Synthesis of 5-arylidene-2-amino-4-azolones and evaluation of their anticancer activity

Role of Ciminalum-4-thiazolidinone Hybrids in Molecular NF-κB Dependent Pathways

A range of hybrid molecules incorporating the ciminalum moiety in the thiazolidinone ring demonstrate significant anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the properties and mechanism of action of two 4-thiazolidinone-based derivatives, i.e., 3-{5-[(Z,2Z)-2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl}propanoic acid (Les-45) and 5-[2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-2-(3-hydroxyphenylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one (Les-247). In our study, we analyzed the impact of Les-45 and Les-247 on metabolic activity, caspase-3 activity, and the expression of genes and proteins related to inflammatory and antioxidant defenses and cytoskeleton rearrangement in healthy human fibroblasts (BJ) and a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations (1 nM to 100 μM) of the studied compounds for 24 h and 48 h. A decrease in the metabolic activity in the BJ and A549 cell lines was induced by both compounds at a concentration range from 10 to 100 µM. Both compounds decreased the mRNA expression of NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and β-actin in the BJ cells. Interestingly, a significant decrease in the level of NF-κB gene and protein expression was detected in the BJ cell line, suggesting a direct impact of the studied compounds on the inhibition of inflammation. However, more studies are needed due to the ability of Les-45 and Les-247 to interfere with the tubulin/actin cytoskeleton, i.e., a critical system existing in eukaryotic cells.

Selenoneine-inspired selenohydantoins with glutathione peroxidase-like activity

Chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular illness have been linked to a decrease in selenium levels and an increase in oxidative stress. Selenium is an essential trace element that exhibits antioxidant properties, with selenocysteine enzymes like glutathione peroxidase being particularly effective at reducing peroxides. In this study, a series of synthetic organoselenium compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their potential antioxidant activities. The new selenohydantoin molecules were inspired by selenoneine and synthesized using straightforward methods. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated and proven using classical radical scavenging and metal-reducing methods. The selenohydantoin derivatives exhibited glutathione peroxidase-like activity, reducing hydroperoxides. Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) revealed the selenone isomer to be the only one occurring in solution, with selenolate as a possible tautomeric form in the presence of a basic species. Cytocompatibility assays indicated that the selenohydantoin derivatives were non-toxic to primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, paving the way for further biological evaluations of their antioxidant activity. The results suggest that selenohydantoin derivatives with trifluoro-methyl (-CF3) and chlorine (-Cl) substituents have significant activities and could be potential candidates for further biological trials. These compounds may contribute to the development of effective therapies for chronic diseases such cardiovascular diseases.

Pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules with potent cytotoxic effect in squamous cell carcinoma SCC-15 cells

The hybrid heterocyclic molecules are perspective materials in the development of anticancer drugs. Here, the pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules were designed as potent anticancer agents. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of three derivatives 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)- and 1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-[5-[2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidine-3-yl]pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328, respectively), their effect on the production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis induction, and expression of genes - PPARγ, AHR, and NRFL2 - whose products are important in metabolism in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells of SCC-15 line. The results of resazurin reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays proved the toxicity of the tested derivatives for the SCC-15 cells. Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 inhibited the viability of SCC-15 cells with the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) in the range of 10.18-32.75 µM at 24 and 48 h treatment. These derivatives reduced the metabolism of SCC-15 cells with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.72-39.85 µM at 24 and 48 h treatment. Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 reduced the metabolism of normal human keratinocytes of HaCaT line murine fibroblasts of Balb/c 3T3 line to a lesser extent. The compounds used in a range from 50 to 100 µM concentrations decreased ROS production in the SCC-15 cells. The derivatives Les-6287 and Les-6328 decreased the level of expression of mRNA of PPARγ, AHR, and NRFL2 genes in these cells at PPARγ siRNA knockdown and without it. Thus, the anticancer effect of studied hybrid pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinones in the SCC-15 carcinoma cells is accompanied by a reduction of their metabolic activity and ROS level, and increase in caspase 3 activity. However, these changes are not the result of direct interaction of Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 with the PPARγ molecule.

