The medicinal chemistry of multidrug resistance (MDR) reversing drugs

Lubeluzole Repositioning as Chemosensitizing Agent on Multidrug-Resistant Human Ovarian A2780/DX3 Cancer Cells

In a previous paper, we demonstrated the synergistic action of the anti-ischemic lubeluzole (Lube S) on the cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin (Dox) and paclitaxel in human ovarian cancer A2780 and lung cancer A549 cells. In the present paper, we extended in vitro the study to the multi-drug-resistant A2780/DX3 cell line to verify the hypothesis that the Dox and Lube S drug association may potentiate the antitumor activity of this anticancer compound also in the context of drug resistance. We also evaluated some possible mechanisms underlying this activity. We analyzed the antiproliferative activity in different cancer cell lines. Furthermore, apoptosis, Dox accumulation, MDR1 downregulation, ROS, and NO production in A2780/DX3 cells were also evaluated. Our results confirm that Lube S improves Dox antiproliferative and apoptotic activities through different mechanisms of action, all of which may contribute to the final antitumor effect. Moderate stereoselectivity was found, with Lube S significantly more effective than its enantiomer (Lube R) and the corresponding racemate (Lube S/R). Docking simulation studies on the ABCB1 Cryo-EM structure supported the hypothesis that Lube S forms a stable MDR1-Dox-Lube S complex, which hampers the protein transmembrane domain flipping and blocks the efflux of Dox from resistant A2780/DX3 cells. In conclusion, our in vitro studies reinforce our previous hypothesis for repositioning the anti-ischemic Lube S as a potentiating agent in anticancer chemotherapy.

Seleno-vs. thioether triazine derivatives in search for new anticancer agents overcoming multidrug resistance in lymphoma

Lymphomas are still difficult to treat even with modern therapies as, among others, multidrug resistance (MDR) is often counteracting a successful cancer therapy. P-gp/ABC-transporters are well-known for their crucial role in the main tumour MDR mechanism, eliminating drugs and cytotoxic substances from the cancer cell by efflux, and their modulators are promising for innovative therapy, but none has been approved in the pharmaceutical market yet. Herein, we have designed, synthesised and analysed 30 novel seleno- and thioether 1,3,5-triazine derivatives conducting comprehensive studies to evaluate their potential application in human JURKAT lymphoma cells. Among the new compounds, four (11, 12, 13 and 23) were much more effective than the reference inhibitor verapamil, being potent ABCB1 inhibitors already at 2 μM, while 5 and 15 showed very potent ABCB1 inhibitory activity only at 20 μM. Results of P-gp ATPase assays, supported with docking studies, indicated the competitive substrate mode of modulating action for 15, while ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2 genes expression induction by 15 with q-PCR was confirmed. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties in both sensitive (PAR) and resistant (MDR) mouse T-lymphoma cell lines, and compound 15, also considering its promising ABCB1 inhibition properties, was revealed to be the best compound in terms of its cytotoxic effect (IC₅₀: 16.73 μM) as well as concerning the antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀: 5.35 μM) in MDR cells. Regarding the mechanistic studies looking at the cell cycle, the thioether 15 and selenium derivatives 26 and 29 were significantly effective in the regulation of cell cycle-related genes alone or in co-treatment with doxorubicin counteracting Cyclin D1 and E1 expression and increasing p53 and p21 levels, shedding first light on their mechanism of action. In summary, we explored the chemical space of seleno- and thioether 1,3,5-triazine derivatives with interesting activity against lymphoma. Especially compound 15 is worthy of being studied deeper to evaluate its precise mode of action further as well it can be improved regarding its potency and drug-likeness.

