Synthesis of C‐14 and C‐13, H‐2‐labeled IKK inhibitor: [14C] and [13C4,D3]‐N‐(6‐chloro‐7‐methoxy‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indol‐8‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide

[¹⁴C]‐N‐(6‐Chloro‐7‐methoxy‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indol‐8‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide (5B ), an IKK inhibitor, was synthesized from [¹⁴C]‐barium carbonate in two steps in an overall radiochemical yield of 41%. The intermediate, [carboxyl‐¹⁴C]‐2‐methylnicotinic acid, was prepared by the lithiation and carbonation of 3‐bromo‐2‐methylpyridine. [¹³C₄,D₃]‐N‐(6‐chloro‐7‐methoxy‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indol‐8‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide (5C ) was synthesized from [1,2,3,4‐¹³C₄]‐ethyl acetoacetate and [D₄]‐methanol in six steps in an overall yield of 2%. [¹³C₄]‐2‐methylnicotic acid, was prepared by condensation of [¹³C₄]‐ethyl 3‐aminocrotonate and acrolein, followed by hydrolysis with lithium hydroxide. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of C‐14‐labeled novel IKK inhibitor: 2‐[14C]‐N‐(6‐chloro‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indol‐8‐yl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide

2‐[¹⁴C]‐N‐(6‐Chloro‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indol‐8‐yl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide (9A , also referred to as [¹⁴C]‐PS‐1145) was synthesized from [¹⁴C]‐paraformaldehyde in five steps in an overall radiochemical yield of 15%. The key intermediate 1‐[¹⁴C]‐6‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline was obtained by Pictet–Spengler cyclization of chlorotryptamine with [¹⁴C]‐paraformaldehyde. Similar reactions were conducted with tryptamine to address the generality of the methodology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of constrained analogues of the opioid peptide H‐Tyr‐d‐Ala‐Phe‐Gly‐NH2 using the 4‐amino‐2‐benzazepin‐3‐one scaffold

Abstract: The synthesis of conformationally restricted dipeptidic moieties 4‐amino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2‐benzazepin‐3‐one (Aba)‐Gly ([(4S)‐amino‐3‐oxo‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐2‐benzazepin‐2‐yl]‐acetic acid) and 8‐hydroxy‐4‐amino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2‐benzazepin‐3‐one (Hba)‐d ‐Ala ([(4S)‐amino‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐benzo[c]azepin‐2‐yl]‐propionic acid) was based on a synthetic strategy that uses an oxazolidinone as an N‐acyliminium precursor. Introducing these Aba scaffolds into the N‐terminal tetrapeptide of dermorphin (H‐Tyr‐d ‐Ala‐Phe‐Gly‐Tyr‐Pro‐Ser‐NH₂)‐induced remarkable shifts in affinity and selectivity towards the opioid μ‐ and δ‐receptors. This paper provides the synthesis and biological in vitro and in vivo evaluation of constricted analogues of the N‐terminal tetrapeptide H‐Tyr‐d ‐Ala‐Phe‐Gly‐NH₂, which is the minimal subunit of dermorphin needed for dermorphin‐like opiate activity.     

Improving the Specificity of the Prostate‐Specific Antigen Substrate Glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln as a Promoiety

To develop PSA peptide substrates with improved specificity and plasma stability from the known substrate sequence glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln, systematic replacements of the N‐terminal segment with D‐retro‐inverso‐peptides were performed with the incorporation of 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin (7‐AMC) after Gln for convenient fluorometric determination and ranking of the PSA substrate activity. The D‐retro‐inverso‐peptide conjugates with P2‐P5 D‐amino acid substitutions were moderate but poorer PSA substrates as compared to the original peptide, suggesting that inversion of the amide bonds and/or incorporation of the additional atom as in the urea linker adversely affected PSA binding. However, P5 substitution of Hyp with Ser showed significant improvements in PSA cleavage rate; the resulting AMC conjugate, glutaryl‐Ser‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC ( 11 ), exhibited the fastest PSA cleavage rate of 351 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA. In addition, GABA←mGly‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC (conjugate 6 ) was the second best PSA substrate and released 7‐AMC at a rate of 225 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA as compared to 171 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA for the control conjugate glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC. Incubations of selected AMC conjugates with mouse and human plasma revealed that GABA←D‐Ser‐ψ[NH‐CO‐NH]‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC ( 5 ) and GABA←mGly‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC ( 6 ) were most stable to non‐PSA‐mediated proteolysis. Our results suggest that the PSA specificity of glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln is improved with Ser and mGly substitutions of Hyp at the P5.     

Synthesis,In Vitro Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibition,and Herbicidal Activity of N‐(Benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3‐diones and N‐(Benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase ( EC 1.3.3.4 ) is one of the most significant targets for a large family of herbicides. As part of our continuous efforts to search for novel protoporphyrinogen oxidase‐inhibiting herbicides, N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)tetrahydroisoindole‐1,3‐dione was selected as a lead compound for structural optimization, leading to the syntheses of a series of novel N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3‐diones ( 1a – o ) and N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones ( 2a – i ). These newly prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, and ESI‐MS, and the structures of 1h and 2h were further confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The bioassays indicated that some compounds displayed comparable or higher protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibition activities in comparison with the commercial control. Very promising, compound 2a , ethyl 2‐((6‐fluoro‐5‐(4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1‐oxo‐1H‐isoindol‐2(3H)‐yl)benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐sulfanyl)acetate, was recognized as the most potent candidate with K_i value of 0.0091 μm . Further greenhouse screening results demonstrated that some compounds exhibited good herbicidal activity against Chenopodium album at the dosage of 150 g/ha.     

13C‐ and 14C‐labelling of N‐[1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl‐methyleneamino] guanidinium acetate

N‐[1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl‐¹³C₄‐methyleneamino]guanidinium acetate has been synthesized by a four‐step procedure. This involved reduction of the Weinreb amide N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dimethyloxybutane‐1,4‐diamide‐1,2,3,4‐¹³C₄ by Dibal‐H to give the corresponding unstable dialdehyde which is reacted in situ with 4‐chloroaniline to form 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐¹³C₄. This pyrrole analogue underwent a Vilsmeyer acylation with POCl₃/DMF followed by final reaction with aminoguanidine bicarbonate to produce the desired labelled compound with 99% atom ¹³C. By using DMF [α‐¹⁴C] a radio‐labelled analogue was synthesized with a specific activity of 60 mCi/mmol. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of morphine‐[N‐methyl‐14C]‐6‐β‐D‐glucuronide

Protected morphine‐6‐glucuronide was converted into morphine‐[N‐methyl‐¹⁴C]‐6‐glucuronide by a three‐step procedure. Methyl (3‐pivaloylmorphin‐6‐yl 2,3,4‐tri‐O‐isobutyryl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosid)uronate was N‐demethylated by treatment with 1‐chloroethyl chloroformate to afford protected normorphine‐6‐glucuronide as its hydrochloride salt. The normorphine‐6‐glucuronide derivative was alkylated with iodomethane‐[¹⁴C] in the presence of potassium carbonate to produce C‐14 labelled protected morphine‐6‐glucuronide. Finally, hydrolysis of the protecting groups using 5% sodium hydroxide solution gave morphine‐[N‐methyl‐¹⁴C]‐6‐β‐D‐glucuronide with a specific activity of 41.8 mCi mmol^?1 and radiochemical purity of 99.2% (HPLC). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of (S)‐cyano(3‐phenoxyphenyl)methyl (1R,3R)‐ 3‐[(1Z)‐2‐chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoro‐1‐propenyl]‐2,2‐dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate‐1‐14C

γ‐Cyhalothrin ( 1a ), (S)‐cyano(3‐phenoxyphenyl)methyl (1R,3R)‐3‐[(1Z)‐2‐chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoro‐1‐propenyl]‐2,2‐dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, is a single‐isomer, synthetic pyrethroid insecticide marketed by Pytech Chemicals GmbH, a joint venture between Dow AgroSciences and Cheminova A/S. As a part of the registration process there was a need to incorporate a carbon‐14 label into the cyclopropyl ring of this molecule. A high yielding radiochemical synthesis of γ‐cyhalothrin was developed from readily available carbon‐14 labeled N‐t‐Boc protected glycine. This seven step synthesis, followed by a preparative normal phase HPLC separation of diastereomers, provided 21.8 mCi of γ‐cyhalothrin‐1‐¹⁴C ( 1b ) with >98% radiochemical purity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of the dopamine D3 receptor agonist R(+)‐7‐hydroxy‐N,N‐di‐n‐propyl‐2‐aminotetralin‐induced hypo‐ and hypermotility in mice

The present study was designed to characterize the dopamine D₃ receptor agonist R(+)‐7‐hydroxy‐N,N‐di‐n‐propyl‐2‐aminotetralin (R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT)‐induced changes in locomotor activity in mice. Although R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT (0·01–10 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in horizontal and vertical motility within 15 min after the start of behavioural measurements, the dopamine D₁ receptor antagonist R(+)‐SCH23390 (0·05 mg/kg) and the dopamine D₃ receptor antagonist (+)‐UH232 (10 mg/kg) had no antagonistic effects on the R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT (3 mg/kg)‐induced hypomotility, while the dopamine D₂ receptor antagonist S(−)‐sulpiride (20 mg/kg) augmented it. Although R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT (0·01–1 mg/kg) had no marked effects on horizontal or vertical motility, higher doses (3 and 10 mg/kg) of the drug produced a significant increase in horizontal or vertical motility from 30 to 90 min after the start of the behavioural measurements. S(−)‐sulpiride (20 mg/kg) and (+)‐UH232 (10 mg/kg) almost completely inhibited the R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT (3 mg/kg)‐induced hypermotility, whereas the antagonistic effects of R(+)‐SCH23390 (0·05 mg/kg) were partial. These results suggest that the R(+)‐7‐OH‐DPAT‐induced hypermotility is mediated principally via dopamine D₂ and D₃ receptors, whereas it is unlikely that the hypomotility results from the activation of presynaptic dopamine D₂ or D₃ receptors. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of carbon‐14 analogue of N‐(1‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐5‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[e][1,4]diazepin‐3‐yl)‐benzamide‐[carboxyl‐14C] as CCK‐A antagonist

N‐(1‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐5‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[e][1,4]diazepin‐3‐yl)‐benzamide‐[carboxyl‐¹⁴C] has been synthesized from benzonitrile‐[cyano‐¹⁴C]. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3‐Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid loaded‐polymeric nanomicelles for topical anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity

Objectives The aim of this study was to develop 3‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA)‐loaded polymeric nanomicelles for topical anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity. Methods Polymeric nanomicelles of AKBA were developed by a radical polymerization method using N‐isopropylacrylamide, vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid. The polymeric nanomicelles obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). In‐vitro and in‐vivo evaluations of AKBA polymeric nanomicelles gel were carried out for enhanced skin permeability and anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity. Key findings TEM and DLS results demonstrated that polymeric nanomicelles were spherical with a mean diameter approximately 45 nm. FTIR data indicated a weak interaction between polymer and AKBA in the encapsulated system. The release of drug in aqueous buffer (pH 7.4) from the polymeric nanomicelles was 23 and 55% after 2 and 8 h, respectively, indicating sustained release. In‐vitro skin permeation studies through excised abdominal skin indicated a threefold increase in skin permeability compared with AKBA gel containing the same amount of AKBA as the AKBA polymeric nanomicelles gel. The AKBA polymeric nanomicelle gel showed significantly enhanced anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity compared with the AKBA gel. Conclusions This study suggested that AKBA polymeric nanomicelle gel significantly enhanced skin permeability, and anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic activity.     

Benzodioxocin‐3‐ones and N‐acyl‐3‐amino‐3‐buten‐2‐ones: novel classes of cathepsin K cysteine protease inhibitors*

Abstract: The design, synthesis, enzymologic, and protein mass spectrometric characterization of benzodioxocin‐3‐one and N‐acyl‐3‐amino‐3‐buten‐2‐one inhibitors of the cysteine protease cathepsin K are described. The benzodioxocin‐3‐one ring system is chemically unstable giving rise to a mixture of N‐acyl‐3‐amino‐3‐buten‐2‐one and hemiketals. This mixture of N‐acyl‐3‐amino‐3‐buten‐2‐one and hemiketals potently inhibits recombinant, human cathepsin K (IC₅₀ = 36 nM) by a time‐independent, irreversible mechanism. Formation of a covalent adduct between cathepsin K and inhibitor has been confirmed by mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis of N‐(2‐diethylamino‐ethyl)‐4‐(4‐fluoro‐benzamido)‐2‐methoxybenzamide (desiodo‐MIP‐1145) by coupling technique and its radioiodination: a potential melanoma imaging agent

Radioiodinated MIP‐1145, which specifically targets melanin, is an ideal candidate for targeted therapy of melanoma. An analogue of MIP‐1145 lacking the iodo‐substituent (desiodo‐MIP‐1145) was synthesized as a labeling precursor in three simple steps. The radioiodination of desiodo‐MIP‐1145 by iodine‐125 was carried out via an electrophilic substitution reaction. An optimization study for the iodination reaction was carried out. The labeled compound was isolated and purified by means of electrophoresis and HPLC. The maximum radiochemical yield, 76%, was obtained with radiochemical purity greater than 99%. The log P value for [¹²⁵I]MIP‐1145 was measured as 4.5.     

Design,Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity of (E,Z)‐1‐(dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ones

A series of (E,Z)‐1‐(dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ones ( C1 – C35 ) were designed and synthesized, and the structures of compounds (Z)‐ C27 and (Z)‐ C29 were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The antitumor activities of these novel compounds against cervical cancer (HeLa), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cell lines were evaluated in vitro. Majority of the title compounds exhibited strong antitumor activities and were much more promising than the positive control Taxol, which were also accompanied by lower cytotoxicity to normal cells. In particular, compounds (E,Z)‐ C24 exhibited the most consistent potent activities against three neoplastic cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.2 to 7.1 μm . Further researches demonstrated that compounds (E,Z)‐ C24 could induce cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at the G2/M and S phases. Meanwhile, the structure–activity relationship between the configurations and cytotoxicity of the compounds was also investigated.     

Microwave‐assisted synthesis of (RS) methyl‐2‐([2′‐14C]4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2′‐yloxy)‐2‐phenyl [1‐14C]ethanoate

We report here a facile synthesis of (RS) methyl‐2‐([2′‐¹⁴C]4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2′‐yloxy)‐2‐phenyl [1‐¹⁴C]ethanoate under microwave irradiation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N‐[9‐(ortho‐Fluorobenzyl)‐2‐Phenyl‐8‐Azapurin‐6‐yl]‐Amides as Potent and Selective Ligands for A1 Adenosine Receptors

A series of N‐[9‐(ortho‐fluorobenzyl)‐2‐phenyl‐8‐azapurin‐6‐yl]‐amides were synthesized and tested for their affinity toward A₁, A_2A, and A₃ adenosine receptor subtypes. Biological results demonstrated that the introduction of a fluorine atom at the ortho position of the 9‐benzyl group generally enhanced affinity toward A₁ subtype and did not significantly affect A_2A and A₃ affinity. Very interesting is the compound bearing a meta‐fluorophenyl substituent on the carbonyl carbon of the amide group, which shows significantly high A₁/A_2A‐A₃ selectivity. Compounds of this new series, together with the previously published analogs without the fluorine atom on the 9‐benzyl group, constituted the starting dataset for the development of QSAR models. The models obtained were able to rationally describe the affinity trends resulting from biological testing and to enable investigation of the role of different substituents on the 8‐azapurine scaffold, as well as the influence of the newly introduced fluorine atom on the benzyl moiety. The said QSAR models can also assist in the design of new compounds selectively active on A₁ adenosine receptors. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was carried out to assess hypothetical binding mode of N‐[9‐(ortho‐fluorobenzyl)‐2‐phenyl‐8‐azapurin‐6‐yl]‐amides to A₁ adenosine receptors.     

A facile synthesis of 5,5‐dideutero‐4‐dimethyl(phenyl)silyl‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one as a deuterium labeled synthon for (−)‐tetrahydrolipstatin and (+)‐δ‐hexadecanolide

Deuterium‐labeled biologically active compounds are gaining importance because they can be utilized as tracers or surrogate compounds to understand the mechanism of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Deuterated drug molecules (heavy drugs) become novel as well as popular because of better stability and bioavailability compared with their hydrogen analogs. Labeling of organic molecules with deuterium at specific positions is thus gaining popularity. In this work, we have exploited a highly regioselective and enantioselective direct Michael addition of methyl‐d₃ alkyl ketones to dimethyl(phenyl)silylmethylene malonate that was catalyzed by (S)‐N‐(2‐pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine/trifluoroacetic acid/ D₂O combination with high yield and isotopic purity. The 5,5‐dideutero‐4‐dimethyl(phenyl)silyl‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one was obtained from the adduct of methyl‐d₃ undecanyl ketone and dimethyl(phenyl)silylmethylene malonate by a silicon controlled diastereoselective ketone reduction, lactonization, and deethoxycarbonylation. The dideuterated silylated tetrahydropyran‐2‐one is the precursor for geminal ²H₂‐labeled (+)‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one, an advanced intermediate for gem‐dideutero (–)‐tetrahydrolipstatin and (+)‐δ‐hexadecanolide syntheses.