Recent advances in synthetic strategies and SAR of thiazolidin-4-one containing molecules in cancer therapeutics

Cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases accountable for millions of demises globally. The inadequate effectiveness of the existing chemotherapy and its harmful effects has resulted in the necessity of developing innovative anticancer agents. Thiazolidin-4-one scaffold is among the most important chemical skeletons that illustrate anticancer activity. Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been the subject of extensive research and current scientific literature reveals that these compounds have shown significant anticancer activities. This manuscript is an earnest attempt to review novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives demonstrating considerable potential as anticancer agents along with a brief discussion of medicinal chemistry-related aspects of these compounds and structural activity relationship studies in order to develop possible multi-target enzyme inhibitors. Most recently, various synthetic strategies have been developed by researchers to get various thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. In this review, the authors highlight the various synthetic, green, and nanomaterial-based synthesis routes of thiazolidin-4-ones as well as their role in anticancer activity by inhibition of various enzymes and cell lines. The detailed description of the existing modern standards in the field presented in this article may be interesting and beneficial to the scientists for further exploration of these heterocyclic compounds as possible anticancer agents.

Novel 2-Acetamido-2-ylidene-4-imidazole Derivatives (El-Saghier Reaction): Green Synthesis, Biological Assessment, and Molecular Docking

El-Saghier reaction is the novel, general, and green reaction of various amines with ethyl cyanoacetate and ethyl glycinate hydrochloride. A new series of imidazolidin-4-ones and bis-N-(alkyl/aryl) imidazolidin-4-ones was synthesized in a sequential, one-pot procedure under neat conditions for 2 h at 70 °C. Excellent high yields (90-98%) were achieved in a short period of time while avoiding issues related to the hazardous solvents utilized (cost, safety, and pollution). The spectrum analyses and elemental data of the newly synthesized compounds helped us to clarify their structures. The obtained compounds were tested for antibacterial activity in vitro and compared to the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol as the standard, measuring the inhibition zone (nm) and activity index (%). With an antibacterial percentage value of 80.0 against Escherichia coli, N,N'-(propane-1,3-diyl) bis(2-(4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-2-yl) acetamide) proved to be the most effective. Antimicrobial activity was confirmed by a molecular docking investigation to investigate how chemicals bind to the bacterial FabH-CoA complex in E. coli (PDB ID: 1HNJ).

Lipophilic Studies and In Silico ADME Profiling of Biologically Active 2-Aminothiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives

Pseudothiohydantoin derivatives have a wide range of biological activities and are widely used in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Lipophilicity is a basic, but very important parameter in the design of potential drugs, as it determines solubility in lipids, nonpolar solvents, and makes it possible to predict the ADME profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipophilicity of 28 pseudothiohydantoin derivatives showing the inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) using chromatographic methods. Experimentally, lipophilicity was determined by reverse phase thin layer chromatography (RP-TLC) and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). In both methods, methanol was used as the organic modifier of the mobile phase. For each 2-aminothiazol-4(5H)-one derivative, a relationship was observed between the structure of the compound and the values of the lipophilicity parameters (log kw, RM0). Experimental lipophilicity values were compared with computer calculated partition coefficient (logP) values. A total of 27 of the 28 tested compounds had a lipophilicity value < 5, which therefore met the condition of Lipinski's rule. In addition, the in silico ADME assay showed favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters for most of the pseudothiohydantoin derivatives tested. The study of lipophilicity and the ADME analysis indicate that the tested compounds are good potential drug candidates.