Exploring Azatidinone Moiety: An Insight into its Anti-tubercular Potency

TB is becoming a worldwide problem and it was declared since 1993 by the World Health Organization (WHO), a global health emergency. The current problem of tuberculosis therapy is the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, caused by the improper use of antibiotics in chemotherapy of TB patients. Azatidinones, a β-lactam cyclic amide with four atoms in a ring, has been considered as a magic moiety (wonder nucleus) which possesses almost all types of biological activities. This diversity in the biological response profile has attracted the attention of many researchers to explore this skeleton to its multiple potential against several activities. Present article is sincere attempt to review chemistry, method of synthesis of azatidinones and to study azatidinones synthesized in last few years which have shown potent antitubercular activity.

Unsymmetric dihydropyridines bearing 2-pyridyl methyl carboxylate as modulators of P-glycoprotein; synthesis and biological evaluation in resistant and non-resistant cancer cells

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells is often associated with overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp or ABCB1 or MDR1); therefore, modulators of this transporter might be helpful in overcoming MDR. In this study, 16 novel unsymmetrical dihydropyridine (DHP) derivatives bearing 2-pyridyl methyl carboxylate at C3 and a nitroimidazole or nitrophenyl ring at C4 positions of the DHP ring were synthesized. Their cytotoxicity was tested against four human cancer cells by MTT assay. The reversal capacity of MDR was examined in P-gp overexpressing cells (MES-SA/DX5) by measuring the alteration of doxorubicin’s IC50 and performing flow cytometric determination of intracellular rhodamine 123 accumulation. The calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity, as a side effect of DHPs, was tested on the ileum of a guinea pig. Molecular docking was performed to explain the binding mode of compounds. Two derivatives, 4a and 4c, containing 4-nitrophenyl at C4 and possessing methyl (4a) and iso-propyl (4c) carboxylates at the C5 position of DHP core demonstrated superior cytotoxic and MDR reversal activities and lower CCB effect. Docking analysis confirmed the importance of the 4-nitrophenyl ring for P-gp inhibitory activity. Some of the synthesized DHP derivatives with considerable MDR reversal capacity could be promising compounds for further discovery of useful agents for management of drug resistant cancer.

In vitro modulation of multidrug resistance by pregnane steroids and in vivo inhibition of tumour development by 7α-OBz-11α(R)-OTHP-5β-pregnanedione in K562/R7 and H295R cell xenografts

Synthetic progesterone and 5α/β-pregnane-3,20-dione derivatives were evaluated as in vitro and in vivo modulators of multidrug-resistance (MDR) using two P-gp-expressing human cell lines, the non-steroidogenic K562/R7 erythroleukaemia cells and the steroidogenic NCI-H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells, both resistant to doxorubicin. The maximal effect in both cell lines was observed for 7α-O-benzoyloxy,11α(R)-O-tetrahydropyranyloxy-5β-pregnane-3,20-dione 4. This modulator co-injected with doxorubicin significantly decreased the tumour size and increased the survival time of immunodeficient mice xenografted with NCI-H295R or K562/R7 cells.

Influence of 3-{5-[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]rhodanine}propionic acid on the conformation of 5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-3H-imidazol-4(5H)-one

The arylidene-imidazolone derivatives are a group of compounds of great interest in medicinal chemistry due to their various pharmacological actions. In order to study the possible conformations of an arylidene-imidazolone derivative, two new crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction, namely (Z)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-3H-imidazol-5(4H)-one, C₁₅H₁₇ClN₄O, (6), and its salt 4-[5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-imidazol-2-yl]-1-methylpiperazin-1-ium 3-{5-[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl}propionate, C₁₅H₁₈ClN₄O⁺·C₁₇H₁₉N₂O₃S₂^-, (7). Both compounds crystallize in the space group P-1. The basic form (6) crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In the acid form of (6), the N atom of the piperazine ring is protonated by proton transfer from the carboxyl group of the rhodanine acid derivative. The greatest difference in the conformations of (6) and its protonated form, (6c), is observed in the location of the arylidene-imidazolone substituent at the N atom. In the case of (6c), the position of this substituent is close to axial, while for (6), the corresponding position is intermediate between equatorial and axial. The crystal packing is dominated by a network of N-H...O hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the crystal structures are stabilized by numerous intermolecular contacts of types C-H...N and C-H...Cl in (6), and C-H...O and C-H...S in (7). The geometry with respect to the location of the substituents at the N atoms of the piperazine ring was compared with other crystal structures possessing an N-methylpiperazine moiety.

