Hypolipidemic activity of phthalimide derivatives. 1. N-Substituted phthalimide derivatives

Insights into the spontaneity of hydrogen bond formation between formic acid and phthalimide derivatives

We evaluated a group of phthalimide derivatives, which comprise a convenient test set for the study of the multiple factors involved in the energetics of hydrogen bond formation. Accordingly, we carried out quantum chemical calculations on the hydrogen bonded complexes formed between a sample of phthalimide derivatives with formic acid with the intent of identifying the most important electronic and structural factors related to how their strength and spontaneity vary across the series. The geometries of all species considered were fully optimized at DFT B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p), RM1, RM1-DH2, and RM1-D3H4 level, followed by frequency calculations to determine their Gibbs free energies of hydrogen bond formation using Gaussian 2009 and MOPAC 2012. Our results indicate that the phthalimide derivatives that form hydrogen bond complexes most favorably, have in their structures only one C=O group and at least one NH group. On the other hand, the phthalimide derivatives predicted to form hydrogen bonds least favorably, possess in their structures two carbonyl groups, C=O, and no NH group. The ability to donate electrons and simultaneously receive one acidic hydrogen is the most important property related to the spontaneity of hydrogen bond formation. We further chose two cyclic compounds, phthalimide and isoindolin-1-one, in which to study the main changes in molecular, structural and spectroscopic properties as related to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Thus, the greatest ability of the isoindolin-1-one compound in forming hydrogen bonds is evidenced by the larger effect on the structural, vibrational, and chemical shifts properties associated with the O-H group. In summary, the electron-donating ability of the hydrogen bond acceptor emerged as the most important property differentiating the spontaneity of hydrogen bond formation in this group of complexes.

[(3) H]UR-DE257: development of a tritium-labeled squaramide-type selective histamine H2 receptor antagonist

A series of new piperidinomethylphenoxypropylamine-type histamine H2 receptor (H2 R) antagonists with different substituted "urea equivalents" was synthesized and characterized in functional in vitro assays. Based on these data as selection criteria, radiosynthesis of N-[6-(3,4-dioxo-2-{3-[3-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)phenoxy]propylamino}cyclobut-1-enylamino)hexyl]-(2,3-(3) H2 )propionic amide ([(3) H]UR-DE257) was performed. The radioligand (specific activity: 63 Ci mmol(-1) ) had high affinity for human, rat, and guinea pig H2 R (hH2 R, Sf9 cells: Kd , saturation binding: 31 nM, kinetic studies: 20 nM). UR-DE257 revealed high H2 R selectivity on membranes of Sf9 cells, expressing the respective hHx R subtype (Ki values: hH1 R: >10000 nM, hH2 R: 28 nM, hH3 R: 3800 nM, hH4 R: >10000 nM). In spite of insurmountable antagonism, probably due to rebinding of [(3) H]UR-DE257 to the H2 R (extended residence time), the title compound proved to be a valuable pharmacological tool for the determination of H2 R affinities in competition binding assays.

Novel phthalimide derivatives with TNF-α and IL-1β expression inhibitory and apoptotic inducing properties

24 compounds were synthesized and their immunomodulation of TNF-α and IL-1β was evaluated.

Crucial role of selenium in the virucidal activity of benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones and related diselenides

Various N-substituted benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones and their non-selenium-containing analogues have been synthesized and tested against selected viruses (HHV-1, EMCV and VSV) to determine the extent to which selenium plays a role in antiviral activity. The data presented here show that the presence of selenium is crucial for the antiviral properties of benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones since their isostructural analogues having different groups but lacking selenium either did not show any antiviral activity or their activity was substantially lower. The open-chain analogues of benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-ones--diselenides also exhibited high antiviral activity while selenides and disulfides were completely inactive towards model viruses.

The use of tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal and -D-galactal in the synthesis of omega-aminoalkyl 2-deoxy- and 2,3-dideoxy-d-hexopyranosides

We report a simple, efficient, and mild method for the synthesis of omega-aminoalkyl 2-deoxy-d-arabino/lyxo-hexopyranoside and 2,3-dideoxy-alpha-d-erythro-hexopyranoside. The total synthesis is accomplished in two sequential reactions. The first step consists of an addition reaction of N-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)phthalimide and N-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)succinimide to peracetylated d-glycals, which is promoted by triphenylphosphine hydrobromide or borontrifluoride/diethyl etherate. The second step involves reacting the appropriate glycoside with methylamine.

