Comparative chemometric and quantitative structure-retention relationship analysis of anisotropic lipophilicity of 1-arylsuccinimide derivatives determined in high-performance thin-layer chromatography system with aprotic solvents.

Numerous structurally different amides and imides including succinimide derivatives exhibit diverse bioactive potential. The development of new compounds requires rationalization in the design in order to provide structural changes that guarantee favorable physico-chemical properties, pharmacological activity and safety. In the present research, a comprehensive study with comparison of the chromatographic lipophilicity and other physico-chemical properties of five groups of 1-arylsuccinimide derivatives was conducted. The chemometric analysis of their physico-chemical properties was carried out by using unsupervised (hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis) and supervised pattern recognition methods (linear discriminant analysis), while the correlations between the in silico molecular features and chromatographic lipophilicity were examined applying linear and non-linear Quantitative Structure-Retention Relationship (QSRR) approaches. The main aim of the conducted research was to determine similarities and dissimilarities among the studied 1-arylsuccinimides, to point out the molecular features which have significant influence on their lipophilicity, as well as to establish high-quality QSRR models which can be used in prediction of chromatographic lipophilicity of structurally similar 1-arylsuccinimides. This study is a continuation of analysis and determination of the physico-chemical properties of 1-arylsuccinimides which could be important guidelines in further in vitro and eventually in vivo studies of their biological potential.

Antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5- isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives in human breast cancer cells.

In this study, a series of synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives as a potential antiproliferative and antimigratory agents were investigated. The possible antitumor mechanisms of investigated hydantoin derivatives were examined on human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The cells were treated with different concentrations of compounds (from 0.01 µM to 100 µM) during 24 h and 72 h. The proliferation index, nitric oxide production, apoptosis rate, and migration capacity were measured. The cell invasion potential was examined by measuring the level of MMP-9 and COX-2 gene expression. All tested compounds expressed antiproliferative activity and induced dose- and time-dependent increase in the level of nitrites. The investigated molecules significantly decreased cell survival rate, migration capacity and the expression levels of genes included in the process of tumor invasion. Obtained data suggest that the tested hydantoin derivatives express considerable antitumor activity by reducing cell division rate, elevating apoptosis level, and inhibiting the motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. The results obtained in this study indicate that investigated compounds express potential as a novel chemotherapeutic agents against breast cancer growth and progression.

Chromatographic and computational screening of anisotropic lipophilicity and pharmacokinetics of newly synthesized 1-aryl-3-ethyl-3-methylsuccinimides.

The present study is focused on a series of newly synthesized 1-aryl-3-ethyl-3-methylsuccinimide derivatives, as potential anticonvulsants. The retention behavior of eleven succinimide derivatives was determined by using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and reversed phase high performance thin layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC). The estimated retention behavior was correlated with partition (logP) and distribution coefficients (logD). These high correlations pointed out that the determined retention parameters (logk0 and RM0) can be considered chromatographic (anisotropic) lipophilicity of the studied succinimide derivatives. The structural properties, which dominantly affect the chromatographic lipophilicity, were determined as well. The significant correlations between the chromatographic lipophilicity and plasma protein binding (PPB), Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells permeability, volume of distribution (Vd) and absorption constant (Ka) indicate the strong influence of lipophilicity on pharmacokinetics of 1-aryl-3-ethyl-3-methylsuccinimide derivatives. These derivatives have also been tested applying Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry (CMC) drug-like rules which confirmed their drug-like properties. Besides, their blood-brain penetration (BBB) ability has been estimated applying the set of Clark's rules and by using Pre-ADMET software. Regarding toxicity, it was predicted that only one compound from the set might have toxic effects by blocking the hERG potassium channel. The present study reveals which molecular features in the structure of novel succinimide derivatives could be crucial for their lipophilicity, and consequently for their pharmacokinetic properties. The results indicate that the newly synthesized series of succinimide derivatives should be further considered in design of novel anticonvulsants.

