Organochalcogen peroxidase mimetics as potential drugs: a long story of a promise still unfulfilled

Synthesis of New Chiral β-Carbonyl Selenides with Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation-Part I

A series of unsymmetrical phenyl β-carbonyl selenides with o-amido function substituted on the nitrogen atom with chiral alkyl groups was obtained. The compounds form a series of enantiomeric and diastereomeric pairs and present the first examples of this type of chiral Se derivatives. All obtained selenides were further evaluated as antioxidants and anticancer agents to define the influence of the particular stereochemistry of the attached functional groups on the bioactivity of the molecules. The highest H2O2 reduction potential was observed for N-(cis-2-hydroxy-1-indanyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide, and the best radical scavenging properties for N-(-1-hydroxy-2-butanyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide. Also, both enantiomers of the N-(1-hydroxy-2-butanyl) selenide expressed the highest cytotoxic potential towards human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line with similar IC50 values 14.4 ± 0.5 and 16.2 ± 1.1 µM, respectively. On the other hand, breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was most sensitive to N-((R)-(-)-1-hydroxy-2-butanyl)- 2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide (IC50 of 35.7 ± 0.6 µM). The structure-activity dependence of the obtained Se derivatives was discussed, and the most potent compounds were selected.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity potential of organoselenium compounds in human leukocytes in vitro

In the current work, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of different organoselenium compounds were examined using Trypan blue exclusion and alkaline comet assays with silver staining respectively. Leukocytes were subjected to a 3-hour incubation with organoselenium compounds at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 μM, or with the control vehicle (DMSO), at a temperature of 37 °C. The viability of the cells was evaluated using the Trypan blue exclusion method, while DNA damage was analyzed through the alkaline comet assay with silver staining. The exposure of leukocytes to different organoselenium compounds including i.e. (Z)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)-1-(2-((2-(1-((E)-pyridin-2-ylmethyleneamino)ethyl)phenyl)diselanyl)phenyl)ethanamine (C1), 2,2'(1Z,1'E)-(1,1'-(2,2'-diselanediylbis(2,1-phenylene))bis(ethane-1,1-diyl)) bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis -methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)diphenol (C2), and dinaphthyl diselenide (NapSe)2, At concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 μM, no significant DNA damage was observed, as indicated by the absence of a noteworthy increase in the Damage Index (DI). Our results suggest that the organoselenium selenium compounds tested were not genotoxic and cytotoxic to human leukocytes in vitro at lower concentration. This study offers further insights into the genotoxicity profile of these organochalcogens in human leukocytes. Their genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects at higher concentration are probably mediated through reactive oxygen species generation and their ability to catalyze thiol oxidation.

An Experimental and Theoretical Insight into I2 /Br2 Oxidation of Bis(pyridin-2-yl)Diselane and Ditellane

The reactivity between bis(pyridin-2-yl)diselane o Py2 Se2 and ditellane o Py2 Te2 (L1 and L2, respectively; o Py=pyridyn-2-yl) and I2 /Br2 is discussed. Single-crystal structure analysis revealed that the reaction of L1 with I2 yielded [(HL1+ )(I- )⋅5/2I2 ]∞ (1) in which monoprotonated cations HL1+ template a self-assembled infinite pseudo-cubic polyiodide 3D-network, while the reaction with Br2 yielded the dibromide Ho PySeII Br2 (2). The oxidation of L2 with I2 and Br2 yielded the compounds Ho PyTeII I2 (3) and Ho PyTeIV Br4 (6), respectively, whose structures were elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis. FT-Raman spectroscopy measurements are consistent with a 3c-4e description of all the X-Ch-X three-body systems (Ch=Se, Te; X=Br, I) in compounds 2, 3, Ho PyTeII Br2 (5), and 6. The structural and spectroscopic observations are supported by extensive theoretical calculations carried out at the DFT level that were employed to study the electronic structure of the investigated compounds, the thermodynamic aspects of their formation, and the role of noncovalent σ-hole halogen and chalcogen bonds in the X⋅⋅⋅X, X⋅⋅⋅Ch and Ch⋅⋅⋅Ch interactions evidenced structurally.

Visible Light and Triselenium Dicyanide (TSD): New Horizons in the Synthesis of Organic Selenocyanates

Herein, we describe a new method for the synthesis of α-carbonyl selenocyanates by reacting triselenium dicyanide (TSD) and styrenes under blue light irradiation and O2 atmosphere. The reactions are triggered by the formation of Se-centered radical species, followed by the addition/oxidation of the styrene π-bond. α-Carbonyl selenocyanates and α-hydroxy selenocyanates were obtained in moderate to excellent yields from aryl- and alkyl-substituted alkenes, respectively. It was demonstrated that α-carbonyl selenocyanates could be used as a synthetic platform in a multicomponent reaction strategy to prepare 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives, which were evaluated for their photophysical properties. Overall, this new method provides a useful tool for synthesizing α-carbonyl selenocyanates, and demonstrates their potential for use in the synthesis of other compounds, thus giving new synthetic opportunities to construct organic selenocyanate compounds.

Oxidative stress in rat brain during experimental status epilepticus: effect of antioxidants

Antioxidants have been proposed as a treatment for diseases of the central nervous system. However, few studies actually studied their effects in the brain. To test central actions of antioxidants, we used the lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pilo) model of status epilepticus (SE) in the rat in which seizures are accompanied by significant oxidative stress. We used in vivo microdialysis to determine isoprostane levels during SE in real time and brain homogenates for other measures of oxidative stress. Six different antioxidants were tested in acute and preventive experiments (vitamin C, vitamin E, ebselen, resveratrol, n-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone and coenzyme Q10). None of the antioxidants had an effect when given acutely during SE. In contrast, when antioxidants were given for 3 days prior to seizure induction, vitamins C and E reduced isoprostane formation by 58% and 65%, respectively. Pretreatment with the other antioxidants was ineffective. In brain homogenates prepared after 90 min of seizures, SE decreased the ratio of reduced vs. oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG ratio) from 60.8 to 7.50 and caused a twofold increase of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and protein carbonyls. Pretreatment with vitamin C or vitamin E mitigated these effects and increased the GSH/GSSG ratio to 23.9 and 28.3, respectively. Again, the other antioxidants were not effective. We conclude that preventive treatment with vitamin C or vitamin E ameliorates seizure-induced oxidative damage in the brain. Several well-studied antioxidants were inactive, possibly due to limited brain permeability or a lack of chain-breaking antioxidant activity in hydrophilic compounds.

