Stilbene Derivatives Research Articles

Stilbene Derivatives from Photorhabdus temperata SN259 and Their Antifungal Activities against Phytopathogenic Fungi.

Chemical investigation of an insect pathogenic enterobacterium, Photorhabdus temperata SN259, led to the isolation and identification of seven metabolites, which include three new compounds, 3-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-phenethylphenyl carbamate, 1, 2-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-[2-phenylethyl]benzene-1,3-diol, 2, 2-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]benzene-1,3-diol, 3, and four known metabolites (4-7). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR data and by comparison with those reported previously. The activities of compounds 1-7 were evaluated against four phytopathogenic fungi (Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, Exserohilum turcicum, and Fusarium oxysporum). In an agar medium assay, compounds 1 and 7 showed strong inhibition against P. aphanidermatum with EC50 values of 2.8 and 2.7 μg/mL, respectively. By comparing the structure of compounds 1-7, we deduced that the acylamino group in compound 1 and the isopropyl group in compound 7 contribute to the inhibitory activity.

Imaging Central Nervous System Demyelination and Remyelination byPositron-Emission Tomography.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET), an imaging technique based on the injection of radiotracers directed against specific biological targets within brain tissues, within brain tissues, is a specific and sensitive technique which offers the unique opportunity to quantify myelin dynamics in the central nervous system. Several stilbene and benzothiazole derivatives have been repurposed to image myelin by PET. In demyelinating and dysmyelinating models, selected radiotracers were shown to reliably quantify demyelination and remyelination, allowing a translational approach in humans. A pilot study in subjects with active relapsing MS using PET and the most available benzothiazole derivative, [11C]PIB, supported the hypothesis that this technique is able to quantify myelin content in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and to capture dynamic demyelination and remyelination over time. This study highlighted for the first time in vivo the prognostic value of individual profiles of remyelination on the disease course. In future, the clinical application of myelin PET will be pushed forward thanks to the availability of novel fluorinated tracers for myelin, together with the setting up of non invasive quantification procedures and the use of powerful PET-MR systems. This will enable to address in vivo critical unanswered questions about the pathogenesis of remyelination, and to measure the efficacy of emerging promyelinating drugs in early-phase therapeutic trials.

Design of photofunctional oligonucleotides by copolymerization of natural nucleobases with base surrogates prepared from acyclic scaffolds

Further development of DNA nanotechnology requires new functional oligonucleotides composed of nucleobases beyond the native four. In this review, we demonstrate new methodology for DNA and RNA functionalization using a base surrogate prepared from d-threoninol (2-amino-1,3-butanediol). Using this nucleobase surrogate, we can introduce functional molecules at any position of the sequence. Our methodology is conceptually similar to the copolymerization of multiple monomers: phosphoramidite monomers corresponding to the base surrogate and natural nucleotides are copolymerized on a solid support to prepare the functional oligonucleotides. Copolymerization allows for stable functional motifs, including wedges, interstrand-wedges, dimers and clusters. By selecting suitable functional molecules and motifs, we can design photofunctional oligonucleotides, such as: (1) photoresponsive DNA that enables reversible formation and dissociation of the duplex by photoirradiation; (2) [2+2] photocycloaddition of stilbene derivatives; (3) orientation-dependent FRET (fluorescence (Forster) resonance energy transfer) systems; (4) sequence-specific fluorescent probe for the detection of DNA and RNA; and (5) functional siRNA for fluorescent labeling of mature RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex). We demonstrate a new methodology of DNA and RNA functionalization with a base surrogate prepared from d-threoninol. With this surrogate, we can introduce functional molecules at any position in the sequence. Our methodology is conceptually similar to copolymerization; phosphoramidite monomers of base surrogates, and natural nucleotides are ‘copolymerized’ on solid supports to prepare functional oligonucleotides. The incorporation of intercalating moieties allows for the design of four stable functional motifs: wedges, interstrand-wedges, dimers and clusters. By selecting suitable functional molecules and motifs, we can design novel photofunctional oligonucleotides.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Stilbene Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B.

By imitating the scaffold of lithocholic acid (LCA), a natural steroidal compound displaying Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity, a series of stilbene derivatives containing phenyl-substituted isoxazoles were designed and synthesized. The structures of the title compounds were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS. Activities of the title compounds were evaluated on PTP1B and the homologous enzyme TCPTP by using a colorimetric assay. Most of the target compounds had good activities against PTP1B. Among them, compound 29 (IC50 = 0.91 ± 0.33 μM), characterized by a 5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl) isoxazole moiety, exhibited an activity about 14-fold higher than the lead compound LCA and a 4.2-fold selectivity over TCPTP. Compound 29 was identified as a competitive inhibitor of PTP1B with a Ki value of 0.78 μM in enzyme kinetic studies.

