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Pavić K, Poje G, Pessanha de Carvalho L, Tandarić T, Marinović M, Fontinha D, Held J, Prudêncio M, Piantanida I, Vianello R, Krošl Knežević I, Perković I, Rajić Z. Discovery of harmiprims, harmine-primaquine hybrids, as potent and selective anticancer and antimalarial compounds. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 105:117734. [PMID: 38677112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Although cancer and malaria are not etiologically nor pathophysiologically connected, due to their similarities successful repurposing of antimalarial drugs for cancer and vice-versa is known and used in clinical settings and drug research and discovery. With the growing resistance of cancer cells and Plasmodium to the known drugs, there is an urgent need to discover new chemotypes and enrich anticancer and antimalarial drug portfolios. In this paper, we present the design and synthesis of harmiprims, hybrids composed of harmine, an alkaloid of the β-carboline type bearing anticancer and antiplasmodial activities, and primaquine, 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug with low antiproliferative activity, covalently bound via triazole or urea. Evaluation of their antiproliferative activities in vitro revealed that N-9 substituted triazole-type harmiprime was the most selective compound against MCF-7, whereas C1-substituted ureido-type hybrid was the most active compound against all cell lines tested. On the other hand, dimeric harmiprime was not toxic at all. Although spectrophotometric studies and thermal denaturation experiments indicated binding of harmiprims to the ds-DNA groove, cell localization showed that harmiprims do not enter cell nucleus nor mitochondria, thus no inhibition of DNA-related processes can be expected. Cell cycle analysis revealed that C1-substituted ureido-type hybrid induced a G1 arrest and reduced the number of cells in the S phase after 24 h, persisting at 48 h, albeit with a less significant increase in G1, possibly due to adaptive cellular responses. In contrast, N-9 substituted triazole-type harmiprime exhibited less pronounced effects on the cell cycle, particularly after 48 h, which is consistent with its moderate activity against the MCF-7 cell line. On the other hand, screening of their antiplasmodial activities against the erythrocytic, hepatic, and gametocytic stages of the Plasmodium life cycle showed that dimeric harmiprime exerts powerful triple-stage antiplasmodial activity, while computational analysis showed its binding within the ATP binding site of PfHsp90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Pavić
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Goran Poje
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Tana Tandarić
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; Rudjer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Marinović
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jana Held
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ivo Piantanida
- Rudjer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Rudjer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ivana Perković
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Marinović M, Rimac H, de Carvalho LP, Rôla C, Santana S, Pavić K, Held J, Prudêncio M, Rajić Z. Design, synthesis and antiplasmodial evaluation of new amide-, carbamate-, and ureido-type harmicines. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 94:117468. [PMID: 37696205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, one of the oldest parasitic diseases, remains a global health threat, and the increasing resistance of the malaria parasite to current antimalarials is forcing the discovery of new, effective drugs. Harmicines, hybrid compounds in which harmine/β-carboline alkaloids and cinnamic acid derivatives are linked via an amide bond or a triazole ring, represent new antiplasmodial agents. In this work, we used a multiple linear regression technique to build a linear quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model, based on a group of 40 previously prepared amide-type (AT) harmicines and their antiplasmodial activities against erythrocytic stage of chloroquine-sensitive strain of P. falciparum (Pf3D7). After analysing the QSAR model, new harmicines were designed and synthesized: six amide-type, eleven carbamate-type and two ureido-type harmicines at the N-9 position of the β-carboline core. Subsequently, we evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of the new harmicines against the erythrocytic and hepatic stages of the Plasmodium life cycle in vitro and their antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cells. UT harmicine (E)-1-(2-(7-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)ethyl)-3-(3-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)allyl)urea at the N-9 position of the β-carboline ring exhibited pronounced antiplasmodial activity against both the erythrocytic and the hepatic stages of the Plasmodium life cycle, accompanied by good selectivity towards Plasmodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Marinović
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Rimac
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - C Rôla
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S Santana
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kristina Pavić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jana Held
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Isbel SR, Bugarin A. Synthesis of a New α-Azidomethyl Styrene from Safrole via a Dearomative Rearrangement. MOLBANK 2023; 2023:M1713. [PMID: 37920849 PMCID: PMC10621569 DOI: 10.3390/m1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in developing more efficient synthetic alternatives for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing allylic compounds. This article presents a straightforward two-step protocol to produce 5-(3-azidoprop-1-en-2-yl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxole 4 from the natural product safrole. The method yielded the expected α-azidomethyl styrene 4, in good yield, via a dearomative rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Isbel
