Molecular modeling of azole antifungal agents active against Candida albicans. 1. A comparative molecular field analysis study

Discovery of 1,2,3-selenadiazole analogues as antifungal agents using a scaffold hopping approach

With the increasing incidence of antifungal resistance, new antifungal agents having novel scaffolds hence are in an urgent need to combat infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. In this study, we reported the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of novel 1,2,3-selenadiazole analogues by scaffold hopping strategy. Preliminary results of antifungal activity demonstrated that the new class of compounds showed broad-spectrum fungistatic and fungicidal activity. Most importantly, these newly synthesized compounds can eliminate these azole-resistant fungi and inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm. In particular, compound S07 showed promising antifungal activity against five azole-resistant strains with MIC values ranging from 4 to 32 μg/mL. Then, further target identification and mechanistic studies indicated that representative compound S07 exert its inhibitory activity by inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase enzyme (CYP51). Interestingly, representative compounds showed low cytotoxicity on mammalian cell lines. In addition, the molecular docking studies elucidated the binding modes of these compounds toward CYP51. Altogether, these results suggest that compound S07 with novel skeleton is a promising CYP51 inhibitor for treatment of fungal infections.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1-(Diarylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles and 1-(Diarylmethyl)-1H-imidazoles as a Novel Class of Anti-Mitotic Agent for Activity in Breast Cancer

We report the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of compounds that are designed as hybrids of the microtubule targeting benzophenone phenstatin and the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. A preliminary screening in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells identified 5-((2H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)-2-methoxyphenol 24 as a potent antiproliferative compound with an IC50 value of 52 nM in MCF-7 breast cancer cells (ER+/PR+) and 74 nM in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The compounds demonstrated significant G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line, inhibited tubulin polymerisation, and were selective for cancer cells when evaluated in non-tumorigenic MCF-10A breast cells. The immunofluorescence staining of MCF-7 cells confirmed that the compounds targeted tubulin and induced multinucleation, which is a recognised sign of mitotic catastrophe. Computational docking studies of compounds 19e, 21l, and 24 in the colchicine binding site of tubulin indicated potential binding conformations for the compounds. Compounds 19e and 21l were also shown to selectively inhibit aromatase. These compounds are promising candidates for development as antiproliferative, aromatase inhibitory, and microtubule-disrupting agents for breast cancer.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New 1-(Aryl-1 H-pyrrolyl)(phenyl)methyl-1 H-imidazole Derivatives as Antiprotozoal Agents

We have designed and synthesized a series of new imidazole-based compounds structurally related to an antiprotozoal agent with nanomolar activity which we identified recently. The new analogues possess micromolar activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania donovani and nanomolar potency against Plasmodium falciparum. Most of the analogues displayed IC₅₀ within the low nanomolar range against Trypanosoma cruzi, with very high selectivity toward the parasite. Discussion of structure-activity relationships and in vitro biological data for the new compounds are provided against a number of different protozoa. The mechanism of action for the most potent derivatives (5i, 6a-c, and 8b) was assessed by a target-based assay using recombinant T. cruzi CYP51. Bioavailability and efficacy of selected hits were assessed in a T. cruzi mouse model, where 6a and 6b reduced parasitemia in animals >99% following intraperitoneal administration of 25 mg/kg/day dose for 4 consecutive days.

Molecular Modeling Studies of Halogenated Imidazoles against 14α- Demethylase from Candida Albicans for Treating Fungal Infections

BACKGROUND

Imidazole is one of the most explored and marketed azole utilized for the treatment of fungal infections. Lanosterol 14α-demethylase (Cytochrome P450DM) is the active target site for azole antifungals.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This study emphasized on evaluation of a series of halogenated imidazole analogues using molecular docking studies for anti-Candidal activity. Furthermore, the model was refined by molecular dynamic simulation.

