Compounds 4d Research Articles

New N-amino-5-cyano-6-pyridones as antimicrobial small molecules endowed with DNA gyrase a inhibitory activity: design, one-pot synthesis, biological assessment and in silico insights.

A set of innovative N-amino-5-cyano-6-pyridones derivatives was developed and produced using one-pot three-component procedures. The evaluated molecules were examined for their antimicrobial efficacy. Based on the acquired findings, most of the investigated compounds had promising antimicrobial properties. Out of these derivatives of 3-cyanopyridine, compounds 3d and 3e exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 3.91µg/mL against E.coli. In vitro evaluation of DNA gyrase A displayed that molecule 3d exhibited promising potency as an inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 1.68µg/mL compared to ciprofloxacin (IC50 = 0.45µg/mL). Furthermore, it was observed that molecule 3e exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect, as indicated by its IC50 value of 3.77µg/mL. A kinetics study conducted to assess the time required to kill E. coli bacteria demonstrated that gentamycin and compounds 3d and 3e exhibited bactericidal effects within a time frame of 90-120min. Based on the ADME predictions, compounds 3d and 3e are expected to have favorable oral bioavailability and are unlikely to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Computational mutagenicity and tumorigenicity studies were conducted on compounds 3d and 3e. The molecular docking investigation has conclusively demonstrated the binding of compounds 3d and 3e to the target DNA gyrase A enzyme, further reinforcing the existing data.

Benzocarbazoledinones as SARS-CoV-2 Replication Inhibitors: Synthesis, Cell-Based Studies, Enzyme Inhibition, Molecular Modeling, and Pharmacokinetics Insights

Endemic and pandemic viruses represent significant public health challenges, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality over time. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for the development and discovery of new, potent antiviral agents. In this study, we present the synthesis and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of a series of benzocarbazoledinones, assessed using cell-based screening assays. Our results indicate that four compounds (4a, 4b, 4d, and 4i) exhibit EC50 values below 4 μM without cytotoxic effects in Calu-3 cells. Mechanistic investigations focused on the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) have used enzymatic assays. Notably, compounds 4a and 4b showed Mpro inhibition activity with IC50 values of 0.11 ± 0.05 and 0.37 ± 0.05 µM, respectively. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to validate the mechanism and assess bioavailability. Compound 4a was selected for preliminary drug-likeness analysis and in vivo pharmacokinetics investigations, which yielded promising results and corroborated the in vitro and in silico findings, reinforcing its potential as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 lead compound.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies of Indole-Based Heterocyclic Scaffolds as Potential Antibacterial Agents.

Indole-based heterocyclic scaffolds have become increasingly important in medicinal chemistry due to their notable pharmacological and biological properties. Their role in the discovery and development of innovative drugs for treating various diseases highlights their value. This study aimed to synthesize C3-indole derivatives linked to various heterocyclic scaffolds, including thiophenes, thiazolidine-4-ones, and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, via the reaction of ethylthioacetanilide 2 with different α-haloketones.The structures of the target compounds were established using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against different microbes: S. aureus ATCC 6538 (Gram-positive bacteria), E. coli ATCC 25933 (Gram-negative bacteria), C. albicans ATCC 10231 (yeast), and fungi (A. niger NRRL-A326). Thiophene 6a, thiazolidine-4-one 8, and compound 10d exhibited the highest antimicrobial activities. The molecular docking study showed that compounds 2, 4, 6a, and 6c had good binding energy and favorable binding modes of interactions with the DNA gyrase B enzymes (PDB: 3 U2D) and (PDB: 1S14). The results showed that the NH group of the indole in compounds 2 and 4, together with the nitrile group (CN), played an important role in inhibiting DNA gyrase B of S. aureus, PDB: 3 U2D. Furthermore, the NH of the indole ring, together with the ethylamino group of compound 2, was crucial in inhibiting DNA gyrase B of E. coli, PDB: 1S14. These findings may encourage researchers to develop more effective C3-indole derivatives in their search for antimicrobial drugs.

