A patent review on efficient strategies for the total synthesis of pazopanib, regorafenib and lenvatinib as novel anti-angiogenesis receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy

The potential of lenvatinib in breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer, as a highly prevalent cancer among women, is one of the main causes of female mortality due to cancer. There is a need for more treatment options to improve the survival time of breast cancer patients. Metastasis to distant organs is a standard indicator of advanced breast cancer and a primary cause of breast cancer mortality, making the control of breast cancer metastasis crucial. Targeted therapy, with its advantages of precision, high effectiveness, and minimal side effects, has garnered significant attention as a hot research topic in breast cancer treatment. Among these therapies, anti-angiogenic therapy aim to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, control tumor growth, and reduce metastasis. Additionally, anti-angiogenic therapy can restructure the tumor vasculature, enhancing the effectiveness of other anti-cancer drugs. Lenvatinib, an orally available small molecule multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exerts its anti-tumor effects mainly by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. It has been approved for the treatment of thyroid cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to its multi-targeted nature, lenvatinib not only has direct anti-tumor effects but also possesses immunomodulatory activity, which can enhance the tumor immune response. This makes it a promising candidate for a broad range of cancers. Recent studies have explored the role of lenvatinib in breast cancer, including its various mechanisms of action and its use as a monotherapy or in combination to control breast cancer progression. This review will summarize the molecular mechanisms and research progress of lenvatinib in breast cancer treatment, discussing its potential applications and therapeutic prospects in managing breast cancer.

1,2,3-triazole and chiral Schiff base hybrids as potential anticancer agents: DFT, molecular docking and ADME studies

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazole and chiral Schiff base hybrids 2-6 were synthesized by Schiff base condensation reaction from pre-prepared parent component of the hybrids (1,2,3-triazole 1) and series of primary chiral amines and their chemical structure were confirmed using NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, and CHN elemental analysis. Compounds 1-6 were evaluated for their anticancer activity against two cancer PC3 (prostate) and A375 (skin) and MRC-5 (healthy) cell lines by Almar Blue assay method. The compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines. Among the tested compounds 3 and 6 showed very good activity for the inhibition of the cancer cell lines and low toxicity for the healthy cell lines. All the compounds exhibited high binding affinity for Androgen receptor modulators (PDB ID: 5t8e) and Human MIA (PDB ID: 1i1j) inhibitors compared to the reference anticancer drug (cisplatin). Structure activity relationships (SARs) of the tested compounds is in good agreement with DFT and molecular docking studies. The compounds exhibited desirable physicochemical properties for drug likeness.

A versatile approach for one-pot synthesis of hybridized quinolines linked to fused N-containing heterocycles in water

Here, highly efficient one-pot protocols for the synthesis of structurally diverse fused N-containing heterocycles containing 2-chloroquinoline employing 1,1-bis(methylsulfanyl)-2-nitroethene, diamines, 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and dimedone/Meldrum's acid in green media in the absence of catalyst are reported. The current report proposes sustainable, simple, four-component and straightforward strategies for generating interesting N-containing heterocyclic compounds from a range of diamines and 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes. The utilization of water as green media furnishes sustainability by preventing the usage of toxic solvent. A range of quinoline-containing aldehydes and diamines can be converted to two types of products with respect to using dimedone or Meldrum's acid via an inexpensive, one-pot and easy route.

Sorafenib Resistance Contributed by IL7 and MAL2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Can Be Overcome by Autophagy-Inducing Stapled Peptides

