Influence of prototropic reactions on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of methyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate and its two ortho derivatives

The influence of prototropic reactions on the spectral characteristics of methyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate (I) and its o-methoxy (II) and o-hydroxy (III) derivatives has been studied using steady-state spectroscopic technique and quantum-chemical calculations. This study concerns the solvent-induced shift of the absorption, locally excited (LE) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) fluorescence bands in the neat tetrahydrofuran (THF) and its hydrochloric acid solutions at different HCl concentrations. On the basis of the experimental results and quantum-chemical calculations, it was shown that in a hydrochloric acid solution the studied molecules exist as a mixture of neutral, mono-, and dicationic forms. Additionally, the results of spectroscopic measurements were used to calculate, according to the Benesi-Hildebrand method, the equilibrium constants of protopropic reactions in the ground, S(0), and excited, S(1), states. Our findings predestine molecules I and II to be used as acid fluorescence probes in a region of 0-2.5 M of [H(+)] concentrations.

Synthesis of potentially bioactive PABA-related N-(aminoalkyl)lactamic amino acids and esters via selective S(N)Ar reactions

Potentially bioactive N-(aminoalkyl)lactamic amino acids and esters were synthesized in satisfactory to good yields by S(N)Ar reactions of aromatic acids with N-(3-aminopropyl)lactams followed by esterification with tertiary amino alcohols. The addition-elimination S(N)Ar mechanism was confirmed by NMR and MS measurements.

[Synthesis and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of N-(1,5-diaryl-3-pentone-1-yl)-4-aminobenzoic acid]

In order to find highly active antidiabetic lead compound, sixteen 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized directly through Mannich reaction in the solution of ethanol at 15-35 degrees C with facile method, mild reaction condition and high yield (45%-90%). Fifteen of them are new compounds. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, ESI-MS and HR-MS. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of these compounds indicated that most of these compounds possess the activity with the order: 2c > 2b > 2h > 1a > 1f. The structure-activity relationship of these 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives was also discussed.

QSAR studies on benzoylaminobenzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III

Fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for most of the bacterial survival. Components of this biosynthetic pathway have been identified as attractive targets for the development of new antibacterial agents. FabH, beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III, is a attractive target since it is central to the initiation of fatty acid biosynthesis. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies have been carried out on a series of benzoylaminobenzoic acid derivatives as potent inhibitors of FabH and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Neisseria meningitidis and Escherichia coli, which demonstrate FabH inhibitory activity in cell free and whole cell system. The QSAR studies revealed that inhibitory activity increases with increase in hydrophobicity, molar refractivity, aromaticity, and presence of OH group (on x position of the nucleus). On the other side presence of hetero-atoms like N, O, or S at R(1) position of the nucleus decreases the inhibitory activity. The comparison of QSAR between the FabH inhibitory activity and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis, N. meningitidis also demonstrates that the hydrophobicity, aromaticity and presence of OH group (on x position of the nucleus) are conducive for the inhibitory activity.

Synthesis, nitric oxide release, and anti-leukemic activity of glutathione-activated nitric oxide prodrugs: Structural analogues of PABA/NO, an anti-cancer lead compound

Diazeniumdiolate anions and their prodrug forms are reliable sources of nitric oxide (NO) that have generated interest as promising therapeutic agents. A number of structural analogues of O(2)-(2,4-dinitro-5-(4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy)phenyl) 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/NO), an anti-cancer lead compound that is designed to release NO upon activation by glutathione, were prepared. The nitric oxide release patterns of these O(2)-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) diazeniumdiolates in the presence of glutathione were tested and it was found that in the absence of competing pathways, these compounds release nearly quantitative amounts of NO. The ability of PABA/NO and its structural analogues to inhibit human leukemia cell proliferation was determined and it was found that compounds releasing elevated amounts of NO displayed superior cytotoxic effects.