Anti-Tumor Mechanisms of Novel 3-(4-Substituted Benzyl)-5-Isopropil-5- Phenylhydantoin Derivatives in Human Colon Cancer Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Hydantoin and its newly synthesized derivatives have recently become a focus of interest due to their numerous biological activities and newly emerging beneficial effects in different pathological conditions, including cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible anti-tumor mechanisms of a series of newly synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives in different aspects of cell physiology of human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116. METHODS: The increasing concentrations of derivatives (0.01µM up to 100µM) were applied to cells during 24h, 48h, and 72h after which the evaluation of proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative/anti-oxidative status, nitrite production, and migration/invasion potential of treated cells was performed. RESULTS: All tested compounds expressed the dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against HCT-116 cells. The investigated derivatives induced a decrease in levels of oxidative stress parameters and an increase in levels of nitrite production by treated cells suggesting their significant antioxidative effects. The cell migration index and expression level of tumor invasion-promoting metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) gene were significantly decreased after treatment with the tested hydantoin derivatives implicating their inhibitory role in colon cancer cell motility and invasion processes. The mRNA level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene as a pro-inflammatory gene related to colorectal carcinogenesis was reduced compared to values in the non-treated control cells indicating the significant anti-inflammatory/anti-tumor effects of these compounds. CONCLUSION: The obtained results show the significant anti-tumor potential of tested derivatives, especially 3- benzyl-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin and 3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin, suggesting their potential usage in the development of more effective chemotherapies.

From Classification to Regression Multitasking QSAR Modeling Using a Novel Modular Neural Network: Simultaneous Prediction of Anticonvulsant Activity and Neurotoxicity of Succinimides.

Succinimides, which contain a pharmacophore responsible for anticonvulsant activity, are frequently used antiepileptic drugs and the synthesis of their new derivatives with improved efficacy and tolerability presents an important task. Nowadays, multitarget/tasking methodologies focused on quantitative-structure activity relationships (mt-QSAR/mtk-QSAR) have an important role in the rational design of drugs since they enable simultaneous prediction of several standard measures of biological activities at diverse experimental conditions and against different biological targets. Relating to this very topic, the mt-QSAR/mtk-QSAR methodology can give only binary classification models, and as such, in this study a regression mtk-QSAR (rmtk-QSAR) model based on a novel modular neural network (MNN) has been proposed. The MNN uses standard classification mtk-QSAR models as input modules, while the regression is performed by the output module. The rmtk-QSAR model has been successfully developed for the simultaneous prediction of anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity of succinimides, with a satisfactory accuracy in testing (R2 = 0.87). Thus, the proposed mtk-QSAR regression method can be regarded as a viable alternative to the standard QSAR methodology.

Evaluation of in silico pharmacokinetic properties and in vitro cytotoxic activity of selected newly synthesized N-succinimide derivatives.

Design of a new drug entity is usually preceded by analysis of quantitative structure activity (properties) relationships, QSA(P)R. Six newly synthesized succinimide derivatives have been determined for (i) in silico physico-chemical descriptors, pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictors, (ii) in vitro biological activity on four different carcinoma cell lines and on normal fetal lung cells and (iii) lipophilicity on liquid chromatography. All compounds observed were predicted for good permeability and solubility, good oral absorption rate and moderate volume of distribution as well as for modest blood brain permeation, followed by acceptable observed toxicity. In silico determined lipophilicity, permeability through jejunum and aqueous solubility were correlated with experimentally obtained lipophilic constants (by use of high pressure liquid chromatography) and linear correlations were obtained. Absorption rate and volume of distribution were predicted by chromatographic lipophilicity measurements while permeation through blood bran barrier was predicted dominantly by molecular size defined with molecular weight. Five compounds have demonstrated antiproliferative activity toward cervix carcinoma HeLa cell lines; three were cytotoxic against breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, while one inhibited proliferation of colon carcinoma HT-29 cell lines. Only one compound was cytotoxic toward normal cell lines, while other compounds were proven as safe. Antiproliferative potential against HeLa cells was described as exponential function of lipophilicity. Based on obtained results, lead compounds were selected.

In Silico Study of Chromatographic Lipophilicity Parameters of 3-(4-Substituted Benzyl)-5-Phenylhydantoins.

New synthesized compounds, particularly those with biological activity, are potential drug candidates. This article describes experimental studies performed to estimate lipophilicity parameters of new 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-phenylhydantoins. Lipophilicity, as one of the most important molecular characteristics for the activity, was determined using the reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-18 stationary phase and methanol-water mobile phase). Molecular structures were used to generate in silico data which were used to estimate pharmacokinetic properties of the investigated compounds. The results show that generally, the investigated compounds attain good bioavailability properties. A more detailed analysis shows that the presence of a nitro, methoxy and tert-butyl group in the molecule is indicated as unfavorable for the oral bioavailability of hydantoins. Multivariate exploratory analysis was used in order to visualize grouping patterns among molecular descriptors as well as among the investigated compounds. Molecular docking study performed for two hydantoins with the highest bioavailability scores shows high binding affinity to tyrosine kinase receptor IGF-1R. The results achieved can be useful as a template for future development and further derivation or modification to obtain more potent and selective antitumor agents.

