Hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic activity of some novel morpholine derivatives with antioxidant activity

Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Activities of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives

Oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia are important factors for the initiation and progression of various cell degenerative pathological conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases. A series of cinnamic acid-derived acids, such as ferulic acid, sinapic acid, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and (E)-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid, were esterified or amidated with various moieties, bearing different biological activities, and evaluated. The antioxidant and radical scavenging abilities of the compounds via inhibition of rat hepatic microsomal membrane lipid peroxidation, as well as their interaction with the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), were assessed. Further, their hypolipidemic activity in vivo was tested. The majority of the obtained compounds demonstrated considerable radical scavenging and antioxidant action, with a parallel decrease in Triton-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The (E)-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid derivative with morpholine and 4-methylpiperidine (compounds 4 and 13, respectively) significantly decreased triglycerides and total cholesterol in the plasma of hyperlipidemic rats, with an antioxidant capacity similar to that of the antioxidant Trolox. The compounds were designed to exhibit antioxidant and hypolipidemic pharmacological actions, and this succeeded for the majority of them. Thus, such agents may be of interest in conditions and diseases implicating oxidative stress and dyslipidemia.

In vitro and in silico assessment of new beta amino ketones with antiplasmodial activity

BACKGROUND

Based on the current need for new drugs against malaria, our study evaluated eight beta amino ketones in silico and in vitro for potential antimalarial activity.

METHODS

Using the Brazilian Malaria Molecular Targets (BraMMT) and OCTOPUS® software programs, the pattern of interactions of beta-amino ketones was described against different proteins of P. falciparum and screened to evaluate their physicochemical properties. The in vitro antiplasmodial activities of the compounds were evaluated using a SYBR Green-based assay. In parallel, in vitro cytotoxic data were obtained using the MTT assay.

RESULTS

Among the eight compounds, compound 1 was the most active and selective against P. falciparum (IC50 = 0.98 µM; SI > 60). Six targets were identified in BraMMT that interact with compounds exhibiting a stronger binding energy than the crystallographic ligand: P. falciparum triophosphate phosphoglycolate complex (1LYX), P. falciparum reductase (2OK8), PfPK7 (2PML), P. falciparum glutaredoxin (4N0Z), PfATP6, and PfHT.

CONCLUSIONS

The physicochemical properties of compound 1 were compatible with the set of criteria established by the Lipinski rule and demonstrated its potential as a drug prototype for antiplasmodial activity.

Design of Multifaceted Antioxidants: Shifting towards Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperlipidemic Activity

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two conditions that coexist in many multifactorial diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration. Thus, the design of multifunctional compounds that can concurrently tackle two or more therapeutic targets is an appealing approach. In this study, the basic NSAID structure was fused with the antioxidant moieties 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (BHB), its reduced alcohol 3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (BHBA), or 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), a hydrophilic analogue of α-tocopherol. Machine learning algorithms were utilized to validate the potential dual effect (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) of the designed analogues. Derivatives 1–17 were synthesized by known esterification methods, with good to excellent yields, and were pharmacologically evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, whereas selected compounds were also tested in an in vivo hyperlipidemia protocol. Furthermore, the activity/binding affinity of the new compounds for lipoxygenase-3 (LOX-3) was studied not only in vitro but also via molecular docking simulations. Experimental results demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the new fused molecules were increased compared to the parent molecules, while molecular docking simulations validated the improved activity and revealed the binding mode of the most potent inhibitors. The purpose of their design was justified by providing a potentially safer and more efficient therapeutic approach for multifactorial diseases.