Radiosynthesis and evaluation of [11C]BTA-1 and [11C]3'-Me-BTA-1 as potential radiotracers for in vivo imaging of beta-amyloid plaques

AIM

To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of [N-methyl-(11)C]2-(4'-(methylaminophenyl)-benzothiazole ([(11)C]BTA-1) as well as [N-methyl-(11)C]2-(3'-methyl-4'-(methylamino)phenyl)-benzothiazole ([(11)C]3'-Me-BTA-1) as diagnostic markers of amyloid-beta (Abeta) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

MATERIAL, METHODS

Brain uptake and clearance was determined in wild-type mice. Binding affinities (K(i)) of [(11)C]BTA-1 and [(11)C]3'-Me-BTA-1 for aggregated Abeta(1-40) fibrils were assessed. Autoradiography was performed on brain sections of AD patients. To demonstrate binding specificity in vivo BTA-1 was injected i.p. in transgenic mice (Tg2576). Brain sections were analysed consecutively. Additionally, a [(11)C]BTA-1 PET study of an AD patient and a healthy control was performed.

RESULTS

In mice brain uptake and clearance of [(11)C]BTA-1 is compatible with the half life of (11)C (2 min: 12.7 % ID/g; 30 min: 4.6% ID/g). In contrast clearance rate of [(11)C]3'-Me-BTA-1 is too slow (2 min 4% ID/g; 30 min 12% ID/g) to achieve sufficient clearance of free and non specifically bound radioactivity. K(i) of [(11)C]BTA-1 is 11 nmol/l and that of [(11)C]3'-Me-BTA-1 27 nmol/l. Both radioligands label Abeta selectively and specifically in AD patients and transgenic mice in vitro. The in vivo stained brain sections show a labelling of Abeta plaques. The AD patient has a higher prefrontal, parietal and striatal [(11)C]BTA-1 accumulation than the healthy control. Metabolite analysis revealed approximately 75% intact [(11)C]BTA-1 after 30min in plasma.[(11)C]BTA-1 is favourable for in vivo imaging of Abeta due to its rapid brain entry, sufficient clearance and good binding affinity for Abeta.

CONCLUSION

The ability to label Abeta plaques in vivo in human subjects supports the suitability of [(11)C]BTA-1 as a plaque imaging agent.

A novel class of potent nonglycosidic and nonpeptidic pan-selectin inhibitors

An early step of the inflammatory response, the rolling of leukocytes on activated endothelial cells, is mediated by selectin/carbohydrate interactions. The tetrasaccharide sialy Lewisx is a ligand for E-, P-, and L-selectin and therefore serves as a lead structure for the development of analogues. A combination of synthesis and structure-based design allowed rapid optimization. The current lead 2a was evaluated in our E-selectin cell flow chamber assay where it proved to inhibit rolling and adhesion with an IC50 of 28+/-7 microM. The assays used are predictive for the in vivo efficacy of test compounds as shown for 2a in a proteose peptone induced peritonitis model of acute inflammation in mice.

Novel magnetic and fluorescent nanocomposite as a sensitive probe for the determination of proteins

The Fe(3)O(4)/(sodium oleic acid/ethyltrimethyl ammonium bromide)(n)/4-aminobenzoic acid (Fe(3)O(4)/(NaOL/CTAB)(n)/PABA) nanocomposites have been prepared by a layer-by-layer self-assembly approach. This kind of nanocomposites have fluorescent, magnetic and water-soluble properties. Taking advantage of the magnetic property of nanocomposites, we can separated them from solution easily by using a permanent magnet. By using their strong fluorescence, we can detect proteins. At pH 6.98, the fluorescence of Fe(3)O(4)/(NaOL/CTAB)(n)/PABA nanocomposites can be enhanced by the proteins. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges of calibration curves were 0.2-20, 0.2-13, 0.2-10 microg mL(-1) for gamma-globulin (gamma-IgG), human serum albumin (HSA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively. The detection limits were 0.02, 0.01, 0.02 for gamma-IgG, HSA and BSA, respectively. The method has been applied to analyze the total proteins in human samples and the results were in good agreement with those reported by the hospital. This method is sensitive, simple and potential in many areas.