New immunomodulatory anticancer quinazolinone-based thalidomide analogs: design, synthesis and biological evaluation.

Aim: The current work is an extension to our previous work for the development of new thalidomide analogs.Materials & methods: Quinazolinone-based molecules carrying a glutarimide moiety have been designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated for immunomodulatory and anticancer activity.Results: Compounds 7d and 12 showed considerable immunomodulatory properties in comparison to thalidomide. 7d and 12 significantly reduced TNF-α levels in HepG-2 cells from 162.5to 57.4pg/ml and 49.2pg/ml, respectively, compared with 53.1pg/ml reported for thalidomide. Moreover, they caused 69.33and 77.74% reduction in NF-κB P65, respectively, compared with 60.26% reduction for thalidomide. Similarly, they reduced VEGF from 432.5 to 161.3pg/ml and 132.8pg/ml, respectively, in comparison to 153.2pg/ml reported for thalidomide. The two new derivatives, 7d and 12 also showed about eightfold increases in caspase-8 levels in cells treated with them. These results were slightly better than those of thalidomide. The obtained results revealed that Compound 12 had better immunomodulatory properties than thalidomide, with stronger effects on TNF-α, NF-κB P65, VEGF and caspase-8.Conclusion: This work indicates that compounds 7d and 12 have interesting biological properties that should be further evaluated and modified in order to develop clinically useful thalidomide analogs.

COF-SO3H-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrazoline-Pyridine Hybrids with Dual Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Targeting PDE4B.

This study explores new anti-inflammatory agents by synthesizing pyrazoline-pyridine hybrids with N-butylsulfonated covalent organic framework (COF-SO3H) as a recyclable catalyst, achieving excellent yields in just one minute. The protocol was successfully scaled up to a multi-gram scale, highlighting its robustness and efficiency, and it operates without the need for column chromatography. Among the synthesized hybrids, compound 5d, a pyrazoline-pyridine hybrid bearing an indole moiety, emerged as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It effectively inhibited PDE4B activation with an IC50 value of 99.38 nM, without adversely affecting HEK cells. Compound 5d demonstrated its dual activity by significantly reducing ROS production and restoring mitochondrial health in LPS-stimulated A549 and HEK cells, while also downregulating IL-1β and NF-ĸB/p65 expression in LPS-stimulated A549 cells. In silico studies confirmed compound 5d's strong binding to PDE4B, with stable RMSD and RMSF values, indicating its potential as a stable and effective PDE4B inhibitor. The compound exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, met drug-likeness criteria, and showed low toxicity as predicted in silico. These findings suggest that compound 5d has significant potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases due to its dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Thiazole Linked Tetrahydropyridine Analogues As Anticancer Agents.

A library of new thiazole linked tetrahydropyridines (6a-q) synthesized and screened for their invitro anticancer activity against human breast adeno carcinoma cell viz. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The two compounds 6d containing -F and -Cl functions in para and meta position of phenyl ring (9.94 ± 1.02µM, 9.78 ± 1.08µM) and 6e with -Cl and -NH2 functions on pyridine ring (9.72 ± 0.91 µM,9.54 ± 0.95µM) demonstrated outstanding activity against both the cell lines when compared to Doxorubicin. The benzofuran analogue 6o presented good activity with an IC50 value of 12.19 ± 1.03µM (MCF-7) and 12.22 ± 1.07µM (MDA-MB-231). The molecular docking study of potent molecule 6e against crystal structure of breast tumor kinase presented promising docking score and binding interactions. Predicted pharmacokinetics properties of compounds 6a-q and presented boiled diagram of compounds 6d and 6e implied favourable drug-likeness properties.

DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, IN SILICO STUDIES, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF 5-ARYL-4-(CHLOROACETYLAMINO)-3-MERCAPTO-1,2,4-TRIAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS ANTICONVULSANT AGENTS

Objective: In this study, we reported the synthesis of a novel series of 5-aryl-4(chloroacetylamino)-3-mercapto-1, 2,4-triazoles. Methods: These compounds were synthesized to screen for anticonvulsant effects in a Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) model and a Subcutaneous Pentylenetetrazole (sc‐PTZ) seizure model in rats. Furthermore, molecular docking studies with gamma-aminobutyric acid and in silico ADME prediction were carried out to determine interactions of these compounds with Benzodiazepine (BZD) receptors and their similarity with standard drugs. The rotarod test was used to evaluate neurotoxicity. Results: 08 out of 40 compounds exhibited neurotoxicity at the maximum tested dose. Most of the compounds showed anti‐MES effects without any signs of neurological deficit. All the tested compounds significantly reduced seizures induced by PTZ compared to the control group. Carbamazepine and phenytoin were used as positive controls for anticonvulsant effects. Compounds 3d, 3h (a diphenylamine derivative of 5-aryl-4(chloroacetylamino)-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole), and 4a (a piperidinyl derivative of 5-aryl-4(chloroacetylamino)-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole) exhibited greater safety than phenytoin and carbamazepine in terms of neurotoxicity. The docking scores for the identified compounds 3d, 3h and 4a was 6.5133; 6.6558 and 5.6524, respectively. Nearly all the compounds (90%) demonstrated decreased locomotor activity. Conclusion: It is gratifying that the compounds with higher hydrophobicity showed better performance in the seizure models. Many triazole derivatives holding a suitable aryl or alkyl group gave a better anticonvulsant activity in their analogs.

Exploring antitumor activity of novel imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives on MDA-MB-231 cell line: Targeting VEGFR-2 enzyme with computational insight

Our study explored the anticancer potential of novel heterocyclic compounds, specifically 6a-d, 8a-d, 12a-d, and 13a-d, which are derived from imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and linked through a hydrazide moiety. These compounds were assessed for their anticancer activity toward the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line to evaluate their effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Among the compounds tested, 13c and 13d emerged as the most active, with IC50 values of 4.40 ± 2.87 µM and 4.69 ± 2.55 µM, respectively. These two compounds were further investigated for their effects on VEGFR-2 enzymatic activity, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, then 13c and 13d were further evaluated for their impact on DNA fragmentation using the comet assay. Both compounds demonstrated a significant increase in DNA fragmentation, with levels of damage being twice as high as those observed in the untreated control cells. Molecular docking studies through VEGFR-2 demonstrated that compounds 13c and 13d bind to VEGFR-2 in a manner comparable to the co-crystallized ligand sunitinib I. Further analysis using density functional theory highlighted their favorable physical properties. Additionally, computational evaluations of ADME and drug-likeness suggest that these derivatives hold promise and merit further investigation. The ultimate goal is to develop effective, safe, and orally bioavailable VEGFR-2 inhibitors for potential use in anticancer therapy.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Hydrazinyl Thiazoles from Biomass derived Furfurals: Their Molecular Docking, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Oxidant, and Anti-Bacterial Study

This report presents an application of simple and convenient grindstone chemistry to construct a library of pharmaceutically valuable hydrazinyl thiazole moieties using biomass-derived furfurals as key synthons. Significantly, the current green process avoids the use of catalysts and solvents for the desired conversion, achieving good to excellent product yields in a short reaction time. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity against the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using an in vitro MTT assay, which revealed significant antiproliferative activity of compounds 4d and 4e, with IC50 values of 41.06±0.06 and 38.39±0.90 μg/mL, respectively.Further, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the newly synthesized thiazole derivatives and reference drugs was assessed against both gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, and gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis. The current research demonstrates that compounds 4d and 4e exhibit significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, with MIC values >25 μg/mL and >6.25 μg/mL for Escherichia coli, and >25 μg/mL for Bacillus subtilis for both compounds. The DPPH assay revealed that compounds 4a, 4d, and 4e were the most significant, displaying comparatively higher IC50 values of 41.58±1.28, 42.36±0.45 and 42.31±0.73 μg/mL respectively.Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were investigated through molecular docking studies, which were consistent with the in vitro results. The findings were further supported by a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study.

