Youhong Hu

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2,4,5-substituted pyrimidine derivatives for anticancer activity

A series of novel 2,4,5-substituted pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition against the human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7402 cancer cell line. Several compounds showed potent inhibition with an IC(50) value less than 0.10 microM. Structure-activity relationships for this class of compounds at the 2- and 5-position of the pyrimidine scaffold have been elucidated. The most active compound 7gc showed good inhibition of several different human cancer cell lines with IC(50) values from 0.024 to 0.55 microM.

Two efficient cascade reactions to synthesize substituted furocoumarins.

We have developed two efficient one-pot reactions to generate furo[3,2-c]coumarins and chlorofuro[3,2-c]coumarins through addition/cyclization/oxidation and chlorination. One cascade addition/cyclization/oxidation sequence of 1 with H(2)O in the presence of 20% CuCl as Lewis acid under an air atmosphere generated the 2-substituted-4 H-furo[3,2-c]chromen-4-one 2. Another sequence in the presence of 10% CuBr and excess CuCl(2) as the oxidant afforded the 3-chloro-2-substituted-4 H-furo[3,2- c]chromen-4-one 3.

Arctigenin, a natural compound, activates AMP-activated protein kinase via inhibition of mitochondria complex I and ameliorates metabolic disorders in ob/ob mice

Aims/hypothesisArctigenin is a natural compound that had never been previously demonstrated to have a glucose-lowering effect. Here it was found to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the mechanism by which this occurred, as well as the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated.Methods2-Deoxyglucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation were examined in L6 myotubes and isolated skeletal muscle. Gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis were evaluated in rat primary hepatocytes. The acute and chronic effects of arctigenin on metabolic abnormalities were observed in C57BL/6J and ob/ob mice. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using the J-aggregate-forming dye, JC-1. Analysis of respiration of L6 myotubes or isolated mitochondria was conducted in a channel oxygen system.ResultsArctigenin increased AMPK phosphorylation and stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myotubes and isolated skeletal muscles. In primary hepatocytes, it decreased gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis. The enhancement of glucose uptake and suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis by arctigenin were prevented by blockade of AMPK activation. The respiration of L6 myotubes or isolated mitochondria was inhibited by arctigenin with a specific effect on respiratory complex I. A single oral dose of arctigenin reduced gluconeogenesis in C57BL/6J mice. Chronic oral administration of arctigenin lowered blood glucose and improved lipid metabolism in ob/ob mice.Conclusions/interpretationThis study demonstrates a new role for arctigenin as a potent indirect activator of AMPK via inhibition of respiratory complex I, with beneficial effects on metabolic disorders in ob/ob mice. This highlights the potential value of arctigenin as a possible treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Base-Promoted One-Pot Tandem Reaction of 3-(1-Alkynyl)chromones under Microwave Irradiation to Functionalized Amino-Substituted Xanthones

A base-promoted one-pot tandem reaction has been developed from 3-(1-alkynyl)chromones with various acetonitriles to afford functionalized amino-substituted xanthones 3 under microwave irradiation. This tandem process involves multiple reactions, such as Michael addition/cyclization/1,2-addition, without a transition metal catalyst. This method provides an efficient approach to build up natural product-like diversified amino-substituted xanthone scaffolds rapidly.

An Efficient Approach to Functionalized Benzo[a]xanthones through Reactions of 2-Methyl-3-(1-alkynyl)chromones with Electron-Deficient Chromone-Fused Dienes

An efficient tandem process was developed to synthesize diversified benzo[a]xanthones from 2-methyl-3-(1-alkynyl)chromones with electron-deficient chromone-fused dienes. This unusual reaction, involving multiple steps and not requiring the use of transition metal catalysts or an inert atmosphere, results in the formation of three new C-C bonds and one C-O bond.

Palladium-catalyzed cascade reactions of 3-iodochromones with aryl iodides and norbornadiene leading to annulated xanthones

An efficient, palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction, which leads to formation of annulated xanthones, was devised. The process, which uses readily available 3-iodochromones, aryl iodides and norbornadiene as starting materials, takes place via a tandem Heck reaction/double C–H activation/retro-Diels–Alder pathway. The high chemoselectivity of the process is mechanistically unique and it serves as a new approach to achieve regioselective control of C–H activation in Pd/norbornene or norbornadiene systems. Its broad substrate scope, including heteroaryl coupling partners, enables access to diverse annulated xanthones.

Copper(I)-Mediated Cascade Reactions: An Efficient Approach to the Synthesis of Functionalized Benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidines

A novel cascade reaction was developed for the synthesis of diverse members of a series of benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives. The process utilizes readily prepared 3-chlorochromenones and various commercially available amidines and their analogues as starting materials. This tandem reaction is promoted by using a simple copper(I) reagent and involves a chemoselective Michael addition-heterocyclization-intramolecular cyclization sequence.

A Novel Pyridazinone Derivative Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Inducing Genome-Free Capsid Formation

ABSTRACT Here we first identified a novel pyridazinone derivative, compound 3711, as a nonnucleosidic hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibitor in a cell model system. 3711 decreased extracellular HBV DNA levels by 50% (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]) at 1.5 ± 0.2 μM and intracellular DNA levels at 1.9 ± 0.1 μM, which demonstrated antiviral activity at levels far below those associated with toxicity. Both the 3TC/ETV dually resistant L180M/M204I mutant and the adefovir (ADV)-resistant A181T/N236T mutant were as susceptible to 3711 as wild-type HBV. 3711 treatment induced the formation of genome-free capsids, a portion of which migrated faster on 1.8% native agarose gel. The induced genome-free capsids sedimented more slowly in isopycnic CsCl gradient centrifugation without significant morphological changes. 3711 treatment decreased levels of HBV DNA contained in both secreted enveloped virion and naked virus particles in supernatant. 3711 could interfere with capsid formation of the core protein (Cp) assembly domain. A Cp V124W mutant, which strengthens capsid interdimer interactions, recapitulated the effect of 3711 on capsid assembly. Pyridazinone derivative 3711, a novel chemical entity and HBV inhibitor, may provide a new opportunity to combat chronic HBV infection.

DIASTEREOSELECTIVE INTRAMOLECULAR 4+3 CYCLOADDITION : SYNTHESIS OF A VERSATILE PRECURSOR FOR PREPARATION OF 5,7-FUSED RING COMPOUNDS

Abstract Compound 8 which could be used as a versatile precursor for the synthesis of 5,7-membered fused ring containing natural products was synthesized via tandem Pummerer rearrangement and intramolecular [4+3] cycloaddition in moderate yield and with high diastereoselectivity.

Efficient Construction of a 3C-Xanthone-Linked 3C-Chromone Scaffold by Novel Double Michael Additions and Cyclizations

A novel base-promoted cascade reaction of 2-methyl-3-(1-alkynyl)chromones to produce a 3C-xanthone-linked 3C-chromone scaffold has been developed. This tandem process involves multiple reactions such as Michael additions/cyclizations under mild conditions without a transition metal catalyst and inert atmosphere.