PABA/NO as an anticancer lead: analogue synthesis, structure revision, solution chemistry, reactivity toward glutathione, and in vitro activity

PABA/NO is a diazeniumdiolate of structure Me(2)NN(O)=NOAr (where Ar is a 5-substituted-2,4-dinitrophenyl ring whose 5-substituent is N-methyl-p-aminobenzoic acid). It has shown activity against human ovarian cancer xenografts in mice rivaling that of cisplatin, but it is poorly soluble and relatively unstable in water. Here we report structure-based optimization efforts resulting in three analogues with improved solubility and stability in aqueous solution. We sought to explain PABA/NO's physicochemical uniqueness among these four compounds, whose aminobenzoic acid precursors differ structurally only in the presence or absence of the N-methyl group and/or the position of the carboxyl moiety (meta or para). Studies revealed that PABA/NO's N-methyl-p-aminobenzoic acid substituent is bound to the dinitrobenzene ring via its carboxyl oxygen while the other three are linked through the aniline nitrogen. This constitutes a revision of the previously published PABA/NO structure. All four analogues reacted with GSH to produce bioactive nitric oxide (NO), but PABA/NO was the most reactive. Consistent with PABA/NO's potent suppression of A2780 human ovarian cancer xenograft growth in mice, it was the most potent of the four in the OVCAR-3 cell line.

Molecular docking and 3D-QSAR on 2-(oxalylamino) benzoic acid and its analogues as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

In this paper, molecular docking technique was used to investigate the binding conformation of twelve 2-(oxalylamino) benzoic acid (OBA) inhibitors in the active site of PTP1B. The predicted binding affinities are linearly correlated to the experimental values (r(2)=0.859). Furthermore, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was conducted based on the binding conformation predicted by molecular docking. The predicted CoMFA model has satisfactory statistical significance and good actual predicted power. The information from molecular docking and CoMFA may give us some valuable hints to the optimization of lead compounds.

p–Aminobenzoic acid derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Because Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a medical problem characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognition that is associated with a deficient cholinergic system, this work aims to evaluate some p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in vitro, in continuation with our last studies. The assayed compounds are low toxic, simple-structured and low cost.

Tumor cell responses to a novel glutathione S-transferase-activated nitric oxide-releasing prodrug

We have used structure-based design techniques to introduce the drug O(2)-[2,4-dinitro-5-(N-methyl-N-4-carboxyphenylamino) phenyl] 1-N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/NO), which is efficiently metabolized to potentially cytolytic nitric oxide by the pi isoform of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme expressed at high levels in many tumors. We have used mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) null for GSTpi (GSTpi(-/-)) to show that the absence of GSTpi results in a decreased sensitivity to PABA/NO. Cytotoxicity of PABA/NO was also examined in a mouse skin fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell line that was stably transfected with GSTpi and/or various combinations of gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase and the ATP-binding cassette transporter MRP1. Overexpression of MRP1 conferred the most significant degree of resistance, and in vitro transport studies confirmed that a GSTpi-activated metabolite of PABA/NO was effluxed by MRP1 in a GSH-dependent manner. Additional studies showed that in the absence of MRP1, PABA/NO activated the extracellular-regulated and stress-activated protein kinases ERK, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. Selective inhibition studies showed that the activation of JNK and p38 were critical to the cytotoxic effects of PABA/NO. Finally, PABA/NO produced antitumor effects in a human ovarian cancer model grown in SCID mice.

Targeting methanopterin biosynthesis to inhibit methanogenesis

This paper describes the design, synthesis, and successful employment of inhibitors of 4-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)aminobenzene-5'-phosphate (RFA-P) synthase, which catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of methanopterin, to specifically halt the growth of methane-producing microbes. RFA-P synthase catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of tetrahydromethanopterin, a key cofactor required for methane formation and for one-carbon transformations in methanogens. A number of inhibitors, which are N-substituted derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA), have been synthesized and their inhibition constants with RFA-P synthase have been determined. Based on comparisons of the inhibition constants among various inhibitors, we propose that the pABA binding site in RFA-P synthase has a relatively large hydrophobic pocket near the amino group. These enzyme-targeted inhibitors arrest the methanogenesis and growth of pure cultures of methanogens. Supplying pABA to the culture relieves the inhibition, indicating a competitive interaction between pABA and the inhibitor at the cellular target, which is most likely RFAP synthase. The inhibitors do not adversely affect the growth of pure cultures of the bacteria (acetogens) that play a beneficial role in the rumen. Inhibitors added to dense ruminal fluid cultures (artificial rumena) halt methanogenesis; however, they do not inhibit volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and, in some cases, VFA levels are slightly elevated in the methanogenesis-inhibited cultures. We suggest that inhibiting methanopterin biosynthesis could be considered in strategies to decrease anthropogenic methane emissions, which could have an environmental benefit since methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

2,3,5,6-Tetrafluorophenyl N-(S-Benzoylthioacetyl)glycylglycyl- p-aminobenzoate, a Heterobifunctional 99mTc Ligand for Precomplexed Antibody Labeling

Heterobifunctional (99m)Tc ligands are useful for antibody labeling using the precomplexation route. The aim of this work was to synthesize a ligand, which has sufficient chemical stability to be complexed with (99m)Tc without inactivating the reactive conjugation group. Using 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl N-(S-benzoylthioacetyl)glycylglycyl-p-aminobenzoate (OC2) >60% of the (99m)Tc complex was obtained at 80 degrees C in 20 min, which was separated from the free ligand and impurities by HPLC. After solvent evaporation, (99m)Tc-OC2 was conjugated with the monoclonal antibody mAb425 in 50% radiochemical yield. In all, the labeling method required about 1 h preparation time. The immunoreactive fraction of the (99m)Tc-OC2 mAb425 conjugate was 81%, indicating preserved binding capability after conjugation. Compared to recently described methods, which need in situ activation of the (99m)Tc complex, the application of OC2 saved time and reduced the number of manipulations with radioactive material.

alpha-Aminoacid derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid with a potential antiarrhythmic activity

Physico-chemical properties as well as two methods of synthesis of the title compounds have been described. The structures of new compounds (obtained as HCl or HBr salts) have been confirmed by elemental and spectral analysis (IR and 1H-NMR). The compounds should display a potential antiarrhythmic activity, as structural analogs of Procainamide.

Discovery and structure-activity relationship of oxalylarylaminobenzoic acids as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein Tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been implicated as a key negative regulator of both insulin and leptin signaling pathways. Using an NMR-based screening approach with 15N- and 13C-labeled PTP1B, we have identified 2,3-dimethylphenyloxalylaminobenzoic acid (1) as a general, reversible, and competitive PTPase inhibitor. Structure-based approach guided by X-ray crystallography facilitated the development of 1 into a novel series of potent and selective PTP1B inhibitors occupying both the catalytic site and a portion of the noncatalytic, second phosphotyrosine binding site. Interestingly, oral biovailability has been observed in rats for some compounds. Furthermore, we demonstrated in vivo plasma glucose lowering effects with compound 12d in ob/ob mice.

Synthesis, anticholinesterase activity and structure-activity relationships of m-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives

The synthesis, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity and structure-activity relationships of simple-structured m-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives are reported. Compound 1b was found to be more potent than galanthamine and tacrine in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.

New arylpiperazine derivatives as antagonists of the human cloned 5-HT(4) receptor isoforms

New derivatives of arylpiperazine 9 were designed from ML 10302, a potent 5-HT(4) receptor agonist in the gastrointestinal system. Compounds were synthesized by condensation of a number of available arylpiperazines or heteroarylpiperazines with 2-bromoethyl 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoate. They were evaluated in binding assays on the recently cloned human 5-HT(4(e)) isoform stably expressed in C6 glial cells with [(3)H]GR 113808 as the radioligand. The affinity values (K(i)) depended upon the substituent on the aromatic ring. A chlorine atom produced a marked drop in activity (K(i) > 100 nM), while a m-methoxy group gave a compound with nanomolar affinity (K(i) = 3 nM). The most potent compounds were the heterocyclic derivatives with pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyridazine, or pyridine moieties (compounds 9r, 9t, 9u, 9x, respectively). K(i) values for 9a and 9r were determined for the 5-HT(4(a)), 5-HT(4(b)), 5-HT(4(c)), and 5-HT(4(d)) receptor isoforms transiently expressed in COS cells. The results indicated that the compounds were not selective. They produced an inhibition of the 5-HT-stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis in the C6 glial cells stably expressing the 5-HT(4(e)) receptor and shifted the 5-HT concentration-effect curve on adenylyl cyclase activity with pK(D) values of 7.44 and 8.47, respectively. In isolated human atrial myocytes, 9r antagonized the stimulatory effect of 5-HT on the L-type calcium current (I(Ca)) with a K(D) value of 0.7 nM.