Antioxidant Chimeric Molecules: Are Chemical Motifs Additive? The Case of a Selenium-Based Ligand

We set up an in silico experiment and designed a chimeric compound integrating molecular features from different efficient ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavengers, with the purpose of investigating potential relationships between molecular structure and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, a selenium centre was inserted due to its known capacity to reduce hydroperoxides, acting as a molecular mimic of glutathione peroxidase; finally, since this organoselenide is a precursor of a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, its Au(I) carbene complex was designed and examined. A validated protocol based on DFT (Density Functional Theory) was employed to investigate the radical scavenging activity of available sites on the organoselenide precursor ((SMD)-M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p)//M06-2X/6-31G(d)), as well as on the organometallic complex ((SMD)-M06-2X/SDD (Au), 6-311+G(d,p)//ZORA-BLYP-D3(BJ)/TZ2P), considering HAT (Hydrogen Atom Transfer) and RAF (Radical Adduct Formation) regarding five different radicals. The results of this case study suggest that the antioxidant potential of chemical motifs should not be considered as an additive property when designing a chimeric compound, but rather that the relevance of a molecular topology is derived from a chemical motif combined with an opportune chemical space of the molecule. Thus, the direct contributions of single functional groups which are generally thought of as antioxidants per se do not guarantee the efficient radical scavenging potential of a molecular species.

The Key Role of Chalcogenurane Intermediates in the Reduction Mechanism of Sulfoxides and Selenoxides by Thiols Explored In Silico

Sulfoxides and selenoxides oxidize thiols to disulfides while being reduced back to sulfides and selenides. While the reduction mechanism of sulfoxides to sulfides has been thoroughly explored experimentally as well as computationally, less attention has been devoted to the heavier selenoxides. In this work, we explore the reductive mechanism of dimethyl selenoxide, as an archetypal selenoxide and, for the sake of comparison, the reductive mechanism of dimethyl sulfoxide to gain insight into the role of the chalcogen on the reaction substrate. Particular attention is devoted to the key role of sulfurane and selenurane intermediates. Moreover, the capacity of these system to oxidize selenols rather than thiols, leading to the formation of selenyl sulfide bridges, is explored in silico. Notably, this analysis provides molecular insight into the role of selenocysteine in methionine sulfoxide reductase selenoenzyme. The activation strain model of chemical reactivity is employed in the studied reactions as an intuitive tool to bridge the computationally predicted effect of the chalcogen on the chalcogenoxide as well as on the chalcogenol.

Diphenyl Diselenide and SARS-CoV-2: in silico Exploration of the Mechanisms of Inhibition of Main Protease (Mpro) and Papain-like Protease (PLpro)

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has prompted global efforts to develop therapeutics. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M^pro) and the papain-like protease (PL^pro) are essential for viral replication and are key targets for therapeutic development. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)₂ which is an archetypal model of diselenides and a renowned potential therapeutic agent. The in vitro inhibitory concentration of (PhSe)₂ against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells falls in the low micromolar range. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations [level of theory: SMD-B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311G(d,p), cc-pVTZ] are used to inspect non-covalent inhibition modes of both proteases via π-stacking and the mechanism of covalent (PhSe)₂ + M^pro product formation involving the catalytic residue C145, respectively. The in vitro CC₅₀ (24.61 μM) and EC₅₀ (2.39 μM) data indicate that (PhSe)₂ is a good inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in a cell culture model. The in silico findings indicate potential mechanisms of proteases' inhibition by (PhSe)₂; in particular, the results of the covalent inhibition here discussed for M^pro, whose thermodynamics is approximatively isoergonic, prompt further investigation in the design of antiviral organodiselenides.

Discovery and mechanism studies of a novel ATG4B inhibitor Ebselen by drug repurposing and its anti-colorectal cancer effects in mice

Cysteine protease ATG4B, a key autophagy protein, is an attractive target for colorectal cancer therapy. However, ATG4B inhibitors with higher efficiency, safety, and clear mechanism are still limited. In this study, we discovered ATG4B inhibitors based on the FDA-approved drug library through FRET-based high-throughput screening and gel-based analysis. Among the nine hits, compound Ebselen showed the most potent ATG4B inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 189 nM) and exhibited controllable selectivity and structural optimizable possibility against ATG4A and caspases. We then performed mass spectrometry assay and cysteine mutations to confirm that Ebselen could covalently bind to ATG4B at Cys74. Moreover, Cys292 and Cys361 instead of Cys74 are responsible for the redox-oligomerization and efficient activity inhibition of ATG4B. Ultimately through cell culture and mouse xenograft tumor models, we established the impact of Ebselen on autophagy and tumor suppression via ATG4B inhibition other than apoptosis. These results suggest that old drug Ebselen as an ATG4B inhibitor through oxidative modification may be repurposed as a promising anti-colorectal cancer drug.

