Showing papers in "Archiv Der Pharmazie in 2007"

Non platinum metal complexes as anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract: The development of metal complexes with platinum central atoms such as cisplatin or carboplatin had an enormous impact on current cancer chemotherapy. However, the spectrum of cancers that can be treated with platinum agents is narrow and treatment efficacy suffers from side effects and resistance phenomena. These unresolved problems in platinum-based anti-cancer therapy have stimulated increased research efforts in the search for novel non platinum-containing metal species as cytostatic agents. Preclinical and clinical investigations showed that the development of new metal agents with modes of action different from cisplatin is possible. Thus, complexes with iron, cobalt, or gold central atoms have shown promising results in preclinical studies and compounds with titanium, ruthenium, or gallium central atoms have already been evaluated in phase I and phase II trials. This review covers some relevant examples of preclinical and clinical research on novel non platinum metal complexes.

Cinnoline derivatives with biological activity.

Abstract: Although cinnoline belongs to a family of fairly well known heterocycles, the interest in the study of its derivatives continues. Cinnoline compounds demonstrate interesting bioactivity and many research papers have discussed the biological property, structure-activity relationship, and applications in medicinal science. Attention has been paid to the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds bearing a cinnoline moiety, mainly because of the interest in their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. This chronological work summarizes almost all synthetic papers and patents concerning the biological properties of 107 cinnoline derivatives published over the last 50 years with 117 references.

Synthesis of pyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives for Antiviral Evaluation

Abstract: 6-Amino-3-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (1) was used as a precursor for preparation of some novel 3,7-dimethyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 3-6, and some of their corresponding N(2)- and C(5)-S-acyclic nucleosides 7 and 8. Furthermore, the preparation of 5-amino-1-[3,7-dimethyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl]-1H-pyrazole derivatives 10-16 were described. Some of the prepared products were selected and tested for antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1).

Synthesis, cleavage profile, and antitumor efficacy of an albumin-binding prodrug of methotrexate that is cleaved by plasmin and cathepsin B.

Abstract: Cathepsin B and plasmin are intra- or extracellular proteases that are overexpressed by several solid tumors. In order to exploit both proteases as molecular targets for tumor-specific cleavage of prodrugs, an albumin-binding formulation of methotrexate was developed that incorporated the peptide sequence D-Ala-Phe-Lys as the protease substrate. Albumin is a suitable carrier for cytostatic agents due to passive accumulation in solid tumors. Synthesis was performed by coupling the peptide linker EMC-D-Ala-Phe-Lys(Boc)-Lys-OH (EMC = epsilon-maleimidocaproic acid) to the gamma-COOH group of alpha-tert-butyl protected methotrexate. After cleavage of the protective groups and purification on reverse phase HPLC, a highly water-soluble methotrexate-peptide derivative was obtained that binds rapidly and selectively to human serum albumin. The albumin-bound form of the prodrug was shown to be efficiently cleaved by cathepsin B and plasmin as well as in an ovarian carcinoma homogenate (OVCAR-3) liberating a methotrexate-lysine derivative. In an OVCAR-3 xenograft model, the prodrug at a dose of 4x15 mg/kg methotrexate equivalents demonstrated distinctly superior antitumor efficacy compared to free methotrexate at a dose of 4x100 mg/kg [T/C(%) for MTX = 69; T/C(%) for MTX prodrug = 29]. The data provide a further proof of concept for the development of albumin-binding, enzymatically cleavable prodrugs of anticancer drugs.

Synthesis and antioxidant capacities of some new benzimidazole derivatives.

Abstract: In this study, we prepared some new oxadiazolyl benzimidazole derivatives and investigated their antioxidant properties by determination of microsomal NADPH-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation levels (LP assay) and microsomal ethoxyresorufin 0-deethylase activity (EROD assay). Some of these compounds 20, 23 had slightly inhibitory effects (28%) on the lipid peroxidation levels at 10 -3 M concentration lower than standard BHT (65%). 5-[2-(Phenyl)-benzimidazol-1-yl-methyl]-2-mercapto-[1,3,4]-oxadiazole 16 was found to be more active than caffeine on the ethoxyresorufin 0-deethylase activity with an IC 50 value of 2.0 6 10 -4 M.

Synthesis, isomerization, and antimicrobial evaluation of some pyrazolopyranotriazolopyrimidine derivatives.

Abstract: 6-Amino-5-imino-pyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative 4 and pyrazolo-[4',3':5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-ylhydrazine derivative 5 were prepared starting from 6-amino-3-methyl-4-(p-nitrophenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile 1. The synthesis and structure characterization of 9,11-dihydropyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidine derivatives 7 and 9 and their isomerization to 9,11-dihydropyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[3,2-e] [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives 6 and 8, respectively, under different suitable reaction conditions are reported. Moreover, the synthesis of 9,11-dihydropyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrano[3,2-e] tetrazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivative 14 and N 9 -acyclic nucleoside 15 are described. Some of the prepared products showed potent antimicrobial activity.

Synthesis of novel 1-pyrazolylpyridin-2-ones as potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

Abstract: A new series of 4-alkyl/aryl-2-oxo-1-pyrazolyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carbonitriles and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitriles have been synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Among the tested compounds, 3e and 8b exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory activity to the standard (indomethacin). Compounds 5, 7a, and 8b displayed potent analgesic activity. Detailed syntheses, spectroscopic and biological data are reported.

Studies on 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: The reaction of acetic or propionic acid hydrazides with various aryl/alkyl isothiocyanates gave thiosemicarbazides which furnished the 1,2,4-triazoles by alkali cyclization. The 4-aryl/alkyl-5-(1-phenoxyethyl)-3-[N-(substituted)acetamido]thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized by reacting the triazoles with 2-chloro-N-(substituted)acetamide. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by IR, 1 H-NMR, FAB + -MS spectral data and elemental analysis. In the pharmacological studies, anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds have been screened and significant activities were observed.

Synthesis, X-ray structure, and pharmacological activity of some 6,6-disubstituted chromeno[4,3-b]- and chromeno- [3,4-c]-quinolines.

Abstract: Some chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines 4a-i were obtained from beta-chloro carboxyaldehydes 3a-c with different aniline derivatives namely, aniline, 4-fluoroaniline, and 2-aminophenol. Surprisingly, 3a-c reacted with 2-aminothiophenol and afforded the chromeno[3,4-c]quinoline derivatives 5a-c. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 4e and 5b provided good support for the established structure. Compounds 4b and 5b showed significant anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic score activities compared to that of indomethacin.

Synthesis of four natural prenylflavonoids and their estrogen-like activities.

Abstract: Four prenylflavonoids, bavachin 1, isobavachin 2, 7,4'-dihydroxy-8-prenylflavone 3, and 8-prenyl-apigenin 4 were synthesized and recognized for possessing estrogen-like activity in MCF-7/BOS cells, as evaluated by an estrogen-screening assay. All compounds significantly stimulated the proliferation of MCF-7/BOS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Isobavachin 2 showed the most potent activity, while bavachin 1 was the weakest. The estrogenic potency of these compounds is ranked as follows: 2 > 4 > 3 > 1.

Conversion of 3-arylazo-5-phenyl-2(3H)-furanones into other heterocycles of anticipated biological activity.

Abstract: 3-Arylazo-5-phenyl-2(3H)-furanones 3 were prepared and converted into a variety of heterocyclic systems of synthetic and biological importance. Hydrazine hydrate reacted with furanones as nucleophiles and gave the corresponding acid hydrazides 4. The latter products were used as starting materials for the synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles 6, 9, and the 1,2,4-triazoles 8. Evaluation of the antiviral activity of selected compounds obtained was performed using two viruses: HAV and HSV-1. Some of the tested compounds showed promising activities.

Non-carboxylic analogues of naproxen: design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of some 1,3,4-oxadiazole/thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole derivatives.

Abstract: A series of substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole (2-7 and 14-19), 1,2,4-triazole (20-25), and 1,3,4-thiadiazole (26-31) derivatives of naproxen have been synthesized by cyclization of 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propanoic acid hydrazide 1 and N(1)[2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl) propanoyl]-N(4)-alkyl/aryl-thiosemicarbazides (8-13) under various reaction conditions. All the compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test method. Compounds showing high anti-inflammatory activity were also tested for their analgesic, ulcerogenic, and lipid peroxidation. Few of the synthesized compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities along with reduced ulcerogenic effect and lipid peroxidation.

Synthesis, antimicrobial and antineoplastic activities for agelasine and agelasimine analogs with a beta-cyclocitral derived substituent.

Abstract: Agelasines and agelasimines are antimicrobial and cytotoxic purine derivatives isolated from marine sponges (Agelas sp.). We have synthesized structurally simplified analogs of these natural products starting from beta-cyclocitral. The novel compounds were found to be strong inhibitors of a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms (incl. Mycobacterium tuberculosis) as well as cancer cell lines. The biological activities were generally in the same range as those previously found for the structurally more complex agelasines and agelasimines isolated in small amounts from natural sources. We also report for the first time that agelasine and agelasimine analogs inhibit growth of protozoa (Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga). Acanthamoeba keratitis is an increasingly common and severe corneal infection, closely associated with contact lens wear.

