Antiplasmodial metabolites isolated from the marine octocoral Muricea austera

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract from the octocoral Muricea austera collected in the Pacific coast of Panama led to the isolation of eight compounds, including three tyramine derivatives (1-3), two steroidal pregnane glycosides (4, 5), and three sesquiterpenoids (6-8). Compounds 2-5 are new natural products, and their structures were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data (HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD studies). The antiprotozoal activities of the natural compounds 1-8 as well as those of a series of synthetic glycosides (11-22) and tyramine derivatives (23-35) were evaluated in vitro against a drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and intracellular form of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The 1H NMR Method for the Determination of the Absolute Configuration of 1,2,3-prim,sec,sec-Triols

The absolute configuration of 1,2,3-prim,sec,sec-triols can be assigned by comparison of the 1H NMR spectra of the tris-(R)- and the tris-(S)-MPA ester derivatives. An experimental demonstration of this correlation with 24 triols of known absolute configuration and a protocol using two parameters-Deltadelta(RS)(H3) and the difference between Deltadelta RS (H2) and Deltadelta RS (H3) = absolute value (Delta(Deltadelta RS))-for its application to the determination of the absolute configuration of other triols are presented.

The assignment of absolute configuration of cyanohydrins by NMR

Derivatization of aldehyde cyanohydrins as (R)- and (S)-MPA esters and comparison of the corresponding 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra allows the assignment of their absolute configuration.

Role of Barium(II) in the Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Chiral Amines by 1H NMR Spectroscopy

The assignment of the absolute configuration of alpha-chiral primary amines by complexation of their MPA derivatives with Ba2+ and NMR analysis of the changes generated is presented. All that is required is (a) the derivatization of the amine of unknown configuration with one enantiomer of the auxiliary reagent (MPA), either (R) or (S)-alpha-methoxyphenylacetic acid, (b) the recording of the 1H NMR spectrum of the resulting amide in MeCN-d3, (c) the addition of Ba(ClO4)2 to the NMR tube, and (d) the recording of a second spectrum after a few minutes of shaking. The above steps take a few minutes and are followed by an analysis of the shifts (measured as Deltadelta(Ba)) produced on the L1 and L2 substituents of the amine by the addition of Ba2+ and their comparison with those expected from the conformational changes produced by the complexation. The conformational changes initiated by complexation have been subjected to NMR and CD studies, which showed that the formation of the complex shifts the equilibrium from an antiperiplanar (AP) to a synperiplanar (SP) form, leading to an increase of the shielding by the phenyl group of MPA of the substituent of the amine located on the same side. In addition, theoretical calculations [density functional theory (DFT)] provide further support for the formation, structure, and stability of the complexes. The general applicability of this method and the trustworthiness of the resulting configurational assignment were guaranteed with a series of amines of known absolute configuration and varied structures, used as test compounds. The method proposed is simple, fast, and inexpensive, and it requires a very small amount of sample, only one derivatization, and the recording of just two 1H NMR spectra at room temperature. A graphical guide to simplify the application of this method is included.

Development and Brain Delivery of Chitosan−PEG Nanoparticles Functionalized with the Monoclonal Antibody OX26

The inhibition of the caspase-3 enzyme is reported to increase neuronal cell survival following cerebral ischemia. The peptide Z-DEVD-FMK is a specific caspase inhibitor, which significantly reduces vulnerability to the neuronal cell death. However, this molecule is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and to diffuse into the brain tissue. Thus, the development of an effective delivery system is needed to provide sufficient drug concentration into the brain to prevent cell death. Using the avidin (SA)-biotin (BIO) technology, we describe here the design of chitosan (CS) nanospheres conjugated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) bearing the OX26 monoclonal antibody whose affinity for the transferrin receptor (TfR) may trigger receptor-mediated transport across the BBB. These functionalized CS-PEG-BIO-SA/OX26 nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, and release properties. Fluorescently labeled CS-PEG-BIO-SA/OX26 nanoparticles were administered systemically to mice in order to evaluate their efficacy for brain translocation. The results showed that an important amount of nanoparticles were located in the brain, outside of the intravascular compartment. These findings, which were also confirmed by electron microscopic examination of the brain tissue indicate that this novel targeted nanoparticulate drug delivery system was able to translocate into the brain tissue after iv administration. Consequently, these novel nanoparticles are promising carriers for the transport of the anticaspase peptide Z-DEVD-FMK into the brain.

