Recent Developments in the Field of Quinolone Antibacterial Agents

Bro̷nsted Acid-Catalyzed [5+1] and [4+1] Annulation of Cyclic Anhydrides with o-Alkynylanilines to Construct Fused-N-Heterocycles

An unprecedented p-TsOH and MsOH-catalyzed construction of valuable isoindolo/pyrido/pyrrolo-quinolinediones and isoindolo-indolones is demonstrated through annulation reactions of cyclic anhydrides or o-formylbenzoates with o-alkynylanilines. The metal-free Bro̷nsted acid-mediated new [5+1] and [4+1] fused-cyclization is an operationally simple, highly regioselective, atom economical, high yielding, sustainable, and catalytically efficient approach.

In vitro trypanocidal activities and structure-activity relationships of ciprofloxacin analogs

Tropical diseases, such as African trypanosomiasis, by their nature and prevalence lack the necessary urgency regarding drug development, despite the increasing need for novel, structurally diverse antitrypanosomal drugs, using different mechanisms of action that would improve drug efficacy and safety. Traditionally antibacterial agents, the fluoroquinolones, reportedly possess in vitro trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma brucei organisms. During our research, the fluroquinolone, ciprofloxacin (1), and its analogs (2-24) were tested against bloodstream forms of T. brucei brucei, T. b. gambiense, T. b. rhodesiense, T. evansi, T. equiperdum, and T. congolense and Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (cytotoxicity). Ciprofloxacin [CPX (1)] demonstrated selective trypanocidal activity against T. congolense (IC₅₀ 7.79 µM; SI 39.6), whereas the CPX derivatives (2-10) showed weak selective activity (25 < IC₅₀ < 65 µM; 2 < SI < 4). Selectivity and activity of the CPX and 1,2,3-triazole (TZ) hybrids (11-24) were governed by their chemical functionality at C-3 (carboxylic acid, or 4-methylpiperazinyl amide) and their electronic effect (electron-donating or electron-withdrawing para-benzyl substituent), respectively. Trypanocidal hits in the micromolar range were identified against bloodstream forms of T. congolense [CPX (1); CPX amide derivatives 18: IC₅₀ 8.95 µM; SI 16.84; 22: IC₅₀ 5.42 µM; SI 25.2] and against T. brucei rhodesiense (CPX acid derivative 13: IC₅₀ 4.51 µM; SI 10.2), demonstrating more selectivity toward trypanosomes than mammalian cells. Hence, the trypanocidal hit compound 22 may be optimized by retaining the 4-methylpiperazine amide functional group (C-3) and the TZ moiety at position N-15 and introducing other electron-withdrawing ortho-, meta-, and/or para-substituents on the aryl ring in an effort to improve the pharmacokinetic properties and increase the trypanocidal activity. Structure-activity relationships of ciprofloxacin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids were governed by the chemical functionality at C-3 and electronic effect.

Designing a Single-Molecule Biophysics Tool for Characterising DNA Damage for Techniques that Kill Infectious Pathogens Through DNA Damage Effects

Antibiotics such as the quinolones and fluoroquinolones kill bacterial pathogens ultimately through DNA damage. They target the essential type IIA topoisomerases in bacteria by stabilising the normally transient double-strand break state which is created to modify the supercoiling state of the DNA. Here we discuss the development of these antibiotics and their method of action. Existing methods for DNA damage visualisation, such as the comet assay and immunofluorescence imaging can often only be analysed qualitatively and this analysis is subjective. We describe a putative single-molecule fluorescence technique for quantifying DNA damage via the total fluorescence intensity of a DNA origami tile fully saturated with an intercalating dye, along with the optical requirements for how to implement these into a light microscopy imaging system capable of single-molecule millisecond timescale imaging. This system promises significant improvements in reproducibility of the quantification of DNA damage over traditional techniques.

Phosphine-Initiated General-Base-Catalyzed Quinolone Synthesis

Phosphinocatalysis provides a new approach toward 3-substituted-4-quinolones. A simple procedure, which uses Ph3P as an inexpensive catalyst and S-phenyl 2-(N-tosylamido)benzothioates and activated alkynes as starting materials, provides direct access to several 3-aroyl-4-quinolones and methyl 4-quinolone-3-carboxylate esters. The reaction presumably occurs through general base catalysis, with the initial addition of Ph3P to the activated alkyne generating the phosphonium enoate zwitterion, which acts as the strong base that initiates the reaction.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial studies of a copper(II) lomefloxacin ternary complex

