Acid-Catalyzed 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of 2H-Azirines with Nitrones: An Unexpected Access to 1,2,4,5-Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles

The first 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2H-azirines with nitrones, a straightforward approach toward the regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles, is reported. This trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed protocol tolerates a broad range of aliphatic and aromatic substrates, offering an efficient access to highly diverse, multisubstituted imidazoles in isolated yields up to 83% under mild conditions.

Stereocontrolled synthesis of the four possible 3-methoxy and 3-benzyloxy-16-triazolyl-methyl-estra-17-ol hybrids and their antiproliferative activities

The four possible isomers of each of 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ols (5-8 and 9-12) were converted through 16-p-tosyloxymethyl- or 16-bromomethyl derivatives into their 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxy-16-azidomethylestra(1,3,5(10)-triene derivatives (13-16 and 17-20). The regioselective Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of these compounds with different terminal alkynes afforded novel 1,4-disubstituted diastereomers (21a-f, 22a-f, 23a-f, 24a-f and 25a-f, 26a-f, 27a-f, 28a-f). The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related triazoles were determined in vitro with the microculture tetrazolium assay on four malignant human cell lines of gynecological origin (Hela, SiHa, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231).

Stereoselective synthesis of new type of estradiol hybrid molecules and their antiproliferative activities

To prepare new type of estrane hybrid molecules, we chose 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxy-17β,16β-epoxymethylene-estra-1,3,5(10)-trienes as starting materials (2 and 5). These steroid oxetanes were transformed with ethylene glycol in the presence of BF₃.OEt₂ into 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxy-16β-(2'-oxa-4'-hydroxy)butyl-17β-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ols (3a and 6a). Iodination of the terminal hydroxy group afforded iodo derivatives 3b and 6b, which underwent one-pot 3-O-alkylation with unprotected ascorbic acid to yield 3c and 6c. The same process with salicylic acid led to 2-O-alkylated salicylic acid derivatives 3d and 6d. Iodo derivatives 3b and 6b underwent nucleophilic exchange reaction with NaN₃ furnishing the corresponding azido compounds 3e and 6e. These compounds were subjected to azide-alkyne CuAAC reactions with phenylacetylene and their p-substituted derivatives to form 1,4-substituted triazoles 3f-h and 6f-h. The reduction of 3e and 6e with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of Raney Ni provided the corresponding amino derivatives 3i and 6i. These compounds were reacted further with varied substituted benzoic acids to deliver terminal benzamido derivatives 3j-m and 6j-m. We determined the in vitro antiproliferative activities of compounds 2, 5, 3a-m and 6a-m by means of MTT assays on a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines A2780, MCF-7, MB-231 and SiHa.

Site-Selective Synthesis of 3,17-Diaryl-1,3,5,16-estratetraenes

A straightforward, site-selective arylation of the bis(triflate) of estrone by Suzuki–Miyaura reactions has been developed. Monoarylation occurs selectively at the D-ring with good to excellent yield. Such products were exemplarily employed for the synthesis of estrones containing two different aryl substituents.

Synthesis of substituted 15β-alkoxy estrone derivatives and their cofactor-dependent inhibitory effect on 17β-HSD1

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of 17β-estradiol. Novel estrone-based compounds bearing various 15β-oxa-linked substituents and hydroxy, methoxy, benzyloxy, and sulfamate groups in position C3 as potential 17β-HSD1 inhibitors have been synthesized. In addition, in vitro inhibitory potentials measured in the presence of excess amount of NADPH or NADH were investigated. We observed substantial inhibitory potentials for several derivatives (IC₅₀ < 1 µM) and increased binding affinities compared to unsubstituted core molecules. Binding and inhibition were found to be cofactor-dependent for some of the compounds and we propose structural explanations for this phenomenon. Our results may contribute to the development of new 17β-HSD1 inhibitors, potential drug candidates for antiestrogen therapy of hormone-dependent gynecological cancers.

