(+)-Z-Bisdehydrodoisynolic Acid Ameliorates Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome in Female ZDF Rats

OBJECTIVE

The putative selective estrogen receptor modulator (+)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid (Z-BDDA) has been found to improve cardiovascular risk in rodents. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of (+)-Z-BDDA compared with the antidiabetic drug, rosiglitazone, in treating obesity and risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Female Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups for 29 weeks: control (C), 1.8 mg (+)-Z-BDDA/kg diet [control diet + (+)-Z-BDDA (CB)], or 100 mg rosiglitazone/kg diet [control diet + rosiglitazone (CR)]. At sacrifice, physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters were examined.

RESULTS

CB animals gained less weight and exhibited a decrease in total body lipids (p < 0.05) as compared with C or CR rats. Body weight and total body lipids were the highest in CR rats (p < 0.05). Liver weights in CB and CR rats were lower (p < 0.05) than in C rats, whereas kidney weights were lower in CB (p < 0.05) than in C and CR animals. Fasting plasma glucose was lower (p < 0.05) in the CB and CR animals when compared with C animals. C rats exhibited the highest concentration of total plasma cholesterol, and CR-treated rats exhibited the lowest concentration. Plasma triglycerides followed the same pattern as plasma cholesterol. Histomorphometry of heart vasculature revealed that CB and CR treatments produced a significant shift from small to large venules and arterioles compared with C (p < 0.05). Liver expression profiles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, PPARgamma, and PPAR-regulated genes revealed encouraging CB-induced effects.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that (+)-Z-BDDA may have applications in treating obesity and complications associated with the metabolic syndrome.

(+)-z-bisdehydrodoisynolic Acid enhances Basal metabolism and Fatty Acid oxidation in female obese zucker rats

We have previously reported that the synthetic estrogen, (+)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic Acid [(+)-Z-BDDA], attenuated weight gain and cardiovascular risk in obese rodents. To determine if these antiobesity effects were attributed to changes in basal metabolism, we assessed indirect calorimetry and metabolic profile in female obese Zucker (OZR) rats provided (+)-Z-BDDA (0.0002% food admixture) for 11 weeks. Similar to our previous findings, (+)-Z-BDDA reduced weight gain and improved lipid and glucose homeostasis in OZR rats. Furthermore, resting energy expenditure was increased by (+)-Z-BDDA, as evident by heat production and oxygen consumption. We also observed a marked reduction in respiratory quotient (RQ) along with a corresponding induction of hepatic AMPK in rodents provided (+)-Z-BDDA. Collectively, these findings indicate that (+)-Z-BDDA partially attenuated obesity and associated pathologies through increased resting energy expenditure and fatty acid utilization. Further investigation is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved as well as to determine the potential therapeutic implications for (+)-Z-BDDA on obesity and its related pathologies.

A short, economical synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol, an anticancer agent in clinical trials

2-Methoxyestradiol, a natural metabolite of estradiol and potential therapeutic agent for many types of cancers, has been synthesized successfully in three steps, starting from estradiol and cumyl methyl peroxide.

Derivatives of Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid provide a new description of the binding-activity paradox and selective estrogen receptor modulator activity

Z-Bisdehydrodoisynolic acid [(+/-)-Z-BDDA], an estrogenic carboxylic acid, is highly active in vivo yet binds poorly to estrogen receptors (ERs). Studies of Z-BDDA and its enantiomers demonstrate therapeutic potential as selective ER modulators; however, the activity vs. binding paradox has remained. One possible explanation is that the carboxylic acid group of Z-BDDA may be modified in vivo to an ester or amide. Synthesis of these derivatives showed the relative binding affinity (RBA) of the methyl ester for ERalpha and ERbeta was increased approximately 14- and 20-fold, respectively, relative to the parent compound. Yet, this increased affinity did not result in increased reporter gene expression. In contrast, the amide showed an unexpected approximately 4-fold decrease in RBA to both ERs compared with the parent. The relationship among the RBAs of ester, acid, and amide is consistent with their predicted polarity, suggesting the carboxylic acid, and not the carboxylate of BDDA, binds to ERs. Studies at pH 6.5, 7.4, and 8.0 were consistent with a simple acid-base equilibrium model, with BDDA binding as the undissociated acid and with affinity equal to or exceeding that of estradiol, consistent with high in vivo potency. Furthermore, the alcohol BDD-OH also demonstrated high affinity and increased activity in gene expression assays. In addition to suggesting a resolution to the decades-old binding/activity paradox, these studies may provide a direction for definitive in vivo metabolic and pharmacokinetic studies and provide additional insight into the chemical and metabolic determinants of BBDA's unique tissue selectivity and selective ER modulator activities.

