Influence of a 4'-substituent on the efficiency of flavonol-based fluorescent indicators of ß-glycosidase activity.

This article presents novel fluorescent probes, based on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon and flavonols, sensitive to the action of specific glycosidases. 4'-Substituted flavonols were synthesized, using various approaches, and glycosylated with d-glucose, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-glucuronic acid. Evaluation of the ß-glycosidase activities was performed in neutral and acidic pH. In all the cases examined, an acidic environment accelerated enzymatic hydrolysis. It was demonstrated that the 4'-chloroflavonyl glycosides of all sugars tested, both in neutral and acidic pH, are the ones most sensitive to the presence of hydrolase. In turn, 4'-dimethylaminoflavonyl glucoside is not sensitive to glucosidase action at all. Generally, the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis increases as the electron-withdrawing nature of the 4'-substituent increases. An exception is the trifluoromethyl group which, in spite of having the most favourable Hammett constant, does not contribute enough to increase the rate of hydrolysis of its glucoside. The presented experimental results are supported by the electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis and related to the mechanisms of glycoside bond enzymatic hydrolysis.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of betulin-3-yl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glycopyranosides.

Betulin is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, possessing a lupane-structure, with a wide range of pharmacological activities. Its weak hydrosolubility hinders the biological activity of the compound and its derivatives. To circumvent this problem, we synthesized and tested in vitro three d-glycosaminosides of betulin. The structure of betulin was modified by incorporation of 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-gluco- and -d-galactopyranosyl moieties to its C-3 position. So far betulinyl glycosides containing these amino-sugars have not been reported in the literature. The structure of the studied derivatives was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The 28-O-acetylbetulin-3-yl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glucopyranoside and betulin-3-yl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-gluco- and ß-d-galactopyranoside were tested against the human pathogenic fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the MTT assay of their cytotoxicity was performed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and on the HDFa, human dermal fibroblasts. The Ames test on mutagenic properties completed our biological assays.

Synthesis, Modification and Biological Activity of Diosgenyl ß-d-Glycosaminosides: An Overview.

Saponins are a structurally diverse class of natural glycosides that possess a broad spectrum of biological activities. They are composed of hydrophilic carbohydrate moiety and hydrophobic triterpenoid or steroid aglycon. Naturally occurring diosgenyl glycosides are the most abundant steroid saponins, and many of them exhibit various pharmacological properties. Herein, we present an overview of semisynthetic saponins syntheses-diosgenyl ß-d-glycosaminosides (d-gluco and d-galacto). These glycosides possess a 2-amino group, which creates great possibilities for further modifications. A wide group of glycosyl donors, different N-protecting groups and various reaction conditions used for their synthesis are presented. In addition, this paper demonstrates the possibilities of chemical modifications of diosgenyl ß-d-glycosaminosides, associated with functionalisation of the amino group. These provide N-acyl, N-alkyl, N,N-dialkyl, N-cinnamoyl, 2-ureido and 2-thiosemicarbazonyl derivatives of diosgenyl ß-d-glycosaminosides, for which the results of biological activity tests (antifungal, antibacterial, anti-cancer and hemolytic) are presented.

N-Aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl derivatives of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glucopyranoside: Synthesis, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities.

Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glucopyranoside is a semisynthetic saponin with antimicrobial and antitumor activities. To search for more effective analogues, N-aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl derivatives of this saponin were synthesized conventionally and with microwave assistance, and tested against the human pathogenic fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. None of the tested compounds exhibit activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Almost all of the synthesized N-aminoacyl saponins exhibit antifungal activity and act effectively against Gram-positive bacteria, some better than the parent compound. The best acting saponins are the same size and possess sarcosine or l- or d-alanine attached to the parent glucosaminoside. Shorter and longer aminoacyl residues are less advantageous. d-Alanine derivative is the most effective against Gram positive bacteria. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicates that the free α-amino group in aminoacyl residue is necessary for antimicrobial activities of the tested saponins. (N-Acetyl)aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl analogs are inactive. Measurements of the hemolytic activities demonstrate that the best acting saponins are not toxic towards human red blood cells.

Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-galactopyranoside: synthesis, derivatives and antimicrobial activity.

The synthesis of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-galactopyranoside is presented for the first time. This synthetic saponin was transformed into its hydrochloride as well as N-acyl, 2-ureido, N-alkyl, and N,N-dialkyl derivatives. Antifungal and antibacterial studies show that some of the obtained compounds are active against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida type fungi.

N-Alkyl derivatives of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside; synthesis and antimicrobial activity.

Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside is a synthetic saponin exhibiting attractive pharmacological properties. Different pathways tested by us to obtain this glycoside are summarized here. Moreover, the synthesis of N-alkyl and N,N-dialkyl derivatives of the glucopyranoside is presented. Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities of these derivatives indicates that they have no inhibitory activity against Gram-negative bacteria, whereas many of the tested N-alkyl saponins were found to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and human pathogenic fungi.

Cyclophosphamide and isophosphamide - DFT conformational studies in the gas phase and solution.

Cyclophosphamide and isophosphamide have been subjected to comprehensive conformational studies in the vacuum and solution using the SMD solvation model. Vacuum calculations were conducted using the B3LYP, M05-2X, M06-2X and ωB97XD functionals. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis has been performed for selected geometries. A preference for a chair conformation with the axial P=O bond is shown (1C4). The 5S0 conformation is 1.25-2.31 kcal/mol and 1.72-2.92 kcal/mol higher in energy than the global minimum conformations of cyclophosphamide and isophosphamide, respectively. In the gas phase, the chair conformation with the equatorial P=O bond (4C1) is of comparable stability or less stable than the skew form, depending on the method used, while it is slightly more favored than the 5S0 conformation in solution. The stereoelectronic effects do not differentiate the ring conformer stability. The steric strains between N(EtCl)1-2 and the C4 and C6 carbon atoms mainly influence the stability of cyclophosphamide and isophosphamide conformers.

Activity of Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside, its Hydrochloride, and N,N-dialkyl Derivatives Against Non-albicans Candida Isolates.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans belongs to the most common fungal pathogens in humans, but recently an increased proliferation of strains called non-albicans Candida has been reported. Species belonging to this group are often characterised by a reduced susceptibility to antifungal agents. OBJECTIVE: In view of the emergence of non-albicans Candida and their resistance to available antifungals, an attempt has been made to develop novel effective agents. Biological activities of the N,N-dialkyl diosgenyl glycosides, which were previously synthesized, were determined. METHOD: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for group of clinical nonalbicans Candida isolates by serial dilution method in Sabouraud liquid medium. In order to assess the toxicity towards human cells the minimum haemolytic concentration (MHC) was determined on human erythrocytes by serial dilution method in phosphoric buffer. RESULTS: The saponins exhibited a strong activity towards clinical isolates of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis comparable or even stronger than that of conventional antimicrobials. A high rate of resistance to fluconazole was shown among C. glabrata isolates. Among clinical strains of C. krusei and C. tropicalis, isolates with a decreased susceptibility to saponins were identified. All the tested C. krusei isolates showed resistance to fluconazole, while among C. tropicalis numerous strains were resistant to all tested azoles. The saponins did not show haemolytic activities at their microbiologically active concentrations. CONCLUSION: Results of the present work encourage to continue the study on steroidal saponins and their potential application for the treatment of candidemia.

Conformational studies of N-(α-d-glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone)- and N-(methyl ß-d-glucopyranuronate)-p-nitroanilines.

N-(α-d-Glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone)-p-nitroaniline and N-(methyl ß-d-glucopyranuronate)-p-nitroaniline were obtained as crystalline solids. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR data and DFT calculations for N-(α-d-glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone)-p-nitroaniline indicate that this N-furanoside adopts a 3T2/3E-like conformation in the crystal lattice, solution and gas phase. Thus, the structure of recorded for N-furanoside 1H NMR spectrum is indicative of the 3T2/3E region of the pseudorotational itinerary for furanose derivatives with α-d-gluco, ß-L-ido and α-d-xylo configurations. Moreover, it is concluded that the 1T2/E2/3T2/3E region of the pseudorotational itinerary for furanose derivatives with d-gluco, L-ido and d-xylo configurations should be characterised by the lack of coupling between H2 and H3 protons, irrespective of the anomeric configuration. Such a lack of vicinal coupling is characteristic for some of the trans-oriented furanose ring protons. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR data for N-(methyl ß-d-glucopyranuronate)-p-nitroaniline indicate that this N-glucuronide adopts the 4C1 conformation, both in the crystal lattice and solution. The occurrence of anomeric effects in the presented N-glycosides is discussed. The crystal structure analysis of both N-glycosides gives evidence that the amine group in p-nitroaniline is planar due to the nitrogen sp2 hybridisation.

Synthesis and induction of apoptosis in B cell chronic leukemia by diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside hydrochloride and its derivatives.

