Man-Made Cytotoxic Steroids: Exemplary Agents for Cancer Therapy

DNA Adducts in Cancer Chemotherapy

DNA adducting drugs, including alkylating agents and platinum-containing drugs, are prominent in cancer chemotherapy. Their mechanisms of action involve direct interaction with DNA, resulting in the formation of DNA addition products known as DNA adducts. While these adducts are well-accepted to induce cancer cell death, understanding of their specific chemotypes and their role in drug therapy response remain limited. This perspective aims to address this gap by investigating the metabolic activation and chemical characterization of DNA adducts formed by the U.S. FDA-approved drugs. Moreover, clinical studies on DNA adducts as potential biomarkers for predicting patient responses to drug efficacy are examined. The overarching goal is to engage the interest of medicinal chemists and stimulate further research into the use of DNA adducts as biomarkers for guiding personalized cancer treatment.

Synthesis, NMR characterization and cytotoxic activity of hybrid spirostanic sapogenins-estradiol dimers

Four hybrid steroid dimers were obtained by BF3·Et2O-catalyzed aldol condensation of acetylated steroid sapogenins with 2-formyl-estradiol diacetate. The structures of the obtained dimers were unambiguously established by NMR. The hybrid dimers 9a (IC50 18.37 μM) and 9c (IC50 9.4 μM) with the 5α configuration at the A/B rings junction showed the higher cytotoxicity against HeLa, with selectivity index of 4.36 and 11.8 respectively. The presence of a carbonyl function at position C-12 produced the highest cytotoxic effect, which is in line with our previous reports.

Anticancer Potential of Diruthenium Complexes with Bridging Hydrocarbyl Ligands from Bioactive Alkynols

Diruthenacyclopentenone complexes of the general composition [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ-η1:η3-CH═C(C(OH)(R))C(═O)}] (2a-c; Cp = η5-C5H5) were synthesized in 94-96% yields from the reactions of [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ-η1:η3-C(Ph)═C(Ph)C(═O)}] (1) with 1-ethynylcyclopentanol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, and 17-ethynyltestosterone, respectively, in toluene at reflux. Protonation of 2a-c by HBF4 afforded the corresponding allenyl derivatives [Ru2Cp2(CO)3{μ-η1:η2-CH═C═R}]BF4 (3a-c) in 85-93% yields. All products were thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and IR, UV-vis, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, 2a and 3a were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and the single-crystal diffraction method was employed to establish the X-ray structures of 2b and 3a. The cytotoxicity in vitro of 2b and 3a-c was evaluated against nine human cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780R, MCF-7, HOS, A549, PANC-1, Caco-2, PC-3, and HeLa), while the selectivity was assessed on normal human lung fibroblast (MRC-5). Overall, complexes exert stronger cytotoxicity than cisplatin, and 3b (comprising 17α-estradiol derived ligand) emerged as the best-performing complex. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry cellular uptake studies in A2780 cells revealed a higher level of internalization for 3b and 3c compared to 2b, 3a, and the reference compound RAPTA-C. Experiments conducted on A2780 cells demonstrated a noteworthy impact of 3a and 3b on the cell cycle, leading to the majority of the cells being arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, 3a moderately induced apoptosis and oxidative stress, while 3b triggered autophagy and mitochondrial membrane potential depletion.

Recent advances in synthetic strategies and SAR of thiazolidin-4-one containing molecules in cancer therapeutics

Cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases accountable for millions of demises globally. The inadequate effectiveness of the existing chemotherapy and its harmful effects has resulted in the necessity of developing innovative anticancer agents. Thiazolidin-4-one scaffold is among the most important chemical skeletons that illustrate anticancer activity. Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been the subject of extensive research and current scientific literature reveals that these compounds have shown significant anticancer activities. This manuscript is an earnest attempt to review novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives demonstrating considerable potential as anticancer agents along with a brief discussion of medicinal chemistry-related aspects of these compounds and structural activity relationship studies in order to develop possible multi-target enzyme inhibitors. Most recently, various synthetic strategies have been developed by researchers to get various thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. In this review, the authors highlight the various synthetic, green, and nanomaterial-based synthesis routes of thiazolidin-4-ones as well as their role in anticancer activity by inhibition of various enzymes and cell lines. The detailed description of the existing modern standards in the field presented in this article may be interesting and beneficial to the scientists for further exploration of these heterocyclic compounds as possible anticancer agents.

