Pharmacological activities of flavonoids (III) structure-activity relationships of flavonoids in immunosuppression

Effects of twenty-one different flavonoids and their related compounds on the phagocytosis of colloidal carbon by macrophages in liver and spleen, humoral immune responses against bacterial α-amylase and cellular immune responses against oxazolone and dinitrofluorobenzene were studiedin vivo andin vitro. It was shown that most of the flavonoids accelerated significantly the phagocytosis, and they suppressed significantly not only humoral and cellular immune responses but also the development of immunological memory after the antigenic stimulation. Especially, malvin was the most active in phagocysis, and disodium cromoglycate and morin were the most active in humoral and cellular immunosuppression, respectively. Daidzein had the most potent inhibitory activity in the development of memory cells. The structure-activity relationships of the flavonoids in immunosuppression became apparant from these results: 1. The presence of C_2–3 double bond and C₄ ketone group in C-ring was important for their immunosuppressive activity. 2. Flavonoids with benzene ring at 2 or 3 position in C-ring showed the almost same activities. 3. The opening of C-ring did not affect their immunosuppressive activity. 4. The glycosylated flavonoids at 3 position in C-ring were less potent than their aglycones. 5. Di- or tri-hydroxylated flavonoids in B-ring were more potent than mono-hydroxylated. 6. Chromanochromanone also had the immunosuppressive activity.     

Relaxant effects of flavonoids on the mouse isolated stomach: structure-activity relationships

Flavonoids are a large heterogeneous group of benzo-gamma-pyrone derivatives, which are abundantly present in our diet. In this study we investigated the effects of six flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, quercetin, rutin, naringenin and catechin) on the gastric tone in mouse isolated stomach. The mechanical activity was recorded as changes of intraluminal pressure. All flavonoids tested produced a concentration-dependent relaxation, which was reversible after washout. The relative order of potency of the flavonoids was apigenin> or =genistein>quercetin>naringenin> or =rutin>catechin. Analysis of the chemical structure showed that the relaxant activity was progressively diminished by the presence of hydroxyl group at C-3, saturation of the C-2, C-3 double bound, saturation of the C-2, C-3 double bound coupled with lack of the C-4 carbonyl and glycosylation. The flavonoid-induced relaxations were not modified in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a voltage-dependent Na(+)-channel blocker, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, indomethacin, an inhibitor of cycloxygenase or tetraethylammonium, a non-selective blocker of potassium channels. In conclusion, this study provides the first experimental evidence for gastric relaxant activity of flavonoids. This action is influenced to a great extent by the structure of the molecules and it seems not to be dependent on neural action potentials, NO/prostaglandin production or activation of K(+) channels.     

黄酮类化合物生物活性及其构效关系的研究进展

黄酮类化合物是广泛存在于自然界中的一类多酚化合物,具有十分广泛的药理活性,如抗肿瘤、抗炎、抗菌、抗病毒、抗阿尔茨海默病、调血脂等。近几十年来,关于该类化合物的相关研究较多。本文主要从生物活性和构效关系方面综述了近年来黄酮类化合物的研究进展,并对其中存在的相关问题进行了初步探讨和展望。     

Dopamine agonist-induced hyperglycemia in rats: structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action

The concentration of blood glucose was measured in rats after administration of a number of drugs characterized as dopamine agonists. Compounds that cause release of dopamine, or agents that block the reuptake of dopamine, did not elevate blood glucose. Some direct dopamine receptor stimulants (lergotrile, bromocriptine, apomorphine) caused hyperglycemia, but other agonists (e.g. pergolide) did not. Further experiments with lergotrile, the most active hyperglycemic dopamine agonist, revealed that the blood glucose increase was accompanied by a marked elevation in liver glycogen, indicating a gluconeogenic effect of the compound. This hypothesis was supported by using inhibitors of gluconeogenesis (L-tryptophan or 3-mercaptopicolinic acid) to block lergotrile's hyperglycemic action. Structure-activity relationships among close analogues of lergotrile suggest that the cyano moiety in the lergotrile molecule may be of importance in the hyperglycemic action of lergotrile. These results indicate that central dopamine stimulation per se does not cause hyperglycemia in rats.     

Inhibition of 15-lipoxygenases by flavonoids: structure-activity relations and mode of action

We have recently reported that flavonoids of cocoa inhibit the mammalian 15-lipoxygenase-1-a catalyst of enzymatic lipid peroxidation. To elucidate the structure-activity relationship of the inhibitory effect, we investigated the effects of 18 selected flavonoids of variable structure on pure rabbit reticulocyte and soybean 15-lipoxygenases using linoleic acid as substrate. Moreover, the inhibition by quercetin was studied in detail to gain insight into the mode of action. Quercetin was found to modulate the time-course of the reaction of both lipoxygenases by three distinct effects: (i) prolongation of the lag period, (ii) rapid decrease in the initial rate after the lag phase was overcome, (iii) time-dependent inactivation of the enzyme during reaction but not in the absence of substrate. A comparison of the IC(50) for the rapid inhibition of rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase-1 revealed that (i) the presence of a hydroxyl group in the flavonoid molecule is not essential, (ii) a catechol arrangement reinforces the inhibitory effect, (iii) in the presence of a catechol arrangement the inhibitory potency inversely correlates with the number of hydroxyl groups, (iv) a 2,3-double bond in the C ring strengthens the inhibitory effect. The flavone luteolin turned out to be the most potent inhibitor of the mammalian enzyme with an IC(50) of 0.6 microM followed by baicalein (1 microM) and fisetin (1.5 microM).     

Relaxant effects of flavonoids in isolated guinea pig trachea and their structure-activity relationships

The structure-activity relationships between flavonoids and their tracheal relaxant action are little known. In the present study, 26 natural and synthetic flavonoids, divided into the five classes of flavones, flavonols, flavanones, isoflavones, and chalcones, were tested, and their IC (50) values were determined. The IC (50) values of these five classes indicated that flavones were more potent than flavonols. Flavones were also more potent than flavanones suggesting that the presence of a double bond between C-2 and C-3 is important. However, flavones were similar to isoflavones in potency. Chalcones, a class with an open C-ring, appeared to be the least potent among these five classes. Introduction of a hydroxy group at position C-6 of flavones increases their relaxant activities. So does adding a hydroxy group at position C-7 of flavones. It appears that the optimal number of hydroxy groups introduced to the A-ring of flavones is one. As more hydroxy groups are introduced to positions at C-5, C-6, and/or C-7 of flavones, the IC (50) values increase. It seems that flavones or flavonols with a pyrogallol moiety either in the A- or B-ring, respectively, have no activity. It appears that flavonols with ortho-hydroxy groups in the B-ring are more potent than those with meta-hydroxy groups. The activity of 6-hydroxyflavone disappears if the C-6 hydroxy group of the A-ring is methoxylated. If the C-4' hydroxy group of the B ring is methoxylated, the relaxant effect of these flavones is also attenuated or disappears. Therefore, the hydroxy group on either the A- or B-ring of flavones and flavonols being methylated resulted in lower potency of the tracheal relaxant effects. However, when all hydroxy groups on both the A- and B-rings of flavones or flavonols are methoxylated this results in higher potency. Therefore, the influence of methoxylation in flavones may be similar to that in flavonols. However, if the C-3 hydroxy group on the C-ring of flavonols, but not flavones which lack this hydroxy group, is methoxylated, the relaxant effects may increase. Glycosylation of the hydroxy group at position C-7 of flavones or flavanones attenuates the relaxant effects.     

Inhibition of aggregation and secretion of human platelets by quercetin and other flavonoids: structure-activity relationships

Quercetin and 12 other natural flavonoid aglycones inhibit washed human platelet aggregation and secretion of serotonin induced by ADP, collagen or thrombin. The inhibitory effect of flavonoids is of the same order of magnitude as IBMX and dipyridamole. The structural features required for a flavonoid to inhibit human platelet function are similar to those previously reported by us to inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. The inhibitory effect of flavonoids on human platelet function was diminished by saturation of the C-2, C-3 double bond, lack of the C-4 carbonyl, glycosylation at C-3 and a high number of hydroxyl substituents.     

Effects of phencyclidine on cardiac action potential: pH dependence and structure-activity relationships

The effects of phencyclidine [1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)-piperidine; PCP] on cardiac action potential duration (APD) were compared to those of some of its derivatives, in strips of isolated frog ventricular muscle perfused with normal Ringer solution. We studied compounds with PCP-like behavioral actions (N-ethyl-1-phenyl-cyclohexylamine: PCE; and m-amino-PCP) as well as behaviorally inactive analogs (m-nitro-PCP; the quaternary derivative PCP-methyl iodide; and various fragments of the PCP molecule). Exposure to PCP, 3 microM to 1 mM, produced reversible, dose- and pH-dependent prolongations, of the APD to over 100% above control. The observed effects of the drugs are compatible with a mechanism of blockade of potassium conductance. An intracellular site for this action is suggested by: (i) the inactivity of the quaternary analog; (ii) the marked increase in the potency of the compounds when the external pH is changed in the region of their respective pKa values to increase the concentration of the unionized species; and (iii) the pronounced acceleration of the termination of the PCP effect by washout with a series of buffer solutions with decreasing pH values. The rank order of potency of the compounds in lengthening APD (PCE greater than m-amino PCP greater than PCP much much greater than m-nitro-PCP) is the same as reported from other pharmacological studies of specific PCP actions, and matches the rank of behavioral activity of the drugs.     

Protein kinase C inhibition by plant flavonoids. Kinetic mechanisms and structure-activity relationships

Protein kinase C (PKC) from rat brain was inhibited by plant flavonoids in a concentration-dependent manner depending on flavonoid structure. Of the fifteen flavonoids studied, fisetin, quercetin and luteolin were the most potent, while hesperetin, taxifolin and rutin were among the least potent. The flavonol fisetin was almost 100% inhibitory at a concentration of 100 microM. The extent of inhibition was the same whether diacylglycerol or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate was used as enzyme activator. Inhibition was independent of Ca2+, phospholipid, and enzyme activator, as shown by inhibition of protamine phosphorylation in the absence of the regulatory components. Fisetin was a competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP binding and noncompetitive with respect to protein substrate. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of hesperetin monohydrate showed that the molecule is essentially planar despite the sofa conformation of the gamma-pyran ring and the 27 degrees twist of the 2-phenyl ring. Comparison of this inactive flavanone with those of the active flavones showed that, although hesperetin can adopt a planar profile similar to those of fisetin and quercetin, the 4'-methoxy substituent blocks an essential structural feature required for inhibitory activity. Analysis of these structure-activity data revealed a model of the minimal essential features required for PKC inhibition by flavonoids: a coplanar flavone structure with free hydroxyl substituents at the 3', 4' and 7-positions.     

Inhibitory effects of flavonoids on phosphodiesterase isozymes from guinea pig and their structure-activity relationships

The structure-activity relationships of flavonoids with regard to their inhibitory effects on phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes are little known. The activities of PDE1-5 were measured by a two-step procedure using cAMP with [(3)H]-cAMP or cGMP with [(3)H]-cGMP as substrates. In the present results, PDE1, 5, 2, and 4 isozymes were partially purified from guinea pig lungs in that order, and PDE3 was from the heart. The IC(50) values of PDE1-5 were greater than those reported previously for the reference drugs, vinpocetin, EHNA, milrinone, Ro 20-1724, and zaprinast, by 5-, 5-, 7-, 5-, and 3-fold, respectively. As shown in Table 2, luteolin revealed non-selective inhibition of PDE1-5 with IC(50) values in a range of 10-20 microM, as did genistein except with a low potency on PDE5. Daidzein, an inactive analogue of genistein in tyrosine kinase inhibition, showed selective inhibition of PDE3 with an IC(50) value of around 30 microM, as did eriodictyol with an IC(50) value of around 50 microM. Hesperetin and prunetin exhibited more-selective inhibition of PDE4 with IC(50) values of around 30 and 60 microM, respectively. Luteolin-7-glucoside exhibited dual inhibition of PDE2/PDE4 with an IC(50) value of around 40 microM. Diosmetin more-selectively inhibited PDE2 (IC(50) of 4.8 microM) than PDE1, PDE4, or PDE5. However, biochanin A more-selectively inhibited PDE4 (IC(50) of 8.5 microM) than PDE1 or PDE2. Apigenin inhibited PDE1-3 with IC(50) values of around 10-25 microM. Myricetin inhibited PDE1-4 with IC(50) values of around 10-40 microM. The same was true for quercetin, but we rather consider that it more-selectively inhibited PDE3 and PDE4 (IC(50) of < 10 microM). In conclusion, it is possible to synthesize useful drugs through elucidating the structure-activity relationships of flavonoids with respect to inhibition of PDE isozymes at concentrations used in this in vitro study.     

Inhibition of VHR dual-specificity protein tyrosine phosphatase activity by flavonoids isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis: structure-activity relationships

Three flavonoids: norwogonin, dihydronorwogonin and baicalein, were isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, as potential inhibitors of VHR dual-specificity protein tyrosine phosphatase (DS-PTPase). Norwogonin (IC 50 = 1.1 microM), dihydronorwogonin (IC 50 = 2.9 microM) and baicalein (IC 50 = 2.4 microM) showed potent inhibitory activity toward VHR, but had no inhibitory activity against T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase or serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1. From comparisons to the inhibitory activities of other similar flavonoids, it could be suggested that the presence of a hydroxy group in the B ring of flavonoids interferes with the inhibitory activity toward VHR DS-PTPase.     

Carcinogenicity of general-purpose phthalates: structure-activity relationships

There does not appear to be any evidence that other GP phthalates pose higher-level risk than DEHP. There is evidence that a very significant fraction of GP phthalate production capacity is devoted to turning out products which may have about the same carcinogenic potency as DEHP, and that another significant fraction of that capacity is devoted to turning out products with less potency. Public and private risk control choice takers considering this family of products need to be aware of this evidence, its limitations, and the means for upgrading certainty.     

Propofol in anesthesia. Mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships, and drug delivery

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is becoming the intravenous anesthetic of choice for ambulatory surgery in outpatients. It is extensively metabolized, with most of the administered dose appearing in the urine as glucuronide conjugates. Favorable operating conditions and rapid recovery are claimed as the main advantages in using propofol, whereas disadvantages include a relatively high incidence of apnea, and blood pressure reductions. Besides a literature summary of the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and clinical use, this review provides a deeper discussion on the current understanding of mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships, and recent findings on drug delivery technologies as applied to the improvement of propofol formulations. The action of propofol involves a positive modulation of the inhibitory function of the neurotransmitter gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) through GABAA receptors. Recent results from recombinant human GABAA receptor experiments and findings from the work exploring the effects at other receptors (e.g., glycine, nicotinic, and M1 muscarinic receptors) are reviewed. Studies showing its antiepileptic and anxiolytic properties are also discussed. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of series of alkylphenols and p-X-substituted congeners have been reinvestigated. Interestingly, unlike the other congeners tested sofar, p-iodo-2,6-diisopropylphenol displayed anticonvulsant and anticonflict effects, but not sedative-hypnotic and anesthetic properties. Due to its high lipid-solubility, propofol was initially formulated as a solution with the surfactant Cremophor EL, but the occurrence of pain on injection and anaphylactoid reactions prompted to search for alternative formulations. Results from using cyclodextrins, water-soluble prodrugs, and adopting Bodor's approach to the site-specific chemical delivery system (CDS), as well as the advantages provided by computer-controlled infusion systems, are examined in some detail.     

Relaxation to flavones and flavonols in rat isolated thoracic aorta: mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships

The mechanism of the relaxant action and the structure-activity relation of flavonols (fisetin, quercetin, and 3,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone) and flavones (apigenin, chrysin, and luteolin) were examined in rat isolated thoracic aorta. The control responses to flavonols and flavones were compared with responses observed after the removal of the endothelium or in the presence of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine (10(-7) M). The effects of flavonoids on contraction caused by the influx of extracellular Ca2+ and agonist-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ also were investigated. The flavones exhibited endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, whereas the removal of the endothelium significantly decreased the sensitivity of the relaxant responses to the flavonols without affecting the maximal relaxation. In the presence of nifedipine, the responses to apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin were significantly inhibited, but relaxation to chrysin, fisetin, and 3,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone was unaffected. All flavonols and flavones caused concentration-dependent inhibition of the contractile responses to exogenous application of Ca2+ and the release of intracellular Ca2+ stimulated by phenylephrine. Of the six flavonoids examined, 3,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone was the most potent when causing vasorelaxation or inhibition of contraction caused by the influx or release of Ca2+. In conclusion, these studies provide evidence that the hydroxyl substitution in the carbon 3 position that characterizes the flavonols is important in stimulating endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, and the absence of hydroxyl substitution on the A phenolic ring enhances the relaxant action.     