Drug resistance poses a great challenge in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with resistance to anti-cancer drugs, such as Sorafenib, remain unclear. In this study, we use transposon insertional mutagenesis to generate Sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines in order to identify potential drug resistant causative genes. Interleukin 7 (IL7) and mal, T cell differentiation protein 2 (MAL2) were identified as candidate genes that promote survival by activating JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Sorafenib-resistant cells exhibited higher clonogenic survival and lower drug sensitivity due to IL7 and MAL2 upregulation. Higher anti-apoptotic effect, clonogenic survival and increased PI3K/AKT/STAT3 activities were observed in IL7 and MAL2 co-overexpressing cells compared with controls or cells overexpressing IL7 or MAL2 individually. Given the critical role of MAL2 in endocytosis, we propose that MAL2 might facilitate the endocytic trafficking of IL7 and its cognate receptors to the plasma membrane, which leads to upregulated JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and Sorafenib resistance. Additionally, our previous studies showed that an autophagy-inducing stapled peptide promoted the endolysosomal degradation of c-MET oncogene and overcame adaptive Sorafenib resistance in c-MET+ HCC cells. In this study, we demonstrate that these stapled peptides readily induced autophagy and inhibited the proliferation of both wild-type and Sorafenib-resistant HCC cells co-overexpressing both IL7 and MAL2. Furthermore, these peptides showed synergistic cytotoxicity with Sorafenib in drug-resistant HCC cells co-overexpressing both IL7 and MAL2. Our studies suggest that targeting autophagy may be a novel strategy to overcome IL7/MAL2-mediated Sorafenib resistance in HCC.

A case of markedly impaired wound repair with angiostatic pazopanib in a patient who had Mohs surgery for a basal cell carcinoma

This case report highlights the adverse effects of pazopanib, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor, on wound healing after Mohs surgery. A 79-year-old male with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of the lung, on 600 mg daily pazopanib, underwent Mohs surgery for a nodular basal cell carcinoma on his right leg. Despite multiple wound care strategies, his wound deteriorated over 4 months. Discontinuing pazopanib resulted in rapid wound closure within 2 months. However, metastatic lung nodules grew, prompting treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, nivolumab, and ipilimumab, which were discontinued due to complications. Near-complete wound healing was observed prior to reintroducing pazopanib (6 months after initial discontinuation), which again led to wound deterioration. Pazopanib negatively impacts wound repair by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Depending on the malignancy or tumor, cessation of pazopanib, or switching to a course of immune checkpoint inhibitors may be warranted perioperatively.

Regorafenib inhibits growth, survival and angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is synergistic with Mcl-1 inhibitor

OBJECTIVES

Regorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor approved for various metastatic/advanced cancers, and has been investigated in clinical trials in many other tumour entities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of regorafenib for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Cellular proliferation, survival, apoptosis and colony formation assays were performed and combination index was determined. NPC xenograft tumour models were established. In vitro and In vivo angiogenesis assays were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

Regorafenib is effective against a panel of NPC cell lines regardless of cellular origin and genetic profiling while sparing normal nasal epithelial cells. The predominant inhibitory effects of regorafenib in NPC are anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth rather than survival. Apart from tumour cells, regorafenib potently inhibits angiogenesis. Mechanistically, regorafenib inhibits multiple oncogenic pathways including Raf/Erk/Mek and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Regorafenib decreases Bcl-2 but not Mcl-1 level in NPC cells. The in vitro observations are evident in in vivo NPC xenograft mouse model. The combination of Mcl-1 inhibitor with regorafenib is synergistic in inhibiting NPC growth without causing systemic toxicity in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings also support further clinical investigation of regorafenib and Mcl-1 inhibitor for NPC treatment.

Perspective on the Role of Gut Microbiome in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Its incidence has increased due to metabolic-associated liver disease (MAFLD) epidemics. Liver transplantation and surgery remain the most resolute measures. Despite the optimistic use of multi-kinase inhibitors, namely sorafenib, the co-existence of chronic liver disease made the response rate low in these patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising hope for certain advanced solid tumors and, also, for advanced HCC. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients with HCC fail to respond to immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, gut microbiota, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Results: ICIs are a promising and sufficiently safe treatment option for HCC. In detail, they have significantly improved survival and prognosis in these patients vs. sorafenib. Although there are several highlighted mechanisms of resistance, the gut microbiota signature can be used both as a response biomarker and as an effect enhancer. Practically, probiotic dose-finding and fecal microbiota transplantation are the weapons that can be used to increase ICI's treatment-response-reducing resistance mechanisms. Conclusion: Immunotherapy has been a significant step-up in HCC treatment, and gut microbiota modulation is an effective liaison to increase its efficacy.

