Non-Palladium-Catalyzed Approach to the Synthesis of (E)-3-(1,3-Diarylallylidene)Oxindoles

Two novel synthetic approaches for synthesizing (E)-3-(1,3-diarylallylidene)oxindoles from oxindole were developed. All previously reported methods for synthesizing 3-(1,3-diarylallylidene)oxindoles utilized palladium-catalyzed reactions as a key step to form this unique skeleton. Despite high efficiency, palladium-catalyzed reactions have limitations in terms of substrate scope. Especially, an iodoaryl moiety cannot be introduced by the previous methods due to its high reactivity toward the palladium catalyst. Our Knoevenagel/allylic oxidation/Wittig and Knoevenagel/aldol/dehydration strategies complement each other and show broad substrate scope, including substrates with iodoaryl groups. The current methods utilized acetophenones, benzylidene phosphonium ylides, and benzaldehydes that are commercially available or easily accessible. Thus, the current synthetic approaches to (E)-3-(1,3-diarylallyldiene)oxindoles are readily amendable for variety of oxindole derivatives.

Total Synthesis of Cyclopiamide A Using Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Cyclization

Total synthesis of cyclopiamide A was accomplished using a palladium-catalyzed domino cyclization. Three rings in the tetracyclic skeleton of cyclopiamide A were constructed in a one-step domino reaction incorporating double carbopalladation and C-H activation.

Isolation of six anthraquinone diglucosides from cascara sagrada bark by high-performance countercurrent chromatography

In this study, high-performance countercurrent chromatography was employed to isolate six anthraquinone diglucosides, namely, cascarosides A-F, from cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana DC [Rhamnaceae]) bark. The n-butanol-soluble extract of cascara sagrada was separated by off-line two-dimensional high-performance countercurrent chromatography. The first-dimensional high-performance countercurrent chromatography resolved the n-butanol-soluble extract (510 mg) of cascara sagrada using the flow-rate gradient method with a chloroform-methanol-isopropanol-water (6:6:1:4, v/v/v/v, normal-phase mode) system to afford four anthraquinone diglucoside fractions (groups I [cascarosides C-D, 71 mg], II [cascarosides E-F, 56 mg], III [cascaroside A, 53 mg], and IV [cascaroside B, 31 mg]). Groups I and II were separated by the second-dimensional high-performance countercurrent chromatography using an ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (7:3:10, v/v/v, normal-phase mode) system to yield cascarosides C (34 mg), D (26 mg), E (19 mg), and F (15 mg). Additionally, one-step preparative-scale high-performance countercurrent chromatography method was developed to isolate large amounts of cascarosides A (389 mg) and B (187 mg) from the water-soluble extract (2.1 g) of cascara sagrada using an ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (2:8:10, v/v/v, normal-phase mode) system. The current study demonstrated that high-performance countercurrent chromatography is a powerful technique for the isolation of marker compounds from herbal materials.

Thiazolidine-2,4-dione-based irreversible allosteric IKK-β kinase inhibitors: Optimization into in vivo active anti-inflammatory agents

Selective kinase inhibitors development is a cumbersome task because of ATP binding sites similarities across kinases. On contrast, irreversible allosteric covalent inhibition offers opportunity to develop novel selective kinase inhibitors. Previously, we reported thiazolidine-2,4-dione lead compounds eliciting in vitro irreversible allosteric inhibition of IKK-β. Herein, we address optimization into in vivo active anti-inflammatory agents. We successfully developed potent IKK-β inhibitors with the most potent compound eliciting IC₅₀ = 0.20 μM. Cellular assay of a set of active compounds using bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages elucidated significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro evaluation of microsomal and plasma stabilities showed that the promising compound 7a is more stable than compound 7p. Finally, in vivo evaluation of 7a, which has been conducted in a model of LPS-induced septic shock in mice, showed its ability to protect mice against septic shock induced mortality. Accordingly, this study presents compound 7a as a novel potential irreversible allosteric covalent inhibitor of IKK-β with verified in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Optimization study towards more potent thiazolidine-2,4-dione IKK-β modulator: Synthesis, biological evaluation and in silico docking simulation