Mechanisms of manganese-induced neurotoxicity and the pursuit of neurotherapeutic strategies

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of manganese via occupational or environmental settings causes a neurological disorder known as manganism, resembling the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as motor deficits and cognitive impairment. Numerous studies have been conducted to characterize manganese's neurotoxicity mechanisms in search of effective therapeutics, including natural and synthetic compounds to treat manganese toxicity. Several potential molecular targets of manganese toxicity at the epigenetic and transcriptional levels have been identified recently, which may contribute to develop more precise and effective gene therapies. This review updates findings on manganese-induced neurotoxicity mechanisms on intracellular insults such as oxidative stress, inflammation, excitotoxicity, and mitophagy, as well as transcriptional dysregulations involving Yin Yang 1, RE1-silencing transcription factor, transcription factor EB, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 that could be targets of manganese neurotoxicity therapies. This review also features intracellular proteins such as PTEN-inducible kinase 1, parkin, sirtuins, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, and α-synuclein, which are associated with manganese-induced dysregulation of autophagy/mitophagy. In addition, newer therapeutic approaches to treat manganese's neurotoxicity including natural and synthetic compounds modulating excitotoxicity, autophagy, and mitophagy, were reviewed. Taken together, in-depth mechanistic knowledge accompanied by advances in gene and drug delivery strategies will make significant progress in the development of reliable therapeutic interventions against manganese-induced neurotoxicity.

Attachment of Chiral Functional Groups to Modify the Activity of New GPx Mimetics

A series of new chiral benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones and their corresponding diselenides bearing an o-amido function substituted on the nitrogen atom with various aliphatic and aromatic moieties were synthesized. All derivatives representing pairs of enantiomers or diastereoisomers were obtained to thoroughly evaluate the three-dimensional structure-activity correlation. First, bensisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones were synthesized by reacting 2-(chloroseleno)benzoyl chloride with an appropriate enantiomerically pure amine. Then, the Se-N bond was cleaved by a reduction-oxidation procedure using sodium borohydride and then air oxidation to obtain the corresponding diselenides. All derivatives were tested as antioxidants and anticancer agents. In general, the diselenides were more reactive peroxide scavengers, with the highest activity observed for 2,2'-diselenobis[N-(1S,2S)-(-)-trans-2-hydroksy-1-indanylbezamide]. The most cytotoxic derivative towards human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 and breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines was N-[(1S,2R)-(-)-cis-2-hydroksy-1-indanyl]-1,2-benzizoselenazol-3(2H)-one. The structure-activity relationship of the obtained organoselenium derivatives was discussed.

Glutathione peroxidase mimics based on conformationally-restricted, peri-like, 4,5-disubstituted fluorene dichalcogenides

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulates cellular peroxide levels through glutathione oxidation. GPx-mimics based on 4,5-disubstituted fluorene diselenides, their oxides, and ditellurides show catalytic activities consistent with conformational restriction about the dichalcogen bond.

Radical Scavenging Potential of the Phenothiazine Scaffold: A Computational Analysis

The reactivity of phenothiazine (PS), phenoselenazine (PSE), and phenotellurazine (PTE) with different reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) in combination with the QM-ORSA (Quantum Mechanics-based Test for Overall Free Radical Scavenging Activity) protocol for an accurate kinetic rate calculation. Four radical scavenging mechanisms have been screened, namely hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), radical adduct formation (RAF), single electron transfer (SET), and the direct oxidation of the chalcogen atom. The chosen ROS are HO. , HOO. , and CH3 OO. . PS, PSE, and PTE exhibit an excellent antioxidant activity in water regardless of the ROS due to their characteristic diffusion-controlled regime processes. For the HO. radical, the primary active reaction mechanism is, for all antioxidants, RAF. But, for HOO. and CH3 OO. , the dominant mechanism strongly depends on the antioxidant: HAT for PS and PSE, and SET for PTE. The scavenging efficiency decreases dramatically in lipid environment and remains only significant (via RAF) for the most reactive radical (HO. ). Therefore, PS, PSE, and PTE are excellent antioxidant molecules, especially in aqueous, physiological environments where they are active against a broad spectrum of harmful radicals. There is no advantage or significant difference in the scavenging efficiency when changing the chalcogen since the reactivity mainly derives from the amino hydrogen and the aromatic sites.

Synthesis of Benzoisoselenazolones via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Direct Annulative Selenation by Using Elemental Selenium

Isoselenazolone derivatives have attracted significant research interest because of their potent therapeutic activities and indispensable applications in organic synthesis. Efficient construction of functionalized isoselenazolone scaffolds is still challenging, and thus new synthetic approaches with improved operational simplicity have been of particular interest. In this manuscript, we introduce a rhodium-catalyzed direct selenium annulation by using stable and tractable elemental selenium. A series of benzamides as well as acrylamides were successfully coupled with selenium under mild reaction conditions, and the obtained isoselenazolones could be pivotal synthetic precursors for several organoselenium compounds. Based on the designed control experiments and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements, we propose an unprecedented selenation mechanism involving a highly electrophilic Se(IV) species as the reactive selenium donor. The reaction mechanism was further verified by a computational study.

Selenium-Catalyzed Reduction of Hydroperoxides in Chemistry and Biology

Among the chalcogens, selenium is the key element for catalyzed H2O2 reduction. In organic synthesis, catalytic amounts of organo mono- and di-selenides are largely used in different classes of oxidations, in which H2O2 alone is poorly efficient. Biological hydroperoxide metabolism is dominated by peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, which balance hydroperoxide challenge and contribute to redox regulation. When their selenocysteine is replaced by cysteine, the cellular antioxidant defense system is impaired. Finally, classes of organoselenides have been synthesized with the aim of mimicking the biological strategy of glutathione peroxidases, but their therapeutic application has so far been limited. Moreover, their therapeutic use may be doubted, because H2O2 is not only toxic but also serves as an important messenger. Therefore, over-optimization of H2O2 reduction may lead to unexpected disturbances of metabolic regulation. Common to all these systems is the nucleophilic attack of selenium to one oxygen of the peroxide bond promoting its disruption. In this contribution, we revisit selected examples from chemistry and biology, and, by using results from accurate quantum mechanical modelling, we provide an accurate unified picture of selenium's capacity of reducing hydroperoxides. There is clear evidence that the selenoenzymes remain superior in terms of catalytic efficiency.