2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose hydrochloride (D-glucosamine hydrochloride) has been used for the preparation of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-trifluoroacetamido-beta- (4) and 2-tetrachlorophthalimido-alpha,beta-D-glucopyranose (6), which have been transformed into the appropriate bromides and the chloride. Both bromo and chloro sugars were used as a glycosyl donors for the glycosylation of diosgenin [(25R)-spirost-5-en-3beta-ol]. These condensations were conducted under mild conditions, using silver triflate as a promoter, and gave diosgenyl glycosides 9 and 12. Each of them was converted into diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside hydrochloride (11) and N-acylamido derivatives. The structures of all new glycosides were established by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These diosgenyl glycosides are the first saponins containing the D-glucosamine residue that have been synthesized. These compounds show promising antitumor activities. The synthetic saponins increase the number of apoptotic B cells, in combination with cladribine (2-CdA), that are isolated from chronic lymphotic leukemia (B-CLL) patients.

Conformational studies of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranosides at the PM3 and DFT levels of theory.

Geometry optimizations at the PM3 level were performed for diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside and its N-protonated form. Next, B3LYP/6-311++G(**) level geometry optimizations were carried out, albeit on a simpler model. The relative Gibbs free energies and geometry parameters are presented for the optimized structures. Conformational analysis concerning the clockwise (cw) and counterclockwise (ccw) arrangements of the OH groups as well as the three orientations of the NH2 and CH2OH groups was performed. Furthermore, a full scan of all the possible locations of the diosgenyl moiety in relation to the sugar ring in the target compounds was done. The PM3 optimization results indicate that diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside exists as a mixture of many rotamers. Of these, ccw conformers as well as the -ac orientation of the aglycone (ca -100° for torsion angle φ) are preferred. In the case of the N-protonated glucoside one rotamer is dominant in the mixture (population>60%). Only the cw arrangement is stable in the protonated form, because of steric and electronic repulsion between the charged ammonium group and the hydrogen atom of the neighbouring 3-OH group. The gauche-trans (gt) orientation of the CH2OH group is favourable to both neutral and protonated forms of diosgenyl glucosides at the PM3 level. DFT studies also predict conformational mixtures for both neutral and protonated forms of simplified diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranosides. These investigations showed unequivocally the preference for the ccw arrangement over cw, and that values of angle φ concur with the exo-anomeric effect. The B3LYP functional predicts the greater stability of the gt and tg orientations for the neutral and protonated analogues respectively. According to both PM3 and B3LYP calculations, torsion angle ψ has only a minor influence on the conformational energy. The importance of the geometry parameters affecting the stability of these conformers appears to be as follows: angle φ≈NH2/ccw/cw>gg/gt/tg>angle ψ.

Differently N-protected 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosyl chlorides and their application in the synthesis of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside.

Four differently N-protected 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranosyl chlorides were synthesized and used as glycosyl donors in reactions with diosgenin. The following amine group protections were tested: trifluoroacetyl (TFA), 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl (Troc), phthaloyl (Phth), and tetrachlorophthaloyl (TCP). Products of glycosylation were deprotected to yield diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glucopyranoside. The efficiency of the procedures is discussed. Additionally, a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-tetrachlorophthalimido-ß-d-glucopyranosyl chloride is reported. Orientations of the pyranose substituents as well as the planarity of the acetoxy and phthalimide groups in the crystal lattice are discussed. Structural evidence is presented for a mesomeric effect in both groups. The preference of the cis over trans orientation of the acetoxy group is confirmed in the crystal lattice.

In vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of the saponin diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-glucopyranoside hydrochloride (HSM1) alone and in combination with daptomycin and vancomycin against Gram-positive cocci.

Surgical site infections are the second most common hospital- and community-acquired Gram-positive infections, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that about 500 000 surgical site infections occur annually in the USA. The aim of this work was to determine the in vitro activity of the saponin diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-ß-d-glucopyranoside hydrochloride (HSM1) and its bactericidal effect for a large number of Gram-positive cocci, as well as to investigate its in vitro interaction with seven clinically used antibiotics. In vivo, a wound model was established through the panniculus carnosus of BALB/c mice and then inoculated with 5×10(7) c.f.u. Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus faecalis. For each bacterial strain, the study included an infected or non-infected group that did not receive any treatment, a group treated with local HSM1, a group treated with intraperitoneal vancomycin, a group treated with intraperitoneal daptomycin and two groups that received HSM1 local treatment plus intraperitoneal vancomycin or daptomycin. All isolates were inhibited by HSM1 at concentrations of 2-32 mg l(-1). Synergy was demonstrated when HSM1 was combined with vancomycin and daptomycin. In in vivo studies, all groups treated with single drugs showed a statistically significant result compared with the control group. The two groups treated with drug combinations showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy. The good in vitro activities and the in vivo efficacy suggest HSM1 as a promising therapeutic candidate in Gram-positive wound infections.