M. Eugenia González-Rosende

In vivo and in vitro anti-leishmanial activities of 4-nitro-N-pyrimidin- and N-pyrazin-2-ylbenzenesulfonamides, and N2-(4-nitrophenyl)-N1-propylglycinamide

A series of compounds containing the nitrobenzene and sulfonamido moieties were synthesized and their leishmanicidal effect was assessed in vitro against Leishmaniainfantum promastigotes. Among the compounds evaluated, the p-nitrobenzenesulfonamides 4Aa and 4Ba, and the p-nitroaniline 5 showed significant activity with a good selectivity index. In a Balb/c mice model of L. Infantum, administration of compounds 4Aa, 4Ba or 5 (5mg/kg/day for 10 days, injected ip route) led to a clear-cut parasite burden reduction (ca. 99%). In an attempt to elucidate their mechanism of action, the DNA interaction of 4Aa and 5 was investigated by means of viscosity studies, thermal denaturation and nuclease activity assay. Both compounds showed nuclease activity in the presence of copper salt. The results suggest that compounds 4Aa, 4Ba and 5 represent possible candidates for drug development in the therapeutic control of leishmaniasis.

HIGHLY REGIO- AND STEREOSELECTIVE IODOCYCLIZATION OF CHIRAL 3-ALKOXYCARBONYL-4-PROPENYL-2,2-DIMETHYL-1,3-OXAZOLIDINES : A COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION

The iodocyclization of allylic carbamates 3a and 3b proceeded with high regio- and stereoselection to give 2-oxobicyclo[4.3.0]nonane 5a as the major product. Both the regio- and diastereoselection of the reaction were investigated with the help of molecular mechanics and quantomechanical calculations. The energetic difference between the competing transition states TS-5a and TS-5b is in good agreement with the experimental results and from the calculated transition structures it appears that steric factors direct the discrimination.

In Vitro and in Vivo Antileishmanial and Trypanocidal Studies of New N-Benzene- and N-Naphthalenesulfonamide Derivatives

We report in vivo and in vitro antileishmanial and trypanocidal activities of a new series of N-substituted benzene and naphthalenesulfonamides 1-15. Compounds 1-15 were screened in vitro against Leishmania infantum , Leishmania braziliensis , Leishmania guyanensis , Leishmania amazonensis , and Trypanosoma cruzi . Sulfonamides 6e, 10b, and 10d displayed remarkable activity and selectivity toward T. cruzi epimastigotes and amastigotes. 6e showed significant trypanocidal activity on parasitemia in a murine model of acute Chagas disease. Moreover, 6e, 8c, 9c, 12c, and 14d displayed interesting IC50 values against Leishmania spp promastigotes as well as L. amazonensis and L. infantum amastigotes. 9c showed excellent in vivo activity (up to 97% inhibition of the parasite growth) in a short-term treatment murine model for acute infection by L. infantum. In addition, the effect of compounds 9c and 14d on tubulin as potential target was assessed by confocal microscopy analysis applied to L. infantum promastigotes.

Ring transformation of furfural into an unusual bicyclic system: Characterisation and dynamic stereochemistry of 6,7-diethoxycarbonyl-6,7-diaza-8-oxabicyclo[3,2,1]oct-3-en-2-one

Abstract 2-Formylthiophene and 3-formylindole react with diethyl azodicarboxylate to give simple products derived from reactions on the formyl group whereas 2-formylfuran reacts to give the unexpected bicyclic title compound. 1 H and 13 C NMR studies indicate that this compound undergoes a series of three dynamic conformational changes over the temperature range 50 to −90°C which are ascribed to slow rotation about the exocyclic carbamate bonds and hindered bridge inversion.

Nuclease activity and ultrastructural effects of new sulfonamides with anti-leishmanial and trypanocidal activities

Our aim was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of a series of N-benzenesulfonamides of amine substituted aromatic rings, sulfonamides 1-6, against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. and to compare their trypanocidal and leishmanicidal profile. In order to elucidate the probable mechanism of action, the interaction of selected sulfonamides with pUC18 plasmid DNA was investigated by nuclease activity assays. In addition, the cellular targets of these sulfonamides in treated parasites were also searched by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The most active compounds 4-nitro-N-pyrimidin-2-ylbenzenesulfonamide 1a and 4-chloro-N-5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl-benzenesulfonamide 2d displayed significant in vitro activity against Leishmania spp. promastigotes, without toxicity to J774 macrophages. Selected sulfonamides 1a, 4-nitro-N-pyrazin-2-yl-benzenesulfonamide 1n and 2d were also active against Leishmania infantum intracellular amastigotes. Compounds 1n and 2d showed nuclease activity in the presence of copper salt analogous to our previous results with sulfonamide 1a. Mechanistic data reveal the involvement of a redox process. Evidence for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for DNA strand scission is provided for sulfonamides 1a, 1n and 2d. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of L. infantum promastigotes treated with compounds 1a, 1n and 2d shows an overall cellular disorganization effects which are mainly addressed to DNA bearing structures such as the nucleus, mitochondria and kinetoplast. Disruption of double nuclear membrane and loss of cellular integrity along with accumulation of cytoplasmic electrodense bodies were also frequently observed.