Equilibrium between tri- and tetra-coordinate chalcogenuranes is critical for cysteine protease inhibition

There have been significant advances in the biological use of hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds as cysteine protease inhibitors. However, the full understanding of their reaction mechanisms for and cysteine proteases inhibition is still elusive. Kinetic studies suggest an irreversible inhibition mechanism, which was explained by forming a covalent bond between the enzyme sulfhydryl group and the chalcogen atom at its hypervalent state (+4). In this work, we performed a theoretical investigation using density functional theory to propose the active inhibitor form in an aqueous solution. To this end, we investigated chloride ligand exchange reactions by oxygen and sulfur nucleophiles on hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds. All tetra- and tri-coordinated chalcogen compounds and distinct protonation states of the nucleophiles were considered, totaling 34 unique species, 7 nucleophiles, and 155 free energies reactions. We discovered that chloride is easily replaced by a nonprotonated nucleophile (SH^- or OH^- ) in R₂ SeCl₂ . We also found that tri-coordinate species are more stable than their tetra-coordinate counterparts, with selenoxide (R₂ SeO) protonation being strongly exergonic in acid pH. The thermodynamic and kinetic results suggest that the protonated selenoxide (R₂ SeOH⁺ ) is the most probable active chemical species in biological media. The computed energetic profiles paint a possible picture for selenuranes activity, with successive exergonic steps leading to a covalent inhibition of thiol-dependent enzymes, like cysteine proteases. A second pathway has also been uncovered, with a direct reaction to chalcogenonium cation (R₂ SeCl⁺ ) as the inhibition step. Tellurium compounds showed similar trends but formed telluroxide in a pH-independent fashion.

CHAL336 Benchmark Set: How Well Do Quantum-Chemical Methods Describe Chalcogen-Bonding Interactions?

We present the CHAL336 benchmark set-the most comprehensive database for the assessment of chalcogen-bonding (CB) interactions. After careful selection of suitable systems and identification of three high-level reference methods, the set comprises 336 dimers each consisting of up to 49 atoms and covers both σ- and π-hole interactions across four categories: chalcogen-chalcogen, chalcogen-π, chalcogen-halogen, and chalcogen-nitrogen interactions. In a subsequent study of DFT methods, we re-emphasize the need for using proper London dispersion corrections when treating noncovalent interactions. We also point out that the deterioration of results and systematic overestimation of interaction energies for some dispersion-corrected DFT methods does not hint at problems with the chosen dispersion correction but is a consequence of large density-driven errors. We conclude this work by performing the most detailed DFT benchmark study for CB interactions to date. We assess 109 variations of dispersion-corrected and dispersion-uncorrected DFT methods and carry out a detailed analysis of 80 of them. Double-hybrid functionals are the most reliable approaches for CB interactions, and they should be used whenever computationally feasible. The best three double hybrids are SOS0-PBE0-2-D3(BJ), revDSD-PBEP86-D3(BJ), and B2NCPLYP-D3(BJ). The best hybrids in this study are ωB97M-V, PW6B95-D3(0), and PW6B95-D3(BJ). We do not recommend using the popular B3LYP functional nor the MP2 approach, which have both been frequently used to describe CB interactions in the past. We hope to inspire a change in computational protocols surrounding CB interactions that leads away from the commonly used, popular methods to the more robust and accurate ones recommended herein. We would also like to encourage method developers to use our set for the investigation and reduction of density-driven errors in new density functional approximations.

Toxicology and pharmacology of synthetic organoselenium compounds: an update

Here, we addressed the pharmacology and toxicology of synthetic organoselenium compounds and some naturally occurring organoselenium amino acids. The use of selenium as a tool in organic synthesis and as a pharmacological agent goes back to the middle of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries. The rediscovery of ebselen and its investigation in clinical trials have motivated the search for new organoselenium molecules with pharmacological properties. Although ebselen and diselenides have some overlapping pharmacological properties, their molecular targets are not identical. However, they have similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, possibly, via activation of transcription factors, regulating the expression of antioxidant genes. In short, our knowledge about the pharmacological properties of simple organoselenium compounds is still elusive. However, contrary to our early expectations that they could imitate selenoproteins, organoselenium compounds seem to have non-specific modulatory activation of antioxidant pathways and specific inhibitory effects in some thiol-containing proteins. The thiol-oxidizing properties of organoselenium compounds are considered the molecular basis of their chronic toxicity; however, the acute use of organoselenium compounds as inhibitors of specific thiol-containing enzymes can be of therapeutic significance. In summary, the outcomes of the clinical trials of ebselen as a mimetic of lithium or as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 proteases will be important to the field of organoselenium synthesis. The development of computational techniques that could predict rational modifications in the structure of organoselenium compounds to increase their specificity is required to construct a library of thiol-modifying agents with selectivity toward specific target proteins.

Chalcogen-Nitrogen Bond: Insights into a Key Chemical Motif

Chalcogen-nitrogen chemistry deals with systems in which sulfur, selenium, or tellurium is linked to a nitrogen nucleus. This chemical motif is a key component of different functional structures, ranging from inorganic materials and polymers, to rationally designed catalysts, to bioinspired molecules and enzymes. The formation of a selenium–nitrogen bond, typically occurring upon condensation of an amine and the unstable selenenic acid, often leading to intramolecular cyclizations, and its disruption, mainly promoted by thiols, are rather common events in organic Se-catalyzed processes. In this work, focusing on examples taken from selenium organic chemistry and biochemistry, the selenium–nitrogen bond is described, and its strength and reactivity are quantified using accurate computational methods applied to model molecular systems. The intermediate strength of the Se–N bond, which can be tuned to necessity, gives rise to significant trends when comparing it to the stronger S– and weaker Te–N bonds, reaffirming also in this context the peculiar and valuable role of selenium in chemistry and life.