Photosensitized O2 enables intermolecular alkene cyclopropanation by active methylene compounds

Cyclopropanes are key features in many preclinical, clinical, and commercial drugs, as well as natural products. The most prolific technique for their synthesis is the metal-catalyzed reaction of an alkene with a diazoalkane, a highly energetic reagent requiring stringent safety precautions. Discovery of alternative innocuous reagents remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, we report a simple photoredox-catalyzed intermolecular cyclopropanation of unactivated alkenes with active methylene compounds. The reaction proceeds in neutral solvent under air or dioxygen (O2) with a photoredox catalyst excited by blue light-emitting diode light and an iodine co-catalyst that is either added as molecular iodine or generated in situ from alkyl iodides. Mechanistic investigations indicate that photosensitized O2 plays a vital role in the generation of carbon-centered radicals for both the addition of active methylene compounds to alkenes and the ring closure.

Polyphenol-Based Nanoparticles: A Promising Frontier for Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge in healthcare, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Natural compounds such as polyphenols with inherent anticancer properties have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents. This review highlights the need for novel therapeutic approaches in CRC, followed by a discussion on the synthesis of polyphenols-based nanoparticles. Various synthesis techniques, including dynamic covalent bonding, non-covalent bonding, polymerization, chemical conjugation, reduction, and metal-polyphenol networks, are explored. The mechanisms of action of these nanoparticles, encompassing passive and active targeting mechanisms, are also discussed. The review further examines the intrinsic anticancer activity of polyphenols and their enhancement through nano-based delivery systems. This section explores the natural anticancer properties of polyphenols and investigates different nano-based delivery systems, such as micelles, nanogels, liposomes, nanoemulsions, gold nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks. The review concludes by emphasizing the potential of nanoparticle-based strategies utilizing polyphenols for CRC treatment and highlights the need for future research to optimize their efficacy and safety. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the synthesis, mechanisms of action, intrinsic anticancer activity, and enhancement of polyphenols-based nanoparticles for CRC treatment.

Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.

Interaction of Some Amino-Nitrile Derivatives with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) Using a Theoretical Model

BACKGROUND

Some studies indicate that the angiogenesis process is related to vascular endothelial growth factor, which can interact with endothelial cell surface receptors (VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and VEGF-R3); this biochemical process and other factors result in the promotion and growth of new blood vessels under normal conditions. However, some studies indicate that this phenomenon could also occur in cancer cells. It is important to mention that some amino derivatives have been prepared as VEGF-R1 inhibitors; however, their interaction with VEGF-R1 is not clear, perhaps due to different experimental approaches or differences in their chemical structure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the theoretical interaction of several amino-nitrile derivatives (Compounds 1 to 38) with VEGF-R1.

METHODS

The theoretical interaction of amino-nitrile derivatives with VEGF-R1 was carried out using the 3hng protein as the theoretical model. In addition, cabozantinib, pazopanib, regorafenib, and sorafenib were used as controls in the DockingServer program.

RESULTS

The results showed different amino acid residues involved in the interaction of amino-nitrile derivatives with the 3hng protein surface compared with the controls. In addition, the inhibition constant (Ki) was lower for Compounds 10 and 34 than for cabozantinib. Other results show that Ki for Compounds 9, 10, 14, 27-29 and 34-36 was lower in comparison with pazopanib, regorafenib, and sorafenib.

CONCLUSIONS

All theoretical data suggest that amino-nitrile derivatives could produce changes in the growth of some cancer cell lines through VEGFR-1 inhibition. Therefore, these amino-nitrile derivatives could be a therapeutic alternative to treat some types of cancer.

Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: The Current Treatment Options

Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) have an excellent prognosis, but this is sometimes overshadowed by tumor recurrences following initial treatment (approximately 15% of cases during follow-up), due to unrecognized disease extent at initial diagnosis or a more aggressive tumor biology, which are the usual risk factors. The possible sites of recurrence are local, regional, or distant. Local and regional recurrences can usually be successfully managed with surgery and radioiodine therapy, as are some isolated distant recurrences, such as bone metastases. If these treatments are not possible, other therapeutic options such as external beam radiation therapy or systemic treatments should be considered. Major advances in systemic treatments have led to improved progression-free survival in patients previously considered for palliative treatments; among these treatments, the most promising results have been achieved with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). This review attempts to give a comprehensive overview of the current treatment options suited for recurrences and the new treatments that are available in cases where salvage surgery is not possible or in cases resistant to radioiodine.

