Bis-benzimidazole Derivatives Research Articles

Naphthalenediimide-Linked Bisbenzimidazole Derivatives as Telomeric G-Quadruplex-Stabilizing Ligands with Improved Anticancer Activity.

Human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA stabilization has emerged as an exciting novel approach for anticancer drug development. In the present study, we have designed and synthesized three C2-symmetric bisubstituted bisbenzimidazole naphthalenediimide (NDI) ligands, ALI-C3, BBZ-ARO, and BBZ-AROCH2, which stabilize human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA with high affinity. Herein, we have studied the binding affinities and thermodynamic contributions of each of these molecules with G-quadruplex DNA and compared the same to those of the parent NDI analogue, BMSG-SH-3. Results of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and surface plasmon resonance demonstrate that these ligands have a higher affinity for G4-DNA over duplex DNA and induce the formation of a G-quadruplex. The binding equilibrium constants obtained from the microcalorimetry studies of BBZ-ARO, ALI-C3, and BBZ-AROCH2 were 8.47, 6.35, and 3.41 μM, respectively, with h-telo 22-mer quadruplex. These showed 10 and 100 times lower binding affinity with h-telo 12-mer and duplex DNA quadruplexes, respectively. Analysis of the thermodynamic parameters obtained from the microcalorimetry study suggests that interactions were most favorable for BBZ-ARO among all of the synthesized compounds. The ΔGfree obtained from molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area calculations of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies suggest that BBZ-ARO interacted strongly with G4-DNA. MD simulation results showed the highest hydrogen bond occupancy and van der Waals interactions were between the side chains of BBZ-ARO and the DNA grooves. A significant inhibition of telomerase activity (IC50 = 4.56 μM) and induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines by BBZ-ARO suggest that this molecule has the potential to be developed as an anticancer agent.

Molecular docking studies and synthesis of novel bisbenzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of α-glucosidase

A series of bisbenzimidazole derivatives starting from o-phenylenediamine and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine were prepared with oxalic acid. Most of the reactions were conducted using both the microwave and conventional methods to compare yields and reaction times. The operational simplicity, environmental friendly conditions and high yield in a significantly short reaction time were the major benefits. All substances’ inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase were evaluated. The results may suggest a significant role for the nature of bisbenzimidazole compounds in their inhibitory action against α-glucosidase. They showed different range of α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 value ranging between 0.44±0.04 and 6.69±0.01μM when compared to the standard acarbose (IC50, 13.34±1.26μM). This has described a new class of α-glucosidase inhibitors. Molecular docking studies were done for all compounds to identify important binding modes responsible for inhibition activity of α-glucosidase.

Newly synthesized bis-benzimidazole compound 8 induces apoptosis, autophagy and reactive oxygen species generation in HeLa cells

Compound 8 (C8) is a newly synthesized bis-benzimidazole derivative and exerts significant anti-tumor activity in vitro. Previous studies demonstrated that C8 induced apoptosis and autophagy in human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells. However, cytotoxicity study on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) showed that C8 exhibited less toxicity in normal cells. In this study, the molecular mechanism of C8 on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells was investigated. The results showed that C8 inhibited the growth of HeLa cells and triggered both apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Subsequent experiment also indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was induced in C8-treated HeLa cells. Since ROS scavenger decreased the ratio of apoptotic and autophagic cells, ROS generation contributed to C8-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, inhibitors of apoptosis and autophagy also reduced ROS generation, respectively. Autophagy inhibition increased cell growth compared to C8-treated group and attenuated apoptotic cell death, indicating that C8-induced autophagy promoted apoptosis for cell death. However, the percentage of autophagic cells was enhanced when limiting apoptosis process. Taken together, C8 induced ROS-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in HeLa cells, autophagy promoted apoptosis but the former was antagonized by the latter. The data also gave us a new perspective on the anti-tumor effect of C8.

