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Rzepka Z, Bober-Majnusz K, Hermanowicz JM, Bębenek E, Chrobak E, Surażyński A, Wrześniok D. Assessment of the Lipophilicity of Indole Derivatives of Betulin and Their Toxicity in a Zebrafish Model. Molecules 2024; 29:4408. [PMID: 39339403 PMCID: PMC11434430 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29184408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
There are scientific studies indicating that the attachment of an indole moiety to the triterpene scaffold can lead to increased anticancer potential. Lipophilicity is one of the factors that may influence biological properties and is therefore an important parameter to determine for newly obtained compounds as drug candidates. In the present study, previously synthesized 3 and/or 28-indole-betulin derivatives were evaluated for lipophilicity by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. The experimental values of lipophilicity (logPTLC) were then subjected to correlation analysis with theoretical values of logP, as well as for selected physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters and anticancer activity. A toxicity test using zebrafish embryos and larvae was also conducted. High correlation was observed between the experimental and theoretical values of lipophilicity. We presented correlation equations and statistical parameters describing the relationships between logPTLC and several physicochemical and ADME parameters. We also revealed the lack of correlation between the experimental values of lipophilicity and anticancer activity. Moreover, experiments on zebrafish have confirmed no toxicity of the tested compounds, which was consistent with the results of the in silico toxicity analysis. The results demonstrated, using the example of indole derivatives of betulin, the utility of lipophilicity values in the context of predicting the biological activity of new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Rzepka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Bober-Majnusz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Bębenek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Elwira Chrobak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Arkadiusz Surażyński
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Dorota Wrześniok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
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Zhao ZX, Zou QY, Ma YH, Morris-Natschke SL, Li XY, Shi LC, Ma GX, Xu XD, Yang MH, Zhao ZJ, Li YX, Xue J, Chen CH, Wu HF. Recent progress on triterpenoid derivatives and their anticancer potential. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 229:114257. [PMID: 39209239 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant global public health challenge, with commonly used adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy often leading to adverse side effects and drug resistance. Therefore, advancing cancer treatment necessitates the ongoing development of novel anticancer agents with diverse structures and mechanisms of action. Natural products remain crucial in the process of drug discovery, serving as a primary source for pharmaceutical leads and therapeutic advancements. Triterpenoids are particularly compelling due to their complex structures and wide array of biological activities. Recent research has demonstrated that naturally occurring triterpenes and their derivatives have the potential to serve as promising candidates for new drug development. This review aims to comprehensively explore the anticancer properties of triterpenoids and their synthetic analogs, with a focus on recent advancements. Various aspects, such as synthesis, phytochemistry, and molecular simulation for structure-activity relationship analyses, are summarized. It is anticipated that triterpenoid derivatives will emerge as notable anticancer agents following further investigation into their mechanisms of action and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xuan Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiong-Yu Zou
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Hunan Provincial Higher Education Key Laboratory of Intensive Processing Research on Mountain Ecological Food, Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Utilization in Wuling Mountain Area, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China
| | - Ying-Hong Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Susan L Morris-Natschke
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xiang-Yuan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin-Chun Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guo-Xu Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xu-Dong Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mei-Hua Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zi-Jian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Hunan Provincial Higher Education Key Laboratory of Intensive Processing Research on Mountain Ecological Food, Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Utilization in Wuling Mountain Area, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Hunan Provincial Higher Education Key Laboratory of Intensive Processing Research on Mountain Ecological Food, Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Utilization in Wuling Mountain Area, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China
| | - Jing Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Chin-Ho Chen
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Laboratory, Surgical Oncology Research Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Hai-Feng Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education for Western Hunan Medicinal Plant and Ethnobotany, Hunan Provincial Higher Education Key Laboratory of Intensive Processing Research on Mountain Ecological Food, Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Utilization in Wuling Mountain Area, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China; Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Bębenek E, Rzepka Z, Hermanowicz JM, Chrobak E, Surażyński A, Beberok A, Wrześniok D. Synthesis, Pharmacokinetic Profile, Anticancer Activity and Toxicity of the New Amides of Betulonic Acid-In Silico and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4517. [PMID: 38674101 PMCID: PMC11050400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Betulonic acid (B(O)A) is a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid that widely exists in plants. There are scientific reports indicating anticancer activity of B(O)A, as well as the amides and esters of this triterpenoid. In the first step of the study, the synthesis of novel amide derivatives of B(O)A containing an acetylenic moiety was developed. Subsequently, the medium-soluble compounds (EB171 and EB173) and the parent compound, i.e., B(O)A, were investigated for potential cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and melanoma (C32, COLO 829 and A375) cell lines, as well as normal human fibroblasts. Screening analysis using the WST-1 test was applied. Moreover, the lipophilicity and ADME parameters of the obtained derivatives were determined using experimental and in silico methods. The toxicity assay using zebrafish embryos and larvae was also performed. The study showed that the compound EB171 exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect on cancer cell lines: MCF-7, A-375 and COLO 829, while it did not affect the survival of normal cells. Moreover, studies on embryos and larvae showed no toxicity of EB171 in an animal model. Compared to EB171, the compound EB173 had a weaker effect on all tested cancer cell lines and produced less desirable effects against normal cells. The results of the WST-1 assay obtained for B(O)A revealed its strong cytotoxic activity on the examined cancer cell lines, but also on normal cells. In conclusion, this article describes new derivatives of betulonic acid-from synthesis to biological properties. The results allowed to indicate a promising direction for the functionalization of B(O)A to obtain derivatives with selective anticancer activity and low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Bębenek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Zuzanna Rzepka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (Z.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elwira Chrobak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Arkadiusz Surażyński
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Artur Beberok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (Z.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Dorota Wrześniok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 4 Jagiellońska, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (Z.R.); (A.B.)
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Fernandes S, Vieira M, Prudêncio C, Ferraz R. Betulinic Acid for Glioblastoma Treatment: Reality, Challenges and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2108. [PMID: 38396785 PMCID: PMC10889789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Betulinic acid is a naturally occurring compound that can be obtained through methanolic or ethanolic extraction from plant sources, as well as through chemical synthesis or microbial biotransformation. Betulinic acid has been investigated for its potential therapeutic properties, and exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. Notably, its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier addresses a significant challenge in treating neurological pathologies. This review aims to compile information about the impact of betulinic acid as an antitumor agent, particularly in the context of glioblastoma. Importantly, betulinic acid demonstrates selective antitumor activity against glioblastoma cells by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis, consistent with observations in other cancer types. Compelling evidence published highlights the acid's therapeutic action in suppressing the Akt/NFκB-p65 signaling cascade and enhancing the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. Interesting findings with betulinic acid also suggest a focus on researching the reduction of glioblastoma's invasiveness and aggressiveness profile. This involves modulation of extracellular matrix components, remodeling of the cytoskeleton, and secretion of proteolytic proteins. Drawing from a comprehensive review, we conclude that betulinic acid formulations as nanoparticles and/or ionic liquids are promising drug delivery approaches with the potential for translation into clinical applications for the treatment and management of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Fernandes
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.P.)
- Center for Research on Health and Environment (CISA), School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Vieira
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Cristina Prudêncio
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.P.)
- Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas, School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Ferraz
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (C.P.)
- Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas, School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic University of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Grudzińska M, Stachnik B, Galanty A, Sołtys A, Podolak I. Progress in Antimelanoma Research of Natural Triterpenoids and Their Derivatives: Mechanisms of Action, Bioavailability Enhancement and Structure Modifications. Molecules 2023; 28:7763. [PMID: 38067491 PMCID: PMC10707933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, characterized by early metastasis and rapid development. In search for effective treatment options, much attention is given to triterpenoids of plant origin, which are considered promising drug candidates due to their well described anticancer properties and relatively low toxicity. This paper comprehensively summarizes the antimelanoma potential of natural triterpenoids, that are also used as scaffolds for the development of more effective derivatives. These include betulin, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, celastrol and lupeol. Some lesser-known triterpenoids that deserve attention in this context are 22β-hydroxytingenone, cucurbitacins, geoditin A and ganoderic acids. Recently described mechanisms of action are presented, together with the results of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as the use of drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical technologies to improve the bioavailability of triterpenoids. This paper also reviews the most promising structural modifications, based on structure-activity observations. In conclusion, triterpenoids of plant origin and some of their semi-synthetic derivatives exert significant cytotoxic, antiproliferative and chemopreventive effects that can be beneficial for melanoma treatment. Recent data indicate that their poor solubility in water, and thus low bioavailability, can be overcome by complexing with cyclodextrins, or the use of nanoparticles and ethosomes, thus making these compounds promising antimelanoma drug candidates for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Grudzińska
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
- Department of Food Chemistry and Nutrition, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Łazarza 16, 31-530 Kraków, Poland
| | - Bogna Stachnik
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Galanty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Sołtys
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
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