Two inhibitors of yeast plasma membrane ATPase 1 (ScPma1p): toward the development of novel antifungal therapies

Given that many antifungal medications are susceptible to evolved resistance, there is a need for novel drugs with unique mechanisms of action. Inhibiting the essential proton pump Pma1p, a P-type ATPase, is a potentially effective therapeutic approach that is orthogonal to existing treatments. We identify NSC11668 and hitachimycin as structurally distinct antifungals that inhibit yeast ScPma1p. These compounds provide new opportunities for drug discovery aimed at this important target.

Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity of decarbonyl luotonin analogues

A small library of benzimidazole-fused pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinoline has been synthesized from readily available benzimidazole 2-carbaldehyde and various substituted arylamines in good to excellent yields utilizing an intramolecular Povarov reaction catalyzed by boron trifluoride diethyl etharate as the key final step. The compounds thus synthesized can be considered as decarbonyl analogues of the anticancer alkaloid luotonin A and were evaluated in a DNA relaxation assay for their ability to inhibit human topoisomerase I. Interestingly, two of the compounds showed a remarkable activity that is comparable to that of the standard drug camptothecin. The compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic effect in four highly aggressive human cancer cell lines, namely KB, MDA-MB231 (breast), LNCap (prostate), and HT1080 (fibrosarcoma). Some of the compounds obtained showed promising cytotoxicities for these four cell lines.

Additional synthesis on thiophene-containing trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) as inhibitors of M. tuberculosis and 3D-QSAR studies

We earlier reported thiophene-containing trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) as novel cores carrying anti-tubercular activity, and identified S006-830 as the phenotypic lead with potent bactericidal activity against single- and multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). In this work, we carried out additional synthesis of several TRSMs. The reaction scheme essentially followed the Grignard reaction and Friedel-Crafts alkylation, followed by insertion of a dialkylaminoethyl chain. We also performed microbiological evaluations including in vitro screening against the virulent strain M. tb H37Rv, cytotoxicity assessment in the Vero C-1008 cell line, and 3D-QSAR studies with comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA). CoMFA and CoMSIA models yielded good statistical results in terms of q² and r² values, suggesting the validity of the models. It was concluded that a para-substituted benzene ring with bulkier electron-donating groups and aminoalkyl chains are required for higher inhibitory capacity against M. tuberculosis. We believe that these insights will rationally guide the design of newer, optimal, TRSMs.

The 5-aromatic hydantoin-3-acetate derivatives as inhibitors of the tumour multidrug resistance efflux pump P-glycoprotein (ABCB1): Synthesis, crystallographic and biological studies

A series of arylpiperazine derivatives of hydantoin-3-acetate, including previously obtained 5,5-diphenylhydantoin (1-7) and new-synthesized spirofluorene-hydantoin derivatives (8-12), were investigated in the search for new inhibitors of the tumour multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) overexpressed in mouse T-lymphoma cells. Synthesis of new compounds (8-12) was performed. Crystal structures of two compounds (8 and 11) were determined by X-ray diffraction method. The conformations of the investigated molecules (8 and 11) in the crystalline samples are different. The bent conformation seems to be more favourable for biological activity than the extended one. The efflux pump inhibitory properties of the compounds 1-12 were evaluated in the fluorescence uptake assay using rhodamine 123 dye in mouse T-lymphoma model in vitro. Their cytotoxic action was examined, too. All compounds with methyl acetate moiety displayed high potency to inhibit the MDR efflux pump. The most active compound, methyl 2-(1-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-5,5-diphenylhydantoin-3-yl)acetate (5), tested at 1/10 of verapamil concentration displayed the 9-fold higher P-gp inhibitory action.