Novel dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether functionalized bis-benzimidazole derivatives: synthesis and antifungal evaluation

A series of novel 18-crown-6 ether functionalized bis-benzimidazole derivatives (3a–g) have been synthesized by reacting various substituted ortho-phenylene diamines and pyridine diamines with 4,4′-diformyl dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether (1). The required starting material 4,4′-diformyl dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether (1) was prepared by Duff formylation method. All synthesized novel molecules have been identified on the basis of infrared (IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy (MS), and elemental analyses. The title compounds (3a–g) were tested for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Trichothecium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Sclerotium rolfsii fungi species using agar well diffusion method, showing mild to good results.

Correlating electronic structure with corrosion inhibition potentiality of some bis-benzimidazole derivatives for mild steel in hydrochloric acid: Combined experimental and theoretical studies

Four different bis-benzimidazole (BBI) derivatives, tested as potential corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1M HCl, have revealed good inhibition efficiency for long period of exposure. Inhibitors impart high resistance towards charge transfer across metal–electrolyte interface and behave broadly as mixed type. DFT calculations are used to correlate inhibition potentiality with intrinsic molecular parameters. From the optimized geometry of BBI derivatives, electron distribution in HOMO and LUMO and Fukui indices of each atom, possible modes of interaction of BBI derivatives with mild steel surface have been predicted. Energy corresponding to inhibitor-metal surface interaction is evaluated following molecular dynamics simulation.

Rational Design of Ruthenium Complexes Containing 2,6-Bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine Derivatives with Radiosensitization Activity by Enhancing p53 Activation.

The rational design of metal-based complexes is an effective strategy for the discovery of potent sensitizers for use in cancer radiotherapy. In this study, we synthesized three ruthenium complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives: Ru(bbp)Cl3 (1), [Ru(bbp)2 ]Cl2 (2 a) (in which bbp=2,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridine), and [Ru(bbp)2]Cl2 (2 b) (where bbp=2,6-bis-(6-nitrobenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine). We evaluated their radiosensitization capacities in vitro and mechanisms of action. Complex 2 b was found to be particularly effective in sensitizing human melanoma A375 cells toward radiation, with a sensitivity enhancement ratio of 2.4. Along with this potency, complex 2 b exhibited a high degree of selectivity between human cancer and normal cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that 2 b promotes radiation-induced accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by reacting with cellular glutathione (GSH) and then causing DNA stand breaks. The subsequent DNA damage induces phosphorylation of p53 (p-p53) and upregulates the expression levels of p21, which inhibits the expression of cyclin-B, leading to G2M arrest. Moreover, p-p53 activates caspases-3 and -8, triggers cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), finally resulting in apoptosis. Taken together, the results of this study provide a strategy for the design of ruthenium-based radiosensitizers for use in cancer therapy.

Novel synthetic bisbenzimidazole that targets angiogenesis in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in developed countries and second cause in developing countries. Herein we are reporting the synthesis of novel bisbenzimidazole derivatives and their anticancer properties. Among the newly synthesized bisbenzimidazoles, 3-(4-flurophenylsulfonyl)-1,7-dimethyl-2-propyl-1H,3H-2,5-bibenzo[d]imidazole (FDPB) presented as a potent antiproliferative agent against HeLa, HCT116 and A549 cells with selectivity over normal Vero cells (IC50 >50 μM). Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of lead compound against Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) bearing mice for its antitumor and antiangiogenic properties. Our lead compound significantly reduced the cell viability, body weight, ascites volume and downregulated the formation of neovasculature and production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).

Bisbenzimidazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of the trypsin-like sites of the immunoproteasome core particle.

In this study, a monomeric (MB) and a dimeric (DB) bisbenzimidazoles were identified as novel proteasome inhibitors of the trypsin-like activity located on β2c sites of the constitutive 20S proteasome (IC50 values at 2-4 μM range). Remarkably, they were further shown to be 100- and 200-fold more potent inhibitors of the immunoproteasome trypsin-like activity (β2i sites, IC50=24 nM) than of the homologous constitutive activity. Molecular models of inhibitor/enzyme complexes in the two types of trypsin-like sites and corresponding computed binding energy values corroborated kinetic data. Different binding modes were suggested for MB and DB to the β2c and β2i trypsic sites. Each pointed to better contacts of the ligand inside the β2i active site than for β2c site. MB and DB represent the first selective inhibitors of the immunoproteasome trypsin-like activity described to date and can be considered as prototypes for inhibiting this activity.