Solution behavior of lomefloxacin (lmx) complexes with copper(II) in the presence and absence of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) was studied in aqueous solution, by potentiometry. The results obtained showed that under physiological conditions (micromolar concentration range and pH7.4) only copper(II):lmx:phen ternary complexes are stable. Hence, a novel copper(II) ternary complex of lomefloxacin with the nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligand phen was synthesized and characterized by means of UV-visible and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. In the synthesized complex (1), [Cu(lmx)(phen)(NO3)]·5H2O, lmx acts as a bidentate ligand coordinating the metal cation, in its anionic form, through the carbonyl and carboxyl oxygens and phen coordinates through two N-atoms forming the equatorial plane of a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The fifth ligand of the penta-coordinated Cu(II) center is occupied axially by an oxygen atom from the nitrate ion. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations of the complex and comparison with free lomefloxacin in various E. coli strains indicated that the Cu-complex is an antimicrobial which is as efficient as the free antibiotic but strongly suggest that the cell intake route of both species is different. Moreover, spectrophotometric stability studies suggest that the solution of the complex synthesized is considerably more photostable than the free fluoroquinolone supporting, therefore, the complex's suitability as a candidate for further biological testing in fluoroquinolone-resistant microorganisms with possible reduced side-effects.

On the photophysicochemical properties of selected fluoroquinolones: solvatochromic and fluorescence spectroscopy study

The photophysicochemical properties of selected fluoroquinolones in different solvents of various physical properties, including polarity and hydrogen bonding ability, were investigated using steady state fluorescence spectroscopy. The solvent-dependant fluorescence emission spectra of selected fluoroquinolones, namely ciprofloxacin (CIPR) and enrofloxacin (ENRO), were employed to gain insights concerning its photophysicochemical properties of interests. Interestingly, fluorescence spectra of the selected drugs exhibited structured emission spectra in nonpolar solvents such as hexane, whereas unstructured spectra were observed in more polar solvents such as alcohols and water. Also, a notable bathochromic shift in λ(max)(em) was observed in fluorescence spectra of both drugs with increasing solvent polarity that resulted in biphasic behavior upon applying the Lippert-Mataga correlation that correspond to general and specific solvent effects. Applying the Lippert-Mataga correlation to the fluorescence spectra of CIPR and ENRO in various solvents was employed to estimate the dipole moment difference between the ground and excited states of them, Δμ(μ(e) - μ(g)), where obtained results revealed the values of 9.4 and 16.2 Debye for the LE and ICT states of ENRO, respectively, and 8.0 and 16.2 Debye for the LE and ICT states of CIPR, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) based on Kamlet-Taft equating was applied against absorption frequency (ν(abs)), emission frequency (ν(em)), Stokes shift (∆ν), and fluorescence quantum yield (Φ(f)), where obtained results revealed excellent correlation (R: 0.916-0.966) that are consistent with other results considering the effect of solvent polarizability, hydrogen bonding ability, and viscosity on the photophysicochemical properties of the studied fluoroquinolones.

2, 3-Bis(5-alkyl-2-thiono-1, 3, 5-thiadiazin-3-yl) Propionic Acid: One-PotDomino Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity

In a search for promising antibacterial and antifungal compounds, two new series of 2, 3-bis(5-alkyl-2-thiono-1, 3, 5-thiadiazin-3-yl)propionic acid 1 and their corresponding N, N-dimethylpropionamide 6 have been synthesized. The reaction of 2, 3-diaminopropionate 3, carbon disulfide, formaldehyde, and the appropriate alkyl amines furnished the title compound 1. N, N-dimethylpropionamides 6 were obtained by the reaction of 1 with dimethyl amine in the presence of POCl(3). The newly prepared compounds were screened in vitro against certain strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and compared with nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Moreover, the title compounds were tested for their antifungal activity in vitro against Candida albicans, phytopathogenic, Penicillum expansum and Trichoderma hazianum, and aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus. These compounds exhibit varied activity against the tested pathogenic bacteria and remarkable inhibitory effects on growth or sporulation of some of the tested fungal species.

Studies on molecular interactions between nalidixic acid and liposomes

The interaction between nalidixic acid sodium salt (NANa) and liposomes prepared from alpha-L-dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or from its binary mixture with dioleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) was studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We evaluated the role of broadband ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation on the molecular interactions between the lipids and the NANa, and determined the decay-kinetics of the incorporated spin labeled fatty-acid free radicals. Multilamellar and unilamellar vesicles were prepared by sonication and extrusion. The entrapment efficiencies were determined spectrophotometrically. The size-distribution of the liposomes and its change in time was checked by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Our results indicate that NANa mainly interacts with lipid head groups. However, its effect and presumably the formation of the free radicals, induced by broadband ultraviolet-B, is not localized only to the head group region of the lipid molecules. Depending on DOPC content, interaction between the NANa and the lipids modifies the phase-transition parameters of the liposome dispersions.