Detection and determination of the hydrazo and azo photoproducts of 4-aminobenzoic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography

The photochemistry of 4-aminobenzoic acid has been investigated using two validated reversed-phase HPLC methods. Up to nine photoproducts have been detected, with chromatographic evidence for the formation of 4,4'-azobenzenedicarboxylic acid and 4,4'-hydrazobenzenedicarboxylic acid. The synthesis and analytical characterization of 4,4'-hydrazobenzenedicarboxylic acid is reported.

Identification of a substance, previously shown to enhance mitogenesis of human lymphocytes, as the acetamide of p-aminobenzoic acid

We characterize here an arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolite previously found to have an adjuvant effect in phytohemagglutinin-induced mitogenesis of lymphocytes from mothers of newborn babies and from immunodeficient infants. We named the metabolite 'compound 4' due to its position in a thin-layer chromatography system developed for isolation of eicosanoids. The compound was originally found to be produced by peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes and the T cell leukemia line Jurcat after long-term (18-24 h) incubation with [1-14C]AA. Compound 4 is also produced by lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, thrombocytes, cultured fibroblasts and various types of malignant cell lines. We purified this metabolite by means of high pressure liquid chromatography with synchronous detection of radioactivity and measurement of ultraviolet-light absorption at 278 nm. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry with electron impact techniques demonstrated that compound 4 is not an eicosanoid, but is identical to p-acetamidobenzoic acid (PACBA). The cells synthesize PACBA from p-aminobenzoic acid and a two-carbon residue from AA.

[Synthesis and analysis of N-acetyl-tyrosine-PAB]

N-Acetyl-tyrosine-PAB has been synthesised. The results of elementary analysis, IR spectrum and physico-chemical properties are presented. A few methods for determination of N-acetyl-tyrosine-PAB have been elaborated.

n-Alkyl p-aminobenzoates as derivatizing agents in the isolation, separation, and characterization of submicrogram quantities of oligosaccharides by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry

In this laboratory we are pursuing a comprehensive strategy for isolation and characterization of oligosaccharides from glycoproteins that are available only in limited quantities. To improve sensitivity in the analysis by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry, we have investigated the relative behavior of a homologous series of n-alkyl esters of p-aminobenzoic acid as derivatizing agents. Ethyl p-aminobenzoate, the derivatizing agent used in many of our earlier studies, is one of these compounds. Our experiments using the hepatasaccharide maltoheptaose (M7) as a model oligosaccharide establish that by lengthening the alkyl chain from methyl to n-tetradecyl, a concomitant increase in the molecular ion abundance is obtained. The increase is a factor of 10 when 1 microgram of derivatized M7 is analyzed, and as much as 40 when 0.1 microgram of sample is examined. This series of derivatives of maltoheptaose form a suite of relatively abundant fragment ions in the negative ion mode as expected from our previous studies with the ethyl ester. Although very high mass spectral sensitivities were achieved with M7 n-tetradecyl and n-decyl p-aminobenzoates, the yields of derivative obtained were significantly lower than those obtained for M7 n-octyl, n-hexyl, n-butyl, ethyl, and methyl p-aminobenzoates, despite improvements made in the derivatization procedure. When analyzing biological samples, n-octyl and n-hexyl p-aminobenzoate were found to be optimal considering both yield of derivative and mass spectral sensitivity. This improved method of derivatization was incorporated into a simple but effective procedure for dealing with very small quantities of heterogeneous samples of oligosaccharides, such as those released from 250 micrograms (1 nmol) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica and 90 micrograms (2 nmol) of human alpha 1 acid glycoprotein.

