Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Gypsogenin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents

Natural compounds are important sources for the treatment of chronic disorders such as cancer and microbial infectious disorders. In this research, Gypsogenin and its derivatives (2a-2f) have been tested against different cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, Jurkat and K562 cell lines) and further analyzed for cell proliferation, cell death type, and for act of the mechanism. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT method and cell death types were analyzed with HO/PI staining. Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1), Interleukin 1 (IL-1), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), key players in breast cancer development and progression, were determined by Elisa kits. Results showed that compound 2e inhibited the MCF-7 cell line proliferation with an IC50 value of 0.66±0.17 µM with 93.38% apoptosis rate. Compound 2e also decreased FGF-1, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Molecular docking studies performed in the binding site of FGFR-1 indicated that compound 2e formed key hydrogen bonding with Arg627 and Asn568. Besides, compounds 2a-2f were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans via the microdilution method. Overall, compound 2e stands out as a potential anticancer agent for future studies.

Design, semi-synthesis and examination of new gypsogenin derivatives against leukemia via Abl tyrosine kinase inhibition and apoptosis induction

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is characterized by Philadelphia translocation arising from Bcr-Abl fusion gene, which encodes abnormal oncoprotein showing tyrosine kinase (TK) function. Certain mutations in kinase domain, off-target effects and resistance problems of current TK inhibitors require the discovery of novel Abl TK inhibitors. For this purpose, herein, we synthesized new gypsogenin derivatives (6a-l) and evaluated their anticancer effects towards CML cells along with healthy cell line and different leukemic cells. Among these compounds, compound 6l was found as the most active anti-leukemic agent against K562 CML cells compared to imatinib exerting less cytotoxicity towards PBMCs (healthy). This compound also revealed significant anti-leukemic effects against Jurkat cell line. Besides, compound 6l enhanced apoptosis in CML cells with 52.4 % when compared with imatinib (61.8 %) and inhibited Abl TK significantly with an IC₅₀ value of 13.04 ± 2.48 μM in a large panel of kinases accentuating Abl TK-mediated apoptosis of compound 6l in CML cells. Molecular docking outcomes showed that compound 6l formed mainly crucial interactions in the ATP-binding cleft of Abl TK similar to that of imatinib. Ultimately, in silico pharmacokinetic evaluation of compound 6l indicated that this compound was endowed with anti-leukemic drug candidate features.

Triterpene Saponins from Knautia integrifolia var. bidens

Two new triterpene saponins (1 and 2), named bidenosides A and B, were isolated from the roots of Knautia integrifolia var. bidens. The structures were identified as 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-28- O-[β -D-allopyranosyl-(1→6)-β -D-glucopyranosyl]-pomolic acid, and 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl- 28-O-[β -D-allopyranosyl-(1→6)-β -D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.