2-benzoxazolyl and 2-benzimidazolyl hydrazones derived from 2-acetylpyridine: a novel class of antitumor agents

Pyridyl-Linked Hetero Hydrazones: Transmembrane H+/Cl- Symporters with Efficient Antibacterial Activity

The development of potent antibacterial agents has become increasingly difficult as bacteria continue to evolve and develop resistance to antibiotics. It is therefore imperative to find effective antimicrobial agents that can address the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Using artificial transmembrane ion transporters is an emerging and promising avenue to address this issue. We report pyridyl-linked hetero hydrazones as highly efficient transmembrane HCl symporters. These compounds offer an appropriate HCl binding site through cooperative protonation, followed by recognition of chloride ions. HCl transport by these compounds inhibits the growth of different Gram-negative bacterial strains with high efficacy by affecting the cell envelope homeostasis. This specific class of compounds holds substantial promise in the ongoing pursuit of developing highly efficient antibacterial agents.

Modulation Effect on Tubulin Polymerization, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity of 1H-Benzimidazole-2-Yl Hydrazones

1H-benzimidazol-2-yl hydrazones with varying hydroxy and methoxy phenyl moieties were designed. Their effect on tubulin polymerization was evaluated in vitro on porcine tubulin. The compounds elongated the nucleation phase and slowed down the tubulin polymerization comparably to nocodazole. The possible binding modes of the hydrazones with tubulin were explored by molecular docking at the colchicine binding site. The anticancer activity was evaluated against human malignant cell lines MCF-7 and AR-230, as well as against normal fibroblast cells 3T3 and CCL-1. The compounds demonstrated a marked antineoplastic activity in low micromolar concentrations in both screened in vitro tumor models. The most active were the trimethoxy substituted derivative 1i and the positional isomers 1j and 1k, containing hydroxy and methoxy substituents: they showed IC₅₀ similar to the reference podophyllotoxin in both tumor cell lines, accompanied with high selectivity towards the malignantly transformed cells. The compounds exerted moderate to high ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals and certain derivatives-1l containing metha-hydroxy and para-methoxy group, and 1b-e with di/trihydroxy phenyl moiety, revealed HORAC values high or comparable to those of well-known phenolic antioxidants. Thus the 1H-benisimidazol-2-yl hydrazones with hydroxy/methoxy phenyl fragments were recognized as new agents exhibiting promising combined antioxidant and antineoplastic action.

A Pyridyl-Linked Benzimidazolyl Tautomer Facilitates Prodigious H+/Cl- Symport through a Cooperative Protonation and Chloride Ion Recognition

We report two pyridyl-linked benzimidazolyl hydrazones as HCl cotransporters that are 5 and 2 times superior to prodigiosin, a natural product whose transport efficiency has never been routed by synthetic molecules. These hydrazones provide a suitable HCl binding site through a cooperative protonation and chloride ion recognition. HCl transport by the most active compound induces lysosome deacidification. Viability assays confirmed that the compounds induce cytotoxicity toward human breast cancer MCF-7 cells but are relatively nontoxic toward noncancerous HEK293T cells.

Benzothiazolyl and Benzoxazolyl Hydrazones Function as Zinc Metallochaperones to Reactivate Mutant p53

We identified a set of thiosemicarbazone (TSC) metal ion chelators that reactivate specific zinc-deficient p53 mutants using a mechanism called zinc metallochaperones (ZMCs) that restore zinc binding by shuttling zinc into cells. We defined biophysical and cellular assays necessary for structure-activity relationship studies using this mechanism. We investigated an alternative class of zinc scaffolds that differ from TSCs by substitution of the thiocarbamoyl moiety with benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, and benzimidazolyl hydrazones. Members of this series bound zinc with similar affinity and functioned to reactivate mutant p53 comparable to the TSCs. Acute toxicity and efficacy assays in rodents demonstrated C1 to be significantly less toxic than the TSCs while demonstrating equivalent growth inhibition. We identified C85 as a ZMC with diminished copper binding that functions as a chemotherapy and radiation sensitizer. We conclude that the benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, and benzimidazolyl hydrazones can function as ZMCs to reactivate mutant p53 in vitro and in vivo.

MeBib Suppressed Methamphetamine Self-Administration Response via Inhibition of BDNF/ERK/CREB Signal Pathway in the Hippocampus

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the world by illegal drug users. Addiction to MA is a serious public health problem and effective therapies do not exist to date. It has also been reported that behavior induced by psychostimulants such as MA is related to histone deacetylase (HDAC). MeBib is an HDAC6 inhibitor derived from a benzimidazole scaffold. Many benzimidazole-containing compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activity. In this study, we investigated whether HDAC6 inhibitor MeBib modulates the behavioral response in MA self-administered rats. Our results demonstrated that the number of active lever presses in MA self-administered rats was reduced by pretreatment with MeBib. In the hippocampus of rats, we also found MA administration promotes GluN2B, an NMDA receptor subunit, expression, which results in sequential activation of ERK/CREB/BDNF pathway, however, MeBib abrogated it. Collectively, we suggest that MeBib prevents the MA seeking response induced by MA administration and therefore, represents a potent candidate as an MA addiction inhibitor.