Inhibition of IKK-β (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta) has been broadly documentedas a promising approach for treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Recently, we have identified a novel class of thiazolidine-2,4-diones as structurally novel modulators for IKK-β. Herein, we report a hit optimization study via analog synthesis strategy aiming to acquire more potent derivative(s), probe the structure activity relationship (SAR), and get reasonable explanations for the elicited IKK-β inhibitory activities though an in silico docking simulation study. Accordingly, a new series of eighteen thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives was rationally designed, synthesized, identified with different spectroscopic techniques and biologically evaluated as noteworthy IKK-β potential modulators. Successfully, new IKK-β potent modulators were obtained, including the most potent analog up-to-date 7m with IC₅₀ value of 260 nM. A detailed structure activity relationship (SAR) was discussed and a mechanistic study for 7m was carried out indicating its irreversible inhibition mode with IKK-β (K_inact value = 0.01 (min^-1). Furthermore, the conducted in silico simulation study provided new insights for the binding modes of this novel class of modulators with IKK-β.

Duodenal Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 expression was negatively correlated with liver X receptor expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Intestinal cholesterol absorption includes intestinal Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) and is an important target pathway in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the expression of NPC1L1 and its correlation with liver X receptor (LXR) expression in peripheral mononuclear (PMN) cells in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

We evaluated intestinal expression of NPC1L1 in 25 NAFLD patients and 28 healthy controls. We calculated the mRNA expression levels of LXR and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which are master players of cholesterol metabolism in PMN cells. The protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG5/8, NPC1L1, SREBP, LXR, FXR, and CD36 was measured on tissue samples from the duodenum and ileum.

RESULTS

The expression of LXR (p = 0.01) and FXR (p = 0.03) in PMN cells was increased in the NAFLD group compared to the control group. Duodenal NPC1L1 decreased in the NAFLD group compared to the healthy controls (3.38 ± 1.4 vs. 2.42 ± 1.2, p = 0.05). NPC1L1 expression in the duodenum was negatively correlated with LXR expression in PMN cells. Expression of LXR and FXR in the ileum was also negatively correlated with the expression of LXR in PMN cells.

CONCLUSION

Duodenal NPC1L1 expression was decreased in NAFLD and was negatively correlated with LXR expression in PMN cells.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel thiazolidinedione derivatives as irreversible allosteric IKK-β modulators

The kinase known as IKK-β activates NF-κB signaling pathway leading to expression of several genes contributing to inflammation, immune response, and cell proliferation. Modulation of IKK-β kinase activity could be useful for treatment and management of such diseases. Starting from a discovered weakly active hit compound, twenty four thiazolidinedione-scaffold based chemical entities belonging to five series have been designed, synthesized and evaluated as potential IKK-β modulators. Among them, compounds 6q, 6r and 6u showed low micromolar IC₅₀ values while compounds 6v, 6w, and 6x elicited submicromolar IC₅₀ values equal to 0.4, 0.7 and 0.9 μM respectively. These submicromolar IC₅₀ values are 243, 139 and 105 folds the value of the reported IC₅₀ of the starting hit compound. Kinetic study of compounds 6v and 6w confirmed this class of modulators as irreversible inhibitors. LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages proved the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 6q and 6v. Assay of hERG inhibition demonstrated a safe profile of compound 6q suggesting it as a lead for further development of IKK-β modulators.

Stereoselective Synthesis of 3-(1,3-Diarylallylidene)oxindoles via a Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Reaction

We have developed an efficient three-component tandem reaction for the synthesis of 3-(1,3-diarylallylidene)oxindoles combining three palladium-catalyzed reactions: the Sonogashira, Heck, and Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. This method allows a stereoselective approach to each (E)- and (Z)-isomer by ligand change and controlling the reaction temperature.

Anatomy of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve

The aim of this study was to provide a clear description of the course, precise branching pattern and distribution of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. A total of 36 hands from 18 preserved cadavers were dissected. The vertical distance from the pisoscaphoid line to the crossing points between the deep branch of the ulnar nerve and each metacarpal was about 4 cm. The deep branch of the ulnar nerve gave off two types of muscular branches: (1) trunks that innervate more than two intrinsic hand muscles; and (2) multiple separate branches innervating only a single muscle. The median numbers of trunks and separate branches were 5 and 6, respectively.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Morphological and morphometric study of the androgenetic alopecic scalp using two- and three-dimensional analysis comparing regional differences

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic (male-type) alopecia (AGA) is caused by genetic and androgenetic effects. The progression of baldness results in smaller hair papillae, thinner hair and a shortened hair cycle. Alopecia occurs mainly in the frontal region and, to a lesser extent, in the occipital region.