sp-9-(o-Methylphenyl)fluorene

While the barriers of rotation of the sp and ap rotamers of 9-(o-methylphenyl)fluorene, C(20)H(16), are sufficiently similar to permit them to equilibrate, both being observed (NMR) in solution, crystallization provides the sp rotamer, (I), exclusively. Although in the sp conformation the intramolecular distance between adjacent C atoms of the phenyl and fluorene rings is small [3.382 (4) A, within 0.02 A of the sum of the van der Waals radii], in the ap conformation the distance between the adjacent o-CH(3) group on the phenyl ring and C atom of the fluorene ring would be much closer, based on that exhibited in the crystalline ap progenitor 9-(o-methylphenyl)-9-fluorenol. The angle between the fluorene and 9-aryl planes of (I) is 75.82 (10) degrees.

Stereochemistry of Reactions Involving Rotationally Restricted, Sterically Hindered Cations, Radicals, and Anions: 9-Fluorenyl Systems

A study of the stereochemical pathways of reactions involving rotationally restricted, sterically hindered cations, radicals, and anions has been undertaken utilizing chiral 9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)fluorenes. Previous reports of studies with these or related achiral compounds contained erroneous or equivocal conclusions. This study shows that (+)-sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-methoxy-2-methylfluorene, treated with Tf(2)O-CHCl(3) to form 100% of the 9-cation, then with NaOMe-MeOH, provided 29% of re-formed substrate (configurational retention) and 71% of the (-)-sp enantiomer (inversion). The same substrate treated with HI-CHCl(3) was converted into the 9-radical, which was rapidly reduced, affording 100% isolation of (-)-sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylfluorene (inversion). Treatment of the latter with n-BuLi-THF provided the 9-anion which, on acidification, yielded 100% of the enantiomeric (+)-sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylfluorene (inversion). The substrates in these reactions were the thermodynamically favored sp rotamers. Inversion directly produced the higher energy nonenantiomeric ap rotamers, which rapidly rotated into the sp products that were enantiomeric with the substrates. These results are explained by the rotational restriction and partial steric hindrance by the tert-butyl group to the original face of the sp(3) antiaromatic 9-cation (4n pi electrons), and the rotational restriction and extensive blockage to the original face of the sp(2) nonaromatic 9-radical (4n + 1 pi electrons) and aromatic (4n + 2 pi electrons) 9-anion. The barrier to rotation in some of the ortho-substituted 9-arylfluorenes is great enough to allow their sp and ap rotamers to be detected coexisting in solution, although their crystals were composed exclusively of one. Rotational restriction and steric hindrance at the 9-position have a large influence on the pK(a) values of these fluorenes and can offset the classic electronic effects of the substituents.

ap-9-(o-Methylphenyl)-9-fluorenol, a structure exhibiting several aryl-H...π(arene) intermolecular interactions

The title compound, C(20)H(16)O, (I), which crystallized exclusively as its ap rotamer, exhibits several intermolecular aryl-H.pi(arene) interactions, resulting in planar molecular arrays in which each molecule interacts with six adjacent molecules. Surprisingly, there were no O-H.O-H or O-H.pi(arene) interactions within hydrogen-bonding distances. Crystalline (I) melted sharply without molecular decomposition (NMR), but the cooled melt recrystallized only after several hours.

ap-9-(meta-tert-Butylphenyl)fluorene

The title compound, C(23)H(22), (I), crystallizes in an ap conformationThe designations sp (synperiplanar) and ap (antiperiplanar) for these fluorene rotamers are in accordance with Rule E-6.6, IUPAC Tentative Rules, Section E, Fundamental Stereochemistry [J. Org. Chem. (1970), 35, 2861]. and its melt readily recrystallizes on cooling, in contrast to the corresponding 9-fluorenol compound, (II), which is sp and which melts without decomposition and fails to recrystallize over a long period. Both of these differences are ascribed to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding in (II), which is absent in (I) and which leads to distinctly different molecular packing in the two compounds.