Vascular Normalization Caused by Short-Term Lenvatinib Could Enhance Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We describe the clinical effects of short-term lenvatinib administration prior to conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on tumor vasculature. Two patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent high-resolution digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and perfusion four-dimensional computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (4D-CTHA) before and after administration of lenvatinib treatment. The doses and periods of lenvatinib administration were, respectively, 12 mg/day for 7 days and 8 mg/day for 4 days. In both cases, high-resolution DSA revealed a decrease in dilatation and tortuosity of the tumor vessels. Furthermore, the tumor staining became more refined, and newly formed tiny tumor vessels were observed. Perfusion 4D-CTHA revealed a decrease in arterial blood flow to the tumor by 28.6% (from 487.9 to 139.5 mL/min/100 mg) and 42.5% (from 288.2 to 122.6 mL/min/100 mg) in the two cases, respectively. The cTACE procedure resulted in good lipiodol accumulation and complete response. Patients have remained recurrence-free for 12 and 11 months after the cTACE procedure, respectively. The administration of short-term lenvatinib in these two cases resulted in the normalization of tumor vessels, which likely led to improved lipiodol accumulation and a favorable antitumor effect.

Whole-Body Composition Features by Computed Tomography in Ovarian Cancer: Pilot Data on Survival Correlations

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to assess the associations of computed tomography (CT)-based whole-body composition values with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. The secondary objective was the association of body composition with chemotherapy-related toxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients (median age 64.9 years; interquartile range 55.4-75.4) with EOC and thorax and abdomen CT scans were included. Clinical data recorded: age; weight; height; stage; chemotherapy-related toxicity; and date of last contact, progression and death. Automatic extraction of body composition values was performed by dedicated software. Sarcopenia was defined according to predefined cutoffs. Statistical analysis included univariate tests to investigate associations of sarcopenia and body composition with chemotoxicity. Association of body composition parameters and OS/PFS was evaluated by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Multivariate models were adjusted for FIGO stage and/or age at diagnosis.

RESULTS

We found significant associations of skeletal muscle volume with OS (p = 0.04) and PFS (p = 0.04); intramuscular fat volume with PFS (p = 0.03); and visceral adipose tissue, epicardial and paracardial fat with PFS (p = 0.04, 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). We found no significant associations between body composition parameters and chemotherapy-related toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this exploratory study, we found significant associations of whole-body composition parameters with OS and PFS. These results open a window to the possibility to perform body composition profiling without approximate estimations.

Neuropsychiatric Adverse Drug Reactions with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: An Analysis from the European Spontaneous Adverse Event Reporting System

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the reporting frequency of neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for TKIs through the analysis of European individual case safety reports (ICSRs). All ICSRs collected in EudraVigilance up to 31 December 2021 with one TKI having GISTs as an indication (imatinib (IM), sunitinib (SU), avapritinib (AVA), regorafenib (REG), and ripretinib (RIP)) were included. A disproportionality analysis was performed to assess the frequency of reporting for each TKI compared to all other TKIs. The number of analyzed ICSRs was 8512, of which 57.9% were related to IM. Neuropsychiatric ADRs were reported at least once in 1511 ICSRs (17.8%). A higher reporting probability of neuropsychiatric ADRs was shown for AVA. Most neuropsychiatric ADRs were known, except for a higher frequency of lumbar spinal cord and nerve root disorders (reporting odds ratio, ROR 4.46; confidence interval, CI 95% 1.58–12.54), olfactory nerve disorders (8.02; 2.44–26.33), and hallucinations (22.96; 8.45–62.36) for AVA. The analyses of European ICSRs largely confirmed the safety profiles of TKIs in GISTs, but some ADRs are worthy of discussion. Further studies are needed to increase the knowledge of the neuropsychiatric disorders of newly approved TKIs.