Synthesis of Artemisinin-Estrogen Hybrids Highly Active against HCMV, P. falciparum, and Cervical and Breast Cancer

Artemisinin-estrogen hybrids were for the first time both synthesized and investigated for their in vitro biological activity against malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum 3D7), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and a panel of human malignant cells of gynecological origin containing breast (MCF7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361, T47D) and cervical tumor cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, C33A). In terms of antimalarial efficacy, hybrid 8 (EC50 = 3.8 nM) was about two times more active than its parent compound artesunic acid (7) (EC50 = 8.9 nM) as well as the standard drug chloroquine (EC50 = 9.8 nM) and was, therefore, comparable to the clinically used dihydroartemisinin (6) (EC50 = 2.4 nM). Furthermore, hybrids 9-12 showed a strong antiviral effect with EC50 values in the submicromolar range (0.22-0.38 μM) and thus possess profoundly stronger anti-HCMV activity (approximately factor 25) than the parent compound artesunic acid (7) (EC50 = 5.41 μM). These compounds also exerted a higher in vitro anti-HCMV efficacy than ganciclovir used as the standard of current antiviral treatment. In addition, hybrids 8-12 elicited substantially more pronounced growth inhibiting action on all cancer cell lines than their parent compounds and the reference drug cisplatin. The most potent agent, hybrid 12, exhibited submicromolar EC50 values (0.15-0.93 μM) against breast cancer and C33A cell lines.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2- and/or 4-halogenated 13β- and 13α-estrone derivatives as enzyme inhibitors of estrogen biosynthesis

Ring A halogenated 13α-, 13β-, and 17-deoxy-13α-estrone derivatives were synthesised with N-halosuccinimides as electrophile triggers. Substitutions occurred at positions C-2 and/or C-4. The potential inhibitory action of the halogenated estrones on human aromatase, steroid sulfatase, or 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Potent submicromolar or low micromolar inhibitors were identified with occasional dual or multiple inhibitory properties. Valuable structure–activity relationships were established from the comparison of the inhibitory data obtained. Kinetic experiments performed with selected compounds revealed competitive reversible inhibition mechanisms against 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and competitive irreversible manner in the inhibition of the steroid sulfatase enzyme.

Antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties of 3-benzyloxy-16-hydroxymethylene-estradiol analogs against breast cancer cell lines

Despite emerging new therapeutic opportunities, cancer is still a major health problem and a leading cause of death worldwide. Breast tumors are the most frequently diagnosed female malignancies, and the triple-negative subtype is associated with poorer prognosis and lower survival rates than other breast cancer types. The aims of the present study were to determine the anticancer potency of a set of C-3 and C-16 modified estradiol-derivatives against a panel of breast cancer cell lines, and to characterize the mechanism of action of two selected compounds (1 and 5) against the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Growth-inhibitory properties were investigated by an MTT-assay. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry has revealed G1 phase accumulation and indicated the proapoptotic effect of 1 and 5 through the elevation of the apoptotic subG1 phase on MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h treatment. The antimetastatic activities of these compounds were examined by wound healing and Boyden chamber assays, and both compounds were shown to significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells at sub-antiproliferative concentrations. Gelatin zymography assay has indicated that matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 are not involved in the antimetastatic action of the molecules. Western blot analysis was performed with 24 h incubation to examine the possible changes in the level of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and both compounds were found to inhibit the phosphorylation of FAK in a concentration-dependent manner in MDA-MB-231 cells. The results of this study demonstrate that C-3 and C-16 modified estradiol derivatives are potent antiproliferative and antimetastatic compounds against a triple-negative breast cancer cell line with a mechanism of action involving the inhibition of FAK, a novel anticancer therapeutic target. Therefore, these findings can be utilized in the development of promising anticancer agents with steroid skeleton.

