Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazines from 2-diazopyrroles: synthesis and antiproliferative activity

Reaction of α-Diazopyrroles with Enamines: Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazines and α-(1,2,5-Triazapenta-1,3-dienyl)pyrroles

α-Diazopyrroles selectively react with enamines at room temperature to give either (4+2)-cycloaddition-dehydroamination cascade products, pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazines, or azo coupling products. The reaction was used for the synthesis of functionalized ortho-fused heterocycles with new tetrahydrobenzo[e]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine and tetrahydro-6H-cyclohepta[e]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine frameworks. Unstable azo compounds, 2-[(2-aminovinyl)diazenyl]pyrroles, were obtained from enamines of tetralone or acyclic ketones. According to the density functional theory calculations, (4+2)-cycloaddition of α-diazopyrroles with enamines proceeds in a nonconcerted manner via the zwitterionic intermediate, which undergoes cyclization to pyrrolotriazine or a competitive 1,5-prototropic shift leading to the formation of azo coupling product.

Design and discovery of new antiproliferative 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-ones as tubulin polymerization inhibitors targeting colchicine binding site

Thirty-five new colchicine binding site inhibitors have been designed and synthesized based on the 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one nucleus. Such molecules were synthesized through a cascade reaction between readily accessible α-amino ketones and phenyl carbazate as a masked N-isocyanate precursor. The synthesized derivatives are cisoid restricted combretastatin A4 analogues containing 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one in place of the olefinic bond, and they have the same essential pharmacophoric features of colchicine binding site inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activities against a panel of three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG-2, and HCT-116), using colchicine as a positive control. Among them, two compounds 5i and 6i demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect against all cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 8.2 - 18.2 µM. Further investigation was carried out for the most active cytotoxic agents as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Compounds 5i and 6i effectively inhibited microtubule assembly with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.9 to 7.8 µM. Tubulin polymerization assay results were found to be comparable with the cytotoxicity results. The cell cycle analysis revealed significant G2/M cell cycle arrest of the analogue 5i in HepG-2 cells. The most active compounds 4i, 4j, 5 g, 5i and 6i did not induce significant cell death in normal human lung cells Wl-38, suggesting their selectivity against cancer cells. Also, These compounds upregulated the level of active caspase-3 and boosted the levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax by five to seven folds in comparison to the control. Moreover, apoptosis analyses were conducted for compound 5i to evaluate its apoptotic potential. Finally, in silico studies were conducted to reveal the probable interaction with the colchicine binding site. ADME prediction study of the designed compounds showed that they are not only with promising tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity but also with favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties.

Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of triazine derivatives: Promising antimicrobial agents

The emergence of drug resistance has created unmet medical need for the development of new classes of antibiotics. Innovation of new antibacterial agents with new mode of action remains a high priority universally. Triazines are six-membered, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffold with a wide range of pharmaceutical properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidants, antitubercular, antimalarial, anti-HIV, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and analgesic activities. The present review focuses on the recent developments in the area of medicinal chemistry to discover various chemical structures as potential antimicrobial agents and their structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies are also discussed for further rational design of this kind of derivatives.

An overview on the recent developments of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives as anticancer compounds

The synthesis, the antitumor activity, the SAR and, whenever described, the possible mode of action of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives, their N-oxides, N,N'-dioxides as well as the benzo- and hetero-fused systems are reported. Herein are treated derivatives disclosed to literature from the beginning of this century up to 2016. Among the three possible triazine isomers, 1,2,4-triazines are the most studied ones and many derivatives having remarkable antitumor activity have been reported in the literature and also patented reaching advanced phases of clinical trials.

3-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines, nortopsentin analogues with antiproliferative activity

A new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and the indole unit bound to position 2 of the thiazole ring was substituted by a 7-azaindole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. Two of the new nortopsentin analogues showed good antiproliferative effect against the totality of the NCI full panel of human tumor cell lines (~60) having GI₅₀ values ranging from low micromolar to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, investigated on human hepatoma HepG2 cells, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the compounds induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the subG0/G1phase, while confined viable cells in G2/M phase.

Water-soluble isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoxalin-6-imines: in vitro antiproliferative activity and molecular mechanism(s) of action

Water-soluble isoindoloquinoxalin (IIQ) imines and the corresponding acetates were conveniently prepared from the key intermediates 2-(2'-aminophenyl)-2H-isoindole-1-carbonitriles obtained by a Strecker reaction between substituted 1,2-dicarbaldehydes and 1,2-phenylenediamines. Both series were screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD) and showed potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of 60 human tumor cell lines. Several of the novel compounds showed GI50 values at a nanomolar level on the majority of the tested cell lines. Among IIQ derivatives, methoxy substituents at positions 3 and 8 or/and 9 were especially effective in impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These effects were associated to IIQ-mediated impairment of tubulin polymerization at pharmacologically significant concentrations of tested compounds. In addition, impaired DNA topoisomerase I functions and perturbation in telomere architecture were observed in cells exposed to micromolar concentrations of IIQ derivatives. The above results suggest that IIQ derivatives exhibit multi-target cytotoxic activities.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of thiazolyl-bis-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines and indolyl-thiazolyl-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridines, nortopsentin analogues

Two new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and indole units were both substituted by 7-azaindole moieties or one indole unit was replaced by a 6-azaindole portion, were efficiently synthesized. Compounds belonging to both series inhibited the growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells at low micromolar concentrations, whereas they did not affect the viability of normal-like intestinal cells. A compound of the former series induced apoptosis, evident as externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine (PS), and changes of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, while blocking the cell cycle in G2/M phase. In contrast, a derivative of the latter series elicited distinct responses in accordance with the dose. Thus, low concentrations (GI₃₀) induced morphological changes characteristic of autophagic death with massive formation of cytoplasmic acid vacuoles without apparent loss of nuclear material, and with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase, whereas higher concentrations (GI₇₀) induced apoptosis with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase.

The medicinal chemistry of imidazotetrazine prodrugs

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard first line treatment for malignant glioma, reaching “blockbuster” status in 2010, yet it remains the only drug in its class. The main constraints on the clinical effectiveness of TMZ therapy are its requirement for active DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins for activity, and inherent resistance through O6-methyl guanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) activity. Moreover, acquired resistance, due to MMR mutation, results in aggressive TMZ-resistant tumour regrowth following good initial responses. Much of the attraction in TMZ as a drug lies in its PK/PD properties: it is acid stable and has 100% oral bioavailability; it also has excellent distribution properties, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and there is direct evidence of tumour localisation. This review seeks to unravel some of the mysteries of the imidazotetrazine class of compounds to which TMZ belongs. In addition to an overview of different synthetic strategies, we explore the somewhat unusual chemical reactivity of the imidazotetrazines, probing their mechanisms of reaction, examining which attributes are required for an active drug molecule and reviewing the use of this combined knowledge towards the development of new and improved anti-cancer agents.

New benzothieno[3,2-d]-1,2,3-triazines with antiproliferative activity: synthesis, spectroscopic studies, and biological activity

New benzothieno[3,2-d]-1,2,3-triazines, together with precursors triazenylbenzo[b]thiophenes, were designed, synthesized and screened as anticancer agents. The structural features of these compounds prompted us to investigate their DNA binding capability through UV-vis absorption titrations, circular dichroism, and viscometry, pointing out the occurrence of groove-binding. The derivative 3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)benzothieno[3,2-d]-1,2,3-triazin-4(3H)-one showed the highest antiproliferative effect against HeLa cells and was also tested in cell cycle perturbation experiments. The obtained results assessed for the first time the anticancer activity of benzothieno[3,2-d]-1,2,3-triazine nucleus, and we related it to its DNA-binding properties.

One-pot multicomponent synthesis of diversely substituted 2-aminopyrroles. A short general synthesis of rigidins A, B, C, and D

Privileged medicinal scaffolds based on the structures of tetra- and pentasubstituted 2-aminopyrroles were prepared via one-pot multicomponent reactions of structurally diverse aldehydes and N-(aryl-, hetaryl-, alkylsulfonamido)acetophenones with activated methylene compounds. This methodology was used in a four-step synthesis of alkaloids rigidins A, B, C, and D in overall yields of 61%, 58%, 60%, and 53%, respectively. Of these, rigidins B, C, and D were synthesized for the first time.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of aryl- and heteroaryl-hydrazones derived from xanthone carbaldehydes