Computational and spectroscopic data correlation study of N,N'-bisarylmalonamides (Part II).

To complement a previous UV study, we present a quantitative evaluation of substituent effects on spectroscopic data ((1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts as well as FT-IR absorption frequency) applied to N,N'-bisarylmalonamides, using simple and extended Hammett equations as well as the Swain-Lupton equation. Furthermore, the DFT CAM-B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) method was applied to study the impact of different solvents on the geometry of the molecules and their spectral data. Additionally, experimental data are correlated with theoretical results; excellent linear dependence was obtained. The overall results presented in this paper show that N,N'-bisarylmalonamides are prominent candidates for model molecules.

Quantum mechanical and spectroscopic (FT-IR, 13C, 1H NMR and UV) investigations of potent antiepileptic drug 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-phenyl-succinimide.

This study represents an integrated approach towards understanding the vibrational, electronic, NMR, and structural aspects, and reactivity of 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-phenyl-succinimide (CPPS). A detailed interpretation of the FT-IR, UV and NMR spectra were reported. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features, and harmonic vibrational frequencies have been investigated with the help of density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP method using 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The scaled theoretical wavenumber showed very good agreement with the experimental values. The (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the molecule were calculated by the Gauge-Invariant Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method. Stability of the molecule, arising from hyperconjugative interactions and charge delocalization, has been analyzed using Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The results show that ED in the σ(*) and π(*) antibonding orbitals and second order delocalization energies E(2) confirm the occurrence of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) within the molecule. UV-Vis spectrum of the compound was recorded and the electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, were calculated by Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approach. To estimate chemical reactivity of the molecule, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface map is calculated for the optimized geometry of the molecule.

Chromatographic retention parameters in correlation analysis with in silico biological descriptors of a novel series of N-phenyl-3-methyl succinimide derivatives.

Reversed-phase thin-layer chromatographic (RP TLC) retention coefficients for a newly designed series of N-phenyl-3-methyl succinimide derivatives, of a rationally expected anticonvusant activity, were determined as parameters of their lipophilicity. Basic pharmacokinetic descriptors of the agents were calculated in silico with the use of the established medicinal chemistry/drug design software. Highly significant, predictive relationships were found between the chromatographic retention constants and the bioactivity descriptors, which are assumed to account for drug absorption, distribution, elimination and toxicity (ADMETox) in humans. Among the agents investigated, the compounds with halogen substituent (Compounds nos. 9-13 in Fig. 1), were identified as the best drug candidates, because of their predicted proper pharmacokinetics, and have been selected for further research and development studies on new antiepileptic drugs. At the same time, among the congeners studied these can be indicated, which should not be rationally subjected to bioactivity tests.

Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activity of transition metal complexes with 3-(4,5-diphenyl-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)propanoic acid (oxaprozin).

A series of novel Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with oxaprozin (Hoxa), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been synthesized. The drug and complexes have been characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, Fourier transform (FT)-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The (pseudo)octahedral geometry has been proposed for all complexes based on electronic spectra and magnetic moments. With exception of the Cu(II) complex, where bridging bidentate mode of COO groups has been found, FT-IR spectra confirmed chelately coordinated COO groups in the other complexes. The general formula of the complexes is [M(H2O)2(oxa)2 ·χH2O, with χ=2 for M=Mn, Co and Ni and χ=1.5 for Zn. The binuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu2(H2O)2(OH)(oxa)3]·2H2O, has strong Cu-Cu interactions of antiferromagnetic type. The complexes and Hoxa did not exhibit the cytotoxic effect to peritoneal macrophages. For the first time these complexes have been tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against human colon and breast cancer cell lines, HCT-116 and MDA-231, respectively. For all investigated compounds significant antiproliferative effects have been observed. Ni(II) complex has been shown to be a promising antiproliferative agent exerting excellent activity against HCT-116 even in nanomolar concentrations.

Synthesis, structure and solvatochromic properties of some novel 5-arylazo-6-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-cyano-2-pyridone dyes.

BACKGROUND: A series of some novel arylazo pyridone dyes was synthesized from the corresponding diazonium salt and 6-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-cyano-2-pyridone using a classical reaction for the synthesis of the azo compounds. RESULTS: The structure of the dyes was confirmed by UV-vis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. The solvatochromic behavior of the dyes was evaluated with respect to their visible absorption properties in various solvents. CONCLUSIONS: The azo-hydrazone tautomeric equilibration was found to depend on the substituents as well as on the solvent. The geometry data of the investigated dyes were obtained using DFT quantum-chemical calculations. The obtained calculational results are in very good agreement with the experimental data.