5,6-Dichloro-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C₁₄H₇Cl₂NO₃, the phthalimide ring system is virtually planar, with a dihedral angle between the fused five- and six-membered rings of 4.02 (3)°. In the crystal structure, inter­molecular C—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C—Cl⋯O close contacts [Cl⋯O = 3.0123 (13) Å and C—Cl⋯O = 171.14 (7)°] link the mol­ecules, generating R₂²(16), R₄²(19) and R₄⁴(22) ring motifs by C(6) chains to form a three-dimensional network. A weak π–π inter­action between the six-membered rings of the phthalimide ring systems further stabilizes the structure, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.666 (3) Å and an interplanar separation of 3.568 Å.

5,6-Dichloro-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione

The title compound, C₁₅H₉Cl₂NO₃, crystallizes as an inversion twin, the ratio of the twin components being 0.43 (13):0.57 (13). The isoindoline group is planar and inclined by 77.63 (3)° to the aromatic ring substituent. The crystal structure is stabilized by aromatic π–π stacking inter­actions involving the benzene rings of adjacent isoindoline groups, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.664 (7) Å and an inter­planar separation of 3.409 Å.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation ofN-substituted-isoindolinedione derivatives

A series of N-substituted-1,3-isoindolinedione derivatives (2-16) were synthesized for the purpose of defining the effect of N-substitution on the anticonvulsant activity of these derivatives. The target compounds (2-16) were obtained by condensation of phthalic anhydride with the corresponding amine derivative. The structures of the synthesized derivatives (2-16) were confirmed by means of IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and elemental analyses. The anticonvulsant activity of all compounds (2-16) were evaluated by subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold test at doses of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mmol/kg compared with sodium valproate as a positive control. Their neurotoxicity were determined by the rotorod test. Many of the present series of compounds showed good anticonvulsant activity at the tested doses, as compared to sodium valproate. Three of them (4, 6 and 11) exhibited 100% protection against convulsions, neurotoxicity and death at all tested doses. Out of the series, two compounds (12 and 13) were completely inactive with 100% mortality. 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-(1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-2-isoindolyl)butanoic acid derivative (11) has emerged as the most active compound which is 20 times more active than valproate with ED50 8.7, 169 mg/kg; TD50 413, 406 mg/kg and PI 47.5, 2.4. The results revealed the importance of the combination of baclofenic and phthalimide moieties (compound 11) as a promising anticonvulsant candidate.

Synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of N-substituted phthalimides. Part V

A series of N-aryl- or N-(1,2,4-triazol-yl)-phthalimides (4a-4i) have been synthesized starting from phthalic anhydride (1) and an appropriate amine (2a-2i). All compounds presented hypolipidemic activity, but compound 4d proved to be the most active and reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Swiss white mice significantly.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of N,N-phthaloyl derivatives of central nervous system inhibitory amino acids

In order to study the influence of the length of the amino acid chain of N,N-phthaloyl-amino acid amides as analogues of the former anticonvulsant taltrimide on the seizure-antagonizing activity glycine, beta-alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivatives were synthesized. The corresponding taurine derivatives were also included. Generally, the glycine-derived amides showed a higher activity than the beta-alanine and GABA derivatives in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test in mice upon intraperitoneal administration. The activity was comparable to the respective taurine derivatives. The N,N-phthaloyl-glycine amides were also active in the MES test upon oral administration to rats. No significant activity was noted in the seizure threshold test with subcutaneous pentylene-tetrazole. The ED50 of N,N-phthaloyl-glycine ethyl amide (4b) in the MES test upon intraperitoneal administration to mice was 19.1 mg/kg. On a molar basis this activity is comparable to the activity of phenytoin with little toxicity in the rotorod test. In conclusion, N,N-phthaloyl-glycine amides might represent promising antiepileptic drugs.

Comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of phthaloyl glycine derivatives with potential antiepileptic activity

Glycine, in addition to GABA, is one of the most important neurotransmitter amino acids. The described structure pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic relationships (SPPR) study explored the possibility of utilizing phthaloyl derivatives of glycine as new antiepileptics. This was carried out by investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity) of the following four phthalimide derivatives: phthaloyl glycine, phthaloyl glycinamide, N,N-diethyl phthaloyl glycinamide and N,N-diisopropyl phthaloyl glycinamide. Phthaloyl glycine did not demonstrate anticonvulsant activity, possibly because of its poor pharmacokinetics, high clearance, low volume of distribution and short half life. The three glycinamide derivatives showed anticonvulsant activity and had better pharmacokinetic profiles, longer half life and mean residence time, than phthaloyl glycine. Phthaloyl glycinamide was more potent than one of the major antiepileptic agents--valproic acid and showed a better margin between activity and neurotoxicity. The four investigated phthaloyl glycine derivatives did not operate as chemical drug delivery systems (CDDS) of glycine, but acted rather as drugs on their own. Phthaloyl glycine was excreted unchanged in the urine while the urinary metabolites of the glycinamide derivatives were phthaloyl glycine and phthaloyl glycinamide. In this analogous series of phthalimide derivatives, minor chemical changes affected dramatically the compounds' pharmacokinetics. The current study demonstrates the benefit of the SPPR approach in developing and selecting a potent antiepileptic compound in intact animals based not only on its intrinsic pharmacodynamic activity, but also on its better pharmacokinetic profile.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacochemistry of novel aminoketone phthalimide, delta 4-tetrahydrophthalimide, and arylsuccinimide derivatives with local anaesthetic activity

A number of aminoketones with prospective local anaesthetic activity were prepared. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The physiochemical parameters (pka and logP) were also investigated. The local anaesthetic activity was determined in vitro on sciatic frog's nerve by the compound action potential technique: the phthalimide derivatives possess considerable local anaesthetic activity equal to that of lidocaine and higher than that of procaine.

Hypolipidaemic activity in rodents of boron analogs of phosphonoacetates and cyanoborane adducts of dialkyl aminomethylphosphonates

Boron analogues of phosphonoacetates proved to be potent hypolipidaemic agents in rodents, lowering both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. (C2H5O)3PBH2COOCH3 proved to be the most effective agent in mice, lowering serum cholesterol 46% and serum triglycerides 54% after 16 days. (C2H5O)3PBH2COOH and Na+H+(C2H5O)2(-O)PBH2COO- caused greater than a 40% reduction in lipids. The cyanoborane adducts of aminomethylphosphonates were generally less effective; (C6H5O)2P(O)CH2NH2BH2CN was the most effective, lowering serum cholesterol 32% and serum triglycerides 43% after 16 days. The phosphonoacetates appeared to lower lipid concentrations by several mechanisms. First, they lowered the de novo synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver. Second, they accelerated the excretion of lipids into the bile and faeces. Thirdly, they modulated LDL and HDL-cholesterol contents in a manner which suggests they reduced the deposition of lipids in peripheral tissues, and accelerated the movement of cholesterol from tissues (e.g. plaques) to the liver for excretion into the bile.

Structure activity relationships of imido N-alkyl semicarbazones, thiosemicarbazones and acethydrazones as hypolipidemic agents in rodents

A series of nitrogen substituted N-butan-3-one derivatives of cyclic imides (phthalimide, substituted phthalimide, o-benzosulfimide, 1,8-naphthalimide, 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione and diphenimide) and their semicarbazone, thiosemicarbazone and acethydrazone derivatives were investigated for hypolipidemic activity in rodents. These compounds were generally potent hypolipidemic agents, lowering serum cholesterol levels on an average of 37% and serum triglyceride levels on an average of 29% after 16 days dosing at 20 mg/kg day intraperitoneally (I.P.) in mice. Several analogs, most notably the semicarbazone and acethydrazone derivatives of 1-N-(1,8-naphthalimido)-butan-3-one, demonstrated improved hypocholesterolemic activity relative to their ketone precursors. Similarly, the acethydrazone derivatives generally resulted in improved hypotriglyceridemic activity in each series of 2-(3-oxobutyl)-2,3-dihydrophthalazone-1,4-dione analogs tested. The thiosemicarbazones in mice generally resulted in a loss in hypolipidemic activity. Select compounds, 1-N-3-methylphthalimido butan-3-semicarbazone (Ig) and 1-(4-methoxyphthalazine-1(2H)-one)yl butan-3(N-acetyl)hydrazone (IVg), at 10 mg/kg/day orally administered to rats demonstrated potent hypolipidemic activity after 14 days. These compounds lowered liver, small intestine mucosa and aorta wall tissue lipids, e.g. cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised fecal excretion of cholesterol moderately and of triglyceride significantly. Rat serum lipoprotein fractions after treatment for 14 days showed that the two agents lowered VLDL cholesterol and raised HDL cholesterol content.

