Synthesis, Binding, and Modeling Studies of New Cytisine Derivatives, as Ligands for Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtypes

Maillard Reaction Products with Anti-Tobacco Mosaic Virus Activities Generated in Processed Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. Seed Extract

Six novel Maillard reaction products (MRPs) (1-6) were isolated from the processed Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. seed extract, along with one biogenetically related intermediate (7). Compounds 1-4 possessed three rare dimerization patterns constructed by cytisine, whereas compounds 5 and 6 represented the first example of the addition products of cytisine and 5,6-dihydroxy-4-hexanolide. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and quantum chemistry calculations including GIAO ¹³C{¹H} NMR and ECD calculation, combined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Biologically, compound 3 displayed significant anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity compared with the positive control ningnanmycin.

Combined radical and ionic approach for the enantioselective synthesis of β-functionalized amines from alcohols

Chiral amines are among the most important organic compounds and have widespread applications. Enantioselective construction of chiral amines is a major aim in organic synthesis. Among synthetic methods, direct functionalization of omnipresent C-H bonds with common organic nitrogen compounds represents one of the most attractive strategies. However, C-H amination strategies are largely limited to constructing a specific type of N-heterocycles or amine derivatives. To maximize the synthetic potential of asymmetric C-H amination, we report here an approach that unites the complementary reactivities of radical and ionic chemistry for streamlined synthesis of functionalized chiral amines. This synthesis merges the development of an enantioselective radical process for 1,5-C(sp ³)-H amination of alkoxysulfonyl azides via Co(II)-based metalloradical catalysis with an enantiospecific ionic process for ring-opening of the resulting five-membered chiral sulfamidates by nucleophiles. Given that alkoxysulfonyl azides are derived from the corresponding alcohols, this approach offers a powerful synthetic tool for enantioselective β-C-H amination of common alcohols while converting the hydroxy group to other functionalities through formal nucleophilic substitution.

Electroreductive synthesis of polyfunctionalized pyridin-2-ones from acetoacetanilides and carbon disulfide with oxygen evolution

A chemical reductant or a sacrificial electron donor is required in any reduction reactions, generally resulting in undesired chemical waste. Herein, we report a reductant-free reductive [3 + 2 + 1] annulation of β-keto amides with CS₂ enabled by the synergy of electro/copper/base using water as an innocuous anodic sacrifice with O₂ as a sustainable by-product. This electrochemical protocol is mild and provides access to polyfunctionalized pyridin-2-ones from simple starting materials in a single step.

Cytisine and cytisine derivatives. More than smoking cessation aids

Cytisine, a natural bioactive compound that is mainly isolated from plants of the Leguminosae family (especially the seeds of Laburnum anagyroides), has been marketed in central and eastern Europe as an aid in the clinical management of smoking cessation for more than 50 years. Its main targets are neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and pre-clinical studies have shown that its interactions with various nAChR subtypes located in different areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems are neuroprotective, have a wide range of biological effects on nicotine and alcohol addiction, regulate mood, food intake and motor activity, and influence the autonomic and cardiovascular systems. Its relatively rigid conformation makes it an attractive template for research of new derivatives. Recent studies of structurally modified cytisine have led to the development of new compounds and for some of them the biological activities are mediated by still unidentified targets other than nAChRs, whose mechanisms of action are still being investigated. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss: 1) the most recent pre-clinical results obtained with cytisine in the fields of neurological and non-neurological diseases; 2) the effects and possible mechanisms of action of the most recent cytisine derivatives; and 3) the main areas warranting further research.

Different cationic forms of (-)-cytisine in the crystal structures of its simple inorganic salts