OBJECTIVES

The morphological differences in the hair follicular units between the alopecic frontal scalp and the vertex and occipital regions were compared using cross-sectional histology and three-dimensional reconstruction.

METHODS

Skin specimens were obtained from the frontal, vertex and occipital regions of 24 male human cadavers with fully progressed AGA, and from the frontal region of 32 normal cadaveric scalps. These specimens were fixed, processed using routine histological methods, serially sectioned at a thickness of 10 μm and then stained with Masson's trichrome. The serial sections were reconstructed three-dimensionally using 'Reconstruct' software.

RESULTS

The ratios between the numbers of terminal and vellus hairs in the frontal and occipital regions in the AGA scalps were 0·2 : 1 and 3·5 : 1, respectively. Almost all of the hair follicles in the frontal region were vellus hair follicles. The sebaceous gland and arrector pili muscle were larger in the frontal region than in the occipital region.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphology of the AGA scalp has been characterized. The terminal-to-vellus hair ratio in the occipital (normal) region was different from that in the frontal (alopecic) region. Moreover, sebaceous glands were larger in the frontal alopecic region than in the occipital region. These larger glands may be associated with other dermatological pathologies, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Identification and characterization of potent, selective and metabolically stable IKKβ inhibitor

We have previously reported the identification of a rhodanine compound (1) with well-balanced inhibitory activity against IKKβ and collagen-induced TNFα activated cells. However, we need more optimized compounds because of its instability over plasma and microsome. As part of a program directed toward the optimization of IKKβ inhibitor, we modified a substituent of parent compound to a series of functional groups. Among substituted compounds, fluorine substituent (12) on the para position of phenyl ring restored the stability toward plasma and microsome while retaining inhibitory potency and selectivity against IKKβ over other kinases. Also, we have demonstrated that compound 12 is an ATP non-competitive inhibitor and safe enough to apply to animal experiment from an acute toxicity test.

Discovery of a potent enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) inhibitor suitable for antistaphylococcal agent

We report the discovery, synthesis, and biological activities of phenoxy-4-pyrone and phenoxy-4-pyridone derivatives as novel inhibitors of enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI). Pyridone derivatives showed better activities than pyrone derivatives against FabI and Staphylococcus aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among the pyridone derivatives, compound 16l especially exhibited promising activities against the MRSA strain and good pharmacokinetic profiles.

LXR-α antagonist meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver

Collaborative regulation of liver X receptor (LXR) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1 are main determinants in hepatic steatosis, as shown in both animal models and human patients. Recent studies indicate that selective intervention of overly functional LXRα in the liver shows promise in treatment of fatty liver disease. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA) on LXRα activation and its ability to attenuate fatty liver in mice. MDGA inhibited activation of the LXRα ligand-binding domain by competitively binding to the pocket for agonist T0901317 and decreased the luciferase activity in LXRE-tk-Luc-transfected cells. MDGA significantly attenuated hepatic neutral lipid accumulation in T0901317- and high fat diet (HFD)-induced fatty liver. The effect of MDGA was so potent that treatment with 1mg/kg for 2 weeks completely reversed the lipid accumulation induced by HFD feeding. MDGA reduced the expression of LXRα co-activator protein RIP140 and LXRα target gene products associated with lipogenesis in HFD-fed mice. These results demonstrate that MDGA has the potential to attenuate nonalcoholic steatosis mediated by selective inhibition of LXRα in the liver in mice.

Successful reduction of off-target hERG toxicity by structural modification of a T-type calcium channel blocker

To obtain an optimized T-type calcium channel blocker with reduced off-target hERG toxicity, we modified the structure of the original compound by introducing a zwitterion and reducing the basicity of the nitrogen. Among the structurally modified compounds we designed, compounds 5 and 6, which incorporate amides in place of the original compound's amines, most appreciably alleviated hERG toxicity while maintaining T-type calcium channel blocking activity. Notably, the benzimidazole amide 5 selectively blocked T-type calcium channels without inhibiting hERG (hERG/T-type⩾220) and L-type channels (L-type/T-type=96), and exhibited an excellent pharmacokinetic profile in rats.