Synthesis of novel 17-triazolyl-androst-5-en-3-ol epimers via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and their inhibitory effect on 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

The regioselective Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 17α- and 17β-azidoandrost-5-en-3β-ol epimers (3b and 5b) with different terminal alkynes afforded novel 1,4-substituted triazolyl derivatives (8a-k and 9a-k). For the preparation of 5'-iodo-1',2',3'-triazoles (8m-n and 9m-n), an improved method was developed, directly from steroidal azides and terminal alkynes, in reaction mediated by CuI and ICl as iodinating agents. Acetolysis and subsequent hydrolysis of 8n and 9n yielded 5'-hydroxy-1',2',3'-triazoles 8o and 9o. The inhibitory effect of 8a-o, 9a-o, 3, and 5 on rat testicular C_17,20-lyase was investigated by means of an in vitro radioincubation technique. The results revealed that the C-17 epimers of steroidal triazoles influence the C_17,20-lyase effect. Inhibitors were found only in the 17α-triazolyl series (8a-o), whereas in the C-17 azide pair the 17β compound (5b) was more potent.

Stereoselective synthesis of the four 16-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy- and 16-hydroxymethyl-3-benzyloxy-13α-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol isomers and their antiproliferative activities

The reduction of 16-hydroxymethylene-3-methoxy-13α-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (14) and 16-hydroxymethylene-3-benzyloxy-13α-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (16) yielded a mixture of two diastereomeric diols, the 16α-hydroxymethyl,17β-hydroxy and 16β-hydroxymethyl,17α-hydroxy isomers (17a-20a) in a ratio of 6:1. We describe a straightforward synthetic route to transform the isomers with trans functional groups attached to ring D (17a-20a) into isomers with cis functional groups (25a-28a). We determined the in vitro antiproliferative activities of compounds 17a-20a and 25a-28a by means of MTT assays against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines HeLa, A2780, MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361.

The first Pd-catalyzed Buchwald-Hartwig aminations at C-2 or C-4 in the estrone series

A facile Pd-catalyzed C(sp²)–N coupling to provide a range of 2- or 4-[(subst.)phenyl]amino-13α-estrone derivatives has been achieved under microwave irradiation. The reactions were mediated with the use of Pd(OAc)₂ as a catalyst and KOt-Bu as a base in the presence of X-Phos as a ligand. The desired products have been obtained in good to excellent yields. The nature and the position of the aniline substituent at the aromatic ring influenced the outcome of the couplings. 2-Amino-13α-estrone was also synthesized in a two-step protocol including an amination of 2-bromo-13α-estrone 3-benzyl ether with benzophenone imine and subsequent hydrogenolysis.

One-pot synthesis of diverseN,N′-disubstituted guanidines fromN-chlorophthalimide, isocyanides and aminesvia N-phthaloyl-guanidines

A sequential one-pot approach towardsN,N′-disubstituted guanidines fromN-chlorophthalimide, isocyanides and amines is reported.

Investigation of pH and substituent effects on the distribution ratio of novel steroidal ring D- and A-fused arylpyrazole regioisomers and evaluation of their cell-growth inhibitory effects in vitro

Novel androstanopyrazoles have been efficiently synthesized from steroidal β-ketoaldehydes with different arylhydrazine hydrochlorides both under acidic and basic conditions. Knorr-type transformations of 16-hydroxymethylene-dehydroepiandrosterone containing its 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety on ring D, proved to be regioselective in pyridine at room temperature, while mixtures of regioisomers were obtained in acidic EtOH under reflux. Contrarily, the cyclocondensation reactions of 2-hydroxymethylene-dihydrotestosterone bearing its reactive functionalities on ring A, led to a mixture of pyrazole regioisomers in varying ratio depending on the applied medium. The regioisomeric distribution was found to depend on the electronic character of the substituent of the phenylhydrazine applied. After separating the related isomers by column chromatography, they were subjected to in vitro pharmacological studies to investigate their antiproliferative activities against three human breast malignant cell lines (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231). Flow cytometry revealed that the most potent agents elicited a cell cycle disturbance on MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells.

