Hashish: synthesis and central nervous system activity of some novel analogues of cannabidiol and oxepin derivatives of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Several C-10 substituted cannabidiol (CBD) derivatives and novel oxepin derivatives of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity in mice and dogs. Treatment of 10-bromocannabidiol diacetate (3) with various amines in Me2SO gave the corresponding 10-aminocannabidiol derivatives 4-6. Similarly, treatment of 3 with NaN3 gave the azido compound 7, which with LiA1H4 afforded the 10-aminocannabidiol 9. However, reduction of 7 with CrCl2 formed the amide 8, which on further reduction with LiA1H4 gave the N-ethyl analogue 10. Coupling of 9 with 11 in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide formed 12, which was then deprotected with HCl to give the analogue 13. The oxepin analogue 14a was synthesized from 3 by treatment with Na2CO3 in CH3OH/H2O at room temperature. The dimethylheptyl analogue 14b was similarly prepared. Incorporation of N-ethyl (10), N-methyl-N-propargyl (6), and morpholino (4) groups in CBD at position 10 resulted in analogues that were more potent than CBD in producing hypoactivity in mice. These analogues had relatively little effect on rectal temperature. Selected substitutions at C-10 also resulted in analogues that were partially effective in blocking delta 9-THC antinociceptive activity. This blockade was observed particularly in compound 10, which also showed unusually toxic properties. Incorporation of a seven-membered oxepin in the delta 9-THC structure eliminated cannabinoid activity although substitution of the pentyl side chain with a 1,2-dimethylheptyl in the oxepin 14b resulted in CNS depression in mice.     

Design and studies of novel 5-substituted alkynylpyrimidine nucleosides as potent inhibitors of mycobacteria

We herein report a new category of 5-substituted pyrimidine nucleosides as potent inhibitors of mycobacteria. A series of 5-alkynyl derivatives of 2'-deoxyuridine (1-8), 2'-deoxycytidine (9-14), uridine (15-17), and 2'-O-methyluridine (18, 19) were synthesized and evaluated for their antimycobacterial activity in vitro. 5-Decynyl, 5-dodecynyl, and 5-tetradecynyl derivatives showed the highest antimycobacterial potency against M. bovis and M. avium, with the 2'-deoxyribose derivatives being more effective than the ribose analogues. Nucleosides bearing short alkynyl side chains 5-ethynyl, 5-propynyl, 5-pentynyl, and 5-heptynyl were mostly not inhibitory. Incorporation of a phenylethynyl function at the 5-position diminished the antimicrobial effect. Furthermore, related bicyclic analogues (20-24) were devoid of antimycobacterial activity, indicating that an acyclic side chain at the C-5 position of the pyrimidine ring is essential for potent activity. Compounds 1-17 were synthesized by the Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of respective alkynes with 5-iodo derivatives of 2'-deoxyuridine, 2'-deoxycytidine, and uridine. Intramolecular cyclization of 1 and 3-6 in the presence of Cu afforded the corresponding bicyclic compounds 20-24. The investigated nucleosides are recognized here for the first time to be potent inhibitors of mycobacteria. This class of compounds could be of interest for lead optimization as antimycobacterial agents.     

Synthesis of biologically active taxol analogues with modified phenylisoserine side chains.

Taxol (1) is a highly potent antitumor agent, exerting its mechanism of action by promoting the assembly of stable microtubules in cells. We are reporting on the first synthesis and biological evaluation of taxol derivatives with substituted phenyl rings at the C-13 N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserine side chain of taxol (1). Two taxol derivatives were synthesized, one possessing a N-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserine side chain (2) and the other one a N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-(p-chlorophenyl)isoserine side chain (3). The synthesis of the novel phenylisoserine side chains was achieved through the asymmetric synthesis of 3-hydroxy-4-aryl-2-azetidinone derivatives via the ester enolate-imine cyclocondensation reaction. The 2-azetidinones 14 and 15 were acylated with p-chlorobenzoyl chloride and benzoyl chloride, respectively, to form the N-acyl beta-lactams 16 and 17. Subsequent coupling of 16 and 17 to 7-(triethylsilyl)baccatin III (6) in the presence of pyridine and DMAP afforded, after removal of the protecting groups, the desired taxol analogues 2 and 3 in excellent yields. The newly synthesized derivatives 2 and 3 were tested in the tubulin assembly assay and also evaluated for their cytotoxicity against B16 melanoma cells. It was found that the taxol derivatives 2 and 3 had activity comparable to taxol (1).     