Synthesis of 4'-hydroxy-3'-piperidinomethylchalcone derivatives and their cytotoxicity against PC-3 cell lines.

Abstract: A new series of mono Mannich bases of 4'-hydroxychalcones 2a-e carrying a variety of aryl groups was synthesized and the in vitro cytotoxic activities of the new compounds were screened against PC-3 cell lines. Bioactivities of 2a-e, which are reported for the first time in this study, were compared against their precursor 4'-hydroxychalcones 1a-e. Compound 2b was found to be the most potent (IC(50 )= 3.7 microM) among the compounds synthesized. In addition, the compounds 1a-c and 2d showed moderate cytotoxicity. Incorporation of the 3'-piperidinomethyl group in 1b and 1d raised the potency by 1.68 and 2.19 times respectively and, therefore, seemed to be a noteworthy molecular modification. Correlations were noted between cytotoxicity and one or more physiochemical constants of the aryl ring as well as log P values for the compounds 2a-e. The significant improvement of cytotoxicity of 2b, 2d, and 2e against PC-3 cell lines compared with their chalcone precursors suggests that the incorporation of a piperidinomethyl group is a useful molecular modification and further development of these compounds as candidate cytotoxic agents may be warranted.

Double Ester Prodrugs of FR900098 Display Enhanced In-Vitro Antimalarial Activity

Abstract: Fosmidomycin and FR900098 are inhibitors of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR; IspC), a key enzyme of the mevalonate-independent isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. We have determined the in-vitro antimalarial activity of two double ester prodrugs 2, 3 in direct comparison with the unmodified FR900098 1 against intraerythrocytic forms of Plasmodium falciparum. Temporarily masking the polar properties of the phosphonate moiety of the DXR inhibitor FR900098 1 enhanced not only its oral bioavailability but also the intrinsic activity of this series against the parasites.

Synthesis of some novel substituted purine derivatives as potential anticancer, anti-HIV-1 and antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: In search of novel purine antimetabolites, a series of 8-substituted methylxanthine derivatives was prepared in order to explore their in vitro anticancer, anti-HIV-1 and antimicrobial activities. The target compounds include: 8-[(3-substituted-4-oxo-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)hydrazino]-1,3-dimethyl (or 1,3,7-trimethyl)-3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-diones 5a-e, 8-[(3,4-disubstituted 2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-ylidene)hydrazino]-1,3,7-trimethyl-3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-diones 6a-d and 8-(5-amino-3-arylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3-dimethyl- (or 1,3,7-trimethyl)-3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-diones 7a-g. The in vitro anticancer results revealed that compound 5d exhibited a super sensitivity profile towards leukemia K-562 with a GI(50) value of <0.01 microM. Compound 7c showed significant activity against colon cancer HCT-15 and renal cancer CAKI-1 (GI(50) values of 0.47 and 0.78 microM, respectively). Compound 7a displayed high activity against colon cancer HCT-15 (GI(50 )= 0.8 microM). The anti-HIV-1 results indicated that compound 6b displayed a good reduction of viral cytopathic effect (56.69%). The antimicrobial results showed that compound 5a was four times more active than ampicillin against P. aerugenosa (MIC =or< 25 microg/mL), compound 5b had twice the activity of ampicillin, while compounds 5d, 7c and 7f were equipotent to ampicillin. On the other hand, compound 7a was equipotent to ampicillin against P. vulgaris (MIC = 50 microg/mL).

Synthesis, Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 4-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)semicarbazones

Abstract: A series of 4-(2-phenoxyphenyl)semicarbazones was synthesized and evaluated for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Several compounds (e. g. 10h, 10i, and 11i) were found to be more potent than the reference drug mefenamic acid in the formalin test. Based on the results of an anti-inflammatory study, 1-(1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylidene)-4-(2-phenoxyphenyl)semicarbazide 11i was the most active compound.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of New 1-[3-(4-Arylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-pyrrolidin-2-one Derivatives with Anti-arrhythmic, Hypotensive, and α-Adrenolytic Activity

Abstract: A series of novel arylpiperazines bearing a pyrrolidin-2-one fragment was synthesized and evaluated for the binding affinity of the alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors (AR) and for the antiarrhythmic and hypotensive activities of the compounds. The most potent and selective compound 1-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl]pyrrolidin-2-one 8 binds with pK(i) = 6.71 for alpha(1)-AR. Derivative 8 was also the most active in the prophylactic antiarrhythmic test in adrenaline-induced arrhythmia in anaesthetized rats. Its ED(50 )value equals 1.9 mg/kg (i.v.). Compounds with substituents such as a fluorine atom 4, a methyl 5, or a hydroxyl 8 group, or two substituents such as fluorine/chlorine atoms and methoxy groups in the phenyl ring, significantly decreased the systolic and diastolic pressure in normotensive anesthetized rats at a dosages of 5-10 mg/kg (i.v.). It was found that the presence of the piperazine ring and a hydroxy group in the second position of the propyl chain are critical structural features in determining the affinity of the compounds tested.

