Synthesis, antitumour activities and molecular docking of thiocarboxylic acid ester-based NSAID scaffolds: COX-2 inhibition and mechanistic studies

Synthesis, enzyme inhibition assay, and molecular modeling study of novel pyrazolines linked to 4-methylsulfonylphenyl scaffold: antitumor activity and cell cycle analysis

Antitumor activity using 59 cancer cell lines and enzyme inhibitory activity of a newly synthesized pyrazoline-linked 4-methylsulfonylphenyl scaffold (compounds 18a-q) were measured and compared with those of standard drugs. Pyrazolines 18b, 18c, 18f, 18g, 18h, and 18n possessed significant antitumor activity, with a positive cytotoxic effect (PCE) of 22/59, 21/59, 21/59, 48/59, 51/59, and 20/59, respectively. The cancer cell lines HL60, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 were used to measure the IC50 values of derivatives 18c, 18g, and 18hvia the MTT assay method, and the results were compared with those of reference drugs. Derivatives 18g and 18h showed potent and broad-spectrum antitumor activities against HL60 (IC50 of 10.43, 8.99 μM, respectively), MCF-7 (IC50 of 11.7 and 12.4 μM, respectively), and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 of 4.07 and 7.18 μM, respectively). Compound 18c exhibited strong antitumor activity against HL60 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC50 values of 8.43 and 12.54 μM, respectively, and moderate antitumor activity against MCF-7 cell lines with an IC50 value of 16.20 μM. Compounds 18c, 18g, and 18h remarkably inhibited VEGFR2 kinase (IC50 = 0.218, 0.168, and 0.135 μM, respectively) compared with the reference drug sorafenib (IC50 = 0.041 μM). Compounds 18g and 18h effectively inhibited HER2 kinase (IC50 = 0.496 and 0.253 μM, respectively) compared with erlotinib (IC50 = 0.085 μM). Compound 18h inhibited EGFR kinase (IC50 = 0.574 μM) with a potency comparable with that of the reference drug erlotinib (IC50 = 0.105 μM). Pyrazolines 18c, 18f, and 18h arrested the S/G2 phase of the cell cycle in HL-60 cells. In addition, derivatives 18c, 18f, and 18h revealed lower Bcl-2 protein expression anti-apoptotic levels and higher Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 expression levels. Molecular docking studies of derivative 18h into the binding sites of EGFR, HER2, and VEGFR2 kinases explored the interaction mode of these pyrazoline derivatives and their structural requirements for antitumor activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation against H. pylori of chitosan menthone Schiff base hybrid with different types of inorganic nanoparticles

The production of novel natural medicines for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has lately attracted a lot of interest. Some bacterial infections have traditionally been alleviated by terpenes. The present work intended to examine the impact of several chitosan menthone Schiff base nanocomposites on the treatment of H. pylori infection as well as on its anti-inflammatory capacity. Chitosan (Cs) was condensed with menthone with different molar ratios of Cs:menthone (1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2) to produce chitosan Schiff bases namely; Cs-SB1, Cs-SB2, and Cs-SB3, respectively. Cs-SB3 Schiff base nanocomposites were prepared individually by adding 2%Ag, 2%Se, (1%Ag + 1%Se), and 2%Fe2O3 nanoparticles to produce compounds denoted as Cs-SB-Ag, Cs-SB-Se, Cs-SB-Ag/ Se, and Cs-SB-Fe, respectively. The anti-H. pylori activity of Cs-SB-Se was detected at a minimal inhibitory concentration MIC of 1.9 μg/mL making it the most biologically active compound in our study. Cs-SB-Se nanocomposite was tested for its cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitory potential which demonstrated inhibitory efficacy towards COX enzymes with inhibition value against COX-1 (IC50 = 49.86 ± 1.784 μg/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 = 12.64 ± 0.463 μg/mL) which were less than the well-known Celecoxib (22.65 ± 0.081 and 0.789 ± 0.029 μg/mL) and Indomethacin (0.035 ± 0.001 and 0.08 ± 0.003 μg/mL) inhibitors. The selectivity index SI = 3.94 for tested nanocomposites indicated higher selectivity for COX-1. The cytotoxicity of the Cs-SB-Se nanocomposite was evaluated in Vero cells (CCL-81) and it showed that at a concentration of 62.5 μg/mL, cell viability was 85.43 %.

Molecular Mechanism and Structure-activity Relationship of the Inhibition Effect between Monoamine Oxidase and Selegiline Analogues

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the inhibition properties and structure-activity relationship between monoamine oxidase (MAO) and selected monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including selegiline, rasagiline and clorgiline).

