Proof of the Structure of the Stemodia chilensis Tetracyclic Diterpenoid (+)-19-Acetoxystemodan-12-ol by Synthesis from (+)-Podocarpic Acid: X-ray Structure Determination of a Key Intermediate.

The first synthesis of (+)-19-acetoxystemodan-12-ol (1), a stemodane diterpenoid isolated from Stemodia chilensis, is described. The structure was supported by an X-ray crystallographic analysis of intermediate (+)-9a, which confirmed the proposed structure and excluded the structure of (-)-19-hydroxystemod-12-ene as a possible candidate for the Chilean Calceolaria diterpenoid to which the (-)-19-hydroxystemar-13-ene structure (9b) had been erroneously assigned.

Regio- and diastereoselective synthesis and X-ray structure determination of (+)-2-deoxyoryzalexin S from (+)-podocarpic acid. Structural nonidentity with its nominal natural isolated enantiomer.

(+)-2-Deoxyoryzalexin S (1), the nominal enantiomer of a diterpenoid isolated in Chile from Calceolaria species, was regio- and diastereoselectively synthesized from (+)-podocarpic acid. (+)-2-Deoxyoryzalexin S (1) was characterized also as its acetyl derivative, (+)-2, whose structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Surprisingly, comparison of the data recorded for (+)-1 and (+)-2 and those reported in the literature for the Calceolaria isolated diterpenoid 1 and its derivative (-)-2 showed some differences, suggesting that the latter do not possess the proposed structures.

Diastereoselective total synthesis of (+)-13-stemarene by fourth generation methods: a formal total synthesis of (+)-18-deoxystemarin.

The problem of constructing diastereoselectively the C/D ring system of stemarane diterpenes from a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane intermediate was solved resulting in very simple synthesis of (+)-13-stemarene 1. The obtaining of the latter represents also a formal synthesis of (+)-18-deoxystemarin 2. In the key step, the epimeric mixture 10, dissolved in toluene, was converted by the action of TsOH into (+)-stemar-13-en-15-one 28.

Novel Locally Active Estrogens Accelerate Cutaneous Wound Healing-Part 2.

Estrogen deprivation is associated with delayed healing, while estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) accelerates acute wound healing and protects against development of chronic wounds. However, current estrogenic molecules have undesired systemic effects, thus the aim of our studies is to generate new molecules for topic administration that are devoid of systemic effects. Following a preliminary study, the new 17ß-estradiol derivatives 1 were synthesized. The estrogenic activity of these novel compounds was evaluated in vitro using the cell line ERE-Luc B17 stably transfected with an ERE-Luc reporter. Among the 17ß-estradiol derivatives synthesized, compounds 1e and 1f showed the highest transactivation potency and were therefore selected for the study of their systemic estrogenic activity. The study of these compounds in the ERE-Luc mouse model demonstrated that both compounds lack systemic effects when administered in the wound area. Furthermore, wound-healing experiments showed that 1e displays a significant regenerative and anti-inflammatory activity. It is therefore confirmed that this class of compounds are suitable for topical administration and have a clear beneficial effect on wound healing.

Novel locally active estrogens accelerate cutaneous wound healing. A preliminary study.

New 17beta-estradiol (E2) derivatives 1-11 were synthesized from an estrone derivative by addition of organometallic reagents prepared from protected alpha,omega-alkynols and further elaboration of the addition products. The estrogenic activity of these novel compounds was determined using in vitro binding competition assay and transactivation analysis. Among the E2 derivatives synthesized, compound 2 showed the highest transactivation potency and was therefore tested for its ability to modulate cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Compound 2's ability to accelerate wound healing in ovariectomized mice and decrease the production of inflammatory molecules was comparable to that of E2. However, the activity of compound 2 was not superimposable to E2 with regard to the cells involved in the wound repairing process. When locally administered, compound 2 did not show any systemic activity on ER. This class of compounds with clear beneficial effects on wound healing and suitable for topical administration may lead to the generation of innovative drugs for an area of unmet clinical need.

Spectroscopic characterization of 6-hydroxy and 1-methyl-6-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one ethylene acetals and ethylene dithioacetals.

6-endo- and 6-exo-Hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one and 1-methyl-6-endo- and 6-exo-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one ethylene acetals and ethylene dithioacetals 1-4 have been characterized by 1D and 2D NMR methods.