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Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Medicinal Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 38380

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
Interests: conformationally constrained peptidomimetics; neglected diseases; target-based identification of anti-cancer agents; hyaluronic acid-based bioconjugates; study of metal complexes in biological systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The incidence of malignancies has dramatically risen in recent years. According to the most recent report of the World Health Organization, cancer is currently the second leading cause of death worldwide, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Therefore, the identification of new anticancer targets and the improvement of new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This Special Issue aims to disclose the most recent advances in the design and synthesis of target-based anticancer agents as well as information on new approaches and methods for the improvement of the pharmacological profile of the drugs currently available in the market.

Prof. Nicola Micale
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Peptidomimetics
  • Neglected Diseases
  • Anti-cancer Agents
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Metal Complexes

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3420 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Tryptophan-Based Copper Complex with Auxiliary β-Carboline Spectacle Potential on Human Breast Cancer Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
by Walaa Alharbi, Iftekhar Hassan, Rais Ahmad Khan, Shazia Parveen, Khadijah H. Alharbi, Ibtisam I. Bin Sharfan, Ibrahim M. Alhazza, Hossam Ebaid and Ali Alsalme
Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061606 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
Biocompatible tryptophan-derived copper (1) and zinc (2) complexes with norharmane (β-carboline) were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the potential anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro cytotoxicity of both complexes 1 and 2 were assessed [...] Read more.
Biocompatible tryptophan-derived copper (1) and zinc (2) complexes with norharmane (β-carboline) were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the potential anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro cytotoxicity of both complexes 1 and 2 were assessed against two cancerous cells: (human breast cancer) MCF7 and (liver hepatocellular cancer) HepG2 cells with a non-tumorigenic: (human embryonic kidney) HEK293 cells. The results exhibited a potentially decent selectivity of 1 against MCF7 cells with an IC50 value of 7.8 ± 0.4 μM compared to 2 (less active, IC50 ~ 20 μM). Furthermore, we analyzed the level of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and visualized ROS generation to get an insight into the mechanistic pathway and witnessed oxidative stress. These in vitro results were ascertained by in vivo experiments, which also supported the free radical-mediated oxidative stress. The comet assay confirmed the oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage. The histopathology of the liver also ascertained the low toxicity of 1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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16 pages, 3016 KiB  
Article
Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Phyto-Fabricated from the Obscure Morning Glory Plant Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl
by Mahadevamurthy Murali, Satish Anandan, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Mohammad A. Alzohairy, Mohammad N. Alomary, Sarah Mousa Maadi Asiri, Ahmad Almatroudi, M. C. Thriveni, Sudarshana Brijesh Singh, Hittanahallikoppal Gajendramurthy Gowtham, Mohammed Aiyaz, Chandrashekar Srinivasa, Asna Urooj and Kestur Nagaraj Amruthesh
Molecules 2021, 26(4), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040891 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3543
Abstract
The study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and cytotoxic potentialities of phyto-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. aqueous leaf extract. The UV-visible spectral analysis of the ZnO-NPs showed an absorption peak at 304 nm with a [...] Read more.
