Chemical aspects of the primary ionization mechanisms in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization.

It has been proposed that the primary ionization mechanism occurring in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) experiments originates from the presence, in the solid-state matrix-analytes sample, of matrix dimers. These species are formed by the interaction of carboxylic groups present in the matrix molecules with the formation of strong hydrogen bonds. Theoretical calculations proved that the laser irradiation of these structures leads to one or two H-bridge cleavages, giving rise to an "open" dimer structure or to disproportionation with the formation of MH(+) and [M-H](-) species. The ions so formed can be considered highly effective in their reaction with analyte ions, leading to their protonation (or deprotonation). To achieve further evidence for these proposals, in the present study the energetics of the reactions of ions from different aromatic carboxylic acids with two amino acids (glycine and lysine) and three multipeptides (gly-gly, gly-gly-gly and gly-gly-gly-gly) was investigated. The lowest ∆G values were obtained for 2,5- dihydroxybenzoic acid, widely employed as the MALDI matrix. Also, for p-nitrobenzoic acid the reaction is slightly exothermic, while for the other aromatic carboxylic acids derivatives positives values of ∆G are present.

Physicochemical properties of lomefloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin relevant to the biopharmaceutics classification system.

The aim of this investigation was to identify the impact of physicochemical properties of three fluoroquinolones (second, third, and fourth generation) on bioavailability in relation to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) by in silico and in vitro methods. These properties were estimated by analyzing the electrostatic potential pattern and values of the free energy of solvation as well as the distribution coefficients and true partition coefficients of the studied compounds. This study was based on theoretical quantum-chemical methods and the in vitro shake-flask technique with two immiscible phases (n-octanol and phosphate buffer) as well as the experimental potentiometric method to estimate protonation macro- and micro-constants. Properties identified in the in vitro and in silico studies were similar and indicated high lipophilic properties of the studied molecules as well as their good solubility in a polar medium. It appears that both the theoretical methods and simple in vitro studies are useful tools for predicting the bioavailability of medicinal substances based on the BCS principles.

Model structure-activity relationship studies of potential tropane 5HT1A, 5HT2A, and D2 receptor ligands.

The two-stages studies of structure-activity relationship for model ligands of 5HT1A, 5HT2A, and D2 receptors were performed. On the first stage, the pharmacophores of two potential ligands of known in vitro binding to 5HT1A, 5HT2A, D2 receptors and model pharmacophore of strongly interacting D2 receptor ligands were found and their parameters were related to affinity data. The analyzed parameters were hydrophobic, hydrophilic, aromatic, donor and acceptor of proton centers. The geometry of spatial distribution of these properties was also investigated in comparative analysis. The studied, model compounds were two 3ß-acylamine derivatives of tropane. The second stage includes docking of studied compounds to D2 receptor model and the comparison of its quality with in vivo binding data. The obtained results are consistent with in vitro binding data and applied procedure accurate estimates the affinity of potential ligands to D2 receptors.

Endohedral complexes of fullerene C60 with small convalent molecules (H2O, NH3, H2, 2H2, 3H2, 4H2, O2, O3) in the context of potential drug transporter system.

The fullerene C60 has chemical properties which seem to predestinate it to be effective transporter of drugs in biological system. To prove this, the DFT/B3LYP (6-31G*) calculations were performed especially in order to determine the structures and energies of the inclusion complexes of C60 with small molecules. It was found that the small molecule is more compact when it is located in the centre of the C60 cage than as isolated molecule. The calculated inclusion energies in case of: H2O, NH3, O2, O3, H2, 2H2, 3H2, 4H2 are: 1.84, 3.81, 3.75, 21.07, 1.97, 20.10, 47.78 and 77.54 kcal/mol, respectively. The charge transfer and the influence of the complexed small molecules on the electrostatic potential distribution inside and outside of the C60 cavity are discussed.

Molecular properties impact on bioavailability of second generation triazoles antifungal agents.