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Alejandro Bugarin
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
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Chen B, Yan M, Gao H, Ma Q, Li L, Lü G, Gong Y, Wen L, Xu S, Wang J, Zhao J. In vitro and in vivo Efficacies of Novel Harmine Derivatives in the Treatment of Cystic Echinococcosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2441-2454. [PMID: 37637266 PMCID: PMC10454840 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s419002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larvae of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster. The current existing drugs have limited therapeutic efficacy against cystic echinococcosis, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs. Methods In this study, 7 harmine (HM) derivatives were screened and the effects of HM derivatives on E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) were evaluated by in vitro and mouse experiments. The safety of the HM derivatives was assessed by cytotoxicity assays, acute toxicity study in animals and subacute toxicity study. Results These results show that the HM derivatives H-2-168 and DH-004 exhibited more significant antiparasitic effects at an initial concentration of 40 μM. The results of further studies showed that H-2-168 and DH-004 had dose-dependent effects against protoscoleces and had satisfactory therapeutic outcomes in vivo. Electron microscopy observations demonstrated that H-2-168 and DH-004 caused severe disruption of the parasite ultrastructure. Notably, the results of the acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity studies showed that H-2-168 and DH-004 had significantly improved safety. In addition, we found that H-2-168 and DH-004 induced DNA damage in E. granulosus s.s., which may be the mechanism by which these drugs produce their therapeutic effects. Discussion Overall, the data from this work demonstrate that H-2-168 and DH-004 are highly effective candidate compounds with low toxicity for the treatment of CE and will provide a new therapeutic strategy for CE pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingzhi Yan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijing Gao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Ma
- HuaShiDan Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lihua Li
- Xinjiang Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guodong Lü
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuehong Gong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Limei Wen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoquan Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
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Yang W, Chen T, Tan Q, Zang Z, Chen Y, Ou Y, Li G, Hu D, Wang B, Yao H, She Z. Plasmodium-Resistant Indole Diterpenoid Biosynthesis Gene Cluster Derived from Aspergillus oryzae Was Activated by Exogenous P450 Gene Ast B. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:1392-1401. [PMID: 37257055 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is an effective way to activate silent biosynthetic gene clusters. Five new indole diterpenoids (1, 2, 5, 9, and 10), together with 10 known derivatives (3, 4, 6-8, and 11-15) were activated from Aspergillus oryzae transformants by an exogenous P450 gene Ast B and obtained under the guidance of molecular networking. Their planar structures were determined by NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and those of compounds 2, 5 , 9, and 10 were confirmed by comparing the observed ECD with the calculated ECD. HPLC analysis suggested that the BGCs of indole diterpenoids in A. oryzae were activated by exogenous P450 gene Ast B. Compounds 1-4, 7, 8, and 11 displayed strong activity against chloroquine-sensitive plasmodium strain P.f.3D7 with IC50 values ranging from 0.84 to 2.9 μM. It is the first report that indole diterpenoids have potential antimalarial activity. The structure-activity relationship study showed that the linear indole diterpenoids contribute significantly to the antiparasite activity. Molecular docking studies showed that 1 and positive control chloroquine were at the center of the active pocket of PfHsp90, while 11 was far from the active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencong Yang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Tan
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenming Zang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanghui Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Yao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang She
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
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6
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Tang X, Kurban M, Hafiz I, Shen Q, Wang M. Preparation of hyaluronic acid-loaded Harmine polymeric micelles and in vitro effect anti-breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 183:106388. [PMID: 36758771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To prepare hyaluronic acid-loaded Harmine polymeric micelles with CD44 targeting properties and to investigate their anti-breast cancer effects in vitro. METHODS The carboxyl group on hyaluronic acid is coupled to the amino group on 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine by an amidation reaction. And the polymeric micelles self-assemble to encapsulate the Harmine in a hydrophobic core, characterized the polymer micelles by IR, 19F-NMR, Malvern particle sizing, release, hemolysis, and other experiments. Used CD44-positive MDA-MB-231 cells and CD44-negative MCF-7 cells as