylating agent with 1-alkylbenzimidazole. This method yielded 1-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-3-alkylbenzimidazolium bromide salts. These benzimidazolium salts were characterized by using 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis techniques. The crystal structure of 1f was enlightened by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Also, the enzyme inhibition effects of the synthesised compounds were investigated. They demonstrated highly potent inhibition effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) (Ki values are in the range of 7.24±0.99 to 39.12±5.66 nM, 5.57±0.96 to 43.07±11.76 nM, and 4.38±0.43 to 18.68±3.60 nM for AChE, hCA I, and hCA II, respectively). In molecular docking study, the interactions of active compounds showing activity against AChE and hCAs enzymes were examined. The most active compound 1f has -10.90 kcal/mol binding energy value against AChE enzyme, and the potential structure compound 1e, which has activity against hCA I and hCA II enzymes, was -7.51 and -8.93 kcal/mol, respectively.

Novel chiral Schiff base Palladium(II), Nickel(II), Copper(II) and Iron(II) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, anticancer activity and molecular docking studies.

In this study, two chiral Schiff base ligands (L1 and L2) were synthesized from the condensation reaction of (S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde as metal precursors for the preparation of transition metal complexes with Pd(II), Fe(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II). The compounds were characterized by using X-ray (for L1-Pd(II)), NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, and elemental analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of ligands (L1 and L2) and their metal complexes on colon cancer cells (DLD-1), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and healthy lung human cell lines were investigated by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5­diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Among the synthesized compounds, L1-Pd(II) was particularly found to be the most potent anticancer drug candidate in this series with IC50 values of 4.07, and 9.97 µM in DLD-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. In addition, molecular docking results indicate that Glu122, Asn103, Ala104, Lys126, Phe114, Leu123, and Lys126 amino acids are the binding site of the colon cancer antigen protein, in which the most active complex, L1-Pd(II) can inhibit the current target.

Phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme inhibitory properties, and in silico studies.

A series of new imidazolium salts were prepared in good yield by the reaction between 1-alkylimidazole and a variety of alkyl halides. The structures of the compounds were identified by FT-IR, 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of 1b was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts exhibited inhibition abilities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) I and II, with Ki values in the range of 24.63 ± 3.45 to 305.51 ± 35.98 nM for AChE, 33.56 ± 3.71 to 218.01 ± 25.21 nM for hCA I and 17.75 ± 0.96 to 308.67 ± 13.73 nM for hCA II. The results showed that the new imidazolium salts can play a key role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and leukemia, which is related to their inhibition abilities of hCA I, hCA II, and AChE. Molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were used to look into how the imidazolium salts interacted with the specific protein targets. To better visualize and understand the binding positions and the influence of the imidazolium salts on hCA I, hCA II, and AChE conformations, each one was subjected to molecular docking simulations.

New PEPPSI-Pd-NHC complexes bearing 4-hydroxyphenylethyl group: Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, and bioactivity properties.

Five 4-hydroxyphenylethyl substituted pyridine enhanced, precatalyst, preparation, stabilization, and initiation-Pd-N-heterocyclic carbene (PEPPSI-Pd-NHC) complexes are synthesized in a straightforward way. All PEPPSI-Pd-NHC complexes were prepared by mixing 4-hydroxyphenylethyl substituted NHC precursors, palladium chloride, potassium carbonate, and potassium bromide in pyridine. All complexes were screened for human carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) and hCA II, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) inhibitory activities. The ChE inhibitory activities of the new PEPPSI-Pd-NHC complexes bearing the 4-hydroxyphenylethyl group (1a-e) against α-Glu, AChE, and BChE were determined by the Tao and Ellman methods. The results indicated that all the synthetic complexes exhibited potent inhibitory activities against all targets as compared to the standard inhibitors, revealed by IC50 values. The Ki values of the new PEPPSI-Pd-NHC complexes 1a-e for hCA I, hCA II, AChE, BChE, and α-Glu were obtained in the ranges of 18.98-32.65, 22.95-38.13, 3.67-11.65, 4.09-9.36, 186.92-287.45 µM, respectively. Among the synthesized complexes, the most potent complexes were 1c toward hCA I and II with Ki values 18.98 and 22.95 µM, and 1d toward AChE and BChE with Ki = 3.67 and 4.09 µM, respectively.