Antinociceptive curcuminoid, KMS4034, effects on inflammatory and neuropathic pain likely via modulating TRPV1 in mice

BACKGROUND

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of beneficial effects including anti-inflammation and analgesia. However, poor bioavailability of curcumin hinders its clinical application. To overcome this limitation, we modified the structure of curcumin and synthesized new derivatives with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. Recently, curcumin has been shown to have an antagonizing effect on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ion channels. We investigated the antinociceptive activity of KMS4034 which had the most favourable pharmacokinetics among the tested curcumin derivatives.

METHODS

To evaluate the mechanism of the antinociceptive effects of KMS4034, capsaicin (I(CAP))- and heat (I(heat))-induced currents in TRPV1 expressing HEK293 cells were observed after the application of KMS4034. Nociceptive behavioural measurement using the hot-plate test, formalin test, and chronic constriction injury (CCI) model were evaluated in mice. Also, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was stained immunohistochemically in the L4/5 dorsal horns in mice with neuropathic pain.

RESULTS

I(CAP) (P<0.01) and I(heat) (P<0.05) of TRPV1 were significantly blocked by 10 μM KMS4034. Behaviourally, noticeable antinociceptive effects after 10 mg kg(-1) of KMS4034 treatment were observed in the first (P<0.05) and second phases (P<0.05) of the formalin and hot-plate tests. The mechanical threshold of CCI mice treated with 10 mg kg(-1) KMS4034 was significantly increased compared with control. Immunohistochemical CGRP expression was decreased in the lamina I-II of the lumbar dorsal horns in KMS4034-treated CCI mice compared with the control (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

KMS4034 may be an effective analgesic for various pain conditions.

Glucuronidation of a sarpogrelate active metabolite is mediated by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A4, 1A9, and 2B4

Sarpogrelate is a selective serotonin 5-HT2A-receptor antagonist used to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease. This drug is rapidly hydrolyzed to its main metabolite (R,S)-1-[2-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]phenoxy]-3-(dimethylamino)-2-propanol (M-1), which is mainly excreted as a glucuronide conjugate. Sarpogrelate was also directly glucuronidated to an O-acyl glucuronide and a N-glucuronide by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in human liver microsomes (HLMs). Since M-1 is pharmacologically more active than sarpogrelate, we examined glucuronidation of this metabolite in HLMs and characterized the UGTs responsible for M-1 glucuronidation. Diastereomers of O-glucuronide (SMG1 and SMG3) and a N-glucuronide (SMG2) were identified by incubation of M-1 with HLMs in the presence of uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA), and their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analyses. Two O-glucuronides were identified as chiral isomers: SMG1 as R-isomer and SMG3 as S-isomer. Using recombinant UGT enzymes, we determined that SMG1 and SMG3 were predominantly catalyzed by UGT1A9 and UGT2B4, respectively, whereas SMG2 was generated by UGT1A4. In addition, significant correlations were noted between the SMG1 formation rate and propofol glucuronidation (a marker reaction of UGT1A9; r = 0.6269, P < 0.0031), and between the SMG2 formation rate and trifluoperazine glucuronidation (a marker reaction of UGT1A4; r = 0.6623, P < 0.0015) in a panel of HLMs. Inhibition of SMG1, SMG2, and SMG3 formation by niflumic acid, hecogenin, and fluconazole further substantiated the involvement of UGT1A9, UGT1A4, and UGT2B4, respectively. These findings collectively indicate that UGT1A4, UGT1A9, and UGT2B4 are the major UGT isoforms responsible for glucuronidation of M-1, an active metabolite of sarpogrelate.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of tri-substituted thiazoles as RAGE antagonists for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A series of thiazole derivatives were designed, and prepared to develop RAGE antagonist for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). SAR studies were performed to optimize inhibitory activity on Aβ-RAGE binding. SAR studies showed that introducing an amino group at part A was essential for inhibitory activity on Aβ-RAGE binding. Compounds selected from Aβ-RAGE binding screening displayed inhibitory activity on Aβ transport across BBB. They also showed inhibitory activity against Aβ-induced NF-κB activation. These results indicated that our derivatives had a potential as therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