The crystal structures of 13 simple salts of cytisine, an alkaloid isolated from the seeds of Laburnum anagyroides, have been determined, namely cytisinium (6-oxo-7,11-diazatricyclo[7.3.1.0^2,7]trideca-2,4-dien-11-ium) bromide, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·Br^-, cytisinium iodide, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·I^-, cytisinium perchlorate, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·ClO₄^-, cytisinium iodide triiodide, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·I^-·I₃^-, cytisinium chloride monohydrate, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·Cl^-·H₂O, cytisinium iodide monohydrate, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·I^-·H₂O, cytisinium nitrate monohydrate, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·NO₃^-·H₂O, hydrogen dicytisinium tribromide, C₂₂H₃₁N₄O₂³⁺·3Br^-, hydrogen dicytisinium triiodide, C₂₂H₃₁N₄O₂³⁺·3I^-, hydrogen dicytisinium triiodide diiodide, C₂₂H₃₁N₄O₂³⁺·I₃^-·2I^-, hydrogen dicytisinium bis(triiodide) iodide, C₂₂H₃₁N₄O₂³⁺·2I₃^-·I^-, cytisinediium (6-oxidaniumylidene-7,11-diazatricyclo[7.3.1.0^2,7]trideca-2,4-dien-11-ium) bis(perchlorate), C₁₁H₁₆N₂O²⁺·2ClO₄^-, and cytisinediium dichloride trihydrate, C₁₁H₁₆N₂O²⁺·2Cl^-·3H₂O. Cytisine has two potential protonation sites, i.e. the N atom of the piperidine ring and the carbonyl O atom of the pyridone ring. Three forms of the cytisinium cation were identified, namely the monocation, which is always protonated at the N atom, the dication, which utilizes both protonation sites, and the third form, which contains two cytisine moieties connected by very short and linear O...H...O hydrogen bonds, with an O...O distance of approximately 2.4 Å. This third form may therefore be regarded as a 3+ species, or sesqui-cation, and is observed solely in the salts with bromide, iodide or triiodide (heavier halogen) anions. The cation is quite rigid and all 19 cytisinium fragments in the studied series have very similar conformations. The crystal structures are determined mainly by Coulombic interactions and hydrogen bonds, and the latter form is determined by different networks. Additionally, some anion-π and lone-pair...π secondary interactions are identified in almost all of the crystal structures. Hirshfeld surface analysis generally confirms the role of different interactions in the determination of the crystal architecture.

Spectral and photophysical properties of cytisine in acetonitrile - Theory and experiment

Spectral and photophysical properties of (-)-cytisine that is used as a smoking cessation aid, and which derivatives are promising tools in a treatment of neurological diseases, were investigated in acetonitrile, non-specifically interacting solvent with a polarity similar to water. The two chair conformers of cytisine were found the most stable in the ground state S₀ and the lowest excited singlet state S₁(π,π*), wherein axial one was characterized by a significantly larger abundance, fluorescence lifetime 0.15 ns and fluorescence quantum yield 0.008. The S₁(π,π*) excited state of both cytisine conformers deactivated almost exclusively via internal conversion.

Spectral and Photophysical Behavior of Cytisine in n-Hexane. Experimental Evidence for the S1(n,π*) → S0 Fluorescence

Spectral and photophysical properties of (-)-cytisine (the compound used as a smoking cessation aid and a potential drug in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) were investigated. The two conformers of cytisine, whose presence in the S₀ state has been earlier proved by the NMR and IR methods as well as in theoretical calculation, in nonpolar n-hexane show a rarely observed prompt fluorescence from the S₁(n,π*) excited state. This observation is unambiguously evidenced by very small radiative rate constants of these two emitting conformers, k_F = 7.4 × 10⁵ and 3.0 × 10⁵ s^-1. Their lifetimes in the S₁(n,π*) state are relatively long, τ_S1 = 1.9 and 6.7 ns; therefore, their fluorescence quantum yield is relatively high ϕ_F ∼ 10^-3. The long-wavelength band in the cytisine absorption originates from the excitation to the S₂(π,π*) state, while the S₁(n,π*) state is not observed in this spectrum. Thus, the excited state S₂(π,π*) is manifested only in the absorption spectrum, while the excited state S₁(n,π*) is seen only in the fluorescence spectrum, so cytisine in n-hexane is characterized by close lying (n,π*) and (π,π*) excited singlet states.