Hypolipidemic activity of cyclic imido alkyl ethers, thioethers, sulfoxides, and sulfones

N-Substituted alkyl ethers, thioethers, sulfoxides, and sulfones of cyclic imides (e.g., phthalimide, saccharin, 1,8-naphthalimide, succinimide, and 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione) were shown to have potent hypolipidemic activity at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/d in rodents. These N-substitutions afforded no improvement over other known N-substitutions (e.g., butyl, 3-butanone, or the propionic acid derivatives of phthalimide, saccharin, and 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione) compared with the respective parent compounds. However, 2-(methoxyethyl)-1H-benz[de]isoquinoline-1,3-(2H)dione (3a), 2-[2-methylsulfinyl]ethyl-1H-benz[de]isoquinoline-1,3-(2H)dione (3c), 1-(2-methylsulfinyl)-2,5-pyrrolidenedione (4c), and 1-(2-methoxyethyl-2,5-pyrrolidenedione (4a) significantly improved activity compared with parent compounds, as well as previously reported N-substituted analogues, reducing serum cholesterol levels and serum triglyceride levels by 40%. The thioether of succinimide afforded a 54% reduction of serum cholesterol and a 41% reduction of serum triglyceride levels in mice after 16 d. The alkyl thioethers of 1,8-naphthalimide and succinimide significantly lowered cholesterol levels in serum VLDL and LDL, while the alkyl thioethers of succinimide elevated HDL cholesterol content. Tissue lipids were reduced in the liver and aorta by these selected derivatives. The activities of regulatory enzymes in de novo synthesis of hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride were inhibited by the selected 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives. In situ cholesterol and cholic acid reabsorption from intestines were suppressed by the presence of the agents.

The hypolipidemic activity of 1-N-3-methylphthalimido-butan-3-semicarbazone in rodents

1-N-(3-Methylphthalimido)butan-3-one semicarbazone demonstrated potent hypolipidemic activity normal rats and mice and hyperlipidemic diet-induced mice. The compound decreased tissue lip levels and increased the fecal excretion of cholesterol and triglycerides. After 2 weeks of administration, serum lipoprotein levels were modulated so that very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were reduced and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were elevated to levels unprecedented by the cyclic imide derivatives previously tested. The VLDL triglyceride content was also reduced. Hepatic in vitro enzymatic studies demonstrated that the compound suppressed the activity of enzymes in the early synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol and the regulatory enzymes for the de novo synthesis of triglycerides.

Effects of 2-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)indan-1,3-dione on serum lipoprotein and lipid metabolism of rodents

2-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)indan-1,3-dione was shown to be a potent hypolipidemic agent in rodents, lowering significantly both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels at 20 mg/kg/day. The agent in vivo inhibited the enzymatic activities of ATP-dependent citrate lyase, acetyl-CoA synthetase, cholesterol-7-alpha-hydroxylase, acyl-CoA cholesterol acyl transferase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase and phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase. Tissue lipid levels of liver and small intestine also were reduced by the agent. The rat serum lipoprotein lipid content was modulated by the drug, which should be favorable for the removable of cholesterol from peripheral tissue for conduction to the liver for clearance from the body. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were reduced after treatment, which suggests that the agent potentially reduces deposition of cholesterol in plaques. If chemotherapy for atherosclerosis is to be successful, then the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level needs to be elevated more than 16% to 25%, the level produced by current hypolipidemic agents. 2-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)indan-1,3-dione offers a 75% increase in HDL cholesterol levels and a 30% reduction of LDL cholesterol levels with a suppression of de novo synthesis of lipids and a reduction of tissue cholesterol deposition.

The hypolipidemic activity of N(4-methyl-phenyl)diphenimide in rodents

N(4-Methyl-phenyl)diphenimide afforded potent hypolipidemic activity in rodents. Serum cholesterol levels were reduced 67% and serum triglyceride were lowered 66% in rats by the drug after two weeks administration orally at 20 mg/kg/day. Rate limiting enzymes in the de novo synthesis of lipids in the liver were suppressed by the drug. Cholesterol was also removed from the body due to the drug accelerating bile excretion. Lipids removed from the blood compartment were not deposited in the organs of the body. VLDL and LDL cholesterol content was significantly reduced in rats treated with the drug with marked increase in HDL cholesterol after two weeks of administration. These data suggest that the drug may be useful in hyperlipidemic states and atherosclerosis in man, thus, further investigation of this class of chemicals is warranted.

