Anti-Angiogenic and Cytotoxicity Effects of Selachyl Alcohol Analogues

Koetjapic acid: unveiling its potential as a saviour in the realm of biological and medicinal properties, with a focus on anticancer mechanism of action

Scientists have been compelled to search for alternative treatments due to the increasing prevalence of chemoresistance as well as the agonising and distressing side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation. Plant extracts have been exploited to treat various medical conditions for ages. Considering this fact, the main focus of various recent studies that are being conducted to find new and potent anticancer drugs involves the identification and utilisation of potential therapeutic chemicals present in plant extracts. Koetjapic acid (KJA), which belongs to the family of triterpenes, is primarily isolated from Sandoricum koetjape. Ongoing investigations into its therapeutic applications have revealed its tendency to impede the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Koetjapic acid activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and promotes the death of cancer cells. Moreover, it inhibits angiogenesis and the dissemination of tumour (metastasis) by targeting the VEGF signalling cascade. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanism of anticancer activity of koetjapic acid, providing significant insight into the compound's potential as an anticancer agent.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Methoxylated Ether Lipids: Total Synthesis of Polyunsaturated C18:3 Omega-3 and Omega-6 MEL Triene Derivatives

The asymmetric synthesis of polyunsaturated triene C18:3 n-3 and C18:3 n-6 methoxylated ether lipids (MEL) of the 1-O-alkyl-sn-glycerol type is described as possible structural candidates for a triene C18:3 MEL of an unknown identity found in a mixture of shark and dogfish liver oil. Their C18:3 hydrocarbon chains constitute an all-cis methylene skipped n-3 or n-6 triene framework, along with a methoxyl group at the 2'-position and R-configuration of the resulting stereogenic center. The methoxylated polyenes are attached by an ether linkage to the pro-S hydroxymethyl group of the glycerol backbone. The syntheses were based on the polyacetylene approach that involves a semi-hydrogenation of the resulting triynes. Both syntheses were started from our previously described enantio- and diastereomerically pure isopropylidene-protected glyceryl glycidyl ether, a double-C3 building block that was designed as a head group synthon for the synthesis of various types of MELs.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Methoxylated Ether Lipids: Total Synthesis of n-3 Polyunsaturated Docosahexaenoic Acid-Like Methoxylated Ether Lipid

The first total synthesis of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-like methoxylated ether lipid (MEL) is reported. This compound constitutes an all-cis methylene skipped hexaene framework identical to that present in DHA, the well-known omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The polyene C22 hydrocarbon chain, bearing a methoxyl group in the 2-position and R-configuration at the resulting chiral center, is attached by an ether linkage to the pro-S hydroxymethyl group (sn-1 position) of a glycerol backbone. The asymmetric synthesis is highly convergent and based on the polyacetylene approach involving iterative copper-promoted coupling reactions of propargyl bromides with terminal alkynes and semihydrogenation of the resulting hexayne. Starting from enantiopure R-solketal and racemic epichlorohydrin, the targeted MEL was accomplished in an 8.2% yield over eight steps (longest linear sequence) involving an enantio- and diastereopure glyceryl glycidyl ether key C6-building blocks from which the polyynes were constructed.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Methoxylated Ether Lipids: A Glyceryl Glycidyl Ether Key Building Block Design, Preparation, and Synthetic Application

The report describes the preparation and use of a double-C3 building block intended as a head group synthon in the synthesis of saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated 1-O-alkyl-sn-glycerol type methoxylated ether lipids (MELs). The resulting head piece, an enantiopure isopropylidene-protected glyceryl glycidyl ether diastereomer, was accomplished in 49% yield (max 50%) from a 1:1 diastereomeric mixture obtained from R-solketal and racemic epichlorohydrin after treatment with the Jacobsen (S,S)-Co(III)salen catalyst for the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides. The diol hydrolytic product obtained in 47% yield from the unwanted diastereomer was reconverted into epoxide with an inversion of configuration in a three-step operation involving a highly regioselective lipase. This enabled the recovery of a substantial amount of diastereopure material after a subsequent treatment with the Jacobsen catalyst to furnish the oxirane head piece in altogether 72% yield of higher than 99% diastereomeric purity. A modified synthesis of a monounsaturated 16:1 MEL confirmed the correct stereochemistry and excellent enantiopurity of the head piece and resulted in a dramatic improvement in yields, efficiency, and economy of the synthesis.