[Search of (-)-Cytisine Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of NF-κB and STAT1]

Design and synthesis ofnew derivatives of (-)-cytisine with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity, represents the potential therapeutic interest for development of drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases, and treatment of nicotine addiction. We used HEK293 cell line transiently transfected with N F-κB and STATI luciferase reporter constructs to screen the (-)-cytisine derivatives for their potency to modulate basal and induced NF-κB and STAT1 activity. Currently, NF-κB, STAT1 and components of their signaling pathways are considered as attractive targets for pharmacological intervention, primarily in chronic inflammation, cancer, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. The library of compounds included the derivatives of (-)-cytisine with amino-, amide-, thio- and carboxamide groups at 3, 5 and 12 position of the starting molecule, as well as some bimolecular derivatives. Our experimental data revealed compounds with moderate activating as well as inhibitory effects for basal NF-κB and STATI activity (IC50 or EC50 values are mainly in the micromolar range). The structure-activity relationship analysis demonstrated that the character of activity (activation or inhibition of NFκ-B and STAT1) is determined by the topology of the substituents at the (-)-cytisine molecule, whereas the nature of the substituents mainly contributes to severity of the effect (introduction of aromatic and adamantyl substituents, as well as thionyl or keto groups are of the principal importance). When evaluating the effect of (-)-cytisine derivatives on activity of NF-κB and STATI, induced by specific agents (TNFα and IFNγ, respectively) we observed that some compounds inhibited basal and stimulated activity of NF-κB and STAT1, another compounds showed the dual effect (an increase of basal- and a decrease of stimulated NF-κB activity) and several compounds increase both basal and induced activity of NF-κB and STAT1. Thus, obtained results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms of biological action of (-)-cytisine derivatives is their ability to influence the components of NF-κB and STAT1-dependent signaling pathways.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of α4β2 Nicotinic Ligands with a 3-Fluoropyrrolidine Nucleus

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in many central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. The α(4)β(2) subtype has emerged as an important target for the early diagnosis and amelioration of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Herein we report a new class of α(4)β(2) receptor ligands characterized by a basic pyrrolidine nucleus, the basicity of which was properly decreased through the insertion of a fluorine atom at the 3-position, and a pyridine ring carrying at the 3-position substituents known to positively affect affinity and selectivity toward the α(4)β(2) subtype. Derivatives 3-(((2S,4R)-4-fluoropyrrolidin-2-yl)methoxy)-5-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (11) and 3-((4-fluorophenyl)ethynyl)-5-(((2S,4R)-4-fluoropyrrolidin-2-yl)methoxy)pyridine (12) were found to be the most promising ligands identified in this study, showing good affinity and selectivity for the α(4)β(2) subtype and physicochemical properties predictive of a relevant central nervous system penetration.

The amide protonation of (-)-N-benzoylcytisine in its perchlorate salts

The (13)C NMR spectrum of (-)-N-benzoylcytisine perchlorate does not show a double set of signals typical of amide compounds, although this effect has been observed for the other diamine derivatives of cytisine. This observation means that in solution there must be the state of equilibrium between two forms of the cation with the protonated amide groups. DFT calculations have indeed indicated two preferred tautomeric forms with protonated oxygen atoms of amide groups. In the solid state however, according to X-ray analysis of perchlorate and perchlorate hydrate of N-benzoylcytisine the oxygen atom of the amide group in the six-membered ring A is preferred protonation site as compared with the oxygen in benzoic moiety. (-)-N-benzoylcytisine salt is the first compound from among the known derivatives of quinolizidine alkaloids that are not N-oxides, in which in solid state only the oxygen atom at cyclic amide is protonated instead of nitrogen atom or oxygen in benzoic moiety.

Differential modulation of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function by cytisine, varenicline, and two novel bispidine compounds: emergent properties of a hybrid molecule

Partial agonist therapies for the treatment of nicotine addiction and dependence depend on both agonistic and antagonistic effects of the ligands, and side effects associated with other nAChRs greatly limit the efficacy of nicotinic partial agonists. We evaluated the in vitro pharmacological properties of four partial agonists, two current smoking cessation drugs, varenicline and cytisine, and two novel bispidine compounds, BPC and BMSP, by using defined nAChR subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Similar to varenicline and cytisine, BPC and BMSP are partial agonists of α4β2 nAChRs, although BMSP produced very little activation of these receptors. Unlike varenicline and cytisine, BPC and BMSP showed desired low activity. BPC produced mecamylamine-sensitive steady-state activation of α4* receptors that was not evident with BMSP. We evaluated the modulation of α4*- and α7-mediated responses in rat lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) neurons and hippocampal stratum radiatum (SR) interneurons, respectively. The LGN neurons were sensitive to a very low concentration of varenicline, and the SR interneuron responses were also sensitive to varenicline at a submicromolar concentration. Although 300 nM BPC strongly inhibited the ACh-evoked responses of LGN neurons, it did not inhibit the α7 currents of SR interneurons. Similar results were observed with 300 nM BMSP. Additionally, the bispidine compounds were efficacious in the mouse tail suspension test, demonstrating that they affect receptors in the brain when delivered systemically. Our data indicate that BPC and BMSP are promising α4β2* partial agonists for pharmacotherapeutics.