Effect of solvent on the construction of Co(II) coordination polymers containing a semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) derivative: syntheses, structures, and properties

Two Co(II) coordination polymers, [CoL(npa)]·2H2O (1) and [CoL(Hnpa)2] (2) (L = 1,4-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole-1-yl)benzene, H2npa = 5-nitroisophthalic acid), have been synthesized in different solvent systems and characterized by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 was synthesized under solvothermal conditions with DMF as solvent and had a pair of L ligands adopting a μ2-bridging mode and connecting two Co2+ cations to generate a 26-membered Co2L2 loop. The npa2− link adjacent Co2L2 loops via a bis(monodentate) bridging mode to create a 1-D channel-like chain structure. Compound 2 was obtained under hydrothermal conditions, and the carboxylate of the monodeprotonated Hnpa− adopt a μ1-η0 : η1 coordination to connect adjacent Co2+ cations into a 2-D polymeric layer. The μ2-bridging L ligands connect adjacent 2-D [Co(Hnpa)]n polymeric layers into a 3-D NaCl-like framework. The Co2+ cations and the L ligands in compounds 1 and 2 exhibit different coordination geometries and conformations. Effects of solvents on the construction of Co(II) coordination polymers were investigated. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of carbon paste electrodes containing 1 and 2 and the thermal stabilities of 1 and 2 were investigated.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and density functional studies of a bis-benzimidazole derivative and of its complexes with palladium(II) halides

The 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2′-ylthiomethyl)pyridine ( L ) ligand and its palladium(II) complexes [Pd(L)X]X (X = Cl, Br, and I) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic data acquisition. The ligand ( L ) was prepared by conventional heating as well as by microwave irradiation. Microwave irradiation shows additional features, including an easy workup, a much faster reaction and higher yields. The molar conductivity data reveal that the complexes form a 1:1 electrolyte in DMSO. The geometries, ground-state energetics and vibrational spectra of ( L ) and of its complexes have been elucidated, in terms of quantum chemical calculations. In the mononuclear complexes, the palladium atom is coordinated to three nitrogen atoms and one terminal halogen atom in a slightly distorted square planar arrangement. The present elemental analyses, FT–IR (mid, far), 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra are in good accordance with the square planar geometry around the Pd ion. The thermal behaviors of the complexes have been assessed by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analyses.

Rapid synthesis and lipase inhibition activity of some new benzimidazole and perimidine derivatives

This study presents a synthesis of new series of some benzimidazole, bisbenzimidazole and perimidine derivatives via microwave technique, which, leads to the good product yields and short reaction times. The structure of newly synthesized compounds was confirmed by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra. These compounds were screened for their lipase inhibition activity. Then, all compounds were evaluated with regard to pancreatic lipase activity, and some of the 2-substituted perimidines, bisperimidine and bisbenzimidazole derivatives showed lipase inhibition at various concentrations.

Design of novel bis-benzimidazole derivatives as DNA minor groove binding agents

Abstract A new series of bis-benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation showed that these compounds exhibited high activity against the selected tumor cells. Among them, compound 9 owned the best potential, its IC 50 values being 5.95 μmol/L (mononuclear tumor cell line (U937)) and 5.58 μmol/L (cervical cancer cell (HeLa)). Fluorescence and UV–vis studies showed that compound 9 could bind into the minor groove of DNA.