Multicomponent access to androstano-arylpyrimidines under microwave conditions and evaluation of their anti-cancer activity in vitro

Novel ring D- and A-fused pyrimidines in the androstane series were efficiently synthesized within 10-15min in polar protic solvents under microwave irradiation via two kinds of multicomponent heterocyclization reactions followed by spontaneous or promoted oxidation. The rates of the one-pot catalyst-free transformations of steroidal β-ketoaldehydes, ammonium acetate and substituted benzaldehydes in EtOH were found to be affected slightly by the steric and electronic feature of the substituents on the aromatic ring of the arylaldehyde component and the different reactivities of rings D and A of the sterane core. At the same time, the acid-catalyzed Biginelli-type reaction of dihydrotestosterone acetate, urea and arylaldehydes, and subsequent Jones oxidation of the primarily formed dihydropyrimidinones led to the corresponding ring A-fused 1H-pyrimidin-2-ones in moderate yields independently of the substituents on the aromatic moiety. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro on human cancer cell lines as well as on non-cancerous fibroblast cells by the MTT assay in order to investigate their biological effects. As a result of the pharmacological screen, a remarkable structure-function relationship has been observed as the acetylated Biginelli products exhibited higher toxicity compared to the deacetylated version of each compound. Furthermore, in case of three 2'-arylpyrimidine derivatives a strong prostate cancer cell specific activity has been identified.

Palladium-Catalysed Sonogashira Reactions of 16-(Hydroxymethylidene)-3-methoxy-α-estrone

Sonogashira reactions of steroids have been studied. The reaction of α-estron-16-methylidenyloxy triflate with various alkynes afforded novel alkynylvinylidene steroids. The reactions proceeded in good to quantitative yields, with excellent E-selectivity and with a broad synthetic scope.

Synthesis of novel 13α-estrone derivatives by Sonogashira coupling as potential 17β-HSD1 inhibitors

Novel 13α-estrone derivatives were synthesized by Sonogashira coupling. Transformations of 2- or 4-iodo regioisomers of 13α-estrone and its 3-methyl ether were carried out under different conditions in a microwave reactor. The 2-iodo isomers were reacted with para-substituted phenylacetylenes using Pd(PPh₃)₄ as catalyst and CuI as a cocatalyst. Coupling reactions of 4-iodo derivatives could be achieved by changing the catalyst to Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂. The product phenethynyl derivatives were partially or fully saturated. Compounds bearing a phenolic OH group furnished benzofurans under the conditions used for the partial saturation. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on human placental 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 isozyme (17β-HSD1) were investigated by an in vitro radiosubstrate incubation method. Certain 3-hydroxy-2-phenethynyl or -phenethyl derivatives proved to be potent 17β-HSD1 inhibitors, displaying submicromolar IC₅₀ values.

Mechanism of antiproliferative action of a new d-secoestrone-triazole derivative in cervical cancer cells and its effect on cancer cell motility

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed tumor and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Cervical cancer is predominantly related with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, with the most oncogenic types being HPV-18 and -16. Our previous studies demonstrated that some d-secoestrone derivatives exert pronounced antiproliferative activity. The aim of the current investigation was to characterize the mechanism of action of d-secoestrone-triazole (D-SET) on three cervical cancer cell lines with different pathological backgrounds. The growth-inhibitory effects of D-SET were determined by a standard MTT assay. We have found that D-SET exerts a pronounced growth-inhibitory effect on HPV 18-positive HeLa and HPV-negative C-33 A cells, but it has no substantial inhibitory activity on HPV 16-positive SiHa or on intact fibroblast MRC-5 cell lines. After 24h incubation, cells showed the morphological and biochemical signs of apoptosis determined by fluorescent double staining, flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity assay. Besides the elevation of the ratio of cells in the subG1 phase, flow cytometric analysis revealed a cell cycle arrest at G2/M in both HeLa and C-33 A cell lines. To distinguish the G2/M cell population immunocytochemical flow cytometric analysis was performed on HeLa cells. The results show that D-SET significantly increases the ratio of phosphorylated histone H3, indicating cell accumulation in the M phase. Additionally, D-SET significantly increased the maximum rate of microtube formation measured by an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay. Besides its direct antiproliferative activity, the antimigratory property of D-SET has been investigated. Our results demonstrate that D-SET significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of HeLa cells after 24h incubation. These results suggests that D-SET is a potent antiproliferative agent against HPV 16+ and HPV-negative cervical cancer cell lines, with an efficacious motility-inhibiting activity against HPV 16+ cells. Accordingly D-SET can be regarded as a potential drug candidate with a promising new mechanism of action among the antiproliferative steroids, potentially allowing for the design of novel anticancer agents.