The chemosensitizing agent lubeluzole binds calmodulin and inhibits Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II

An affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) method to estimate apparent dissociation constants between bovine brain calmodulin (CaM) and non-peptidic ligands was developed. The method was validated reproducing the dissociation constants of a number of well-known CaM ligands. In particular, the potent antagonist 125-C9 was ad hoc synthesized through an improved synthetic procedure. The ACE method was successfully applied to verify CaM affinity for lubeluzole, a well-known neuroprotective agent recently proved useful to potentiate the activity of anti-cancer drugs. Lubeluzole was slightly less potent than 125-C9 (Kd = 2.9 ± 0.7 and 0.47 ± 0.06 μM, respectively) and displayed Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibition (IC50 = 40 ± 1 μM). Possible binding modes of lubeluzole to CaM were explored by docking studies based on the X-ray crystal structures of several trifluoperazine-CaM complexes. An estimated dissociation constant in good agreement with the experimental one was found and the main aminoacidic residues and interactions contributing to complex formation were highlighted. The possibility that interference with Ca(2+) pathways may contribute to the previously observed chemosensitizing effects of lubeluzole on human ovarian adenocarcinoma and lung carcinoma cells are discussed.

Positron emission tomography diagnostic imaging in multidrug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on 2-deoxy-2-(18F)Fluoro-D-Glucose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Surgical resection and liver transplantation are still the best options for treatment. Nevertheless, as the number of patients who may benefit from these therapies is limited, alternative therapies have been developed, including chemotherapy. However, partly due to the expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins, it has been found that HCC is a highly chemoresistant tumor. The major family of MDR proteins is the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, which includes P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and MDR-associated protein 1 (MRP1). Positron emission tomography using the radiolabeled analog of glucose, 2-deoxy-2-((18)F)fluoro-D-glucose ([(18)F]FDG), has been used in diagnostic imaging of various types of tumors. Clinical studies are inconsistent but experimental studies have shown that [(18)F]FDG uptake is associated with tumor grade and is inversely proportional to Pgp expression in HCC. These studies unveil that [(18)F]FDG can be a substrate of Pgp, although that relationship remains unclear. This review sums up the relationship between MDR expression in HCC, and [(18)F]FDG uptake by tumor cells, showing that this radiopharmaceutical may provide a useful tool for the study of chemoresistance in HCC, and that the use of this marker may contribute to the therapeutic choice on this highly aggressive tumor.

1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based extracellular metabolomic analysis of multidrug resistant Tca8113 oral squamous carcinoma cells

A major obstacle of successful chemotherapy is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in the cancer cells, which is difficult to reverse. Metabolomic analysis, an emerging approach that has been increasingly applied in various fields, is able to reflect the unique chemical fingerprints of specific cellular processes in an organism. The assessment of such metabolite changes can be used to identify novel therapeutic biomarkers. In the present study, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the extracellular metabolomic spectrum of the Tca8113 oral squamous carcinoma cell line, in which MDR was induced using the carboplatin (CBP) and pingyangmycin (PYM) chemotherapy drugs in vitro. The data were analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) methods. The results demonstrated that the extracellular metabolomic spectrum of metabolites such as glutamate, glycerophosphoethanol amine, α-Glucose and β-Glucose for the drug-induced Tca8113 cells was significantly different from the parental Tca8113 cell line. A number of biochemicals were also significantly different between the groups based on their NMR spectra, with drug-resistant cells presenting relatively higher levels of acetate and lower levels of lactate. In addition, a significantly higher peak was observed at δ 3.35 ppm in the spectrum of the PYM-induced Tca8113 cells. Therefore, ¹H NMR-based metabolomic analysis has a high potential for monitoring the formation of MDR during clinical tumor chemotherapy in the future.