The bioavailability of active compounds depends on their two main features: solubility and permeability. The experimental determination of these factors is rather cumbersome. The free enthalpies of salvation deltaG in water and chloroform, and the electrostatic potential surface around examined molecules were ab initio calculated by HF method for voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole. These quantities are assumed to be the new determinants correctly describing both solubility and the affinity of biologically active compounds to lipophilic tendency to cross cellular membranes. The values of deltaG were compared to the theoretically and experimentally determined partition coefficients. The calculated values of deltaG and electrostatic potentials appeared to be consistent with these partition coefficients. It leads to conclusion that these theoretically derived parameters deltaG and electrostatic potential could be useful tools for fast and precise classification of chemical substances within the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS).

Prediction of bioavailability of selected bisphosphonates using in silico methods towards categorization into a biopharmaceutical classification system.

The physicochemical properties relevant to biological activity of selected bisphosphonates such as clodronate disodium salt, etidronate disodium salt, pamidronate disodium salt, alendronate sodium salt, ibandronate sodium salt, risedronate sodium salt and zoledronate disodium salt were determined using in silico methods. The main aim of our research was to investigate and propose molecular determinants thataffect bioavailability of above mentioned compounds. These determinants are: stabilization energy (deltaE), free energy of solvation (deltaG(solv)), electrostatic potential, dipole moment, as well as partition and distribution coefficients estimated by the log P and log D values. Presented values indicate that selected bisphosphonates a recharacterized by high solubility and low permeability. The calculated parameters describing both solubility and permeability through biological membranes seem to be a good bioavailability indicators of bisphosphonates examined and can be a useful tool to include into Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) development.

Metabolic stability of new anticonvulsants in body fluids and organ homogenates.

The stability as a function of time of compounds with established anticonvulsant activity: picolinic acid benzylamide (Pic-BZA), picolinic acid 2-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-2-F-BZA), picolinic acid 3-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-3-F-BZA), picolinic acid 4-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-4-F-BZA) and picolinic acid 2-methylbenzylamide (Pic-2-Me-BZA) in body fluids and homogenates of body organs were determined after incubation. It was found that they decompose relatively rapidly in liver and kidney and are stable against enzymes present in body fluids and some organs. These results are consistent with the bond strength expressed as total energy of amide bonds (calculated by quantum chemical methods) in the studied anticonvulsants. The calculated values of the amide bond energy are: 199.4 kcal/mol, 200.2 kcal/mol, 207.5 kcal/mol, 208.4 kcal/mol and 198.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The strength of the amide bonds in the studied anticonvulsants correctly reflects their stability in liver or kidney.

Molecular properties of oxyconazole and tioconazole as the criteria for their bioavailability estimation.

The use of hydration and solvatation free enthalpies (DeltaG(h), DeltaG(s)) as parameters describing water solubility and permeability of drugs was proved to be suitable quantities. The free enthalpies of hydration and solvation by water and chlorobenzene molecules at the Hartree-Fock (6-31G*) level applying PCM model were calculated for oxyconazole and tioconazole. The oxyconazole and tioconazole differ in water and chlorobenzene solubility, what is reflected in calculated DeltaG values and electrostatic potential. These characteristics discriminate both compounds with respect to water solubility and permeability. It may be concluded that the DeltaG values of hydration and solvation adequately reflect the water solubility and permeability of oxyconazole and tioconazole.

The usefulness of simple X-ray powder diffraction analysis for counterfeit control--the Viagra example.

Counterfeit and illegally manufactured drugs become a very important problem all over the world, hence, a search for new fast, easy, reliable and not expensive methods of drugs screening is essential. We describe the use of X-ray powder diffraction method for the fast screening of tablets for counterfeit medicines identification. The original Viagra tablets and some counterfeit and/or imitations of Viagra were used as example. We demonstrate the application of diffraction method for discrimination of tablets coatings and for identification of differences in drug composition. The X-ray diffraction method turns out to be very fast and reliable for detecting counterfeits and imitation, and it correctly predicts the presence or absence of active substance and/or particular excipients.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives as potential antidepressant agents. Part 1.