Facile synthesis of substituted 2-styrylnaphthyridine and its derivatives via sp3C-H functionalization under mild conditions and their antimicrobial activity and Electrochemical properties.

Metal-free, synthetic approach for the Efficient synthesis of pyrazole, imidazopyridine based substituted 2-styryl-1,8-naphthyridines has developed via sp3 C-H activation of substituted 7-methyl-1,8-naphthyridines, with various aromatic/heteroaromatic aldehydes through knoevenagel condensation under mild basic (Piperidine) conditions. Further, the synthesized titled molecules tested their absorption and emission spectra, interestingly compound 3d was found to be that inspiring emission spectra at 626 nm (red shift) with impressive stokes shift 133 nm. Moreover, some of the best resultant conjugate scaffolds (compounds 3c, 3d, 3e, and 4e) analysed their electrochemical properties, thus, 3c, 3d, 3e, and 4e molecules respectively displaying medium to good redox potentials (compound 3e displays 0.3, -1.71 V respectively) and tested scanning rate (from 50 to 500 mV s−1) also. Furtherly, all synthsized derivatives analysed their biological activity, i.e., antifungal and antifungal. Among that, the compounds 3c, 3d, 3e, 3i, 3k, 3l, 5c, 5d and 5f were established excellent inhibition zone of activity against standard drugs.

Ionic Liquid Assisted Green Synthesis of Quinoxaline Based Bisspirooxindoles: Anticancer Evaluation and Molecular Dynamics

AbstractIn this study, we have synthesized a series of novel quinoxaline based bisspirooxindoles through green protocol using ionic liquid [Bmim]BF4. All the compounds were well characterized by spectroscopic methods like FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass and finally the structures were authenticated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) (4e). The target compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity with different cancer cell lines like MDAMB‐231, MCF‐7, MCF‐10A, HCC‐1395, Molt‐4, and FaDU. The compounds 4d, 4g, 4m, and 4n showed 42.0%, 43.3%, 52.7%, and 56.0 percentage of growth inhibition respectively with the T cell acute lymphoblastic Molt‐4 cell line. The compounds 4b, 4c, 4 h, 4k, and 4m have shown 30%–39% of growth inhibition against FaDU cell line. Further, anticancer activity was validated with in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The outcomes of dynamics simulations exclusively emphasize that the compounds bind to HIS862 and TYR896 residues which are among the catalytic triad of PARP1. Finally, the results of ADME is also used to assess the drug likeness, which clearly shows that our target compounds are adaptable as potential drug pathways for medicinal chemists.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Thiazole-Containing Algicides Inspired by Bacillamide A

The pursuit of highly effective, low-toxicity, and eco-friendly algicides for controlling and eradicating harmful algal blooms (HABs) is of paramount importance. The natural allelochemical bacillamide A has displayed impressive algicidal activity against harmful algae with favorable safety profiles. However, the poor synthetic efficiency and large dose requirements of bacillamide A limit its further application. In this paper, 17 thiazole-containing bacillamide derivatives (BDs) were designed and synthesized in three linear steps as potential algicides. Eight compounds (6a, 6c, 6j, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, and 7g) displayed potent inhibitory effects against Prorocentrum minimum, Skeletonema costatum, and Alexandrium pacificum, and they had similar or better activity than the positive control (CuSO4) and bacillamide A. Compound 6a exhibited the most potent algicidal activity against S. costatum (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50] = 0.11 μg/mL), being 23-fold more potent than bacillamide A, 28-fold more potent than CuSO4, and 39-fold more potent than Diuron. Compound 6j exhibited significant algicidal activity against the toxic dinoflagellates P. minimum (EC50 = 1.0 μg/mL) and A. pacificum (EC50 = 0.47 μg/mL), being 3–5-fold more potent than natural bacillamide A, Diuron, and CuSO4. Micrographs and SEM images revealed that 6j induced cell wall rupture and cellular content leakage. Biochemical and physiological studies indicated that 6j might partially disrupt the antioxidant and photosynthetic systems in algal cells, resulting in morphological changes, cell wall rupture, and inclusion leakage. Our work suggests that 6j has a distinct mode of action from CuSO4 and provides a promising candidate for the development of new algicides, worthy of further investigation.