Intracellular target delivery of 10-hydroxycamptothecin with solid lipid nanoparticles against multidrug resistance

The main objective of this study was to design a suitable drug delivery system for 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT). In this study, HCPT-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (HCPT-loaded SLN) was successfully prepared. The HCPT-loaded SLN was characterized by size, entrapment efficiency and drug release manner. The cytotoxicity of HCPT-loaded SLN was assessed in vitro using HepG2/HCPT cells and in vivo utilizing human tumor xenograft nude mouse model. HCPT-loaded SLN indicated the ability to target HepG2/HCPT cells and accumulated higher drug content in HepG2/HCPT cells. HCPT-loaded SLN enhanced the cytotoxicity of HCPT in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on these results, HCPT-loaded SLN suggested being a promising vehicle for liver-targeted drug delivery. Moreover, it can be of clinical interest to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) effectively.

4-isoxazolyl-1,4-dihydropyridines: a tale of two scaffolds

The association of the isoxazole and dihydropyridine (DHP) ring systems fused at the 4'-isoxazolyl- to the 4-position of the DHP has produced a combination scaffold, the isoxazolyl-DHPs (IDHPs) with unique conformational characteristics. The IDHPs are useful in probing biological activity, as exemplified by our efforts in the fields of voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) antagonists and inhibitors of the multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporter. A strategically placed methyl group produced a signifcant change at the VGCC, with (R)-(+)-1-phenyl-prop-2-yl (3.7 nM) > phenethyl (22.9 nM) > (S)-(-)-1-phenyl-prop-2-yl (210 nM), a eudismic ratio of 56.7. Branching at the C-5 of the isoxazole produced a 25% increase in MDR binding, and replacing the DHP C-3 ester with a functionalized amide also gave a dramatic increase in binding affinity. Opportunities for combined scaffolds - including examples containing IDHPs - are waiting to be discovered: because new biology is driven by new chemistry.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers: High activity and efficacy in a series of asymmetrical N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters

As a continuation of our research on potent and efficacious P-gp-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers, several new N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters were designed and synthesized, varying the aromatic moieties or the length of the methylenic chain. The new compounds were tested on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells (K562/DOX) in the pirarubicin uptake assay, where most of the new compounds were shown to be active. In particular the asymmetrical compounds, characterized by two linkers of different length, generally showed fairly high activities as MDR reversers. Some selected compounds (isomers 15-17) were further studied by evaluating their doxorubicin cytotoxicity enhancement (reversal fold, RF) on the K562/DOX cell line. The results of both pharmacological assays indicate that compounds 16 (GDE6) and 17 (GDE19) could be interesting leads for the development of new P-gp dependent MDR modulators.

4,5-Di-substituted benzyl-imidazol-2-substituted amines as the structure template for the design and synthesis of reversal agents against P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance breast cancer cells

Over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a primary multidrug transporter which is located in plasma membranes, plays a major role in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Naamidines are a class of marine imidazole alkaloids isolated from Leucetta and Clathrina sponges, possessing a Y-shaped scaffold. Based on the results previously obtained from the third-generation MDR modulator ONT-093 and other modulators developed in our group, we designed and synthesized a series of novel 4,5-di-substituted benzyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-substituted amines using the Naamidine scaffold as the structure template. Subsequently, their reversing activity for Taxol resistance has been evaluated in P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance breast cancer cell line MDA435/LCC6MDR. Compounds 12c with a Y-shaped scaffold, and compound 17c which is 'X-shaped' scaffold and possesses a 4-diethylamino group at aryl ring B, turned out to be the most potent P-gp modulators. It appears that compounds 12c and 17c at 1 μM concentration can sensitize LCC6MDR cells toward Taxol by 26.4 and 24.5 folds, with an EC50 212.5 and 210.5 nM, respectively. These two compounds are about 5-6 folds more potent than verapamil (RF = 4.5). Moreover, compounds 12c and 17c did not exhibit obvious cytotoxicity in either cancer cell lines or normal mouse fibroblast cell lines. This study has demonstrated that the synthetic Naamidine analogues can be potentially employed as effective, safe modulators for the P-gp-mediated drug resistance cancer cells.

P-gp efflux pump inhibition potential of common environmental contaminants determined in vitro

Across different species, cellular efflux pumps such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp; also termed multidrug resistance protein 1 [MDR1]) serve as a first line of defense by transporting toxic xenobiotics out of the cell. This mechanism is also active in aquatic organisms such as mussels, fish, and their larvae. Modulation of this resistance mechanism by chemical agents occurring in the environment could result in either higher or lower internal concentrations of toxic or endogenous compounds in cells. The aim of the present study was to explore and quantify the inhibition of the P-gp efflux pumps by several ubiquitous aquatic contaminants. The calcein-acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) assay commonly used in pharmacological research was established with P-gp-overexpressing Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCKII-MDR1) in a 96-well plate, avoiding extra washing, centrifugation, and lysis steps. This calcein-AM-based P-gp cellular efflux pump inhibition assay (CEPIA) was used to study the inhibition by commonly occurring environmental contaminants. Among others, the compounds pentachlorophenol, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and perfluorooctanoate strongly inhibited the P-gp-mediated efflux of calcein-AM while the chloninated alkanes did not seem to interact with the transporter. The fact that common pollutants can be potent modulators of the efflux transporters is a motive to further study whether this increases the toxicity of other contaminants present in the same matrices.

Antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in PC-3 cells by the chalcone cardamonin from Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) in a bioactivity-guided study

The Myrtaceae family is a common source of medicines used in the treatment of numerous diseases in South America. In Brazil, fruits of the Campomanesia species are widely used to make liqueurs, juices and sweets, whereas leaves are traditionally employed as a medicine for dysentery, stomach problems, diarrhea, cystitis and urethritis. Ethanol extracts of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) leaves and fruits were evaluated against prostate cancer cells (PC-3). The compound (2E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one, cardamonin) was isolated from ethanol extracts of C. adamantium leaves in a bioactivity-guided study and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. In vitro studies showed that the isolated chalcone cardamonin inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and decreased the expression of NFkB1. Moreover, analysis by flow cytometry showed that this compound induced DNA fragmentation, suggesting an effect on apoptosis induction in the PC-3 cell line.

Synthesis and evaluation of antiproliferative activity of substituted N-(9-oxo-9H-xanthen-4-yl)benzenesulfonamides

Several novel N-(9-oxo-9H-xanthen-4-yl)benzenesulfonamides derivatives were prepared as potential antiproliferative agents. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds was investigated against a panel of tumor cell lines including breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, T-47D) and neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-MC) using MTT colorimetric assay. Etoposide, a well-known anticancer drug, was used as a positive standard drug. Among synthesized compounds, 4-methoxy-N-(9-oxo-9H-xanthen-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide (5i) showed the highest antiproliferative activity against MDA-MB-231, T-47D, and SK-N-MC cells. Furthermore, pentafluoro derivatives 5a and 6a exhibited higher antiproliferative activity than doxorubicin against human leukemia cell line (CCRF-CEM) and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-468) cells. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that xanthone benzenesulfonamide hybrid compounds can be used for development of new lead anticancer agents.