Hypolipidemic activity of trimethylamine-carbomethoxyborane and related derivatives in rodents

A number of substituted amine-carboxyborane esters were examined for their hypolipidemic activity in rodents. Trimethylamine-carbomethoxyborane, Me3NBH2C(O)OMe, was observed to be the most effective hypolipidemic agent in the rodent at the low dose of 8 mg/kg/d. This agent effectively increased the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol content and lowered the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride contents of rat lipoproteins. Furthermore, the agent accelerated cholesterol excretion from the body of the rat and reduced the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of lipids in the liver. The agent has a safe therapeutic index, and appeared to have more promise as a therapeutic agent than other borane esters.

Synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of 3-imino-1-oxoisoindolines in rodents

A series of substituted 3-imino-1-oxoisoindolines derivatives demonstrated significant hypolipidemic activity, lowering both serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels after 16 days of dosing at 20 mg/kg/day ip in CF1 mice. 2-Butyl-3-butylimino-1-oxoisoindoline lowered serum cholesterol levels 52% and serum triglyceride 42%. 2-Pentyl-3-imino-1-oxoisoindoline lowered serum cholesterol levels 42% and serum triglyceride 61%. These derivatives resulted in better activity than the parent compound, 3-imino-1-oxoisoindoline. These studies showed that compounds with N-alkyl substitution of nitrogen atoms in the ring and outside the ring possessed potent hypolipidemic activity at the low dose of 20 mg/kg/day ip in normolipidemic CF1 mice. Studies with 2-butyl-3-butylimino-1-oxoisoinodine in rats showed that serum cholesterol was reduced 60% and serum triglyceride 43% after 14 days of dosing at 20 mg/kg/day, orally. Treatment with this agent lowered lipid levels in the liver and aorta tissue, with increases in lipid levels in the small intestine tissue. Higher levels of cholesterol and phospholipids were excreted in the feces of treated animals compared to the control. Cholesterol levels of the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions were reduced, whereas the HDL cholesterol levels were elevated significantly. This ratio of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:HDL cholesterol levels suggests that the agent may be effective in treating hyperlipidemic states in humans.

Hypolipidemic activity of the surfactants aminimides, and their effects on lipid metabolism of rodents

A series of short chain fatty acid derivatives of aminimides were shown to possess hypolipidemic activity in rats and mice. Most of the agents tested lowered both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels by at least 30% in mice and were effective in hyperlipidemic induced mice. 1,1-Dimethyl-1-(2-hydroxypropyl)-amine mersitimide lowered serum cholesterol levels 41% and serum triglyceride levels 56% at 20 mg/kg/day I.P. after 16 days. The same agent was active orally when administered to rats with a 38% reduction in serum cholesterol and a 52% reduction in serum triglycerides after 14 days. The agents inhibited liver acetyl CoA synthetase, ATP dependent citrate lyase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities in vitro and in vivo. Reduction of cholesterol, triglycerides, neutral lipids and phospholipid levels were noted in the livers of mice treated for 16 days. In rat studies, cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid levels were reduced in liver, small intestine and the feces after two weeks' dosing. The cholesterol content was reduced in the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fractions but elevated in the high density lipoproteins (HDL). Triglyceride levels were lowered in the VLDL, and neutral lipid levels were reduced in the chylomicron and VLDL fractions.

The hypolipidemic activity of 3-iminophthalimidine in rodents

3-Immophthalimidine (3-imino-2,3-dihydroisoindol-l-one) was examined for its hypolipidemic activity in rodents as a chemical modification of the phthalimide nucleus. Administration of 3-iminophthalimidine for 16 days, at 20 mg/kg/day, demonstrated potent hypolipidemic activity, decreasing serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 44 % and 41 %, respectively. No effects on organ or body weight, or food consumption were noted as a result of administration of this agent to rats. However, reductions of liver lipid levels, i. e., triglycerides and neutral lipids, as well as lipid content of serum lipoprotein fractions, i. e., cholesterol, triglyceride and neutral lipids, were observed following administration of this agent. An increase was noted in fecal excretion of cholesterol and/or its metabolites. This effect was not correlated with an increase in bile acid synthesis, but may due in part to increased biliary excretion of cholesterol. Significant inhibitory effects of 3-iminophthalimidine on liver enzyme activities were noted, including acetyl CoA carboxylase and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase. Mitochondrial citrate exchange was also greatly reduced at low concentrations of the agent. Inhibition at these sites could account for the reduction in serum triglyceride levels observed after treatment in rodents.