tumor models. The effect of polymer micelles on breast cancer cells in vitro by cytotoxicity assay, confocal, and flow cytometry. RESULTS The prepared polymer micelles had a uniform particle size of about 200 nm, good dispersion, PDI < 0.3, encapsulation rate up to 87%, drug loading of 4.12±0.03%, and negative charge. Hyaluronidase has a good enzymatic effect on polymeric micelles, with a hemolysis rate of less than 1%. It showed some dose-dependent toxicity to both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, with increased uptake of polymer micelles by CD44-positive MDA-MB-231 compared to CD44-negative MCF-7 cells and significant effects of polymer micelles on apoptosis and cycling in both cell types. These results suggest that the hyaluronic acid-loaded Harmine polymer micelles designed in this study are effective in killing breast cancer cells while at the same time reducing the toxicity of Harmine and improving its slow-release targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Tang
- Central Laboratory of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Munire Kurban
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830063, China
| | - Ipargul Hafiz
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Qi Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Mei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
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Kushwaha P, Kumar V, Saha B. Current development of β-carboline derived potential antimalarial scaffolds. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115247. [PMID: 36931118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Carboline alkaloids are an eminent class of nitrogen-based natural alkaloids and therapeutic molecules which exert various pharmacological activities through diverse mechanisms. A lot of attention has recently been directed towards this moiety in order to develop effective antimalarial drugs. "Malaria", an acute febrile illness caused by diverse Plasmodium parasites, is a continuing and escalating problem that devastates economically less developed countries by significantly increased morbidity and mortality rates. The mounting parasite resistance towards the antimalarial drugs and augmenting the 'habitat of the insect vector' are creating a catastrophe, indicating an urgent need for new efficacious therapeutics to combat this tropical disease. This article comprehensively encapsulates the clinical and preclinical antimalarial scaffolds comprising β-carboline moiety in their structure. Herein, various classes of natural and semi-synthetic analogues of β-carbolines reported in the last decade (2011-2021) have been extensively studied and illustrated. This review will help the readers to develop an insight into the β-carboline based antimalarials and molecular mechanisms lying behind their mode of action, which is anticipated to be beneficial for the future development of new β-carboline based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kushwaha
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Biswajit Saha
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Zala AR, Rajani DP, Ahmad I, Patel H, Kumari P. Synthesis, characterization, molecular dynamic simulation, and biological assessment of cinnamates linked to imidazole/benzimidazole as a CYP51 inhibitor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11518-11534. [PMID: 36691770 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2170918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A class of 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethyl cinnamates 6a-6j and 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethyl cinnamates 7a-7j were synthesized, and their synthesis was validated using various spectroscopic techniques like IR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry. In addition, the compounds were assessed for in-vitro antibacterial against gram-positive and gram-negative strains and in-vitro antifungal against six different fungal strains. Compounds 6 g, 7 b, 7f, and 7 g exhibited significant activity against all bacterial strains ranging from MIC = 12.5-50 µg/mL, and compounds 6 g, 7 b, and 7 g exhibited considerable activity against all fungal strains ranging from MFC = 125-200 µg/mL. A molecular docking study indicated that compounds 6 g, 7 b, 7 g, and 7j could be lodged in the active pocket and inhibit C. albicans Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) protein via various interactions, and these studies validate the antifungal results. Different parameters from the 100 ns MD simulation study are investigated to evaluate the dynamic stability of protein-ligand complexes. According to the MD simulation study, the proposed compounds effectively kept their molecular interaction and structural integrity within the C. albicans Sterol 14-demethylase. Compounds 6 g, 7 b, and 7 g are promising lead compounds in searching for novel antifungal drug-like molecules. Furthermore, in silico ADME indicates that these compounds possess drug-like physicochemical properties to be orally bioavailable.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajayrajsinh R Zala
- Department of Chemistry, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, India
| | | | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof. Ravindra Nikam College of Pharmacy, Gondur, India
| | - Harun Patel
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | - Premlata Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, India
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9