Discovery of piperidinyl aminopyrimidine derivatives as IKK-2 inhibitors

A serine-threonine kinase IKK-2 plays an important role in activation of NF-κB through phosphorylation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB). As NF-κB is a major transcription factor that regulates genes responsible for cell proliferation and inflammation, development of selective IKK-2 inhibitors has been an important area of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer research. In this study, to obtain active and selective IKK-2 inhibitors, various substituents were introduced to a piperidinyl aminopyrimidine core structure. The structure-activity relationship study indicated that hydrogen, methanesulfonyl, and aminosulfonyl groups substituted at the piperidinylamino functionality provide high inhibitory activity against IKK-2. Also, morpholinosulfonyl and piperazinosulfonyl group substituted at the aromatic ring attached to the aminopyrimidine core significantly increased the inhibitory activity of the resulting derivatives. In particular, compound 17 with the aromatic piperazinosulfonyl substituent showed the most potent (IC(50)=1.30 μM) and selective (over other kinases such as p38α, p38β, JNK1, JNK2, JNK3, and IKK-1) inhibitory activity against IKK-2.

IKKβ inhibitor identification: a multi-filter driven novel scaffold

Background

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a chief nuclear transcription factor that controls the transcription of various genes; and its activation is tightly controlled by Inhibitor kappa B kinase (IKK). The irregular transcription of NF-κB has been linked to auto-immune disorders, cancer and other diseases. The IKK complex is composed of three units, IKKα, IKKβ, and the regulatory domain NEMO, of which IKKβ is well understood in the canonical pathway. Therefore, the inhibition of IKKβ by drugs forms the molecular basis for anti-inflammatory drug research.

Results

The ligand- and structure-based virtual screening (VS) technique has been applied to identify IKKβ inhibitors from the ChemDiv database with 0.7 million compounds. Initially, a 3D-QSAR pharmacophore model has been deployed to greatly reduce the database size. Subsequently, recursive partitioning (RP) and docking filters were used to screen the pharmacophore hits. Finally, 29 compounds were selected for IKKβ enzyme inhibition assay to identify a novel small molecule inhibitor of IKKβ protein.

Conclusions

In the present investigation, we have applied various computational models sequentially to virtually screen the ChemDiv database, and identified a small molecule that has an IC₅₀ value of 20.3μM. This compound is novel among the known IKKβ inhibitors. Further optimization of the hit compound can reveal a more potent anti-inflammatory agent.

3D QSAR pharmacophore model based on diverse IKKβ inhibitors

The inhibitor kappaB kinase β (IKKβ) is a serine-threonine protein kinase that is critically involved in the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in response to various inflammatory stimuli. IKKβ-selective inhibitors could prove useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In the absence of structural information, a ligand-based approach can serve as an alternative to the virtual screening of large databases. We have developed a 3D QSAR pharmacophore model based on 23 IKKβ inhibitors with 3 nM ≤ IC(50) ≤ 50000 nM. A four-feature pharmacophore containing a hydrophobic (Hy) feature, two ring aromatic (RA) features, and a hydrogen bond donor (D) feature was constructed. It yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.93 with experimentally determined activity data, and a correlation coefficient of 0.77 with training set activity data. The best hypothesis, Hypo 1, was validated by estimating the activities of 136 compounds in a test set. As well as the correlation analysis and test set activity estimation, a Fisher's validation test was conducted at the 95% confidence level. The pharmacophore model's specificity and selectivity were determined in an exhaustive enrichment study.

IKKbeta inhibitors identification part II: ligand and structure-based virtual screening

IkappaB kinase (IKK) is critical in proinflammatory cytokine-induced IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and subsequent activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB complex. The activated NF-kappaB plays a major role in the pathogenesis of a number of human disorders, such as rheumatic and chronic inflammatory diseases. The inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by small molecule inhibitors that targets IKKbeta may provide a pharmacological basis for interfering with these acute processes. To date, only three inhibitors have passed preclinical trials; on the other hand, identifying novel IKKbeta inhibitors could evolve as potential candidates to meet the clinical requirements in the future. In the present work, we have employed a virtual screening (VS) method to identify novel compounds. The VS scheme is comprised of pharmacophore filtering and, subsequently, receptor based screening. The VS scheme was applied to the databases of 1.04 million compounds to identify three novel compounds that can inhibit the IKKbeta at a micro molar range. Moreover, these compounds can be raised into a potential anti-inflammatory drug candidate after optimizing and passing several phases of clinical trials.