3,3'-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA): A redox active multifunctional molecule of biological relevance

BACKGROUND

Extensive research is being carried out globally to design and develop new selenium compounds for various biological applications such as antioxidants, radio-protectors, anti-carcinogenic agents, biocides, etc. In this pursuit, 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a synthetic organoselenium compound, has received considerable attention for its biological activities.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review intends to give a comprehensive account of research on DSePA so as to facilitate further research activities on this organoselenium compound and to realize its full potential in different areas of biological and pharmacological sciences.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

It is an interesting diselenide structurally related to selenocystine. It shows moderate glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity and is an excellent scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure to radiation, as envisaged during radiation therapy, has been associated with normal tissue side effects and also with the decrease in selenium levels in the body. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of DSePA has confirmed its ability to reduce radiation induced side effects into normal tissues. Administration of DSePA through intraperitoneal (IP) or oral route to mice in a dose range of 2 to 2.5 mg/kg body weight has shown survival advantage against whole body irradiation and a significant protection to lung tissue against thoracic irradiation. Pharmacokinetic profiling of DSePA suggests its maximum absorption in the lung.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Research work on DSePA reported in fifteen years or so indicates that it is a promising multifunctional organoselenium compound exhibiting many important activities of biological relevance apart from radioprotection.

New insight into the role of glutathione reductase in glutathione peroxidase-like activity determination by coupled reductase assay: Molecular Docking Study

Previously we have shown that among 15 substituted salicyloyl (2-hydroxybenzoyl) 5-seleninic acids (SSAs) 4 compounds with longer side chains or a cyclohexyl group exhibit no glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity in the coupled reductase assay. Experimental inhibition of glutathione reductase (GR) by the selenenylsulfide (a main intermediate in the catalytic cycle for GPx-like activity determination) of one of the inactive compounds led us to assess the interactions between 15 selenenylsulfide compounds and the active site of GR by molecular docking. Docking results showed that S and Se atoms in selenenylsulfides of the compounds with no GPx-like activity were beyond 5 Å from S atom of Cys-58 or N atom of imidazole ring of His-467 (Root Mean Square Distances for general assessment of 3 major distances were over 4.8 Å) in the active site, so that they could not be catalyzed to be reduced by GR. Furthermore, their docking scores over 89 Kcal/mol meant that the selenenylsulfides were bound too strongly to the active site to leave it, leading eventually to inhibition of GR. We also applied the molecular docking to other GPx mimics such as ebselen, cyclic seleninate esters and di(propylaminomethylphenyl) diselenides to explain the differences in their GPx-like activity depending to the assays used. Our results suggest that the reduction of a selenenylsulfide by GR plays a positive role in GPx-like activity of GPx mimics in the coupled assay and recommended the prediction of possibility and strength of GPx-like activity by molecular docking before entering experimental research.

Activation of SOD-3 is involved in the antioxidant effect of a new class of β-aryl-chalcogenium azide compounds in Caenorhabditis elegans

Organic selenium, tellurium and sulfur compounds have been studied due to their pharmacological properties. For instance, the β-aryl-chalcogenium azide compounds have demonstrated antitumoral action in vitro. However, yet no pharmacological actions of this class of compounds were determined in vivo. Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode that presents innumerable advantages in relation to mammalian models, such as having a small and transparent body, which allows the visualization of its internal anatomy, besides short life and low cost. Based on that, the aim of this work was to investigate the pharmacological and toxicological properties of β-aryl-chalcogenium azide compounds in C. elegans. As well, to evaluate the capacity of organochalcogenium compounds to repair oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and the possible mechanism of action of these compounds using CF1553 transgenic strain with superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) tagged with GFP. Our results showed that β-aryl-chalcogenium azide have low toxicity in wild-type worms and the pre-treatment protected against the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide at higher tested concentration. Associated with this, we observed that this protection is due in part to the increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme SOD-3. In conclusion, β-aryl-chalcogenium azide compounds caused low toxicity and induced stress-resistance by modulating SOD-3 expression in C. elegans.

Antioxidant Potential of Psychotropic Drugs: From Clinical Evidence to In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment and toward a New Challenge for in Silico Molecular Design

Due to high oxygen consumption, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is considered an important element in the etiopathogenesis of several mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and dependencies. Despite the fact that it is not established yet whether oxidative stress is a cause or a consequence of clinic manifestations, the intake of antioxidant supplements in combination with the psychotropic therapy constitutes a valuable solution in patients' treatment. Anyway, some drugs possess antioxidant capacity themselves and this aspect is discussed in this review, focusing on antipsychotics and antidepressants. In the context of a collection of clinical observations, in vitro and in vivo results are critically reported, often highlighting controversial aspects. Finally, a new challenge is discussed, i.e., the possibility of assessing in silico the antioxidant potential of these drugs, exploiting computational chemistry methodologies and machine learning. Despite the physiological environment being incredibly complex and the detection of meaningful oxidative stress biomarkers being all but an easy task, a rigorous and systematic analysis of the structural and reactivity properties of antioxidant drugs seems to be a promising route to better interpret therapeutic outcomes and provide elements for the rational design of novel drugs.

Phenylselanyl Group Incorporation for "Glutathione Peroxidase-Like" Activity Modulation

The ability of organoselenium molecules to mimic the activity of the antioxidant selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) allows for their use as antioxidant or prooxidant modulators in several diseases associated with the disruption of the cell redox homeostasis. Current drug design in the field is partially based on specific modifications of the known Se-therapeutics aimed at achieving more selective bioactivity towards particular drug targets, accompanied by low toxicity as the therapeutic window for organoselenium compounds tends to be very narrow. Herein, we present a new group of Se-based antioxidants, structurally derived from the well-known group of GPx mimics—benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones. A series of N-substituted unsymmetrical phenylselenides with an o-amido function has been obtained by a newly developed procedure: a copper-catalyzed nucleophilic substitution by a Se-reagent formed in situ from diphenyl diselenide and sodium borohydride. All derivatives were tested as antioxidants and anticancer agents towards breast (MCF-7) and leukemia (HL-60) cancer cell lines. The highest H₂O₂-scavenging potential was observed for N-(3-methylbutyl)-2-(phenylselanyl)benzamide. The best antiproliferative activity was found for (−)-N-(1S,2R,4R)-menthyl-2-(phenylselanyl)benzamide (HL-60) and ((−)-N-(1S,2R,3S,6R)-(2-caranyl))benzamide (MCF-7). The structure–activity correlations, including the differences in reactivity of the obtained phenyl selenides and corresponding benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones, were performed.