Unexpected differences in the alpha-halogenation and related reactivity of sulfones with perhaloalkanes in KOH-t-BuOH

Most alkyl phenyl sulfones are readily alpha-chlorinated with CCl(4) and alpha-brominated with CBrCl3 in KOH-t-BuOH via radical-anion radical pair (RARP) reactions. While isopropyl mesityl sulfone (4) is easily alpha-chlorinated with CCl(4), it was completely recovered when treated with the more reactive CBrCl3. Subsequent investigations showed the latter result to be due to the poor acidity of 4 together with the rapid depletion of CBrCl3 and KOH by their reaction with each other, and led to a variety of other important results. 4-Hydroxyphenyl isopropyl sulfone (6) is unreactive with either CCl4 or CBrCl3 in KOH-t-BuOH, its phenoxide anion strongly reducing the electronegativity of the sulfonyl group, thereby inhibiting alpha-anion formation. This effect is reversed by the electron-withdrawing influence of two alpha-phenyls, so that benzhydryl 4-hydroxyphenyl sulfone (8) is readily alpha-halogenated in KOH-t-BuOH with CCl4 or CBrCl3. On further contact with KOH-t-BuOH the alpha-halogenated sulfones from 8 are decomposed into benzophenone and phenol. While the alpha-halogenated derivatives of 4-methoxyphenyl benzhydryl sulfone (9) are stable to base, they are decomposed even under mildly acidic conditions into 4-methoxyphenyl 4-methoxybenzenethiolsulfonate (9c), phenol, and benzophenone. Mono-alpha-halogenation of benzyl phenyl sulfone (10) enhances the rate of the subsequent halogenation, so that alpha,alpha-dihalogenation is attained while much substrate is still present and the mono-alpha-halogenated product is not detected. The ease of reductive debromination of alpha-bromo sulfones with Cl3C- was correlated with the stability of the formed alpha-anions, explaining the success with alpha-bromobenzylic sulfones but failure with alpha-bromoalkyl sulfones. In the presence of air and the absence of competing halogenation, formation of the alpha-anions of alkyl aryl sulfones is quickly accompanied by oxidative cleavage by atmospheric O2, leading to the formation of arenesulfonyl alcohols, arenesulfonyl halides, and haloarenes.

Activities of a non-classical estrogen, Z-bis-dehydrodoisynolic acid, with ERalpha and ERbeta

(+/-)-Z-bis-Dehydrodoisynolic acid [(+/-)-Z-BDDA] is highly estrogenic in vivo, yet binds to estrogen receptor (ER) poorly. This paradox has raised the possibility of alternative ERs and/or molecular mechanisms. To address the possibility of high activities of Z-BDDA with ERbeta, we determined the activities of (+)-Z-BDDA and (-)-Z-BDDA, in cell culture and in vitro, comparing ERbeta to ERalpha. Transfectional analysis in Hela cells showed (-)-Z-BDDA is an agonist for gene activation with both ERalpha (EC(50) congruent with 0.3nM) and ERbeta (EC(50) congruent with 5nM), while little to no activity was observed with (+)-Z-BDDA. Similarly, in gene repression assays, (-)-Z-BDDA was active (EC(50) congruent with 0.2nM), but again minimal activity was exhibited by (+)-Z-BDDA. Binding to ERalpha and ERbeta in vitro used both competition and a direct binding assay. For ERalpha, the relative affinity of (-)-Z-BDDA was approximately 6% by competition and 1.7% by direct binding versus 17beta-estradiol (E2; 100%), while (+)-Z-BDDA also demonstrated binding, but with relative affinities of only 0.08% by competition and 0.3% by the direct assay. For ERbeta, the affinity of (-)-Z-BDDA was approximately 7% by competition and 1.5% by the direct assay relative to E2 (100%), while (+)-Z-BDDA had lower affinity, approximately 0.2% that of E2 by both assays. The paradox of potent in vivo activity but lower activity in receptor binding and in cell culture reporter gene assays, previously seen with ERalpha is now also associated with ERbeta. The failure of ERbeta to explain the activity-binding paradox indicates the need for additional in vivo metabolic and pharmacokinetic studies and continued consideration of alternative mechanisms.

Antioxidant effects of phyto-and synthetic-estrogens on cupric ion-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins in vitro

Oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Estrogenic compounds (EC) from foods and other natural products, and synthetic estrogenic compounds (SECs) may prevent heart disease by inhibiting LDL oxidation. In the present study, we tested the antioxidant capacities of two phytoestrogens, daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN), and four SECs, (+)- and (-)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid (ZBDDA), and (+)- and (-)-hydroxy-allenoic acid (HAA), on isolated human LDL subjected to oxidation by cupric sulfate. The effects of these estrogenic compounds on the kinetics of conjugated diene formation in LDL undergoing oxidation were evaluated with a lag-time assay with continuous monitoring of absorbance at 234 nm. Lag-time data revealed that (+)-HAA, (-)-HAA, (+)-ZBDDA, and (-)-ZBDDA had similarly stronger antioxidant activities than either GEN or DAI. We also found that (+)-HAA, (-)-HAA, (+)-ZBDDA, and (-)-ZBDDA strongly inhibited the formation of Cu+-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in LDL, and that GEN and DAI were less effective for inhibiting LDL lipid peroxidation. Finally, electrophoretic evaluation suggested that (+)-HAA, (-)-HAA, (+)-ZBDDA, and (-)-ZBDDA protected the apolipoprotein B-100 of LDL against oxidation better than did GEN or DAI. In summary, the four SECs, (+)-HAA, (-)-HAA, (+)-ZBDDA, and (-)-ZBDDA, were more potent antioxidants than the phytoestrogens, DAI and GEN.

trans-3-Ethyl-cis-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid: an intermediate in the synthesis of a highly potent estrogen

The title compound, C(12)H(20)O(3), (IV), the ethyl ester of which is an intermediate in the synthesis of a compound reported to be highly estrogenic, has been prepared. After the initial steps reported for the synthesis of this ester intermediate were followed, it was converted into the crystalline acid, (IV), for X-ray analysis. It was verified that (IV) was racemic when prepared. X-ray analysis showed that anti-hydrogenation of the double bond had occurred in the synthesis, making the orientation of the carboxyl group cis to the 2-methyl group and trans to the 3-ethyl group. NMR spectroscopy showed that the stereochemistry of (IV) was identical with that of its ester precursor. While the earlier report did not note the stereochemistry of this ester, it pointed out that the estrogenic product derived from it possessed the opposite carboxyl-2-methyl orientation, i.e. trans, although no X-ray analysis was performed. In the light of these results and the importance of correlating biological activity with compound structure, the unequivocal characterization of the highly estrogenic compound is warranted.

1,1-Di(9-fluorenyl)ethanol, a by-product from the acetylation of 9-fluorenyllithium

Treatment of 9-fluorenyllithium with acetyl chloride produces 9-acetylfluorene, (I), and several by-products. Among them is a compound unequivocally identified for the first time as the addition product of (I) with 9-fluorenyllithium, 1,1-di(9-fluorenyl)ethanol, C(28)H(22)O, (II). The two fluorene-ring planes of (II) are essentially perpendicular [89.90 (9) degrees ]. A number of intermolecular non-bonding distances are well within or close to the sum of their respective van der Waals radii and may be responsible for the rarely observed large bowing of one of the fluorene rings. This bowing apparently arises from two molecules impinging on the convex face of the bowed ring, augmented by hydrogen bonding between the peripheral pi electrons of the concave face and the hydroxyl H atom of another molecule adjacent to that face.

1,1-Di(9-fluorenyl)ethyl acetate, a by-product from the acetylation of 9-fluorenyllithium

The preparation of sp-9-acetylfluorene from the reaction of 9-fluorenyllithium with acetyl chloride also provided 9-(1-acetoxyethylidene)fluorene ('diacetylfluorene') and 1,1-di(9-fluorenyl)ethanol, (II), as by-products recently characterized by X-ray analysis. A third by-product, 1,1-di(9-fluorenyl)ethyl acetate, (III), C(30)H(24)O(2), has now been unequivocally identified for the first time, and emanates from the acetylation of the oxyanion of (II). In the asymmetric unit, compound (III) exists as two almost identical structures which differ slightly, but significantly, in conformation. Neither possesses the significant fluorene-ring bowing or the perpendicularity of the two ring planes exhibited by (II). The angle between the least-squares planes of the two fluorene rings of (III) is 58.45 (9) and 60.95 (10) degrees, respectively, for the two conformations, and their corresponding bonding parameters also differ slightly in a number of instances.

9-(1-Acetoxyethylidene)fluorene ("diacetylfluorene"), a by-product from the acetylation of 9-fluorenyllithium

Treatment of 9-fluorenyllithium with acetyl chloride produces 9-acetylfluorene, (I), and several by-products, among which is "diacetylfluorene", now characterized definitively as 9-(1-acetoxyethylidene)fluorene [IUPAC name: (1-fluoren-9-ylidene)ethyl acetate], (II), C(17)H(14)O(2), derived from acetylation of initially formed (I). Various parameters disclose substantial structural distortion within (II) emanating from A((1,3)) strain associated with the 9-(acetoxyethylidenyl)fluorene system.

Unexpected dipivaloylation of 9-lithiated fluorene: formation of 1-(fluoren-9-ylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropyl pivalate

Treatment of 9-lithiated fluorene with pivaloyl chloride provided ap-9-pivaloylfluorene, (1), the major product, and a minor product ultimately identified as the title compound, C(23)H(26)O(2), (2). The latter was also formed directly, but slowly, from 9-lithiated-(1) treated with pivaloyl chloride. Although (1) exists exclusively as its less sterically restricted ap rotamer, its sp(2)-hybridized anion sterically impedes reaction at the 9-position from either face. While 9-lithiated-(1) is exclusively, but slowly, 9-methylated with methyl iodide, reaction with pivaloyl chloride, also slow, leads only to the O-acylated product, (2). The protons of the tert-butyl-C=C moiety approach a proton on the fluorene ring to well within the sum of their van der Waals radii, resulting in significant molecular compression, strain and distortion. For example, distortion in the moiety C=C(O)(C) is exhibited by the enlargement of C=C-C angle to 130.6 (2) degrees at the expense of the corresponding 'equivalent' C=C-O angle, which is compressed to 116.46 (19) degrees.

Absolute structure determination of the highly biologically active bisdehydrodoisynolic acids

In a project designed to relate the unexpected in vivo and in vitro properties exhibited by (+)- and (-)-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid with their absolute stereochemical structure, an X-ray crystal-structure analysis was undertaken of the highly estrogenic, poorly binding (-) enantiomer. (1) and (13)C NMR spectra are also reported for the first time. The crystal structure shows the cis juxtaposition of the carboxyl and ethyl groups, which are separated by a large torsion angle, and that only the carbon atom holding the carboxyl group is out of the plane in which the remainder of the fused three-ring moiety lies. The crystal structure, which unequivocally characterizes the (-) enantiomer as cis-13(S),14(R) and, implicitly, the (+) enantiomer as cis-13(R),14(S), will be useful in continued studies aimed at explaining the selective estrogen receptor modulation (SERM) of these enantiomers which, in some cases, produces significantly different end-organ effects compared to those of estradiol, in both males and females, affording the promise of a variety of therapeutic and pharmacologic applications.

6,7,8,9-Tetrahydro-3-methyl-1H-pyrano-[4,3-b]quinolin-1-one

The condensation reaction of 4-amino-6-methyl-2-pyrone with 1-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde and a catalytic amount of (S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid in toluene at 358 K gave a 1:2.5 ratio of the title compound, (1) (C13H13NO2), and 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[4,3-c]isoquinoline-1-one, (2). The formation of (2) presumably proceeds through an intermediate imine. Both (1) and (2) show inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and human aldose reductase. Of the three linear-fused rings of (1), both ring A and ring B are planar and the angle between these planes is 0.46 (13) degrees. While the two C atoms of cyclohexane ring C attached to its common atoms with ring B are in the plane of the latter, as expected, the remaining two C atoms of ring C are out of this plane, by 0.342 (4) and -0.402 (3) A, respectively.

The surprising formation of structurally distorted ap-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-methylthiofluorene and its facile homolysis into sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-3-methylthiofluorene and sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)fluorene

The continued study of rotationally restricted 9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)fluorenes has provided surprising results. Treatment of sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-fluorenol (1) with ethanol or methanol under acidic conditions affords sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-ethoxyfluorene (2b) and sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-methoxyfluorene (3b), respectively, but similar treatment with methanethiol converts 1 into the rotamerically opposite ap-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-methylthiofluorene (4a). While all three products reflect reaction with inversion at C-9, 2b and 3b reflect subsequent rotation, which is not the case with 4a. X-ray diffraction shows 4a to be highly distorted and strained, but apparently favored thermodynamically over its sp rotamer. Homolysis of 4a is observed at room temperature, and at elevated temperatures accounts for the formation of sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)fluorene (6b) and sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-3-methylthiofluorene (7c) as major products. X-ray diffraction shows 6b and 7c to be virtually devoid of distortion. Methylation of 6b via its anion also proceeds with inversion without rotation to form ap-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-methylfluorene (4c). Dynamic NMR unexpectedly showed that in these ap configurations 9-CH3 (of 4c) has a greater bulk effect than 9-CH3S (of 4a) in forcing the o-tert-butyl group into the fluorene plane.Key words: fluorene, rotamer, distortion, homolysis, carbanion, carbocation, radical.

Comparative effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-Z bisdehydrodoisynolic acids on metabolic and reproductive parameters in male and female rats

Doisynolic acids are non-steroidal estrogenic compounds originally obtained from alkali fusion of estrone and equilenin. Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acids (Z-BDDA) exhibit a low binding affinity accompanied by a disproportionately high biologic activity. Two experiments were designed to investigate the chronic effects of (+)-, (-)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA and (+)-17beta-estradiol (E2) in male and female rats. The (+)-, (-)- and (+/-)-forms Z-BDDA were prepared and injected, daily for four to six weeks into male and female rats and changes in body weight, food intake, metabolic parameters, and reproductive parameters were investigated. Results from both experiments demonstrate that in male and female rats, (+)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA had similar estrogenic effects on reproductive organ weight. Surprisingly, (-)-Z-BDDA did not induce the increase in uterine weight observed with (+)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA and E2, demonstrating selective estrogen receptor modulation (SERM). Beneficial metabolic effects, although compound- and gender-specific, included a significant weight repression, reduction in cholesterol, reduction in blood glucose, and positive alterations in body fat distribution. Future research defining the optimal dosages of (-)-Z-BDDA that will maximize beneficial effects and minimize undesirable effects on reproductive tissues will lead to more efficacious treatment options for endocrine-responsive conditions in males and females.

Transcriptional regulation of estrogen-responsive genes by non-steroidal estrogens: doisynolic and allenolic acids

Estrogen receptor (ER), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, exerts prominent physiological roles in both humans and other species by acting directly as a transcription factor, altering nuclear gene expression. One peculiarity of estrogenic regulation is that it is affected by a wide variety of non-steroidal compounds in addition to the natural hormone, estradiol. Doisynolic and allenolic acid compounds are non-steroidal compounds that act as potent estrogens in animal studies, yet bind to ER extremely poorly in competitive binding assays, raising the possibility of alternative molecular mechanisms for the observed estrogenic effects. In this work we demonstrate that (+/-)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid, (+/-)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid 3-methyl ether, and (-) allenolic acid can interact directly with ER. These compounds all serve as ligands for ER in mechanism-specific tissue culture-based reporter gene assays for both positive and negative gene regulation. We have also used a novel assay based on electromobility shift by ER for directly determining relative binding affinities for ER. In addition, we show cell-type-specific activity differences for (+/-)-Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acid 3-methyl ether, supporting clinical observations indicating a higher potency of this compound in female animals than in humans.

Structure of sp-9-hydroxy-9-pivaloylfluorene, product of base-catalyzed autoxidation of ap-9-pivaloylfluorene

1-(9-Hydroxyfluoren-9-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-propanone, C18H18O2, M(r) = 266.34, orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 18.917 (10), b = 11.843 (8), c = 13.177 (7) A, V = 2952 (5) A3, Z = 8, Dx = 1.198 g cm-3, lambda(Mo K alpha) = 0.71069 A, mu = 0.72 cm-1, F(000) = 1136, T = 296 K, R = 0.044 for 1042 unique observed reflections. Conversion of ap-9-pivaloylfluorene, ap-(I), into lithiated (I)-9-anion followed by the addition of MeOH, then H2O, led to unexpected hydroxylation to provide 20-40% of sp-9-hydroxy-9-pivaloyfluorene, sp-(II), and 60-80% recovery of ap-(I). The singular sp conformation of (II) in solution suggested by NMR was confirmed in the crystalline state by X-ray diffraction which showed the O(1)-C(9)-C(10)-O(2) torsion angle approximately 0 degrees and the C(10) = O(2)...H(9)-O(1) non-bonding distance 1.95 (4) A, suggesting strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding in this conformation.