In order to explore the antiproliferative effect associated with the xanthone framework, several arylhydrazonomethyl derivatives were synthesized from various isomeric 1,3-dihydroxyxanthone carbaldehydes. Variation in the position of the aldehydic function led to three sets of compounds, bearing the hydrazonomethyl chain at positions 5, 6 or 7 on the xanthone nucleus, respectively. The antiproliferative effect of the compounds was evaluated in vitro using the MTT colorimetric method against two human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, breast adenocarcinoma, and KB 3.1, squamous cell oral carcinoma) for two time periods (24 h and 72 h). Among the series, four compounds exhibited interesting growth inhibitory effects against both the cell lines, with IC(50) values in the micromolar concentration range. When compared with doxorubicin, the xanthone derivatives showed moderate cytotoxic effects. Surprisingly, unlike doxorubicin, these compounds displayed no significant time-dependent change in the concentration causing 50% inhibitory effect in proliferation. This unusual cytotoxicity profile led to the hypothesis that these molecules could be endowed with a mechanism of action distinct to that of doxorubicin.

Identification of antibacterial and antiviral activities of novel fused 1,2,4-triazine esters

The in vitro biological activities of novel derivatives of methyl and ethyl 2-(4-oxo-8-aryl-2H-3,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)acetates (3a, 3d-j) have been evaluated and are reported. The final heterobicycles (3a-j) were obtained from monocyclic 1-aryl-2-hydrazonoimidazolidines (2a-f) by addition and cyclization reaction with fumaric acid esters. In particular, compounds 3d and 3e were found to exhibit comparable antibacterial potencies in vitro as that of ampicillin. Heterobicycles of the 3e, 3g and 3j type were screened for their antiviral activities against the selected viruses' DNA (human adenovirus type 5-Ad-5) and RNA (human enterovirus-Echo-9). Simultaneously, their cytotoxicities towards HEK-293 and GMK cells were established. In particular, heterobicycle 3j, completely non-toxic for GMK cells, was found to exhibit virucidal properties against Echo-9 virus justifying its further investigation as the potential antiviral agent.

Identification of antitumour activity of novel derivatives of 8-aryl-2,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3,4-dione and 8-aryl-4-imino-2,3,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3(6H)-one

The series of 8-aryl-2,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3,4-diones (11-20) and 8-aryl-4-imino-2,3,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3(6H)-ones (21-25) were designed and their in vitro cytotoxic activities against human LS180, HeLa, T47D, A549 and RPMI 8226 carcinoma cells are presented. In the crystalline state molecule 12 exists as the predominant tautomeric 3-oxo form, whereas the second possible 3-hydroxy tautomer is not observed. Compound 19 revealed a strong affection to LS180 cancer cells at lower tested concentration (37.9 microM) and simultaneously was found to be non-toxic towards the normal cell line investigated--GMK cells. Furthermore, this compound was proved to possess the efficiency for DNA strand breakage of the examined cancer cell lines. However, imidazotriazin-3,4-dione 20 was able to cause significant viability decreases in human RPMI 8226 peripheral blood myeloma cells. Compound 22 has exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against LS180 and A549 carcinoma cells, whereas 24 revealed the highest growth inhibition against A549 cell line. Simultaneously, at lower tested concentration these compounds were proved to be completely non-toxic for GMK cells. Moreover, cytotoxic and antibacterial properties of starting, tautomeric 1-aryl-2-hydrazonoimidazolidines (1-6 and 8-9) are presented. Six of them (1-2, 4-6 and 9) proved active as antimicrobials. All these compounds revealed MIC values in the range of 15.0-78.6 microM. Their activities were compared to those of ampicillin and chloramphenicol.

Novel derivatives of methyl and ethyl 2-(4-oxo-8-aryl-2H-3,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)acetates from biologically active 1-aryl-2-hydrazinoimidazolines: Synthesis, crystal structure and antiproliferative activity

The 1-aryl-2-hydrazinoimidazolines (2a-h) were directly obtained from appropriate 1-aryl-2-methylthioimidazolines (1a-h) by condensation reaction with hydrazine hydrate. Antimicrobial activities of two 1-aryl-2-hydrazinoimidazolines (2b and 2e) are presented. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, EI-MS and elemental analysis. The susceptibility of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, mould and yeast-like fungi strains to synthesized compounds and the MIC values against two reference strains of bacteria were determined. The strongest antibacterial activity for compound 2b in relation to reference Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 bacterial strain with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 3.91micro g mL(-1) was found. Compound 2b showed superior activity (MIC) to ampicillin and comparable to chloramphenicol. A novel compound 2e was found to be effective against E. coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 at concentrations of 7.81micro g mL(-1) and 15.62micro g mL(-1), respectively. Compound 2e revealed antibacterial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922, superior to ampicillin and inferior to chloramphenicol. Against S. aureus ATCC 25923 strain tested, compound 2e demonstrated MIC value inferior to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Moreover, the synthesis, crystal structure and antiproliferative activity of novel derivatives of methyl and ethyl 2-(4-oxo-8-aryl-2H-3,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)acetates (3a-f and 3g-j) are presented. These compounds were obtained from 1-aryl-2-hydrazinoimidazolines (2a-f) by the addition and cyclization reactions with fumaric acid esters. Molecular structures of these compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, EI-MS and by X-ray crystallography (for 3g). The tested imidazotriazines 3e, 3i and 3j exhibited anticancer activities towards the following cancer cells: LS180 (ECACC 87021202, human Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma cells), SiHa (ECACC 85060701, uterus cancer cells), and T47D (ECACC 85102201, human breast carcinoma cells). Compounds 3i and 3j having comparable GI values (above 50%) towards uterus cancer cell line (SiHa) at both examined concentrations (10micro g mL(-1) and 50micro g mL(-1)) were found to be the most effective against this cancer cell line; their GI factors were 53%, 51% and 62%, 55%, respectively, in both examined concentrations (10micro g mL(-1) and 50micro g mL(-1)). Furthermore, the distinctly marked lower cytotoxicity of tested imidazotriazines 3i and 3j against normal cell lines (HSF, human skin fibroblast cells and Vero African Green Monkey Kidney cells, GMK clone) and almost 2-times higher against the majority of cancer cell lines was confirmed.

Synthesis, crystal structure and anticancer activity of novel derivatives of ethyl 1-(4-oxo-8-aryl-4,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)formate

Synthesis and anticancer activity of ethyl 1-(4-oxo-8-aryl-4,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)formates (7-12) are presented. The title compounds were obtained by two independent synthesis methods from 1-aryl-2-hydrazono-imidazolidines (1-aryl-2-hydrazino-imidazolines) (1-6) by cyclocondensation reaction with diethyl 2-(hydroxyimino)malonate (A) and diethyl 2-oxomalonate (B). Molecular structure of synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, EI-MS spectra, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography for 12. Compounds 10 and 11 exhibited anticancer activity towards following cancer cells: LS180 (ECACC 87021202, human Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma cells), SiHa (ECACC 85060701, uterus cancer cells), T47D (ECACC 85102201, human breast carcinoma cells). Compound 10 was found to be the most active against SiHa cancer line; its GI was 41 and 52%, respectively in both examined concentrations (10 and 50 microg ml(-1)), whereas compound 11 had the highest potential to reduce the growth of LS180 and SiHa cancer lines, especially in a higher dose (50 microg ml(-1)). Moreover, the distinctly marked lower cytotoxicity of tested compounds against normal cell lines (HSF, human skin fibroblast cells and Vero African Green Monkey Kidney cells, GMK clone) and almost two-times higher against cancer cell lines was confirmed. Also antibacterial activity of starting 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydrazonoimidazolidine hydroiodide (4) is presented. Molecular structure of 4 was confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, EI-MS spectra, elemental analysis and (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMBC and HMQC correlations. The marked antibacterial activity for this compound in relation to Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 with equal minimal inhibitory concentration values of 15.62 and 15.62 microg ml(-1) was found.

Synthesis and in vitro antitumoral activity of new N-phenyl-3-pyrrolecarbothioamides

A new series of N-phenylpyrrolecarbothioamides were obtained from base catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 3-amino-3-(alkyl or arylamino)propenethioamides. Pyrrole derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity toward cell lines of nine different types of human cancer. Some of newly prepared compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of a wide range of cancer cell lines generally at 10(-6) M level and in some case at 10(-8) M concentrations.