Substituent and solvent effects on intramolecular charge transfer of 5-arylidene-2,4-thiazolidinediones.

The absorption spectra of twelve 5-arylidene-2,4-thiazolidinediones were recorded in twenty one solvents in the range from 300 to 600 nm. The effect of specific and non-specific solvent-solute interactions on the absorption maxima shifts were evaluated by using the Catalán solvent parameter set. Furthermore, the experimental findings were interpreted with the aid of ab initio MP2 and time-dependent density functional (TD-DFT) methods. It was found that different substituents significantly change the extent of conjugation in the molecules and further affect their intramolecular charge transfer character.

Structure-retention relationship study of HPLC data of antiepileptic hydantoin analogues.

In the study, 18 antiepileptic hydantoin analogues were investigated by means of reversed-phase HPLC on C-18 stationary phase and eluent acetonitrile-water. Quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) study has been applied in order to understand factors that affect the retention which is closely correlated to the activity (ED50 values). To overview the compounds for similarities and dissimilarities principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied. Six multiple linear regression models based on the most relevant descriptors were developed. Descriptors for MLR were selected according to variable importance calculated by partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Besides ALOGP the most important is aromatic ratio for mobile phases with more than 45% of acetonitrile, as well as electrotopological states when the % of acetonitrile is less than 40%. High agreement between experimental and predicted retention, obtained in the validation procedure, indicated the good quality of the derived QSRR models. For individual linear models, crossvalidation squared correlation coefficients (Q²) ranging from 0.697 to 0.837 were obtained. The residual values (difference between observed and calculated) agreed well within experimental error. Additionally, models were compared in terms of the smallest residual value by recently developed method of ranking based on the sum of ranking differences (SRD).

Solvent effects on the structure-property relationship of anticonvulsant hydantoin derivatives: A solvatochromic analysis.

Considering the pharmaceutical importance of hydantoins, a set of 25 derivatives of phenytoin, nirvanol and 5-methyl-5-phenylhydantoin, the lipophilicities of which were gradually increased by the introduction of different alkyl, cycloalkyl and alkenyl groups in position N3, was synthesized. Their properties under consideration were either estimated empirically, by UV/Vis spectroscopy, or calculated using established medicinal chemistry software. The UV absorption spectra of the investigated compounds were recorded in the region from 200 to 400 nm, in selected solvents of different polarities. The effects of solvent dipolarity/polarizability and solvent-solute hydrogen bonding interactions were analyzed by means of the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. Furthermore, the relationships between solvent-solute interactions and selected structural features of the solutes, which are believed to markedly affect the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMETox), were discussed. Satisfactory correlations were found between hydrogen bonding properties and solute size and the in silico calculated bioactivity descriptors, in particular %Abs. (human intestinal absorption), log BB (blood-brain barrier permeation) and log kA (protein binding affinities) parameters. In view of the results of this study, the investigated hydantoin derivatives met the pharmacokinetic criteria for pre-selection as drug candidates and qualified them for the pharmacodynamic phase of antiepileptic drug development.

Reversed-phase TLC and HPLC retention data in correlation studies with in silico molecular descriptors and druglikeness properties of newly synthesized anticonvulsant succinimide derivatives.

The properties relevant to pharmacokinetics of two series of newly synthesized succinimide derivatives have been studied. The properties under consideration have been either determined empirically, by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (TLC and HPLC technique), or calculated with the use of established theoretical medicinal chemistry/drug design software. Chromatographic techniques allowed determination of the retention constants R(M)° and log k(w), which characterize lipophilicity of compounds. Considering potential pharmaceutical importance of succinimide derivatives, we (i) examined the retention behavior in the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RP LC) systems, in both planar and column LC, and (ii) determined the relationships between chromatographic data and selected structural features of analytes that are believed to markedly affect their processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMETox). Significant relationships were found between the retention constants, R(M)° and log k(w), and the in silico calculated bioactivity descriptors, in particular HIA (human intestinal absorption) and PPB (plasma protein binding) parameters. The R(M)° and log k(w) values of the investigated compounds have been recommended for description of their lipophilicity and evaluating pharmacokinetic properties. In view of results of this study the newly synthesized succinimide agents meet pharmacokinetic criteria of preselection of drug candidates and hence qualify for pharmacodynamic phase of antiepileptic drug development. Best compromising human intestinal absorption and plasma protein binding features appear to be compounds A4, A5, A10 and A11.