Synergistic effect of a novel cyclic pentadepsipeptide, neoN-methylsansalvamide, and paclitaxel on human multidrug resistance cancer cell lines

NeoN-methylsansalvamide is a novel low-molecular-weight cyclic pentadepsipeptide that exerts cytotoxic effects on various human cancer cell lines. Its structural analysis using liquid chromatography mass/mass spectrometry showed the cyclic structure sequence -phenylalanine-leucine-valine-N-methylleucine-leucic acid-. The intrinsic cytotoxic and multidrug resistance reversal effects of neoN-methylsansalvamide were evaluated on the human cancer cell lines MES-SA and HCT15 as well as on their multidrug resistance sublines (MES-SA/DX5 and HCT15/CL05, respectively) using the sulforhodamine B assay. The EC50 values of paclitaxel for MES-SA, HCT15, and for the multidrug resistance sublines MES-SA/DX5 and HCT15/CL05 were 1.00±0.20, 0.85±0.63, 10.00±0.53, and >1000 nmol/l, respectively. However, the EC50 values for paclitaxel including 3 μmol/l neoN-methylsansalvamide for MES-SA/DX5, HCT15, and HCT15/CL02 were 1.58±0.12, 0.10±0.02, and 288.40±21.02 nmol/l, respectively. The in-vitro multidrug resistance reversal activity of neoN-methylsansalvamide was similar to that of the control verapamil. These finding suggests that a novel cyclic pentadepsipeptide, neoN-methylsansalvamide, is effective in reversing multidrug resistance in vitro, and this activity may be a major applicable biological function of this compound.

A convenient synthesis of lubeluzole and its enantiomer: evaluation as chemosensitizing agents on human ovarian adenocarcinoma and lung carcinoma cells

Lubeluzole, a neuroprotective anti-ischemic drug, and its enantiomer were prepared following a convenient procedure based on hydrolytic kinetic resolution. The ee values were >99% and 96%, respectively, as assessed by HPLC analysis. The chemosensitizing effects of both enantiomers were evaluated in combination with either doxorubicin (human ovarian adenocarcinoma A2780 cells) or paclitaxel (human lung carcinoma A549 cells) by the MTT assay. At the lowest concentrations used, lubeluzole showed an overall and remarkable tendency to synergize with both anticancer drugs. In ovarian cancer cells a clear prevalence of antagonistic effect was observed for the R-enantiomer. The synergistic effects of lubeluzole for both drugs were observed over a wide concentration window (0.005-5 μM), the lowest limit being at least 40 times lower than human plasma concentrations previously reported as causing serious side effects.

Chemical structure of phenothiazines and their biological activity

Phenothiazines belong to the oldest, synthetic antipsychotic drugs, which do not have their precursor in the world of natural compounds. Apart from their fundamental neuroleptic action connected with the dopaminergic receptors blockade, phenothiazine derivatives also exert diverse biological activities, which account for their cancer chemopreventive-effect, as: calmodulin- and protein kinase C inhibitory-actions, anti-proliferative effect, inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport function and reversion of multidrug resistance. According to literature data on relations between chemical structure of phenothiazines and their biological effects, the main directions for further chemical modifications have been established. They are provided and discussed in this review paper.

Inhibition of cellular efflux pumps involved in multi xenobiotic resistance (MXR) in echinoid larvae as a possible mode of action for increased ecotoxicological risk of mixtures

In marine organisms the multi xenobiotic resistance (MXR) mechanism via e.g. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) is an important first line of defense against contaminants by pumping contaminants out of the cells. If compounds would impair the MXR mechanism, this could result in increased intracellular levels of other compounds, thereby potentiating their toxicity. A calcein-AM based larval cellular efflux pump inhibition assay (CEPIA) was developed for echinoid (Psammechinus miliaris) larvae and applied for several contaminants. The larval CEPIA revealed that triclosan (TCS) and the nanoparticles P-85(®) (P-85) were 124 and 155× more potent inhibitors (IC(50) 0.5 ± 0.05 and 0.4 ± 0.1 μM, respectively) of efflux pumps than the model inhibitor Verapamil (VER). PFOS (heptadecafluorooctane sulfonic acid) and pentachlorophenol also were more potent than VER, 24 and 5×, respectively. Bisphenol A and o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) inhibited efflux pumps with a potency 3× greater than VER. In a 48 h early life stage bioassay with P. miliaris, exposure to a non-lethal concentration of the inhibitors TCS, VER, the model MRP inhibitor MK-571, the nanoparticles P-85 and the model P-gp inhibitor PSC-833, increased the toxicity of the toxic model substrate for efflux pumps vinblastine by a factor of 2, 4, 4, 8 and 16, respectively. Our findings show that several contaminants accumulating in the marine environment inhibit cellular efflux pumps, which could potentiate toxic effects of efflux pumps substrates.

