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.     

Imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxalines: synthesis and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity

A group of imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxalines have been synthesised from quinoxaline by condensation of an appropriate haloester or intramolecular cyclisation of a keto moiety on an intracyclic nitrogen atom. The reactivity of the heterocycle was explored through diverse reactions such as electrophilic substitution, lithiation and halogen-metal exchange to give access to a new series of derivatives. Confirmation of their structure was mainly performed by NMR, after careful assignment of the signals in comparison to previous attributions made on the parent imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline and discussion of available data in the literature. The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor activity of some of these derivatives has been assessed on isoenzymes type III and type lV. Compound 15, 4-(methylamino)imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile, exhibited potent relaxant activity on smooth muscle, with a potency similar to the one measured with SCA 40, its structural analogue in the imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine series.     

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.     

Amberlite-IRA-402 (OH) ion exchange resin mediated synthesis of indolizines, pyrrolo [1,2-a] quinolines and isoquinolines: antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of the products

A number of indolizines and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines/isoquinolines were prepared from phenacyl pyridinium, quinolinium and isoquinolinium salts derived from the reaction of the heterocycles with 2-bromo acetophenone with alkynes and alkenes using amberlite-IRA-402 (OH) ion exchange resin as the base. Antibacterial and antifungal studies were carried out against thirteen bacterial and four fungal strains, which revealed that three derivatives (4a, 4b, 7a) out of fifteen are effective against all the thirteen strains and one derivative, 10, showed dual antibactericidal and antifungal efficacy.     

Synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative activities, and Chk1 inhibitory properties of pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-diones, pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3-diones, and 2-aminopyridazino[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,7-tetraone

The synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-diones, pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3-diones, and 2-aminopyridazino[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,7-tetraone is reported. Their inhibitory properties toward Checkpoint 1 kinase (Chk1) have been evaluated and their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward three tumor cell lines: murine leukemia L1210, human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 have been determined. From the biological results, it appears that, in contrast with the upper E heterocycle, the lower D heterocycle is not absolutely required for Chk1 inhibition. The ATP binding pocket of Chk1 seems to be adaptable to substitution of the nitrogen of the imide E heterocycle with a hydroxymethyl group, allowing the fundamental hydrogen bond with the Glu(85) residue of the enzyme.     

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.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of novel synthesized melatonin analogues

This study aimed at evaluation of the reactivity of melatonin (1) towards various chemical reagents to produce new melatonin analogues containing heterocyclic moieties which would provide basic pharmacological activities. The pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole derivatives 3, 5, 12, 14 and pyrido[1,2-a]indole derivatives 9a, b were synthesized via straightforward and efficient methods and their structures were established based on the analytical and spectral data. Also, this work was extended to study the potential role of the novel synthesized melatonin analogues 3, 5, 9a and 12 as anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive agents in comparison with melatonin. After s.c. administration all compounds induced significant anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting the paw oedema response compared with the control group at all time points in the test. Compound 5 has the strongest anti-inflammatory activity which exceeds that of the parent reference, melatonin, followed by compounds 9a and 12, at the first 2h of administration. Effect of melatonin analogues on thermal pain, acetic acid-induced writhing and gastric lesions caused by indomethacin was also investigated. Compounds 5 and 12 were more potent as anti-nociceptive drugs; they are more potent in this respect than melatonin.     

Urinary excretion levels of carcinogenic glutamic acid pyrolysis products and their N-acetyl derivatives in humans.

The carcinogenic glutamic acid pyrolysis products 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido [1, 2-a: 3', 2'-d]imidazole (Glu-P-1) and 2-amino-dipyrido [1, 2-a: 3', 2'-d] imidazole (Glu-P-2), and their N-acetyl derivatives were measured in 24-h urine of individual subjects by high-performance liquid chromatography. These compounds were detected in all urine samples analyzed, although the contents varied widely among subjects. The mean levels of Glu-P-1, N-acetyl-Glu-P-1, Glu-P-2 and N-acetyl-Glu-P-2 in 24-h urine were 0.53, 0.41, 2.12 and 4.60 pmol, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed N-acetyltransferase activity with Glu-P-1 and Glu-P-2 in the cytosolic fractions from rat kidneys and human autopsy kidney specimens as well as those from liver specimens, suggesting that extrahepatic tissues may also play significant roles in the N-acetylation of these carcinogens. These results show that Glu-P-1 and Glu-P-2, after being partially N-acetylated in metabolic organs such as liver and kidney, are excreted into urine together with their N-acetyl derivatives. It is suggested that daily excretion of carcinogenic glutamic acid pyrolysis products and their N-acetyl derivatives into urine can be a suitable biological monitor for exposure to these carcinogens. Abbreviations: Glu-P-1, 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido [1, 2-a: 3', 2'-d] imidazole; Glu-P-2, 2-aminodipyrido [1, 2-a: 3', 2'-d] imidazole; N-acetyl-Glu-P-1, 2-acetylamino-6-methyldipyrido [1, 2-a: 3', 2'-d] imidazole; N-acetyl-Glu-P-2, 2-acetylaminodipyrido[1,2- a:3', 2'-d]imidazole; HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography.     

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.     

Simultaneous tritium labelling of two potent 5-HT4 ligands

Two potent and selective 5-HT₄ ligands, [³H]-5-[(N-propylpiperidin-4-yl)methoxy]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[h][1,6] naphthyridine (1a) and [³H]-1-methyl-5-[(N-propylpiperidin-4-yl)methoxy]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[2,3-e]pyrazine (2a) were radiolabelled with tritium. Radioactive labelling was achieved by simultaneous tritium reduction of a mixture of both propargylic precursors (1c–2c). The two tritiated ligands thus obtained were radiochemically pure and possessed high radioactive specific activities. These tritiated 5-HT₄ ligands will allow for binding characterization as an essential tool for their further development.     