Design, Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Novel Ethanoanthracenes and Related Compounds to Target Burkitt's Lymphoma

Lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) account for 12% of malignant diseases worldwide. Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in which the cancer starts in the immune B-cells. We report the synthesis and preliminary studies on the antiproliferative activity of a library of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene based compounds structurally related to the antidepressant drug maprotiline against BL cell lines MUTU-1 and DG-75. Structural modifications were achieved by Diels-Alder reaction of the core 9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracene with number of dienophiles including maleic anhydride, maleimides, acrylonitrile and benzyne. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated in BL cell lines EBV⁻ MUTU-1 and EBV⁺ DG-75 (chemoresistant). The most potent compounds 13j, 15, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 19a displayed IC₅₀ values in the range 0.17–0.38 μM against the BL cell line EBV⁻ MUTU-1 and IC₅₀ values in the range 0.45–0.78 μM against the chemoresistant BL cell line EBV⁺ DG-75. Compounds 15, 16b and 16c demonstrated potent ROS dependent apoptotic effects on the BL cell lines which were superior to the control drug taxol and showed minimal cytotoxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The results suggest that this class of compounds merits further investigation as antiproliferative agents for BL.

Recent Advances in Apoptosis: THE Role of Hydrazones

The process of programmed cell death in higher eukaryotes (apoptosis), is generally characterized by distinct morphological characteristics and energy-dependent biochemical mechanisms. Apoptosis is considered as a vital component of various processes including normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, hormone-dependent atrophy, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Apoptosis seems to play an important key role in the progression of several human diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and many types of cancer. Promotion of apoptosis may be a good approach for the prevention of cancer cell proliferation. In early studies, antitumor compounds have been found to induce the apoptotic process in tumor cells. On the other hand, several hydrazones were reported to have lower toxicity than hydrazides due to the blockage of -NH2 group. Therefore, the design of hydrazones that activate and promote apoptosis is an attractive strategy for the discovery and development of potential anticancer agents. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge and the connection between apoptosis and hydrazone. It is also the guide for the apoptotic activities of new hydrazone derivatives.

Potent sirtuin inhibition with 1,2,5-trisubstituted benzimidazoles

Benzimidazole analogs were previously shown to inhibit sirtuin activity. Novel compound 5i was found to be a potent SIRT2 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 2.92 μM.

Synthesis of Tolmetin Hydrazide-Hydrazones and Discovery of a Potent Apoptosis Inducer in Colon Cancer Cells

Tolmetin hydrazide and a novel series of tolmetin hydrazide-hydrazones 4a-l were synthesized in this study. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectral (FT-IR, (1)H NMR) methods. N'-[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)methylidene]-2-[1-methyl-5-(4-methylbenzoyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl]acetohydrazide (4g) was evaluated in vitro using the MTT colorimetric method against the colon cancer cell lines HCT-116 (ATCC, CCL-247) and HT-29 (ATCC, HTB-38) to determine growth inhibition and cell viability at different doses. Compound 4g exhibited anti-cancer activity with an IC50 value of 76 μM against colon cancer line HT-29 (ATCC, HTB-38) and did not display cytotoxicity toward control NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells compared to tolmetin. In addition, this compound was evaluated for caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and annexin-V activation in the apoptotic pathway, which plays a key role in the treatment of cancer. We demonstrated that the anti-cancer activity of this compound was due to the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 involved in the apoptotic pathway. In addition, in this study, we investigated the catalytical effect of COX on the HT-29 cancer line, the apoptotic mechanism, and the moleculer binding of tolmetin and compound 4g on the COX enzyme active site.

Crystal structure of 2-(4-chloro-3-fluoro-phen-yl)-1H-benzimidazole

In the title compound, C13H8ClFN2, the dihedral angle between the plane of the benzimidazole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.022 Å) and the benzene ring is 26.90 (8)°. The F atom at the meta position of the benzene ring is disordered over two sites in a 0.843 (4):0.157 (4) ratio. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming infinite C(4) chains propagating along [010]. In addition, weak C-H⋯π and π-π inter-actions [shortest centroid-centroid separation = 3.6838 (12) Å] are observed, which link the chains into a three-dimensional network.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, molecular modeling and in vitro antibacterial activity of complexes designed from OO, NO and NN donor Schiff-base ligand [corrected]