The study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and cytotoxic potentialities of phyto-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. aqueous leaf extract. The UV-visible spectral analysis of the ZnO-NPs showed an absorption peak at 304 nm with a bandgap energy of 3.54 eV, which are characteristics of zinc nanoparticles. Moreover, the particles were of nano-size (~24.26 nm) with 88.11% purity and were agglomerated as observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs offered radical scavenging activity (RSA) in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.45 mg mL−1. In addition, the genotoxicity studies of ZnO-NPs carried out on onion root tips revealed that the particles were able to significantly inhibit the cell division at the mitotic stage with a mitotic index of 39.49%. Further, the cytotoxic studies on HT-29 cells showed that the phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs could arrest the cell division as early as in the G0/G1 phase (with 92.14%) with 73.14% cells showing early apoptotic symptoms after 24 h of incubation. The results of the study affirm the ability of phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs from aqueous leaf extract of I. obscura is beneficial in the cytotoxic application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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12 pages, 2983 KiB  
Article
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Tumor Resistance Reversal Activity Evaluation of Matrine Derivative with Thiophene Structure
by Jinrui Wei, Yuehui Liang and Lichuan Wu
Molecules 2021, 26(2), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26020417 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) frequently occurs in Southern China. The main treatments of NPC are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, chemo-resistance arises as a big obstacle in treating NPC. Therefore, there is a great need to develop new compounds that could reverse tumor drug resistance. [...] Read more.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) frequently occurs in Southern China. The main treatments of NPC are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, chemo-resistance arises as a big obstacle in treating NPC. Therefore, there is a great need to develop new compounds that could reverse tumor drug resistance. In this study, eight matrine derivatives containing thiophene group were designed and synthesized. Structures of these 8 compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS). The cytotoxicity and preliminary synergistic effects of these 8 compounds were detected against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and cisplatin-resistant NPC cells (CNE2/CDDP), respectively. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro tumor resistance reversal effects of compound 3f were evaluated. Moreover, docking studies were performed in Bclw (2Y6W). The results displayed that compound 3f showed synergistic inhibitory effects with cisplatin against CNE2/CDDP cells proliferation via apoptosis induction. Docking results revealed that compound 3f may exert its effects via inhibiting anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-w. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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16 pages, 4109 KiB  
Article
Design Strategy for the EPR Tumor-Targeting of 1,2-Bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines
by Philip G. Penketh, Hugh S Williamson, Raymond P. Baumann and Krishnamurthy Shyam
Molecules 2021, 26(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26020259 - 06 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1793
Abstract
A design strategy for macromolecular prodrugs is described, that are expected to exhibit robust activity against most solid tumor types while resulting in minimal toxicities to normal tissues. This approach exploits the enhanced permeability, and retention (EPR) effect, and utilizes carefully engineered rate [...] Read more.
A design strategy for macromolecular prodrugs is described, that are expected to exhibit robust activity against most solid tumor types while resulting in minimal toxicities to normal tissues. This approach exploits the enhanced permeability, and retention (EPR) effect, and utilizes carefully engineered rate constants to selectively target tumor tissue with short-lived cytotoxic moieties. EPR based tumor accumulation (half-life ~ 15 h) is dependent upon the ubiquitous abnormal solid tumor capillary morphology and is expected to be independent of individual tumor cell genetic variability that leads to resistance to molecularly targeted agents. The macromolecular sulfonylhydrazine-based prodrugs hydrolyze spontaneously with long half-life values (~10 h to >300 h dependent upon their structure) resulting in the majority of the 1,2-bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines (BSHs) cytotoxic warhead being released only after tumor sequestration. The very short half-life (seconds) of the finally liberated BSHs localizes the cytotoxic stress to the tumor target site by allowing insufficient time for escape. Thus, short lifespan anticancer species are liberated, and exhibit their activity largely within the tumor target. The abnormal tumor cell membrane pH gradients favor the uptake of BSHs compared to that of normal cells, further enhancing their selectivity. The reliance on physicochemical/chemical kinetic parameters and the EPR effect is expected to reduce response variability, and the acquisition of resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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14 pages, 3928 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Bicalutamide Analogues for the Potential Treatment of Prostate Cancer
by Sahar B. Kandil, Christopher McGuigan and Andrew D. Westwell
Molecules 2021, 26(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010056 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2903
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a pivotal target for the treatment of prostate cancer (PC) even when the disease progresses toward androgen-independent or castration-resistant forms. In this study, a series of 15 bicalutamide analogues (sulfide, deshydroxy, sulfone, and O-acetylated) were prepared and [...] Read more.