Discovery of 4-benzyloxy and 4-(2-phenylethoxy) chalcone fibrate hybrids as novel PPARα agonists with anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities: Design, synthesis and in vitro/in vivo biological evaluation

In the current work, a series of novel 4-benzyloxy and 4-(2-phenylethoxy) chalcone fibrate hybrids (10a-o) and (11a-e) were synthesized and evaluated as new PPARα agonists in order to find new agents with higher activity and fewer side effects. The 2-propanoic acid derivative 10a and the 2-butanoic acid congener 10i showed the best overall PPARα agonistic activity showing E_max% values of 50.80 and 90.55%, respectively, and EC₅₀ values of 8.9 and 25.0 μM, respectively, compared to fenofibric acid with E_max = 100% and EC₅₀ = 23.22 μM, respectively. These two compounds also stimulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A gene transcription in HepG2 cells and PPARα protein expression. Molecular docking simulations were performed for the newly synthesized compounds to study their predicted binding pattern and energies in PPARα active site to rationalize their promising activity. In vivo, compounds 10a and 10i elicited a significant hypolipidemic activity improving the lipid profile in triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats, including serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and VLDL levels. Compound 10i possessed better anti-hyperlipidemic activity than 10a. At a dose of 200 mg/kg, it demonstrated significantly lower TC, TG, LDL and VLDL levels than that of fenofibrate at the same dose with similar HDL levels. Compounds 10i and 10a possessed atherogenic indices (CRR, AC, AI, CRI-II) like that of fenofibrate. Additionally, a promising antioxidant activity indicated by the increased tissue reduced glutathione and plasma total antioxidant capacity with decreased plasma malondialdehyde levels was demonstrated by compounds 10a and 10i. No histopathological alterations were recorded in the hepatic tissue of compound 10i (200 mg/kg).

Synthesis, docking and evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of novel morpholine capped β-lactam derivatives

This study reports the synthesis and biological investigation of three series of novel monocyclic β-lactam derivatives bearing a morpholine ring substituent on the nitrogen. The resulting β-lactam adducts were synthesized via Staudinger's [2 + 2]-ketene-imine cycloaddition reaction. New synthesized products were fully characterized by spectral data and elemental analyses, and then evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity toward human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cell line. The compounds 3e, 3h, 3k, 5c, 5f, 6c, 6d and 6f showed higher activity with anti-inflammatory ratio values of 38, 62, 51, 72, 51, 35, 55 and 99, respectively, in comparison to the reference compound dexamethasone having an anti-inflammatory ratio value of 32. Hence, these compounds can be considered as potent iNOS inhibitors. They also exhibited IC50 values of 0.48 ± 0.04 mM, 0.51 ± 0.01 mM, 0.22 ± 0.02 mM, 0.12 ± 0.00 mM, 0.25 ± 0.05 mM, 0.82 ± 0.07 mM, 0.44 ± 0.04 mM and 0.60 ± 0.04 mM, respectively, in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 < 0.01 mM) against HepG2 cells, biocompatibility and nontoxic behavior. In silico prediction of drug-likeness characteristic indicated that the compounds are compliant with the Lipinski and Veber rules. Molecular docking experiments showed a good correlation between the experimental activity and the calculated binding affinity to human inducible nitric oxide synthase, the enzymatic target for the anti-inflammatory response.

Morpholine As a Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry: An Update on Synthetic Strategies

Morpholine is a frequently used heterocycle in medicinal chemistry and a privileged structural component of bioactive molecules. This is mainly due to its contribution to a plethora of biological activities as well as to an improved pharmacokinetic profile of such bioactive molecules. The synthesis of morpholines is a subject of much study due to their biological and pharmacological importance, with the last such review being published in 2013. Here, an overview of the main approaches toward morpholine synthesis or functionalization is presented, emphasizing on novel work which has not been reviewed so far. This review is an update on synthetic strategies leading to easily accessible libraries of bioactives which are of interest for drug discovery projects.

Morpholine as a privileged structure: A review on the medicinal chemistry and pharmacological activity of morpholine containing bioactive molecules

Morpholine is a heterocycle featured in numerous approved and experimental drugs as well as bioactive molecules. It is often employed in the field of medicinal chemistry for its advantageous physicochemical, biological, and metabolic properties, as well as its facile synthetic routes. The morpholine ring is a versatile and readily accessible synthetic building block, it is easily introduced as an amine reagent or can be built according to a variety of available synthetic methodologies. This versatile scaffold, appropriately substituted, possesses a wide range of biological activities. There are many examples of molecular targets of morpholine bioactive in which the significant contribution of the morpholine moiety has been demonstrated; it is an integral component of the pharmacophore for certain enzyme active-site inhibitors whereas it bestows selective affinity for a wide range of receptors. A large body of in vivo studies has demonstrated morpholine's potential to not only increase potency but also provide compounds with desirable drug-like properties and improved pharamacokinetics. In this review we describe the medicinal chemistry/pharmacological activity of morpholine derivatives on various therapeutically related molecular targets, attempting to highlight the importance of the morpholine ring in drug design and development as well as to justify its classification as a privileged structure.