METHODS

Halogenated imidazole analogues (PS1-PS30) were obtained from literature for the study. The imidazole analogues were prepared using Chem sketch and molecular docking was performed using Molergo Virtual Docker program and ADMET study was carried out by using Accelry's Accord for Excel programme.

RESULTS

The docking study indicated that all the imidazole analogues (PS1-PS30) and standard drugs i.e., Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Clotrimazole possessed interaction with protein residue, heme cofactor and water molecule positioned above Heme cofactor of 14α-demethylase. Further, the ADMET study indicated that most of the halogenated imidazoles possessed good absorption, human intestinal absorption, aqueous solubility and blood brain penetration.

CONCLUSION

Halogenated imidazole analogues may be used as potential lead molecules as 14α- demethylase inhibitors.

Biological evaluation and structure-activity relationships of imidazole-based compounds as antiprotozoal agents

We discovered a series of azole antifungal compounds as effective antiprotozoal agents. They displayed promising inhibitory activities within the micromolar-submicromolar range against P. falciparum, L. donovani, and T. b. rhodesiense. Moreover, most of such compounds showed excellent nanomolar IC₅₀ against T. cruzi, showing also very low cytotoxicity. Discussion of structure-activity relationships and biological data for these compounds are provided against the different parasites. To assess the mechanism of action against T. cruzi we proved that the most potent compounds (3b, 3j-l) inhibited the T. cruzi CYP51. Moreover, the most active derivative 3j dramatically reduced parasitemia in T. cruzi mouse model without acute toxicity.

Heme oxygenase inhibition by 2-oxy-substituted 1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-phenylbutanes: effect of halogen substitution in the phenyl ring

A series of 2-oxy-substituted 1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4-phenylbutanes comprising imidazole-ketones, imidazole-dioxolanes, and imidazole-alcohols substituted with halogens in the phenyl ring were synthesized and evaluated as novel inhibitors of heme oxygenase which are structurally distinct from metalloporphyrins. The entire library of compounds was found to be highly active, with the bromine- and iodine-substituted derivatives being the most potent. The imidazole-dioxolanes were all selective for the HO-1 isozyme (inducible) and exhibited substantially lower activity toward the HO-2 isozyme (constitutive). The corresponding imidazole-ketones and imidazole-alcohols showed selectivity toward HO-1 to a lesser degree than the similarly substituted imidazole-dioxolanes.

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of human CYP51 inhibitors

CYP51 fulfills an essential requirement for all cells, by catalyzing three sequential mono-oxidations within the cholesterol biosynthesis cascade. Inhibition of fungal CYP51 is used as a therapy for treating fungal infections, whereas inhibition of human CYP51 has been considered as a pharmacological approach to treat dyslipidemia and some forms of cancer. To predict the interaction of inhibitors with the active site of human CYP51, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship model was constructed. This pharmacophore model of the common structural features of CYP51 inhibitors was built using the program Catalyst from multiple inhibitors (n = 26) of recombinant human CYP51-mediated lanosterol 14alpha-demethylation. The pharmacophore, which consisted of one hydrophobe, one hydrogen bond acceptor, and two ring aromatic features, demonstrated a high correlation between observed and predicted IC(50) values (r = 0.92). Validation of this pharmacophore was performed by predicting the IC(50) of a test set of commercially available (n = 19) and CP-320626-related (n = 48) CYP51 inhibitors. Using predictions below 10 microM as a cutoff indicative of active inhibitors, 16 of 19 commercially available inhibitors (84%) and 38 of 48 CP-320626-related inhibitors (79.2%) were predicted correctly. To better understand how inhibitors fit into the enzyme, potent CYP51 inhibitors were used to build a Cerius(2) receptor surface model representing the volume of the active site. This study has demonstrated the potential for ligand-based computational pharmacophore modeling of human CYP51 and enables a high-throughput screening system for drug discovery and data base mining.

Design, molecular modeling, synthesis, and anti-HIV-1 activity of new indolyl aryl sulfones. Novel derivatives of the indole-2-carboxamide

Molecular modeling studies and an updated highly predictive 3-D QSAR model led to the discovery of exceptionally potent indolyl aryl sulfones (IASs) characterized by the presence of either a pyrrolidyn-2-one nucleus at the indole-2-carboxamide or some substituents at the indole-2-carbohydrazide. Compounds 7 and 9 were found active in the sub-nanomolar range of concentration in both MT-4 and C8166 cell-based anti-HIV assays. These compounds, and in particular compound 9, also showed excellent inhibitory activity against both HIV-112 and HIV-AB1 primary isolates in lymphocytes and against HIV WT in macrophages.

3-D QSAR Studies on Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors. A GOLPE/GRID Approach on Different Series of Compounds

Docking simulation and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSARs) analyses were conducted on four series of HDAC inhibitors. The studies were performed using the GRID/GOLPE combination using structure-based alignment. Twelve 3-D QSAR models were derived and discussed. Compared to previous studies on similar inhibitors, the present 3-D QSAR investigation proved to be of higher statistical value, displaying for the best global model r2, q2, and cross-validated SDEP values of 0.94, 0.83, and 0.41, respectively. A comparison of the 3-D QSAR maps with the structural features of the binding site showed good correlation. The results of 3D-QSAR and docking studies validated each other and provided insight into the structural requirements for anti-HDAC activity. To our knowledge this is the first 3-D QSAR application on a broad molecular diversity training set of HDACIs.

Structure-Based Optimization of Azole Antifungal Agents by CoMFA, CoMSIA, and Molecular Docking

In a continuing effort to develop highly potent azole antifungal agents, the three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship methods, CoMFA and CoMSIA, were applied using a set of novel azole antifungal compounds. The binding mode of the compounds at the active site of lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase was further explored using the flexible docking method. Various hydrophobic, van der Waals, pi-pi stacking, and hydrogen bonding interactions were observed between the azoles and the enzyme. Based on results from the molecular modeling, a receptor-based pharmacophore model was established to guide the rational optimization of the azole antifungal agents. Thus, a total of 57 novel azoles were designed and synthesized by a three-step optimization process. In vitro antifungal assay revealed that the antifungal activities of these novel azoles were greatly improved, which confirmed the reliability of the model from molecular modeling.

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling Studies of TIBO-Like Cyclic Sulfones as Non-Nucleoside HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

TIBO- and TBO-like sulfone derivatives 1 and 2 were designed, synthesized, and tested for their ability to block the replication cycle of HIV-1 in infected cells. The anti-HIV-1 activities of sulfones 3, which were intermediates in the syntheses of 1 and 2, were also evaluated. Surprisingly, the sulfone analogues of TIBO R82913 (compounds 1) were inactive, whereas interesting results were obtained for truncated derivatives 2. Compound 2 w was the most potent among this series in cell-based assays (EC50=0.07 microM, CC50>200 microM, SI>2857). It was twofold less potent than R82913, but more selective. An X-ray crystallographic analysis was carried out to establish the absolute configuration of 2 w and its enantiomer 2 x, which were obtained by semipreparative HPLC of 2 v, one of the most potent racemates. Compounds 1-3 were proven to target HIV-1 RT. In fact, representative derivatives inhibited recombinant HIV-1 RT in vitro at concentrations similar to those active in cell-based assays. 3D QSAR studies and docking simulations were developed on TIBO- and TBO-like sulfone derivatives to rationalize their anti-HIV-1 potencies and to predict the activity of novel untested sulfone derivatives. Predictive 3D QSAR models were obtained with a receptor-based alignment by docking of TIBO- and TBO-like derivatives into the NNBS of RT.

