Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Bicalutamide Analogues for the Potential Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Aminosulfonylation of Alkenes for the Synthesis of β-Amino Sulfone Derivatives

β-amino sulfones are important motifs found in natural products and active pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we report a general and highly regioselective intermolecular aminosulfonylation of alkenes via the homolysis of sulfinyl oximes from ketoximes and sulfinyl chloride. This method features catalyst-free, step-efficient functionalization and prominent functional group tolerance, providing a straightforward, green, and widely applicable approach to accessing β-amino sulfone derivatives.

Structural Development of Androgen Receptor Antagonists Using Phenylferrocene Framework as a Hydrophobic Pharmacophore

We previously identified nitrophenylferrocenes and cyanophenylferrocenes as promising lead structures of novel androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, based on the structural similarity between ferrocene and the steroidal skeleton. In the present research, we explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of phenylferrocene derivatives. Introduction of a hydrophobic substituent such as a chlorine atom at the 2-position or 3-position of phenylferrocene derivatives significantly increased the antagonistic activity toward wild-type AR, and among the synthesized compounds, 3-chloro-4-cyanophenylferrocene (29) exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity toward the androgen-dependent growth of SC-3 cells expressing wild-type AR (IC50 14 nM). Like conventional antiandrogens such as hydroxyflutamide, the major active metabolite of flutamide, compound 29 exhibited agonistic activity toward T877A-AR, a mutant AR expressed in human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Notably, however, the 2-chloro isomer 27 showed potent antagonistic activity toward wild-type AR (IC50 49 nM) and also exhibited antagonistic activity toward T877A-AR. Our SAR data should prove helpful for the development of new-generation AR antagonists based on phenylferrocene as candidate agents to treat drug-resistant prostate cancer.

Toward Bicalutamide Analogues with High Structural Diversity Using Catalytic Asymmetric Oxohydroxylation

A catalytic enantioselective synthesis of bicalutamide derivatives with promising potentials in prostate cancer treatment has been disclosed. The key intermediates, α-hydroxy-β-keto esters, were efficiently constructed through cinchoninium-mediated asymmetric oxohydroxylation of easily accessible alkenes with potassium permanganate. Good yields and high levels of asymmetric induction are achieved. This method provides a new synthetic route to bicalutamide analogues with high structural diversity, which will beneficially support subsequent structure-activity relationship studies and boost prostate cancer drug development.

Synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of 1,2,4-oxadiazole based novel non-steroidal derivatives against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men leading to second most death causing cancer in men. Despite the availability of multiple treatment still the prevalence is high for prostate cancer. Steroidal antagonists associated with poor bioavailability, side effects while non-steroidal antagonists show serious side effects like gynecomastia. Therefore, there is a need of potential candidate for the treatment of prostate cancer with better bioavailability, good therapeutic effect and minimal side effects. In the same context, we have designed the series, SP1-SP25 based 3-phenyl-5-styryl-1,2,4-oxadiazole as the core structure. We successfully synthesized all 25 molecules in this series and characterized them using 1H, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Subsequently, we conducted MTT assays using PC-3 cells and observed that all the compounds exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. Notably, compounds SP04, SP16, and SP19 demonstrated a significant decrease in cell viability and exhibited potent activity compared to the other synthesized molecules and standard drug bicalutamide. Among them, SP04 emerged as the one of the most potent compounds with an IC50 value of 238.13 nM and an 89.99 % inhibition of PC-3 cells, compared to synthesized molecules and standard drug bicalutamide. Furthermore, we conducted ROS assays and androgen receptor inhibition assays using the potent compound SP04 and bicalutamide. The results indicated that SP04 increased ROS production and decreased androgen receptor expression dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we conducted a docking study to analyse the interaction patterns within the active site of the androgen receptor. ADMET analysis revealed that all the compounds exhibited favorable physicochemical properties and manageable toxicity profiles.

Comprehensive Review on Recent Strategies for Management of Prostate Cancer: Therapeutic Targets and SAR

Prostate cancer is a disease that is affecting a large population worldwide. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become a foundation for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, as used in most clinical settings from neo-adjuvant to metastatic stage. In spite of the success of ADT in managing the disease in the majority of men, hormonal manipulation fails eventually. New molecules are developed for patients with various hormone-refractory diseases. Advancements in molecular oncology have increased understanding of numerous cellular mechanisms which control cell death in the prostate and these insights can lead to the development of more efficacious and tolerable therapies for carcinoma of the prostate. This review is focused on numerous therapies that might be a boon for prostate therapy like signaling inhibitors, vaccines, and inhibitors of androgen receptors. Along with these, various bioactive molecules and their derivatives are highlighted, which act as potential antiprostate cancer agents. This article also emphasized the recent advances in the field of medicinal chemistry of prostate cancer agents.

A Rationalized Approach to Design and Discover Novel Non-steroidal Derivatives through Computational Aid for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men, leading to the second most common cause of death in men. Despite the availability of multiple treatments, the prevalence of prostate cancer remains high. Steroidal antagonists are associated with poor bioavailability and side effects, while non-steroidal antagonists show serious side effects, such as gynecomastia. Therefore, there is a need for a potential candidate for the treatment of prostate cancer with better bioavailability, good therapeutic effects, and minimal side effects.

OBJECTIVE

This current research work focused on identifying a novel non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonist through computational tools, such as docking and in silico ADMET analysis.

METHODS

Molecules were designed based on a literature survey, followed by molecular docking of all designed compounds and ADMET analysis of the hit compounds.

RESULTS

A library of 600 non-steroidal derivatives (cis and trans) was designed, and molecular docking was performed in the active site of the androgen receptor (PDBID: 1Z95) using Auto- Dock Vina 1.5.6. Docking studies resulted in 15 potent hits, which were then subjected to ADME analysis using SwissADME. ADME analysis predicted three compounds (SK-79, SK-109, and SK-169) with the best ADME profile and better bioavailability. Toxicity studies using Protox-II were performed on the three best compounds (SK-79, SK-109, and SK-169), which predicted ideal toxicity for these lead compounds.

CONCLUSION

This research work will provide ample opportunities to explore medicinal and computational research areas. It will facilitate the development of novel androgen receptor antagonists in future experimental studies.

Photochemical and Atom-Economical Sulfonylimination of Alkenes with Bifunctional N-Sulfonyl Ketimine

An organo-photocatalytic sulfonylimination of alkenes was developed by employing readily available N-sulfonyl ketimines as bifunctional reagents. This transformation, featuring prominent functional group tolerance, provides a direct and atom-economic approach for the synthesis of valuable β-amino sulfone derivatives as a single regioisomer. In addition to terminal alkenes, internal alkenes participate in this reaction with high diastereoselectivity. N-Sulfonyl ketimines with aryl or alkyl substituents were found to be compatible with this reaction condition. This method could be applied in the late-stage modifications of drugs. Additionally, a formal insertion of alkene into cyclic sulfonyl imine was observed, affording a ring expansion product.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and X-ray analysis of bicalutamide sulfoxide analogues for the potential treatment of prostate cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a pivotal target for the treatment of prostate cancer (PC) even when the disease progresses toward androgen-independent or castration-resistant forms. In this study, a series of sulfoxide derivatives were prepared and their antiproliferative activity evaluated in vitro against four different human prostate cancer cell lines (22Rv1, DU-145, LNCaP and VCap). Bicalutamide and enzalutamide were used as positive controls. Compound 28 displayed significant enhancement in anticancer activity across the four PC cell lines with IC₅₀ = 9.09 - 31.11 µM compared to the positive controls: bicalutamide (IC₅₀ = 45.20 -51.61 µM) and enzalutamide (IC₅₀ = 11.47 - 53.04 µM). Sulfoxide derivatives of bicalutamide were prepared efficiently from the corresponding sulfides using only one equivalent of mCPBA, limiting the reaction time to 15-30 min and maintaining the temperature at 0 °C. Interestingly, three pairs of sulfoxide diastereomers were separated and NMR comparison of their diastereotopic methylene (CH₂) group is presented. X-ray diffraction crystal structure analysis provided relative configuration assignment at the chiral sulfur and carbon centres. Molecular modelling study of the four diastereoisomers of compound 28 is described.