Mucins as Potential Biomarkers for Early Detection of Cancer

Early detection significantly correlates with improved survival in cancer patients. So far, a limited number of biomarkers have been validated to diagnose cancers at an early stage. Considering the leading cancer types that contribute to more than 50% of deaths in the USA, we discuss the ongoing endeavors toward early detection of lung, breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, liver, and pancreatic cancers to highlight the significance of mucin glycoproteins in cancer diagnosis. As mucin deregulation is one of the earliest events in most epithelial malignancies following oncogenic transformation, these high-molecular-weight glycoproteins are considered potential candidates for biomarker development. The diagnostic potential of mucins is mainly attributed to their deregulated expression, altered glycosylation, splicing, and ability to induce autoantibodies. Secretory and shed mucins are commonly detected in patients' sera, body fluids, and tumor biopsies. For instance, CA125, also called MUC16, is one of the biomarkers implemented for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and is currently being investigated for other malignancies. Similarly, MUC5AC, a secretory mucin, is a potential biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, anti-mucin autoantibodies and mucin-packaged exosomes have opened new avenues of biomarker development for early cancer diagnosis. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic potential of mucins in epithelial cancers and provide evidence and a rationale for developing a mucin-based biomarker panel for early cancer detection.

Breaking the Bottleneck in Anticancer Drug Development: Efficient Utilization of Synthetic Biology

Natural products have multifarious bioactivities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, cancers and other diseases due to their diverse structures. Nearly 65% of anticancer drugs are natural products or their derivatives. Thus, natural products play significant roles in clinical cancer therapy. With the development of biosynthetic technologies, an increasing number of natural products have been discovered and developed as candidates for clinical cancer therapy. Here, we aim to summarize the anticancer natural products approved from 1950 to 2021 and discuss their molecular mechanisms. We also describe the available synthetic biology tools and highlight their applications in the development of natural products.

Nanotechnology Advances in the Detection and Treatment of Cancer: An Overview

Over the last few years, progress has been made across the nanomedicine landscape, in particular, the invention of contemporary nanostructures for cancer diagnosis and overcoming complexities in the clinical treatment of cancerous tissues. Thanks to their small diameter and large surface-to-volume proportions, nanomaterials have special physicochemical properties that empower them to bind, absorb and transport high-efficiency substances, such as small molecular drugs, DNA, proteins, RNAs, and probes. They also have excellent durability, high carrier potential, the ability to integrate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, and compatibility with various transport routes, making them especially appealing over a wide range of oncology fields. This is also due to their configurable scale, structure, and surface properties. This review paper discusses how nanostructures can function as therapeutic vectors to enhance the therapeutic value of molecules; how nanomaterials can be used as medicinal products in gene therapy, photodynamics, and thermal treatment; and finally, the application of nanomaterials in the form of molecular imaging agents to diagnose and map tumor growth.

Recent Strategies in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Sequential C–H Activation/Annulation for One-Step Construction of Functionalized Indazole Derivatives

Designing new synthetic strategies for indazoles is a prominent topic in contemporary research. The transition-metal-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation sequence has arisen as a favorable tool to construct functionalized indazole derivatives with improved tolerance in medicinal applications, functional flexibility, and structural complexity. In the current review article, we aim to outline and summarize the most common synthetic protocols to use in the synthesis of target indazoles via a transition-metal-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation sequence for the one-step synthesis of functionalized indazole derivatives. We categorized the text according to the metal salts used in the reactions. Some metal salts were used as catalysts, and others may have been used as oxidants and/or for the activation of precatalysts. The roles of some metal salts in the corresponding reaction mechanisms have not been identified. It can be expected that the current synopsis will provide accessible practical guidance to colleagues interested in the subject.

