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Guan Q, Gao Z, Chen Y, Guo C, Chen Y, Sun H. Structural modification strategies of triazoles in anticancer drug development. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116578. [PMID: 38889607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The triazole functional group plays a pivotal role in the composition of biomolecules with potent anticancer activities, including numerous clinically approved drugs. The strategic utilization of the triazole fragment in the rational modification of lead compounds has demonstrated its ability to improve anticancer activities, enhance selectivity, optimize pharmacokinetic properties, and overcome resistance. There has been significant interest in triazole-containing hybrids in recent years due to their remarkable anticancer potential. However, previous reviews on triazoles in cancer treatment have failed to provide tailored design strategies specific to these compounds. Herein, we present an overview of design strategies encompassing a structure-modification approach for incorporating triazoles into hybrid molecules. This review offers valuable references and briefly introduces the synthesis of triazole derivatives, thereby paving the way for further research and advancements in the field of effective and targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziming Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
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Jaroszewski B, Jelonek K, Kasperczyk J. Drug Delivery Systems of Betulin and Its Derivatives: An Overview. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1168. [PMID: 38927375 PMCID: PMC11200571 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural origin products are regarded as promising for the development of new therapeutic therapies with improved effectiveness, biocompatibility, reduced side effects, and low cost of production. Betulin (BE) is very promising due to its wide range of pharmacological activities, including its anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, despite advancements in the use of triterpenes for clinical purposes, there are still some obstacles that hinder their full potential, such as their hydrophobicity, low solubility, and poor bioavailability. To address these concerns, new BE derivatives have been synthesized. Moreover, drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the recent achievements in the field of delivery systems of BE and its derivatives. This review also presents the BE derivatives mostly considered for medical applications. The electronic databases of scientific publications were searched for the most interesting achievements in the last ten years. Thus far, it is mostly nanoparticles (NPs) that have been considered for the delivery of betulin and its derivatives, including organic NPs (e.g., micelles, conjugates, liposomes, cyclodextrins, protein NPs), inorganic NPs (carbon nanotubes, gold NPs, silver), and complex/hybrid and miscellaneous nanoparticulate systems. However, there are also examples of microparticles, gel-based systems, suspensions, emulsions, and scaffolds, which seem promising for the delivery of BE and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Jaroszewski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Jelonek
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Janusz Kasperczyk
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
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Lombrea A, Watz CG, Bora L, Dehelean CA, Diaconeasa Z, Dinu S, Turks M, Lugiņina J, Peipiņš U, Danciu C. Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Antimelanoma Activity of Novel Semisynthetic Derivatives of Betulinic Acid with Indole Conjugation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:36. [PMID: 38202344 PMCID: PMC10780819 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma, among Caucasians remains a significant concern. Natural compounds from plants have long been explored as potential anticancer agents. Betulinic acid (BI) has shown promise in its therapeutic properties, including its anticancer effects. However, its limited bioavailability has hindered its medicinal applications. To address this issue, two recently synthesized semisynthetic derivatives, N-(2,3-indolo-betulinoyl)diglycylglycine (BA1) and N-(2,3-indolo-betulinoyl)glycylglycine (BA2), were compared with previously reported compounds N-(2,3-indolo-betulinoyl)glycine (BA3), 2,3-indolo-betulinic acid (BA4), and BI. These compounds were evaluated for their effects on murine melanoma cells (B164A5) using various in vitro assays. The introduction of an indole framework at the C2 position of BI resulted in an increased cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of compound BA4 was enhanced by conjugating its carboxylic group with an amino acid residue. BA2 and BA3, with glycine and glycylglycine residues at C28, exhibited approximately 2.20-fold higher inhibitory activity compared to BA4. The safety assessment of the compounds on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) has revealed that concentrations up to 10 µM slightly reduced cell viability, while concentrations of 75 µM resulted in lower cell viability rates. LDH leakage assays confirmed cell membrane damage in B164A5 cells when exposed to the tested compounds. BA2 and BA3 exhibited the highest LDH release, indicating their strong cytotoxicity. The NR assay revealed dose-dependent lysosome disruption for BI and 2,3-indolo-betulinic acid derivatives, with BA1, BA2, and BA3 showing the most cytotoxic effects. Scratch assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of cell migration, with BA2 and BA3 being the most effective. Hoechst 3342 staining revealed that BA2 induced apoptosis, while BA3 induced necrosis at lower concentrations, confirming their anti-melanoma properties. In conclusion, the semisynthetic derivatives of BI, particularly BA2 and BA3, show promise as potential candidates for further research in developing effective anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Lombrea
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Claudia Geanina Watz
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Larisa Bora
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Zorita Diaconeasa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Biotechnology, BIODIATECH—Research Centre for Applied Biotechnology in Diagnosis and Molecular Therapy, 400478 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Stefania Dinu
- Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 9 No., Revolutiei Bv., 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Pediatric Dentistry Research Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 9 No., Revolutiei Bv., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Māris Turks
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (M.T.); (J.L.); (U.P.)
| | - Jevgeņija Lugiņina
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (M.T.); (J.L.); (U.P.)
| | - Uldis Peipiņš
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (M.T.); (J.L.); (U.P.)
- Nature Science Technologies Ltd., Rupnicu Str. 4, LV-2114 Olaine, Latvia
| | - Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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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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