Pharmacokinetics and penetration of marbofloxacin from blood into the milk of cows and ewes

The single-dose disposition kinetics of marbofloxacin were determined in lactating cows and ewes after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of 2, 2.5 and 4 mg/kg. Drug concentrations in blood and milk were determined by microbiological assay and the data were subjected to compartmental and non-compartmental kinetic analyses. In cows, the i.v. serum elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) was approximately 2 h and the i.m. serum elimination half-life (t1/2el) was approximately 3 h. The mean steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) was 1.5 l/kg for the cows and 0.6 l/kg for the ewes. The i.m. availability was nearly 100% for both cows and ewes. Drug penetration into the milk was rapid and extensive with milk marbofloxacin concentrations exceeding those in serum 2 h after administration. Milk drug concentrations equal to or greater than the minimal inhibitory concentrations for the majority of gram-negative udder pathogens were maintained for approximately 12 h after i.v. and i.m. treatment of 2-4 mg/kg. The drug was not detected in milk 24 h after treatment (sensitivity limit of assay = 0.05 microgram/ml).

Primary photoproducts and half-lives

The photolytically induced decomposition of fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids (enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) at concentrations of 10 mg/l in pure water and an irradiation intensity of 200 W/m(2) (xenon lamp) led to half-lives from 20.6 min (danofloxacin) to 105.9 min (norfloxacin). The environmental half-life of enrofloxacin was calculated by the GCSOLAR program and resulted in 1.8 to 55.4 hours, depending on the season and degree of latitude. During the irradiation procedure, products were built up which primarily demonstrated alterations involving the piperazine ring as compared with the parent compounds. The amount of(14)CO(2) evolved by the photomineralization of(14)C-labeled enrofloxacin reached 26.4 % of the applied radioactivity. The main photoproducts were isolated by HPLC and their structural elucidation was carried out by different spectroscopic methods (MS, GC/MS and(1)H-NMR).

Isolation and structural elucidation of polar photometabolites

Subsequent to irradiation with a xenon lamp simulating sunlight, fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids in aqueous solution form polar pyridone dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids. After liquid/liquid partition with chloroform/water these substances can be isolated by ion exchange chromatography of the aqueous phase. They can be regarded as intermediate compounds on the route to a complete photomineralization. The structural elucidation is performed by such mass spectroscopic methods as MS, GC/MS and HPLC/MS, whereby HPLC/MS shows the highest reliability. Additionally(1)H- and(13)C-NMR measurements confirm the structure of the main polar degradation product.

Syntheses and biological activities of new N1-aryl substituted quinolone antibacterials

A series of quinolones with a systematically varied substitution at the phenyl ring at N1 has been synthesized. Three lipophilicity descriptors (log K, log P, Rm) and the pKa values have been determined as well as the microbiological activity: The MIC values for eight different strains of three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative species and the inhibitory concentrations of DNA supercoiling (IC90 and IC100) were determined. From a principal component and a QSAR analysis relationships between antibacterial activity concerning the whole-cell system and electronic properties as well as the length of the substituents at the phenyl rings could be derived. The activity in a cell-free system was governed by the lipophilicity and the width of the substituents. It is speculated that the quinolones take a defined place in the DNA gyrase-DNA complex which is characterized by polar amino acids. This is in agreement with findings from studies of mutant gyrases.

The 24 kDa N-terminal sub-domain of the DNA gyrase B protein binds coumarin drugs

A number of lines of evidence suggest that the N-terminal sub-domain of the DNA gyrase B protein contains the binding site for the coumarin antibiotics. We have engineered a clone which encodes a 24 kDa protein which represents this domain. Bacteria which overproduce this protein show an elevated level of resistance to coumarins, suggestive of binding of the 24 kDa protein to the drugs in vivo. In vitro we find that the 24 kDa protein does not interact with the gyrase A or B proteins or with DNA, and fails to hydrolyse ATP or show significant binding to ATP, ADP or ADPNP. However, we show that the 24 kDa protein binds coumarin drugs as tightly as the intact B protein. A number of experiments suggest that the interaction of the coumarins with the protein is predominantly hydrophobic in nature.

Pharmacokinetics of the gyrase inhibitor marbofloxacin: influence of pregnancy and lactation in sows

Six pregnant sows were treated in early pregnancy, late pregnancy and during lactation. Marbofloxacin was administered (2 mg/kg body weight) intravenously and orally. The active drug concentration in the plasma was quantitated by use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by use of statistical moments. In lactating animals, the concentrations in milk were also determined by HPLC. Mean elimination half-life of the drug after oral administration was significantly shorter in lactating sows (5.74h) than that of the early pregnancy group (10.09h). Total body clearance was highest in the lactating sows (3.27 ml/minute.kg body weight). The volume of distribution was large in all physiological states studied indicating good tissue penetration. Bioavailability was about 80% in pregnant and lactating sows. Antimicrobial secretion in milk contributed greatly to marbofloxacin elimination. These results indicate an important influence of lactation on marbofloxacin pharmacokinetics in sows. Therefore, in such cases, marbofloxacin dose should be increased during lactation.