Optimizing the Pharmacological Profile of New Bifunctional Antihyperlipidemic/Antioxidant Morpholine Derivatives

Among the causal risk factors directly promoting the development of coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis are reactive oxygen species and elevated low-density lipoprotein plasma levels. We hereby designed new potent squalene synthase (SQS) inhibitors that may simultaneously tackle the oxidative stress induced by lipid peroxidation. Using previously developed morpholine derivatives as a starting point, we conducted extensive structural changes by either substituting or modifying the morpholine ring, aiming at an optimal SQS-antioxidant pharmacological profile. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 emerged as the most potent bifunctional analogues, displaying IC₅₀ values for SQS inhibition of 0.014, 0.16, and 0.51 μΜ, respectively, and further significantly decreasing lipid peroxidation of hepatic microsomal membranes. The aforementioned activities were also confirmed in vivo since the most promising derivative 2 exhibited a remarkable antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effect. In conclusion, rational drug design accompanied by structure-activity relationship studies led to compounds combining improved antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity that may serve as multifunctional agents against atherosclerosis.

A One-Pot Biginelli Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Dihydropyrimidinone Derivatives Containing Piperazine/Morpholine Moiety

Enaminones, 4-methyl-1-[4-(piperazin/morpholin-1-yl) phenyl] pent-2-en-1-one (IIa⁻b) were synthesized by refluxing 1-[4-(piperazin/morpholin-1-yl) phenyl] ethan-1-one (Ia⁻b) with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMF⁻DMA) without any solvent. The three dimensional structure of enaminone (IIb) containing morpholine moiety was confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Finally, the dihydropyrimidinone derivatives (1⁻20) were obtained by reacting enaminones (IIa⁻b) with urea and different substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of glacial acetic acid. Dihydropyrimidinone derivatives containing piperazine/morpholine moiety were synthesized in a good yield by means of simple and efficient method.

Antihyperlipidemic morpholine derivatives with antioxidant activity: An investigation of the aromatic substitution

Drugs affecting more than one target could result in a more efficient treatment of multifactorial diseases as well as fewer safety concerns, compared to a one-drug one-target approach. Within our continued efforts towards the design of multifunctional molecules against atherosclerosis, we hereby report the synthesis of 17 new morpholine derivatives which structurally vary in terms of the aromatic substitution on the morpholine ring. These derivatives simultaneously suppress cholesterol biosynthesis through SQS inhibition (IC50 values of the most active compounds are between 0.7 and 5.5 μM) while exhibiting a significant protection of hepatic microsomal membranes against lipid peroxidation (with IC50 values for the most active compounds being between 73 and 200 μM). Further evaluation of these compounds was accomplished in vivo in an animal model of acute experimental hyperlipidemia, where it was observed that compounds reduced the examined lipidemic parameters (TC, TG and LDL) by 15-80%. In order to examine the mode of binding of these molecules in the active catalytic site of SQS, we also performed docking simulation studies. Our results indicate that some of the new compounds can be considered interesting structures in the search for new multifunctional agents of potential application in atherosclerosis.

Thiomorpholine Derivatives with Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activity

A number of thiomorpholine derivatives that are structurally similar to some substituted morpholines possessing antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activity were synthesized. The new compounds incorporate an antioxidant moiety as the thiomorpholine N-substituent. The derivatives were found to inhibit the ferrous/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation of microsomal membrane lipids, with IC50 values as low as 7.5 µΜ. In addition, these compounds demonstrate hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic action. The most active compound (5) decreases the triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels in the plasma of Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats, by 80, 78, and 76%, respectively, at 56 mmol/kg (i.p.). They may also act as squalene synthase inhibitors. The above results indicate that the new molecules may be useful as leads for the design of novel compounds as potentially antiatherogenic factors.

Amino acid chirons: a tool for asymmetric synthesis of heterocycles

As a result of their easy availability in enantiomerically enriched form and their possession of synthetically transformable diverse functional groups, amino acids have been extensively used by synthetic organic and medicinal chemists as a chiral pool for access to heterocycles (monocycles, bicycles or polycycles, either bridged or fused). This review describes the syntheses of diverse asymmetric heterocycles with various membered rings (n = 3-9) followed by benzo or heteroannulated ones, for the period from 1996 to Dec. 2013. It details solution phase synthetic methodologies in which the naturally occurring α-amino acid is incorporated, totally or partially, into the final product.

Human isoprenoid synthase enzymes as therapeutic targets

In the human body, the complex biochemical network known as the mevalonate pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of all isoprenoids, which consists of a vast array of metabolites that are vital for proper cellular functions. Two key isoprenoids, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) are responsible for the post-translational prenylation of small GTP-binding proteins, and serve as the biosynthetic precursors to numerous other biomolecules. The down-stream metabolite of FPP and GGPP is squalene, the precursor to steroids, bile acids, lipoproteins, and vitamin D. In the past, interest in prenyl synthase inhibitors focused mainly on the role of the FPP in lytic bone diseases. More recently pre-clinical and clinical studies have strongly implicated high levels of protein prenylation in a plethora of human diseases, including non-skeletal cancers, the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we focus mainly on the potential therapeutic value of down-regulating the biosynthesis of FPP, GGPP, and squalene. We summarize the most recent drug discovery efforts and the structural data available that support the current on-going studies.

1-[3-(Morpholin-4-yl)prop-yl]-4-(3-nitro-phen-yl)spiro-[azetidine-3,9'-xanthen]-2-one

The β-lactam (azetidin-2-one) ring of the title compound, C₂₈H₂₇N₃O₅, is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.010 (1) Å] and makes dihedral angles of 75.77 (5), 52.78 (9) and 88.72 (5)°, respectively, with the benzene ring, the least-squares plane formed by the four C atoms of the morpholine ring, which adopts a chair conformation, and the xanthene ring system. In the crystal, C—H⋯O hydrogen-bond contacts connect neighbouring mol­ecules into infinite zigzag chains running parallel to the b axis.

Efficacy of Different Fractions of Anethum graveolens Leaves on Serum Lipoproteins and Serum and Liver Oxidative Status in Experimentally Induced Hypercholesterolaemic Rat Models

Over the last few years, many studies have focused on plants with therapeutic properties. Anethum graveolens L. (Umbilliferae) is used as an anti-hypercholesterolaemic plant in Iranian folk medicine. This study was to disclose the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties of different fractions of the Anethum graveolens extract (AGE), evaluated in hypercholesterolaemic rats. The animals were divided into five groups, Group I served as healthy control; groups II to V were made hypercholesterolaemic by feeding high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks. After induction of hypercholesterolaemia, the rats in groups III to V received different fractions [diethyl ether (EEF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and water (WF) fractions, respectively] of the AGE at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight per day for 2 weeks. Feeding HFD increased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol significantly in Group II as compared to Group I. Treatments of rats with fractions EEF, EAF and WF caused a significant decrease in TC, TG and LDL-C levels by (53.8, 49.9 and 42.3%), (51.5, 38.45 and 30.5%) and (54.8, 51.4 and 41.8%), respectively, however the HDL-cholesterol level was increased. In an effort to gain some knowledge about the mechanism of action, the effects of different fractions on oxidative stress induced by HFD were also investigated. Treatment with different fractions of AGE significantly increased hepatic antioxidant system activities such as SOD, CAT and GSH, along with decreased lipid peroxidation in HFD treated rats. Among these fractions, EEF showed the highest and WF showed the lowest increase in the above mentioned factors. Based on these results, it can be concluded that different fractions of AGE especially EEF, besides its hypolipidaemic property, could protect the liver against the HFD-induced oxidative damage in rats.

