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De Angelis M, Primitivo L, Sappino C, Centrella B, Lucarini C, Lanciotti L, Petti A, Odore D, D'Annibale A, Macchi B, Stefanizzi V, Cirigliano A, Rinaldi T, Righi G, Ricelli A. Stereocontrolled synthesis of new iminosugar lipophilic derivatives and evaluation of biological activities. Carbohydr Res 2023; 534:108984. [PMID: 37984279 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2023.108984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Iminosugars' similarity to carbohydrates determines the exceptional potential for this class of polyhydroxylated alkaloids to serve as potential drug candidates for a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes, lysosomal storage diseases, cancer, bacterial and viral infections. The presence of lipophilic substituents has a significant impact on their biological activities. This work reports the synthesis of three new pyrrolidine lipophilic derivatives O-alkylated in C-6 position. The biological activities of our iminosugars' collection were tested in two cancer cell lines and, due to the pharmaceutical potential, in the model yeast system Saccharomyces cerevisiae to assess their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina De Angelis
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Primitivo
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Sappino
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Centrella
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Lucarini
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Lanciotti
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Petti
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Odore
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea D'Annibale
- Department of Chemistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Cracovia, 50, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Stefanizzi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Cracovia, 50, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Cirigliano
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM)-CNR, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Righi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM)-CNR, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ricelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM)-CNR, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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2
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Wang X, Zhuang Y, Wang Y, Jiang M, Yao L. The recent developments of camptothecin and its derivatives as potential anti-tumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115710. [PMID: 37595544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
This review article focuses on the research progress made in the structural modifications of camptothecin (CPT), a potent cytotoxic natural alkaloid. CPT possesses a unique 5-fused ring structure and exhibits various beneficial activities such as anti-proliferative, anti-fungal, insecticidal, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. CPT and its analogs, including Topotecan and Irinotecan, have been successfully developed and marketed as topoisomerase I inhibitors. To enhance the therapeutic potential of CPT, researchers have undertaken structural modifications primarily on the A, B, and E rings of the CPT core structure. These modifications aim to improve the efficacy, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties of CPT derivatives. The article reviews the advancements in hybridizing CPT with other bioactive compounds, the synthesis of novel CPT analogs, and their associated biological activities. Moreover, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these modified CPT derivatives is summarized to gain insights into their structure-function correlations. In addition to discussing the modifications and biological activities of CPT derivatives, the article also touches upon the mechanism of parent drug release. Many CPT derivatives are prodrugs, meaning they require metabolic activation to generate the active form of the drug. It is a resource for researchers interested in developing novel anti-tumor agents based on CPT, addressing the limitations associated with the parent drug, and exploring various aspects of CPT modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Yumeng Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Yuankun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Maokai Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Lei Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
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3
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Marchesi E, Perrone D, Navacchia ML. Molecular Hybridization as a Strategy for Developing Artemisinin-Derived Anticancer Candidates. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2185. [PMID: 37765156 PMCID: PMC10536797 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural compound extracted from Artemisia species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Currently, artemisinin and its derivatives are considered among the most significant small-molecule antimalarial drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, however, there are several limitations and gaps in knowledge that retard their repurposing as effective anticancer agents. Hybridization resulting from a covalent combination of artemisinin with one or more active pharmacophores has emerged as a promising approach to overcome several issues. The variety of hybridization partners allows improvement in artemisinin activity by tuning the ability of conjugated artemisinin to interact with various molecule targets involved in multiple biological pathways. This review highlights the current scenario of artemisinin-derived hybrids with potential anticancer activity. The synthetic approaches to achieve the corresponding hybrids and the structure-activity relationships are discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marchesi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 40129 Bologna, Italy
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Pieroni M, Madeddu F, Di Martino J, Arcieri M, Parisi V, Bottoni P, Castrignanò T. MD-Ligand-Receptor: A High-Performance Computing Tool for Characterizing Ligand-Receptor Binding Interactions in Molecular Dynamics Trajectories. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11671. [PMID: 37511429 PMCID: PMC10380688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation is a widely employed computational technique for studying the dynamic behavior of molecular systems over time. By simulating macromolecular biological systems consisting of a drug, a receptor and a solvated environment with thousands of water molecules, MD allows for realistic ligand-receptor binding interactions (lrbi) to be studied. In this study, we present MD-ligand-receptor (MDLR), a state-of-the-art software designed to explore the intricate interactions between ligands and receptors over time using molecular dynamics trajectories. Unlike traditional static analysis tools, MDLR goes beyond simply taking a snapshot of ligand-receptor binding interactions (lrbi), uncovering long-lasting molecular interactions and predicting the time-dependent inhibitory activity of specific drugs. With MDLR, researchers can gain insights into the dynamic behavior of complex ligand-receptor systems. Our pipeline is optimized for high-performance computing, capable of efficiently processing vast molecular dynamics trajectories on multicore Linux servers or even multinode HPC clusters. In the latter case, MDLR allows the user to analyze large trajectories in a very short time. To facilitate the exploration and visualization of lrbi, we provide an intuitive Python notebook (Jupyter), which allows users to examine and interpret the results through various graphical representations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Pieroni
- Department of Computer Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, V. le Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Madeddu
- Department of Computer Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, V. le Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Di Martino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viale dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Manuel Arcieri
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 101, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Valerio Parisi
- Department of Physics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Bottoni
- Department of Computer Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, V. le Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Castrignanò
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viale dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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Dai Y, Qian M, Li Y. Structural Modification Endows Small-Molecular SN38 Derivatives with Multifaceted Functions. Molecules 2023; 28:4931. [PMID: 37446591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a camptothecin derivative, 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) combats cancer by inhibiting topoisomerase I. SN38 is one of the most active compounds among camptothecin derivatives. In addition, SN38 is also a theranostic reagent due to its intrinsic fluorescence. However, the poor water solubility, high systemic toxicity and limited action against drug resistance and metastasis of tumor cells of SN38 indicates that there is great space for the structural modification of SN38. From the perspective of chemical modification, this paper summarizes the progress of SN38 in improving solubility, increasing activity, reducing toxicity and possessing multifunction and analyzes the strategies of structure modification to provide a reference for drug development based on SN38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dai
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Meng Qian
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
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Dai Y, Zhang Y, Ye T, Chen Y. Synthesis and Antitumor Evaluation of Biotin-SN38-Valproic Acid Conjugates. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093936. [PMID: 37175346 PMCID: PMC10179906 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the strong anticancer activity of SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin), the severe side effects and loss of anticancer activity caused by the lack of selectivity to cancer cells and hydrolysis of ring E prevent its clinical application. To address the issue, herein a multifunctional SN38 derivative (compound 9) containing biotin (tumor-targeting group) and valproic acid (histone deacetylase inhibitor, HDACi) was synthesized via click chemistry and evaluated using MTT assay. The in vitro cytotoxicity study showed that compound 9 exhibited superior cytotoxicity than irinotecan against human cervical cancer HeLa cells, albeit it was inferior to SN38. More significantly, compound 9 significantly reduced toxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH3T3 cells, indicating that compound 9 had the capacity to enhance tumor targeting due to its cell selectivity. Further studies demonstrated that, compared with irinotecan, compound 9 induced similar apoptosis of cancer cells. Consequently, compound 9 can not only improve its tumor-targeting ability mediated by biotin but also exert potent anticancer activity through the effect of SN38 and valproic acid, indicating that the design concept is an effective strategy for the structural modification of SN38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dai
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Tianxiang Ye
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Yue Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei 230088, China
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Zhong ZX, Li XZ, Liu JT, Qin N, Duan HQ, Duan XC. Disulfide Bond-Based SN38 Prodrug Nanoassemblies with High Drug Loading and Reduction-Triggered Drug Release for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:1281-1298. [PMID: 36945256 PMCID: PMC10024910 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s404848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chemotherapy is a significant and effective therapeutic strategy that is frequently utilized in the treatment of cancer. Small molecular prodrug-based nanoassemblies (SMPDNAs) combine the benefits of both prodrugs and nanomedicine into a single nanoassembly with high drug loading, increased stability, and improved biocompatibility. Methods In this study, a disulfide bond inserted 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) prodrug was rationally designed and then used to prepare nanoassemblies (SNSS NAs) that were selectively activated by rich glutathione (GSH) in the tumor site. The characterization of SNSS NAs and the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antitumor effect on a pancreatic cancer model were performed. Results In vitro findings demonstrated that SNSS NAs exhibited GSH-induced SN38 release and cytotoxicity. SNSS NAs have demonstrated a passive targeting effect on tumor tissues, a superior antitumor effect compared to irinotecan (CPT-11), and satisfactory biocompatibility with double dosage treatment. Conclusion The SNSS NAs developed in this study provide a new method for the preparation of SN38-based nano-delivery systems with improved antitumor effect and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xin Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu-Zhao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Tao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Quan Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Hong-Quan Duan; Xiao-Chuan Duan, School of Pharmacy, School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, 22, Qi Xiang Tai Road, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-22-83336680, Fax +86-22-83336560, Email ;
| | - Xiao-Chuan Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Madeddu F, Di Martino J, Pieroni M, Del Buono D, Bottoni P, Botta L, Castrignanò T, Saladino R. Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Revealed the Potential Inhibitory Activity of New Drugs against Human Topoisomerase I Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314652. [PMID: 36498979 PMCID: PMC9737192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Topoisomerase I (hTop1p) is a ubiquitous enzyme that relaxes supercoiled DNA through a conserved mechanism involving transient breakage, rotation, and binding. Htop1p is the molecular target of the chemotherapeutic drug camptothecin (CPT). It causes the hTop1p-DNA complex to slow down the binding process and clash with the replicative machinery during the S phase of the cell cycle, forcing cells to activate the apoptotic response. This gives hTop1p a central role in cancer therapy. Recently, two artesunic acid derivatives (compounds c6 and c7) have been proposed as promising inhibitors of hTop1p with possible antitumor activity. We used several computational approaches to obtain in silico confirmations of the experimental data and to form a comprehensive dynamic description of the ligand-receptor system. We performed molecular docking analyses to verify the ability of the two new derivatives to access the enzyme-DNA interface, and a classical molecular dynamics simulation was performed to assess the capacity of the two compounds to maintain a stable binding pose over time. Finally, we calculated the noncovalent interactions between the two new derivatives and the hTop1p receptor in order to propose a possible inhibitory mechanism like that adopted by CPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Madeddu
- Department of Computer Science, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Di Martino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Michele Pieroni
- Department of Computer Science, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Del Buono
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Paolo Bottoni
- Department of Computer Science, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Castrignanò
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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9
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Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity of Diterpenes and Bisnorsesquiterpenoides from the Latex of Euphorbia resinifera Berg. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165234. [PMID: 36014466 PMCID: PMC9413093 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Euphorbia resinifera latex has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine due to its range of bioactivities. Chromatographic separations on silica gel of ethanol extract of E. resinifera latex led to the development of a new procedure for isolating resiniferatoxin (4) via dried E. resinifera latex and the identification of nine compounds. Among these, catechol (7), protocatechuic acid (8) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (9), known phenolic compounds, were identified for the first time in E. resinifera latex. Herein we investigated the effects of major compounds of the latex of E. resinifera on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius, a widespread fungal contaminant, and on the breast cancer cell line MCF7 as well as on MCF10A normal breast cells. 12-deoxyphorbol-13-isobutyrate-20-acetate (2) had an inhibiting effect on the growth of A. carbonarius, and 7-p-metoxyphenylacetate-3,8,12-triacetate ingol (3) showed a negative effect on yeast cell growth and also a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line MCF7, but not on MCF10A cells. Deglucosyl euphorbioside A (5) and euphorbioside A (6) showed a discoloration effect that was possibly related to mitochondrial functionality in yeast, and also cytotoxicity only on the cancer cell line that was tested. Interestingly, treatment of MCF7 cells with 7-p-metoxyphenylacetate-3,8,12-triacetate ingol (3) and deglucosyl euphorbioside A (5) not only led to a specific cytotoxic effect but also to the increase in the level of intracellular ROS.
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Zhang S, Yi C, Li WW, Luo Y, Wu YZ, Ling HB. The current scenario on anticancer activity of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200086. [PMID: 35484335 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer, the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality, has already posed a heavy burden on health care systems globally. In recent years, cancer treatment has made a significant breakthrough, but cancer cells inevitably acquire resistance, and the efficacy of the treatment is greatly reduced as the tumor progresses. To overcome the above issues, novel chemotherapeutics are needed urgently. Artemisinin and its derivatives-sesquiterpene lactone compounds possessing a unique peroxy bridge moiety-exhibit excellent safety and tolerability profiles. Mechanistically, artemisinin derivatives can promote cancer cell apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest and autophagy, and inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration. Accordingly, artemisinin derivatives demonstrate promising anticancer efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, and even in clinical Phase I/II trials. The purpose of the present review article is to provide an emphasis on the current scenario (January 2017-January 2022) of artemisinin derivatives with potential anticancer activity, inclusive of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers. The structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action are also discussed to facilitate the further rational design of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Yi
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Wei Li
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Luo
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhe Wu
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Bo Ling
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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11
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Gabellone S, Piccinino D, Filippi S, Castrignanò T, Zippilli C, Del Buono D, Saladino R. Lignin Nanoparticles Deliver Novel Thymine Biomimetic Photo-Adducts with Antimelanoma Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020915. [PMID: 35055101 PMCID: PMC8777952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We report here the synthesis of novel thymine biomimetic photo-adducts bearing an alkane spacer between nucleobases and characterized by antimelanoma activity against two mutated cancer cell lines overexpressing human Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1), namely SKMEL28 and RPMI7951. Among them, Dewar Valence photo-adducts showed a selectivity index higher than the corresponding pyrimidine-(6-4)-pyrimidone and cyclobutane counterpart and were characterized by the highest affinity towards TOP1/DNA complex as evaluated by molecular docking analysis. The antimelanoma activity of novel photo-adducts was retained after loading into UV photo-protective lignin nanoparticles as stabilizing agent and efficient drug delivery system. Overall, these results support a combined antimelanoma and UV sunscreen strategy involving the use of photo-protective lignin nanoparticles for the controlled release of thymine dimers on the skin followed by their sacrificial transformation into photo-adducts and successive inhibition of melanoma and alert of cellular UV machinery repair pathways.
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12
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He W, Du Y, Wang T, Wang J, Cheng L, Li X. Dimeric Artesunate-Phosphatidylcholine-Based Liposomes for Irinotecan Delivery as a Combination Therapy Approach. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3862-3870. [PMID: 34470216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work, dimeric artesunate-phosphatidylcholine conjugate (dARTPC)-based liposomes encapsulated with irinotecan (Ir) were developed for anticancer combination therapy. First, dARTPC featured with unique amphipathic properties formed liposomes by classical thin-film methods. After that, Ir was encapsulated into dARTPC-based liposomes (Ir/dARTPC-LP) by the triethylammonium sucrose octasulfate gradient method. Physicochemical characterization indicated that Ir/dARTPC-LP had a mean size of around 140 nm and a negative ζ potential of approximately -30 mV. Most noticeably, liposomes displayed an encapsulation efficiency of greater than 98% with a controllable drug loading of 4-22%. The in vitro release of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and Ir from Ir/dARTPC-LP was investigated by dialysis in different media. It was found that effective release of both DHA (65.42%) and Ir (77.28%) in a weakly acidic medium (pH 5.0) after 48 h was achieved in comparison to very slow release under a neutral environment (DHA 9.90% and Ir 8.72%), indicating the controllable release of both drugs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the improved cellular internalization of Ir/dARTPC-LP. The cytotoxicity of Ir/dARTPC-LP was evaluated in the MCF-7, A549, and HepG2 cell lines. The results showed that Ir/dARTPC-LP had significant synergistic efficacy in the loss of cell growth. In vivo anticancer evaluation was performed using a 4T1 xenograft tumor model. Ir/dARTPC-LP had a high tumor inhibition rate of 62.7% without significant toxicity in comparison with the injection of Ir solution. Taken together, dARTPC encapsulated with Ir has great potential for anticancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
| | - Yawei Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
| | - Ji Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
| | - Lei Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
| | - Xinsong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, P. R. China
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13
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Abstract
The major problems with cancer therapy are drug-induced side effects. There is an urgent need for safe anti-tumor drugs. Artemisinin is a Chinese herbal remedy for malaria with efficacy and safety. However, several studies reported that artemisinin causes neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in animal models. Recently, nanostructured drug delivery systems have been designed to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity. Artemisinin has been reported to show anticancer properties. The anticancer effects of artemisinin appear to be mediated by inducing cell cycle arrest, promoting ferroptosis and autophagy, inhibiting cell metastasis. Therefore, the review is to concentrate on mechanisms and molecular targets of artemisinin as anti-tumor agents. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongning Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Botta L, Cesarini S, Zippilli C, Filippi S, Bizzarri BM, Baratto MC, Pogni R, Saladino R. Stereoselective Access to Antimelanoma Agents by Hybridization and Dimerization of Dihydroartemisinin and Artesunic acid. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2270-2277. [PMID: 33792170 PMCID: PMC8360007 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A library of five hybrids and six dimers of dihydroartemisinin and artesunic acid has been synthetized in a stereo-controlled manner and evaluated for the anticancer activity against metastatic melanoma cell line (RPMI7951). Among novel derivatives, three artesunic acid dimers showed antimelanoma activity and cancer selectivity, being not toxic on normal human fibroblast (C3PV) cell line. Among the three dimers, the one bearing 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol as a spacer showed no cytotoxic effect (CC50 >300 μM) and high antimelanoma activity (IC50 =0.05 μM), which was two orders of magnitude higher than that of parent artesunic acid, and of the same order of commercial drug paclitaxel. In addition, this dimer showed cancer-type selectivity towards melanoma compared to prostate (PC3) and breast (MDA-MB-231) tumors. The occurrence of a radical mechanism was hypothesized by DFO and EPR analyses. Qualitative structure activity relationships highlighted the role of artesunic acid scaffold in the control of toxicity and antimelanoma activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Cesarini
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Claudio Zippilli
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Filippi
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Bruno Mattia Bizzarri
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Baratto
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Rebecca Pogni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Univeristy of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
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15
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Patel OPS, Beteck RM, Legoabe LJ. Exploration of artemisinin derivatives and synthetic peroxides in antimalarial drug discovery research. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113193. [PMID: 33508479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by protozoal parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. It caused an estimated 405,000 deaths and 228 million malaria cases globally in 2018 as per the World Malaria Report released by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. Artemisinin (ART), a "Nobel medicine" and its derivatives have proven potential application in antimalarial drug discovery programs. In this review, antimalarial activity of the most active artemisinin derivatives modified at C-10/C-11/C-16/C-6 positions and synthetic peroxides (endoperoxides, 1,2,4-trioxolanes, 1,2,4-trioxanes, and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes) are systematically summarized. The developmental trend of ART derivatives, and cyclic peroxides along with their antimalarial activity and how the activity is affected by structural variations on different sites of the compounds are discussed. This compilation would be very useful towards scaffold hopping aimed at avoiding the unnecessary complexity in cyclic peroxides, and ultimately act as a handy resource for the development of potential chemotherapeutics against Plasmodium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om P S Patel
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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16
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Sahu SK, Behera PK, Choudhury P, Panda S, Rout L. Strategy and Problems for Synthesis of Antimalaria Artemisinin (Qinghaosu). ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Sahu
- Department of Chemistry Berhampur University Bhanjabihar Ganjam Odisha 760007
| | | | | | - Subhalaxmi Panda
- Department of Chemistry Berhampur University Bhanjabihar Ganjam Odisha 760007
| | - Laxmidhar Rout
- Department of Chemistry Berhampur University Bhanjabihar Ganjam Odisha 760007
- Adjunct Faculty Department of Chemical Science IISER Berhampur Odisha
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