New analogues of the potent cytotoxic saponin OSW-1

Saponin OSW-1 (5e-G2; 3 beta,16 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxycholest-5-en-22-one 16-O-{O-[2-O-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-(1-->3)-2-O-acetyl-alpha-arabinopyranoside}) analogues: with modified side chain (5a/d-G2), 22-deoxo-23,24,25,26,27-pentanor- (14), 22-deoxo-23-oxa- (17), glycosylated with various monosaccharides (5e-G4/G6/G8), and OSW-1 structural isomer (10) were obtained. The analogues were synthesized using a previously published method for the synthesis of OSW-1. The structures of analogues were fully confirmed by spectroscopic methods, and the S-chirality at C-22 of the structural isomer was established by conformational analysis combined with the NMR spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of the analogues toward several types of malignant tumor cells was examined and compared with that of OSW-1. The results suggest that modification of the steroidal aglycone may lead to compounds with high cytotoxicity.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 20-deoxo-20-(3,5-dimethylpiperidin-1-yl)desmycosin (tilmicosin, EL-870) and related cyclic amino derivatives

A series of 20-deoxo-20-cyclic (alkylamino) derivatives of tylosin, desmycosin, macrocin and lactenocin was prepared by reductive amination of the C-20 aldehyde group. The majority of the compounds were prepared using metal hydrides (sodium cyanoborohydride or sodium borohydride) as the reducing agents and a suitable cyclic alkylamine. Subsequently, a more convenient procedure was developed using formic acid as a reducing agent. The C-20 amino derivatives prepared from desmycosin exhibited good in vitro antimicrobial activity against Pasteurella haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida (MIC range of 0.78 approximately 6.25 micrograms/ml) as well as Mycoplasma species (MIC range of 0.39 approximately 6.25 micrograms/ml). Several derivatives showed excellent oral efficacy against infections caused by P. multocida in chicks. One of these derivatives, 20-deoxo-20-(3,5-dimethylpiperidin-1-yl)desmycosin (tilmicosin or EL-870) was selected for development as a therapeutic agent for pasteurellosis in calves and pigs.     

Pyridazinones. 1. Synthesis and antisecretory and antiulcer activities of thio amide derivatives

In an effort to develop new types of antiulcer agents, a series of novel 3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives and related analogues was synthesized. Substituted 3(2H)-pyridazinones and their 4,5-dihydro analogues were alkylated by omega-haloalkyl cyanides at the N-2 position under phase-transfer catalytic reaction, and the nitrile group was converted to the thio amide group by treatment with hydrogen sulfide alone or with the appropriate primary or secondary amines. Various substituents were introduced on the nitrogen of thio amide, on the carbon in the side chains, and on the 3(2H)-pyridazinone ring. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for gastric antisecretory activity in the pylorus-ligated rat, and selected compounds were applied to experimental ulcer models, such as Shay's, aspirin-induced, and stress-induced ulcers in the rat. Structure-activity relationships are discussed. 3(2H)-Pyridazinones with a C-6 phenyl group and an N-2 alkyl side chain with a terminal thio amide group (48, 49, 51, and 52) were the most potent among the compounds tested.     

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of some 9-substituted delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol analogues

Several 9-substituted delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8-THC) analogues were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity in mice. Compounds with phenyl (2b) and butyl (2c) substituents were prepared by the addition of phenyllithium and n-butyllithium, respectively, to (-)-9-nor-9-oxohexahydrocannabinol (1), followed by dehydration, whereas, isopropyl (2d), PhCH2 (2e), and Ph(CH2)2 (2f) derivatives were synthesized via the Grignard reaction with subsequent dehydration. Compounds with C2H5CH(OH) (2g) and CH3CH(OH) (2h) substituents at C-9 were prepared from (-)-9-nor-9-formyl-delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (3) by the reaction of ethyl and methyl Grignard reagents, respectively. Biological activity indicated that a methyl group at the C-9 position is, thus far, optimum for producing hypoactivity and hypothermia in mice. In addition, hydroxyethyl substitution at position 9 reduced and antinociceptive activity of delta 8-THC, in contrast to the increased activity reported for hydroxymethyl substitution.     