A series of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives was synthesized and their biological activity was evaluated. The chemical structures of the newly prepared compounds were confirmed by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and ESI-HRMS spectra data. All tested compounds proved to be potent 5-HT1A receptor and serotonin transporter protein (SERT) ligands. Among them, compounds 15, 18, 19 and 30 showed significant affinity for 5-HT1A and SERT. Computer docking simulations carried out for compounds 15, 31 and 32 to models of 5-HT1A receptor and SERT confirm the results of biological tests. Due to high affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and moderate affinity for SERT, compounds 31, 32, 35, and 37 were evaluated for their affinity for D2L, 5-HT6, 5-HT7 and 5-HT2A receptors. In vivo tests, in turn, resulted in determining the functional activity of compounds 15, 18, 19 and 30 to the 5-HT1A receptor. The results of these tests indicate that all of the ligands possess properties characteristic of 5-HT1A receptor agonists.

On the Primary Ionization Mechanism(s) in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization.

A mechanism is proposed for the first step of ionization occurring in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, leading to protonated and deprotonated matrix (Ma) molecules ([Ma + H](+) and [Ma - H](-) ions). It is based on observation that in solid state, for carboxyl-containing MALDI matrices, the molecules form strong hydrogen bonds and their carboxylic groups can act as both donors and acceptors. This behavior leads to stable dimeric structures. The laser irradiation leads to the cleavage of these hydrogen bonds, and theoretical calculations show that both [Ma + H](+) and [Ma - H](-) ions can be formed through a two-photon absorption process. Alternatively, by the absorption of one photon only, a heterodissociation of one of the O-H bonds can lead to a stable structure containing both cationic and anionic sites. This structure could be considered an intermediate that, through the absorption of a further photon, leads to the formation of matrix ions. Some experiments have been performed to evaluate the role of thermal ionization and indicate that its effect is negligible. Some differences have been observed for different matrices in the formation of analyte molecule (M) ion [M + H](+), [M - H](-), M(+•), and [M - 2H](-•), and they have been explained in terms of ionization energies, pKa values, and thermodynamic stability.

Novel 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidines with dual SSRI and 5-HT(1A) activity. part 3.

A number of 4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine with 3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole or 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole residues were synthesized for further investigation of SAR in a group of pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives with dual 5-HT(1A)/SERT activity. Compounds 8a-8p were found to be potent ligands for both 5-HT(1A) and SERT with K(i) ranging from 28,3 to 642 nM and 42,4 nM-1,8 µM, respectively. Moreover compounds 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8g were found to be selective agonists, while 8i as an antagonist of 5-HT(1A) presynaptic receptors in the inducible hypothermia test in mice.

Synthesis and biological investigation of potential atypical antipsychotics with a tropane core. Part 1.

The synthesis, structure, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of 3ß-acylamine derivatives of tropane (4a-n, 5a-g, 6a,b, 8a-c) are described. Among the investigated compounds, several displayed very high (in nM) affinity for the monoamine receptors 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A,) and D(2). The most interesting agent 6b revealed very high affinity for the 5-HT(2A) and D(2) receptors and high affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor. The in vivo head twitch model was used to demonstrate antagonism of the 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype by this compound. In another test, 6b caused hypothermia in mice, which was not attenuated by WAY 100635. In the climbing test, the compound did not significantly modify climbing behaviour following apomorphine administration. Moreover, 6b significantly reduced locomotor activity in mice. Molecular docking studies using a homology model of the 5-HT(1A) receptor revealed a significant role of the N-8 atom of the tropane core in stabilising the ligand-receptor complex due to strong hydrogen bonding with Asp116 located in the TMH 3 helix. Analogically, in a homology model of the 5-HT(2A) receptor, the N-8 atom formed a hydrogen bond with Gly369. In another homology model of the D(2) receptor, strong hydrogen bonding of the amide moiety in the 3ß position of the tropane nucleus with Asp85 was observed. Compound 6b displayed a favourable Meltzer index (1.21) which is a feature of atypical antipsychotic agents.

The structure-bioavailability approach in antifungal agents.

The thermodynamic and electrostatic properties of antifungal triazole and imidazole derivatives: itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole and ketoconazole molecules were calculated. The main aim of our investigations was to identify molecular determinants that have an effect on bioavailability of studied compounds. This is solvation energy estimated by the DeltaG values as well as electrostatic properties of the molecules. The influence of another substituents was also considered. The presented values are discriminative and reflect very low solubility of ketoconazole in water in comparison with other molecules. The thermodynamic and electrostatic properties of molecules appeared to be good indicators of bioavailability of compounds studied here and they are likely to be used as screening parameters in Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) development.