Synthesis, functionalization and biological activity of arylated derivatives of (+)-estrone

Various novel arylated estrone derivatives, such as 2-aryl-, 4-aryl- and 2,4-diaryl-estrones, by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. While the synthesis of 4-arylestrones could be carried out under standard conditions, the synthesis of 2-arylestrones and 2,4-diarylestrones required a thorough optimization of the conditions and it proved to be important to use sterically encumbered biaryl ligands. The best results were obtained by the use of RuPhos. Combination of developed Suzuki coupling reactions with subsequent cyclization reactions afforded more complex hybrid structures, containing dibenzofuran, benzocoumarin and steroid moieties. These derivatives were tested as pancreatic lipase inhibitors and it was found that most of the compounds exhibited inhibition of pancreatic lipase but the maximum inhibitory potential was shown by 4-arylestrones. All of the synthesized derivatives showed inhibitory values in the range of 0.82±0.01-59.7±3.12μM. The biological activity was also rationalized on the bases of docking studies.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Triazolyl 13α-Estrone-Nucleoside Bioconjugates

2′-Deoxynucleoside conjugates of 13α-estrone were synthesized by applying the copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide click reaction (CuAAC). For the introduction of the azido group the 5′-position of the nucleosides and a propargyl ether functional group on the 3-hydroxy group of 13α-estrone were chosen. The best yields were realized in our hands when the 3′-hydroxy groups of the nucleosides were protected by acetyl groups and the 5′-hydroxy groups were modified by the tosyl–azide exchange method. The commonly used conditions for click reaction between the protected-5′-azidonucleosides and the steroid alkyne was slightly modified by using 1.5 equivalent of Cu(I) catalyst. All the prepared conjugates were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7 and A2780) and the potential inhibitory activity of the new conjugates on human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17β-HSD1) was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Some protected conjugates displayed moderate antiproliferative properties against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (the protected cytidine conjugate proved to be the most potent with IC₅₀ value of 9 μM). The thymidine conjugate displayed considerable 17β-HSD1 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 19 μM).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 13α-estrone derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents

13α-Estrone derivatives containing various substituents on C-3 and C-17 were synthesized, and evaluated by means of MTT assays for in vitro antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, A2780 and A431). Compounds with N-benzyltriazolylmethoxy moieties on C-3 proved to be more potent than their 3-hydroxy or 3-ether counterparts. Some triazoles exerted substantial cytostatic effects against particular tumor cell lines, with submicromolar IC50 values.

Microwave-assisted stereoselective approach to novel steroidal ring D-fused 2-pyrazolines and an evaluation of their cell-growth inhibitory effects in vitro

Novel ring D-condensed 2-pyrazolines in the Δ(5)-androstene series were efficiently synthesized from 16-dehydropregnenolone or its acetate with different arylhydrazines or methylhydrazine, respectively, under microwave irradiation. The reactions are assumed to occur via hydrazone intermediates, followed by intramolecular 1,4-addition leading to the fused heteroring stereoselectively with a 16α,17α-cis ring junction. The synthesized compounds were subjected to in vitro pharmacological studies of their antiproliferative activities against four human breast (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361) and three cervical (HeLa, C33A and SiHA) malignant cell lines. Flow cytometry revealed that the most potent agent elicited a cell cycle disturbance.

Comparative investigation of the in vitro inhibitory potencies of 13-epimeric estrones and D-secoestrones towards 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

The inhibitory effects of 13-epimeric estrones, D-secooxime and D-secoalcohol estrone compounds on human placental 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 isozyme (17β-HSD1) were investigated. The transformation of estrone to 17β-estradiol was studied by an in vitro radiosubstrate incubation method. 13α-Estrone inhibited the enzyme activity effectively with an IC₅₀ value of 1.2 μM, which indicates that enzyme affinity is similar to that of the natural estrone substrate. The 13β derivatives and the compounds bearing a 3-hydroxy group generally exerted stronger inhibition than the 13α and 3-ether counterparts. The 3-hydroxy-13β-D-secoalcohol and the 3-hydroxy-13α-D-secooxime displayed an outstanding cofactor dependence, i.e. more efficient inhibition in the presence of NADH than NADPH. The 3-hydroxy-13β-D-secooxime has an IC₅₀ value of 0.070 μM and is one of the most effective 17β-HSD1 inhibitors reported to date in the literature.