(+)-Laburnamine, a natural selective ligand and partial agonist for the α4β2 nicotinic receptor subtype

(+)-Laburnamine (1), a rare alkaloid extracted from Laburnum anagyroides seeds (∼4 mg from 1 kg), was shown to bind with high affinity (Ki, 293 nM) to the α4β2 nicotinic receptor subtype, which is, respectively, 126 and 136 times higher than to the α3β4 (Ki 37 μM) and α7 subtypes (Ki 40 μM). When its ability to release [(3)H]-dopamine from striatal slices was tested in a functional assay, compound 1 behaved as a partial agonist with an EC50 of 5.8 μM and an Emax that was 43% that of nicotine. When incubated with nicotine in the same assay, 1 prevented a maximal effect from being reached.

Structural characterization of binding mode of smoking cessation drugs to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors through study of ligand complexes with acetylcholine-binding protein

Smoking cessation is an important aim in public health worldwide as tobacco smoking causes many preventable deaths. Addiction to tobacco smoking results from the binding of nicotine to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, in particular the α4β2 receptor. One way to aid smoking cessation is by the use of nicotine replacement therapies or partial nAChR agonists like cytisine or varenicline. Here we present the co-crystal structures of cytisine and varenicline in complex with Aplysia californica acetylcholine-binding protein and use these as models to investigate binding of these ligands binding to nAChRs. This analysis of the binding properties of these two partial agonists provides insight into differences with nicotine binding to nAChRs. A mutational analysis reveals that the residues conveying subtype selectivity in nAChRs reside on the binding site complementary face and include features extending beyond the first shell of contacting residues.

Unichiral 2-(2'-pyrrolidinyl)-1,4-benzodioxanes: the 2R,2'S diastereomer of the N-methyl-7-hydroxy analogue is a potent α4β2- and α6β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist

A series of unichiral 7-substituted 2-(1'-methyl-2'-pyrrolidinyl)-1,4-benzodioxanes were synthesized and tested for the affinity for the α4β2 and α7 central nicotinic receptors; the 2R,2'S diastereomer of the 7-OH analogue [(R,S)-7], unique in the series, has a high α4β2 affinity (12nM K(i)). N-Demethylation and configuration inversion of the stereocenters greatly weaken its α4β2 affinity, confirming that such a rigid molecule can be considered a new template for α4β2 ligands. Docking analysis showed how (R,S)-7 is capable of strongly and specifically interacting with the amino acidic counterpart of the α4β2 receptor binding site. Further pharmacological characterization demonstrated that (R,S)-7 also has a high affinity for the α6β2 receptor, and in vitro functional tests indicated that it is a potent α4β2 and α6β2 partial agonist, with modest affinity and potency for the α3β4 receptor. Comparison with varenicline, a well-known nicotinic partial agonist used as a smoking cessation aid, interestingly reveals similar nicotinoid profiles.

Discrimination of agonists versus antagonists of nicotinic ligands based on docking onto AChBP structures

Numerous high-resolution crystallographic structures of the acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), a molluscan cholinergic protein, homologous to the extracellular domain of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are available. This offers opportunities to model the interaction between various ligands and the acetylcholine binding site. Herein we present a study of the interplay between ligand binding and motions of the C-loop capping the binding site. Nicotinic agonists and antagonists were docked on AChBP X-ray structures. It is shown that the studied agonists and antagonists can be discriminated according to their higher affinities for structures respectively obtained in the presence of agonists or antagonists, highlighting the fact that AChBP structures retain a pharmacological footprint of the compound used in crystallography experiments. A detailed analysis of the binding site cavities suggests that this property is mainly related to the shape of the cavities.