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Yang W, Chen T, Chen Y, Tan Q, Ou Y, Li G, Wang B, Hu D, Yao H, She Z. Antiplasmodial Asperterpenoids from Two Aspergillus oryzae Transformants with Heterologous Expression of Sesterterpene Genes. J Org Chem 2022; 87:16807-16819. [PMID: 36469695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The synthetic biology approach enables efficient and directional mining of target compounds during drug discovery. Ten new asperterpenoids (6-15) and five known analogues (1-5), possessing a rare 5/7/3/6/5 skeleton, were obtained from two Aspergillus oryzae transformants with heterologous expression of a terpene cyclase gene AstC with one or two P450 genes AstB/A under the guidance of molecular networking. Their planar structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The absolute configurations of compounds 6 and 9-13 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and those of compounds 7-8 and 14-15 were compared with the ECD of known compounds. Seven of all the compounds are the first asperterpenoid oxidation products at C-17 or at C-25. In bioassay, compounds 1-2, 4-5, and 6-8 displayed moderate to strong eliminating activities against chloroquine-sensitive strain (P.f.3D7) with EC50 values ranging from 2.1 to 19.3 μM. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) was discussed, which showed that substituents at C-3, C-11, C-17, C-18, and C-23 of asperterpenoids significantly affected anti-plasma parasite activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencong Yang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, P.R. China
| | - Qi Tan
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
| | - Yanghui Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
| | - Dan Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Yao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang She
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
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A comparison of conventional and novel phytonutrient extraction techniques from various sources and their potential applications. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-022-01697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Poje G, Marinović M, Pavić K, Mioč M, Kralj M, de Carvalho LP, Held J, Perković I, Rajić Z. Harmicens, Novel Harmine and Ferrocene Hybrids: Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169315. [PMID: 36012590 PMCID: PMC9408872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and malaria are both global health threats. Due to the increase in the resistance to the known drugs, research on new active substances is a priority. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of the biological activity of harmicens, hybrids composed of covalently bound harmine/β-carboline and ferrocene scaffolds. Structural diversity was achieved by varying the type and length of the linker between the β-carboline ring and ferrocene, as well as its position on the β-carboline ring. Triazole-type harmicens were prepared using Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, while the synthesis of amide-type harmicens was carried out by applying a standard coupling reaction. The results of in vitro biological assays showed that the harmicens exerted moderate antiplasmodial activity against the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum (IC50 in submicromolar and low micromolar range) and significant and selective antiproliferative activity against the MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines (IC50 in the single-digit micromolar range, SI > 5.9). Cell localization experiments showed different localizations of nonselective harmicene 36 and HCT116-selective compound 28, which clearly entered the nucleus. A cell cycle analysis revealed that selective harmicene 28 had already induced G1 cell cycle arrest after 24 h, followed by G2/M arrest with a concomitant drastic reduction in the percentage of cells in the S phase, whereas the effect of nonselective compound 36 on the cell cycle was much less pronounced, which agreed with their different localizations within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Poje
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Marinović
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Pavić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Mioč
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boškovic Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijeta Kralj
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boškovic Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ivana Perković
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Guo J, Cheng M, Liu P, Cao D, Luo J, Wan Y, Wang R, Fang Y, Jin Y, Zhang Z, Xie SS, Liu J. Design, Synthesis and Anti-Tumor Activity Evaluation of Novel 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)cinnamic Acid Amide-Dithiocarbamate Derivatives. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202200439. [PMID: 35703003 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The fragments, 3,4-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid amide and dithiocarbamates, have received increasing attention because of their multiple pharmacological activities in recent years, especially in anti-tumor. We synthesized 17 novel 3,4-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid amide-dithiocarbamate derivatives based on the principle of pharmacophore assembly and discovered that compound 4a7 displayed the most potent antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells with IC50 value of 1.01 μM. Further mechanistic studies revealed that 4a7 triggered apoptosis in HeLa cells via activating mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathways and effectively inhibited colony formation. Also, 4a7 had the ability to arrest cell cycle in the G2/M phase as well as to inhibit the migration in HeLa cells. More importantly, acute toxicity experiments showed that 4a7 had good safety in vivo. All the results suggested that compound 4a7 might serve as a promising lead compound that merited further attention in future anti-tumor drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Guo
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Maojun Cheng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Duanyuan Cao