Small-molecule organoselenocyanates: Recent developments toward synthesis, anticancer, and antioxidant activities

Cellular redox homeostasis is very important for the overall cellular development, function, and oxidative stress often disrupts the process. Small-molecule organoselenium compounds exert key roles in maintaining the redox homeostasis during oxidative stress and cancer owing to their notable antioxidant activities. Among different organoselenium compounds, small-molecule organoselenocyanates have attracted much research attention due to their synthetic utilities and therapeutic potentials. Therefore, the development of convenient synthetic methodologies to different classes of organoselenocyanates from various precursors was explored over the years as useful synthetic building blocks. Additionally, considering their inherent redox and antioxidant properties, the development of biologically relevant organoselenocyanates upon their conjugation with the existing drugs and natural products has been chosen for enhancing the drug potencies and in ameliorating the drug-induced side-effects. In the present report, we have discussed some of the very recent and relevant developments on these aspects in a very concise manner.

Comprehensive Insights into Medicinal Research on Imidazole-Based Supramolecular Complexes

The electron-rich five-membered aromatic aza-heterocyclic imidazole, which contains two nitrogen atoms, is an important functional fragment widely present in a large number of biomolecules and medicinal drugs; its unique structure is beneficial to easily bind with various inorganic or organic ions and molecules through noncovalent interactions to form a variety of supramolecular complexes with broad medicinal potential, which is being paid an increasing amount of attention regarding more and more contributions to imidazole-based supramolecular complexes for possible medicinal application. This work gives systematical and comprehensive insights into medicinal research on imidazole-based supramolecular complexes, including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory aspects as well as ion receptors, imaging agents, and pathologic probes. The new trend of the foreseeable research in the near future toward imidazole-based supramolecular medicinal chemistry is also prospected. It is hoped that this work provides beneficial help for the rational design of imidazole-based drug molecules and supramolecular medicinal agents and more effective diagnostic agents and pathological probes.

Semi-Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 25(R)-26-Acetoxy-3β,5α-Dihydroxycholest-6-One

Previously, we identified a series of steroids (1–6) that showed potent anti-virus activities against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with IC50 values ranging from 3.23 to 0.19 µM. In this work, we first semi-synthesized and characterized the single isomer of 5, 25(R)-26-acetoxy-3β,5α-dihydroxycholest-6-one, named as (25R)-5, in seven steps from a commercially available compound diosgenin (7), with a total yield of 2.8%. Unfortunately, compound (25R)-5 and the intermediates only showed slight inhibitions against RSV replication at the concentration of 10 µM, but they possessed potent cytotoxicity activities against human bladder cancer 5637 (HTB-9) and hepatic cancer HepG2, with IC50 values ranging from 3.0 to 15.5 µM without any impression of normal liver cell proliferation at 20 µM. Among them, the target compound (25R)-5 possessed cytotoxicity activities against 5637 (HTB-9) and HepG2 with IC50 values of 4.8 µM and 15.5 µM, respectively. Further studies indicated that compound (25R)-5 inhibited cancer cell proliferation through inducing early and late-stage apoptosis. Collectively, we have semi-synthesized, characterized and biologically evaluated the 25R-isomer of compound 5; the biological results suggested that compound (25R)-5 could be a good lead for further anti-cancer studies, especially for anti-human liver cancer.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Twin Bufogargarizins A and B

The first and asymmetric total synthesis of bufogargarizins A and B, two unusual and highly oxygenated twin steroids with rearranged A/B rings, was achieved. The synthetically challenging [7-5-6-5] tetracyclic ring system of bufogargarizin A was efficiently constructed by the first intramolecular Ru-catalyzed [5 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of a vinyl ether cyclopropane-yne. Notably, the interesting [5-7-6-5] tetracyclic skeleton of bufogargarizin B was diastereoselectively reassembled by unique retro-aldol/transannular aldol cascade reactions from the [7-5-6-5] tetracyclic framework.

Straightforward synthesis of steroidal selenocyanates through oxidative umpolung selenocyanation of steroids and their antitumor activity

Straightforward access to steroidal selenocyanates in a single assembly step from steroids remains a significant challenge. However, the development of novel method for the synthesis of steroidal selenocyanates and further investigation of their bioactivities have largely lagged behind. In this work, selenocyano groups were directly introduced into the 17- or 21-position of pregnenolone, the 2-position of estradiol, and the 16-position of estrone. A total of 16 estrogen selenocyanate derivatives with diverse structures were synthesized, and the tumor cell lines closely related to the expression level of estrogen were used to investigate the inhibitory activity of the target products on tumor cell proliferation in vitro. The results revealed that the 17-selenocyano-substituted pregnenolone selenocyanate derivatives 1b-3b exhibit obvious inhibitory activity against the tested tumor cell lines. Additionally, the 2-selenocyano-substituted estradiol derivatives and 16-selenocyano-substituted estrone derivatives exhibit selective inhibitory on HeLa cell lines. Among them, 2-selenocyano-3-methoxyestradiol-17-benzoate (7e) displayed an IC₅₀ value of 4.1 µM against HeLa cells and induced programmed apoptosis in HeLa cancer cells. Furthermore, compound 7e could significantly inhibit the growth of human cervical cancer xenografts in zebrafish in vivo. This approach provides new insights for future steroid antitumor drug design.