Changes in the intestinal absorption mechanism of icariin in the nanocavities of cyclodextrins

Icariin is a bioactive herbal ingredient isolated from Herba epimedii, which has been widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis and male sexual dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicine. The major objective of this work is to investigate the different enhancing effects of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) on the intestinal absorption of icariin, and to identify the molecular mechanisms of this action. Host-guest-type interactions of icariin with cyclodextrins nanocavities were unambiguously demonstrated by the phase-solubility diagram, ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry, and two dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy. These results were further supported using molecular modeling studies. The rat single-pass intestinal perfusion model showed that the absorption of icariin was affected by P-glycoprotein (Pgp). The icariin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex provided greater enhancement in the intestinal absorption than the icariin/β-CD inclusion complex. Therefore, the enhancing effect was involved in a solubilizing effect and/or Pgp inhibitory effect. Finally, fluorescence anisotropy measurements and Pgp adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) assay demonstrated that β-CD exhibited no effect on Pgp, while HP-β-CD showed inhibition by restraining the Pgp ATPase activity rather than changing the fluidity of cell membrane.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha alter the expression and function of ABCG2 in cervix and gastric cancer cells

The ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) is implicated as a member of multidrug resistant proteins in tumors, mediating efflux of a wide spectrum of anticancer drugs. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are present within the micro-environment of tumors and inflammation, are able to modulate the expressions and activities of different drug transporters. This study was aimed to evaluate the short-term (72-h treatment) effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the expression and function of ABCG2 in cervix carcinoma and gastric cancer cells. Effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on mRNA, protein expression, and function of ABCG2 were studied using real time RT-PCR and flow cytometry methods, respectively. HeLa cells treated with IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α showed decrements in ABCG2 mRNA levels without any changes in protein expression and function of ABCG2. IL-6 and TNF-α had no effects on mRNA, protein expression, and function of ABCG2 in EPG85-257 cells. Although IL-1β did not alter ABCG2 at mRNA or protein levels in EPG85-257 cells, it augmented function of ABCG2 in these cells. Mitoxantrone accumulation was also amplified in IL-1β-, IL-6- or TNF-α-treated HeLa cells and in IL-1β-treated EPG85-257 cells. In conclusion, pro-inflammatory cytokines were able to modulate the expression of ABCG2 at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in human cervix and gastric cancer cells.

Synthesis, antitubercular evaluation and 3D-QSAR study of N-phenyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-substituted pyrazole derivatives

As a part of our ongoing research to develop novel antitubercular agents, a series of N-phenyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-substituted pyrazoles have been synthesized and tested for antimycobacterial activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain using the BACTEC 460 radiometric system. A 3D-QSAR study based on CoMFA and CoMSIA was performed on these pyrazole derivatives to correlate their chemical structures with the observed activity against M. tuberculosis. The CoMFA model provided a significant correlation of steric and electrostatic fields with the biological activity while the CoMSIA model could additionally shed light on the role of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic features. The important features identified in the 3D-QSAR models have been used to propose new molecules whose activities are predicted higher than the existing systems. This study provides valuable directions to our ongoing endeavor of rationally designing more potent antitubercular agents.

ATP selective acridone based fluorescent probes for monitoring of metabolic events

Acridones carrying an appropriate substituent at N-10 showed significant fluorescence changes on interacting with ATP in HEPES buffer at pH 7.2. The selectivity and sufficient binding of these probes with ATP could be useful for monitoring of metabolic processes.