Synthesis and antimitogenic activities of four analogues of cyclosporin A modified in the 1-position

Cyclosporin A (CSA, 1), an immunosuppressive cyclic undecapeptide, contains a unique N-methylated amino acid, (2S,3R,4R,6E)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(N-methylamino)-6-octenoic++ + acid, called both C-9-ene and MeBmt [(4R)-N-methyl-4-butenyl-4-methylthreonine] that may be essential for the biological activity of CSA. In order to determine the minimal portion of MeBmt needed for antimitogenic activity, four analogues of CSA specifically modified in the 1-position have been synthesized. These are (MeThr1)CSA (4), (MeAbu1)CSA (5), (MeAbu1,Sar10)CSA (6), and [(MeLeu(3-OH)1)]CSA (7). The synthesis of analogues was carried out by forming a linear undecapeptide that was cyclized at the two non-N-methylated amino acids. The structure of cyclic analogues 4-7 and their corresponding precursors were established unequivocally by 1H NMR, FAB mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and HPLC. The inhibition of Con A stimulated thymocytes by CSA (1), DH-CSA (2), 7, 4, 5, and 6 gave IC50's (nM) of 4, 10, 600, 8 X 10(3), 15 X 10(3), and 40 X 10(3), respectively. The increase in IC50 by modification of the side chain in MeBmt suggested the importance of this amino acid in the 1-position of CSA for full antimitogenic activity.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new benzodioxinic lactones as potential anticancer drugs

A set of disubstituted tetracyclic lactones has been synthesized and tested for potential antitumor activity. Several of them possess a noticeable cytotoxicity against L1210 and HT-29 colon cells in vitro. Relationships between chain nature and biological properties were sought. Lactones with a pentyl or hexyl substituent at C-11 are the most active ones. The introduction of a functional group at the side chain of C-11 modified the potency; carboxylic acid and primary amine decreased the cytotoxicity, whereas a cyano group increased the activity. An extensive structure-activity relationship study of these derivatives, including carbon homologues and bioisosteres has been performed. The synthesis and cytotoxicity of these compounds are discussed. Two lactones are recognized as potential lead compounds.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel leucomycin analogues modified at the C-3 position. I. Epimerization and methylation of the 3-hydroxyl group

The synthesis and biological evaluation of sixteen-membered macrolides modified at the C-3 position are described. 3-Epi-leucomycin A7 (9), 3-O-acyl-3-epi-leucomycin A7 analogues (11a-11e), 3-O-acylleucomycin A7 analogues (13b-13e) and 3-O-methylleucomycin analogues (16a, 16b and 22) were synthesized via fully protected intermediates (7, 5a, 5b and 20). After appropriate modification, subsequent deprotections were performed to furnish a variety of leucomycin analogues. Methylation of the 3-hydroxyl group was found to improve the pharmacoprofile of leucomycin antibiotics. 3-O-Methylrokitamycin (16b) showed enhanced antibacterial activity in vitro and 3,3'-di-O-methyl-4'-O-(3-methylbutyl)leucomycin V (22) exhibited improved metabolic stability in rat plasma in vitro.     

Fluorinated anthracyclines: interactions with DNA

Summary Four fluorine containing derivatives of anthracyclines (daunomycin and adriamycin) were synthesised, and comprised C-13, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl-hydrazones of each anthracycline, and C-14 4-F and 4-CF₃-benzoate esters of adriamycin. All four derivatives intercalated into DNA in a manner similar to their parent anthracycline. The ester derivatives exhibited 3–4-fold higher binding affinity to DNA, and slower DNA dissociation kinetics than adriamycin. This stabilisation derives from additional contacts of the C-14 side chain to the DNA minor groove. The hydrazone derivatives showed lower binding affinity to DNA, and dissociated from DNA 3–4 times faster than the parent compound. The ¹⁹F resonance of the bound drug was broadened to 120 Hz and shifted 60 Hz downfield (0.32 ppm) relative to the sharp (7.5 Hz) peak of the free drug. These values imply a rapid exchange between the free and DNA bound forms (DNA lifetime > 5 ms), with the fluorine group residing in a hydrophobic region in close contact with the DNA minor groove. The 4–8 fold lesser specific potency of the ester derivatives supports the concept that DNA binding is an important factor, but not sole determinant of biological activity of these analogues.     