Antifungal Agents. 11. N-Substituted Derivatives of 1-[(Aryl)(4-aryl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole: Synthesis, Anti-Candida Activity, and QSAR Studies

1-[(Aryl)(4-aryl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazoles were recently reported by our group as potent anti-Candida agents belonging to the antifungal azole class. In the present paper the synthesis, anti-Candida activities, and QSAR studies on a novel series of N-substituted 1-[(aryl)(4-aryl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole derivatives are reported. The newly synthesized azoles were tested against 12 strains of Candida albicans together with bifonazole, miconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, and compounds 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, and 3c used as reference drugs. In general, tested derivatives showed good antifungal activities, and the most potent compound was 1d (MIC(90) = 0.032 microg/mL), which was from 4- to 250-fold more potent than reference drugs. Catalyst software was applied to develop a quantitative pharmacophore model to be used for the rational design of new antifungal azoles. Some key interactions, as well as excluded volumes, further to the coordination bond of azole antifungals with the demethylase enzyme, are highlighted.

3D-QSAR and Molecular Mechanics Study for the Differences in the Azole Activity against Yeastlike and Filamentous Fungi and Their Relation to P450DM Inhibition. 1. 3-Substituted-4(3H)-quinazolinones

A combination between 3D-QSAR and molecular mechanics (MM)-docking study was used as a tool to detail and model the mechanism of action of 46 antifungal azoles. Two methods of alignment of the ligands were performed: (i) alignment of the main skeleton without substituents and (ii) alignment of a defined substructure. The best model is characterized by q(2) with the values of 0.70 for yeastlike (yeast), 0.66 for filamentous fungi, and 0.70 for the selectivity against filamentous fungi. 3D-QSAR regression maps derived from six models were used to identify the regions responsible for the differences in the compounds activity against yeast and filamentous fungi. The binding energy of the important substructures (Local Binding Energy-LBE) and its standard deviation were calculated in order to demonstrate quantitatively the contribution of substituents reflecting the diversity of the antifungal activity. The comparisons of these results with the same regions of the contour maps indicated a good correspondence between the 3D-QSAR and MM (LBE) approaches allowing association between the maps and the participating residues in the active sites of P450DM of C. albicans and A. fumigatus. The pi-pi interactions of two or more aromatic groups of the ligands with Phe228 and Tyr132 prove to be most important for the differences in activity against C. albicans. In A. fumigatus there was a better occupation of the inner central I-spiral in the areas around the heme. For the activity against A. fumigatus the pi-pi interactions of aromatic groups of the compounds with Phe509, Phe228, and Tyr132 are significant for the activity.

Docking and 3-D QSAR Studies on Indolyl Aryl Sulfones. Binding Mode Exploration at the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Non-Nucleoside Binding Site and Design of Highly Active N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)carboxamide and N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)carbohydrazide Derivatives

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3-D QSAR) studies and docking simulations were developed on indolyl aryl sulfones (IASs), a class of novel HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (Silvestri, et al. J. Med. Chem. 2003, 46, 2482-2493) highly active against wild type and some clinically relevant resistant strains (Y181C, the double mutant K103N-Y181C, and the K103R-V179D-P225H strain, highly resistant to efavirenz). Predictive 3-D QSAR models using the combination of GRID and GOLPE programs were obtained using a receptor-based alignment by means of docking IASs into the non-nucleoside binding site (NNBS) of RT. The derived 3-D QSAR models showed conventional correlation (r(2)) and cross-validated (q(2)) coefficients values ranging from 0.79 to 0.93 and from 0.59 to 0.84, respectively. All described models were validated by an external test set compiled from previously reported pyrryl aryl sulfones (Artico, et al. J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 522-530). The most predictive 3-D QSAR model was then used to predict the activity of novel untested IASs. The synthesis of six designed derivatives (prediction set) allowed disclosure of new IASs endowed with high anti-HIV-1 activities.