Phosphinate Inhibitors of UDP‐N‐Acetylmuramoyl‐L‐Alanyl‐D‐Glutamate: L‐Lysine Ligase (MurE)

Abstract: The increasing emergence of pathogenic bacterial strains with high resistance to antibiotic therapy has created an urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents that are directed towards novel targets. We have focused our attention on the Mur ligases (MurC-F), which catalyze the early steps of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and which to date represent under-exploited targets for antibacterial drug design. We show that some of our phosphinate inhibitors of UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl:D-glutamate ligase (MurD) also inhibits UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamate:L-lysine ligase (MurE). To obtain new information on their structure-activity relationships, three new, structurally related phosphinates were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of MurD and MurE.

Synthesis, antitubercular and anticancer activities of substituted furyl-quinazolin-3(4H)-ones.

Abstract: Some novel substituted-3-{[(1E)-(substituted-2-furyl)-methylene]amino}quinazolin-4(3H)-one (5, 6, 7) a-f were synthesized by a multi-step process. These synthesized compounds are characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their antitubercular and anticancer activities. Biological activity indicated that some of the title compounds are potent antitubercular and anticancer agents.

Synthesis of New (N α‐Dipicolinoyl)‐bis‐L‐valyl‐L‐phenylalanyl Linear and Macrocyclic Bridged Peptides as Anti‐Inflammatory Agents

Abstract: In continuation to our search for new chiral macrocyclic peptide-based anti-inflammatories, the suggestion, synthesis, structure elucidation of some Nalpha-bis-dipicolinoyl amino acids, linear, tetra and cyclic (penta and octa)-bridged peptides 3-10, were realized herein. The newly synthesized compounds showed potent anti-inflammatory activity with low toxicity (LD50) comparable to indomethacin and diclofenac as reference anti-inflammatory drugs.

New 4-[(1-Benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl]-3-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-ones, β-Diketo Acid Analogs as HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors

Abstract: In addition to our recent report on a series of rationally designed benzylindolyldiketo acids acting as potent HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors, we disclose the results obtained with novel compounds chemically modified on the diketo acid moiety in order to investigate its influence on the biological activity and cytotoxicity. The activity of designed and synthesized 4-[(1-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl]-3-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one derivatives lies in the micromolar range with regard to HIV IN enzymatic activity. The microwave-assisted synthesis was employed in some steps of the chemical procedures.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 3H-quinazolin-4-ones and 3H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones as CXCR3 receptor antagonists.

Abstract: CXC chemokine receptor-3 (CXCR3) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly expressed on activated T lymphocytes that promote Th1 responses. Previously, we described the 3H-quinazolin-4-one containing VUF 5834 (decanoic acid {1-[3-(4-cyano-phenyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-quinazolin-2-yl]-ethyl}-(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)-amide) as a small-molecule CXCR3 antagonist with submicromolar affinity and as a lead structure for the development of CXCR3 antagonists. More recently, the related 3H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one compounds AMG 487 and NBI-74330 have been reported as nanomolar CXCR3 antagonists and these ligands are currently under clinical investigation. The aim of this study is to link the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the previously published class of 3H-quinazolin-4-one containing CXCR3 ligands with these novel clinical candidates. From the modification of the lead structure VUF 5834 emerged the importance of the (4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acetyl and the 3-methylen-pyridine as substituents to improve the affinity at the human CXCR3 receptor, whereas other features are less important. The described molecules serve as tool to investigate the role of the CXCR3 receptor in various inflammatory conditions.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of new 7-piperazinyl-quinolones containing a functionalized 2-(furan-3-yl)ethyl moiety.

Abstract: A number of 7-piperazinylquinolones carrying a functionalized 2-(furan-3-yl)ethyl moiety attached to the piperazine ring have been synthesized and evaluated as antibacterial agents against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity, and this activity can be modulated through the nature of the functionality on ethyl spacer attached to piperazine ring and the type of side chain present at the N-1 position of quinolone ring.

Synthesis and Antidiabetic Activity of 3,6,7-Trisubstituted-2-(1H-imidazol-2-ylsulfanyl)quinoxalines and Quinoxalin-2-yl isothioureas

Abstract: Two series of 3,6,7-trisubstituted-2-(1H-imidazol-2-ylsulfanyl)-quinoxalines 2a-l and 2-(quinoxalin-2-yl)-isothioureas 3a-l were prepared. All the test compounds 2a-l and 3a-l were screened in vitro, in a RIN5F cell-based assay for glucose-dependent insulinotropic activity. A significant concentration and glucose-dependent insulin secretion effect was seen with compounds 2a-l and the insulinotropic activity of compound 2l was found to be identical to that of the standard compound (6,7-dichloro-2-trifluromethyl-3-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazo-2-ylsulfanyl)-quinoxaline (1)).

Hetero Analogues of the Antimicrobial Alkaloids Cleistopholine and Sampangine

Abstract: Hetero analogues of the alkaloids cleistopholine and sampangine were prepared in order to investigate the significance of the (aza)quinoid partial structures for antimicrobial activity. Several analogues containing amino or sulfone groups showed high antimicrobial activities, indicating that the (aza)quinoid partial structures of the alkaloids are not an indispensable requisite for antimicrobial activity.

Novel deoxyxylulosephosphate-reductoisomerase inhibitors: fosmidomycin derivatives with spacious acyl residues.

Abstract: 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (Dxr) represents an essential enzyme of the mevalonate-independent pathway of the isoprenoid biosynthesis. Using fosmidomycin as a specific inhibitor of Dxr, this enzyme was previously validated as target for the treatment of malaria and bacterial infections. The replacement of the formyl residue of fosmidomycin by spacious acyl residues yielded inhibitors active in the micromolar range. As predicted by flexible docking, evidence was obtained for the formation of a hydrogen bond between an appropriately placed carbonyl group in the acyl residue and the main-chain NH of Met214 located in the flexible catalytic loop of the enzyme.

Synthesis and in-vitro activity of novel 1beta-methylcarbapenems having spiro[2,4]heptane moieties.

Abstract: The synthesis of a new series of 1beta-methylcarbapenems having spiro[2,4]heptane moieties is described. Their in-vitro antibacterial activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were tested and the effect of substituents on the pyrrolidine ring was investigated. Most compounds were shown to be more active than the compared meropenem and imipenem against Escherichia coli. One particular compound, IIIb, having hydroxy a moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.

1-Cinnamyl-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazines : Synthesis, binding properties, and docking to dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors

Abstract: Clinical properties of atypical antipsychotics are based on their interaction with D(2) dopamine receptor and serotonin 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. As a part of our research program on new antipsychotics, we synthesized various derivatives of 1-cinnamyl-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazines, and evaluated their affinities for D(2), 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), and adrenergic (alpha(1)) receptors using radioligand-binding assays. In addition, we performed docking analysis using models for the D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptors. All compounds exhibited low to moderate affinity to 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors, high affinity to the D(2 )receptor and large variability in affinities for the alpha(1) receptor. Docking analysis indicated that the binding to D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptors is based on (i) interaction between protonated N1 of the piperazine ring and various aspartate residues, (ii) hydrogen bonds between various moieties of the ligand and the residues of threonine, serine, histidine or tryptophane, and (iii) edge-to-face interactions of the aromatic ring of the arylpiperazine moiety with phenylalanine or tyrosine residues. Docking data for the D(2) receptor can account for the binding properties obtained in binding assays, suggesting that the model is reliable and robust. However, docking data for the 5-HT(1A) receptor cannot account for actual binding properties, suggesting that further refinement of the model is required.

Quinoline‐Based Derivatives of Pirinixic Acid as Dual PPAR α/γ Agonists

Abstract: Pirinixic acid is known for its peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonistic action. In a recent publication, we have shown that aliphatic alpha-substitution of pirinixic acid enhances both PPARalpha and PPARgamma agonism. The goal of this study was to evaluate, whether the PPAR agonism of pirinixic acid may be also maintained in quinoline-based derivatives. The present study revealed that the mere substitution of the dimethyl aniline moiety of pirinixic acid by quinoline leads to a total loss of PPARalpha/gamma agonism, whereas concomitant alpha-substitution with n-butyl or n-hexyl groups restores and even enforces PPAR activation, leading to potent dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists. In the following we report the synthesis of quinoline-based derivatives of pirinixic acid, which in a Gal4-based luciferase-reporter gene assay proved to be potent dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists. Molecular docking of compound 4 with FlexX suggests a binding mode resembling to that of tesaglitazar.