The Se…S/N interactions as a possible mechanism of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme inhibition by organoselenium compounds: A computational study

•

DPDS and PSA interacts with cysteine residues from AlaD active site.

•

The Se…S interactions could be involved in the δ-AlaD inhibition.

•

δ-AlaD from Cucumis sativus does not present cysteine residues in the active site.

•

Se…N interactions could be involved in the organoselenium action.

Organoselenium compounds present many pharmacological properties and are promising drugs. However, toxicological effects associated with inhibition of thiol-containing enzymes, such as the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-AlaD), have been described. The molecular mechanism(s) by which they inhibit thiol-containing enzymes at the atomic level, is still not well known. The use of computational methods to understand the physical–chemical properties and biological activity of chemicals is essential to the rational design of new drugs. In this work, we propose an in silico study to understand the δ-AlaD inhibition mechanism by diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) and its putative metabolite, phenylseleninic acid (PSA), using δ-AlaD enzymes from Homo sapiens (Hsδ-AlaD), Drosophila melanogaster (Dmδ-AlaD) and Cucumis sativus (Csδ-AlaD). Protein modeling homology, molecular docking, and DFT calculations are combined in this study. According to the molecular docking, DPDS and PSA might bind in the Hsδ-AlaD and Dmδ-AlaD active sites interacting with the cysteine residues by Se^…S interactions. On the other hand, the DPDS does not access the active site of the Csδ-AlaD (a non-thiol protein), while the PSA interacts with the amino acids residues from the active site, such as the Lys291. These interactions might lead to the formation of a covalent bond, and consequently, to the enzyme inhibition. In fact, DFT calculations (mPW1PW91/def2TZVP) demonstrated that the selenylamide bond formation is energetically favored. The in silico data showed here are in accordance with previous experimental studies, and help us to understand the reactivity and biological activity of organoselenium compounds.

Multiscale modeling of reaction rates: application to archetypal SN2 nucleophilic substitutions

We propose an approach to the evaluation of kinetic rates of elementary chemical reactions within Kramers' theory based on the definition of the reaction coordinate as a linear combination of natural, pseudo Z-matrix, internal coordinates of the system. The element of novelty is the possibility to evaluate the friction along the reaction coordinate, within a hydrodynamic framework developed recently [J. Campeggio et al., J. Comput. Chem. 2019, 40, 679-705]. This, in turn, allows to keep into account barrier recrossing, i.e. the transmission coefficient that is employed in correcting transition state theory evaluations. To test the capabilities and the flaws of the approach we use as case studies two archetypal SN2 reactions. First, we consider to the standard substitution of chloride ion to bromomethane. The rate constant at 295.15 K is evaluated to k/c⊖ = 2.7 × 10-6 s-1 (with c⊖ = 1 M), which compares well to the experimental value of 3.3 × 10-6 s-1 [R. H. Bathgate and E. A. Melwyn-Hughes, J. Chem. Soc 1959, 2642-2648]. Then, the method is applied to the SN2 reaction of methylthiolate to dimethyl disulfide in water. In biology, such an interconversion of thiols and disulfides is an important metabolic topic still not entirely rationalized. The predicted rate constant is k/c⊖ = 7.7 × 103 s-1. No experimental data is available for such a reaction, but it is in accord with the fact that the alkyl thiolates to dialkyl disulfides substitutions in water have been found to be fast reactions [S. M. Bachrach, J. M. Hayes, T. Dao and J. L. Mynar, Theor. Chem. Acc. 2002, 107, 266-271].

Seleninic Acid Potassium Salts as Water-Soluble Biocatalysts with Enhanced Bioavailability

Organoselenium compounds are well-known glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimetics that possess antioxidants/prooxidant properties and are able to modulate the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing oxidative stress in normal cells or inducing ROS formation in cancer cells leading to apoptosis. The purpose of this study was the synthesis of potent GPx mimics with antioxidant and anticancer activity along with improved bioavailability, as a result of good solubility in protic solvents. As a result of our research, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimetics in the form of water-soluble benzeneseleninic acid salts were obtained. The procedure was based on the synthesis of 2-(N-alkylcarboxyamido)benzeneselenenic acids, through the oxidation of benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones or analogous arenediselenides with an amido group, which were further converted to corresponding potassium salts by the treatment with potassium tert-butanolate. All derivatives were tested as potential antioxidants and anticancer agents. The areneseleninic acid salts were significantly better peroxide scavengers than analogous acids and the well-known organoselenium antioxidant ebselen. The highest activity was observed for the 2-(N-ethylcarboxyamido)benzeneselenenic acid potassium salt. The strongest cytotoxic effect against breast cancer (MCF-7) and human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell lines was found for 2-(N-cyclohexylcarboxyamido)benzeneselenenic acid potassium salt and the 2-(N-ethylcarboxyamido)benzeneselenenic acid, respectively. The structure–activity correlations, including the differences in reactivity of benzeneseleninic acids and corresponding salts were evaluated.

Fluoxetine scaffold to design tandem molecular antioxidants and green catalysts

Fluoxetine finds application in the treatment of depression and mood disorders. This selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) also contrasts oxidative stress by direct ROS scavenging, modulation of the endogenous antioxidant defense system, and/or enhancement of the serotonin antioxidant capacity. We synthesised some fluoxetine analogues incorporating a selenium nucleus, thus expanding its antioxidant potential by enabling a hydroperoxides-inactivating, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity. Radical scavenging and peroxidatic activity were combined in a water-soluble, drug-like, tandem antioxidant molecule. Selenofluoxetine derivatives were reacted with H₂O₂ in water, and the mechanistic details of the reaction were unravelled combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and quantum chemistry calculations. The observed oxidation–elimination process led to the formation of seleninic acid and cinnamylamine in a trans-selective manner. This mechanism is likely to be extended to other substrates for the preparation of unsaturated cinnamylamines.

We modified fluoxetine by incorporating a selenium nucleus enabling a hydroperoxide-inactivating, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity and paving the way for its use as green catalyst.

Sequential oxidations of phenylchalcogenides by H2O2: insights into the redox behavior of selenium via DFT analysis

The biological activity of sulfur and selenium, despite their similarity, shows some remarkable differences that have been recognized in many different scenarios.

Bioselectivity Induced by Chirality of New Terpenyl Organoselenium Compounds

A series of new chiral benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones substituted on the nitrogen atom with three monoterpene moieties—p-menthane, pinane and carane—was synthesized. The compounds were obtained by the reaction of 2-(chloroseleno)benzoyl chloride with an appropriate terpene amine, first synthesized by a multistep methodology starting from the corresponding alcohol (p-menthane system) or alkene (pinene and carene systems). Compounds were tested as antioxidants and anticancer agents. The N-isopinocampheyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one was the best peroxide scavenger and antiproliferative agent on the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. The N-menthyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one revealed the highest anticancer potential towards breast cancer line MCF-7. The influence of structure and chirality on the bio-activity of the obtained organoselenium compounds was thoroughly evaluated.

Chain Breaking Antioxidant Activity of Heavy (S, Se, Te) Chalcogens Substituted Polyphenols

Polyphenols are probably the most important family of natural and synthetic chain-breaking antioxidants. Since long ago, chemists have studied how structural (bioinspired) modifications can improve the antioxidant activity of these compounds in terms of reaction rate with radical reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalytic character, multi-defence action, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, biodistribution etc. In this framework, we will discuss the effect played on the overall antioxidant profile by the insertion of heavy chalcogens (S, Se and Te) in the phenolic skeleton.

Major Depressive Disorder and Oxidative Stress: In Silico Investigation of Fluoxetine Activity against ROS

Major depressive disorder is a psychiatric disease having approximately a 20% lifetime prevalence in adults in the United States (U.S.), as reported by Hasin et al. in JAMA Psichiatry 2018 75, 336–346. Symptoms include low mood, anhedonia, decreased energy, alteration in appetite and weight, irritability, sleep disturbances, and cognitive deficits. Comorbidity is frequent, and patients show decreased social functioning and a high mortality rate. Environmental and genetic factors favor the development of depression, but the mechanisms by which stress negatively impacts on the brain are still not fully understood. Several recent works, mainly published during the last five years, aim at investigating the correlation between treatment with fluoxetine, a non-tricyclic antidepressant drug, and the amelioration of oxidative stress. In this work, the antioxidant activity of fluoxetine was investigated using a computational protocol based on the density functional theory approach. Particularly, the scavenging of five radicals (HO•, HOO•, CH3OO•, CH2=CHOO•, and CH3O•) was considered, focusing on hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and radical adduct formation (RAF) mechanisms. Thermodynamic as well as kinetic aspects are discussed, and, for completeness, two metabolites of fluoxetine and serotonin, whose extracellular concentration is enhanced by fluoxetine, are included in our analysis. Indeed, fluoxetine may act as a radical scavenger, and exhibits selectivity for HO• and CH3O•, but is inefficient toward peroxyl radicals. In contrast, the radical scavenging efficiency of serotonin, which has been demonstrated in vitro, is significant, and this supports the idea of an indirect antioxidant efficiency of fluoxetine.

Oxidation of organic diselenides and ditellurides by H2O2 for bioinspired catalyst design

The reactivity of diselenides and ditellurides of general formula (RX)2 (X = Se, Te; R = H, CH3, Ph) toward hydrogen peroxide was studied through a computational approach based on accurate Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The aliphatic and aromatic dichalcogenides have been chosen in light of their activity in glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like catalytic cycles and their promising features as efficient antioxidant compounds. The reaction products, the energetics and the mechanistic details of these oxidations are discussed. Analogous disulfides are included in our analysis for completeness. We find that the barrier for oxidation of dichalcogenides decreases from disulfides to diselenides to ditellurides. On the other hand, variation of the substituents at the chalcogen nucleus has relatively little effect on the reactivity.

Organoselenotriazoles attenuate oxidative damage induced by mitochondrial dysfunction in mev-1 Caenorhabditis elegans mutants

Organic selenium compounds have several pharmacological activities already described, as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, which have been attributed to their antioxidant effects. Because they are promising in pharmacology, the synthesis of these compounds has increased significantly. As many new molecules are synthesized the use of a simple model like Caenorhabditis elegans is highly advantageous for initial evaluation of the toxicity and therapeutic potential of these molecules. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and antioxidant capacity of a series of selenotriazoles compounds in C. elegans. The animals were exposed to the compounds in liquid medium for only 30 min at the first larval stage (L1). The compounds had no toxic effects at the concentrations tested. Treatment with selenotriazoles (10 μM) partially reversed the stress induced by the pesticide paraquat (1 mM). Se-Tz Ia compound partially increased the survival of worms treated with H₂O₂ (0.5 mM). The compounds also increased the longevity of mev-1 mutants, which have a reduced life span by the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria caused by a mutation in complex II of the electron transport chain. In addition, the compounds reduced the levels of ROS determined by the fluorescent probe DCF-DA as well as also reduced catalase enzyme activity in these animals. Based on the results found, it is possible to conclude that the compounds have antioxidant activity mainly in oxidative stress condition generated by a mitochondrial dysfunction in C. elegans.

Towards New Catalytic Antioxidants: A Simple and Mild Synthesis of Selenenylsulfides

A new methodology for the synthesis of small molecules containing the S-Se bond is reported. Aryl- and alkyl-selenols react smoothly with N-thiophthalimides to afford the corresponding selenenylsulfides through a clean SN2 path occurring at the sulfur atom. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions in DMF in absence of catalysts for most of the substrates. The scope of the reaction was found to be broad, allowing a wide series of selenols and N-thiophtalimides to be efficiently employed in this procedure. Owing to the instability of the S-Se bond, selenenylsulfides exhibited a remarkable tendency to disproportionate to the corresponding symmetric diselenides and disulfides. Preliminary evaluation of the catalytic antioxidant properties of novel selenenylsulfides showed their behaviour as GPx mimics.