Metal-Free Synthesis, Single Crystal Analysis and Photophysical Behavior of p-Terphenyls

A simple and convenient metal-free approach for synthesizing p-terphenyls 7a–f is presented through a carbanion-induced ring transformation reaction involving 6-biphenyl-2H-pyran-2-ones 5 with pyruvic acetyl dimethyl aldehyde 6. Further the prepared dimethoxy p-terphenyls 7b-c,f were converted into diethoxy p-terphenyls 8a-c. The base-mediated ring transformation reactions proceeded smoothly under mild reaction conditions, resulting the formation of ring transformation products 7a-f and 8a-c in good to excellent yields. This synthetic approach allows the incorporation of both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating functionalities into p-terphenyl framework. Moreover, the structure of compound 7a was confirmed by its single crystal X-ray analysis. Additionally, the photophysical properties of synthesized p-terphenyls were analysed using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Interestingly, the synthesized p-terphenyls 7a–f showed blue fluorescence in chloroform. The solvatochromic behaviour and concentration studies of compound 7d was also perforemd. Additionally, the thermal stability characteristics of compound 7d was also studied using TG and DTA analysis.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, computational, topology, and molecular docking studies on N,N'-(4-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methanimine)

The study extensively examined N,N'-(4-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methanimine) (6D). Advanced spectroscopic techniques, including IR, Raman, NMR, and UV-VIS spectroscopies, were employed to analyse the molecule. The Schiff base was ultimately confirmed using NMR spectrum analysis. The UV-VIS study revealed a notable bathochromic change in the compound, indicating their electronic transitions. By using the HOMO–LUMO bond gap the titled compound reactivity sites were identified. The compound 6D HOMO–LUMO band gap is 3.70 eV. Various wave function investigations like MESP, HOMO–LUMO, RDG, ELF, LOL, and ALIE were conducted to elucidate the distribution of electronic charge, providing valuable insights into the behaviour of molecules. The biological probability of the synthesised compound was extensively assessed using a docking study. Using MEP and HOMO–LUMO investigations, we confirm nucleophilic and electrophilic attacking sites. In the docking study, the protein Bovine cytochrome bc1 complex stigma Tellin bound (PDB ID–1PP9) was downloaded. The docking study identified the most stable minimum binding energy is –6.26 kcal/mol.

Synthesis and Docking Studies of Novel Spiro[5,8-methanoquinazoline-2,3'-indoline]-2',4-dione Derivatives.

In this study, a set of spiro[5,8-methanoquinazoline-2,3'-indoline]-2',4-dione derivatives 3a-p were synthesized starting from unsubstituted and N-methyl-substituted diendo- and diexo-2-aminonorbornene carboxamides, as well as various substituted isatins. The typical method involves a condensation reaction of alicyclic aminocarboxamide and isatin in the presence of a catalyst, using a solvent and an acceptable temperature. We developed a cost-effective and ecologically benign high-speed ball milling (HSBM), microwave irradiation (MW), and continuous flow (CF) technique to synthesize spiroquinazolinone molecule 3a. The structures of the synthesized compounds 3a-p were determined using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies. Furthermore, docking studies and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were used in this work. In agreement with the corresponding features found in the case of both the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (RCSB Protein Data Bank: 6LU7) and human mast cell tryptase (RCSB Protein Data Bank: 2ZA5) based on the estimated total energy and binding affinity, H bonds, and hydrophobicity in silico, compound 3d among our 3a-g, 3i-k, and 3m derivatives was found to be our top-rated compound.

Green Construction of Novel 3‐(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐1,8‐naphthyridin‐2‐yl)amino)quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione and Phenyl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,8]naphthyridine and Their Antimicrobial Activity

ABSTRACTA straightforward and an efficient green synthetic method has been outlined for the construction of 3‐(benzo[d][1, 3] dioxol‐5‐yl)‐1,8‐naphthyridine derivatives in the presence of glacial acetic acid and Cu(OAc)2 catalyst accomplished excellent yields in short reaction time. The reaction proceeds efficiently by using a greener way under microwave conditions to elevate the quantity of pure products. The purity of all the synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H and 13CNMR, LC–MS data and also from the elemental analyses studies. The synthesized compounds 7d and 7f performed strongest antibacterial activity against pathogenic cell lines Bacillus subtilis (17.5, 20.5 mm), Escherichia coli (28.5, 30 mm), and antifungal cell lines Candida albicans (18, 22.5 mm), and Aspergillus Niger (28.5, 40.5 mm) which are compared with clinical drugs Penicillin, Grieseofulvin. We scrutinized the remaining molecules and found that their activity ranged from modest to exceptional.

Design, synthesis and antifungal activity of arylhydrazine analogs containing diphenyl ether fragments.

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) represents a critical target in the development of novel fungicides. To address the growing issue of resistance and safeguard the economic viability of agricultural production, the pursuit of new succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) has emerged as a significant focus of contemporary research. In this project, 32 arylhydrazine derivatives containing diphenyl ether structural units were synthesized and evaluated for their fungicidal activities against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Alternaria alternata, Gibberella zeae, Alternaria solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In an in vitro fungicidal activity assay, compound D6 showed significant inhibitory activity against R. solani with a half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 0.09 mg L-1. The in vivo fungicidal activity demonstrated that compound D6 inhibited R. solani by 95.39% in rice leaves, which was significantly better than that of boscalid (85.76%). The results of SDH enzyme assay, molecular docking simulation, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cytoplasmic release studies and morphological observations demonstrated that the target compound D6 not only had significant SDH inhibitory activity, but also affected the membrane integrity of mycelium. Bioactivity screening and validation of the mechanism of action indicated that compound D6 was a potentially unique SDHI, acting on SDH while also affecting cell membrane permeability, which deserved further study. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Semi-Preparation and X-ray Single-Crystal Structures of Sophocarpine-Based Isoxazoline Derivatives and Their Pesticidal Effects and Toxicology Study.

Recently, research and development of novel pesticides from natural plant products have received much attention. To accelerate the application of sophocarpine as the agrochemical candidate, a series of novel sophocarpine-based isoxazoline derivatives were prepared by the 1,3-dipolar [2 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of sophocarpine with different chloroximes. Their structures were well characterized by high-resolution mass spectra, infrared spectra, and proton/carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Eight steric configurations of compounds 5a, 5e', 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5r, and 5u' were further determined by X-ray single-crystallography. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, compounds 5n (LD50: 0.032 μg/nymph) and 5o (LD50: 0.024 μg/nymph) exhibited greater than 3.7- and 4.9-fold potent aphicidal activity compared to sophocarpine (LD50: 0.118 μg/nymph). Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, derivative 5g displayed the most promising acaricidal activity with the LC50 value of 0.247 mg/mL, which was 14.2-fold that of sophocarpine. Compounds 5d and 5g also exhibited good control efficacy against T. cinnabarinus. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that compound 5g can destroy the mite cuticle layer. These results will provide the foundation for the structural modification and use of sophocarpine derivatives as agrochemicals in the future.

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Novel β-Ala-Phthalazine-Based Derivatives as VEGFR2 Inhibitors and Apoptosis-Inducers Against Liver Cancer

Some novel β-Ala-phthalazine derivatives were synthesized from the parent methyl 3-(2-(4-benzyl-1-oxophthalazin-2(1H)-yl) acetamido)propanoate (1). Then, ester 1 underwent hydrazinolysis to produce the hydrazide 2-(4-benzyl-1-oxophthalazin-2(1H)-yl)-N-(3-hydrazineyl-3-oxo propyl) acetamide (2). Under the azide coupling technique, hydrazide 2 formed azide 3 which was further coupled with some amines and amino acid esters hydrochloride to produce the corresponding novel dipeptides 4a–h and 5a–d, respectively. Finally, hydrazide 2 was condensed and/or cyclized with some ketones and/or active methylene compounds resulting in the formation of various derivatives 6a-e. Compounds 2, 6c, and 6d demonstrated significant cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 1.33, 0.41, and 0.38 μM compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 2.93 μM). Compounds 6d exhibited potent VEGFR2 inhibition by 97.6% with an IC50 value of 21.9 μM compared to Sorafenib (94.7% and IC50 value of 30.1 μM). The 6d treatment significantly increased apoptotic activity by 23.6-fold, causing a halt in cell proliferation at the G2/M phase. Ultimately, it exhibited a strong affinity for the VEGFR2 protein, with a binding energy of −26.8 Kcal/mol, and it established binding contacts with the crucial amino acids involved in the interaction.

In-vitro and in-silico studies based discovery of 2-aryl-N-(4-morpholinophenyl)thiazol-4-amines as promising DNA gyrase inhibitors

Background: DNA gyrase is an important enzyme for the survival of bacteria. Many DNA gyrase inhibitors are in clinical practice. However, these inhibitors also encompass certain toxic and drug/food interactions. This warrants the development of a new template as DNA gyrase inhibitors. Therefore, this study aimed to deliver morpholine-based thiazoles (5a-5l) as safer DNA gyrase inhibitors.Methods: The 5a-5l were prepared by reacting compound 3 with various aryl thioamides. The structures of 5a-5l were ascertained by their spectral records. The 5a-5l were subjected to their antibacterial activity potential (serial plate dilution method), DNA gyrase inhibiting activity, and toxicity analysis (MTT assay) against HepG2 & Vero cell lines. The in-silico studies (pharmacokinetic parameters and molecular docking) of 5a-5l were likewise performed.Results: It was surprisingly observed that the MIC values of 5a-5l were equal to the MIC values of ciprofloxacin (12.5 µg/ml) against the tested bacteria, whereas the DNA gyrase inhibitory activity (IC50 in µg/ml) of 5h (3.52), 5g (3.76), 5f (3.88), 5e (4.08), 5l (4.11), 5b (4.28), 5k (4.28), 5i (4.30), and 5d (4.32) was equal/better than ciprofloxacin (4.32). The MTT assay also implied the non-cytotoxic nature of 5a-5l against HepG2 & Vero cell lines up to 200 µg/ml concentration. The docking outcomes indicated a similar binding pattern of 5a-5l and ciprofloxacin at the active site of DNA gyrase, wherein 5a-5l displayed a better binding affinity for the active site. The in-silico toxicity data employing the ProTox-II web server indicated no hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, or cytotoxic effect of 5a-5l. Also, the SwissADME software supported the drug-likeliness properties and high gastrointestinal absorption of 5a-5l.Conclusion: Compounds 5h, 5g, 5f, 5e, 5l, 5b, 5k, 5i, and 5d are potent DNA gyrase inhibitors with promising safety profiles.Keywords: Discovery; Morpholine; Thiazole; DNA gyrase; MTT assay; Docking