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Jinchong Luo
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Yang Wan
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Rikang Wang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Yuanying Fang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Yi Jin
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Sai-Sai Xie
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, P. R. China
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13
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Poje G, Pessanha de Carvalho L, Held J, Moita D, Prudêncio M, Perković I, Tandarić T, Vianello R, Rajić Z. Design and synthesis of harmiquins, harmine and chloroquine hybrids as potent antiplasmodial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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14
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Beus M, Persoons L, Daelemans D, Schols D, Savijoki K, Varmanen P, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Pavić K, Zorc B. Anthranilamides with quinoline and β-carboline scaffolds: design, synthesis, and biological activity. Mol Divers 2022; 26:2595-2612. [PMID: 34997441 PMCID: PMC8741576 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we report the design and synthesis of novel amide-type hybrid molecules based on anthranilic acid and quinoline or β-carboline heterocyclic scaffolds. Three types of biological screenings were performed: (i) in vitro antiproliferative screening against a panel of solid tumor and leukemia cell lines, (ii) antiviral screening against several RNA viruses, and (iii) anti-quorum sensing screening using gram-negative Chromobacterium violaceum as the reporter strain. Antiproliferative screening revealed a high activity of several compounds. Anthranilamides 12 and 13 with chloroquine core and halogenated anthranilic acid were the most active agents toward diverse cancer cell lines such as glioblastoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, acute lymphoblastic, acute myeloid, chronic myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but also against noncancerous cell lines. Boc-protected analogs 2 and 3 showed moderate activities against the tested cancer cells without toxic effects against noncancerous cells. A nonhalogenated quinoline derivative 10 with N-benzylanthranilic acid residue was equally active as 12 and 13 and selective toward tumor cells. Chloroquine and quinoline anthranilamides 10-13 exerted pronounced antiviral effect against human coronaviruses 229E and OC43, whereas 12 and 13 against coronavirus OC43 (EC50 values in low micromolar range; selectivity indices from 4.6 to > 10.4). Anthranilamides 14 and 16 with PQ core inhibited HIV-1 with EC50 values of 9.3 and 14.1 µM, respectively. Compound 13 displayed significant anti-quorum/biofilm effect against the quorum sensing reporter strain (IC50 of 3.7 μM) with no apparent bactericidal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Beus
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kirsi Savijoki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Varmanen
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristina Pavić
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branka Zorc
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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15
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Pavić K, Beus M, Poje G, Uzelac L, Kralj M, Rajić Z. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Harmirins, Novel Harmine-Coumarin Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216490. [PMID: 34770906 PMCID: PMC8587047 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As cancer remains one of the major health burdens worldwide, novel agents, due to the development of resistance, are needed. In this work, we designed and synthesized harmirins, which are hybrid compounds comprising harmine and coumarin scaffolds, evaluated their antiproliferative activity, and conducted cell localization and cell cycle analysis experiments. Harmirins were prepared from the corresponding alkynes and azides under mild reaction conditions using Cu(I) catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, leading to the formation of the 1H-1,2,3-triazole ring. Antiproliferative activity of harmirins was evaluated in vitro against four human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT116, SW620, and HepG2) and one human non-cancer cell line (HEK293T). The most pronounced activities were exerted against MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines (IC50 in the single-digit micromolar range), while the most selective harmirins were 5b and 12b, substituted at C-3 and O-7 of the β-carboline core and bearing methyl substituent at position 6 of the coumarin ring (SIs > 7.2). Further experiments demonstrated that harmirin 12b is localized exclusively in the cytoplasm. In addition, it induced a strong G1 arrest and reduced the percentage of cells in the S phase, suggesting that it might exert its antiproliferative activity through inhibition of DNA synthesis, rather than DNA damage. In conclusion, harmirin 12b is a novel harmine and coumarin hybrid with significant antiproliferative activity and warrants further evaluation as a potential anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Pavić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (K.P.); (M.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Maja Beus
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (K.P.); (M.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Goran Poje
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (K.P.); (M.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Lidija Uzelac
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Marijeta Kralj
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.U.); (M.K.)
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (K.P.); (M.B.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Stofberg ML, Caillet C, de Villiers M, Zininga T. Inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90 towards Selective Antimalarial Drug Design: The Past, Present and Future. Cells 2021; 10:2849. [PMID: 34831072 PMCID: PMC8616389 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still one of the major killer parasitic diseases in tropical settings, posing a public health threat. The development of antimalarial drug resistance is reversing the gains made in attempts to control the disease. The parasite leads a complex life cycle that has adapted to outwit almost all known antimalarial drugs to date, including the first line of treatment, artesunate. There is a high unmet need to develop new strategies and identify novel therapeutics to reverse antimalarial drug resistance development. Among the strategies, here we focus and discuss the merits of the development of antimalarials targeting the Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) due to the central role it plays in protein quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tawanda Zininga
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; (M.L.S.); (C.C.); (M.d.V.)
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17
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Marinović M, Poje G, Perković I, Fontinha D, Prudêncio M, Held J, Pessanha de Carvalho L, Tandarić T, Vianello R, Rajić Z. Further investigation of harmicines as novel antiplasmodial agents: Synthesis, structure-activity relationship and insight into the mechanism of action. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113687. [PMID: 34274829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The rise of the resistance of the malaria parasite to the currently approved therapy urges the discovery and development of new efficient agents. Previously we have demonstrated that harmicines, hybrid compounds composed from β-carboline alkaloid harmine and cinnamic acid derivatives, linked via either triazole or amide bond, exert significant antiplasmodial activity. In this paper, we report synthesis, antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of expanded series of novel triazole- and amide-type harmicines. Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that amide-type harmicines 27, prepared at N-9 of the β-carboline core, exhibit superior potency against both erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum and hepatic stages of P. berghei. Notably, harmicine 27a, m-(trifluoromethyl)cinnamic acid derivative, exhibited the most favourable selectivity index (SI = 1105). Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the ATP binding site of P. falciparum heat shock protein 90 as a druggable binding location, confirmed the usefulness of the harmine's N-9 substitution and identified favourable N-H … π interactions involving Lys45 and the aromatic phenyl unit in the attached cinnamic acid fragment as crucial for the enhanced biological activity. Thus, those compounds were identified as promising and valuable leads for further derivatization in the search of novel, more efficient antiplasmodial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Marinović
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Poje
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Perković
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jana Held
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Tana Tandarić
- Rudjer Bošković Institute, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Rudjer Bošković Institute, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, A. Kovačića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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18
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Sharma N, Kashif M, Singh V, Fontinha D, Mukherjee B, Kumar D, Singh S, Prudencio M, Singh AP, Rathi B. Novel Antiplasmodial Compounds Leveraged with Multistage Potency against the Parasite Plasmodium falciparum: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations and Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8666-8683. [PMID: 34124905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyethylamine (HEA)-based novel compounds were synthesized and their activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 was assessed, identifying a few hits without any apparent toxicity. Hits 5c and 5d also exhibited activity against resistant field strains, PfRKL-9 and PfC580Y. A single dose, 50 mg/Kg, of hits administered to the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA exhibited up to 70% reduction in the parasite load. Compound 5d tested in combination with artesunate produced an additional antiparasitic effect with a prolonged survival period. Additionally, compound 5d showed 50% inhibition against hepatic P. berghei infection at 1.56 ± 0.56 μM concentration. This compound also considerably delayed the progression of transmission stages, ookinete and oocyst. Furthermore, the toxicity of 5d assessed in mice supported the normal liver and kidney functions. Altogether, HEA analogues (5a-m), particularly 5d, are nontoxic multistage antiplasmodial agents with therapeutic and transmission-blocking efficacy, along with favorable preliminary pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vigyasa Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Budhaditya Mukherjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Miguel Prudencio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Agam P Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
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19
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Hu X, Gao X, Gao G, Wang Y, Cao H, Li D, Hua H. Discovery of β-carboline-(phenylsulfonyl)furoxan hybrids as potential anti-breast cancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 40:127952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Hok L, Mavri J, Vianello R. The Effect of Deuteration on the H 2 Receptor Histamine Binding Profile: A Computational Insight into Modified Hydrogen Bonding Interactions. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25246017. [PMID: 33353215 PMCID: PMC7766521 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25246017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We used a range of computational techniques to reveal an increased histamine affinity for its H2 receptor upon deuteration, which was interpreted through altered hydrogen bonding interactions within the receptor and the aqueous environment preceding the binding. Molecular docking identified the area between third and fifth transmembrane α-helices as the likely binding pocket for several histamine poses, with the most favorable binding energy of −7.4 kcal mol−1 closely matching the experimental value of −5.9 kcal mol−1. The subsequent molecular dynamics simulation and MM-GBSA analysis recognized Asp98 as the most dominant residue, accounting for 40% of the total binding energy, established through a persistent hydrogen bonding with the histamine −NH3+ group, the latter further held in place through the N–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonding with Tyr250. Unlike earlier literature proposals, the important role of Thr190 is not evident in hydrogen bonds through its −OH group, but rather in the C–H∙∙∙π contacts with the imidazole ring, while its former moiety is constantly engaged in the hydrogen bonding with Asp186. Lastly, quantum-chemical calculations within the receptor cluster model and utilizing the empirical quantization of the ionizable X–H bonds (X = N, O, S), supported the deuteration-induced affinity increase, with the calculated difference in the binding free energy of −0.85 kcal mol−1, being in excellent agreement with an experimental value of −0.75 kcal mol−1, thus confirming the relevance of hydrogen bonding for the H2 receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Hok
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Janez Mavri
- Laboratory for Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Robert Vianello
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence:
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21
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Pharmacological effects of harmine and its derivatives: a review. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:1259-1275. [PMID: 33206346 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Harmine is isolated from the seeds of the medicinal plant, Peganum harmala L., and has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East and China. Harmine has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Moreover, harmine exhibits insecticidal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Harmine derivatives exhibit pharmacological effects similar to those of harmine, but with better antitumor activity and low neurotoxicity. Many studies have been conducted on the pharmacological activities of harmine and harmine derivatives. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and associated mechanisms of harmine. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of harmine derivatives has been summarized.
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22
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Paul P, Karar M, Alam MN, Dutta D, Majumdar T, Mallick A. Circumstantial Overdose Management of an Efficient Cancer Cell Photosensitizer with Preclinical Evidence: A Biophysical Study. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:8049-8060. [PMID: 35019544 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this article, pharmacological management of circumstantial overdose of an anticancer drug, Harmine (HM), under in vitro and in vivo conditions is described and further validated by employing in silico methods. HM, an efficient cancer cell photosensitizer, interacts extensively with nontoxic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Steady-state fluorescence studies and molecular docking analysis established differential nature of molecular inclusion depending on the relative concentrations of β-CD. Presently, β-CD is commonly used as a standard drug-delivery vehicle but its application for controlled drug withdrawal is rarely explored. Flow cytometric results and in vivo investigations on a zebrafish model showed that conditional overdose of preadministered drug molecules can be efficiently removed by encapsulating successfully within nontoxic β-CDs, albeit by controlled application of the same. This is an approach to manage the cytotoxicity of a drug in a safe way that is already administered. We believe that this β-CD-mediated withdrawal of drugs may find possible applications in controlled capturing of excess or unused drug inside living systems and reducing the unwanted toxicity associated with chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Provakar Paul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Monaj Karar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073 West Bengal, India
| | - Debanjan Dutta
- Department of MRDG, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Tapas Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Arabinda Mallick
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal 713340, India
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23
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Perin N, Hok L, Beč A, Persoons L, Vanstreels E, Daelemans D, Vianello R, Hranjec M. N-substituted benzimidazole acrylonitriles as in vitro tubulin polymerization inhibitors: Synthesis, biological activity and computational analysis. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113003. [PMID: 33248847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We present the design, synthesis and biological activity of novel N-substituted benzimidazole based acrylonitriles as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Their synthesis was achieved using classical linear organic and microwave assisted techniques, starting from aromatic aldehydes and N-substituted-2-cyanomethylbenzimidazoles. All newly prepared compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity in vitro on eight human cancer cell lines and one reference non-cancerous assay. N,N-dimethylamino substituted acrylonitriles 30 and 41, bearing N-isobutyl and cyano substituents placed on the benzimidazole nuclei, showed strong and selective antiproliferative activity in the submicromolar range of inhibitory concentrations (IC50 0.2-0.6 μM), while being significantly less toxic than reference systems docetaxel and staurosporine, thus promoting them as lead compounds. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that two most active compounds inhibited tubulin polymerization. Computational analysis confirmed the suitability of the employed benzimidazole-acrylonitrile skeleton for the binding within the colchicine binding site in tubulin, thus rationalizing the observed antitumor activities, and demonstrated that E-isomers are active substances. It also provided structural determinants affecting both the binding position and the matching affinities, identifying the attached NMe2 group as the most dominant in promoting the binding, which allows ligands to optimize favourable cation∙∙∙π and hydrogen bonding interactions with Lys352.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Perin
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev Trg 19, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - L Hok
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Beč
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev Trg 19, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - L Persoons
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Vanstreels
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Daelemans
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Vianello
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - M Hranjec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev Trg 19, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Novel Harmicines with Improved Potency against Plasmodium. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194376. [PMID: 32977642 PMCID: PMC7583898 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmicines represent hybrid compounds composed of β-carboline alkaloid harmine and cinnamic acid derivatives (CADs). In this paper we report the synthesis of amide-type harmicines and the evaluation of their biological activity. N-harmicines 5a–f and O-harmicines 6a–h were prepared by a straightforward synthetic procedure, from harmine-based amines and CADs using standard coupling conditions, 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo [4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxid hexafluorophosphate (HATU) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA). Amide-type harmicines exerted remarkable activity against the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum, in low submicromolar concentrations, which was significantly more pronounced compared to their antiplasmodial activity against the hepatic stages of P. berghei. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay against the human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) revealed favorable selectivity indices of the most active harmicines. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the binding of ligands within the ATP binding site of PfHsp90, while the calculated binding free energies confirmed higher activity of N-harmicines 5 over their O-substituted analogues 6. Amino acids predominantly affecting the binding were identified, which provided guidelines for the further derivatization of the harmine framework towards more efficient agents.
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25
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Rimac H, Tandarić T, Vianello R, Bojić M. Indomethacin Increases Quercetin Affinity for Human Serum Albumin: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study and Its Broader Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165740. [PMID: 32785199 PMCID: PMC7460863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant carrier protein in the human body. Competition for the same binding site between different ligands can lead to an increased active concentration or a faster elimination of one or both ligands. Indomethacin and quercetin both bind to the binding site located in the IIA subdomain. To determine the nature of the HSA-indomethacin-quercetin interactions, spectrofluorometric, docking, molecular dynamics studies, and quantum chemical calculations were performed. The results show that the indomethacin and quercetin binding sites do not overlap. Moreover, the presence of quercetin does not influence the binding constant and position of indomethacin in the pocket. However, binding of quercetin is much more favorable in the presence of indomethacin, with its position and interactions with HSA significantly changed. These results provide a new insight into drug-drug interactions, which can be important in situations when displacement from HSA or other proteins is undesirable or even desirable. This principle could also be used to deliberately prolong or shorten the xenobiotics' half-life in the body, depending on the desired outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrvoje Rimac
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Laboratory of Computational Modelling of Drugs, South Ural State University, 454008 Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Tana Tandarić
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.T.); (R.V.)
| | - Robert Vianello
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.T.); (R.V.)
| | - Mirza Bojić
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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Ruwizhi N, Aderibigbe BA. Cinnamic Acid Derivatives and Their Biological Efficacy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165712. [PMID: 32784935 PMCID: PMC7460980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role played by cinnamic acid derivatives in treating cancer, bacterial infections, diabetes and neurological disorders, among many, has been reported. Cinnamic acid is obtained from cinnamon bark. Its structure is composed of a benzene ring, an alkene double bond and an acrylic acid functional group making it possible to modify the aforementioned functionalities with a variety of compounds resulting in bioactive agents with enhanced efficacy. The nature of the substituents incorporated into cinnamic acid has been found to play a huge role in either enhancing or decreasing the biological efficacy of the synthesized cinnamic acid derivatives. Some of the derivatives have been reported to be more effective when compared to the standard drugs used to treat chronic or infectious diseases in vitro, thus making them very promising therapeutic agents. Compound 20 displayed potent anti-TB activity, compound 27 exhibited significant antibacterial activity on S. aureus strain of bacteria and compounds with potent antimalarial activity are 35a, 35g, 35i, 36i, and 36b. Furthermore, compounds 43d, 44o, 55g–55p, 59e, 59g displayed potent anticancer activity and compounds 86f–h were active against both hAChE and hBuChE. This review will expound on the recent advances on cinnamic acid derivatives and their biological efficacy.
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