The rapid evaluation of intestinal bacterial growth using a conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid with para-aminobenzoic acid

From the standpoint of utilizing the distinctive feature of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and the metabolism of intestinal bile acid, a conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid with PABA (PABA-UDCA) was newly synthesized to study whether it can be a good material or not for the evaluation of the activity of intestinal bacterial growth. This compound was efficiently deconjugated in an incubation experiment with cholylglycine hydrolase resulting in the release of PABA. In a cultivation experiment, this compound was deconjugated by the same species of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that deconjugated glycocholic acid. In an animal experiment, urinary excretions of PABA during 6 h following oral administration of 10 mg PABA-UDCA were determined. The control rat (n = 10) excreted 338.5 +/- 13.8 micrograms (mean +/- S.E.) of PABA. In contrast with this, the rats (n = 10) with intestinal antisepsis by the administration of polymyxin B and tinidazole excreted less PABA (14.0 +/- 2.5 micrograms; p less than 0.001), whereas the rats with intestinal bacterial overgrowth owing to the artificially made enteric blind loop excreted more PABA than the control rats did (673.6 +/- 70.2 micrograms; p less than 0.01). These observations indicate that this new compound is likely to offer a simple and rapid method for evaluation of intestinal bacterial growth.

Validation of a flow-through diffusion cell for use in transdermal research

A flow-through finite-dose diffusion cell has been designed for use in transdermal drug delivery research. The diffusion cell consists of an upper donor chamber and a lower receiver compartment through which a continuous supply of fresh solvent flows. The flow is directed to an automatic fraction collector. To validate the flow-through cell, its performance was compared directly against that of a conventional single-reservoir Franz cell. Homologous alkyl p-aminobenzoates were diffused through dimethylpolysiloxane membranes, and permeability coefficients increased with increasing chain length, reaching a plateau at the butyrate ester for both types of cells. This behavior suggests a shift from membrane-controlled diffusion to boundary layer control. Permeation of the butyrate and valerate compounds was significantly faster when the flow-through cell was used, suggesting that better mixing is obtained through the flow-through cell design. Considering the advantages offered in terms of time and labor saved through its use, the flow-through cell with automatic fraction collector appears to be a viable alternative to the conventional Franz cell.

Inhibitors of dihydropteroate synthase: substituent effects in the side-chain aromatic ring of 6-[[3-(aryloxy)propyl]amino]-5-nitrosoisocytosines and synthesis and inhibitory potency of bridged 5-nitrosoisocytosine-p-aminobenzoic acid analogues

We previously reported that 6-(methylamino)-5-nitrosoisocytosine (5) is a potent inhibitor (I50 = 1.6 microM) of Escherichia coli dihydropteroate synthase. It was noted that 6-amino substituents larger than methyl were detrimental to binding, although the adverse steric effect could be overcome by a positive ancillary binding contribution of a phenyl ring attached at the terminus of certain 6-alkylamino substituents. We selected the 6-[[3-(aryloxy)propyl]amino]-5-nitrosoisocytosine structure as a parent system and explored the effects of aromatic substituents on synthase inhibition. The nature of the aryl substitution influences binding, as shown by a 30-fold range of inhibitory potencies observed for the 15 aryl analogues (I50 values = 0.6-18 microM), although there is no apparent correlation between synthase inhibition and the electronic or hydrophobic characteristics of the aryl substituents. To explore the possibility that the aryl ring of these inhibitors might interact with the synthase binding site for the substrate p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), three compounds were synthesized in which a PABA analogue is bridged to the nitrosoisocytosine moiety by linkage to an amino group at C-6 of the isocytosine. The bridged analogues significantly inhibited the synthase (I50 values = 2.5-8.9 microM) but were of unexceptional potency compared with other members of the (aryloxy)propyl series. Structure-activity considerations and inhibition kinetics did not support the PABA binding site as the synthase region that interacts with the aryl ring of these inhibitors. Despite the potent synthase inhibition exhibited by many of the nitrosoisocytosines studied, none of the 18 new analogues showed significant antibacterial activity.