Synthesis of highly fluorescent (E)-Stilbene derivatives containing polysubstituted imidazole scaffold

A series of 2-(4-styrylphenyl)-1,4,5-triaryl imidazole derivatives have been efficiently synthesized through Wittig reactions starting with 2-[(4-bromomethyl)phenyl]-1,4,5-triarylimidazoles and been verified by spectroscopic data. The optical absorption and emission properties of the synthesized novel (E)-stilbene derivatives were examined in dilute ethanol solution. Most of the products exhibit a strongly enhanced fluorescence intensity.

Bio-Guided Isolation of Methanol-Soluble Metabolites of Common Spruce (Picea abies) Bark by-Products and Investigation of Their Dermo-Cosmetic Properties.

Common spruce (Picea abies L.) is a fast-growing coniferous tree, widely used in several countries for the production of sawn wood, timber and pulp. During this industrial exploitation, large quantities of barks are generated as waste materials. The aim of this study was the bio-guided investigation and the effective recovery of methanol-soluble metabolites of common spruce bark for the development of new dermo-cosmetic agents. The active methanol extract was initially fractionated by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) using a triphasic solvent system in a step-gradient elution mode. All resulting fractions were evaluated for their antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and their capability to inhibit tyrosinase, elastase and collagenase activity. In parallel, the chemical composition of each fraction was established by combining a 13C-NMR dereplication approach and 2D-NMR analyses. As a result, fourteen secondary metabolites corresponding to stilbene, flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives were directly identified in the CPC fractions. A high amount (0.93 g) of E-astringin was recovered from 3 g of crude extract in a single 125 min run. E-Astringin significantly induced the tyrosinase activity while E-piceid, taxifolin, and taxifolin-3′-O-glucopyranoside exhibited significant anti-tyrosinase activity. The above compounds showed important anti-collagenase and antimicrobial activities, thus providing new perspectives for potential applications as cosmetic ingredients.

Ruthenium-Sulfonamide-Catalyzed Direct Dehydrative Condensation of Benzylic C-H Bonds with Aromatic Aldehydes.

The first catalytic dehydrative condensation of the benzylic C-H bonds of toluene and p-xylene with aromatic aldehydes is reported herein. This protocol provides highly atom-economical access to stilbene and p-distyrylbenzene derivatives, whereby water is the sole byproduct. The reaction is based on the deprotonation-functionalization of benzylic C-H bonds through η6-complexation of the arenes, which is realized for the first time using a catalytic amount of a transition metal activator. The key to the success of this method is the use of a sulfonamide anion as a catalyst component, which appears to facilitate not only the deprotonation of the benzylic C-H bonds but also the formation of a C-C bonds via an electrophilic tosylimine intermediate.

Regioselectivity observed in manganese(III) acetate mediated addition of acetylacetone to various alkenes: mechanistic and theoretical studies

Various alkenes substituted at the 1,2-positions by 2-thiophenyl, 3-thiophenyl, and phenyl substituted by electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups were treated with acetylacetone in the presence of Mn(OAc)3 in acetic acid. In cases where the thiophene ring was connected at the C-2 carbon atom to the double bond, a single regioisomer was formed whereas in case of substitution at the C-3 positions two regioisomers were formed. Stilbene derivatives also gave two regioisomers under the same reaction conditions. However, 1-methoxy-4-(4-nitrostyryl)benzene provided a single cycloaddition product. The observed regioselectivity was discussed in terms of atomic charge distribution on the olefinic double bond carbon atoms. Furthermore, activation barriers for transition states were calculated.

NLO response of derivatives of benzene, stilbene and diphenylacetylene: MP2 and DFT calculations

MP2 method and different functionals such as M06-HF, M06-2X, CAM-B3LYP, PBE0, B3LYP and M06L incorporating different XC amounts were used to calculate the static first hyperpolarizabilies β(0) of eight molecules which are derivatives of benzene, stilbene and diphenylacetylene. The values were then compared to the experimental ones. The M06-2X functional was then selected for further calculations. NBO calculations were also performed to define the intramolecular charge transfer in each molecule. TD-DFT calculations were performed taking into account the solvent effect using the IEF-PCM formalism. Some parameters characterizing the vertical transitions such as the wavelength of the maximum absorption λmax were compared to the experimental ones. Finally, solvation Gibbs free enthalpy ∆Gsolv values have also been examined in order to determine which the specific solvent for a given molecule is.

The Use of Stilbene Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry and Multi- Target Drug Design.

The stilbene scaffold is a basic element for a number of biologically active natural and synthetic compounds, and it is considered as a privileged structure. Stilbenes exemplified by resveratrol, combretastatin A-4 and pterostilbene are of significant interest for drug research and development because of their potential in therapeutic and preventive application. Resveratrol, present in grapes and other food products, plays a role in the prevention of several human pathological processes and has been suggested as an anticancer agent. Moreover, recent evidence has revealed its potential effect on the aging process, diabetes and neurological dysfunction. Combretastatin A-4, from the bark of South African bush willow Combretum caffrum, also shows significant antitumor activity. Pterostilbene is closely related to resveratrol, sharing the same unique therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and antioxidant agent. Therefore, research and development of stilbene-based medicinal chemistry have become rapidly evolving and increasingly active topics covering almost the whole range of therapeutic fields. In the present review, we provide an overview of the role of stilbenes in medicinal chemistry. In this context, we highlight the chemical methodologies adopted for the synthesis of stilbene derivatives, and outline the successful design of novel stilbene based hybrids in the field of cancer, Alzheimer's and other relevant diseases. This information may be useful in further design of stilbene-based molecules as new leads for the development of novel agents with clinical potential or as effective chemical probes to dissect biological processes.

Air-Driven Potassium Iodide-Mediated Oxidative Photocyclization of Stilbene Derivatives.

A new method has been developed for the potassium iodide-mediated oxidative photocyclization of stilbene derivatives. Compared with conventional iodine-mediated oxidative photocyclization reactions, this new method requires shorter reaction times and affords cyclized products in yields of 45-97%. This reaction proceeds with a catalytic amount of potassium iodide and works in an air-driven manner without the addition of an external scavenger. The radical-mediated oxidative photocyclization of stilbene derivatives using TEMPO was also investigated.

Deoxyrhapontigenin, a Natural Stilbene Derivative Isolated From Rheum undulatum L. Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Although current chemotherapeutic agents are active at the beginning of therapy, the most common risk is the development of resistance during later stages in almost all cancer types including breast cancer. Hence, investigation of novel drugs is still a priority goal for cancer treatment. The objective of the present study is to investigate the anticancer effect of a derivative of stilbene, deoxyrhapontigenin (DR) isolated from Rheum undulatum L. root extracts against the chemoresistant MCF-7/adr and its parental MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The morphological images indicate that DR induces an extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation in breast cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that DR treatment causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilation and upregulated the expression of ER stress markers GRP78, IRE1α, eIF2α, CHOP, JNK, and p38. Subsequently, we also identified that DR increases the levels of apoptotic fragment of PARP (89 kDa) in breast cancer cells. Blocking the expression of one of the components of the ER stress–mediated apoptosis pathway, CHOP using siRNA significantly decreased DR-induced apoptotic cleavage of PARP. In summary, the present study suggests that the induction of ER stress–mediated apoptosis by DR may account for its cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer cells.

Isorhapontigenin (ISO) Inhibits Invasive Bladder Cancer Formation In Vivo and Human Bladder Cancer Invasion In Vitro by Targeting STAT1/FOXO1 Axis.

Although our most recent studies have identified Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a novel derivative of stilbene that isolated from a Chinese herb Gnetum cleistostachyum, for its inhibition of human bladder cancer growth, nothing is known whether ISO possesses an inhibitory effect on bladder cancer invasion. Thus, we addressed this important question in current study and discovered that ISO treatment could inhibit mouse-invasive bladder cancer development following bladder carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) exposure in vivo We also found that ISO suppressed human bladder cancer cell invasion accompanied by upregulation of the forkhead box class O 1 (FOXO1) mRNA transcription in vitro Accordingly, FOXO1 was profoundly downregulated in human bladder cancer tissues and was negatively correlated with bladder cancer invasion. Forced expression of FOXO1 specifically suppressed high-grade human bladder cancer cell invasion, whereas knockdown of FOXO1 promoted noninvasive bladder cancer cells becoming invasive bladder cancer cells. Moreover, knockout of FOXO1 significantly increased bladder cancer cell invasion and abolished the ISO inhibition of invasion in human bladder cancer cells. Further studies showed that the inhibition of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation at Tyr701 was crucial for ISO upregulation of FOXO1 transcription. Furthermore, this study revealed that metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was a FOXO1 downstream effector, which was also supported by data obtained from mouse model of ISO inhibition BBN-induced mouse-invasive bladder cancer formation. These findings not only provide a novel insight into the understanding of mechanism of bladder cancer's propensity to invasion, but also identify a new role and mechanisms underlying the natural compound ISO that specifically suppresses such bladder cancer invasion through targeting the STAT1-FOXO1-MMP-2 axis. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 567-80. ©2016 AACR.

A Joint Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Behavior of the DIDS Inhibitor and its Derivatives.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) is a well-known ion-exchange inhibitor targeting cardiac functions and indirectly impeding both radio- and chemo-resistance. A joint computational and experimental study is presented to provide deeper insights into DIDS and other members of this family of compounds. To this end, we applied state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods, in addition to measuring the optical properties. The experimental data show that such compounds are highly sensitive to their environment and that the optical properties change within as little time as 7 h. However, the optical properties of DIDS are similar in various acidic/basic environments, which were confirmed by pKa computations on both cis and trans isomers. The protonation analysis also highlights that the singly protonated form of DIDS behaves like a proton sponge compound. The experimentally observed redshift that can be seen when going from water to DMSO was reproduced solely by using the solvation model based on density, although the polarization continuum model and implicit/explicit hybrid schemes were also tested. The characteristic broadening of the absorption peak in water and the vibronic fine structure in DMSO were also reproduced thanks to vibronic coupling simulations associated with the solvent reorganization energy. For other stilbene derivatives, a correlation is found between the maximum absorption wavelength and the Hammett parameters.

SESN2/sestrin 2 induction-mediated autophagy and inhibitory effect of isorhapontigenin (ISO) on human bladder cancers

ABSTRACTIsorhapontigenin (ISO) is a new derivative of stilbene isolated from the Chinese herb Gnetum cleistostachyum. Our recent studies have revealed that ISO treatment at doses ranging from 20 to 80 μM triggers apoptosis in multiple human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we evaluated the potential effect of ISO on autophagy induction. We found that ISO treatment at sublethal doses induced autophagy effectively in human bladder cancer cells, which contributed to the inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells. In addition, our studies revealed that ISO-mediated autophagy induction occurred in a SESN2 (sestrin 2)-dependent and BECN1 (Beclin 1, autophagy related)-independent manner. Furthermore, we identified that ISO treatment induced SESN2 expression via a MAPK8/JNK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 8)/JUN-dependent mechanism, in which ISO triggered MAPK8-dependent JUN activation and facilitated the binding of JUN to a consensus AP-1 binding site in the SESN2 promoter region, thereby led to a significant transcriptional induction of SESN2. Importantly, we found that SESN2 expression was dramatically downregulated or even lost in human bladder cancer tissues as compared to their paired adjacent normal tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ISO treatment induces autophagy and inhibits bladder cancer growth through MAPK8-JUN-dependent transcriptional induction of SESN2, which provides a novel mechanistic insight into understanding the inhibitory effect of ISO on bladder cancers and suggests that ISO might act as a promising preventive and/or therapeutic drug against human bladder cancer.

Palladium-Catalysed Desulfitative Heck Reaction Tolerant to Aryl Carbon–Halogen Bonds for Access to (Poly)halo-Substituted Stilbene or Cinnamate Derivatives

The palladium-catalysed desulfitative Heck type reaction of (poly)halo-substituted benzenesulfonyl chlorides with alkenes was investigated. Styrene or acrylates in the presence of bromo- or iodobenzenesulfonyl chlorides and a phosphine-free palladium catalyst were found to afford the expected β-arylated Heck type products with complete regio- and stereoselectivities. The reaction tolerates a variety of substituents on the halobenzenesulfonyl chloride. Moreover, no cleavage of the C–Br and C–I bonds was observed in the course of these reactions, allowing further transformations. Using 4-bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride as the central unit, consecutive desulfitative Heck type reaction followed by palladium-catalysed direct arylation allowed to prepare heteroarylated stilbene derivatives in only two steps.

Combretastatin A-4 analogues with benzoxazolone scaffold: Synthesis, structure and biological activity

In order to design and synthesize a new class of heterocyclic analogues of natural combretastatin A-4 and its synthetic derivative AVE8062, the benzoxazolone ring was selected as a scaffold for a bioisosteric replacement of the ring B of both molecules. A library of 28 cis- and trans-styrylbenzoxazolones was obtained by a modified Wittig reaction under Boden's conditions. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds bearing the 3,4,5-trimethoxy-, 3,4-dimethoxy-, 3,5-dimethoxy-, and 4-methoxystyryl fragment at position 4, 5, 6 or 7 of benzoxazolone core were determined on the basis of spectral and X ray data. The in vitro cytotoxicity of styrylbenzoxazolones against different cell lines was examined. Stilbene derivative 16Z, (Z)-3-methyl-6-(3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)-2(3H)-benzoxazolone, showed highest antiproliferative potential of the series, with IC50 of 0.25 μM against combretastatin resistant cell line HT-29, 0.19 μM against HepG2, 0.28 μM against EA.hy926 and 0.73 μM against K562 cells. Furthermore, the results of flow cytometric analysis confirmed that 16Z induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in the cell lines like combretastatin A-4. This arrest is followed by an abnormal exit of cells from mitosis without cytokinesis into a pseudo G1-like multinucleate state leading to late apoptosis and cell death. Accordingly, synthetic analogue 16Z was identified as the most promising potential anticancer agent in present study, and was selected as lead compound for further detailed investigations.

Administration of Piceatannol Complexed with α-Cyclodextrin Improves Its Absorption in Rats.

Piceatannol is polyphenolic antioxidant found in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds. The aim of this study was to improve the absorption of piceatannol using α-cyclodextrin (αCD). The solubility of piceatannol in neutral and acidic solutions increased in an αCD concentration-dependent manner. The maximum plasma concentration of intact piceatannol and the time-to-maximum plasma concentration of O-methylated piceatannol metabolites increased in rats administered αCD-piceatannol inclusion complexes (PICs). Administering the αCD inclusion complexes significantly increased the area under the concentration-time curve of total stilbene derivatives (0-3 h) in terms of the total amount of intact piceatannol, O-methylated piceatannol, conjugated piceatannol, and isorhapontigenin. Gastrointestinal ligation experiments demonstrated that substantially higher levels of piceatannol metabolites were present in the lower intestine (the ileum) at 1 h postintragastric αCD-PICs administration as compared to those observed following piceatannol administration only. These results suggested that αCD enhanced piceatannol movement and absorption in the small intestine.

Impact of natural sources-derived antioxidants on the oxidative stability and rheological properties of castor oil based-lubricating greases

It is well known that spontaneous oxidation is one of the main drawbacks for the industrial use of eco-friendly vegetable oil-based lubricants. Herein a quick and easy synthesis of different molecules belonging to stilbene family is reported, which together with a number of representative natural sources-derived products with antioxidant (AO) capacity have been tested as additives for improving the oxidative stability of a selected bio-lubricating grease formulation. Thus, different gel-like dispersions based on N-acylated chitosan in castor oil also including these additives have been prepared. Gel-like dispersions were characterized through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), oxidation onset temperature (OOT) and small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheological measurements. These preliminary results demonstrate that, in general, these antioxidants delay N-acylated chitosan-based gel-like dispersions oxidation. However, the AO activity is more relevant in the case of propyl gallate and ascorbic acid palmitate and not so important in the family of stilbene derivatives. On the other hand, the addition of any antioxidant does not qualitatively affect the rheological response but unexpectedly may significantly modify the values of the SAOS functions. Remarkably, the delay of oxidation reactions occurs by exclusively employing natural resources-derived components, being these formulations environmentally acceptable as a whole and potentially employed in specific industrial applications.

Geometry optimization and excited state properties of the new symmetric (E)-Stilbene derivative for application in thermostable polarizing PVA-films: A combined experimental and DFT approach

In the present work, quantum–chemical calculations used for the structural analysis of the new symmetric (E)-Stilbene derivative: (Potassium 2,2′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(azanediyl))diacetate) (P) (Trans isomer) using DFT/B3LYP/LanL2MB level of theory. The FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra of the compound P are presented. The electronic absorption spectrum of the P in aqueous medium was calculated using TDB3LYP/LanL2MB method. The excitation energies, electronic transitions and oscillator strengths for studied structure have also been calculated. The experimental, calculated UV/Vis and emission spectra of the P are presented and discussed. The geometry optimization of the molecule P in excited state and its electronic spectrum was carried out by the same method. In excited state the molecule P loses its symmetry and becomes unstable form. First time on the basis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and the new designed structure P thermostable polarizing film absorbing at λmax = 410 nm was created. Polarizing Efficiency (PE) of obtained film is 96% at Stretching Degree (Rs) 3.0. In oriented PVA-films is the phenomenon of anisotropy of thermal conductivity (λ||/λ⊥) which is very important for development of thermostable polarizing films.