The androgen receptor (AR) is a pivotal target for the treatment of prostate cancer (PC) even when the disease progresses toward androgen-independent or castration-resistant forms. In this study, a series of 15 bicalutamide analogues (sulfide, deshydroxy, sulfone, and O-acetylated) were prepared and their antiproliferative activity evaluated against four different human prostate cancer cell lines (22Rv1, DU-145, LNCaP, and VCap). Bicalutamide and enzalutamide were used as positive controls. Seven of these compounds displayed remarkable enhancement in anticancer activity across the four PC cell lines. The deshydroxy analogue (16) was the most active compound with IC50 = 6.59–10.86 µM. Molecular modeling offers a plausible explanation of the higher activity of the sulfide analogues compared to their sulfone counterparts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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21 pages, 11143 KiB  
Article
Crotalaria verrucosa Leaf Extract Mediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Assessment of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity
by Siva Sankar Sana, Divya Vishambhar Kumbhakar, Akbar Pasha, Smita C. Pawar, Andrews Nirmala Grace, Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Van-Huy Nguyen, Quyet Van Le and Wanxi Peng
Molecules 2020, 25(21), 4896; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25214896 - 23 Oct 2020
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5028
Abstract
In this work, we present an ecofriendly, non-hazardous, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by leaf extract of Crotalaria verrucosa (C. verrucosa). Total phenolic content, total flavonoid and total protein contents of C. verrucosa were determined. Further, synthesized ZnO [...] Read more.
In this work, we present an ecofriendly, non-hazardous, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by leaf extract of Crotalaria verrucosa (C. verrucosa). Total phenolic content, total flavonoid and total protein contents of C. verrucosa were determined. Further, synthesized ZnO NPs was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) Spectra, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. UV-vis shows peak at 375 nm which is unique to ZnO NPs. XRD analysis demonstrates the hexagonal phase structures of ZnO NPs. FTIR spectra demonstrates the molecules and bondings associated with the synthesized ZnO NPs and assures the role of phytochemical compounds of C. verrucosa in reduction and capping of ZnO NPs. TEM image exhibits that the prepared ZnO NPs is hexagonal shaped and in size ranged between 16 to 38 nm which is confirmed by DLS. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to determine the thermal stability of biosynthesized nanoparticles during calcination. The prepared ZnO NPs showed significant antibacterial potentiality against Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli) pathogenic bacteria and SEM image shows the generalized mechanism of action in bacterial cell after NPs internalization. In addition, NPs are also found to be effective against the studied cancer cell lines for which cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay and results demonstrate highest growth of inhibition at the concentration of 100 µg/mL with IC50 value at 7.07 µg/mL for HeLa and 6.30 µg/mL for DU145 cell lines, in contrast to positive control (C. verrucosa leaf extract) with IC50 of 22.30 µg/mL on HeLa cells and 15.72 µg/mL on DU145 cells. Also, DAPI staining was performed in order to determine the effect on nuclear material due to ZnO NPs treatment in the studied cell lines taking leaf extract as positive control and untreated negative control for comparison. Cell migration assay was evaluated to determine the direct influence of NPs on metastasis that is potential suppression capacity of NPs to tumor cell migration. Outcome of the synthesized ZnO NPs using C. verrucosa shows antimicrobial activity against studied microbes, also cytotoxicity, apoptotic mediated DNA damage and antiproliferative potentiality in the studied carcinoma cells and hence, can be further used in biomedical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries as an effective antimicrobial and anti-cancerous agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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9 pages, 539 KiB  
Article
Antiproliferative Properties of a Few Auranofin-Related Gold(I) and Silver(I) Complexes in Leukemia Cells and their Interferences with the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
by Damiano Cirri, Tanja Schirmeister, Ean-Jeong Seo, Thomas Efferth, Lara Massai, Luigi Messori and Nicola Micale
Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4454; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194454 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1943
Abstract
A group of triethylphosphine gold(I) and silver(I) complexes, structurally related to auranofin, were prepared and investigated as potential anticancer drug candidates. The antiproliferative properties of these metal compounds were assessed against two leukemia cell lines, i.e., CCRF-CEM and its multidrug-resistant counterpart, CEM/ADR5000. Interestingly, [...] Read more.
A group of triethylphosphine gold(I) and silver(I) complexes, structurally related to auranofin, were prepared and investigated as potential anticancer drug candidates. The antiproliferative properties of these metal compounds were assessed against two leukemia cell lines, i.e., CCRF-CEM and its multidrug-resistant counterpart, CEM/ADR5000. Interestingly, potent cytotoxic effects were disclosed for both series of compounds against leukemia cells, with IC50 values generally falling in the low-micromolar range, the gold derivatives being on the whole more effective than the silver analogues. Some initial structure-function relationships were drawn. Subsequently, the ability of the study compounds to inhibit the three main catalytic activities of the proteasome was investigated. Different patterns of enzyme inhibition emerged for the various metal complexes. Notably, gold compounds were able to inhibit effectively both the trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like proteasome activities, being less effective toward the caspase-like catalytic activity. In most cases, a significant selectivity of the study compounds toward the proteasome proteolytic activities was detected when compared to other proteases. The implications of the obtained results are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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18 pages, 3028 KiB  
Article
Design, Synthesis of Novel Tetrandrine-14-l-Amino Acid and Tetrandrine-14-l-Amino Acid-Urea Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents
by Sheng-Cao Hu, Jin Yang, Chao Chen, Jun-Rong Song and Wei-Dong Pan
Molecules 2020, 25(7), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071738 - 09 Apr 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2883
Abstract
Tetrandrine, a dibenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, a member of the Menispermaceae, showed anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, preventing cell cycle progress and induction of cell death and autophagy. In this [...] Read more.
Tetrandrine, a dibenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, a member of the Menispermaceae, showed anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, preventing cell cycle progress and induction of cell death and autophagy. In this study, twelve tetrandrine-l-amino acid derivatives and twelve tetrandrine-14-l-amino acid-urea derivatives were designed and synthesized, using C14-aminotetrandrine as raw material. Then the preliminary in vitro anti-cancer activities of these derivatives against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, human leukemia cell lines HEL and K562 were evaluated. The in vitro cytotoxicity results showed that these derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth, and the primary structure-activity relationships were evaluated. Notably, compound 3f exhibited satisfactory anticancer activity against all three cancer cell lines, especially the HEL cell line, with the IC50 value of 0.23 µM. Further research showed that 3f could induce G1/S cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose- and time- dependent manner on the leukemia cell line HEL. The results suggested that 3f may be used as a potential anti-cancer agent for human leukemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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Review

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27 pages, 2849 KiB  
Review
Overview of New Treatments with Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer and a Proposal of a Combination Therapy
by Miguel Angel Galván Morales, Raúl Barrera Rodríguez, Julio Raúl Santiago Cruz and Luis M. Teran
Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5686; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235686 - 02 Dec 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4627
Abstract
According to data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2018. More than 60% of the new annual cases in the world [...] Read more.
According to data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2018. More than 60% of the new annual cases in the world occur in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America, with 70% of cancer deaths in these regions. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with 266,120 new cases in American women and an estimated 40,920 deaths for 2018. Approximately one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer will die in the coming years. Recently, novel therapeutic strategies have been implemented in the fight against breast cancer, including molecules able to block signaling pathways, an inhibitor of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase (PARP), growth receptor blocker antibodies, or those that reactivate the immune system by inhibiting the activities of inhibitory receptors like cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death protein 1 (PD-1). However, novel targets include reactivating the Th1 immune response, changing tumor microenvironment, and co-activation of other components of the immune response such as natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells among others. In this article, we review advances in the treatment of breast cancer focused essentially on immunomodulatory drugs in targeted cancer therapy. Based on this knowledge, we formulate a proposal for the implementation of combined therapy using an extracorporeal immune response reactivation model and cytokines plus modulating antibodies for co-activation of the Th1- and natural killer cell (NK)-dependent immune response, either in situ or through autologous cell therapy. The implementation of “combination immunotherapy” is new hope in breast cancer treatment. Therefore, we consider the coordinated activation of each cell of the immune response that would probably produce better outcomes. Although more research is required, the results recently achieved by combination therapy suggest that for most, if not all, cancer patients, this tailored therapy may become a realistic approach in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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14 pages, 1497 KiB  
Review
Chemistry of Fluorinated Pyrimidines in the Era of Personalized Medicine
by William H. Gmeiner
Molecules 2020, 25(15), 3438; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153438 - 29 Jul 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5024
Abstract
We review developments in fluorine chemistry contributing to the more precise use of fluorinated pyrimidines (FPs) to treat cancer. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the most widely used FP and is used to treat > 2 million cancer patients each year. We review methods for [...] Read more.
We review developments in fluorine chemistry contributing to the more precise use of fluorinated pyrimidines (FPs) to treat cancer. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the most widely used FP and is used to treat > 2 million cancer patients each year. We review methods for 5-FU synthesis, including the incorporation of radioactive and stable isotopes to study 5-FU metabolism and biodistribution. We also review methods for preparing RNA and DNA substituted with FPs for biophysical and mechanistic studies. New insights into how FPs perturb nucleic acid structure and dynamics has resulted from both computational and experimental studies, and we summarize recent results. Beyond the well-established role for inhibiting thymidylate synthase (TS) by the 5-FU metabolite 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-O-monophosphate (FdUMP), recent studies have implicated new roles for RNA modifying enzymes that are inhibited by 5-FU substitution including tRNA methyltransferase 2 homolog A (TRMT2A) and pseudouridylate synthase in 5-FU cytotoxicity. Furthermore, enzymes not previously implicated in FP activity, including DNA topoisomerase 1 (Top1), were established as mediating FP anti-tumor activity. We review recent literature summarizing the mechanisms by which 5-FU inhibits RNA- and DNA-modifying enzymes and describe the use of polymeric FPs that may enable the more precise use of FPs for cancer treatment in the era of personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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23 pages, 1884 KiB  
Review
Isofraxidin: Synthesis, Biosynthesis, Isolation, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacological Properties
by Mohammad Bagher Majnooni, Sajad Fakhri, Yalda Shokoohinia, Mahdi Mojarrab, Sara Kazemi-Afrakoti and Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
Molecules 2020, 25(9), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092040 - 27 Apr 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5441
Abstract
Isofraxidin (7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxy coumarin) (IF) is a hydroxy coumarin with several biological and pharmacological activities. The plant kingdom is of the most prominent sources of IF, which, among them, Eleutherococcus and Fraxinus are the well-known genera in which IF could be isolated/extracted from [...] Read more.
Isofraxidin (7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxy coumarin) (IF) is a hydroxy coumarin with several biological and pharmacological activities. The plant kingdom is of the most prominent sources of IF, which, among them, Eleutherococcus and Fraxinus are the well-known genera in which IF could be isolated/extracted from their species. Considering the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind some diseases (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart diseases), introducing IF as a potent multi-target agent, which possesses several herbal sources and the multiple methods for isolation/purification/synthesis, along with the unique pharmacokinetic profile and low levels of side effects, could be of great importance. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was done without time limitations until February 2020. IF extraction methods include microwave, mechanochemical, and ultrasound, along with other conventional methods in the presence of semi-polar solvents such as ethyl acetate (EtOAc). In addition to the isolation methods, related synthesis protocols of IF is also of great importance. From the synthesis point of view, benzaldehyde derivatives are widely used as precursors for IF synthesis. Along with the methods of isolation and biosynthesis, IF pharmacokinetic studies showed hopeful in vivo results of its rapid absorption after oral uses, leading to different pharmacological effects. In this regard, IF targets varieties of inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). thereby indicating anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. This is the first review on the synthesis, biosynthesis, isolation, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of IF in combating different diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Applications of New Anti-Cancer Agents)
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