Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of N-(mercaptoacyl)-thiazolidinecarboxylic acids

Pseudoprolines as stereoelectronically tunable proline isosteres

The cyclic structure of proline (Pro) confers unique conformational properties on this natural amino acid that influences polypeptide structure and function. Pseudoprolines are a family of Pro isosteres that incorporate a heteroatom, most prominently oxygen or sulfur but also silicon and selenium, to replace the C_β or C_γ carbon atom of the pyrrolidine ring. These readily synthetically accessible structural motifs can facilitate facile molecular editing in a fashion that allows modulation of the amide bond topology of dipeptide elements and influence over ring pucker. While the properties of pseudoprolines have been exploited most prominently in the design of oligopeptide analogues, they have potential application in the design and optimization of small molecules. In this Digest, we summarize the physicochemical properties of pseudoprolines and illustrate their potential in drug discovery by surveying examples of applications in the design of bioactive molecules.

Thiazolidines: Potential anti-viral agents against avian influenza and infectious bronchitis viruses

Viral outbreaks are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in livestock and human populations. Lack of good vaccines and poor control measures along with natural viral genetic drifting and shifting are the common causes of new viral strains and outbreaks. The current study reports the synthesis of some 2-aryl substituted thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids 1a-h and their 3-acetyl 2a and 3-benzoyl derivatives 3a. Two important poultry viruses: Avian influenza virus (AIV; A/Chicken/Italy/1994/H9N2) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were selected, grown in ‎9-11 days old chicken embryonated eggs‎, and subjected to in ovo anti-viral assays. Most of the synthesized compounds were found active against AIV subtype H9N2 and IBV. In the case of AIV, the best results were attained for compound 1d which showed an IC50 value of 3.47 µM, while IBV 1c showed IC50 value of 4.10 µM. The lower IC50 values of these compounds correlate with the high potency of these compounds, especially in comparison with control groups. The standard drugs amantadine and ribavarin were used as positive controls in the case of AIV and IBV, respectively. Better results were obtained with 2-aryl substituted thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids 1a-h compared to their N-acylated derivatives 2a and 3a against both viruses. In conclusion, this preliminary data support the idea that thiazolidine carboxylic acids could be used as anti-viral drugs against AIV and IBV infections.

The selective electrochemical fluorination of S-alkyl benzothioate and its derivatives

We herein report that the regioselective anodic fluorination of S-alkyl benzothioate and its derivatives in various aprotic solvents using Et₃N·nHF (n = 3–5) and Et₄NF·nHF (n = 3–5) as supporting electrolyte and a fluorine source successfully provided the corresponding α-fluorinated products in moderate yields. Dichloromethane containing Et₄NF·4HF was found to be the most suitable combination as electrolytic solvent and supporting salt as well as fluorine source for the anodic fluorination. The electrochemical fluorination of cyclic benzothioates such as benzothiophenone was also achieved.

Species difference of (2R,4R)-2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-mercaptopropionyl)-4-thiazolidinec arb oxylic acid (SA446) in inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme

A marked species difference was observed both in vitro and in vivo in the activity of SA446, an orally active inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), as compared with that of captopril in five different animal species. The activity of SA446 in vitro in inhibiting plasma ACE correlated with the activity in vivo as determined by inhibition of the pressor response to angiotensin I (AI). SA446 was more potent as an inhibitor of AI response in dogs, cats and rabbits than in guinea pigs and rats. Furthermore, ACE activity in whole blood in vivo was inhibited by SA446, and the activity of SA446 was also more potent in dogs than in rats. The concentration of SA446 in the ultrafiltrate of blood (free form) was significantly higher in dogs than in rats, while no difference was observed in level of SA446 in the whole blood (free and protein-bound form) between these two species after intravenous injection. The binding rate of SA446 to plasma protein of rats in vitro was more than twice as high as that of dogs. These results suggest that the difference in the protein binding rate of SA446 is reflected in ultrafiltrate level and is one of the important components in defining the species difference in SA446 action.

Recent developments in the design of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Orally-active angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are rapidly establishing themselves in the therapy of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Concerted efforts in a number of laboratories have now led to the discovery or synthesis of an unparalleled variety of potent inhibitors. The manner in which several of these inhibitors bind to ACE is beginning to be understood. It is hoped that some of the insights to be derived from the SAR and structural studies done with ACE inhibitors will be applicable to other enzyme targets as well. The success of ACE inhibitors as pharmacological tools and in the clinic will also quite certainly encourage future efforts to develop new enzyme inhibitor approaches to drug therapy.

Effects of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor (SA-446) on renal function in dogs

The effects of an orally active inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme (SA-446) on systemic arterial pressure, renal function and renin release were examined in anesthetized dogs. Intrarenal infusion of the larger dose of SA-446 (0.1 mg/min) caused an increase in RBF, urine flow and renin release and caused a fall in blood pressure. The smaller dose of SA-446 (0.02 mg/min) did not affect the blood pressure, but it increased the urine flow. However, the same dose of SA-446 in combination with probenecid caused a significant fall in blood pressure. The potentiation of SA-446 with probenecid may be explained by the elevation in plasma SA-446 concentration via the inhibition of its tubular secretion by probenecid.

Renal excretion of an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (SA-446) in dogs

The renal excretory mechanism of an orally active inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (SA-446) was examined in anesthetized dogs. Parenteral administration of this compound resulted in production of constant levels of about 2 mg/l in the plasma (PSA) and the urine concentration was 726 +/- 200 mg/l, a level significantly higher than that in the plasma. Renal clearance of SA-446 (CSA) was 2.24 +/- 0.34 ml/g X min and was significantly higher than GFR. The clearance ratio (CSA/GFR) of over 1.0 was indicative of a net tubular secretion. Administration of probenecid resulted in a significant rise in PSA and in a significant decrease in urinary excretion but with no change in the plasma protein binding ratio. CSA decreased significantly from 2.24 +/- 0.34 to 0.71 +/- 0.14 ml/g X min. The inhibitory action of SA-446 (0.02 mg/kg, i.v.) on the pressor response to angiotensin I disappeared at about 50 min, this action being maintained for about 2 h in the probenecid pretreated dog. Since probenecid is a competitive inhibitor of organic anion secretory transport, our results show the net tubular secretion of SA-446, via organic anion transport systems. Prolongation of the action of SA-446, as induced by probenecid may be due to the increase of plasma concentration, by the inhibition of tubular secretion.

Novel peptides with orally active and long-lasting antihypertensive activity

A series of N-(P-substituted phosphinoyl)peptides were synthesized and their antihypertensive activities were tested in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Among them, N-(dibenzyloxyphosphinoyl)-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Pro-OH showed the most potent and long-lasting antihypertensive activity in SHR when administered orally. Although the inhibitory activity of this peptide against the angiotensin-converting enzyme was about one-hundredth of that of Captopril, the antihypertensive activity in SHR was significantly higher and longer-lasting than that of Enalapril which has been reported to be the most potent agent among similar converting enzyme inhibitors.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: biochemical properties and biological actions

The review will cover the chemistry and biochemistry of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with emphasis on data published since the publication of previous reviews. The relative merits of each contribution will be evaluated, as well as their potential for leading to new discoveries. The biology of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors will be brought up-to-date to give the reader an appreciation of the medical implications of this new type of antihypertensive agent.