METHODS

The inhibition effect and molecular mechanism between MAO and MAOIs were identified via the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and molecular docking technology.

RESULTS

It was indicated that selegiline and rasagiline were MAO B inhibitors, but clorgiline was MAO-A inhibitor based on the selectivity index (SI) of MAOIs (0.000264, 0.0197 and 14607.143 for selegiline, rasagiline and clorgiline, respectively). The high-frequency amino acid residues of the MAOIs and MAO were Ser24, Arg51, Tyr69 and Tyr407 for MAO-A and Arg42 and Tyr435 for MAO B. The MAOIs and MAO A/B pharmacophores included the aromatic core, hydrogen bond acceptor, hydrogen bond donor-acceptor and hydrophobic core.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the inhibition effect and molecular mechanism between MAO and MAOIs and provides valuable findings on the design and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Anticancer Drug Discovery By Structure-Based Repositioning Approach

Despite the tremendous progress that has occurred in recent years in cell biology and oncology, in chemical, physical and computer sciences, the disease cancer has continued as the major cause of death globally. Research organizations, academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies invest huge amounts of money in the discovery and development of new anticancer drugs. Though much effort is continuing and whatever available approaches are being attempted, the success of bringing one effective drug into the market has been uncertain. To overcome problems associated with drug discovery, several approaches are being attempted. One such approach has been the use of known, approved and marketed drugs to screen these for new indications, which have gained considerable interest. This approach is known in different terms as "drug repositioning or drug repurposing." Drug repositioning refers to the structure modification of the active molecule by synthesis, in vitro/ in vivo screening and in silico computational applications where macromolecular structure-based drug design (SBDD) is employed. In this perspective, we aimed to focus on the application of repositioning or repurposing of essential drug moieties present in drugs that are already used for the treatment of some diseases such as diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and inflammation as anticancer agents. This review thus covers the available literature where molecular modeling of drugs/enzyme inhibitors through SBDD is reported for antidiabetics, anti-HIV and inflammatory diseases, which are structurally modified and screened for anticancer activity using respective cell lines.

Synthesis of novel spirochromane incorporating Schiff's bases, potential antiproliferative activity, and dual EGFR/HER2 inhibition: Cell cycle analysis and in silico study

Spirochromanes incorporating Schiff's bases and semicarbazones 4a-e and 5a-j were synthesizedand analyzed for their potential antiproliferative activity using four human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT-116, PC3, and A549). Compounds 5a, 5b and 5g possessed the highest antiproliferative activity among the tested compounds,with an IC50 range of 1.154-9.09 μM. Compound 5j selectively inhibited the PC3 cell proliferation (IC50 = 5.47 μM). Spirochromanes 5a, 5b and 5g exhibited high inhibitory activity against EGFR (IC50 = 0.116, 0.132, and 0.077 μM, respectively) and HER2 (IC50 = 0.055, 0.210 and 0.085 μM, respectively) compared with the references, erlotinib (IC50 = 0.090 and 0.038 μM, respectively) and gefitinib (IC50 = 0.052 and 0.072 μM, respectively). Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis results showed that compounds 5a, 5b and 5g arrested growth inthe S phase, and the programmed cell death induced by these compounds was an apoptotic mechanism rather than a necrotic pathway. Molecular docking studies of spirochromanes 5a, 5b and 5g to EGFR and HER2 binding sites were performed to explore the orientation mode and interaction.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as a Target of Anticancer Agents: A Review of Novel Synthesized Scaffolds Having Anticancer and COX-2 Inhibitory Potentialities

Cancer is a serious threat to human beings and is the second-largest cause of death all over the globe. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer; however, drug resistance and severe adverse effects are major problems associated with anticancer therapy. New compounds with multi-target inhibitory properties are targeted to surmount these challenges. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in cancers of the pancreas, breast, colorectal, stomach, and lung carcinoma. Therefore, COX-2 is considered a significant target for the synthesis of new anticancer agents. This review discusses the biological activity of recently prepared dual anticancer and COX-2 inhibitory agents. The most important intermolecular interactions with the COX-2 enzyme have also been presented. Analysis of these agents in the active area of the COX-2 enzyme could guide the introduction of new lead compounds with extreme selectivity and minor side effects.

Secondary Metabolites from Marine-Derived Fungi and Actinobacteria as Potential Sources of Novel Colorectal Cancer Drugs

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the world. Chemotheraphy is one of the most common methods used for the pharmacological treatment of this cancer patients. Nevertheless, the adverse effect of chemotherapy is not optimized for improving the quality of life of people who are older, who are the most vulnerable subpopulation. This review presents recent updates regarding secondary metabolites derived from marine fungi and actinobacteria as novel alternatives for cytotoxic agents against colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HT29, HCT15, RKO, Caco-2, and SW480. The observed marine-derived fungi were from the species Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Neosartorya sp., Dichotomomyces sp., Paradendryphiella sp., and Westerdykella sp. Additionally, Streptomyces sp. and Nocardiopsis sp. are actinobacteria discussed in this study. Seventy one compounds reviewed in this study were grouped on the basis of their chemical structures. Indole alkaloids and diketopiperazines made up most compounds with higher potencies when compared with other groups. The potency of indole alkaloids and diketopiperazines was most probably due to halogen-based functional groups and sulfide groups, respectively.

Synthesis, potential antitumor activity, cell cycle analysis, and multitarget mechanisms of novel hydrazones incorporating a 4-methylsulfonylbenzene scaffold: a molecular docking study

Hydrazone is a bioactive pharmacophore that can be used to design antitumor agents. We synthesised a series of hydrazones (compounds 4–24) incorporating a 4-methylsulfonylbenzene scaffold and analysed their potential antitumor activity. Compounds 6, 9, 16, and 20 had the most antitumor activity with a positive cytotoxic effect (PCE) of 52/59, 27/59, 59/59, and 59/59, respectively, while compounds 5, 10, 14, 15, 18, and 19 had a moderate antitumor activity with a PCE of 11/59–14/59. Compound 20 was the most active and had a mean 50% cell growth inhibition (GI₅₀) of 0.26 µM. Compounds 9 and 20 showed the highest inhibitory activity against COX-2, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 2.97 and 6.94 μM, respectively. Compounds 16 and 20 significantly inhibited EGFR (IC₅₀ = 0.2 and 0.19 μM, respectively) and HER2 (IC₅₀ = 0.13 and 0.07 μM, respectively). Molecular docking studies of derivatives 9, 16, and 20 into the binding sites of COX-2, EGFR, and HER2 were carried out to explore the interaction mode and the structural requirements for antitumor activity.

Challenges and opportunities of pharmaceutical cocrystals: a focused review on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The focus of the review is to discuss the relevant and essential aspects of pharmaceutical cocrystals in both academia and industry with an emphasis on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although cocrystals have been prepared for a plethora of drugs, NSAID cocrystals are focused due to their humongous application in different fields of medication such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiplatelet, antitumor, and anti-carcinogenic drugs. The highlights of the review are (a) background of cocrystals and other solid forms of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) based on the principles of crystal engineering, (b) why cocrystals are an excellent opportunity in the pharma industry, (c) common methods of preparation of cocrystals from the lab scale to bulk quantity, (d) some latest case studies of NSAIDs which have shown better physicochemical properties for example; mechanical properties (tabletability), hydration, solubility, bioavailability, and permeability, and (e) latest guidelines of the US FDA and EMA opening new opportunities and challenges.

Contemporary advances of cyclic molecules proposed for inflammation

This review stretches insight about the advancement (2011-2021) of synthesized non-heterocyclic, heterocyclic and natural occurring cyclic molecules for inflammation. While inflammation is very significant in the abolition of pathogens and other causes of soreness, a protracted inflammatory procedure takes to outcomes in chronic disease that might finally affect in organ failure or damage. Thus, restraining the provocative process by the use of anti-inflammatory agents is chief in controlling this damage. It also reveals other pursuit along with their anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking studies represent most suitable PDB (Protein Data Bank) ID for the synthesized heterocyclic molecules with their selective inhibitor. It discusses the findings presented in recent research papers and provides understanding to researchers intended for the growth of newer combinations/molecules having littler side things.

Synthesis, characterization, anti-inflammatory and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of novel benzophenone tetracarboxylimide benzoyl thiourea cross-linked chitosan hydrogels

Chitosan (Cs) was cross-linked with four various quantities of 4,4'-(5,5'‑carbonylbis(1,3-dioxoisoindoline-5,2-diyl))dibenzoyl isothiocyanate. Elemental analysis, FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy assured that the amino groups of chitosan reacted with the isothiocyanate groups of the cross-linker producing four new hydrogels namely as BBTU-Cs-1, BBTU-Cs-2, BBTU-Cs-3, and BBTU-Cs-4 according to the increment of their cross-linking content, respectively. SEM showed their porous structures and XRD indicated their amorphous nature. Their swell ability increased with decreasing the medium pH value and with increasing cross-linking density. In comparison with the popular COX inhibitor Celecoxib, these hydrogels showed an inhibition activity towards COX enzymes with selective inhibition towards COX-2. Their inhibition activity could be arranged as follows: Celecoxib > BBTU-Cs-4 > BBTU-Cs-3 > BBTU-Cs-2 > BBTU-Cs-1. BBTU-CS-4 hydrogel exhibited a potent inhibition against COX-2 (IC₅₀ 0.42 μg/ml) compared with that observed for the standard Celecoxib (IC₅₀ 0.26 μg/ml). BBTU-Cs-4 is more potent against H. pylori compared to the other hydrogels. BBTU-Cs-4 at a concentration of 7.81 μg/ml is able to kill 100% of the H. pylori and exhibits a preferential ability to inhibit 89.35% of COX-2 than COX-1 (0%). These findings make BBTU-Cs-4 a promising anti-H. pylori and selective anti-inflammatory agent.

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and COX-1/2 inhibitory activities of cyclic imides bearing 3-benzenesulfonamide, oxime, and β-phenylalanine scaffolds: a molecular docking study

Cyclic imides containing 3-benzenesulfonamide, oxime, and β-phenylalanine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated to elucidate their in vivo anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activity and in vitro cytotoxic effects. Most active anti-inflammatory agents were subjected to in vitro COX-1/2 inhibition assay. 3-Benzenesulfonamides (2-4, and 9), oximes (11-13), and β-phenylalanine derivative (18) showed potential anti-inflammatory activities with 71.2-82.9% oedema inhibition relative to celecoxib and diclofenac (85.6 and 83.4%, respectively). Most active cyclic imides 4, 9, 12, 13, and 18 possessed ED50 of 35.4-45.3 mg kg-1 relative to that of celecoxib (34.1 mg kg-1). For the cytotoxic evaluation, the selected derivatives 2-6 and 8 exhibited weak positive cytotoxic effects (PCE = 2/59-5/59) at 10 μM compared to the standard drug, imatinib (PCE = 20/59). Cyclic imides bearing 3-benzenesulfonamide (2-5, and 9), acetophenone oxime (11-14, 18, and 19) exhibited high selectivity against COX-2 with SI > 55.6-333.3 relative to that for celecoxib [SI > 387.6]. β-Phenylalanine derivatives 21-24 and 28 were non-selective towards COX-1/2 isozymes as indicated by their SI of 0.46-0.68.

Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel compounds based on 1,2,4-triazolophthalazine scaffold: Apoptosis-inductive and PCAF-inhibitory effects

The antitumor activity of newly synthesised triazolophthalazines (L-45 analogues) 10-32 was evaluated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2), breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), and colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cells. Compounds 17, 18, 25, and 32 showed potent antitumor activity (IC₅₀, 2.83-13.97 μM), similar to doxorubicin (IC₅₀, 4.17-8.87 μM) and afatinib (IC₅₀, 5.4-11.4 μM). HePG2 was inhibited by compounds 10, 17, 18, 25, 26, and 32 (IC₅₀, 3.06-10.5 μM), similar to doxorubicin (IC₅₀, 4.50 μM) and afatinib (IC₅₀, 5.4 μM). HCT-116 and MCF-7 were susceptible to compounds 10, 17, 18, 25, and 32 (IC₅₀, 2.83-10.36 and 5.69-11.36 μM, respectively), similar to doxorubicin and afatinib (IC₅₀ = 5.23 and 4.17, and 11.4 and 7.1 μM, respectively). Compounds 17, 25, and 32 exerted potent activities against PC3 (IC₅₀, 7.56-12.28 μM) compared with doxorubicin (IC₅₀, 8.87 µM) and afatinib (IC₅₀ 7.7 μM). Compounds 17 and 32 were the strongest PCAF inhibitors (IC₅₀, 5.31 and 10.30 μM, respectively) and compounds 18 and 25 exhibited modest IC₅₀ values (17.09 and 32.96 μM, respectively) compared with bromosporine (IC₅₀, 5.00 μM). Compound 17 was cytotoxic to HePG2 cells (IC₅₀, 3.06 μM), inducing apoptosis in the pre-G phase and arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Molecular docking for the most active PCAF inhibitors (17 and 32) was performed.

Synthesis, antitumor activity, and molecular docking study of 2-cyclopentyloxyanisole derivatives: mechanistic study of enzyme inhibition

A series of 24 compounds was synthesised based on a 2-cyclopentyloxyanisole scaffold 3–14 and their in vitro antitumor activity was evaluated. Compounds 4a, 4b, 6b, 7b, 13, and 14 had the most potent antitumor activity (IC₅₀ range: 5.13–17.95 μM), compared to those of the reference drugs celecoxib, afatinib, and doxorubicin. The most active derivatives 4a, 4b, 7b, and 13 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against COX-2, PDE4B, and TNF-α. Compounds 4a and 13 potently inhibited TNF-α (IC₅₀ values: 2.01 and 6.72 μM, respectively) compared with celecoxib (IC₅₀=6.44 μM). Compounds 4b and 13 potently inhibited COX-2 (IC₅₀ values: 1.08 and 1.88 μM, respectively) comparable to that of celecoxib (IC₅₀=0.68 μM). Compounds 4a, 7b, and 13 inhibited PDE4B (IC₅₀ values: 5.62, 5.65, and 3.98 μM, respectively) compared with the reference drug roflumilast (IC₅₀=1.55 μM). The molecular docking of compounds 4b and 13 with the COX-2 and PDE4B binding pockets was studied.

Highlights

Antitumor activity of new synthesized cyclopentyloxyanisole scaffold was evaluated.

The powerful antitumor 4a, 4b, 6b, 7b & 13 were assessed as COX-2, PDE4B & TNF-α inhibitors.

Compounds 4a, 7b, and 13 exhibited COX-2, PDE4B, and TNF-α inhibition.

Compounds 4b and 13 showed strong interactions at the COX-2 and PDE4B binding pockets.

Battling Glioblastoma: A Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor with Multi-Dimensional Anti-Tumor Effect (Running Title: Cancer Cells Death Signalling Activation)

Glioblastoma (GB), a grade IV glioma, with high heterogeneity and chemoresistance, obligates a multidimensional antagonist to debilitate its competence. Considering the previous reports on thioesters as antitumor compounds, this paper investigates on use of this densely functionalized sulphur rich molecule as a potent anti-GB agent. Bio-evaluation of 12 novel compounds, containing α-thioether ketone and orthothioester functionalities, identified that five analogs exhibited better cytotoxic profile compared to standard drug cisplatin. Detailed toxicity studies of top compound were evaluated in two cell lines, using cell viability test, apoptotic activity, oxidative stress and caspase activation and RNA-sequencing analysis, to obtain a comprehensive molecular profile of drug activity. The most effective molecule presented half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 27 μM and 23 μM against U87 and LN229 GB cells, respectively. Same compound effectively weakened various angiogenic pathways, mainly MAPK and JAK-STAT pathways, downregulating VEGF. Transcriptome analysis identified significant promotion of apoptotic genes, and genes involved in cell cycle arrest, with concurrent inhibition of various tyrosine kinase cascades and stress response genes. Docking and immunoblotting studies suggest EGFR as a strong target of the orthothioester identified. Therefore, orthothioesters can potentially serve as a multi-dimensional chemotherapeutic possessing strong cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and chemo-sensitization activity, challenging glioblastoma pathogenesis.

Arylpropionic acid-derived NSAIDs: New insights on derivatization, anticancer activity and potential mechanism of action

NSAIDs displayed chemopreventive and anticancer effects against several types of cancers. Moreover, combination of NSAIDs with anticancer agents resulted in enhanced anticancer activity. These findings have attracted much attention of researchers working in this field. The 2-arylpropionic acid-derived NSAIDs represent one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, they displayed antiproliferative activities against different types of cancer cells. Large volume of research was performed to identify molecular targets responsible for this activity. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of profens is still unclear. In this review article, the anticancer potential, structure activity relationship and synthesis of selected profen derivatives were summarized. This review is focused also on non-COX targets which can mediate the anticancer activity of this derivatives. The data in this review highlighted profens as promising lead compounds in future research to develop potent and safe anticancer agents.

Classification of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Using Support Vector Machine and Random Forest Methods

This work reports the classification study conducted on the biggest COX-2 inhibitor data set so far. Using 2925 diverse COX-2 inhibitors collected from 168 pieces of literature, we applied machine learning methods, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), to develop 12 classification models. The best SVM and RF models resulted in MCC values of 0.73 and 0.72, respectively. The 2925 COX-2 inhibitors were reduced to a data set of 1630 molecules by removing intermediately active inhibitors, and 12 new classification models were constructed, yielding MCC values above 0.72. The best MCC value of the external test set was predicted to be 0.68 by the RF model using ECFP_4 fingerprints. Moreover, the 2925 COX-2 inhibitors were clustered into eight subsets, and the structural features of each subset were investigated. We identified substructures important for activity including halogen, carboxyl, sulfonamide, and methanesulfonyl groups, as well as the aromatic nitrogen atoms. The models developed in this study could serve as useful tools for compound screening prior to lab tests.