In silico ADMET analysis of the A-, B- and D-modified androstane derivatives with potential anticancer effects

The major challenge in the fight against cancer is to design new drugs that will be more selective for cancer cells, with fewer side effects. Synthetic steroids such as cyproterone, fulvestrant, exemestane and abiraterone are approved powerful drugs for the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases such as breast and prostate cancers. Therefore, androstane derivatives in 17-substituted, 17a-homo lactone and 16,17-seco series, with potent anticancer activity, were selected for pharmacokinetic and druglike predictions from the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) models. In silico determination of physico-chemical and ADMET properties was performed using SwissADME and ProTox-II web tools. The possibility of gastrointestinal absorption and brain penetration was analyzed using the BOILED-Egg model, while the in silico evaluation of the similarities between selected steroid derivatives and FDA-approved drugs was carried out using the SwissSimilarity tool. Of all tested, two compounds that showed good in silico ADMET results, in addition to promising cytotoxicity and molecular docking results, could potentially be evaluated in in vivo tests.

Synthesis and biological activity of 21,22-cyclosteroids and their derivatives

Synthesis of 21,22-cyclosteroids has been achieved starting from pregnenolone acetate. The key transformation was the Kulinkovich reaction of 17-vinyl steroids with esters. The resulting cyclopropanols were further subjected to three-membered ring-opening under various conditions including to base-, palladium or visible light-promoted isomerization and cross-coupling reaction. A number of steroidal Δ2-6-ketones and 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-enes with functional groups at C-21 - C-23 have been synthesized via the 21,22-cyclosteroids. The antiproliferative and antihormonal activity of the obtained compounds on the cell lines of prostate (22Rv1) and breast (MCF-7) cancer was studied. The androgen receptor activity was assessed by reporter assay when the expression of signalling proteins was evaluated by immunoblotting. (20S,22R)-22-Acetoxy-21,22-cyclo-5α-cholest-5-ene with the moderate antiandrogenic potency revealed IC50 values of 18.4 ± 1.2 and 14.6 ± 1.4 µM against MCF-7 and 22Rv1 cells, respectively, and its effects on the expression of AR-V7, cyclin D1 and BCL2 were explored.

Substitutional Diversity-Oriented Synthesis and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Framework-Integrated Estradiol-Benzisoxazole Chimeras

Hybridization of steroids and other pharmacophores often modifies the bioactivity of the parent compounds, improving selectivity and side effect profile. In this study, estradiol and 3′-(un)substituted benzisoxazole moieties were combined into novel molecules by structural integration of their aromatic rings. Simple estrogen starting materials, such as estrone, estradiol and estradiol-3-methylether were used for the multistep transformations. Some of the heterocyclic derivatives were prepared from the estrane precursor by a formylation or Friedel–Crafts acylation—oximation—cyclization sequence, whereas others were obtained by a functional group interconversion strategy. The antiproliferative activities of the synthesized compounds were assessed on various human cervical, breast and prostate cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, PC3, DU-145) and non-cancerous MRC-5 fibroblast cells. Based on the primary cytotoxicity screens, the most effective cancer-selective compounds were selected, their IC₅₀ values were determined and their apoptosis-inducing potential was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Pharmacological studies revealed a strong structure–function relationship, where derivatives with a hydroxyl group on C-17 exhibited stronger anticancer activity compared to the 17-acetylated counterparts. The present study concludes that novel estradiol-benzisoxazole hybrids exert remarkable cancer cell-specific antiproliferative activity and trigger apoptosis in cancer cells.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of some novel estradiol selenocyanates

Selenocyano fragments with different structural characteristics have been successfully installed into the 3- and 17-position of estradiol through the etherification and esterification of its 3 or 17-hydroxyl group respectively. A total of 12 new estradiol selenocyanates were synthesized and their structures were characterized by NMR and HRMS. The tumor cell lines related to the expression of human hormones were selected as the screening objects, and the antiproliferative activity of the target compounds was further investigated. The results showed that the introduction of selenocyano group in estradiol could endue estradiol with the activity of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and 3-selenocyanoalkyl estradiol ethers had stronger cytotoxicity than their 17-selenocyanocarboxylates counterpart. Among them, IC₅₀ value of compound 3e on HeLa cells was 5.69 μM. The information obtained from the studies may be useful for the design and development of novel chemotherapeutic drugs.