Design of more potent squalene synthase inhibitors with multiple activities

With the increasing realization that modulating a multiplicity of targets can be an asset in the treatment of multifactorial disorders, we hereby report the synthesis and evaluation of the first compounds in which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as squalene synthase (SQS) inhibitory activities are combined by design, in a series of simple molecules, extending their potential range of activities against the multifactorial disease of atherosclerosis. The activity of the initially synthesized antihyperlipidemic morpholine derivatives (1-6), in which we combined several pharmacophore moieties, was evaluated in vitro (antioxidant, inhibition of SQS and lipoxygenase) and in vivo (anti-dyslipidemic and anti-inflammatory effect). We further compared the in vitro SQS inhibitory action of these derivatives with theoretically derived molecular interactions by performing an in silico docking study using the X-ray crystal structure of human SQS. Based on low energy preferred binding modes, we designed potentially more potent SQS ligands. We proceeded with synthesizing and evaluating these new structures (7-12) in vitro and in vivo, to show that the new derivatives were significantly more active than formerly developed congeners, both as SQS inhibitors (20-70-fold increase in activity) and antioxidants (4-30-fold increase in activity). A significant correlation between experimental activity [Log(1/IC(50))] and the corresponding binding free energy (ΔG(b)) of the docked compounds was shown. These results, taken together, show a promising alternative and novel approach for the design and development of multifunctional antiatherosclerosis agents.

Novel compounds designed as antistress agents

Agents against biologic stress were designed, containing GABA esterified with lorazepam and amidated with (R)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (5) or 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (6). Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited lipid peroxidation, IC(50) 1.1 and 24 microM. Oxidative damage accompanied stress, 5 and 6 reduced radical attack, uropepsinogen, and morphological changes. Stress increased drug metabolism. Treatment with 5 reduced cytochrome P450 and N-demethylation of erythromycin, 35 and 40%. Compounds 5 and 6 decreased lipidemic indices of hyperlipidemic rats 40-63%.

Stereoselective cyclopropanation of serine- and threonine-derived oxazines to access new morpholine-based scaffolds

A general strategy for the synthesis of novel, orthogonally protected scaffolds based on the unique 2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane structure is presented. The described reaction sequence takes advantage of easily available starting materials such as serine and threonine and leads to stereochemically dense structures in few, high-yielding synthetic steps. We show how the stereochemistry can be easily tuned by starting from different beta-hydroxy-alpha-amino acids and also by means of a transition metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation step. The compounds find application as constrained templates for the construction of geometrically diversified libraries of compounds.

EP2306 and EP2302, two novel squalene synthase inhibitors, stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in cultured endothelial cells

EP2306 and EP2302 are two novel squalene synthase inhibitors with hypolipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, and antioxidant properties. In the present study, the authors investigated their effect on the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in cultured bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells and calf pulmonary artery endothelial (CPAE) cells. eNOS concentration was determined by immunoassay and eNOS activity by measuring the conversion of [(3)H]arginine to [(3)H]citrulline. Basal levels of eNOS in untreated BAE cells were 13.3 +/-1.6 ng/mg protein. Stimulation for 4 h with 30 microM of EP2306 or EP2302 resulted in increased eNOS protein level to 40% +/- 10% (p<.05) or 165% +/- 15% (p < .05) of unstimulated levels, respectively. Basal levels of eNOS in untreated CPAE cells were 3.4 +/- 0.4 ng/mg protein. Stimulation of CPAE cells for 4 h with 30 microM of EP2306 or EP2302 resulted in increased eNOS protein level to 195% +/- 24% (p < .05) and 152% +/- 19% (p < .05) of unstimulated levels, respectively. Despite their stimulatory action on eNOS expression, EP2300 compounds failed to induce any significant changes on eNOS enzymatic activity in BAE and CPAE cells. The finding that EP2300 compounds significantly increase the accumulation of eNOS in cultured endothelial cells sheds some light into their mechanism of action and supports a possible protective role of these compounds in atherosclerosis-related diseases.

EP2306 [2-(4-Biphenyl)-4-methyl-octahydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ol, hydrobromide], A Novel Squalene Synthase Inhibitor, Reduces Atherosclerosis in the Cholesterol-Fed Rabbit

EP2306 [2-(4-biphenyl)-4-methyl-octahydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ol, hydrobromide] inhibits squalene synthase and lipid biosynthesis and possesses antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that EP2306 can effectively modify circulating lipids and reduce atherosclerosis in the cholesterol-fed rabbit. Animals were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks followed by 4 (phase 1 and 2) or 12 weeks (phase 3) of drug treatment while on high-cholesterol diet. In phase 1, the dose-effect relationship of EP2306 on lipids and atherosclerosis was established, and its most effective dose was determined (2 mg/kg). This dose reduced significantly total cholesterol (512 +/- 96 mg/dl before versus 320 +/- 124 mg/dl after treatment, p < 0.05) and atherosclerotic lesions compared with control animals. In phase 2, the effects of 2 mg/kg EP2306, 2.5 mg/kg simvastatin, and their combination were assessed. Although no significant effect on lipid parameters was observed, there was a significant reduction (35 +/- 5%, p < 0.05) of atherosclerotic lesions in animals treated with EP2306, a similar reduction with simvastatin, and a further reduction (48 +/- 7%, p < 0.05) when the two agents were combined. In animals treated for 12 weeks with the drugs (phase 3), only EP2306 significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions by more than 50%, whereas simvastatin alone or in combination with EP2306 had no effect. Treatment with EP2306 did not adversely affect liver transaminases or cause any histopathological changes on various organs of the animals. In conclusion, we have shown that EP2306 inhibits atherosclerosis in vivo, indicating potential as a novel therapeutic agent for coronary artery disease and other atherosclerosis-related disorders.

The biology and chemistry of hyperlipidemia

Coronary arterial diseases are responsible for more deaths than all other associated causes combined. Elevated serum cholesterol levels leading to atherosclerosis can cause coronary heart disease (CHD). Reduction in serum cholesterol levels reduces the risk for CHD, substantially. Medicinal chemists all around the world have been designing, synthesizing, and evaluating a variety of new bioactive molecules for lowering lipid levels. This review summarizes the disorders associated with elevation of lipids in blood and the current strategies to control them. The emphasis has been laid in particular on the new potential biological targets and the possible treatments as well as the current ongoing research status in the field of lipid lowering agents.

Asymmetric synthesis, crystal structure, and antidepressant activity of 2-aryl-3-alkyl-5-methyl-2-morpholinol hydrochlorides

2-Aryl-3-alkyl-5-methyl-2-morpholinols were synthesized from the reactions of chiral 2-aminopropan-1-ol with 2-bromo-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 2-bromo-1-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-one, 1-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-bromopropan-1-one, 2-bromo-1-(6-methoxy- naphthalen-2-yl)propan-1-one, and 1-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)pentan-1-one in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), respectively. The 2-aryl-3-alkyl-5-methyl-2-morpholinols were reacted with hydrogen chloride to give the hydrochloride salts with yields of 56%–77%. The structures of the products were proven by means of their 1H NMR, IR, and MS spectroscopic data. The stereochemical properties of representative products were established unambiguously by the X-ray single crystal analysis. The antidepressant activities of the title compounds were assayed by the mouse forced swimming test (FST). The FST results confirm the antidepressant properties of our products.Key words: morpholinol hydrochloride, hemiacetal, chiral synthesis, X-ray diffraction, absolute configuration, antidepressant activity.

Design and study of some novel ibuprofen derivatives with potential nootropic and neuroprotective properties

Six novel ibuprofen derivatives and related structures, incorporating a proline moiety and designed for neurodegenerative disorders, are studied. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and three of them inhibited lipoxygenase. One compound was found to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 production in spleenocytes from arthritic rats. The HS-containing compounds are potent antioxidants and one of them protected against glutathione loss after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. They demonstrated lipid-lowering ability and seem to acquire low gastrointestinal toxicity. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, found in two of these compounds, may be an asset to their actions.

New analogues of butylated hydroxytoluene as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents

Amine or amide derivatives bearing the 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol moiety are synthesised. Almost all are antioxidants, reduce acute inflammation and inhibit COX-1 and lipoxygenase activity. The most potent anti-inflammatory, COX-1 inhibitor and antioxidant agent, with low toxicity, is 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-thiomorpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenol.