UACC-62 Cell Lines Research Articles

Molecular modeling strategy to design novel anticancer agents against UACC-62 and UACC-257 melanoma cell lines

ABSTRACT The resistance of melanoma cancer cells to the known treatments becomes a barrier to the progress of chemotherapy which obliges the discovery of novel and potent drugs. In this work, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR), Molecular docking, and pharmacokinetics evaluation were applied to design novel molecules from a series of 69 anticancer molecules retrieved from the National cancer institute (NCI) database with activity against UACC-62 and UACC-257 melanoma cell lines. The best QSAR model for UACC-62 cell line showed good statistical parameters [(R^2 (0.819), R_adj^2 (0.794), Q2cv (0.772) and R_pred^2 (0.771)], while for UACC-257 cell line [(R^2 (0.844), R_adj^2 (0.821), Q2cv (0.789) and R_pred^2 (0.712)]. The Y-randomization test further strengthens the statistical prominence of the developed models. Docking investigation was further applied to predict the inhibition of V600E-BRAF by some potent molecules among the dataset using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD). The docking result demonstrates that Dermocybin (DMB) and Bisantrene (BSN) HCl best inhibit V600E-BRAF when compared with other molecules within the dataset. These molecules were used in designing novel molecules by attaching some favorable substituents, out of which DMB1 and BSN2 were considered optimal among other molecules that outperformed Vemurafenib (approved V600E-BRAF-inhibitor) with an acceptable drug-likeness parameter and enhanced pharmacological properties.

Sestrin2 contributes to BRAF inhibitor resistance via reducing redox vulnerability of melanoma cells

BackgroundTreatment resistance often occurs with BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy for melanoma, bringing in a great challenge to the treatment of melanoma patients harboring mutant BRAF gene. Recent studies revealed redox vulnerability constitutes a novel opportunity to overcome BRAFi resistance. Previously we found Sestrin2 provided protection to metastatic melanoma cells by detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by anoikis, but its defensive role against redox stimuli elicited by BRAFi was unclear. ObjectiveIn-depth explored the role of Sestrin2 in BRAFi-resistant melanoma. MethodsVemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells were established using 451Lu and UACC62 cell lines carrying BRAFV600E mutation. Mechanistic studies were subsequently performed by transfection of lentiviral vectors encoding an shRNA against SESN2 or embedded with the coding sequences of SESN2 cDNA. ResultsElevated Sestrin2 expression was found in vemurafenib-resistance melanoma cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells employ Sestrin2 to adapt to higher oxidative stress under vemurafenib exposure. It was also demonstrated that mTOR signaling was significantly activated following Sestrin2 knockdown. Given the known promoting role of active mTOR signaling in melanoma proliferation and survival, the effects of mTOR blocker and Sestrin2 ablation on BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells were further tested, and the combination was found to result in enhanced inhibition of melanoma cell growth. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated the contribution of Sestrin2 to the development of BRAFi resistance and the fact that the combination of mTOR blocker assisted Sestrein2 ablation in eliminating BRAFi resistance of melanoma. Therefore, mTOR and Sestrin2 may be novel combinatorial therapeutic targets to overcome BRAFi resistance of melanoma.

Synthesis and Evaluation of 2-Naphthaleno trans-Stilbenes and Cyanostilbenes as Anticancer Agents.

Naphthalene is a good structural replacement for the isovanillin moiety (i.e. the 3- hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl unit) in the combretastatin A-4 molecule, a natural product structurally related to resveratrol, which consistently led to the generation of highly cytotoxic naphthalene analogues when combined with a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl or related aromatic system. Also, the naphthalene ring system is present in many current drug molecules that are utilized for anti-tumor, anti-arrhythmia and antioxidant therapy. In our continuing quest to improve the potencies of naturally occurring anti-cancer molecules through chemical modification, we have now synthesized a small library of 2-naphthaleno trans- stilbenes and cyanostilbenes that are structurally related to both resveratrol and DMU-212, and have evaluated these novel analogs against a panel of 54 human tumor cell lines. A series of 2-naphthaleno-containing trans-stilbenes 3a-3h (Scheme 1) were synthesized by Wittig reaction of a variety of aromatic substituted benzyl-triphenylphosphonium bromide reactants with 2- naphthaldehyde using n-BuLi as a base in THF. A second series of 2-naphthaleno trans-cyanostilbenes analogs 5a-5h was synthesized by reaction of 2-naphthaldehyde (2; 1 mmol) with an appropriately substituted 2- phenylacrylonitrile 4a-4h; 1 mmol) in 5% sodium methoxide/methanol. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2-3 hours and the reaction allowed to go to completion (TLC monitoring), during which time the desired product precipitated out of the solution as a solid. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried to yield the desired compound in yields ranging from 70-95% (Scheme 2). The percentage growth inhibition of 54 human cancer cell lines in a primary NCI screen after exposure to compounds 3a, 3d, 5b and 5c was carried out. The results showed that only compounds 5b and 5c met the criteria for subsequent testing to determine growth inhibition values (GI50) in dose-response studies. At 10-5 M concentration, compounds 5b and 5c exhibited cytotoxic activity against leukemia cell lines HL-60(TB) and SR, lung cancer cell line NCI-H522, colon cancer cell lines COLO 205 and HCT-116, CNS-cancer cell line SF-539, melanoma cell line MDA-MB-435, and breast cancer cell line BT-549. The naphthalene trans-stilbene analogue 3a, exhibited significant growth inhibition against only one cell line, melanoma cell line MDA-MB-435 (96 % growth inhibition). Compound 3d was inactive in the 10-5 M single dose screen. We have synthesized a small set of novel 2-naphthaleno stilbenes and cyanostilbenes and evaluated several of these compounds for their anticancer properties against a panel of 54 human tumor cell lines. The most active analogs, 5b and 5c, showed significantly improved growth inhibition against the human cancer cells in the NCI panel when compared to DMU-212. Of these compounds, analog 5c was found to be the most potent anticancer agent and exhibited significant growth inhibitory effects against COLO 205, CNS SF 539 and melanoma SK-MEL 5 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines with GI50 values ≤ 25 nM. Analog 5b also exhibited GI50 values in the range 25-41 nM against CNS SF 295 and melanoma MDA-MB-435 and UACC-62 cell lines. Compounds 5b and 5c were also cytotoxic towards the MV4-11 leukemia cell line with LD50 value of 450 nM and 200 nM, respectively, and demonstrated >50% inhibition of tubulin polymerization at concentrations below their LD50 values in these cells. In silico docking studies suggest that compounds 5b and 5c bind favorably at the colchicine- binding pocket of the tubulin dimer, indicating that both 5b and 5c may inhibit tubulin polymerization through a mechanism similar to that exhibited by colchicine. Derivative 5c demonstrated more favorable binding based on the docking score and buried surface area, as compared to compound 5b, in agreement with the higher observed potency of 5c against a broader range of tumor cell lines. Based on these results, analog 5c is considered to be a lead compound for further optimization as a clinical candidate for treating a variety of cancers.

A one-pot laccase-catalysed synthesis of coumestan derivatives and their anticancer activity

Suberase®, a commercial laccase from Novozymes, was used to catalyse the synthesis of coumestans. The yields, in some cases, were similar to or better than that obtained by other enzymatic, chemical or electrochemical syntheses. The compounds were screened against renal TK10, melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cancer cell-lines and the GI50, TGI and LC50 values determined. Anticancer screening showed that the cytostatic effects of the coumestans were most effective against the melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cancer cell-lines exhibiting potent activities, GI50=5.35 and 7.96μM respectively. Moderate activity was obtained against the renal TK10 cancer cell-line. The total growth inhibition, based on the TGI values, of several of the compounds was better than that of etoposide against the melanoma UACC62 and the breast MCF7 cancer cell lines. Several compounds, based on the LC50 values, were also more lethal than etoposide against the same cancer cell lines. The SAR for the coumestans is similar against the melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cell lines. The compound having potent activity against both breast MCF7 and melanoma UACC62 cell lines has a methyl group on the benzene ring (ring A) as well as on the catechol ring (ring B). Anticancer activity decreases when methoxy and halogen substituents are inserted on rings A and B.

Design and synthesis of new 2-anilinoquinolines bearing N-methylpicolinamide moiety as potential antiproliferative agents.

A series of new 2-anilinoquinolines 6a-o possessing the substantial N-methylpicolinamide motif at C5 has been designed and synthesized as sorafenib analogs. The antiproliferative activities of the target compounds were preliminarily appraised against a panel of three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, SK-BR3, and HCT116), and a selected array was further tested over a panel of approximately 60 cancer cell lines at NCI at 10μM concentration. Interestingly, compounds 6c, 6d, 6j, 6k, and 6l showed promising selective anticancer activities (growth inhibition >80%) toward certain cancer cells at 10μM testing dose. Compounds 6d and 6j were advanced to five-dose testing mode to determine their GI50 values and compared with our previously reported ureidoquinoline B and sorafenib as reference compounds. The 4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylaniline derivative 6j manifested superior potency than both compound B and sorafenib over eleven and eight cell lines, respectively. It showed GI50 values of 0.36, 0.66, 0.68, and 0.60μM against the breast MDA-MB-468, renal A498, and melanoma SK-MEL-5 and UACC-62 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, both 6d and 6j exerted low cytotoxic effects against HFF-1 normal cell line. Furthermore, compounds 6d and 6j were tested against both B-RafV600E and C-Raf kinases and displayed modest inhibitory activities, which were justified by molecular docking study. Compound 6j could serve as a promising candidate for further development of potent anticancer chemotherapeutics.

High expression level of antioxidants and pharmaceutical bioactivities of endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum JN711454

ABSTRACTIn order to maximize antioxidant activity of pharmaceutical bioactive endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum JN711454 during fermentation process, designed fermentation experiments of culture media for three levels of eight culture factors were performed using a Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) design with layout L18 (21 × 37). The agitation and the potato extract were the most significant affecting factors, and their interaction contributed significantly to fungus activity. The production of antioxidants was more favorable for static condition with 25 g potato extract/100 m. The remaining factors had no strong impact when considered individually. The validation of statistically optimized medium indicated the improvement of antioxidant activity to a level of twofold with approximately overall 40% enhancement in activity. The extract of optimized medium was investigated for various pharmaceutical bioactivities; it revealed a moderate antimicrobial activity, strong anticancer activity against HepG-2, UACC62 cell lines, an antiviral activity against HSV-2 virus, and strong inhibitory activity to butyrylcholinesterase enzyme, one of the neurohydrolase enzymes that play a major role in development of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result of applying statistical fermentation designs, the optimized conditions of endophytic fungus C. globosum JN711454 developed a cost-effective production medium by using inexpensive commercial potato extracts statically, which can lower the energy requirement and could become an efficient, economic, and viable fermentation process for production of pharmaceutical secondary metabolites.

Cytotoxic activity of Guettarda pohliana Müll. Arg. (Rubiaceae)

The cytotoxic activity of crude extracts and their fractions from leaves and roots of G. pohliana was assessed against nine human cancer cell lines: melanoma (UACC-62), breast (MCF-7), breast expressing the multidrug resistance phenotype (NCI-ADR), lung (NCI-460), prostate (PCO-3), kidney (786-0), ovarian (OVCAR), colon (HT-29) and leukaemia (K-562). The hexane fraction from leaves (HL) and ethyl acetate (EAR), chloroform (CR) and hydromethanolic (HMR) fractions from roots were the most active fractions against K-562 with GI50 values being lower than 1 μg mL− 1. Also, CR and HMR fractions were active against UACC-62 cell line in the same order of magnitude. The phytochemical study of the CR fraction allowed identifying the known iridoids secoxyloganin, sweroside and loganin.

A laccase-catalysed one-pot synthesis of aminonaphthoquinones and their anticancer activity

Nuclear monoamination of a 1,4-naphthohydroquinone with primary aromatic amines was catalysed by the commercial laccase, Novozym 51003, from Novozymes to afford aminonaphthoquinones. The synthesis was accomplished by reacting a mixture of the primary amine and 1,4-naphthohydroquinone in succinate-lactate buffer and a co-solvent, dimethylformamide, under mild reaction conditions in a vessel open to air at pH 4.5 and pH 6.0.Anticancer screening showed that the aminonaphthoquinones exhibited potent cytostatic effects particularly against the UACC62 (melanoma) cancer cell line (GI50=3.98–7.54μM). One compound exhibited potent cytostatic effects against both the TK10 (renal) and the UACC62 (melanoma) cancer cell line. The cytostatic effects of this compound (GI50=8.38μM) against the TK10 cell line was almost as good as that of the anticancer agent, etoposide (GI50=7.19μM). Two compounds exhibited potent cytostatic effects against both the UACC62 (melanoma) and the MCF7 (breast) cancer cell lines. The total growth inhibition (TGI) of most of the compounds was better than that of etoposide against the UACC62 cell line. Three compounds (TGI=7.17–7.94μM) exhibited potent cytostatic effects against the UACC62 cell line which was 7 to 8-fold better than that of etoposide (TGI=52.71μM).The results are encouraging for further study of the aminonaphthoquinones for potential application in anticancer therapy.

Abstract 3809: Effects of honokiol on UACC-62 and SKMEL-2 melanoma cell lines

Abstract Honokiol is a plant lignan extracted from the magnolia bark tree, previous studies from our laboratory showed its chemopreventive effects in a UVB-induced skin cancer model, as well as pro-apoptotic effects in A431 squamous cancer cell line. Studies from other groups have reported antineoplastic effects in different cancer models as well. In this study, the antineoplastic effects of honokiol were evaluated in vivo and in vitro against UACC-62 cell line that harbors mutated BRAF, CDK4i, PTEN and against SKMEL-2 cell line that presents NRAF, and TP53 mutated genes. For the in vivo studies, nude male mice were injected subcutaneously with 5x106 UACC-62 or SKMEL-2 cells. The next day animals were randomized into control and treatment groups, each group containing 20 animals. The control group received 250 αl of sesame oil intraperitoneally (IP), the treatment groups received honokiol dissolved in sesame oil; 1.25 mg (IP) in the UACC-62 group and 50 mg/kg (IP) in the SKMEL-2 injected mice. Animals were treated three times a week, for 5-7 weeks. Tumors’ incidence, multiplicity and volume were recorded every three days, mice's weights and external signs of toxicity were also closely monitored. Tumor tissues were collected for histopathology, Western blots, and PCR arrays. For the in vitro studies, both cell lines were evaluated for cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis by TUNEL assay, cell cycle arrest by propidium iodide staining, and Western blots for proteins expressions. Honokiol treatment significantly reduced (p<0.05) tumor volumes in both xenograft experiments. No evident signs of toxicity were observed in the honokiol treated animals. In both cell lines, honokiol significantly decreased (p<0.05) cell viability and proliferation, honokiol caused cell cycle arrest in Go/G1 phase in UACC-62 cell line, while it caused accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase in SKMEL-2 cell line; honokiol significantly increased the DNA fragmentation in both cell lines. Honokiol strongly decreased the expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin D2 and cyclin B1 while increasing the cleavage of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 and PARP in both cell lines. In UACC-62 honokiol decreased the expressions of CDK2, CDK4, cyclin E, cdc2p34 and p21. In SKMEL-2, honokiol decreased the expression of CDK4, PCNA and increased the expression of p21. These findings suggest that honokiol is a good candidate for further studies as a treatment for malignant melanoma. This work is supported by a Translational Cancer Center Research Grant, funded as 2010 Research Initiative Center by the State of South Dakota. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3809. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3809

Synthesis and antitumour evaluation of 4-bromophenyl semicarbazones.

4-Bromophenyl semicarbazone derivatives have been synthesized and their chemical structures have been confirmed by means of their IR, 1H-NMR data and by elemental analyses. The in vitro evaluation in the 3-cell line, one dose primary anticancer assay is described. The 4-bromo substituted p-nitrobenzylidene phenyl semicarbazone (5) showed significant activity against breast MCF7 cell line and was further evaluated for potential anticancer activity in an in vitro human disease-oriented tumour cell line screening panel that consisted of 59 human tumour cell lines arranged in nine subpanels, representing diverse histologies. Melanoma UACC-62 cell line was relatively more sensitive to compounds 5 (growth inhibitions: GI50 = 15.3 mumol/l).

Leishmanicidal and antitumoral activities of endophytic fungi associated with the Antarctic angiosperms Deschampsia antarctica Desv. and Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl.

A total of 564 isolates of endophytic fungi were recovered from the plants Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis collected from Antarctica. The isolates were screened against parasites Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi and against the human tumour cell lines. Of the 313 fungal isolates obtained from D. antarctica and 251 from C. quitensis, 25 displayed biological activity. Nineteen extracts displayed leishmanicidal activity, and six inhibited the growth of at least one tumour cell line. These fungi belong to 19 taxa of the genera Alternaria, Antarctomyces, Cadophora, Davidiella, Helgardia, Herpotrichia, Microdochium, Oculimacula, Phaeosphaeria and one unidentified fungus. Extracts of 12 fungal isolates inhibited the proliferation of L. amazonesis at a low IC(50) of between 0.2 and 12.5μgml(-1). The fungus Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides displayed only leishmanicidal activity with an IC(50) of 0.2μgml(-1), which is equivalent to the inhibitory value of amphotericin B. The extract of Microdochium phragmitis displayed specific cytotoxic activity against the UACC-62 cell line with an IC(50) value of 12.5μgml(-1). Our results indicate that the unique angiosperms living in Antarctica shelter an interesting bioactive fungal community that is able to produce antiprotozoal and antitumoral molecules. These molecules may be used to develop new leishmanicidal and anticancer drugs.

Design, Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Novel D-Glucuronic Acid Derivatives

A series of D-glucuronic acid derivatives were chemically synthesized including acetylated and deacetylated glucuronamides, as well as N-glucuronides starting from the D-glucuronic acid itself by means of protection/deprotection, activation and condensation protocols. Structure elucidation of all products along with optimization of the synthetic steps is described. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antitumor activity against MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 cell lines. The compounds 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 16 and 18 were the most active against TK-10 cell line. On the other hand, the most active compounds against the MCF-7 cell line were 9, 18 and 20. However, compounds 7-10 13-15 and 17 were the most active against the UACC-62 cell line.

Synthesis of Some Novel D‐Glucuronic Acid Acetylated Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Tumor Agents

A structurally diverse series of Δ(4,5) -uronamide derivatives have been chemically synthesized starting from D-glucuronic acid itself by means of acetylation, activation, amide bond formation and base-catalyzed elimination protocols. Structure elucidation for all products along with optimization of the synthetic steps is described. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro anti-tumor activity against MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 cell lines. The compounds 5, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against TK-10 cell line. On the other hand, the most active compounds against the MCF-7 cell line were 11 and 15. However, compounds 5, 7, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against the UACC-62 cell line.

Novozymes awarded $12.3 M contract from DOE

Suberase®, a commercial laccase from Novozymes, was used to catalyse the synthesis of coumestans. The yields, in some cases, were similar to or better than that obtained by other enzymatic, chemical or electrochemical syntheses. The compounds were screened against renal TK10, melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cancer cell-lines and the GI50, TGI and LC50 values determined. Anticancer screening showed that the cytostatic effects of the coumestans were most effective against the melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cancer cell-lines exhibiting potent activities, GI50 = 5.35 and 7.96 μM respectively. Moderate activity was obtained against the renal TK10 cancer cell-line. The total growth inhibition, based on the TGI values, of several of the compounds was better than that of etoposide against the melanoma UACC62 and the breast MCF7 cancer cell lines. Several compounds, based on the LC50 values, were also more lethal than etoposide against the same cancer cell lines. The SAR for the coumestans is similar against the melanoma UACC62 and breast MCF7 cell lines. The compound having potent activity against both breast MCF7 and melanoma UACC62 cell lines has a methyl group on the benzene ring (ring A) as well as on the catechol ring (ring B). Anticancer activity decreases when methoxy and halogen substituents are inserted on rings A and B.

Ruthenium(II) complexes of 2-benzoylpyridine-derived thiosemicarbazones with cytotoxic activity against human tumor cell lines

Reaction of [RuCl 3(dppb)H 2O] (dppb = 1,4 bis(diphenylphospine)butane) with 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4DH) and its N(4)-methyl (H2Bz4M) and N(4)-phehyl (H2Bz4Ph) derivatives gave [RuCl(dppb)(H2Bz4DH)]Cl ( 1), [RuCl(dppb)(H2Bz4M)]Cl ( 2) and [RuCl(dppb)(H2Bz4Ph)]Cl ( 3). The cytotoxic activity of the studied compounds was tested against the MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 human tumor cell lines. The precursor [RuCl 3(dppb)H 2O] exhibits cytocidal activity against the tree cell lines. H2BzDH, H2Bz4M, and [RuCl(dppb)(H2Bz4M)]Cl ( 2) show a selective cytocidal effect against the UACC-62 cell line which makes them the most promising compounds.

Palladium(II) complexes of 2-benzoylpyridine-derived thiosemicarbazones: spectral characterization, structural studies and cytotoxic activity

Palladium(II) complexes of 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4DH) and its N(4)-methyl (H2Bz4M) and N(4)-phenyl (H2Bz4Ph) derivatives were obtained and fully characterized. [Pd(2Bz4DH)Cl] ( 1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/ c with a = 11.671(1), b = 10.405(1), c = 13.124(1), β = 115.60(1)° and Z = 4; [Pd(2Bz4M)Cl] ( 2) in the monoclinic space group P2 1/ c with a = 9.695(1), b = 15.044(1), c = 10.718(1) Å, β = 105.38(1)° and Z = 4 and [Pd(2Bz4Ph)Cl] ( 3) in the triclinic space group P 1 ¯ with a = 9.389(1), b = 13.629(1), c = 15.218(1) Å, α = 70.25(1), β = 73.46(1), γ = 83.57(1)° and two independent molecules per asymmetric unit ( Z = 4). All complexes show a quite similar planar fourfold environment around palladium(II). A negatively charged organic molecule acts as a tridentate ligand and binds to the metal through the pyridine nitrogen, the imine nitrogen and the sulfur atom. A chloride ion occupies the fourth coordination site. The planar complexes stack nearly parallel to one another in the lattice conforming a layered crystal structure. The cytotoxic activity of the thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes was tested against the MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 human tumor cell lines. The ligands exhibit lower values of GI 50 and LC 50 than the complexes, H2Bz4Ph being the most active with GI 50 < 0.003 μM; LC 50 = 13.4 μM; GI 50 = 9.3 μM, LC 50 = 12.9 μM; GI 50 < 0.003, LC 50 = 13.8 μM in the MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 cell lines, respectively. Among the complexes, [Pd(2Bz4Ph)Cl] ( 3) exhibited the lowest values of GI 50 in the three studied cell lines.

Effect of Natural 2,5-Diaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran Lignans on Complement Activation, Lymphocyte Proliferation, and Growth of Tumor Cell Lines

(+)-Machillin F, isolated from the bark of Persea membranacea, Kosterm and four other 2,5-diaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran-type lignans from Talauma hodgsonii Hook, F. & Thoms., (−)-galbacin, (−)-talaumidin, (−)-talaumidin methyl ether, and acetyl talaumidin, were evaluated for their influence on the classical and alternative pathways of activation of human complement system, mitogen-induced proliferation of human lymphocytes, and growth of human tumor cell lines. All these lignans exhibited moderate inhibitory activities. (+)-Machillin F showed the highest anticomplementary activity, and (−)-talaumidin methyl ether exhibited the strongest suppressive effect on lymphocyte proliferation. (−)-Talaumidin, acetyl talaumidin, and (+)-machillin F inhibited the growth of MCF-7, TK-10, and UACC-62 cell lines, whereas (−)-galbacin was inactive against UACC-62 and (−)-talaumidin methyl was inactive against both TK-10 and UACC-62. A characterization of the structural features of these lignans that is important to their biological activities is discussed.