Search results for " alkaloids"
showing 10 items of 84 documents
The New Microtubule-Targeting Agent SIX2G Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Multiple Myeloma
2022
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are effective drugs for cancer treatment. A novel diaryl [1,2]oxazole class of compounds binding the colchicine site was synthesized as cis-restricted-combretastatin-A-4-analogue and then chemically modified to have improved solubility and a wider therapeutic index as compared to vinca alkaloids and taxanes. On these bases, a new class of tricyclic compounds, containing the [1,2]oxazole ring and an isoindole moiety, has been synthetized, among which SIX2G emerged as improved MTA. Several findings highlighted the ability of some chemotherapeutics to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is defined by the cell surface translocation of Calreticulin (CAL…
Molecular Strategies for Targeting Antioxidants to Mitochondria: Therapeutic Implications
2015
Mitochondrial function and specifically its implication in cellular redox/oxidative balance is fundamental in controlling the life and death of cells, and has been implicated in a wide range of human pathologies. In this context, mitochondrial therapeutics, particularly those involving mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, have attracted increasing interest as potentially effective therapies for several human diseases. For the past 10 years, great progress has been made in the development and functional testing of molecules that specifically target mitochondria, and there has been special focus on compounds with antioxidant properties. In this review, we will discuss several such strategies, …
Marine Pyrrole Alkaloids
2021
Nitrogen heterocycles are essential parts of the chemical machinery of life and often reveal intriguing structures. They are not only widespread in terrestrial habitats but can also frequently be found as natural products in the marine environment. This review highlights the important class of marine pyrrole alkaloids, well-known for their diverse biological activities. A broad overview of the marine pyrrole alkaloids with a focus on their isolation, biological activities, chemical synthesis, and derivatization covering the decade from 2010 to 2020 is provided. With relevant structural subclasses categorized, this review shall provide a clear and timely synopsis of this area.
Microwave-Assisted Organocatalytic Enantioselective Intramolecular aza-Michael Reaction with α,β-Unsaturated Ketones
2011
An organocatalytic enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael reaction of carbamates bearing conjugated ketones as Michael acceptors is described. By using 9-amino-9-deoxy-epi-hydroquinine as the catalyst and pentafluoropropionic acid as a co-catalyst, a series of piperidines, pyrrolidines, and the corresponding benzo-fused derivatives (indolines, isoindolines, tetrahydroquinolines, and tetrahydroisoquinolines) can be obtained in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. In addition, the use of microwave irradiation at 60 °C improves the efficiency of the process giving rise to the final products with comparable yields and enantiomeric excesses. Some mechanistic insights are also consider…
Impact of Undernutrition on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anticancer Drugs: A Literature Review
2017
The etiology of undernourishment in cancer patients is multifactorial: tumor-related mechanisms (such as obstruction, metabolic abnormalities, and functionality changes) in addition to the influence of anticancer therapies, which can induce or worsen undernutrition. The evident role of undernutrition in cancer treatment outcomes suggests the need of considering nutritional status when evaluating anticancer drugs. In order to merge the available data and offer researchers and clinicians a global view of this phenomenon, the present manuscript reviews on a drug-by-drug basis the undernutrition-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of anticancer treatments. This review notes inte…
Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 3-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine hydrobromides, analogues of the marine alkaloid …
2021
A new series of thiazole nortopsentin analogues with a 5-azaindole moiety was conveniently synthesized in good to excellent yields by an Hantzsch reaction between thioamides and α-bromoacetyl compounds. The cytotoxic activity of the new derivatives was tested against different human tumor cell lines of the NCI full panel. All tested compounds were active against all of the investigated cell lines showing GI50 values from micro to submicromolar levels. Some of the new analogues exhibited good selectivities against different NCI sub-panels.
A Modular Formal Total Synthesis of (±)-Cycloclavine
2016
Cycloclavine is a clavine-type Ergot alkaloid noteworthy for its unique pentacyclic skeleton featuring a 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane substructure. A short convergent route to the racemic alkaloid is described which comprises only eight linear steps and requires only four chromatographic purifications. The two key building blocks can be prepared in high yield from commercially available starting materials. Two consecutive coupling reactions, namely a selective alkylation of a dienolate and a Heck reaction, are the key steps of the reaction sequence.
Acetyltransfer in natural product biosynthesis--functional cloning and molecular analysis of vinorine synthase.
2004
Vinorine synthase (EC 2.3.1.160) catalyses the acetyl-CoA- or CoA-dependent reversible formation of the alkaloids vinorine (or 11-methoxy-vinorine) and 16-epi-vellosimine (or gardneral). The forward reaction leads to vinorine, which is a direct biosynthetic precursor along the complex pathway to the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid ajmaline, an antiarrhythmic drug from the Indian medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina. Based on partial peptide sequences a cDNA clone was isolated and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. The Km values of the native enzyme for gardneral and acetyl-CoA were determined to be 7.5 and 57 microM. The amino acid sequence of vinorine synthase has highest level of i…
Deoxysarpagine Hydroxylase — A Novel Enzyme Closing a Short Side Pathway of Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Rauvolfia
2002
Microsomal preparations from cell suspension cultures of the Indian plant Rauvolfia serpentina catalyze the hydroxylation of deoxysarpagine under formation of sarpagine. The newly discovered enzyme is dependent on NADPH and oxygen. It can be inhibited by typical cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as cytochrome c, ketoconazole, metyrapone, tetcyclacis and carbon monoxide. The CO-effect is reversible with light (450 nm). The data indicate that deoxysarpagine hydroxylase is a novel cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase. A pH optimum of 8.0 and a temperature optimum of 35 degrees C were determined. K(m) values were 25 microM for NADPH and 7.4 microM for deoxysarpagine. Deoxysarpagine hydroxylase…
Role of Levo-tetrahydropalmatine and its metabolites for management of chronic pain and opioid use disorders.
2021
Abstract Background Opioids have been prescribed to reduce suffering from pain and to enhance quality of life. Due to the addictive potential and the lack of other effective alternatives to treat severe acute and chronic pains, opioids remain a serious public health issue. While, opioids directly influence the drug-seeking behavior, tolerance and withdrawal processes, through neuroadaptation, the brain's endogenous opioid system also adapts in the presence of chronic pain and could contribute to the difficulty of treatment. Despite the seemingly obvious interaction between the presence of pain and opioid-abuse, little is known about the underlying mechanisms in the brain. Purpose To review …