Hydrogen Sulfide Biology and Its Role in Cancer

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous biologically active gas produced in mammalian tissues. It plays a very critical role in many pathophysiological processes in the body. It can be endogenously produced through many enzymes analogous to the cysteine family, while the exogenous source may involve inorganic sulfide salts. H2S has recently been well investigated with regard to the onset of various carcinogenic diseases such as lung, breast, ovaries, colon cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. H2S is considered an oncogenic gas, and a potential therapeutic target for treating and diagnosing cancers, due to its role in mediating the development of tumorigenesis. Here in this review, an in-detail up-to-date explanation of the potential role of H2S in different malignancies has been reported. The study summarizes the synthesis of H2S, its roles, signaling routes, expressions, and H2S release in various malignancies. Considering the critical importance of this active biological molecule, we believe this review in this esteemed journal will highlight the oncogenic role of H2S in the scientific community.

Evaluation of Neurotropic Activity and Molecular Docking Study of New Derivatives of pyrano[4″,3″:4',5']pyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines on the Basis of pyrano[3,4-c]pyridines

Background: Heterocyclic compounds and their fused analogs, which contain pharmacophore fragments such as pyridine, thiophene and pyrimidine rings, are of great interest due to their broad spectrum of biological activity. Chemical compounds containing two or more pharmacophore groups due to additional interactions with active receptor centers usually enhance biological activity and can even lead to a new type of activity. The search for new effective neurotropic drugs in the series of derivatives of heterocycles containing pharmacophore groups in organic, bioorganic and medical chemistry is a serious problem. Methods: Modern methodology of drugs involves synthesis, physicochemical study, molecular modeling and selection of active compounds through virtual screening and experimental evaluation of the biological activity of new chimeric compounds with pharmacophore fragments. For the synthesis of new compounds, classical organic methods were used and developed. For the evaluation of neurotropic activity of new synthesized compounds, some biological methods were used according to indicators characterizing anticonvulsant, sedative and antianxiety activity as well as side effects. For docking analysis, various soft ware packages and methods were used. Results: As a result of multistep reactions, 11 new, tri- and tetracyclic heterocyclic systems were obtained. The studied compounds exhibit protection against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizures as well as some psychotropic effects. The biological assays evidenced that nine of the eleven studied compounds showed a high anticonvulsant activity by antagonism with pentylenetetrazole. The toxicity of the compounds is low, and they do not induce muscle relaxation in the studied doses. According to the study of psychotropic activity, it was found that the selected compounds have an activating behavior and anxiolytic effects on the “open field” and “elevated plus maze” (EPM) models. The data obtained indicate the anxiolytic (antianxiety) activity of the derivatives of tricyclic thieno[2,3-b]pyridines and tetracyclic pyridothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-8-ones, especially pronounced in compounds 3b–f and 4e. The studied compounds increase the latent time of first immobilization on the “forced swimming” (FS) model and exhibit antidepressant effects; compounds 3e and 3f especially exhibit these effects, similarly to diazepam. Docking studies revealed that compounds 3c and 4b bound tightly in the active site of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptors with a value of the scoring function that estimates free energy of binding (∆G) at −10.0 ± 5 kcal/mol. Compound 4e showed the best affinity ((∆G) at −11.0 ± 0.54 kcal/mol) and seems to be an inhibitor of serotonin (SERT) transporter. Compounds 3c–f and 4e practically bound with the groove of T4L of 5HT_1A and blocked it completely, while the best affinity observed was in compound 3f ((∆G) at −9.3 ± 0.46 kcal/mol). Conclusions: The selected compounds have an anticonvulsant, activating behavior and anxiolytic effects and at the same time exhibit antidepressant effects.

Depolymerization of P4HB and PBS Waste and Synthesis of the Anticancer Drug Busulfan from Plastic Waste

Sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals is one of the main challenges for the pharmaceutical industry. Production of these compounds from plastic waste can provide an innovative and ecological approach to their sustainable synthesis. In this context, plastic waste can be regarded as a potential cheap resource for the production of compounds of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, the first methodologies for the reductive depolymerization of poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic waste are reported using the catalyst systems MoO2Cl2(H2O)2/silane, MoO2Cl2(H2O)2/borane and KOH/PhSiH3 with moderate to excellent yields. We also developed the first synthetic strategy for the synthesis of a drug, the anticancer busulfan, from P4HB and PBS plastic waste with moderate overall yields.