The Assignment of the Absolute Configuration of 1,2-Diols by Low-Temperature NMR of a Single MPA Derivative

[reaction: see text] The absolute configuration of 1,2-primary/secondary diols can be easily assigned by low-temperature NMR of a bis-MPA ester derivative. The assignment requires the analysis of just the methylene protons, is not limited by the absence of signals from the R group of the diol, and requires a very small and recoverable sample.

The Prediction of the Absolute Stereochemistry of Primary and Secondary 1,2-Diols by1H NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Applications

The absolute configuration of 1,2-diols formed by a primary and a secondary (chiral) hydroxyl group can be deduced by comparison of the 1H NMR spectra of the corresponding (R)- and bis-(S)-MPA esters (MPA = methoxyphenylacetic acid). This method involves the use of the chemical shifts of substituents L1/L2 attached to the secondary (chiral) carbon, and of the hydrogen atom linked to the chiral center (C alpha-H) as diagnostic signals. Theoretical (AM1, HF, and B3 LYP calculations) and experimental data (dynamic and low-temperature NMR spectroscopy, studies on deuterated derivatives, constant coupling analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and NMR studies with a number of diols of known absolute configuration) prove that the signs of the delta delta(RS) obtained for those signals correlate with the absolute configuration of the diol. A graphical model for the reliable assignment of the absolute configuration of a 1,2-diol by comparison of the NMR spectra of its bis-(R)- and bis-(S)-MPA esters is presented.

Determining the absolute stereochemistry of secondary/secondary diols by 1H NMR: basis and applications

[structures: see text] The absolute configuration of 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, and 1,5-diols formed by two secondary (chiral) hydroxy groups can be deduced by comparison of the NMR spectra of the corresponding bis-(R)- and bis-(S)-MPA esters. The correlation between the NMR spectra of the bis-ester derivatives and the absolute stereochemistry of the diol involves the comparison of the chemical shifts of the signals for substituents R1/R2 and for the hydrogens attached to the two chiral centers [H(alpha)(R1) and H(alpha)(R2)] in the bis-(R)- and the bis-(S)-ester and is expressed as delta deltaRS. Theoretical calculations [energy minimization by semiempirical (AM1), ab initio (HF), DFT (B3LYP), and Onsager methods, and aromatic shielding effect calculations] and experimental data (NMR and CD spectroscopy) indicate that in these bis-MPA esters, the experimental delta deltaRS values are the result of the contribution of the shielding/deshielding effects produced by the two MPA units that combine according to the actual stereochemistry of the diol. The reliability of these correlations is demonstrated with a wide range of diols of known absolute configuration derivatized with MPA and 9-AMA as auxiliary reagents. A simple graphical model that allows the simultaneous assignment of the two asymmetric carbons of a 1,n-diol by comparison of the NMR spectra (delta deltaRS signs) of its bis-(R)- and bis-(S)-AMAA ester derivatives is presented.

Leptolide, a new furanocembranolide diterpene from Leptogorgia alba

Six furanocembranolides (1-6) and one pseudopterolide (7) have been isolated from the octocorals Leptogorgia alba and Leptogorgia rigida, collected on the Pacific coast of Panama. Compound 1, named leptolide, has a new structure closely related to the neurotoxin lophotoxin (3). The X-ray structures of 1-3 were determined, and the absolute configurations of 2-7 are discussed. Compounds 1-7 were evaluated in vitro against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.

Absolute configuration of amino alcohols by 1H-NMR

A general NMR spectroscopy protocol for determination of absolute configuration of 1,2-amino alcohols, that allows differentiation of the four possible stereoisomers by analysis of the 1H NMR spectra of their bis-MPA derivatives, is described.

