New 1,4-anthracene-9,10-dione derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Total Synthesis and Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Parimycin

The first total syntheses of (±)-parimycin and (R)-parimycin were accomplished from O-methylnaphthazarin (6) in nine synthetic steps. Intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction of 6 with diene 7, cyclodehydrogenation catalyzed by iodine-dimethyl sulfoxide, and sodium dithionite reduction were the key steps. The absolute configuration of natural parimycin was determined to be S.

Photo-induced spin switching in a modified anthraquinone modulated by DNA binding

An anthraquinone modified with a nitroxide radical and able to intercalate into DNA has been synthesized to obtain a molecule the spin state of which can be manipulated by visible light and DNA binding. The doublet ground state of the molecule can be photo-switched to either a strongly coupled spin state (quartet + doublet), when isolated, or to an uncoupled spin state (triplet and doublet), when bound to DNA. The different spin state that is obtained upon photoexcitation depends on the intercalation of the quinonic core into double-stranded DNA which changes the conformation of the molecule, thereby altering the exchange interaction between the excited state localized on the quinonic core and the nitroxide radical. The spin state of the system has been investigated using both continuous-wave and time-resolved EPR spectroscopy.

Vibrational spectroscopic studies and molecular docking of 10,10-Dimethylanthrone

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 10,10-Dimethylanthrone were recorded and analyzed. The vibrational wavenumbers were computed using DFT quantum chemical calculations. The data obtained from wavenumber calculations are used to assign vibrational bands obtained experimentally. In its most stable form, the title compound maintains C2v symmetry as determined by XRD results, where both methyl groups are staggered with respect to the corresponding C23-C24 and C23-C28 bonds. The geometrical parameters (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)(5D,7F)) of the title compound are in agreement with the XRD results. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies allow the calculations of atomic and molecular properties and they also showed that charge transfer occurs in the molecule. A detailed molecular picture of the title compound and its interactions were obtained from NBO analysis. As seen from the MEP map, negative potential regions are localized over the carbonyl group and are possible sites for electrophilic attack. The title compound, 10,10-Dimethylanthrone forms a stable complex with human topoisomerase-II as is evident from the ligand-receptor interactions and show appreciable antineoplastic activity.

Vibrational spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, SERS) and quantum chemical calculations of 3-(10,10-dimethyl-anthracen-9-ylidene)-N,N,N-trimethylpropanaminiium chloride (Melitracenium chloride)

FT-IR, FT-Raman spectra of Melitracenium chloride were recorded and analyzed. SERS spectrum was recorded in silver colloid. The vibrational wavenumbers were computed using DFT quantum chemical calculations. The data obtained from wavenumber calculations are used to assign vibrational bands obtained in infrared and Raman spectra as well as in SERS of the studied molecule. Potential energy distribution was done using GAR2PED program. The geometrical parameters (SDD) of the title compound are in agreement with the XRD results. The presence anthracene ring modes in the SERS spectrum suggest a tilted orientation with respect to the metal surface. The methyl groups in the title molecule are also close to the metal surface. The first hyperpolarizability, NBO analysis and molecular electrostatic potential results are also reported.

Antitumor activities of an anthraquinone fraction isolated from in vitro cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var decumbens

The biological effects of the anthraquinone fraction (AQf) isolated from in vitro cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa Wall. var decumbens (Rubiaceae) were evaluated. AQf showed differential activity on reactive oxygen species; it mediated the generation of superoxide radical and inhibited hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation. No considerable nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed for AQf. The AQf induced 50% cytotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites at concentrations of 130 and 60 µg/mL, respectively. It effectively reduced the inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice. An AQf concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight reduced solid tumor progression in mice. It also prolonged the life span of ascites tumor-bearing mice compared with control mice.

Interaction of 9,10-anthraquinone with adenine and 2'-deoxyadenosine

Laser flash photolysis has been used for the study of the interaction of 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) with the DNA base, adenine (A) and its corresponding nucleoside, 2'-deoxyadenosine (dA). This study has provided two very important observations. AQ has been found to support electron transfer in different categories of media, acetonitrile/water on one hand and SDS micelles on other. While in our earlier work 2-methyl 1,4-naphthoquinone was found to undergo a switchover in reactivity (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126 (2004) 10589-10593). Again A and dA are found to behave differently on account of an extra sugar unit, which not only affects the rate of reaction but the reaction pathway has been found to be modified too.

Separation methods for anthraquinone related anti-cancer drugs

The quinoid anthracycline-related anti-cancer agents represent an important group of anti-tumour drugs with a wide spectrum of activity. We review here some of the separation techniques used for the analysis of anthracyclines and related compounds. In this review we have covered a range of compounds from the early anthracycline antibiotics such as doxorubicin to the more recent anthracenediones and anthrapyrazoles such as mitoxantrone and losoxantrone, respectively. We also include novel compounds such as AQ4N and C1311, both awaiting clinical trial. Separations of the anthraquinone related anti-cancer agents are predominantly by HPLC. These separation techniques have been used for a variety of applications including drug stability, protein binding and therapeutic drug monitoring as well as detailed pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies. Pharmacokinetics, and therefore drug analysis, plays a central role in both the development of new agents and also leads to a better understanding of clinically established agents in this class. Sample preparation and extraction methods including solid-phase and liquid-liquid extraction have also been highlighted. Many anthraquinone related compounds are highly coloured and fluoresce. They are suitable for a range of detection methods including UV-Vis, electrochemical and fluorescence. The methods described are used for sometimes complex separations that are needed for the evaluation of such compounds in biological samples.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some differently substituted 9,10-anthracenediones

9,10-Anthracenedione derivatives are known to exhibit a quite potent anticancer activity. It has also been reported that these compounds can be effectively employed in both antibacterial and antitrypanosomal therapy. Anthraquinones also exhibit some undesirable side effects, like cardiotoxicity. So many interactions seem to demonstrate that 9,10-anthracenediones strongly interact with a number of biological sites. In this paper we wish to report on the synthesis and the pharmaceutical activity of some newly synthesised derivatives containing the anthraquinone pharmacophore.