A new chelating agent, N'-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)acetohydrazide (H2OMPH) and its complexes with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and U(IV)O2(2+) ions have been prepared and characterized by conventional techniques. The spectral data indicated that the ligand coordinates as neutral bidentate with Cu(II), Mn(II), U(IV)O2(2+) and Hg(II), neutral tridentate with Ni(II), mononegative tridentate with Co(II) and binegative tetradentate with Zn(II) ions. On basis of magnetic and electronic spectral data an octahedral geometry for Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and a square planar geometry for Cu(II) complex have been proposed and confirmed by applying geometry optimization and conformational analysis. The protonation constants of H2OMPH and the stepwise stability constants of its complexes are calculated at 298, 308 and 318 k as well as their thermodynamic parameters. Also, the Kinetic parameters (Ea, A, ΔH(*), ΔS(*) and ΔG(*)) were determined for each thermal degradation stage of some complexes using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods. Moreover, the ligand and some complexes were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermalies (St. epid); Streptococcus pyagenies (Strp. py.) as Gram +ve bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli); Klebsiella spp. (kleb. spp.) as Gram -ve bacteria using inhibition zone diameter.

2-[4-(Tri-fluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]-1H-benzimidazole

In the title compound, C14H9F3N2, the mean planes of the benzimidazole ring system and the tri-fluoro-methyl-substituted benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 30.1 (1)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into chains along [010]. Weak C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds and a weak C-H⋯π inter-action connect the chains into a two-dimensional network parallel to (001).

Thienoquinolines as novel disruptors of the PKCε/RACK2 protein-protein interaction

Ten protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes play divergent roles in signal transduction. Because of sequence similarities, it is particularly difficult to generate isozyme-selective small molecule inhibitors. In order to identify such a selective binder, we derived a pharmacophore model from the peptide EAVSLKPT, a fragment of PKCε that inhibits the interaction of PKCε and receptor for activated C-kinase 2 (RACK2). A database of 330 000 molecules was screened in silico, leading to the discovery of a series of thienoquinolines that disrupt the interaction of PKCε with RACK2 in vitro. The most active molecule, N-(3-acetylphenyl)-9-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-dioxino[2,3-g]thieno[2,3-b]quinoline-8-carboxamide (8), inhibited this interaction with a measured IC₅₀ of 5.9 μM and the phosphorylation of downstream target Elk-1 in HeLa cells with an IC₅₀ of 11.2 μM. Compound 8 interfered with MARCKS phosphorylation and TPA-induced translocation of PKCε (but not that of PKCδ) from the cytosol to the membrane. The compound reduced the migration of HeLa cells into a gap, reduced invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane matrix, and inhibited angiogenesis in a chicken egg assay.

Quantum chemical characterization of N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (HBAH): a detailed vibrational and NLO analysis

The molecular modeling of N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (HBAH) was carried out using B3LYP, CAMB3LYP and PBE1PBE levels of density functional theory (DFT). The molecular structure of HBAH was solved by means of IR, NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies. In order to find the stable conformers, conformational analysis was performed based on B3LYP level. A detailed vibrational analysis was made on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED). HOMO and LUMO energies were calculated, and the obtained energies displayed that charge transfer occurs in HBAH. NLO analysis indicated that HBAH can be used as an effective NLO material. NBO analysis also proved that charge transfer, conjugative interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions occur through HBAH. Additionally, major contributions from molecular orbitals to the electronic transitions were investigated theoretically.

End-to-End Thiocyanato-Bridged Helical Chain Polymer and Dichlorido-Bridged Copper(II) Complexes with a Hydrazone Ligand: Synthesis, Characterisation by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Variable-Temperature Magnetic Studies, and Inhibitory Effects on Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

The reactions of the tridentate hydrazone ligand, N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]acetohydrazide (HL), obtained by condensation of 2-acetylpyridine with acetic hyadrazide, with copper nitrate trihydrate in the presence of thiocyanate, or with CuCl2 produce two distinct coordination compounds, namely a one-dimensional helical coordination chain of [CuL(NCS)] n (1) units, and a doubly chlorido-bridged dinuclear complex [Cu2L2Cl2] (2) (where L=CH3C(O)=N-N=CCH3C5H4N). Single-crystal X-ray structural determination studies reveal that in complex 1, a deprotonated hydrazone ligand L(-) coordinates a copper(II) ion that is bridged to two neighbouring metal centres by SCN(-) anions, generating a one-dimensional helical coordination chain. In complex 2, two symmetry-related, adjacent copper(II) coordination entities are doubly chlorido-bridged, producing a dicopper entity with a Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance of 3.402 (1) Å. The two coordination compounds have been fully characterised by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques including IR, UV-vis and electron paramagnetic resonance, and variable-temperature magnetic studies. The biological effects of 1 and 2 on the viability of human colorectal carcinoma cells (COLO-205 and HT-29) were evaluated using an MTT assay, and the results indicate that these complexes induce a decrease in cell-population growth of human colorectal carcinoma cells with apoptosis.

First row transition metal complexes of (E)-2-(2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene) hydrazinyl)-2-oxo-N-phenylacetamide complexes

Manganese(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and chromium(III) complexes of (E)-2-(2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazinyl)-2-oxo-N-phenylacetamide were synthesized and characterized by elemental and thermal (TG and DTA) analyses, IR, UV-vis and (1)H NMR spectra as well as magnetic moment. Mononuclear complexes are obtained with 1:1 molar ratio except [Mn(HOS)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] and [Co(OS)(2)](H(2)O)(2) complexes which are obtained with 1:2 molar ratios. The IR spectra of ligand and metal complexes reveal various modes of chelation. The ligand behaves as a monobasic bidentate one and coordination occurs via the enolic oxygen atom and azomethine nitrogen atom. The ligand behaves also as a monobasic tridentate one and coordination occurs through the carbonyl oxygen atom, azomethine nitrogen atom and the hydroxyl oxygen. Moreover, the ligand behaves as a dibasic tridentate and coordination occurs via the enolic oxygen, azomethine nitrogen and the hydroxyl oxygen atoms. The electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements reveal that all complexes possess octahedral geometry except the copper complexes possesses a square planar geometry. From the modeling studies, the bond length, bond angle, HOMO, LUMO and dipole moment had been calculated to confirm the geometry of the ligands and their investigated complexes. The thermal studies showed the type of water molecules involved in metal complexes as well as the thermal decomposition of some metal complexes. The protonation constant of the ligand and the stability constant of metal complexes were determined pH-metrically in 50% (v/v) dioxane-water mixture at 298 K and found to be consistent with Irving-Williams order. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these compounds against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherechia coli and Candida albicans were determined.

Ethyl 1-sec-butyl-2-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxyl-ate

In the title compound, C(20)H(21)FN(2)O(2), the benzene ring and the benzimidazole ring system are inclined at a dihedral angle of 44.40 (9)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a zigzag chain along the b-axis direction. An intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-action is also observed.

Yet another ten stories on antiviral drug discovery (part D): paradigms, paradoxes, and paraductions

This review article presents the fourth part (part D) in the series of stories on antiviral drug discovery. The stories told in part D focus on: (i) the cyclotriazadisulfonamide compounds; (ii) the {5-[(4-bromophenylmethyl]-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine} compounds; (iii) (1H,3H-thiazolo[3,4-a]benzimidazole) derivatives; (iv) T-705 (6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) and (v) its structurally closely related analogue pyrazine 2-carboxamide (pyrazinamide); (vi) new strategies for the treatment of hemorrhagic fever virus infections, including, as the most imminent, (vii) dengue fever, (viii) the veterinary use of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates; (ix) the potential (off-label) use of cidofovir in the treatment of papillomatosis, particularly RRP (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis); and (x) finally, the prophylactic use of tenofovir to prevent HIV infections.

Aza-Michael Addition of Acrylonitrile with 2-Aryloxymethylbenzimidazole Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation

A simple, rapid, and highly efficient method has been developed for the aza-Michael addition of acrylonitrile to 2-aryl-oxymethylbenzimidazole derivatives in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate under microwave irradiation. A series novel of 1-cyanoethyl-2-aryloxymethylbenzimidazole derivatives have been prepared and characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR spectra and elemental analysis.

Cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and hafnium(IV) complexes of N'-(furan-3-ylmethylene)-2-(4-methoxyphenylamino)acetohydrazide

Cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and hafnium(IV) complexes of furan-2-carbaldehyde 4-methoxy-N-anilinoacetohydrazone were synthesized and characterized by elemental and thermal (TG and DTA) analyses, IR, UV-vis and (1)H NMR spectra as well as magnetic moment and molar conductivity. Mononuclear complexes are obtained with 1:1 molar ratio except complexes 3 and 9 which are obtained with 1:2 molar ratios. The IR spectra of ligand and metal complexes reveal various modes of chelation. The ligand behaves as a neutral bidentate one and coordination occurs via the carbonyl oxygen atom and azomethine nitrogen atom. The ligand behaves also as a monobasic tridentate one and coordination occurs through the enolic oxygen atom, azomethine nitrogen atom and the oxygen atom of furan ring. Moreover, the ligand behaves as a neutral tridentate and coordination occurs via the carbonyl oxygen, azomethine nitrogen and furan oxygen atoms as well as a monobasic bidentate and coordination occurs via the enolic oxygen atom and azomethine nitrogen atom. The electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements reveal that all complexes possess octahedral geometry except the copper complex 10 possesses a square planar geometry. The thermal studies showed the type of water molecules involved in metal complexes as well as the thermal decomposition of some metal complexes.