Inhibitory effect of pyridyloxy- or phenoxylphenoxyalkanate derivatives on rat lens aldose reductase and rat platelet aggregation

The therapeutic potential of aldose reductase inhibitors for the prevention of the secondary complications of diabetes has been extensively reported. On the other hand, the hyperaggregability of platelets in diabetic patients has also been reported as a cause of chronic diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to develop new compounds with these dual effects from pyridyloxy- or phenoxylphenoxyalkanate synthesized derivatives and examine the effect of their structure-activity relationships on the inhibition of rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) as well as on platelet aggregation. 2-[4-(2,6-dichloro-3-methyl-phenoxy)-3-nitro-phenoxy]-propionic acid (3) exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect (IC50 = 3.0 ± 0.21 μM), comparable to tetramethylene glutaric acid (IC50 = 6.1 ±0.2 μM), which is used as a positive control on RLAR, and showed potent inhibitory activities on rat platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen (IC50 = 0.093 ± 0.01 and 0.032 ± 0.01 μM, respectively) comparable with aspirin (IC50 = 0.15 ± 0.05 and 0.047 ± 0.01 μM, respectively), used as a positive control.

Biomimetic asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-laurefucin via an organoselenium-mediated intramolecular hydroxyetherification

The first asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-laurefucin (1), a unique C-15 acetogenin with a 2,8-dioxabicyclo[5.2.1]decane skeleton, has been accomplished in nine steps in 31% overall yield from known oxocene 10. Highlights of the highly stereoselective synthesis include a novel organoselenium-mediated biomimetic hydroxyetherification.

Ferulic acid and benzothiazole dimer derivatives with high binding affinity to β-amyloid fibrils

New ferulic acid and benzothiazole dimer derivatives were synthesized and evaluated by in vitro competition assay using [(125)I]TZDM for their specific binding affinities to Abeta fibrils. In particular, 4a showed the most excellent binding affinity (K(i)=0.53 nM), compared to PIB (K(i)=0.77 nM), for benzothiazole binding sites of Abeta(1-42) fibrils. This result suggests a possibility of a potential AD diagnostic probe for detection of Abeta fibrils.

Bis-styrylpyridine and bis-styrylbenzene derivatives as inhibitors for Aβ fibril formation

New bis-styrylpyridine and bis-styrylbenzene derivatives were designed and synthesized. These 34 compounds were evaluated by Abeta fibril formation inhibitory assay using thioflavin T as a dye (named ThT assay). Most of them showed excellent inhibitory activities for Abeta fibril formation at IC50 of 0.1-2.7 microM which is comparable to curcumin (IC50 of 0.8 microM). Among them, nine compounds were screened for their cytotoxicities on HT-22 cell by MTT assay at 1, 10, and 50 microM. In particular, I-7 and II-2 exhibited the best combination of inhibitory activity and compound cytotoxicity.

Synthesis and antibacterial activities of new 1β-methylcarbapenems having aminopyrimidinylthioether moiety

The synthesis of new 1beta-methylcarbapenems 1a-d bearing aminopyrimidinylthioether moiety at C-5 position of pyrrolidine ring and their antibacterial activities are described. All the compounds exhibited potent antibacterial activity. Of these carbapenems, 1d showed the best combination of antibacterial activity and stability to dehydropeptidase-I (DHP-I).

Novel 1beta-methylcarbapenems with isoxazoloethenyl moieties containing carboxylic acid sodium salt

The synthesis of novel 1beta-methylcarbapenems 1a,b having sodium 5-(3- and 5-carboxylic acid)isoxazoloethenyl moieties at C-5 position of pyrrolidine ring and their biological evaluation are described. Both compounds showed potent and well-balanced antibacterial activity as well as high stability to DHP-I. The selected sodium 3-carboxylic acid derivative 1a possessed excellent DHP-I stability and advanced pharmacokinetic parameters in comparison with 2 and meropenem.

A hybrid molecule that prohibits amyloid fibrils and alleviates neuronal toxicity induced by beta-amyloid (1-42)

Inhibition of oligomeric amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide or fibril formation has emerged as a major therapeutic target for developing new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. We focused on developing inhibitors by synthesizing hybrid molecules of ferulic acid and styryl benzene, which has been known as a fibril binder. Initially, cell-based assay was carried out to evaluate the effective compound. A selected effector, 1, alleviated the Abeta-induced neuronal toxicity in differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The effector could also inhibit Abeta fibril formation, monitored by thioflavin T fluorescence intensity assay and transmitted electron microscopic images. A strong binding affinity of 1 to non-fibrous monomer-like Abeta, which was immobilized to a surface chip, was measured using a surface plasmon resonance technique. The data suggest that the effector shifts the equilibrium of multimeric Abeta, inhibiting the pathogenic oligomer or fibril formation.

Synthesis and biological activity of novel 1beta-methylcarbapenems with oxyiminopyrrolidinylamide moiety

The synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 1beta-methylcarbapenems 1a-f bearing oxyiminopyrrolidinylamide moiety at C-5 position of pyrrolidine are described. Most compounds exhibited comparable antibacterial activity to meropenem against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Of these carbapenems, 1a showed potent and broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and similar stability to DHP-I to meropenem. Against clinical isolates of 40 Gram-negative bacterial species including MDR and ESBL-producing strains, the selected carbapenem 1a possessed excellent in vitro activity except for MDR P. aeruginosa, and was comparable in potency to meropenem.

An approach to enhance specificity against RNA targets using heteroconjugates of aminoglycosides and chloramphenicol (or linezolid)

We describe the design and synthesis of new heterodimeric conjugates, which are comprised of a neomycin B (Neo) stem-binding component and a chloramphenicol (Cam) or linezolid (Lnz) loop-binding component. Some of the heterodimeric conjugates display enhanced affinities to RNA targets and that binding occurs in both stem and loop regions of the RNA. In addition, the results of foot-printing and mutation studies suggest that the enhanced binding affinity of the conjugates is RNA sequence-specific.

Synthesis of heteroarylpiperazines and heteroarylbipiperidines with a restricted side chain and their affinities for 5-HT1A receptor

Heteroarylpiperazine and heteroarylbipiperidine derivatives, bearing a 4-piperidine ring instead of an alkylamino side chain to give the semi-rigidity, were prepared and evaluated for their abilities to displace [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding to the rat hippocampal synaptic membranes. These compounds showed low to moderate affinities for 5-HT(1A) receptor, with Ki values ranging from 6912 nM to 232 nM. Of these compounds, 8b and 15e exhibited the best affinities for 5-HT(1A) receptor with Ki values of 232 nM and 338 nM, respectively.

Synthesis and biological evaluations of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitors

A series of 1,4,6-trisubstituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines 15-19, 30-38 capable of selectively inhibiting CDK2 activity were synthesized by derivatization at C-4, C-6 and N-1 with various amines and lower alkyl groups. For above synthetic compounds, biological evaluation was carried out and structure-activity relationship was examined. In our series, 4-anilino compounds exhibited better CDK2 inhibitory activity and antitumor activity compared to 4-benzyl compounds. The compounds 33a,b having a 3-fluoroaniline group at C-4 showed comparable or superior CDK2 inhibitory activity to those of olomoucine and roscovitine as reference compounds. In general, the unsubstituted compounds (30a,b, 33a,b, 36a,b) at N-1 possessed higher potency than the substituted compounds (32a,b, 34a,b) for the CDK2 inhibitory activity. As for EGFR inhibitory activity, most compounds didnot have a significant activity. The compounds 32a,b exhibited potent cell growth inhibitory activity against human cancer cell lines, but their CDK2 inhibitory activities were slightly poorer than olomoucine.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 1 beta-methylcarbapenems with isothiazoloethenyl side chains

The synthesis of novel 1 beta-methylcarbapenems 1a,b bearing isothiazoloethenyl moieties at C-5 position of pyrrolidine ring and their biological evaluation are described. Both compounds showed potent and well-balanced antibacterial activity as well as high stability to DHP-I. Especially, 5-isothiazole derivative 1a exhibited excellent DHP-I stability and advanced pharmacokinetics profiles, compared to 5-isoxazole derivative 2, imipenem, and meropenem.

Synthesis and biological properties of new 1beta-methylcarbapenems containing heteroaromatic thioether moiety

The synthesis and biological activities of a series of new 1beta-methylcarbapenems 1a-h having heteroaromatic thioether moiety at C-5 position of pyrrolidine were described. Among these compounds, 1,2,3-thiadiazole derivative 1h showed the most potent antibacterial activity and advanced pharmacokinetics in comparison with meropenem.

Actin Directly Interacts with Phospholipase D, Inhibiting Its Activity

Mammalian phospholipase D (PLD) plays a key role in several signal transduction pathways and is involved in many diverse functions. To elucidate the complex molecular regulation of PLD, we investigated PLD-binding proteins obtained from rat brain extract. Here we report that a 43-kDa protein in the rat brain, beta-actin, acts as a major PLD2 direct-binding protein as revealed by peptide mass fingerprinting in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We also determined that the region between amino acids 613 and 723 of PLD2 is required for the direct binding of beta-actin, using bacterially expressed glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins of PLD2 fragments. Intriguingly, purified beta-actin potently inhibited both phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate- and oleate-dependent PLD2 activities in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 5 nm). In a previous paper, we reported that alpha-actinin inhibited PLD2 activity in an interaction-dependent and an ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1)-reversible manner (Park, J. B., Kim, J. H., Kim, Y., Ha, S. H., Kim, J. H., Yoo, J.-S., Du, G., Frohman, M. A., Suh, P.-G., and Ryu, S. H. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 21295-21301). In vitro binding analyses showed that beta-actin could displace alpha-actinin binding to PLD2, demonstrating independent interaction between cytoskeletal proteins and PLD2. Furthermore, ARF1 could steer the PLD2 activity in a positive direction regardless of the inhibitory effect of beta-actin on PLD2. We also observed that beta-actin regulates PLD1 and PLD2 with similar binding and inhibitory potencies. Immunocytochemical and co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated the in vivo interaction between the two PLD isozymes and actin in cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the regulation of PLD by cytoskeletal proteins, beta-actin and alpha-actinin, and ARF1 may play an important role in cytoskeleton-related PLD functions.

Significance of high-risk human papillomavirus detection by polymerase chain reaction in primary cervical cancer screening

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to assess its diagnostic usefulness in primary cervical screening. PCR testing for HPV type 16, 18, 31 and 33 was performed on 1305 specimens obtained during routine cervical cancer screening. We analysed the concurrent cervical smears and biopsy, and correlated them with the HPV infection status. We also evaluated histologically-proven cases with ASCUS smears according to HPV infection. HPV DNA was identified in eight (0.7%) of 1144 cytologically normal patients; nine (10.5%) of 86 ASCUS; seven (25.0%) of 28 LSIL; 26 (78.8%) of 33 HSIL; and in all of three squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). HPV positivity was significantly associated with cytohistological diagnosis for HSIL of more. In addition, HPV-positive ASCUS cases were found to be associated with histological abnormality rather than HPV-negative. The results indicate that high-risk HPV testing by PCR could be a useful adjunct tool for Pap smear in primary cervical screening. The combination of Pap smear and high-risk HPV testing by PCR might reduce unnecessary colposcopy-guided biopsy of women with cytological diagnosis of ASCUS.

Characterization of dextran-producing Leuconostoc strains

Leuconostoc strains were characterized according to their antibiotic susceptibilities, carbohydrate fermentation profiles, sucrase activity patterns and plasmid content. All the strains tested were resistant to the antibiotics sulphathiazole, trimethoprim and vancomycin, and could be separated into two groups based on whether or not they could ferment melibiose and raffinose. Six Leuconostoc strains possessed plasmids and many produced unique sucrase activity patterns in polyacrylamide gels. These data will aid in distinguishing among physiologically similar dextran-producing leuconostocs, frequently used in research and industry.