Synthesis of Novel 2-(Cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives with Potential Anticancer, Antioxidant, and 11β-HSD Inhibitory Activities

In this study, a series of nine new 2-(cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives were synthesized, and their anticancer, antioxidant, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) inhibitory activities were tested. Anticancer activity has been assessed using the MTS (MTS: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay against human colon carcinoma (Caco-2), human pancreatic carcinoma (PANC-1), glioma (U-118 MG), human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and skin melanoma (SK-MEL-30) cancer cell lines. Cell viability reductions, especially in the case of Caco-2, MDA-MB-231, and SK-MEL-30 lines, were observed for most compounds. In addition, the redox status was investigated and oxidative, but nitrosative stress was not noted at a concentration of 500 µM compounds tested. At the same time, a low level of reduced glutathione was observed in all cell lines when treated with compound 3g (5-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(cyclopentylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one) that most inhibited tumor cell proliferation. However, the most interesting results were obtained in the study of inhibitory activity towards two 11β-HSD isoforms. Many compounds at a concentration of 10 µM showed significant inhibitory activity against 11β-HSD1 (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1). The compound 3h (2-(cyclopentylamino)-1-thia-3-azaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-4-one) showed the strongest 11β-HSD1 inhibitory effect (IC₅₀ = 0.07 µM) and was more selective than carbenoxolone. Therefore, it was selected as a candidate for further research.

Small Molecular Mimetics of Antimicrobial Peptides as a Promising Therapy To Combat Bacterial Resistance

Clinically, antibiotics are widely used to treat infectious diseases; however, excessive drug abuse and overuse exacerbate the prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, making the development of novel antibiotics extremely difficult. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is one of the most promising candidates for overcoming bacterial resistance owing to its unique structure and mechanism of action. This study examines the development of small molecular mimetics of AMPs over the past two decades. These mimetics can selectively disrupt membranes, which are the characteristic antibacterial mechanism of AMPs. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of small AMP mimetics are discussed. The small molecular mimetics of AMPs are anticipated to garner interest and investment in discovering new antibiotics. This Perspective will assist in revitalizing the golden age of antibiotics in the current era of combating bacterial resistance.

2-{5-[(Z,2Z)-2-Chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl}-3-methylbutanoic Acid as a Potential Anti-Breast Cancer Molecule

It was established that the synthesis of hybrid molecules containing a thiazolidinone and a (2Z)-2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-ene structural fragments is an effective approach for the design of potential anticancer agents. Given the results of the previous SAR-analysis, the aim of the study was to synthesize a novel 4-thiazolidinone derivative Les-3331 and investigate its molecular mechanism of action in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The cytotoxic properties and antiproliferative potential of Les-3331 were determined. The effect of the tested compound on apoptosis induction and mitochondrial membrane potential was checked by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to determine caspase-8 and caspase-9, LC3A, LC3B, Beclin-1, and topoisomerase II concentration. Additionally, PAMPA, in silico or in vitro prediction of metabolism, CYP3A4/2D6 inhibition, and an Ames test were performed. Les-3331 possesses high cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Its molecular mechanism of action is associated with apoptosis induction, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased caspase-9 and caspase-8 concentrations. Les-3331 decreased LC3A, LC3B, and Beclin-1 concentration in tested cell lines. Topoisomerase II concentration was also lowered. The most probable metabolic pathways and no DDIs risk of Les-3331 were confirmed in in vitro assays. Our studies confirmed that a novel 4-thiazolidinone derivative represents promising anti-breast cancer activity.

De novo design and synthesis of dipyridopurinone derivatives as visible-light photocatalysts in productive guanylation reactions

Described here is the de novo design and synthesis of a series of 6H-dipyrido[1,2-e:2',1'-i]purin-6-ones (DPs) as a new class of visible-light photoredox catalysts (PCs). The synthesized DP1-5 showed their λ _Abs(max) values in 433-477 nm, excited state redox potentials in 1.15-0.69 eV and -1.41 to -1.77 eV (vs. SCE), respectively. As a representative, DP4 enables the productive guanylation of various amines, including 1°, 2°, and 3°-alkyl primary amines, secondary amines, aryl and heteroaryl amines, amino-nitrile, amino acids and peptides as well as propynylamines and α-amino esters giving diversities in biologically important guanidines and cyclic guanidines. The photocatalytic efficacy of DP4 in the guanylation overmatched commonly used Ir and Ru polypyridyl complexes, and some organic PCs. Other salient merits of this method include broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance, gram-scale synthesis, and versatile late-stage derivatizations that led to a derivative 81 exhibiting 60-fold better anticancer activity against Ramos cells with the IC₅₀ of 0.086 μM than that of clinical drug ibrutinib (5.1 μM).

Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Spiropyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline Derivatives via Diastereoselective and Regiodivergent Three-Component 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions: In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Rhodanine Analogues

An efficient diastereoselective route is developed to get access to novel spiropyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline-oxindole skeletons by a one-pot three-component [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of (Z)-5-arylidene-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-diones, isatin derivatives, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ). Interestingly, the regioselectivity of the reaction is both temperature- and solvent-dependent, allowing the synthesis of two regioisomeric endo-dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolineoxindoles in excellent yield. Unprecedentedly, each isomeric dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolineoxindole endured retro-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/recycloaddition reactions under thermal or catalytic conditions to regenerate the corresponding regioisomeric counterpart. In addition, DFT calculations were performed at the M062X/6-31++g(d,p) level of theory to unravel the origin of the reversal of regioselectivity and endo-stereoselectivity of the title 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions. Upon treatment of Isatin, THIQ with (Z)-4-arylidene-5-thioxo-thiazolidin-2-ones as dipolarophiles, unusual rhodanine analogues were formed, along with smaller amounts of a dispirooxindole-piperazine. The structure and the relative configuration of these N-heterocycles were unambiguously assigned by spectroscopic techniques and confirmed by four single-crystal structures. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the novel rhodanine derivatives exert antidiabetic activity. The binding affinity with the active site of the enzyme α-amylase was studied by molecular docking. Furthermore, the bioavailability assessed through virtual ADME parameters (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination pharmacokinetics) and the excellent fit with the Lipinski and Veber rules predict good drug-likeness properties for a bromo-substituted 2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one.

SO2F2-Mediated N-Alkylation of Imino-Thiazolidinones

The N-alkylation of ambident and weakly nucleophilic imino-thiazolidinones has been developed via substitution with alkyl fluorosulfonates. These reactive electrophiles are obtained through the transformation of nontoxic, economic, and commercially available alcohol derivatives on exposure to SO₂F₂ gas. The use of electron-withdrawing groups and DMAc as solvent affords a (Z)- and N-endocyclic selectivity for the easy introduction of a variety of alkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chains.

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity Evaluation of 5-[2-Chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-4-thiazolidinones

A series of novel 5-[(Z,2Z)-2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-thiazolidinones (Ciminalum-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules) have been synthesized. Anticancer activity screening toward the NCI60 cell lines panel, gastric cancer (AGS), human colon cancer (DLD-1), and breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines allowed the identification of 3-{5-[(Z,2Z)-2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-propenylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl}propanoic acid (2h) with the highest level of antimitotic activity with mean GI₅₀/TGI values of 1.57/13.3 μM and a certain sensitivity profile against leukemia (MOLT-4, SR), colon cancer (SW-620), CNS cancer (SF-539), melanoma (SK-MEL-5), gastric cancer (AGS), human colon cancer (DLD-1), and breast cancers (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines. The hit compounds 2f, 2i, 2j, and 2h have been found to have low toxicity toward normal human blood lymphocytes and a fairly wide therapeutic range. The significant role of the 2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enylidene (Ciminalum) substituent in the 5 position and the substituent's nature in the position 3 of core heterocycle in the anticancer cytotoxicity levels of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives have been established.

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Dual COX-2/5-LOX Inhibitor Darbufelon and Its Novel Analogues

Neuroinflammation is an integral part of epilepsy pathogenesis and other convulsive conditions, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) present a potent tool for the contemporary search and design of novel anticonvulsants. In the present paper, evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of the potential NSAID dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitor darbufelone methanesulfonate using an scPTZ model in mice in dose 100 mg/kg is reported. Darbufelone possesses anticonvulsant properties in the scPTZ model and presents interest for in-depth studies as a possible anticonvulsant multi-target agent with anti-inflammatory activity. The series of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives have been synthesized following the analogue-based drug design and hybrid-pharmacophore approach using a darbufelone matrix. The synthesized derivatives showed a significant protection level for animals in the scPTZ model and are promising compounds for the design of potential anticonvulsants with satisfactory drug-like parameters.