1,5-benzodiazepines. Part XIII. Substituted 4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amines and 4H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amines as analgesic,anti-inflammatory and/or antipyretic agents with low acute toxicity

The reaction of proper N,N-dialkyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amines (1) with N-chlorosuccinimide afforded their 4-chloroderivatives 3 which in turn were treated with cyclic amines to give the corresponding 4,5-diaminoderivatives 4. The N,N-dialkyl-4H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amines (5) were prepared starting from suitable 4-(dialkylamino)-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones (8), through multistep synthetic routes. At the 200 mg kg(-1) os dose, some compounds 3 and 4 showed notable analgesic or anti-inflammatory activity but no antipyretic properties, whereas the 5-(dibutylamino) derivatives 5b and 5f proved to be significantly endowed with all these activities. Almost all the compounds 3, 4 and 5 did not show acute toxicity in mice up to 800 mg kg(-1) os dose.     

A novel orally active inhibitor of HLE

Human leukocyte elastase (HLE) is a serine proteinase, capable of degrading a variety of structural matrix proteins. SSR69071 2-[(4-isopropyl-6-methoxy-1,1-dioxido-3-oxo-1,2-benzisothiazol-2(3H)-yl)methoxy]-9-(2-piperidin-1-ylethoxy)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one was selected as a novel orally active HLE inhibitor for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and several inflammatory diseases (WO 01/44245 A1) (J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., submitted for publication).     

Novel 5,7-disubstituted 6-amino-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitriles, the promising protein kinase inhibitors with antiproliferative activity

New derivatives of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine were synthesized and tested on a panel of cultured human tumor cell lines. It was found that 6-amino-5-(3-chlorophenylamino)-7-(1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile (4j) exhibited a significant antiproliferative activity: GI50 for cell lines RXF 393 (renal cancer) and BT-549 (breast cancer) were 14 and 82 nM, respectively. To identify possible molecular targets, docking of the most active compounds into the active sites of cyclin-dependent kinases was performed. Molecular modeling of the inhibitor-enzyme complexes showed the differences in the binding poses of new pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine derivatives in the kinase ATP-binding site compared with known pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine inhibitors called aloisines. The patterns of drug kinase interactions correlated well with antiproliferative activities of novel derivatives. Key interactions and binding mode of docked compounds are discussed.     

Suppression of genotoxicity of carcinogens by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate.

Epidemiological evidence shows that green tea may be a factor in lowering cancer risk. We have investigated the possibility that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, might be an antimutagenic substance. In the Ames Salmonella test, EGCG suppressed the direct-acting mutagenicity of 3-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido-[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2(NHOH)) and 2-hydroxyamino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-a:3',2'-d]imidazole (Glu-P-1(NHOH)), the activated forms of food-derived carcinogens 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole and 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-a:3',2'-d]imidazole. EGCG was also effective in reducing the mutagenicity of Trp-P-2(NHOH) in mouse FM3A cells in culture. Furthermore, EGCG demonstrated a suppressive effect in the in vivo Drosophila mutation assays, i.e., the wing spot test, and the DNA repair test, on several carcinogens. EGCG was also effective in inhibiting DNA single-strand breaks in vitro caused by Glu-P-1(NHOH). We conclude that the mechanism of inhibition may not have resulted from direct interaction between EGCG and the mutagens, but rather from indirect interception of mutagen action by EGCG.     

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.     

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.     

Pyrrolo[1,2-f]phenanthridines and related non-rigid analogues as antiviral agents

The pyrrolo[1,2-f]phenanthridines 8-22 and the corresponding non-rigid analogues 23-41 were synthesised and their ability to inhibit the replication of HIV-1 was tested. Only the polycyclic derivatives 10, 11, and 13 showed a weak anti-HIV activity, whereas several pyrrolo-phenanthridines (8, 10, 16-18) were found to stimulate the multiplication of MT-4 cells at low concentrations. Derivative 10 demonstrated to possess the unique property of stimulating the multiplication of lymphocytes joined to HIV inhibition.     

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.     

Hypervalent iodine mediated synthesis of 1-aryl/hetryl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a] pyridines and 1-aryl/hetryl 5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinolines as antibacterial agents

Oxidation of 2-pyridyl and 2-quinylhydrazones with iodobenzene diacetate (IBD) in dichloromethane yield 1-aryl/hetryl-1,2,4-trizolo-[4,3-a] pyridines (3a-f) and 1-aryl/hetryl-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a] quinolines (6a-f). Seven compounds were tested in vitro for their antibacterial activity. 1-(5'-Nitro-2-furyl)-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline (6e) was associated with substantially higher antibacterial activity than some commercial antibiotics against Salmonella typhi at MIC i.e. 10 microg mL(-1).     

Synthesis and antifungal activities of novel 5,6-dihydro-indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives

A series of new 5,6-dihydro-indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives has been prepared in moderate to excellent yields from 2-(indol-1-yl)phenylamines with aromatic aldehydes by an efficient and economical iron-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction. Meanwhile, as compared with hymexazol, a commercially available agricultural fungicide at the concentration of 50 μg/mL, some 5,6-dihydro-indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines exhibited promising antifungal activities in vitro against the phytopathogenic fungi, and might be considered as novel promising lead candidates for further design and synthesis of agricultural fungicides.