Novel imidazo[1,2-a]naphthyridinic systems (part 1): synthesis, antiproliferative and DNA-intercalating activities

Novel imidazo[1,2-a]naphthyridinic systems 6a-15a and 6b-15b were obtained from Friedl?nder's reaction in imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine series. Most of the compounds were evaluated for their antitumor activity in the NCIs in vitro human tumor cell line screening panel. Among them, pentacyclic derivatives 13b and 14a exhibited in vitro activity comparable to anticancer agent such as amsacrine. Their mechanism of cytotoxicity action was unrelated to poisoning or inhibiting abilities against topo1. On the contrary, we highlighted a direct intercalation of the drugs into DNA by electrophoresis on agarose gel.     

Imidazo-thiazine, -diazinone and -diazepinone derivatives. Synthesis, structure and benzodiazepine receptor binding.

In our search for new compounds acting on benzodiazepine receptors among the fused 2-thiohydantoin derivatives, a series of arylidene imidazo[2,1-b]thiazines was synthesized. The 1,2- and 2,3- cyclized derivatives of mono- and di-substituted Z-5-arylidene-2-thiohydantoins were examined (the X-ray crystal structure of Z-2-cinnamylidene-6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazin-3(2H)-one was determined) and compared with the diphenyl derivatives. To investigate the influence of the type of annelated ring on the biological activity, imidazo[2,1-b]pyrimidinone and imidazo[2,1-b]diazepinone derivatives were obtained. The method used in annelation (1,2- and 2,3-cyclized isomers with the exception of fused arylidene imidazothiazines), the substitution pattern (arylidene towards diphenyl) as well as the character of the annelated ring had minor influence on the benzodiazepine receptor affinity of the investigated compounds. It appears that the greatest influence on the biological activity has the character and position of the substituents on the arylidene ring.     

Post Groebke-Blackburn multicomponent protocol: synthesis of new polyfunctional imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents

New antimicrobial agents [imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine] have been synthesized. Their antimicrobial activities were conducted against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 5d, 7a, 10a, 11a and 12a proved to efficiently inhibit the growth of all the Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains investigated. Results of this study showed that the nature of the substituents on the armed phenyl groups determined the extent of the activity of the fused imidazopyridine and/or imidazopyrimidine derivatives. Preliminary structure-activity observations revealed that groups with positive sigma and positive bi values (e.g. 5d, 6c, 12a, 12d) were significantly more active compared to other bioisosteres (e.g. 5b). Furthermore, increasing the molar refractivity of the substitution pattern (e.g. 5b, 6b and 6d) sharply decreased the antibacterial activity.     

6-Substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: synthesis and biological activity against colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2

A range of 6-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were synthesized using a multicomponent coupling reaction. Most of these compounds were found to exhibit excellent activity against the colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2, whilst not showing significant toxicity against white blood cells. Our studies have shown that the proteolytic phase of apoptosis was initiated 2 h after treatment with these imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines. The data suggests that the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-induced cell death in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells is mediated via pathway(s) that include the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and the activation of caspase 3 and caspase 8.     

Synthesis and biological activity of dihydroimidazole and 3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazins

Reaction of 2-guanidinobenzimidazole with halogenated active methylenes and ketones gave dihydroimidazole and 3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo [1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin derivatives in very good yield. The anti-bacterial evaluation of the newly synthesized products against broad spectrum of bacteria was performed. Most of products showed high inhibitory effect. All compounds have been characterized based on IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and Mass spectra.     

4-Substituted anilino imidazo[1,2-a] and triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines. Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro biological activity

Fifteen imidazo[1,2-a] and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines were prepared. These compounds bear at position 4 various substituents related to the moieties present in classical and non-classical antifolic agents. And we evaluated in vitro antimicrobial, antiviral and antiproliferative activities. In particular, title compounds were evaluated in vitro against representative strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (S. aureus, Salmonella spp.), mycobacteria (M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis ATCC 19420 and M. tuberculosis ATCC 27294), yeast and moulds (C. albicans ATCC 10231 and A. fumigatus). Furthermore, their antiretroviral activity against HIV-1 was determined in MT-4 cells together with cytotoxicity. In these assays title compounds were tested for their capability to prevent MT-4 cell growth. Among the examined series, the compounds 5, 7 and 10 showed cytotoxicity against mock-infected MT-4 cells.     

Benzimidazole condensed ring systems. XI. Synthesis of some substituted cycloalkyl pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles with anticipated antineoplastic activity

As part of a research project on the synthesis of a number of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives with possible antineoplastic activity, and as a result of the interesting antineoplastic activity recorded for one such compound (NSC 649900), some new cycloalkylpyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles were prepared and evaluated for such activity. Compound (7c, NSC 682011) exhibited a good in vitro antineoplastic activity especially against most of the leukaemia cell lines. This compound has been selected by the NCI for further testing in a new in vivo anticancer hollow fibre assay.     

Synthesis of some new 4-styryltetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline and 1-substituted-4-styryl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline derivatives as potent anticonvulsants

4-Methyltetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline (3) was prepared by the azide cyclocondensation of 2-chloro-3-methylquinoxaline (2). The reaction of 3 with aromatic aldehydes furnished 4-styryltetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxalines (4a-f). Compound 2, on treatment with hydrazine hydrate gave 2-hydrazino-3-methylquinoxaline (5). The ring closure of 5 was achieved by the reaction of orthoesters and trifluoroacetic acid to yield 4-methyl-1-(substituted)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines (7a-c). Further, reaction of 7a-c with different aromatic aldehydes furnished the title compounds, 4-styryl-1-(substituted)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines (8a-i) in good yield. In another scheme, the hydrazino compound 5 was treated with different aromatic aldehydes to yield corresponding N-arylidenehydrazino quinoxalines (6a-d). Further, the oxidative cyclization of hydrazones by nitrobenzene yielded 1-aryl-4-methyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines (7d-g), which on condensation with aromatic aldehydes gave the title compounds, 1-aryl-4-styryl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines (8j-u). The newly synthesized compounds have been characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectral data, followed by elemental analysis. Some of the compounds were screened for in vivo anticonvulsant activity. Few of them exhibited promising results.     

Synthesis and anticancer and anti-HIV testing of some pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives

In this study, some 1-methylene-2,3-diaryl-1,2-dihydropyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole and some 1-(2-arylvinyl)-3-arylpyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives were synthesised. The structure elucidation of the compounds was performed by IR, 1H-NMR and MASS spectroscopic data and elemental analyses results. Anticancer and anti-HIV activities of the compounds were examined, however no anti-HIV activity was seen; highly notable anticancer activity was obtained. It was also observed that the compounds were more potent against leukaemia cell lines.     

New ferrocenic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives: synthesis, and in vitro antimalarial activity--Part II

Following our search for antimalarial compounds, novel series of ferrocenyl-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines 1-2 were synthesized from ferrocene-carboxaldehyde and tested for their in vitro activity upon the erythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum strains with different chloroquine-resistance status. The ferrocenic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines 1-2 were prepared in 6 or 9 steps through a Barton-Zard reaction. Promising pharmacological results against FcB1, K1 and F32 strains were obtained with ferrocenyl pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines 1j-l linked by a bis-(3-aminopropyl)piperazine linker substituted by a nitrobenzyl moiety.     

Synthesis and biological activity of imidazopyridine anticoccidial agents: part I

Coccidiosis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria invade the intestinal lining of the avian host causing tissue pathology, poor weight gain, and in some cases mortality. Resistance to current anticoccidials has prompted the search for new therapeutic agents with potent in vitro and in vivo activity against Eimeria. Antiparasitic activity is due to inhibition of a parasite specific cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). In this study, we present the synthesis and biological activity of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine anticoccidial agents. From this series, several compounds showed subnanomolar in vitro activity and commercial levels of in vivo activity. However, the potential genotoxicity of these compounds precludes them from further development.     

Tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline as a potential promising new scaffold for the synthesis of novel anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents

Three series of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives have been synthesized. The first series was synthesized starting by the condensation of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde 2 with substituted thiosemicarbazides, followed by cyclization of the resulting thiosemicarbazones 3 with malonic acid in the presence of acetyl chloride to give pyrimidyl derivatives 4a-c. The second series was prepared by the condensation of the latter compounds 4a-c with the selected aromatic aldehydes to afford the arylidene derivatives 5a-f. The third series 7a-c was synthesized by condensation of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde 2 with the appropriate acetophenone, followed by cyclocondensation of the formed alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with thiourea. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Four compounds were proved to be as active as indomethacin in animal models of inflammation.     

Nouveaux composés de type azaindolizine: étude in vitro de la prévention du bronchospasme

We have synthesized some new imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and pyrimidines, analogues to xanthines, substituted by heterocycles which we believe have an anti-allergic effect. Tested in vitro in relation to the bronchospasms caused by acetylcholine and histamine, as well as to a heart phosphodiesterase, these compounds have proven to be as active as theophylline.     

Imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-amines: A novel class of nonxanthine A1-adenosine receptor antagonists

The syntheses and A₁ adenosine receptor affinities of a number of imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-amines are reported. Structure—activity relationships within the series and in comparison with other similar tricyclic nonxanthine adenosine antagonists are discussed, leading to a putative common binding mode of these nitrogen-containing heterocycles to A₁ adenosine receptors. Secondary amino compounds displayed the best affinities toward A₁ receptors, while the tertiary amines were almost devoid of activity, thus suggesting a crucial role for the hydrogen bond-forming 4-NH group. Remarkably higher potencies for 1-methyl and N-cyclopentyl derivatives were also found. 4-Cyclopentylamino-1-methylimidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline (TRFI 165) is the most potent compound in this series, having K_i(A₁) = 7.9 nM. It is also provided with a good A₁ selectivity both versus A_2a and A₃ subtypes and was selected for further pharmacological studies.     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of oxindole derived imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazines

A series of oxindole derivatives of imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazines were prepared and confirmed by 1H NMR, mass and HRMS data. These compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of 52 human tumor cell lines derived from nine different cancer types: leukemia, lung, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate and breast. Among them compound 7l showed significant anticancer activity with GI50 values ranging from 1.54 to 13.0 μM. Cell cycle arrest was observed in G0/G1 phase upon treatment of A549 cells with 6.5 μM (IC50) concentration of compound 7l and induced apoptosis. This was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC as well as DNA fragmentation analysis and interestingly this compound (7l) did not affect the normal cells.     

Synthesis and biological activity of imidazopyridine anticoccidial agents: Part II

Coccidiosis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria invade the intestinal lining of the avian host causing tissue pathology, poor weight gain, and in some cases mortality. Resistance to current anticoccidials has prompted the search for new therapeutic agents with potent in vitro and in vivo activity against Eimeria. Recently, we reported the synthesis and biological activity of potent imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine anticoccidial agents. Antiparasitic activity is due to inhibition of a parasite specific cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). In this study, we report the synthesis and anticoccidial activity of a second set of such compounds, focusing on derivatization of the amine side chain at the imidazopyridine 7-position. From this series, several compounds showed subnanomolar in vitro activity and commercial levels of in vivo activity. However, the potential genotoxicity of these compounds precludes them from further development.     

Synthesis and CNS activity of tricyclic theophylline derivatives. 8-substituted imidazo[2,1-f]theophyllines

Based on previously described results of pharmacological in vitro and in vivo tests of some series of pyrimido- and diazepino-[2,1-f]theophylline derivatives, N8-unsubstituted, N8-benzyl and N8-arylpiperazino-alkyl derivatives of imidazo[2,1-f]theophyllines were synthesized and tested for their CNS activity. It has been shown that tricyclic [2,1-f]theophyllines possess sedative and analgesic activity. N8-Phenylpiperazinopropyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydro-(8H)-imidazo[2,1-f]theophylline 6 showed significant anti-serotonin and long-lasting hypothermic effects. N8-Benzyl-1,3,6,8-tetrahydroimidazo-7-on[2,1-f]theophylline 8 possess anticonvulsant properties.     

1,8-Naphthyridines VI. Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of 5-(alkylamino)-N,N-diethyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,8]naphthyridine-6-carboxamides with a new substitution pattern on the triazole ring

On the basis of the good anti-inflammatory properties shown by the 9-alkyl-N,N-dialkyl-5-(alkylamino)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,8]naphthyridine-6-carboxamides 1, a series of analogues of such compounds, in which the 9-alkyl substituent was replaced by an ester or amide group (compounds 3a-i), was prepared and tested (inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema in the rat). Also two 5-(N-alkyl,N-acylamino) derivatives (compounds 4a,b) were synthesized and evaluated for the same purpose. Even though the general trend for these new [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives was a decrease in activity compared with compounds 1, some of the new synthesized compounds exhibited still good anti-inflammatory properties.     

Novel 1,3,4-heterodiazole analogues: synthesis and in-vitro antitumor activity

The synthesis of some new heterodiazole and their annulated imidazo[2,1-b]1,3,4-oxa/thiadiazolone 6a-d, 7a-d; 1,3,4-oxa or thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidine diamine 8a-d and 1,3,4-oxa or thiadiazole-3-piperidino-1-propamide 11a,b derivatives have been described. The obtained compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro antitumor activity. A single dose (10?μM) of the test compounds were used in the full National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 cell lines panel assay. Compounds 6c and 6d displayed appreciable anticancer activity against leukemia, non-small cell lung, CNS and showed moderate activity against colon, melanoma, and breast cancer cells lines. Compound 6c possessed remarkable broad-spectrum antitumor activity which almost 4 fold more active than the known drug 5-FU with GI(50), TGI, and LC(50) values of 6.0, 17.4, and 55.1?μM, respectively.