3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl Bis-benzimidazole Derivative, Mitigates Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

Radiation-induced DNA damage initiates a series of overlapping responses that include DNA damage recognition and repair, induction of cell cycle checkpoints, senescence and/or apoptosis. This study assessed the DNA damage response and whole genome expression profile in two mammalian cell lines (HEK and U87) in response to (5-{4-methylpiperazin-1-yl}-2-[2'-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5'-benzimidazolyl] benzimidazole) DMA and ionizing radiation. DMA has been shown to act as a potent radiation protector, yielding significant levels of protection, i.e., 20.9% in HEK cells and 21.2% in U87 cells. Our findings revealed treatment with DMA significantly reduced γ-H2AX, 53BP1 and Rad51 foci formation after irradiation. MAP kinase, WNT signaling and p53 pathways were found to be activated in DMA-treated cells. In addition, the DNA damage response genes, HSP70, HSPD1, PRDX1, PRX, CALR, NPM, UBC, and SET showed differential regulation in DMA, DMA + radiation and radiation-treated cells. The data suggest that DMA-influenced repertoire of repair proteins, which are an indispensable part of the cell, interplay with each other to reduce DNA damage and maintain the genomic integrity of the cell.

Complexation of sym-bis(benzimidazole)-2,2′-ethylene salts with cucurbit[6]uril derivatives: A potential axle molecule for pseudorotaxanes

Abstract Sym -bis(benzimidazole)-2,2′-ethylene cations act as a new axle template for threading cucurbit[6]uril derivatives on, forming [2] pseudo rotaxane and [3] pseudo rotaxane. These new complexes have been studied using 1 H NMR, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. Changes in the 1 H NMR spectra indicate that the two types of pseudo rotaxane can be formed by varying the host concentration. UV–vis absorption titration experiments at different pH values demonstrate that interesting p K a shifts of the bis-benzimidazole derivatives can be induced by the host–guest complexation. The associated constants were calculated to be 2.81 × 10 4 L/mol and 9.06 × 10 6 L/mol for the [2] pseudo rotaxanes and [3] pseudo rotaxanes, respectively. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction studies of the solid state structures provide unequivocal proof of the host concentration dependent pseudo rotaxane, which is strongly in line with the evidences in solution.

Selective Chemosensor of Fe3+ Based on Fluorescence Quenching by 2,2′‐Bisbenzimidazole Derivative in Aqueous Media

Abstract2,2′‐Bisbenzimidazole derivative (L) was designed as a fluorescent chemosensor for Fe3+. This structurally simple chemosensor displays significant fluorescence quenching with increasing concentrations of Fe3+. L exhibited high selectivity and antidisturbance for Fe3+ among environmentally relevant metal ions in aqueous media. The method of Job's plot indicated the formation of 1:2 complex between L and Fe3+, and the possible binding mode of the system was also proposed. In addition, further study demonstrates the detection limit on fluorescence response of the sensor to Fe3+ is down to 10−7 mol·L−1 range. The binding mode was investigated by fluorescence spectra, ESI‐MS, IR data, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and crystal data.

Effect of organic bicarboxylates on the structures of cobalt(II) coordination polymers derived from a semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) derivative

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(L)(glu)] (1) and [Co(L)(npht)]·H2O (2) (H2glu = glutaric acid, H2npht = 3-nitrophthalic acid, L = 1,4-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been hydrothermally synthesized by self-assembly of cobalt chloride with a semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) derivative and different organic bicarboxylic acids. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is a one-dimensional tube-like coordination polymer containing one helical [Co-L] and two linear [Co-glu] chains. In complex 2, two npht ligands connect two Co(II) atoms to form a binuclear [Co(npht)]2 subunit, which is further linked by L ligands with two kinds of conformations to form a 3-D CdSO4-like framework. In addition, the electrochemical behaviors of the title complexes in bulk-modified carbon paste electrodes, and their thermal stabilities and fluorescent properties were investigated in this paper.