Doisynolic-type acids--uterotropically potent estrogens which compete poorly with estradiol for cytosolic estradiol receptors

Doisynolic acids, a class of seco-steroid acids some of which exhibit greater uterotropic estrogenicity than estradiol-17 beta, are D-ring cleavage products of steroidal estrogens formed by fusion with KOH above 200 degrees C. We have found that electron-transfer reactions between estrone or estradiol and CCl4 or CBrCl3 in KOH-t-BuOH at 25 degrees C rapidly provide 16,16-dichloro- or -dibromodoisynolic acid, respectively, the former approaching estradiol in uterotropic potency. Simple esters from these highly hindered tertiary carboxylic acids, easily prepared via phase-transfer-catalyzed alkylations, also rival estradiol in uterotropic activity. Unlike natural steroidal estrogens or their commonly used artificial equivalents (DES, hexoestrol, ethynylestradiol, etc.) whose uterotropic activity is accompanied by substantial binding affinity for cytosolic estradiol receptors, these highly uterotropic doisynolic-type acids and esters exhibit binding affinities for this receptor of only about 1% that of estradiol-17 beta as determined by the usual competitive binding-inhibition studies with [3H]estradiol. Other highly uterotropic carboxylic acids may exhibit similar characteristics. These unusual results leave open the possibilities that uterotropic seco-steroid and related carboxylic acids undergo some unknown metabolic activation, are exceptionally persistent estrogens, bind to a cytosolic receptor site other than the conventional (type I) estradiol site, or bind directly to type I or type II nuclear receptor sites. At dosages of 1000 times those required for a uterotropic effect, the doisynolic-type acids (24 doses over an 8-week period) were neither toxic nor carcinogenic.

Doisynolic acids: potent estrogens with very low affinity for estrogen receptors

Doisynolic acids are alkaline degradation products of steroidal estrogens. While these doisynolic acids are potent estrogens, some being more estrogenic than estradiol itself, they bind to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors only feebly compared with estradiol.

Estrogen receptor cytochemistry by fluorescent estrogen

A recently synthesized fluorescein-labeled estrogen (17FE, 1-(N)-fluoresceinyl-estrone-thiosemicarbazone) interacts with estrogen-target cells like the native hormone and visualizes the uptake, transport, and distribution of estrogen in intact target cells. Moreover, estrogen binding sites are traced by 17FE in cryostat sections of estrogen target tissues as well. Cell and tissue 17FE binding sites fulfill the accepted criteria for specific estrogen receptors (finite binding capacity, high affinity, steroid and tissue specificity). This fluorescent probe allows estrogen receptors to be studied in a wide variety of cell and tissue preparations under varying conditions of physiologic and pathophysiologic interest.

Investigation of hormone-receptor interactions by means of fluorescence labeling

Fluorescent-labeled hormones can be used to study hormone-receptor interactions by means of fluorescence polarization, visualization by fluorescence microscopy, or separation methods, e.g., dextran-coated charcoal. Subcellular fragments, single cells, and tissue preparations are amenable to study; in this work rat uterine cytosol was used unless otherwise noted. Estrone labeled with fluorescein at position 17 gives 50% inhibition in the radiometric dextran-coated charcoal assay at 8.3 X 10(-7) M as compared to 3.4 and 3.5 X 10(-8) M for diethylstilbestrol and estradiol, respectively. Scatchard plots from fluorescence polarization are hyperbolic and consistent with two classes of binding sites having association constants 5.6 X 10(10) and 6.4 X 10(7) M-1. Binding by high-affinity sites, which were present at about 3 times the concentraion of "specific" sites (radiometric dextran-coated charcoal assay), was abrogated by estradiol or diethylstilbestrol. Kinetic measurements showed that binding sites that can be blocked by excess estradiol or diethylstilbestrol are those that are both slowly associating and slowly dissociating. Staining of tissues by estrone labeled with fluorescein at position 17 as seen in the fluorescence microscope showed specificity. In normal rat uterus only epithelial cells were stained. In one human infiltrating ductal carcinoma only the malignant ductoid elements stained, while in another there was essentially no staining.