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of glucopyranosyl-conjugated benzyl derivatives as novel selective cytotoxic agents against colon cancer

Glucopyranosyl-conjugated benzyl derivatives containing a [1,2,3]-triazole linker were synthesized. Benzyl served as an important pharmacophore in anti-cancer compounds. Compound 8d inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells with the potency comparable to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with improved selectivity towards cancer cells. The antiproliferative activity of 8d is achieved through triggering apoptotic cell death.

5-Arylidene-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)aminothiazol-4(5H)-ones with selective inhibitory activity against some leukemia cell lines

The data on the pharmacology of 4-thiazolidinones showed that 5-ene-2-(imino)amino-4-thiazolidinones are likely to comprise one of the most promising groups of compounds possessing anticancer properties. A series of 5-arylidene-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)aminothiazol-4(5H)-ones was designed, synthesized, and studied against 10 leukemia cell lines, including the HL-60, Jurkat, K-562, Dami, KBM-7, and some Ba/F3 cell lines. The structure-activity relationship analysis shows that almost all tested 5-arylidene-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)aminothiazol-4(5H)-ones were characterized by ІС₅₀ values lower or comparable to that of the control drug chlorambucil. Among the tested compounds, (5Z)-5-(2-methoxybenzylidene)- (12), (5Z)-(2-ethoxybenzylidene)- (21), (5Z)-5-(2-benzyloxybenzylidene)- (25), and (5Z)-5-(2-allyloxybenzylidene)-2-(4-hydroxyphenylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-ones (28) possessed the highest antileukemic activity at submicromolar concentrations (ІС₅₀  = 0.10-0.95 µM).

Synthesis of Novel 2-(Isopropylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives and Their Inhibitory Activity of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 in Aspect of Carcinogenesis Prevention

Glucocorticoid metabolism at the tissue level is regulated by two isoenzymes 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD), which mutually convert biologically active cortisol and inactive cortisone. Recent research is focused on the role of 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 as autocrine factors of tumor cell proliferation and differentiation. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel 2-(isopropylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives and their inhibitory activity for 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2. The derivative containing the spiro system of thiazole and cyclohexane rings shows the highest degree of 11β-HSD1 inhibition (54.53% at 10 µM) and is the most selective inhibitor of this enzyme among the tested compounds. In turn, derivatives containing ethyl and n-propyl group at C-5 of thiazole ring inhibit the activity of 11β-HSD2 to a high degree (47.08 and 54.59% at 10 µM respectively) and are completely selective. Inhibition of the activity of these enzymes may have a significant impact on the process of formation and course of tumors. Therefore, these compounds can be considered as potential pharmaceuticals supporting anti-cancer therapy.

Thiazole-Bearing 4-Thiazolidinones as New Anticonvulsant Agents

Here, we describe the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of thiazole-bearing hybrids based on 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone and 2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxylic acid cores. The structure of target compounds was based on the following: (i) A combination of two thiazole cores; (ii) similarity to ralitolin’s structure; (iii) the compliance with structural requirements for the new anticonvulsants. Target compounds were synthesized via known approaches based on Knoenavegel reaction, alkylation reaction, and one-pot three-component reaction. Anticonvulsant properties of compounds were evaluated in two different models—pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures and maximal electroshock seizure tests. Among the tested compounds 5Z-(3-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one Ib, 2-[2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2- ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)acetamide IId and (2,4-dioxo-5- (thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethylene)-thiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acid ethyl ester IIj showed excellent anticonvulsant activity in both models. The directions of compounds modification based on SAR aspects were discussed. The results of the study provide a basis for further study of the anticonvulsant properties of selected thiazole-thiazolidinones.

Diversity-oriented synthesis of spirothiazolidinediones and their biological evaluation

We report a new synthetic approach to assemble spirothiazolidinediones via a [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization reaction and the derivatives were further functionalized through DA chemistry and click reaction. Using flow cytometry, it was shown for the first time that the new benzyl alcohol derivatives of thiazolidine-2,4-dione generated here are efficient apoptosis inducers in the HeLa, Hek293, U937, Jurkat, and K562 cell lines.