Amphiphilic transdermal permeation enhancers: structure-activity relationships

Transdermal drug delivery offers numerous advantages over conventional routes of administration; however, poor permeation of most drugs across the skin barrier constitutes a serious limitation of this methodology. One of the approaches used to enlarge the number of transdermally-applicable drugs uses permeation enhancers. These compounds promote drug permeation through the skin by a reversible decrease of the barrier resistance. Enhancers can act on the stratum corneum intracellular keratin, influence desmosomes, modify the intercellular lipid domains or alter the solvent nature of the stratum corneum. Even though, hundreds of substances have been identified as permeation enhancers to date, yet our understanding of the structure-activity relationships is limited. In general, enhancers can be divided into two large groups: small polar solvents, e.g. ethanol, propylene glycol, dimethylsulfoxide and amphiphilic compounds containing a polar head and a hydrophobic chain, e.g. fatty acids and alcohols, 1-dodecylazepan-2-one (Azone), 2-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane (SEPA 009), and dodecyl-2-dimethylaminopropanoate (DDAIP). In this review we have focused on structure-activity relationships of amphiphilic permeation enhancers, including the properties of the hydrophobic chains, e.g. length, unsaturation, and branching, as well as the polar heads characteristics, e.g. hydrogen bonding ability, lipophilicity, and size. We present over 180 examples of enhancers with different polar head to illustrate the structural requirements and the possible role of the polar head. We have given an overview of the methods used for investigation of the mechanisms of permeation enhancement, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and future perspectives in this field. Furthermore, biodegradability and chirality of the enhancers are discussed.     

Quinolone antimicrobial agents: structure-activity relationships.

The rapid growth in the quinolone research changed the whole face of the previous SAR concepts. So far structural modifications at all positions of the quinolone nucleus except the 4-oxo group have successfully lead to the discovery of potent antimicrobial agents. At position 1, ethyl and its bioisosteres such as fluoroethyl, methylamino, methoxy, etc, are optimal substituents while some groups with a tert.-carbon atom directly connected with N-1 position such as tert.-butyl, phenyl, etc. are also promising for the activity of the quinolone compounds. Steric bulk is no longer considered as the only factor which influences the activity of the compounds. However, it could only be answered by further research how big such steric bulk tolerance at position 1 would be and what is the precise role that the N-1 substituents play in the mechanism of action of the quinolones. Fluorination has been extensively employed as a modifying technique to almost all possible positions of the quinolone nucleus. While being maintained at C-6, a fluorine atom was also introduced to C-5 and C-8 to produce potent analogues. Fluorination of N-1 substituents, e.g., fluoroethyl, fluorophenyl, etc., and C-7 substituents, e.g. 2-((fluoromethyl)piperazinyl and fluorohomopiperazinyl, etc., yielded also a handful of potent quinolones. Amino-and chloro groups are found to be beneficial for positions 5 and 8, respectively. The "medium size" concept concerning the 7-substituents is no longer valid. Numerous potent quinolones with a "large" group substituted on position 7 have been discovered. A certain amount of free rotation in the 7-substituents appears to emerge as an important factor which influences the activity of the compounds. Some radical modifications in 7-substituents, e.g. C--C linkage between the nucleus and 7-substituents, afforded new insight into the SAR of quinolones. A planarity between the 4-oxo group and 3-carboxylic group may be important for binding to the DNA gyrase as demonstrated by a group of enolized isothiazoloquinolone derivatives. Further research will surely lead to the better understanding on the mechanism of action of quinolones as well as the discovery of analogues with better activity features, lower adverse effects and more favourable pharmacokinetic properties.     

Suramin: clinical uses and structure-activity relationships

Suramin is a polysulfonated polyaromatic symmetrical urea. It is currently used to treat African river blindness and African sleeping sickness. Suramin has also been extensively trialed recently to treat a number of other diseases, including many cancers. Here, we examine its modes of action and discuss its structure-activity relationships.