Inhibitors of an enkephalin degrading membrane-bound metalloendopeptidase: analgesic properties and effects on striatal enkephalin levels

Intraperitoneal administration of N-[1-(R,S)-carboxy-2-phenylethyl-Phe-p-aminobenzoate, synthesized in this laboratory as a potent inhibitor of membrane-bound metalloendopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) caused a prolonged but weak analgesic effect on rats as measured by the tail flick test. It also caused a transitory but significant increase in striatal [Leu5]- and [Met5]enkephalin levels 3 h, after administration. Analogs of the inhibitor in which the phenylalanyl residue was replaced by an alanyl or glycyl residue also elicited prolonged analgesic responses although their inhibitory potencies were 75 and more than 1500 times lower respectively. The glycine containing derivative did not alter striatal enkephalin levels 3 h, after administration. The data suggest that inhibition of the metalloendopeptidase decreases the rate of degradation of endogenous enkephalins, however the analgesic properties of the inhibitors do not seem to be related to their inhibitory potencies. Factors other than changes in striatal enkephalin levels may contribute to the analgesic effect of the three N-carboxyphenylethyl derivatives.

Potential antiatherosclerotic agents. 4. [(Functionalized-alkyl)amino]benzoic acid analogues of cetaben

The synthesis of a series of analogues in which the alkyl group of cetaben is substituted with various functional groups or replaced entirely by a functionalized alkanoyl moiety is described. Also reported are the syntheses of branched-chain (alkylamino)benzoic acids in which branching is specifically localized at the terminus of the alkyl chain. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds, both as hypolipidemic agents and as inhibitors of the enzyme fatty acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), are discussed. Certain compounds were specifically synthesized to test the hypothesis that groups located near the terminus of the alkyl chain of cetaben might retard metabolic degradation of the molecule and, thus, enhance biological activity. Some of these (48-50) were found to be the most active analogues synthesized.

Potential antiatherosclerotic agents. 3. Substituted benzoic and non benzoic acid analogues of cetaben

The synthesis of a series of analogues in which the carboxylic acid group of cetaben is replaced by carboxylate ester, carboxamide, or a variety of other substituent groups is described. Also reported are the syntheses of analogues in which the phenyl ring of cetaben is either modified by the presence of additional substituents or replaced entirely by another moiety. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds both as hypolipidemic agents and as inhibitors of the enzyme fatty acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) are discussed. Analogue syntheses designed to produce compounds that would be better absorbed orally than cetaben failed to yield any congeners of enhanced biological activity. In contrast, analogue syntheses directed toward non carboxylic acids of similar acidity to cetaben produced a very active class of sulfonamides.

Potential antiatherosclerotic agents. 2. (Aralkylamino)- and (alkylamino) benzoic acid analogues of cetaben

The syntheses of a series of (aralkylamino)- and (alkylamino)benzoic acids, as well as the corresponding esters and sodium salts, are described. The compounds were evaluated in vivo in rats for serum sterol and triglyceride lowering activity and in vitro for activity in inhibiting the principle cholesterol-esterifying enzyme of the arterial wall, fatty acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Based on a combination of these two activities, cataben sodium (150) was selected for development as a hypolipidemic and potential antiatherosclerotic agent.

Acyl derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid as new substrates for the assay of serum acylase activity

A simple colorimetric method for the assay of cobalt-activated acylase activity in human serum using new and less toxic N-chloroacetyl-gamma-L-glutamyl-p-aminobenzoic acid as substrate has been described. The values obtained with this method are almost the same as with the previously described method using naphthylamide substrate.

The use of gamma-glutamyl-p-aminobenzoic acid as the substrate for determination of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity in blood serum

By the phthaloyl method less toxic and readily soluble gamma-L-glutamyl-p-aminobenzoic acid was synthesized. This substance was used as a substrate for gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity assay in blood serum and urine. Close correlation was shown between the results obtained with the new method and with the old one which used gamma-L-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide.