Piperazine-based CCR5 antagonists as HIV-1 inhibitors. II. Discovery of 1-[(2,4-dimethyl-3-pyridinyl)carbonyl]-4- methyl-4-[3(S)-methyl-4-[1(S)-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]- piperidine N1-oxide (Sch-350634), an orally bioavailable, potent CCR5 antagonist

Truncation of the original piperidino-2(S)-methyl piperazine lead structure 2, from a family of muscarinic antagonists, gave compound 8 which has improved selectivity for the HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 over muscarinic receptors. Further optimization for pharmacokinetic properties afforded Sch-350634 (1), a prototypical piperazine-based CCR5 antagonist, which is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 entry and replication in PBMCs. The title compound (1) has excellent oral bioavailability in rat, dog, and monkey.     

(+)-(2R,5S)-4-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2,5-dimethyl-N-[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3- yl]piperazine-1-carboxamide (YM580) as an orally potent and peripherally selective nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist

A novel series of trans-N-aryl-2,5-dimethylpiperazine-1-carboxamide derivatives was synthesized and their androgen receptor (AR) antagonist activities and in vivo antiandrogenic effects were evaluated. Pharmacological assays indicated that compound 33 was a potent AR antagonist, and subsequent optical resolution provided (+)-(2R,5S)-4-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2,5-dimethyl-N-[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]piperazine-1-carboxamide (33a, YM580) which exhibited the most potent antiandrogenic activity. Unlike bicalutamide, compound 33a decreased the weight of rat ventral prostate in a dose-dependent manner (ED(50) = 2.2 mg/kg/day), and induced the maximum antiandrogenic effect, comparable to that of surgical castration, without significantly affecting serum testosterone levels. Compound 33a is a promising clinical candidate for prostate cancer monotherapy.     

Discovery of 1-[3-(aminomethyl)phenyl]-N-3-fluoro-2'-(methylsulfonyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (DPC423), a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of blood coagulation factor Xa

Factor Xa (fXa) plays a critical role in the coagulation cascade, serving as the point of convergence of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Together with nonenzymatic cofactor Va and Ca2+ on the phospholipid surface of platelets or endothelial cells, factor Xa forms the prothrombinase complex, which is responsible for the proteolysis of prothrombin to catalytically active thrombin. Thrombin, in turn, catalyzes the cleavage of fibrinogen to fibrin, thus initiating a process that ultimately leads to clot formation. Recently, we reported on a series of isoxazoline and isoxazole monobasic noncovalent inhibitors of factor Xa which show good potency in animal models of thrombosis. In this paper, we wish to report on the optimization of the heterocyclic core, which ultimately led to the discovery of a novel pyrazole SN429 (2b; fXa K(i) = 13 pM). We also report on our efforts to improve the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of this series while maintaining subnanomolar potency and in vitro selectivity. This was achieved by replacing the highly basic benzamidine P1 with a less basic benzylamine moiety. Further optimization of the pyrazole core substitution and the biphenyl P4 culminated in the discovery of DPC423 (17h), a highly potent, selective, and orally active factor Xa inhibitor which was chosen for clinical development.     

Redifferentiation of human hepatoma cell induced by 6-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-[1-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1 H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-s-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (TDZ)

6-(p-Chlorophenyl)-3-[1-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1 H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-s-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (TDZ) is a derivative of various substituted s-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazoles, which are associated with diverse pharmacological activities. However, the antitumor activity of TDZ is not well understood. To evaluate its role on tumor cell lines, we have examined the effect of TDZ on two tumor lines: human hepatoma cell (SMMC-7721) in vitro and Sarcoma180 tumor (S180) in vivo. The cytotoxicity of TDZ on human hepatoma cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The inhibition on tumor growth was evaluated by means of trypan blue exclusion test in vitro, and using a Sarcoma180 tumor (S180) animal model in vivo. A scanning electronic microscope was used to discover the morphological changes on cell surface, cell electrophoresis was employed to determine the changes of cell surface negative charges, and alpha-fetoprotein was applied as a biomarker of hepatoma. The effect of TDZ on DNA synthesis was determined by a [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay, and cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry. The IC50 value of TDZ on SMMC-7721 cells was 52.9 microg/ml (48 h). However, TDZ could inhibit the growth of SMMC-7721 cells at concentrations far lower than the IC50 value. Treated with the same low concentrations of TDZ, microvilli on the surface of SMMC-7721 cells decreased obviously, electrophoresis rate of cells reduced from 2.14 microm ms(-1) x V(-1) x cm(-1) of control to 1.54 and 1.56 microm x s(-1) x V-1 x cm(-1), the content of AFP dropped from 205.14 +/- 6.41 ng x mg(-1) Pr to 115.68 +/- 3.47 and 78.57 +/- 2.35 ng mg(-1) Pr, and the DNA replication was inhibited by 26.8% and 45.2%. These results indicated that TDZ may inhibit proliferation of cancer cells by reversing SMMC-7721 cells malignant phenotypic characteristics and inducing redifferentiation. Flow cytometry showed that TDZ-treated cells resulted in a higher proportion of cells in S phase compared with untreated cells, and only when the concentration reached 64 microg/ml, the apoptosis could happen at the rate of 4.2%. Detection of the inhibition of Sarcoma 180 tumor growth in vivo showed that TDZ reduced the tumor weight and 69.08% of the growth was inhibited. TDZ could inhibit the proliferation of tumors in vitro and in vivo; the possible antitumor mechanism might be inducing redifferentiation at a lower dosage on vitro.     

3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone as a novel antidepressant drug: synthesis and pharmacology of 1-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-3,4- dihydro-5-methoxy-2(1H)-quinolinone and its derivatives

To develop a novel antidepressant drug with central nervous system-stimulating activity, we prepared a series of 1-[omega-(4-substituted phenyl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]-3, 4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives and examined their activities by their effects at 30 and 100 mg/kg po on the sleeping time of mice anesthetized with halothane and on the time required for recovery from coma induced in mice by cerebral concussion. We examined their binding affinities for sigma receptors by evaluating their ability to inhibit [(3)H]-1,3-di(o-tolyl)guanidine ([(3)H]DTG) binding to the rat whole brain membrane in comparison with three putative sigma receptor agonists: 1,3-di(o-tolyl)guanidine (DTG, 66), (+)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-6,11-dimethyl-3-(2-propenyl)-2, 6-methano-3-benzazecin-8-ol (SKF10,047, 67), and (+)-1,2,3,4,5, 6-hexahydro-6,11-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-2, 6-methano-3-benzazecin-8-ol (pentazocine, 68). Among the series of derivatives, 1-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-3, 4-dihydro-5-methoxy-2(1H)-quinolinone hydrochloride (34b) and its mesylate (34c), at a dose of 30 mg/kg po, reduced the sleeping time and the time for recovery from coma and they inhibited [(3)H]DTG binding for sigma receptors. The putative sigma receptor agonists reduced the sleeping time and the time for recovery from coma whereas two sigma receptor antagonists, alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinebutanol hydrochloride (BMY14802, 69) and cis-9-[3-(3, 5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]carbazole dihydrochloride (rimcazole, 70), were inactive in the two tests. Preadministration of the putative sigma receptor antagonists 69 (3 mg/kg po) and 70 (30 mg/kg po) completely antagonized the actions of 34b and the sigma receptor agonists in the test for recovery from coma. These results suggested that 34b and 34c are sigma receptor agonists. Furthermore, a single administration of 1 and 10 mg/kg po 34b and 34c showed antidepressant-like activity by reducing the immobility time in the forced-swimming test with mice, while a tricyclic antidepressant, 10, 11-dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-propanamine hydrochloride (imipramine, 1) (10 and 30 mg/kg po), did not reduce the time after a single administration. 1 reduced the time after repeated administration of 30 mg/kg po once a day for 4 days. The structure-activity relationship of the series of compounds is also discussed.     

Preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism of 6-(4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)oxazol-5-yl)-3-isopropyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine, a novel and selective p38alpha inhibitor: identification of an active metabolite in preclinical species and human liver microsomes

The disposition of 6-(4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)oxazol-5-yl)-3-isopropyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine (1), a potent and selective inhibitor of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase p38alpha, was characterized in several animal species in support of its selection for preclinical safety studies and potential clinical development. 1 demonstrated generally favorable pharmacokinetic properties in all species examined. Following intravenous (i.v.) administration, 1 exhibited low volumes of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) ranging from 0.4-1.3 l/kg (2.4-26 l/m(2)) in the rat, dog and monkey. Systemic plasma clearance was low in cynomolgus monkeys (6.00 ml/min/kg, 72.0 ml/min/m(2)) and Sprague-Dawley rats (7.65+/-1.08 ml/min/kg, 45.9+/-6.48 ml/min/m(2) in male rats and 3.15+/-0.27 ml/min/kg, 18.9+/-1.62 ml/min/m(2) in female rats) and moderate in beagle dogs (12.3+/-5.1 ml/min/kg, 246+/-102 ml/min/m(2)) resulting in plasma half-lives ranging from 1 to 5 h in preclinical species. Moderate to high bioavailability of 1 was observed in rats (30-65%), dogs (87%) and monkeys (40%) after oral (p.o.) dosing consistent with the in vitro absorption profile of 1 in the Caco-2 permeability assay. In rats, the oral pharmacokinetics were dose dependent over the dose range studied (5, 50 and 100 mg/kg). The principal route of clearance of 1 in rat, dog, monkey and human liver microsomes and in vivo in preclinical species involved oxidative metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes. The major metabolic fate of 1 in preclinical species and humans involved hydroxylation on the isopropyl group to yield the tertiary alcohol metabolite 2. In human liver microsomes, this transformation was catalysed by CYP3A4 as judged from reaction phenotyping analysis using isozyme-specific inhibitors and recombinant CYP enzymes. Metabolite 2 was also shown to possess inhibitory potency against p38alpha in a variety of in vitro assays. 1 as well as the active metabolite 2 were moderately to highly bound to plasma proteins (f(u) approximately 0.1-0.33) in rat, mouse, dog, monkey and human. 1 as well as the active metabolite 2 did not exhibit competitive inhibition of the five major cytochrome P450 enzymes namely CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 (IC(50)>50 microM). Overall, these results indicate that the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profile of 1 is relatively consistent across preclinical species and predict potentially favorable pharmacokinetic properties in humans, supporting its selection for toxicity/safety assessment studies and possible investigations in humans as an anti-inflammatory agent.     

Formation of unusual glutamate conjugates of 1-[3-(aminomethyl)phenyl]-N-[3-fluoro-2'-(methylsulfonyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (DPC 423) and its analogs: the role of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in the biotransformation of benzylamines.

The role of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) in transferring glutamate from endogenous glutathione (GSH) to the benzylamine moiety of a compound, such as 1-[3-(aminomethyl)phenyl]-N-[3-fluoro-2'-(methylsulfonyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (DPC 423), is described. Studies were performed with structurally related analogs of DPC 423 to demonstrate that this type of reaction was common to compounds possessing a benzylamine group. Synthesizing appropriate standards and confirming by liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectroscopy and LC/NMR made unambiguous assignments of the structures of glutamate conjugates of DPC 423. The use of stable isotope-labeled GSH for metabolism studies has not been described before. In the present study, we report the novel use of deuterated GSH in conjunction with mass spectral analysis to demonstrate the glutamate transfer to the benzylamines in the presence of GGT. To further demonstrate that the alpha protons on the benzylamines and glutamate (as part of glutathione) were unaffected during the transpeptidation, these protons were replaced with deuterium. Acivicin (AT-125), a potent and selective inhibitor of GGT, was used to abolish the formation of the glutamate conjugates of DPC 423 in vitro and in vivo. This provided further evidence of the role of GGT in forming the glutamate conjugates of benzylamines. This study demonstrated conclusively that GGT was responsible for mediating the transfer of glutamic acid from GSH to the benzylamine moiety of a series of structurally related compounds.     

Disposition of 1-[3-(aminomethyl)phenyl]-N-[3-fluoro-2'- (methylsulfonyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)- 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (DPC 423) by novel metabolic pathways. Characterization of unusual metabolites by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR.

The in vitro and in vivo disposition of DPC 423 was investigated in mice, rats, dogs and humans and the metabolites characterized by LC/MS, LC/NMR and high field-NMR. The rodents produced several metabolites that included an aldehyde (M1), a carboxylic acid (M2), a benzyl alcohol (M3), glutamate conjugates (M4 and M5), an acyl glucuronide (M6) and its isomers; a carbamyl glucuronide (M7); a phenol (M8) and its glucuronide conjugate (M9), two glutathione adducts (M10 and M11), a sulfamate conjugate (M12), isomers of an oxime metabolite (M13), and an amide (M14). Humans and dogs produced less complex metabolite profiles than rats. While unchanged DPC 423 was the major component in plasma and urine samples, differences in the metabolic disposition of this compound among species were noted. M1 is believed to be rapidly oxidized to the carboxylic acid (M2), which forms the potentially reactive acyl glucuronide (M6). The formation of novel glutamate conjugates (M4 and M5) and their role in depleting endogenous glutathione have been described previously. The carbamyl glucuronide M7, found as the major metabolite in rats and in other species, was considered nonreactive and was easily hydrolyzed to the parent compound in the presence of beta-glucuronidase. The identification of GSH adducts M10 and M11 led us to postulate the existence of at least two reactive intermediates responsible for their formation, an epoxide and possibly a nitrile oxide, respectively. Although the formation of GSH adducts such as M10 from epoxides has been described before, there are no reports to date describing the existence of a GSH adduct (M11) of an oxime. The formation of a sulfamate conjugate (M12) formed by direct coupling of sulfate to the nitrogen of benzylamine is described. A mechanism is proposed for the formation of the oxime (M13) that involves sequential oxidation of the benzylamine to the corresponding hydroxylamine and nitroso intermediate. The rearrangement of the nitroso intermediate is believed to produce the oxime (M13). In vitro studies suggested that both the oxime (M13) and the aldehyde (M1) were precursors to the carboxylic acid (M2). This is the first demonstration of carboxylic acid formation via an oxime intermediate produced from an amine. The stability of DPC423 in plasma obtained from several species was studied. Significant species differences in the plasma stability of DPC 423 were observed. The formation of the aldehyde metabolite (M1) was found to be catalyzed by a semicarbazide-sensitive monoamine oxidase (SSAO) found in plasma of rabbits, dogs, and rhesus monkeys. Rat, chimpanzee, and human plasma did not form M1.     

Piperazine-based CCR5 antagonists as HIV-1 inhibitors. IV. Discovery of 1-[(4,6-dimethyl-5-pyrimidinyl)carbonyl]- 4-[4-[2-methoxy-1(R)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl-3(S)-methyl-1-piperazinyl]- 4-methylpiperidine (Sch-417690/Sch-D), a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable CCR5 antagonist

The nature and the size of the benzylic substituent are shown to be the key to controlling receptor selectivity (CCR5 vs M1, M2) and potency in the title compounds. Optimization of the lead benzylic methyl compound 3 led to the methoxymethyl analogue 30, which had excellent receptor selectivity and oral bioavailability in rats and monkeys. Compound 30 (Sch-417690/Sch-D), a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 entry into target cells, is currently in clinical trials.     

1-(5-硝基吲哚-2-羰基)-4-[3-(1-甲基乙胺基)-2-吡啶基]哌嗪的制备

地拉韦定(delavirdine)是由美国Pharmacia&Upjohn公司研制的非核苷HIV-1逆转录酶抑制剂(NNRTIs),临床与其它抗HIV药联合使用,用于治疗获得性免疫缺陷综合征[1].1-(5-硝基吲哚-2-羰基)-4-[3-(1-甲基乙胺基)-2-吡啶基]哌嗪(1)是其重要中间体.文献[2-4]以5-硝基吲哚-2-羧酸(2)和1-[3-(1-甲基乙胺基)-2-吡啶基]哌嗪(3)为原料,在1-(3-二甲胺基丙基)-3-乙基碳二亚胺(EDC)作用下缩合制得.EDC价昂,后处理用氯仿作提取溶剂,且需通过柱色谱纯化,不适于规模化生产.     

P450-mediated metabolism of 1-[3-(aminomethyl)phenyl]-N-[3-fluoro-2'-(methylsulfonyl)- [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole- 5-carboxamide (DPC 423) and its analogues to aldoximes. Characterization of glutathione conjugates of postulated intermediates derived from aldoximes.

The in vivo and in vitro disposition of DPC 423, a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of blood coagulation factor Xa, has recently been described. Several metabolites, some of which were considered potentially reactive, were identified in rats. A novel GSH adduct, the structure of which was not determined conclusively, was isolated from bile of rats dosed with DPC 423. Herein, we describe the complete structural elucidation of this unique GSH conjugate employing LC/MS and high-field NMR. Similar GSH adducts of DPC 602, [13CD2]DPC 602, and SX 737, all structural analogues of DPC 423, were isolated, characterized spectroscopically, and shown to have identical mass fragmentation pathways. The structures of these conjugates were initially suspected to be either an amide with N-S bond or a nitrogen-oxygen juxtaposed amide with a C-S bond. Studies conducted with [13CD2]DPC 602 indicated an aldoxime structure. The concluding evidence came from HMBC NMR spectrum of the conjugate, which showed strong correlation of the cysteine methylene protons with the imino carbon. Further spectroscopic studies with chemically prepared GSH adduct from benzaldehyde oxime confirmed this pattern of correlation. In vivo and in vitro studies with the synthetic oxime intermediate from DPC 423 showed an adduct identical to the one isolated from the bile of rats dosed with DPC 423. This supported the intermediacy of an aldoxime as a precursor to the GSH adducts. It is postulated that the benzylamine moiety of DPC 423 (and its analogues) is oxidized to a hydroxylamine, which is subsequently converted to a nitroso intermediate. Subsequent rearrangement of the nitroso leads to an aldoxime which in turn is metabolized by P450 to a reactive intermediate. The formation of oxime from DPC 423 (and its analogues) was found to be mediated by rat CYP 3A1/2, which were also responsible for converting the oxime to the GSH trappable reactive intermediate. It is postulated that the aldoxime produces a radical or a nitrile oxide intermediate that reacts with GSH and hence produces this unusual GSH adduct. On the basis of synthetic analogy, it is more likely that the nitrile oxide resulting from two-electron oxidation of the aldoxime is the reactive intermediate. Intramolecular kinetic isotope effects were studied with [13CD2]DPC 602 to assess the importance of the metabolic cleavage of the aminomethyl carbon-hydrogen bond in forming this GSH adduct. The lack of isotope effect in forming the aldoxime from [13CD2]DPC 602 suggests its formation does not occur through the imine intermediate. Instead the data supports the postulated mechanism of hydroxylamine and nitroso intermediates as precursors to the aldoxime. However, the formation of the GSH adduct from [13CD2]DPC 602 did show a significant intramolecular kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD = 2.3) since a carbon-deuterium bond had to be broken on the aldoxime prior to the formation of the adduct. A stable nitrile oxide derived from DPC 602 was postulated as the reactive intermediate responsible for forming this unique GSH adduct.     

Investigation of cell cytotoxic activity and molecular mechanism of 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23(E)-diene-3β,19(R),25-triol isolated from Momordica charantia on hepatoma cells

ContextMomordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), known as bitter melon, is an edible fruit cultivated in the tropics. In this study, an active compound, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23(E)-diene-3β,19(R),25-triol (ECDT), isolated from M. charantia was investigated in regard to its cytotoxic effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.ObjectiveTo examine the mechanisms of ECDT-induced apoptosis in HCC cells.Materials and methodsThe inhibitive activity of ECDT on HA22T HCC cells was examined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, TUNEL/DAPI staining, annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (PI) staining and JC-1 dye. HA22T cells were treated with ECDT (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 μM) for 24 h, and the molecular mechanism of cells apoptosis was examined by Western blot. Cells treated with vehicle DMSO were used as the negative control.ResultsECDT inhibited the cell proliferation of HA22T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry showed that ECDT treatment at 10–20 μM increased early apoptosis by 10–14% and late apoptosis by 2–5%. Western blot revealed that ECDT treatment activated the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway, and ECDT-induced apoptosis was mediated by the caspase signalling pathway and activation of JNK and p38MAPK. Pre-treatment of cells with MAPK inhibitors (SB203580 or SP600125) reversed the ECDT-induced cell death, which further supported the involvement of the p38MAPK and JNK pathways.Discussion and conclusionsOur results indicated that ECDT can induce apoptosis through the p38MAPK and JNK pathways in HA22T cells. The findings suggested that ECDT has a valuable anticancer property with the potential to be developed as a new chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.     

Antimalarials. 16. Synthesis of 2-substituted analogues of 8-[(4-amino-1-methylbutyl)amino]-6-methoxy-4-methyl-5-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]quinoline as candidate antimalarials

A series of 2-substituted analogues of the exceptional drug 8-[(4-amino-1-methylbutyl)amino]-6-methoxy-4-methyl-5-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]quinoline (I) were prepared and evaluated for both suppressive and prophylactic antimalarial activity. The preparation of analogues of compound I was of interest due to the high level of both blood and tissue schizonticidal activity demonstrated by this compound. One analogue, 8a, was found to be both more active and less toxic than the parent compound I. In addition, three analogues of example 8a were prepared. Although two of the three analogues showed significant antimalarial activity, both were inferior to compound 8a.     

2-amino-N-{4-[5-(2-phenanthrenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl} acetamide (OSU-03012), a celecoxib derivative, directly targets p21-activated kinase

p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) are regulators of cell motility and proliferation. PAK activity is regulated in part by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). We hypothesized that reduced PAK activity was involved in the effects of 2-amino-N-{4-[5-(2-phenanthrenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl} acetamide (OSU-03012), a previously characterized PDK1 inhibitor derived from celecoxib. In three human thyroid cancer cell lines, OSU-03012 inhibited cell proliferation with reduced AKT phosphorylation by PDK1. OSU-03012 unexpectedly inhibited PAK phosphorylation at lower concentrations than PDK1-dependent AKT phosphorylation in two of the three lines. In cell-free kinase assays, OSU-03012 was shown to inhibit PAK activity and compete with ATP binding. In addition, computer modeling predicted a docking site for OSU-03012 in the ATP binding motif of PAK1. Finally, overexpression of constitutively activated PAK1 partially rescued the ability of motile NPA thyroid cancer cells to migrate during OSU-03012 treatment, suggesting that inhibition of PAK may be involved in the cellular effects of OSU-03012 in these cells. In summary, OSU-03012 is a direct inhibitor of PAK, and inhibition of PAK, either directly or indirectly, may be involved in its biological effects in vitro.     

4-[1-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-4-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid as a prototype to develop dual inhibitors of HIV-1 integration process

In recent years several potent HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors have been identified and after the successful clinical use of raltegravir, they have gained a definitive place in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Yet, there is a continuous effort to design newer inhibitors that target different steps in the integration process. Furthermore, the increased understanding of IN structural biology has opened novel approaches to inhibit IN, such as targeting its multimerization or interaction with cellular cofactors. On these bases, we have concentrated our research on the identification of small molecules able to inhibit two different stages of the integration process: the IN strand-transfer phase and the IN–LEDGF/p75 interaction. We found that the 4-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-4-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid (CHI-1043) is an interesting anti-HIV agent exhibiting dual inhibitory effects. This work has suggested the possibility of also constructing an integration dual inhibitor using a design-in strategy.     

Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, and anticancer studies of 6-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[(2-naphthyloxy)methyl][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole in HepG2 cell lines

Triazolo- thiadiazoles exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties, due to their cytotoxicity. In continuation of a previous study on triazolo-thiadiazoles, the authors have synthesized a new thiadiazole, 6-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[(2-naphthyloxy)methyl][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole (CPNT), which was further characterized by advanced spectral techniques and elemental analysis. The compound exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2 with very low IC₅₀ value of 0.8 μg/ml in 24 h when compared with standard drug, doxorubicin. Incorporation of [³H] thymidine in conjunction with cell cycle analysis suggested that CPNT inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells. Flow cytometric studies revealed more percentage of cells in subG1 phase, indicating apoptosis, which was further confirmed through chromatin condensation studies by Hoechst staining. In vitro antioxidant activity of CPNT was determined by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays which revealed increasing scavenging activity with increasing concentration of the compound when compared with reference ascorbic acid.     

3-(4-氨基-5-甲基-均三唑-3-硫基)-1-苯丙-1-酮-O-(5-取代苯基-［1,3,4］噁二唑-2-甲基)肟的合成及抗菌活性

目的研究氨基杂环肟类化合物的合成方法和抗菌活性。方法用4-氨基-3-甲基-5-巯基-［1,2,4］三唑与β-氯苯丙酮缩合、肟化、醚化得3-(4-氨基-5-甲基-均三唑-3-硫基)-1-苯丙-1-酮-O-(5-取代苯基-［1,3,4］噁二唑-2-甲基)肟醚目标化合物。用二倍试管稀释方法研究了目标化合物的体外抑菌活性。结果合成了12个新化合物，其结构经MS，IR，¹H NMR和元素分析确证。10个目标化合物在体外有一定的抗菌活性。结论该类杂环化合物有待进一步的结构优化研究。     

Conformational analysis and receptor docking of N-[(1S,2S)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-cyanophenyl)-1-methylpropyl]-2-methyl-2-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxy}propanamide (taranabant, MK-0364), a novel, acyclic cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonist

X-ray crystallographic, NMR spectroscopic, and computational studies of taranabant afforded similar low-energy conformers with a significant degree of rigidity along the C11-N13-C14-C16-C17 backbone but with more flexibility around bonds C8-C11 and C8-O7. Mutagenesis and docking studies suggested that taranabant and rimonabant shared the same general binding area of CB1R but with significant differences in detailed interactions. Similar to rimonabant, taranabant interacted with a cluster of aromatic residues (F(3.36)200, W(5.43)279, W(6.48)356, and Y(5.39)275) through the two phenyl rings and with F(2.57)170 and L(7.42)387 through the CF 3-Pyr ring. The notable distinction between taranabant and rimonabant was that taranabant was hydrogen-bonded with S(7.39)383 but not with K(3.28)192, while rimonabant was hydrogen-bonded with K(3.28)192 but not with S(7.39)383. The strong hydrogen bonding between the amide NH of taranabant and hydroxyl of S(7.39)383 was key to the superior affinity of taranabant to CB1R.     

Discovery of 4-[3-(trans-3-dimethylaminocyclobutyl)-1H-indol-5-ylmethyl]-(4S)-oxazolidin-2-one (4991W93), a 5HT(1B/1D) receptor partial agonist and a potent inhibitor of electrically induced plasma extravasation

Utilizing a pharmacophoric model of binding of 3-(2-aminoethyl)indoles to 5HT(1B/1D) receptors, we identified the 3-aminocyclobutyl group as a potential ethylamine isostere. A novel multidimensional chemometric approach was used to predict the intrinsic activity (degree of agonism) at the receptor. A qualitative model for pharmacokinetic properties was then used to guide the synthesis toward molecules likely to have oral bioavailability in humans. A novel synthetic route to 3-(3-dimethylaminocyclobutyl)indoles was developed. Analogues showed generally lower intrinsic activity at 5HT(1B/1D) receptors than their ethylamine counterparts. 4-[3-(trans-3-Dimethylaminocyclobutyl)-1H-indol-5-ylmethyl]-(4S)-oxazolidin-2-one (4991W93, 1) was identified as a partial agonist against 5HT(1B/1D) receptors, with low intrinsic activity. This molecule also has significant activity against 5HT(1F) receptors but is selective over other 5HT receptors. In addition this compound was found to be an exceptionally potent inhibitor of electrically induced plasma extravasation. Compound 1 may have utility in the treatment and prophylaxis of migraine.