Triazolopyridyl ketones as a novel class of antileishmanial agents. DNA binding and BSA interaction.

A new series of triazolopyridyl pyridyl ketones has been synthetized by regioselective lithiation of the corresponding [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine at 7 position followed by reaction with different electrophiles. The in vitro antileishmanial activity of these compounds was evaluated against Leishmaniainfantum, Leishmaniabraziliensis, Leishmaniaguyanensis and Leishmaniaamazonensis. Compounds 6 and 7 were found to be the most active leishmanicidal agents. Both of them showed activities at micromolar concentration against cultured promastigotes of Leishmania spp. (IC₅₀=99.8-26.8 μM), without cytotoxicity on J774 macrophage cells. These two compounds were also tested in vivo in a murine model of acute infection by L. infantum. The triazolopyridine derivative 6 was effective against both spleen and liver parasites forms, while 7 was inactive against liver parasites. Mechanistic aspects of the antileishmanial activity were investigated by means of DNA binding studies (UV-titration and viscosimetry). Results have revealed that these active ligands are able to interact strongly with DNA [Kb=1.14 × 10(5)M(-1) (6) and 3.26 × 10(5)M(-1) (7)]. Moreover, a DNA groove binding has been proposed for both 6 and 7. To provide more insight on the mode of action of compounds 6 and 7 under biological conditions, their interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was monitored by fluorescence titrations and UV-visible spectroscopy. The quenching constants and binding parameters were determined. Triazolopyridine ketones 6 and 7 have exhibited significant affinity towards BSA [Kb=2.5 × 10(4)M(-1) (6) and 1.9 × 10(4)M(-1) (7)]. Finally, to identify the binding location of compounds 6 and 7 on the BSA, competitive binding experiments were carried out, using warfarin, a characteristic marker for site I, and ibuprofen as one for site II. Results derived from these studies have indicated that both compounds interact at BSA site I and, to a lesser extent, at site II.

INTERMOLECULAR AND INTRAMOLECULAR TRANSAMIDATION REACTIONS

The amide functional group is resonance stabilised and direct reaction with amines is known to be difficult. Facile amide exchange reactions would enable the synthesis of important new amide based molecules, therefore transamidation reactions represent an important step in this direction. In order to ensure a transamidation reaction takes place, special requirements and conditions are required. According to the different structural characteristics of the carbox-amide group and types of activation, the most relevant examples of this reaction will be reviewed.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-tosylamino and 2-tosyliminopyrimidine derivatives as inhibitors of some leukocyte functions

We have studied the potential anti-inflammatory effects of 20 2-tosylamino and 2-tosyliminopyrimidine new derivatives in human neutrophils. We have evaluated their interference with some leukocyte functions and 5-lipoxygenase activity. All the compounds reduced neutrophil degranulation process at concentrations in the microM range. Besides, compounds with a phenolic substitution inhibited leukotriene B(4) biosynthesis in neutrophils and decreased the cell-free 5-lipoxygenase activity. This study demonstrates that 2-tosylamino and 2-tosyliminopyrimidine derivatives can reduce the activation of neutrophil cells which may have relevance for the modulation of the inflammatory response.

2‐Sulfonyliminodihydropyrimidines: A Novel Class of Analgesic Compounds

A series of 2‐sulfonyliminodihydropyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in vivo for their antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. The results were compared with that of acetyl salicylic acid. Compounds 6Ab–d and 6Be displayed an interesting analgesic profile in the acetic acid‐induced abdominal contractions test. Based on the results of the carrageenan‐hind paw edema test, compound 6Af showed potential anti‐inflammatory activity.

Synthesis of chiral oxazolidin-2-ones from N-alkoxycarbonyl amino epoxides: a computational studyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: structures of localized transition states. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/p1/b2/b203702e/

threo-N-Alkoxycarbonylamino epoxides 5a–d, containing the oxazolidine moiety, were converted into trans-4,5-disubstituted-2-oxazolidin-2-ones 2 with total regio- and stereoselection by means of nucleophilic intramolecular attack of the carbamate moiety to the protonated oxirane ring. Theoretical calculations confirmed both the regioselection and the preference of the cyclocarbamation reaction vs. the intermolecular attack by the solvent, arising from different behaviour in comparison with the analogous iodonium ions.