4D-QSAR analysis of a series of antifungal p450 inhibitors and 3D-pharmacophore comparisons as a function of alignment

A training set of 55 antifungal p450 analogue inhibitors was used to construct receptor-independent four-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (RI 4D-QSAR) models. Ten different alignments were used to build the models, and one alignment yields a significantly better model than the other alignments. Two different methodologies were used to measure the similarity of the best 4D-QSAR models of each alignment. One method compares the residual of fit between pairs of models using the cross-correlation coefficient of their residuals of fit as a similarity measure. The other method compares the spatial distributions of the IPE types (3D-pharmacophores) of pairs of 4D-QSAR models from different alignments. Optimum models from several different alignments have nearly the same correlation coefficients, r(2), and cross-validation correlation coefficients, xv-r(2), yet the 3D-pharmacophores of these models are very different from one another. The highest 3D-pharmacophore similarity correlation coefficient between any pair of 4D-QSAR models from the 10 alignments considered is only 0.216. However, the best 4D-QSAR models of each alignment do contain some proximate common pharmacorphore sites. A test set of 10 compounds was used to validate the predictivity of the best 4D-QSAR models of each alignment. The "best" model from the 10 alignments has the highest predictivity. The inferred active sites mapped out by the 4D-QSAR models suggest that hydrogen bond interactions are not prevalent when this class of P450 analogue inhibitors binds to the receptor active site. This feature of the 4D-QSAR models is in agreement with the crystal structure results that indicate no ligand-receptor hydrogen bonds are formed.

3D-QSAR illusions

3D-QSAR is typically used to construct models (1) to predict activities, (2) to illustrate significant regions, and (3) to provide insight into possible interactions. To the contrary, examples are described herein which make it clear that the predictivity of such models remains elusive, that so-called significant regions are subject to the vagaries of alignment, and that the nature of possible interactions heavily depends on the eye of the beholder. Although great strides have been made in the imaginative use of 3D-descriptors, 3D-QSAR remains largely a retrospective analytical tool. The arbitrary nature of both the alignment paradigm and atom description lends itself to capricious models, which in turn can lead to distorted conclusions. Despite these illusionary pitfalls, predictions can be enhanced when the test set is bounded by the descriptor space represented in the training set. Interpretation of significant interaction regions becomes more meaningful when alignment is constrained by a binding site. Correlations obtained with a variety of atom descriptors suggest choosing useful ones, in particular, in guiding synthetic effort.

Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of 3-aryl-1-(1,1'-biphenyl-4-yl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propanes as 'carba-analogues' of the N-arylmethyl-N-[(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-ylmethyl])-1H-imidazol-1-amines, a new class of antifungal agents

A new series of 3-phenyl-1-(1,1'-biphenyl-4-yl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane derivatives 2a-l (related to the antifungal bifonazole) was synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. A number of substituents on the phenyl ring were chosen to compare the relative biological properties with those of corresponding aza-analogues, previously described by us. The in vitro antifungal activities of the newly synthesized azoles were tested against several pathogenic fungi responsible for human disease. Test pathogens included representatives of yeasts (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Criptococcus neoformans), dermathophytes (Tricophyton verrucosum, Tricophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum) and moulds (Aspergillus fumigatus). Bifonazole and miconazole were used as reference drugs. Title compounds were prepared by alkylation of 1-biphenyl-4-yl-2-imidazol-1-yl-ethanone with the proper arylmethyl halide and subsequent reduction of corresponding ketones applying the Huang-Minlon modification of the Wolff-Kishner reaction.

Mathematical modelling of antifungal action

In this paper a simplified modelling approach indicated that yeast growth was inhibited by an antifungal drug according to an exponential function. In addition, the corresponding inhibition rate followed a hyperbolic function the parameters of which permit us to determine the percentage of maximum inhibition and the minimum inhibitory concentration for 80%. From the equation of a hyperbola it was also possible to calculate an affinity constant Kaff corresponding to the inverse of the concentration of antifungal drugs giving half the maximal inhibition. The affinity constant was demonstrated to be characteristic of the yeast strain and of the antifungal drug employed. Simulation of the mathematical modelling enabled determination of a theoretical inhibition level corresponding to strong concentrations of antifungal drugs which cannot be carried out for technical reasons (precipitates, opacity etc.). The interest of this mathematical modelling of growth and inhibition to predict the doses of antifungals which can act synergistically is discussed.

Antifungal agents. 10. New derivatives of 1-[(aryl)[4-aryl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole, synthesis, anti-candida activity, and quantitative structure-analysis relationship studies

The synthesis, anti-Candida activity, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies of a series of 2,4-dichlorobenzylimidazole derivatives having a phenylpyrrole moiety (related to the antibiotic pyrrolnitrin) in the alpha-position are reported. A number of substituents on the phenyl ring, ranging from hydrophobic (tert-butyl, phenyl, or 1-pyrrolyl moiety) to basic (NH(2)), polar (CF(3), CN, SCH(3), NO(2)), or hydrogen bond donors and acceptor (OH) groups, were chosen to better understand the interaction of these compounds with cytochrome P450 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase (P450(14DM)). Finally, the triazole counterpart of one of the imidazole compounds was synthesized and tested to investigate influence of the heterocyclic ring on biological activity. The in vitro antifungal activities of the newly synthesized azoles 10p-v,x-c' were tested against Candida albicans and Candida spp. at pH 7.2 and pH 5.6. A CoMFA model, previously derived for a series of antifungal agents belonging to chemically diverse families related to bifonazole, was applied to the new products. Because the results produced by this approach were not encouraging, Catalyst software was chosen to perform a new 3D-QSAR study. Catalyst was preferred this time because of the possibility of considering each compound as a collection of energetically reasonable conformations and of considering alternative stereoisomers. The pharmacophore model developed by Catalyst, named HYPO1, showed good performances in predicting the biological activity data, although it did not exhibit an unequivocal preference for one enantiomeric series of inhibitors relative to the other. One aromatic nitrogen with a lone pair in the ring plane (mapped by all of the considered compounds) and three aromatic ring features were recognized to have pharmacophoric relevance, whereas neither hydrogen bond acceptor nor hydrophobic features were found. These findings confirmed that the key interaction of azole antifungals with the demethylase enzyme is the coordination bond to the iron ion of the porphyrin system, while interactions with amino acids localized in proximity of heme could modulate the biological activity of diverse antifungal agents. In conclusion, HYPO1 conveys important information in an intuitive manner and can provide predictive capability for evaluating new compounds.

Pharmacophore modeling of cytochromes P450

Understanding the binding of ligands in the active site of a membrane-bound protein is difficult in the absence of a crystal structure. When these proteins are the enzymes involved in drug metabolism, it leaves little option but to use site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro studies to provide critical information relating to determinants of binding affinity. Pharmacophore models and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships have been used either alone or in combination with protein homology models to provide this information for cytochrome P450s. At present, their application has been directed to the major enzymes but this may escalate in future as more in vitro data are generated for other P450s. The following review outlines the methodologies and models as well as future prospects for applying these technologies to P450s in the hope that future drugs will be selected with increased metabolic stability and fewer incidences of undesirable drug-drug interactions.

Molecular modeling as a powerful technique for understanding small-large molecules interactions

In the present review we summarize recent work, aimed at a better understanding of the interactions in macromolecule ligand complexes, performed by means of computational tools such as pseudoreceptor generation, molecular docking, conformational search and energy minimization. While the first approach has been applied when the three-dimensional structural properties of the biological target were unknown, the remaining protocols exploited the knowledge of the overall structure of the involved macromolecules and their active sites. Molecular modeling techniques were used in the cases reported to study and propose macromolecular binding sites and to predict their interactions with bioactive conformers of the ligands.

Analytical and semipreparative enantiomeric separation of azole antifungal agents by high-performance liquid chromatography on polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases. Application to in vitro biological studies

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the enantiomeric separation of chiral imidazole derivatives endowed with antimycotic activity. Enantioselective columns, containing carbamates of cellulose and amylose, were used. The influence of the nature and content of an alcoholic modifier in the mobile phase was studied. The isolated enantiomers, separated on semipreparative columns, were submitted to in vitro biological investigations.

Antimycobacterial pyrroles: synthesis, anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity and QSAR studies

A number of known antifungal pyrrole derivatives and some newly synthesized compounds (5-33) were tested in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis CIP 103471. The majority of tested compounds were efficient antimycobacterial agents showing MIC values ranging from 0.5 to 32 microg/mL. A 3-D-QSAR study has been performed on these pyrrole derivatives to correlate their chemical structures with their observed inhibiting activity against M. tuberculosis. Due to the absence of information on a putative receptor responsible for this activity, classical quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) have been applied. A model able to well correlate the antimycobacterial activity with the chemical structures of pyrrole derivatives 5-33 has been developed which is potentially helpful in the design of novel and more potent antituberculosis agents. The combination of CoMFA with classical QSAR descriptors led to a better hybrid 3-D-QSAR model, that successfully explains the structure-activity relationships (r2 = 0.86) of the training set. A comparison between the QSAR, CoMFA and mixed QSAR-CoMFA models is also presented. The hybrid model is to be preferred, however, because of its lowest values of the average absolute error of prediction toward a limited external test set.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of [alpha-(1,5-disubstituted 1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzyl]azoles, analogues of bifonazole

A series of pyrazole analogues of bifonazole, an antifungal drug used in clinical practice, 2a-h and 4a-h were synthesized and tested in vitro against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, with no significant results. Imidazoles 2a-h were also tested in vivo for antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive activities; two of these compounds showed moderate activity against ventricular fibrillation caused by aconitine in rats. The above compounds were prepared by reaction of phenyl-[5 substituted 1-phenyl (or 1-methyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanols with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (2a-h) or of the respective chloro derivatives with 1H-1,2,4-triazole (4a-h).

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and receptor mapping of cytochrome P-450(14 alpha DM) inhibiting azole antifungal agents

Molecular modeling was performed by a combined use of conformational analysis and 3D-QSAR methods to distinguish structural attributes common to a series of azole antifungal agents. Apex-3D program was used to recognize the common biophoric structural patterns of 13 diverse sets of azole antifungal compounds demonstrating different magnitudes of biological activity. Apex-3D identified three common biophoric features significant for activity: N1 atom of azole ring, the aromatic ring centroid 1, and aromatic ring centroid 2. A common biophore model proposed from the Apex-3D analysis can be useful for the design of novel cytochrome P-450(14 alpha DM) inhibiting antifungal agents.

Diltiazem-like calcium entry blockers: a hypothesis of the receptor-binding site based on a comparative molecular field analysis model

A series of 26 pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzothiazines, which have been already synthesized and reported to show calcium antagonist activity in both radioligand-binding assays and functional studies, were investigated using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) paradigm. Due to the lack of experimental structural data on these derivatives, the minimum energy conformers obtained by molecular mechanics calculations were used in the subsequent study. Structures were aligned following an alignment criterion based on the pharmacophoric groups of the studied compounds. The predictive ability of the CoMFA model was evaluated using a test set consisting of three representative compounds. The best 3D-quantitative structure-activity relationship model found yields significant cross-validated, conventional, and predictive r2 values equal to 0.703, 0.970, and 0.865, respectively, the average absolute error of predictions being 0.26 log unit. The predictive capability of this model was also tested on a further test set of molecules consisting of diltiazem and nine pyrrolo[2,1-d][1,5]benzothiazepines endowed with calcium antagonist activity. The accurate results obtained also in this case revealed the robustness of the model. On the basis of the same alignment, the structural moieties of the studied calcium entry blockers which are thought to contribute to the biological activity were identified, and a possible receptor-binding site for all these compounds is presented taking into account the information derived from the analysis of the steric and electrostatic CoMFA contour maps.