Miriam A. Martins Alho

Inhibitory effect of thiosemicarbazone derivatives on Junin virus replication in vitro

The inhibitory effect of several thiosemicarbazones (TSCs), synthesized from aromatic ketones and terpenones, and their heterocyclic thiadiazoline (TDZ) derivatives, was investigated against Junin virus (JUNV), an arenavirus agent of Argentine haemorrhagic fever. From the 25 compounds tested, six compounds belonging to the TSC group were found to be selective inhibitors of JUNV, with EC50 values determined by a virus yield inhibition assay in the range 3.4–12.5 μM, and selectivity indices greater than 10. By contrast, most of the TDZs obtained by heterocyclization of the TSCs were not active against JUNV. No conclusive structure-activity relationships could be established but systematically higher activity was associated to TSCs derived from aromatic ketones. The mode of action of one of the most active compound, the 3,4-dihydronaphtalen-1(2H)one thiosemicarbazone (tetralone thiosemicarbazone), was studied further. This TSC lacked virucidal effects on JUNV virions. Results from time of addition experiments and viral protein expression assays suggest that tetralone thiosemicarbazone inhibited a late stage in the replicative cycle of JUNV.

Behavior of free sugar thiosemicarbazones toward heterocyclization reactions

The heterocyclization reaction on thiosemicarbazones having the D-galacto, D-gluco and D-manno configuration was studied. We applied two different acetylating conditions, and the reaction products obtained were identified, spectroscopically characterized, and conformationally analyzed. Using experimental data, we discuss a possible mechanistic pathway for heterocyclization and evaluate the influence of several factors, including starting material configuration, pH of reaction medium, and reaction time.

Synthesis and Evaluation of 1,1′-Hydrocarbylenebis(indazol-3-ols) as Potential Antimalarial Drugs

Bis(indazol‐3‐ol) derivatives (5, 30–38) were prepared by alkylation of 3‐alkoxyindazoles with α,ω‐dibromides, followed by removal of the O‐protecting groups. These compounds were subsequently evaluated as inhibitors of biocrystallization of ferriprotoporphyrin IX (heme) to hemozoin, a Plasmodium detoxification specific process. Most bis(5‐nitroindazol‐3‐ols) were good inhibitors, however, a denitro analogue (38), the intermediate bis(3‐alkoxyindazoles) (15–29) as well as bis(indazolin‐3‐ones) (39–42) were not active, showing the importance of the NO2 and OH groups in the inhibition process.