A rational design of bioactive taxanes with side chains situated elsewhere than on C-13

The structure of alphabeta-tubulin was refined and used in the docking study for taxuspine D, paclitaxel and their analogues. The conformational space in the binding site was explored by molecular dynamics. The interaction energy was calculated by minimization in the active site of beta-tubulin. The C-5 cinnamoyl side chain in taxuspine D is found to mimic the C-13 side chain of paclitaxel. A virtual taxane with a new C-5 side chain is predicted to be more active than taxuspine D. The C-13 side chain could be replaced with a novel C-5 side chain if the conformation of the core skeleton is modified.     

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of 2-, 3-, and 4-substituted analogues of 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine (HEPT)

Several analogues of a new lead for anti-HIV-1 agents, 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine (HEPT), in which the C-2, N-3, or C-4 position was modified were synthesized. These involve 2-thiothymine (11), 2-thiouracil (12), 4-thiothymine (17), 4-thiouracil (18), 5-methylcytosine (27), and cytosine (28) derivatives. Preparation of N-3-substituted derivatives (29 and 30) of HEPT was also carried out. Among these analogues, compound 11 exhibited excellent activity against HIV-1 HTLV-IIIB strain with an EC50 value of 0.98 microM, which is 7-fold more potent than that of HEPT. Removal of the 5-methyl group in compound 11 results in total loss of activity. Other compounds did not show any anti-HIV-1 activity. The 4-thio derivatives 17 and 18 were found to be rather cytotoxic. When compound 11 was evaluated for its inhibitory effects on another HIV-1 strain, HTLV-IIIRE, and two HIV-2 strains, LAV-2ROD and LAV-2EHO, it proved equally inhibitory to HTLV-IIIRF, whereas both HIV-2 strains were insensitive to the compound.     

Structure-activity relationships of virginiae butanolide C, an inducer of virginiamycin production in Streptomyces virginiae

Virginiae butanolide C, [2-(1'-hydroxyhexyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)butanolide (3)], is one of the inducers of virginiamycin production in Streptomyces virginiae. Various racemic analogues were synthesized, and their effectiveness in virginiamycin induction was studied. Among analogues having a series of C-2 side chains, those with 1'-hydroxyheptyl or 1'-hydroxyoctyl moiety were most effective with a minimum effective concentration of 0.8 ng/ml. At the same length of C-2 side chain, a 2,3-cis analogue was 10-fold more active than a 2,3-trans analogue, and the 2,3-trans analogue was 10-fold more active than an analogue having a 1'-ketoalkyl moiety at C-2 (A-factor type analogue). Methoxylation or deletion of either one of the two hydroxy groups in virginiae butanolide C analogues caused a 100 to 1,000-fold decrease in activity, thus indicating the importance of the two hydroxy groups in virginiamycin induction.     

Potentielle Malariamittel, 1. Mitt. 5.8-Dimethoxy-6-diethylaminoalkoxy-chinoline

Potential Antimalarials, I:6-(Diethylaminoalkoxy)-5,8-dimethoxyquinolines Two derivatives of 5,8-dimethoxy-2,4-dimethylquinoline with a 2-diethylaminoethoxy (3a) and a 3-diethylaminopropoxy side chain (3b) at C-6 were synthesized with the aim to study the influence of the replacement of a nitrogen atom in the side chain of the antimalarial 6-aminoquinoline 1 by an oxygen atom on antimalarial activity. Compounds 3a and 3b are inactive against P. vinckei.     

Syntheses and differentiating action of vitamin D endoperoxides. Singlet oxygen adducts of vitamin D derivatives in human myeloid leukemia cells (HL-60)

Singlet oxygen adducts of various vitamin D derivatives, 6,19-dihydro-6,19-epidioxyvitamin D (vitamin D endoperoxides, 2 and 2'), were chemically synthesized, and their biological activity in inducing differentiation of a human myeloid leukemia cell line (HL-60 cells) was examined. The potency of the endoperoxides derived from vitamin D derivatives possessing the 1 alpha-hydroxyl group such as 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 endoperoxides (2b and 2b') was markedly (10(-2)) diminished relative to the respective parent vitamin D compounds. In contrast, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 endoperoxides [25-(OH)D3 endoperoxides, 2a and 2a'] and their analogues fluorinated at the 24- or 26- and 27-positions were 2.5-10 times more potent than 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1a) in spite of the absence of the conjugated triene structure typical of vitamin D compounds. The potency of these vitamin D endoperoxides (2 and 2'), especially those lacking the 1 alpha-hydroxyl group, in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells was not correlated with their activity in binding to the cytosol receptor for 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1b). The binding efficiency to the receptor was relatively lower than the differentiating activity. To examine the action of vitamin D endoperoxides, carbon analogues of 25-(OH)D3 endoperoxides, two C-6 epimers of 25-hydroxy-6,19-dihydro-6,19-ethanovitamin D3 (6 and 6'), were synthesized. The carbon analogues (6 and 6') had no potential to induce differentiation of HL-60 cells. These results suggest that vitamin D endoperoxides (2 and 2') express their biological activity probably after being converted to some other compounds.     

Synthesis and pharmacology of site-specific cocaine abuse treatment agents: restricted rotation analogues of methylphenidate

A series of threo-1-aza-3 or 4-substituted-5-phenyl[4.4.0]decanes (quinolizidines), which were envisioned as restricted rotational analogues (RRAs) of methylphenidate (MP), was synthesized and tested for inhibitory potency against [(3)H]WIN35,428, [3H]citalopram, and [3H]nisoxetine binding to the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters, respectively. Two different synthetic schemes were used; a Wittig reaction or acylation (followed by an intramolecular condensation) was a key feature of each scheme. The unsubstituted RRA, threo(trans)-1-aza-5-phenyl[4.4.0]decane (12a), was equipotent to unconstrained threo-MP against [(3)H]WIN35,428 binding. The extra ring in these RRAs (which reduces the conformational freedom) and the orientation and polarity of substituents at the 4-position on this extra ring are of critical importance to the biological activity. Generally, the RRAs paralleled the corresponding unconstrained MP derivatives in binding affinity to the three transporters. The results suggest that the conformation of MP in which the carbonyl group of the methyl ester is H-bonded to the piperidinyl N-H may be the bioactive form of the molecule.     

Biologically active taxol analogues with deleted A-ring side chain substituents and variable C-2' configurations.

Taxol, a potent inhibitor of cell replication, enhances the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules and promotes the formation of microtubule bundles in cells. In addition to its unique mechanism of action, taxol exhibits unusual promise as an antitumor agent, but its application in cancer chemotherapy is hampered by its limited availability. In order to better define the structure-activity profile of taxol for the design of more accessible drugs and to provide insight into the chemical features of the taxol-microtubule interaction, taxol analogues 3-8, with deleted A-ring side chain substituents and both R and S C-2' configurations, were synthesized from baccatin III through esterification at the hindered 13-hydroxyl. Employing an improved hydroxyl protection strategy, lactate analogues 3 and 4 were prepared with reasonable efficiency owing to their simple side-chain structures, while N-benzoylisoserine analogues 7 and 8 were synthesized through esterification reactions whose rates were enhanced greatly by the participation of the amide functionality. Although less biologically active than taxol, analogues 5-7 were found to promote the polymerization of tubulin and to be cytotoxic; 5 and 6 were considerably more effective than 7, whereas 3, 4, and 8 were least active. Interestingly, tubulin polymerization was sensitive to the C-2' configuration only when the amide substituent was present in the side chain. This observation suggests that the 3'-amide substituent plays an important role in preorganizing the taxol side chain to bind to microtubules.     

Calcitriol derivatives with two different side chains at C-20. II. Diastereoselective syntheses of the metabolically produced 24(R)-hydroxygemini

Vitamin D derivatives containing two side chains emanating at C-20 are known as gemini. We have recently synthesized two gemini which are related to calcitriol and 19-norcalcitriol containing two identical side chains. The metabolism of these species involves 24(R)-hydroxylation on one of the side chains. To determine the outcome of this diastereospecific transformation, we synthesized both C-20 epimeric pairs containing the 24(R)-hydroxy group in the gemini and 19-norgemini series. On the basis of the availability of these reference compounds, it was shown that the metabolic hydroxylation occurred at the pro-R side chain in both gemini compounds. In comparison to the parent compounds, the 24-hydroxygemini required higher doses to increase blood calcium levels in mice and to suppress INF-gamma release in MLR.