Zinc(ii) complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives as a new class of apoptosis inducers that trigger DNA damage-mediated p53 phosphorylation in cancer cells

In the present study, two zinc(II) complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives, Zn(bpbp)Cl2 (1) and [Zn(bpbp)2](ClO4)2·CH3CH2OH·H2O (2) (bpbp = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)pyridine), have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activities. The underlying molecular mechanisms through which they caused the cancer cell death were also elucidated. The complexes were identified as potent antiproliferative agents against a panel of five human cancer cell lines by comparing with cisplatin. Complex 2 demonstrated dose-dependent growth inhibition on MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells with IC50 at 2.9 μM. Despite this potency, the complexes possessed great selectivity between human cancer cells and normal cells. Induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by complex 2 was evidenced by accumulation of sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation. Further investigation on intracellular mechanisms revealed that complex 2 was able to induce p53-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells by triggering DNA damage. On the basis of this evidence, we suggest that Zn(II) complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives may be candidates for further evaluation as chemotherapeutic agents for human cancers.

QSAR study of amidino bis-benzimidazole derivatives as potent anti-malarial agents against Plasmodium falciparum

AbstractA data set of amidino bis-benzimidazoles, in particular 2′-arylsubstituted-1H,1′H-[2,5′]bisbenzimidazolyl-5-carboximidine derivatives with anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum was employed in investigating the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). Quantum chemical and molecular descriptors were obtained from B3LYP/6-31g(d) calculations and Dragon software, respectively. Significant variables, which included total energy (E T), highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), Moran autocorrelation-lag3/weighted by atomic masses (MATS3m), Geary autocorrelation-lag8/weighted by atomic masses (GATS8m), and 3D-MoRSEsignal 11/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities (Mor11e), were used in the construction of QSAR models using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). The results indicated that the predictive models for both the MLR and ANN approaches using leave-one-out cross-validation afforded a good performance in modelling the anti-malarial activity against P. falciparum as observed by correlation coefficients of leave-one-out cross-validation (R LOO-CV) of 0.9760 and 0.9821, respectively, root mean squared error of leave-one-out cross-validation (RMSELOO-CV) of 0.1301 and 0.1102, respectively, and predictivity of leave-one-out cross-validation (Q LOO-CV2) of 0.9526 and 0.9645, respectively. Model validation was performed using an external testing set and the results suggested that the model provided good predictivity for both MLR and ANN models with correlation coefficient of the external set (R Ext) values of 0.9978 and 0.9844, respectively, root mean squared error of the external set (RMSEExt) of 0.0764 and 0.1302 respectively, and predictivity of the external set (Q Ext2) of 0.9956 and 0.9690, respectively. Furthermore, the robustness of the QSAR models is corroborated by a number of statistical parameters, comprising adjusted correlation coefficient (R Adj2), standard deviation (s), predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS), standard error of prediction (SDEP), total sum of squares deviation (SSY), and quality factor (Q). The QSAR models so constructed provide pertinent insights for the future design of anti-malarial agents.

ChemInform Abstract: A New Series of Bisbenzimidazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Antitumor Activity and Low Toxicity on PBMC.

AbstractA new series of bisbenzimidazole derivatives (VI) is designed and synthesized.

Molecular structure and spectroscopic analysis of 1,4-Bis(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)benzene; XRD, FT-IR, dispersive-Raman, NMR and DFT studies

This study reports the structural characterization of a bis-benzimidazole derivative, 1,4-Bis(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)benzene (BMBB), by using spectroscopic and quantum chemical methods. The BMBB molecule was synthesized under microwave conditions and was characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, dispersive Raman and NMR spectroscopies. The potential energy surface scan study was carried out for the conformation of the theoretical structure. Quantum chemical calculations of relative energies, molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers, frontier molecular orbitals, atomic charges and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) 1H and 13C-NMR chemical shifts of the compound were carried out by using density functional method (DFT) at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) theory level. The complete assignments of the vibrational modes were performed with DFT calculations combined with scaled quantum mechanics force field (SQMFF) methodology. A satisfactory consistency between the experimental and theoretical findings was obtained. On account of the relative energies, population analysis and XRD results, the most stable conformational form of the molecule was also determined.