Novel diosgenin-amino acid-benzoic acid mustard trihybrids exert antitumor effects via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

In discovering new powerful antitumor agents, two series of novel diosgenin-amino acid-benzoic acid mustard trihybrids (7a-7 g and 12a-12 g) were designed and synthesized. The antiproliferative activities were tested against five human tumor cell lines and one normal cell line using CCK-8 assays. Among the trihybrids, 12e was the most promising compound, which inhibited T24 cells with IC₅₀ value of 6.96 μM, and was stronger than its parent compound diosgenin (IC₅₀ = 32.33 μM). In addition, 12e had weak cytotoxicity on the normal GES-1 cell line (IC₅₀ = 213.74 μM). Moreover, 12e could cause G2/M cell cycle arrest, increase the percentage of apoptosis, induce mitochondrial depolarization, and promote reactive oxygen species generation in T24 cells. Further studies on antitumor mechanism demonstrated that 12e triggered the intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) apoptotic pathways. More importantly, 12e could inhibit T24 cell proliferation in an in vivo zebrafish xenograft model. Therefore, 12e, as a novel trihybrid with potent cytotoxicity, might be applied as a promising skeleton for antitumor agents, which deserved further optimization.

Gram-Scale Synthesis of Bufospirostenin A by a Biomimetic Skeletal Rearrangement Approach

Bufospirostenin A, which was the first spirostanol to be isolated from an animal, possesses an unprecedented 5/7/6/5/5/6 hexacyclic framework. Herein, we report two biomimetic syntheses of this natural product in just seven or nine steps from a readily available steroidal lactone. Key features of the syntheses include a photosantonin rearrangement and a Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement for rapid construction of the rearranged A/B ring system, as well as a cobalt-mediated olefin hydroselenylation and a selenide E2 reaction to accomplish a challenging olefin transposition. Our syntheses provide experimental support for the biogenetic pathway to 5(10→1)abeo-steroids that we have proposed.

Synthesis of new bile acid-fused tetrazoles using the Schmidt reaction

A practical and high-yielding Schmidt reaction for the synthesis of fused tetrazoles from bile acid precursors was developed. Mild reaction conditions using TMSN₃ instead of hydrazoic acid as an azide source produced good yields of the desired tetrazoles. These conditions could be applied to other steroidal precursors. Additionally, an improved methodology for the synthesis of different ketone and enone precursors from cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid was established. Newly obtained tetrazole derivatives were characterized by NMR and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. In a number of cases, preliminary antiproliferative tests of new compounds showed strong and selective activity towards certain tumor cell lines.

DG-8d, a novel diosgenin derivative, decreases the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of A549 cells by inhibiting the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway

Lung neoplasm has a relatively poor prognosis, and the clinical efficacy of targeted medicine remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, the development of novel efficient anti-lung cancer drugs is urgently needed. In our previous study, we showed that a novel diosgenin derivative 8d (DG-8d), which contained 5-(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety, had significant cytotoxic activity on human tumor cells, especially the A549 cells. However, the underlying mechanism of DG-8d was unknown. In this study, the pharmacological effect of DG-8d on the A549 cells was inspected.

METHOD

Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assays, morphological changes and quantitative analysis of flow cytometry. Levels of gene and protein expression of apoptosis-related and PI3k/Akt pathway were evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunostaining and Western blot analysis.

RESULT

The findings proved that DG-8d could inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis. The effect of DG-8d on the proliferation and apoptosis in the A549 cells were improved with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). Moreover, the effect of DG-8d on apoptosis was further confirmed by AO-EB dye, mitochondrial depolarization and accrued intracellular ROS. Gene and protein detection showed that DG-8d or DG-8d combined with LY294002 could down-regulate signaling molecules of Bcl-2, PI3k, p-Akt, p-FoxO3a and up-regulate signaling molecules of Bax snd Bim. In addition, nuclear translocation of FoxO3a was observed significantly in the cells.

CONCLUSION

DG-8d could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of the A549 cells, which maybe mainly because of the suppression of the PI3k/Akt pathways. Finally, we believe that DG-8d can be developed as a possible agent for carcinoma therapy.

Suppression of β-catenin signaling in colon carcinoma cells by a bacterial protein

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is mutated in hereditary colorectal tumors and in more than 80% of sporadic colorectal tumors. APC mutations impair β-catenin degradation, leading to its permanent stabilization and increased transcription of cancer-driving target genes. In colon cancer, impairment of β-catenin degradation leads to its cytoplasmic accumulation, nuclear translocation, and subsequent activation of tumor cell proliferation. Suppressing β-catenin signaling in cancer cells therefore appears to be a promising strategy for new anticancer strategies. Recently, we discovered a novel Vibrio cholerae cytotoxin, motility-associated killing factor A (MakA), that affects both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. It promotes bacterial survival and proliferation in invertebrate predators but has unknown biological role(s) in mammalian hosts. Here, we report that MakA can cause lethality of tumor cells via induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, MakA exhibited potent cytotoxic activity, in particular against several tested cancer cell lines, while appearing less toxic toward nontransformed cells. MakA bound to the tumor cell surface became internalized into the endolysosomal compartment and induced leakage of endolysosomal membranes, causing cytosolic release of cathepsins and activation of proapoptotic proteins. In addition, MakA altered β-catenin integrity in colon cancer cells, partly through a caspase- and proteasome-dependent mechanism. Importantly, MakA inhibited β-catenin-mediated tumor cell proliferation. Remarkably, intratumor injection of MakA significantly reduced tumor development in a colon cancer murine solid tumor model. These data identify MakA as a novel candidate to be considered in new strategies for development of therapeutic agents against colon cancer.