A new pyrazolo pyrimidine derivative inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 with anti-angiogenic activity

In a previous study, we reported a new pyrazolo pyrimidine derivative, N(4)-benzyl-N(6),N(6)-dimethyl-1-1(tert-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-6,4-diamine (DPP), which inhibited potently cyclooxygenase-2 activity in intact cell assays with minor activity against cyclooxygenase-1 (IC(50)=0.9 nM for cyclooxygenase-2 versus IC(50)=59.6 nM for cyclooxygenase-1). In the present work, this behaviour was confirmed in vivo by using the 24-h zymosan-injected mouse air pouch model (ID(50)=1.36 nM/pouch for prostaglandin E(2) level). We also studied the possible beneficial effect of DPP in the angiogenesis-dependent murine air pouch granuloma and rat paw carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia models. DPP exerted analgesic and anti-angiogenic (52% reduction in angiogenesis at 10 mg/kg, i.p.) effects that may be associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity.

In vitro efficacy of new antiprotozoals against Philasterides dicentrarchi (Ciliophora, Scuticociliatida)

Philasterides dicentrarchi is a histiophagous ciliate that causes severe losses in turbot and sea bass farming. This study investigated the in vitro efficacy against P. dicentrarchi of 85 newly synthesized compounds and 12 commercial compounds, of which 2 are fluoroquinolones (norfloxacine and lomefloxacine) with known antibacterial activity. Seventeen of the newly synthesized compounds (2 naphthyridines, 2 pyridothienodiazines and 13 pyridothienotriazines) and the fluoroquinolone norfloxacin showed good activity. The most promising compound was the pyridothienotriazine 12k, with activity similar to that of the salicylanilides niclosamide and oxiclozanide (MLC 0.8 mg l(-1) in PBS, 1.5 mg l(-1) in seawater; MLC = minimum 24 h lethal concentration).

dd-diketopiperazines: antibiotics active against Vibrio anguillarum isolated from marine bacteria associated with cultures of Pecten maximus

Bacterial strains CF-20 (CECT5719) and C-148 (CECT5718), isolated from cultures of larvae of molluscs, are shown to produce substances 1-5 with strong antibiotic activity against Vibrio anguillarum (MIC: 0.03-0.07 mug/mL) and identified as the dd-diketopiperazines cyclo(d)-Pro-(d)-Phe (1), cyclo(d)-Pro-(d)-Leu (2), cyclo(d)-Pro-(d)-Val (3), cyclo(d)-Pro-(d)-Ile (4), and cyclo-trans-4-OH-(d)-Pro-(d)-Phe (5). Comparison with other stereoisomers indicates that inhibition of V. anguillarum is associated with the presence of at least one d-amino acid in the diketopiperazine system. This is the first time a series of dd-diketopiperazines has been isolated from a single natural source and their inhibitory activity against V. anguillarum described.

"Mix and shake" method for configurational assignment by NMR: application to chiral amines and alcohols

[reaction: see text] A new methodology for determining absolute configurations by NMR in just a few minutes is presented. The required derivatives are obtained by mixing a solid matrix-bound auxiliary reagent (MPA, MTPA, or BPG) with the chiral substrate (primary amines or secondary alcohols) directly in the NMR tube. The NMR spectra of the derivatives are obtained without any type of separation, workup, or manipulation. The use of a 1:2 (R)/(S)-MPA resin permits the configurational assignment to be carried out with just one spectrum.

Triterpene glycosides from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria conicospermium

Four new triterpene glycosides, cucumariosides A(2)-5 (1), A(3)-2 (2), A(3)-3 (3), and isokoreoside A (4), along with the previously isolated koreoside A (5), have been found in the sea cucumber Cucumariaconicospermium. Glycoside 1 was isolated as a native substance, while glycosides 2-5 were identified through their desulfated derivatives. Their structures have been deduced by extensive spectral analysis (NMR and MS) and chemical evidence. All the glycosides contain the same branched pentasaccharide carbohydrate chain but differ in the number and positions of the sulfate groups. Glycoside 1 has one, glycosides 2 and 3 have two, and glycosides 4 and 5 have three sulfate groups. Glycosides 2-5 are non-holostane derivatives; their aglycons lack the 18(20)-lactone and are characterized by shortened side chains, which is a very rare feature among the sea cucumber glycosides.

6-Dimethylamino 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives as new inhibitors of inflammatory mediators in intact cells

The synthesis of 6-dimethylamino 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines substituted at positions 1 and 4, and their effects on murine macrophage and human neutrophil functions are described. Several compounds and especially 4b-6b are potent inhibitors of PGE(2) generation in murine macrophages. This action is related to a direct effect on COX-2 activity without affecting the enzyme expression. Some of these compounds also inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 in human monocytes and 4b showed selectivity for COX-2 inhibition.

Piperazine N-substituted naphthyridines, pyridothienopyrimidines and pyridothienotriazines: new antiprotozoals active against Philasterides dicentrarchi

New antiprotozoals active against Philasterides dicentrarchi, the causative agent of scuticociliatosis in farmed turbot and Black Sea bass-bream, have been synthesised and tested. The most active compounds posses a piperazine ring, generally N-bonded to the heterocycle, and are the 1,8-naphthyridines, 2f and 5o, the pyridothienopyrimidine (7), and the pyridothienotriazines, 8, 9, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12m and 12k. Pyridothienotriazine (12k) presents the same activity (Lethal Dose, LD=0.8/1.5 mg L(-1)) as the well-known antiparasitics niclosamide and oxyclozanide.

Triterpene glycosides from the deep-water North-Pacific sea cucumber Synallactes nozawai Mitsukuri

Five non-sulfated triterpene glycosides, synallactosides A(1) (1), A(2) (2), B(1) (3), B(2) (4), and C (5), have been isolated from the sea cucumber Synallactes nozawai. Their structures have been deduced by extensive analysis of NMR and mass spectra. The glycosides 2-5 are new glycosides. Glycosides 2-4 have carbohydrate chains without precedent in the glycosides from sea cucumbers. This is the first time glycosides are found in members of the family Synallactidae.

Absolute configuration of secondary alcohols by 1H NMR: in situ complexation of alpha-methoxyphenylacetic acid esters with barium(II)

A novel methodology that allows the assignment of the absolute configuration of chiral secondary alcohols by NMR using only one derivative is presented. All that is needed is (a) the derivatization of the alcohol of unknown configuration with one enantiomer--either the (R)- or the (S)--of alpha-methoxyphenylacetic acid (MPA), (b) the recording of the 1H NMR spectrum of the resulting ester in MeCN-d3, and (c) addition of a barium(II) salt [i.e. Ba(ClO4)2] to the NMR tube till saturation and recording of a second spectrum. The assignment of the R/S configuration to the alcohol takes a few minutes and consists on the comparison of the signs of the shifts (Deltadelta(Ba)) produced by addition of the barium(II) with those predicted for the (R) and the (S) enantiomers in accordance to a simplified model that reflects the conformational changes produced by the complexation with barium and their consequences in the chemical shifts. These conformational changes are based on experimental NMR and CD results showing that the formation of a barium(II) complex with the MPA ester moves the conformational equilibrium between syn- (sp) and anti-periplanar (ap) forms toward the most stable ones (sp), and that this leads to the increase of the shielding caused by the MPA phenyl group on a certain substituent of the alcohol. In addition, ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide further evidence on the formation, structure, and stability of the complexes with Ba2+, Mg2+, and the influence of the solvent. The general applicability of this methodology and the reliability of the configurational assignment were assured by the study of about twenty alcohols of known configuration and diverse structural features. Its scope and limitations have also being established and other representative cations (i.e. Li+, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sc3+, V3+, Zn2+) were also evaluated. The procedure proposed is simple, fast, and cheap because it requires a very small amount of sample, only one derivatization, and the recording of only two 1H NMR spectra at rt. A graphical guide to facilitate the application of this new method is included at the end of the paper.