Discovery of certain benzyl/phenethyl thiazolidinone-indole hybrids as potential anti-proliferative agents: Synthesis, molecular modeling and tubulin polymerization inhibition study

A series of certain benzyl/phenethyl thiazolidinone-indole hybrids were synthesized for the study of anti-proliferative activity against A549, NCI-H460 (lung cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), HCT-29 and HCT-15 (colon cancer) cell lines by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). We found that compound G37 displayed highest cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ value of 0.92 ± 0.12 µM towards HCT-15 cancer cell line among all the synthesized compounds. Moreover, compound G37 was also tested on normal human lung epithelial cells (L132) and was found to be safe in contrast to HCT-15 cells. The lead compound G37 showed significant G2/M phase arrest in HCT-15 cells. Additionally, compound G37 significantly inhibited tubulin polymerization with IC₅₀ value of 2.92 ± 0.23 µM. Mechanistic studies such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, DAPI nuclear staining, annexinV/propidium iodide dual staining, clonogenic growth inhibition assays inferred that compound G37 induced apoptotic cell death in HCT-15 cells. Moreover, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with elevated intracellular ROS levels was observed by compound G37. These compounds bind at the active pocket of the α/β-tubulin with higher number of stable hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and arene-cation interactions confirmed by molecular modeling studies.

Anticancer properties of 5Z-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-2-(4-hydroxyphenylamino)-thiazol-4-one

4-thiazolidinones, which are privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, comprise the well-known class of heterocycles and are a source of new drug-like compounds. Undoubtedly, the 5-bulky-substituted-2,4-thiazolidinediones - a class of antihyperglycemic glitazones, which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists, are the most described group among them. As there are various chemically distinct 4-thiazolidinones, different subtypes have been selected for studies; however, their main pharmacological profiles are similar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of 5Z-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-2-(4-hydroxyphenylamino)-thiazol-4-one (Les-236) in four human cancer cell lines, A549, SCC-15, SH-SY5Y, and CACO-2, and investigate its impact on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the apoptotic process as well as cytotoxicity and metabolism in these cell lines. The cell lines were exposed to increasing concentrations (1 nM to 100 µM) of the studied compound for 6, 24, and 48 h, and later, ROS production, cell viability, caspase-3 activity, and cell metabolism were examined. The obtained results showed that the studied compound decreased the production of ROS, increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased cell metabolism/proliferation in all the five cell lines at micromolar concentrations. Interestingly, over a wide range of concentrations (from 1 nM to 100 µM), Les-236 was able to increase the activity of caspase-3 in BJ (after 6 h of exposure), A549, CACO-2, and SCC-15 (after 48 h of exposure) cell lines which could be an effect of the activation of PPARγ-dependent pathways.

Copper-Promoted C-Se Cross-Coupling of 2-Selenohydantoins with Arylboronic Acids in an Open Flask

The modification of Chan-Lam-Evans cross-coupling reaction for the selective Se-arylation of 2-selenohydantoins under base-free mild conditions via aryl boronic acids is described herein. This approach was used to synthesize novel 5-arylidene-3-substituted-2-(arylselanyl)-imidazoline-4-ones with high yields. The anticancer activity of the final compounds was evaluated in vitro against different cancer cells, and thus, the possibility of 5-arylidene-3-substituted-2-(arylselanyl)-imidazoline-4-ones successful application as cytotoxic agents was demonstrated.