Anticancer potential of cardiac glycosides and steroid-azole hybrids

Steriods are well-known scaffolds that have a widespread occurrence in different compounds characterized by extensive biological properties including anticancer activity. Structural modifications on steroids always generate potential lead compounds with superior bioactivity, and creation of steroid hybrids by combining steroid with other anticancer pharmacophores in one molecule, which can exert the anticancer activity through different mechanisms, is one of the most promising strategies to enhance efficiency, overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects. Sugars and azoles, can act on diverse receptors, proteins and enzymes in cancer cells, are pharmacologically significant scaffolds in the development of novel anticancer agents. Therefore, steroid-sugar hybrids cardiac glycosides and steroid-azole hybrids are privileged scaffolds for the discovery of novel anticancer candidates. This review emphasized on the development, the structure-activity relationship and the mechanism of action of cardiac glycosides and steroid-azole hybrids with potential application for fighting against various cancers including drug-resistant forms to facilitate further rational design of novel drug candidates covering articles published between 2015 and 2020.

Reactivity of steroidal 1-azadienes toward enamines: an approach to novel chiral penta- and hexacyclic steroids

The chemical behavior of steroidal N-sulfonyl-1-azadienes toward carbonyl compounds, in the presence of pyrrolidine, is described. With aldehydes, these azadienes participate in hetero-Diels-Alder reactions with the in situ generated enamines. The stereoselectivity results from the approach of the dienophiles from the less hindered α-face of the steroid, with the pyrrolidine moiety endo and retention of the enamine trans geometry. This diastereoselective synthetic methodology led to a new class of chiral pentacyclic steroids. Interestingly, the studied steroidal scaffolds follow a different mechanistic pathway with cyclic ketones. They undergo a diastereoselective annulation reaction, under enamine catalysis, affording chiral hexacyclic steroids.

Synthesis and biological in vitro evaluation of the effect of hydroxyimino steroidal derivatives on breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women, according to Global Cancer Observatory. This fact forces scientists to continue in the search for effective treatments against this aggressive type of cancer. Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to other organs, most often the bones, lungs, and liver. Breast cancer is normally associated with estrogen and progestogen levels and can be hormone or non-hormone dependent. In current experiments herein reported, some hydroxyimino spirostan derivatives showed great potential against MCF-7 breast cancer, a Luminal-A cancer. On the other hand, a set of synthesized 6-hydroxyimino-22-oxocholestane compounds had excellent activity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. The synthesis of hydroxyamino derivatives from spirostan and 22-oxocholestane compounds was improved. The hydroxyimino compounds enhanced the bioactivity when compared with their parent carbonyl skeletons.

Azasteroids from diosgenin: Synthesis and evaluation of their antiproliferative activity

In this work, we report the synthesis of two new azasteroids through the modification of the A and B rings of diosgenin 1. The 4-azasteroid derivative 12 was prepared in three steps using the α,β-insaturated-3-keto compound 11 as a precursor, which was first oxidized with KMnO₄/KIO₄ followed by an oxidative cleavage of ring A, and subsequently cyclized with an ammonium salt, under focused microwave irradiation for a short time of 3 min. A second azasteroid was synthesized, for which the key step was the Beckmann rearrangement of ring B of the oxime 16, affording the lactam-type enamide 17 in good yield. The methodologies developed for the synthesis of the precursors derivatives 10 and 11 contribute to improved yields, compared to those reported in the literature. The biological activity of the azasteroidal compounds 12 and 17 and their precursors has been evaluated in cervical cancer cells (HeLa), colon (HCT-15), and triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) lines.

Novel alkylaminoethyl derivatives of androstane 3-oximes as anticancer candidates: synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxic effects

Steroid anticancer drugs are the focus of numerous scientific research efforts. Due to their high cytotoxic effects against tumor cells, some natural or synthetic steroid compounds seem to be promising for the treatment of different classes of cancer. In the present study, fourteen novel O-alkylated oxyimino androst-4-ene derivatives were synthesized from isomerically pure 3E-oximes, using different alkylaminoethyl chlorides. Their in vitro cytotoxic activity was evaluated against eight human cancer cell lines, as well as against normal fetal lung (MRC-5) and human foreskin (BJ) fibroblasts, to test the efficiency and selectivity of the compounds. Most derivatives displayed strong activity against malignant melanoma (G-361), lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Angiogenesis was assessed in vitro using migration scratch and tube formation assays on HUVEC cells, where partial inhibition of endothelial cell migration was observed for the 17α-(pyridin-2-yl)methyl 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl derivative. Among the compounds that most impaired the growth of lung cancer A549 cells, the (17E)-(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene derivative bearing a 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl substituent induced significant apoptosis in these cells. In combination with low cytotoxicity toward normal MRC-5 cells, this molecule stands out as a good candidate for further anticancer studies. In addition, in vitro investigations against cytochrome P450 enzymes revealed that certain compounds can bind selectively in the active sites of human steroid hydroxylases CYP7, CYP17A1, CYP19A1 or CYP21A2, which could be important for the development of novel activity modulators of these enzymes and identification of possible side effects.

Novel steroid O-alkylated 3-oxyimino derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antitumor properties. The obtained data indicate the potential of these functionalities for the development of new candidates for tumor treatment.

Promising applications of steroid сonjugates for cancer research and treatment

The conjugation of biologically active molecules is a powerful tool for drug discovery used to target a variety of multifunctional diseases including cancer. Conjugated drugs can provide combination therapies in a single multi-functional agent and, by doing so, be more specific and powerful than conventional classic treatments. Steroids are widely used for conjugation with other biological active molecules. This review refers to investigations of steroid conjugates as potential anticancer agents carried out mostly over the past decade. It consists of five parts in which the data concerning structure and anticancer activity of steroid conjugates with DNA alkylating agents, metallocomplexes, approved drugs, some biological active molecules, some natural compounds and related synthetic analogs are described.

Relay Palladium/Copper Catalysis Enabled Silylative [5 + 1] Benzannulation Using Terminal Alkynes as One-Carbon Units

Using terminal alkyne as a nontraditional one-carbon (C1) unit and silylborane as an external silicon pronucleophile, a relay palladium/copper-catalyzed silylative [5 + 1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes for producing polysubstituted arylsilanes, especially including bioactive motif-based analogues, in a single reaction step through benzene ring skeleton assembly and silyl intermolecular incorporation cascades is developed. Mechanistic studies show that this reaction allows the terminal sp-hybridized carbon atom in terminal alkynes as a C1 unit via cleavage of two π-bonds and one C(sp)-H bond.

A Simple and Effective "Elimination" Approach for Selective Cancer Therapy to Reveal the Role of H2O2

Fluorescence imaging capability for visualizing tumor microenvironments can play a role in advancing drug discovery efforts, exploring therapeutic efficacy, and thus significantly improving the prognosis. Specifically, we present the design, synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and the targeting diagnosis of a single boronate-appended benzorhodol. Drug release from the prodrug LHX-B-CPT was detected by tackling the fluorescent signal after the addition of H₂O₂ to the target cancer cells. The prodrug entered the cells via endocytosis mechanisms due to the folate unit, highlighting that the final delivery locations can minutely influence drug efficacy. Thus, this theranostic system is a new therapeutic agent, based on the reasoning that the depletion of H₂O₂ would be readily detected at the subcellular level by the fluorescence changes.

Novel d-Annulated Pentacyclic Steroids: Regioselective Synthesis and Biological Evaluation in Breast Cancer Cells

The acid-catalyzed cyclization of benzylidenes based on 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate (16-DPA) was studied. It was found that these compounds readily undergo regioselective interrupted Nazarov cyclization with trapping chloride ion and an efficient method of the synthesis of d-annulated pentacyclic steroids based on this reaction was proposed. The structures of the synthesized pentacyclic steroids were determined by NMR and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the reaction affords a single diastereomer, but the latter can crystallize as two conformers depending on the structure. Antiproliferative activity of synthesized compounds was evaluated against two breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. All tested compounds showed relatively high antiproliferative activity. The synthetic potential of the protocol developed was illustrated by the gram-scale experiment.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Bufospirostenin A

The first and asymmetric total synthesis of bioactive bufospirostenin A, an unusual spirostanol with rearranged A/B rings, was accomplished. The synthetically challenging [5-7-6-5] tetracyclic ring system, found in bufospirostenin A and some other natural products, was efficiently constructed by the unique intramolecular rhodium-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction of an alkoxyallene-yne. The 11 stereocenters in the final product, including the 10 contiguous stereocenters, were installed diastereoselectively.

Dicarbonylative benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes with CO and silylboranes by Pd and Cu cooperative catalysis: one-step access to 3-hydroxyarylacylsilanes

A new, general Pd/Cu-cocatalysed dicarbonylative benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes with CO and silylboranes is described. The method utilizes CO as both a one-carbon (C1) unit and an external addition functional reagent to achieve an unprecedented dicarbonylative benzannulation process, and represents a facile, efficient route to 3-hydroxyarylacylsilanes. Mechanistically, the silyl-Cu intermediate formed from CuF2 and silylboranes, and silyl-Pd intermediate generated by transmetallation are two key factors for successfully targeting the reaction and selectivity.

Discovery of steroidal lactam conjugates of POPAM-NH2 with potent anticancer activity

Aim: Steroidal prodrugs of nitrogen mustards such as estramustine and prednimustine have proven effective anticancer agents in clinical use since the 1970s. In this work, we aimed to develop steroidal prodrugs of the novel nitrogen mustard POPAM-NH2. POPAM-NH2 is a melphalan analogue that was coupled with three different steroidal lactams. Methodology: The new conjugates were preclinically tested for anticancer activity against nine human and one rodent cancer experimental models, in vitro and in vivo. Results & conclusion: All the steroidal alkylators showed high antitumor activity, in vitro and in vivo, in the experimental systems tested. Moreover, these hybrid compounds showed by far superior anticancer activity compared with the alkylating agents, melphalan and POPAM-NH2.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of novel steroid-benzisoselenazolone hybrids

The two different types of steroidal benzisoselenazolone hybrids were synthesized by incorporating benzisoselenazolone scaffold into dehydroepiandrosterone and B-norcholesterol. The antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds against some carcinoma cell lines were investigated. The results showed that some of these compounds have better inhibitory activity than abiraterone on the proliferation of tumor cells associated with human growth hormone, and have less cytotoxicity on normal human cells. In particular, the IC₅₀ values of the compound 8a and 8f are 5.4 and 6.5 µmol/L against human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV3) cell line, and possess SI values of 13.9 and 10.5, respectively. The information obtained from the studies may be useful for the design of novel chemotherapeutic drugs.

Polymer-Graphene Nanoassemblies and their Applications in Cancer Theranostics

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Graphene-based nanomaterials have received increasing attention due to their unique physical-chemical properties including two-dimensional planar structure, large surface area, chemical and mechanical stability, superconductivity and good biocompatibility. On the other hand, graphene-based nanomaterials have been explored as theranostics agents, the combination of therapeutics and diagnostics. In recent years, grafting hydrophilic polymer moieties have been introduced as an efficient approach to improve the properties of graphene-based nanomaterials and obtain new nanoassemblies for cancer therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This review would illustrate biodistribution, cellular uptake and toxicity of polymergraphene nanoassemblies and summarize part of successes achieved in cancer treatment using such nanoassemblies.

CONCLUSION

The observations showed successful targeting functionality of the polymer-GO conjugations and demonstrated a reduction of the side effects of anti-cancer drugs for normal tissues.

6-(4'-Aryl-1',2',3'-triazolyl)-spirostan-3,5-diols and 6-(4'-Aryl-1',2',3'-triazolyl)-7-hydroxyspirosta-1,4-dien-3-ones: Synthesis and analysis of their cytotoxicity

In an endeavour to develop potent anti-tumor agents from diosgenin, a series of C-6 derived 1,2,3-triazolyl derivatives were designed and synthesized by employing Cu(I) catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of novel azides - (22R,25R)-6β-azidospirostan-3β,5α-diol and 6β-azido-7α-hydroxyspirosta-1,4-dien-3-one with aryl(hetaryl)alkynes. All the derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxic activity by MTT assay against eight different human cancer cell lines: T-cellular leucosis (CEM-13), human monocytes (U-937), breast (MDA-MB-231, BT-474), prostate (DU-145) and glioblastoma (U-87MG, SNB-19, T98G). The results of this study suggested that 6-(4'-aryl-1',2',3'-triazolyl)spirostan-3,5-diols 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 possessed a promising cytotoxic potential. The corresponding 6-substituted 7-hydroxy-1,4-spirostadien-3-ones shown less cytotoxity on the human cancer cells. Compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 which demonstrated high grown inhibition against glioma cancer cells U-87 and T98G, and also on the human-derived N118669 primary glioblastoma cell line (with GI₅₀ values in the range of 5-9 μM), were not affected the growth of SNB-19 cells. The data revealed that phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl or 2-pyridinyl substituent in the triazole moiety at the C-6 position significantly improved the anti-tumor activity. The mentioned position at the spirostan core may be favourable for the synthesis of potent anticancer leads from diosgenin.