Hypolipidemic activity of phthalimide derivatives IV: Further chemical modification and investigation of the hypolipidemic activity of N-substituted imides

A further investigation of N-substituted derivatives of phthalimide for hypolipidemic activity has revealed that the chain length, as well as the type of substitution on the N-alkyl chain of phthalimide is critical for biological activity. In these studies the hypolipidemic activity was not improved by extending the chain length beyond five carbon atoms in the alkyl and alkanoic acid series. Imido nitrogen substituents, other than alkanoic acids, methyl ketones, and alkyl groups, caused a reduction in hypolipidemic activity, e.g., hydroxy, amino, hydroxymethyl, or carbethoxy. Reduction of the keto group in the side chain to an alcohol, as well as forming derivatives of the keto group, did not improve the hypolipidemic activity with the exception of 1-N-phthalimidobutan-3-one semicarbazone. This compound demonstrated improved hypocholesterolemic activity over phthalimide and 1-N-phthalimidobutan-3-one. Substitution of the 3-position of the aromatic moiety of phthalimide with an amino or nitro group, as well as substituting a pyridine or cyclohexyl ring for the phenyl ring, led to the loss of hypolipidemic activity.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of phthalimide analogues in rodents

Phthalimide analogues have been shown to effectively lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats and mice. The mode of action of these agents was not to suppress the appetite of animals, but rather to reduce the activities of key enzymes in the early synthesis of liver cholesterol and fatty acids in the triglyceride pathway. Phthalimide analogues were effective in accelerating biliary excretion of cholesterol and blocking its absorption from the gut. After 16 days dosing, it was evident that higher levels of lipids were being excreted than in control mice. The major serum lipoprotein fractions were reduced in cholesterol, triglyceride, and neutral lipid content, but not phospholipid content in rats after 14 days of administration.

Hypolipidemic activity of substituted 2-pyrrolidinones in rodents

A series of substituted 2-pyrrolidinones was evaluated for hypolipidemic activity at 20 and 30 mg/kg/day in CF1 male mice. 4-Phenyl-5,5-dicarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidinone was the most potent compound at 30 mg/kg/day, reducing serum triglyceride levels 52% after 14 days of dosing and serum cholesterol levels 48% after 16 days of dosing. 4-Phenyl-5-carbethoxy-2-pyrrolidinone and 4-phenyl-3,5,5-tricarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidinone also demonstrated significant activity. Those compounds which contained a phenyl substituent were more potent than either the unsubstituted, the alkyl, or the dicarbethoxy 2-pyrrolidinone analogues.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of amine cyanoboranes, amine carboxyboranes, and related compounds

A series of amine cyanoboranes and amine carboxyboranes were observed to be antihyperlipidemic agents in mice; i.e., they lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly. These compounds appeared to inhibit lipid synthesis in the early stages. The ability to lower serum cholesterol levels appeared to correlate with the suppression of the regulatory enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity. The reduction of serum triglycerides correlated with ability of the borane compound to suppress liver fatty acid synthetase activity.

Effects of imide analogs on enzymes required for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis

Twelve imide analogs were examined for their ability to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice. Potent activity was observed for compounds containing a phthalimide or saccharin ring structure. The ability to lower serum cholesterol appears to be related to the ability to suppress acetyl-CoA synthetase activity. The availability of acetyl-CoA in the cytoplasm is a key regulatory component for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. The capacity to reduce serum triglycerides was related directly to the ability of the compound to inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, the regulatory enzyme of fatty acid synthesis.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of sesquiterpene lactones and related compounds

Some naturally occurring pseudoguaianolides and germacranolides as well as synthetic related compounds were observed to be antihyperlipidemic agents in mice. Several of these compounds at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day resulted in lowering of serum cholesterol by approximately 30% and of serum triglycerides by approximately 25%. Thiol-bearing enzymes of lipid synthesis, i.e., acetyl-CoA, citrate-lyase, acetyl-CoA synthetase, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, were inhibited by these agents in vitro, supporting the premise that these agents alkylate thiol nucleophiles by a Michael-type addition. The alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety, the beta-unsubstituted cyclopentenone ring, and the alpha-epoxycyclopentanone system of these compounds appeared to be responsible for the lowering of serum lipids.