The 125Te Chemical Shift of Diphenyl Ditelluride: Chasing Conformers over a Flat Energy Surface

The interest in diphenyl ditelluride (Ph₂Te₂) is related to its strict analogy to diphenyl diselenide (Ph₂Se₂), whose capacity to reduce organic peroxides is largely exploited in catalysis and green chemistry. Since the latter is also a promising candidate as an antioxidant drug and mimic of the ubiquitous enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the use of organotellurides in medicinal chemistry is gaining importance, despite the fact that tellurium has no recognized biological role and its toxicity must be cautiously pondered. Both Ph₂Se₂ and Ph₂Te₂ exhibit significant conformational freedom due to the softness of the inter-chalcogen and carbon–chalcogen bonds, preventing the existence of a unique structure in solution. Therefore, the accurate calculation of the NMR chemical shifts of these flexible molecules is not trivial. In this study, a detailed structural analysis of Ph₂Te₂ is carried out using a computational approach combining classical molecular dynamics and relativistic density functional theory methods. The goal is to establish how structural changes affect the electronic structure of diphenyl ditelluride, particularly the ¹²⁵Te chemical shift.

Psychiatric Disorders and Oxidative Injury: Antioxidant Effects of Zolpidem Therapy disclosed In Silico

Zolpidem (N,N-Dimethyl-2-[6-methyl-2-(4-methylphenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]acetamide) is a well-known drug for the treatment of sleeping disorders. Recent literature reports on positive effects of zolpidem therapy on improving renal damage after cisplatin and on reducing akinesia without sleep induction. This has been ascribed to the antioxidant and neuroprotective capacity of this molecule, and tentatively explained according to a generic structural similarity between zolpidem and melatonin. In this work, we investigate in silico the antioxidant potential of zolpidem as scavenger of five ROSs, acting via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism; computational methodologies based on density functional theory are employed. For completeness, the analysis is extended to six metabolites. Thermodynamic and kinetic results disclose that indeed zolpidem is an efficient radical scavenger, similarly to melatonin and Trolox, supporting the biomedical evidence that the antioxidant potential of zolpidem therapy may have a beneficial effect against oxidative injury, which is emerging as an important etiopathogenesis in numerous severe diseases, including psychiatric disorders.

An efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical bis(N-arylbenzamide) selenides and their conversion to hypervalent spirodiazaselenuranes and hydroxy congeners

A copper catalyzed efficient synthetic method has been developed to access bis(N-arylbenzamide) selenides from 2-halo-N-arylbenzamide substrates and disodium selenide in HMPA at 110 °C. The developed protocol tolerates substituents in both N-aryl and benzamide rings of the 2-halobenzamide substrates and provides an array of bis(N-arylbenzamide) selenides in practical yields. The resulting selenides were transformed into hypervalent spirodiazaselenuranes by oxidation using aqueous hydrogen peroxide. (N-(1-Naphthyl)) spirodiazaselenurane is also structurally characterized by a single crystal X-ray study. Hydroxy-substituted spiroselenuranes have been prepared by careful demethylation of methoxy-substituted selenides followed by oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. Antioxidant properties for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and for the deactivation of radicals of hydroxy-substituted spiroselenuranes have been studied by the thiol assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Both hydroxy-substituted spiroselenuranes exhibit dual mimic functions of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) selenoenzyme and α-tocopherol for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and deactivation of radicals, respectively.

Diphenyl diselenide protects neuronal cells against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction: Involvement of the glutathione-dependent antioxidant system

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical events in neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, molecules that increase cellular antioxidant defenses represent a future pharmacologic strategy to counteract such conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of (PhSe)2 on mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22) exposed to tert-BuOOH (in vitro model of oxidative stress), as well as to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying this protection. Our results showed that tert-BuOOH caused time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, which was preceded by increased oxidants production and mitochondrial dysfunction. (PhSe)2 pre-incubation significantly prevented these cytotoxic events and the observed protective effects were paralleled by the upregulation of the cellular glutathione-dependent antioxidant system: (PhSe)2 increased GSH levels (> 60%), GPx activity (6.9-fold) and the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes Gpx1 (3.9-fold) and Gclc (2.3-fold). Of note, the cytoprotective effect of (PhSe)2 was significantly decreased when cells were treated with mercaptosuccinic acid, an inhibitor of GPx, indicating the involvement of GPx modulation in the observed protective effect. In summary, the present findings bring out a new action mechanism concerning the antioxidant properties of (PhSe)2. The observed upregulation of the glutathione-dependent antioxidant system represents a future pharmacologic possibility that goes beyond the well-known thiol-peroxidase activity of this compound.

The Influence of O/S Exchange on the Biocatalytical Activity of Benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones

The crucial feature of organoselenium compounds, when considering them as promising drug candidates in cancer therapy, is their unique ability to alter the cellular redox regulations. Organic Se-molecules continue to demonstrate a positive therapeutic effect both in cancer prevention—as antioxidants, and treatment—as prooxidants. The growing interest in this field of research highlights the need to search for particular pharmacophore motifs, which could enhance the efficiency and selectivity, and decrease the toxicity of potential anticancer agents. Herein, a series of redox-active organoselenium derivatives—N-functionalized benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-thiones, has been designed and synthetized. A new synthetic pathway, with the application of Lawesson’s reagent, has been developed and efficiently applied. The key steps involving microwave irradiation facilitated performing the reaction in solvent-free conditions, shortening the reaction time and significantly improving the overall yield of the process. Six N-alkyl derivatives have been obtained and tested as antioxidant catalysts and anti-proliferative agents. The N-propyl benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-thione was the best peroxide scavenger and the N-cyclohexyl derivative exhibited the best cytotoxic activity towards prostate cancer cell line DU145.