Serum-binding properties of isosteric ruthenium and osmium anticancer agents elucidated by SEC-ICP-MS

ABSTRACT

Size-exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) was used to study the serum-binding preferences of two metallodrugs with anticancer activities in vivo, namely the organoruthenium compound plecstatin-1 and its isosteric osmium analog. The complexes were administered intraperitoneally into mice bearing a CT-26 tumor. Comparing the total metal content of mouse whole blood and serum underlined that the metallodrugs are mainly located in serum and not in the cellular fraction of the blood samples. In mouse serum, both compounds were not only found to bind extensively to the serum albumin/transferrin fraction but also to immunoglobulins. Free drug was not observed in any of the samples indicating rapid protein binding of the metallodrugs. These findings were validated by spiking human serum with the respective compounds ex vivo. An NCI-60 screen is reported for the osmium analog, which revealed a relative selectivity for cancer cell lines of the ovary and the central nervous system with respect to plecstatin-1. Finally, a COMPARE 170 analysis revealed disruption of DNA synthesis as a possible treatment effect of the osmium-based drug candidate.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

5-Ene-4-thiazolidinones - An efficient tool in medicinal chemistry

The presented review is an attempt to summarize a huge volume of data on 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones being a widely studied class of small molecules used in modern organic and medicinal chemistry. The manuscript covers approaches to the synthesis of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinone derivatives: modification of the C5 position of the basic core; synthesis of the target compounds in the one-pot or multistage reactions or transformation of other related heterocycles. The most prominent pharmacological profiles of 5-ene derivatives of different 4-thiazolidinone subtypes belonging to hit-, lead-compounds, drug-candidates and drugs as well as the most studied targets have been discussed. Currently target compounds (especially 5-en-rhodanines) are assigned as frequent hitters or pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS) within high-throughput screening campaigns. Nevertheless, the crucial impact of the presence/nature of C5 substituent (namely 5-ene) on the pharmacological effects of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones was confirmed by the numerous listed findings from the original articles. The main directions for active 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones optimization have been shown: i) complication of the fragment in the C5 position; ii) introduction of the substituents in the N3 position (especially fragments with carboxylic group or its derivatives); iii) annealing in complex heterocyclic systems; iv) combination with other pharmacologically attractive fragments within hybrid pharmacophore approach. Moreover, the utilization of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones in the synthesis of complex compounds with potent pharmacological application is described. The chemical transformations cover mainly the reactions which involve the exocyclic double bond in C5 position of the main core and correspond to the abovementioned direction of the 5-ene-4-thiazolidinone modification.

Synthesis of novel 5-arylidenethiazolidinones with apoptotic properties via a three component reaction using piperidine as a bifunctional reagent

The synthesis of a new library of 5-arylidenethiazolidinone compounds using an efficient three component reaction with thiazolidine-2,4-dione, piperidine and appropriate aldehydes is reported. This reaction is excellently high yielding, tolerant towards a variety of aldehydes and provides access to these compounds in a single step (in comparison to low yielding multistep syntheses reported in the literature). Once the reaction is complete, the desired product precipitates out of the reaction mixture and is isolated by filtration and purified by washing and recrystallization. These compounds revealed anti-proliferative activities against human breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA). Phenotypic profiling established the most active compound 17i (EC50 = 4.52 μM) as an apoptotic agent. A novel chemical proteomics approach identified β-actin-like protein 2, γ-enolase and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MMIF) as putative cellular binding partners of 17i.

Azole-based compounds as antiamoebic agents: a perspective using theoretical calculations

Diseases caused by protozoal organisms are responsible for significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Amoebiasis caused byEntamoeba histolyticais an example of such diseases.

Discovery of 5-(5,5-Dimethylbutenolide-3-ethylidene)-2-amino-imidazolinone Derivatives as Fungicidal Agents

The novel fungicidal agents 5-(5,5-dimethylbutenolide-3-ethylidene)-2-amino-imidazolinone derivatives, were designed and synthesized in moderate to excellent yields in four steps by α-hydroxyketone and diketene as raw materials and characterized by HR-ESI-MS and ¹H-NMR. The preliminary bioassay showed that some of these compounds, such as 4a, 4e and 5g exhibit 94.9%, 92.8% and 81.4% inhibition rates against Sclerotiniascleotiorum at the concentration of 50 µg/mL, respectively. The EC₅₀ values of compounds 4e and 4i were 4.14 and 3.27 µM against Alternaria Solani, and 5g had EC₅₀ value of 3.23 µM against S. scleotiorum. Compounds 4d and 4g displayed 98.0% and 97.8% control of spore germination against Botrytiscinerea at the concentration of 100 µg/mL, respectively.