Novel steroidal 1,3,4-thiadiazines: Synthesis and biological evaluation in androgen receptor-positive prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells

A flexible approach to previously unknown spirofused and linked 1,3,4-thiadiazine derivatives of steroids with selective control of heterocyclization patterns is disclosed. (N-Arylcarbamoyl)spiroandrostene-17,6' [1,3,4]thiadiazines and (N-arylcarbamoyl)17-[1',3',4']thiadiazine-substituted androstenes, novel types of heterosteroids, were prepared from 16β,17β-epoxypregnenolone and 21-bromopregna-5,16-dien-20-one in good to high yields by the treatment with oxamic acid thiohydrazides. The synthesized compounds were screened for antiproliferative activity against the human androgen receptor-positive prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1. Most of (N-arylcarbamoyl)17-[1',3',4']thiadiazine-substituted androstenes exhibit better antiproliferative potency (IC₅₀ = 2.1-6.6 µM) than the antiandrogen bicalutamide. Compounds 7d with IC₅₀ = 3.0 μM and 7j with IC₅₀ = 2.1 μM proved to be the most active in the series under study. Lead synthesized compound 7j downregulates AR expression and activity in 22Rv1 cells. NF-κB activity is also blocked in 7j-treated 22Rv1 cells. Apoptosis is considered as a possible mechanism of 7j-induced cell death.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) decorated graphene oxide nanosheets for controlled release curcumin delivery

Nowadays, the use of nanostructures in various medical and biological fields such as drug delivery in cancer treatment is increasing. Among the nanostructures, graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent candidate for drug delivery application because of its unique properties. For more stability, GO can bind with various polymers by its carboxyl, hydroxyl and epoxy functional groups. In this study, firstly GO synthesized by the improved Hummers chemical method and then polyethylene glycol polymer was conjugated to it by using EDC/NHS catalyst. Finally, curcumin (Cur) as anti-cancer drug has been loaded onto the PEGylated graphene oxide (GO-PEG). Next, curcumin loaded onto PEGylated graphene oxide (GO-PEG-Cur) were evaluated by using ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, atomic microscopic force and dynamic light scattering. The amount of loaded drug was calculated about 4.5% with the help of the standard curcumin curve and UV/Vis spectrometer. Also, the result of release shows that maximum drug release rate for this nanocarrier in pH 5.5 and 7.4 was measured 50% and 60%, respectively, after 96 hours. The results showed that the zeta-potential analysis of GO-PEG-Cur was about -13.9 mV that expresses a negative surface charge for produced nanocarrier.

The anticancer effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on human huh7 cells in vitro and in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis. 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is currently under preclinical evaluation as a treatment for many malignancies, but the utility of the drug in terms of HCC treatment remains unclear. Here, we explored the effect of 2-ME on human huh7 cell proliferation and apoptosis and discuss the possible molecular mechanisms involved. The MTT assay showed that proliferation was markedly inhibited by 2-ME (at 5, 10, 15, and 20 μmol/L) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, flow cytometry indicated that 2-ME induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and early apoptosis. We used Western blotting and PCR to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Bcl-2; 2-ME decreased the mRNA/protein expression levels of both effectors. Furthermore, 2-ME remarkably suppressed xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, and no visible toxicity was observed in either the liver or kidneys. Immunohistochemically, the Bcl-2 and VEGF expression levels were significantly lower than those of controls. Thus, 2-ME inhibited huh7 cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, perhaps reflecting the effects of the drug on VEGF and Bcl-2 expression.

Asymmetric synthesis of the tetracyclic core of bufogargarizin C by an intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition

A concise asymmetric synthesis of the synthetically challenging 7/5/6/5-tetracyclic core of bufogargarizin C by a unique intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition was reported.

Hexafluoroisopropanol-Mediated Domino Reaction for the Synthesis of Thiazolo-androstenones: Potent Anticancer Agents

A cascade reaction of thioamides with 6β-bromoandrostenedione in hexafluoroisopropanol formed substituted thiazolo-androstenones. This is a simple and mild protocol to synthesize novel molecules by using readily available reagents and substrates. Feasibility of the reaction has been rationalized by density functional theory calculations. Moreover, these compounds are potent growth inhibitors of colon, central nervous system, melanoma, ovarian, and renal cancer cell lines with 50% growth inhibition values as low as 1.04 μM.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 17-[1',2',3']-selenadiazolylpregnenolone compounds

Using pregnenolone as a starting material, some 3-substituted 17-[1',2',3']-selenadiazolylpregnenolone derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by IR, NMR and HRMS. The in vitro antitumor activity of the compounds was assayed against PC-3、SKOV3、T47D、MCF-7 and HEK293T cell lines. The results show that some compounds display selective antiproliferative activity against PC-3 and SKOV3 cells lines and are almost inactive to normal kidney epithelial cells (HEK293T). The IC₅₀ value are much better than that of abiraterone (positive control).