Synthesis and in Vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation of C-13 Epimers of Triazolyl-d-Secoestrone Alcohols: The First Potent 13α-d-Secoestrone Derivative

The syntheses of C-13 epimeric 3-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-d-secoestrones are reported. Triazoles were prepared from 3-(prop-2-inyloxy)-d-secoalcohols and p-substituted benzyl azides via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The antiproliferative activities of the products and their precursors were determined in vitro against a panel of human adherent cervical (HeLa, SiHa and C33A), breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361 and T47D) and ovarian (A2780) cell lines by means of MTT assays. The orientation of the angular methyl group and the substitution pattern of the benzyl group of the azide greatly influenced the cell growth-inhibitory potential of the compounds. The 13β derivatives generally proved to be more potent than their 13α counterparts. Introduction of a benzyltriazolylmethyl group onto the 3-OH position seemed to be advantageous. One 13α compound containing an unsubstituted benzyltriazolyl function displayed outstanding antiproliferative activities against three cell lines.

Synthesis and phosphatase inhibitory activity of 3-alkynylestrones and their derivatives

A range of 3-alkynylated 3-deoxy-estrones were prepared by Sonogashira reactions and transformed into estrone derived diones and quinoxalines.

Stereocontrolled synthesis of the four 16-hydroxymethyl-19-nortestosterone isomers and their antiproliferative activities

Novel 16-hydroxymethyl-19-nortestosterone diastereomers were prepared by Birch reduction from the corresponding 3-methoxy-16-hydroxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol isomers with known configurations. The synthesized compounds are 16α- and 16β-hydroxymethyl-substituted 19-nortestosterone and their 17α-epimers. To prepare 17α-19-nortestosterone, the Mitsunobu inversion reaction of 19-nortestosterone with different alkyl and aryl carboxylic acids was chosen. Deacylation of the new compounds by the Zemplén method yielded the required 17α-19-nortestosterone. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related compounds were determined in vitro through microculture tetrazolium assays on a panel of human adherent cervical (HeLa, SiHa and C33A), breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361 and T47D) and ovarian (A2780) cell lines. The 17α epimer of 19-nortestosterone demonstrated considerable activity, selectively for HeLa cells, with a calculated IC50 of 0.65 μM. The reference compound, cisplatin, displayed an order of magnitude higher IC50 (12.4 μM). The cancer selectivity of 17α-19-nortestosterone was tested by MTT assay performed with noncancerous human fibroblast cell line MRC-5. The results indicated that 17α-19-nortestosterone selectively disturbs the viability of HeLa cells without greatly affecting other cancer cell types and intact fibroblasts.

Microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis of steroid–quinoline hybrids and an evaluation of their antiproliferative activities on gynecological cancer cell lines

Steroidal and nonsteroidal ring-fused quinolines were efficiently synthesized under microwave conditions and their antiproliferative activities were investigated.

Synthesis of A-ring halogenated 13α-estrone derivatives as potential 17β-HSD1 inhibitors

13α-Estrone and its 3-methyl or benzyl ether were halogenated in ring A with N-bromo- or N-iodosuccinimide or 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as electrophile triggers. The chemo- and regioselectivities of the reactions depended greatly on the nature of the substituent on C-3. Bromination of the ethers led to 2- and 4-regioisomers. Bis-halogenation occurred only in the case of the phenolic derivative. Iodination and bromination resulted in similar products, except that the 3-benzyl ether could not be iodinated under the applied conditions. The potential inhibitory action of the new halogenated 13α-estrones on human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Some compounds proved to be effective inhibitors, with IC50 values in the submicromolar range.

Synthesis of antiproliferative 13α-d-homoestrones via Lewis acid-promoted one-pot Prins-Ritter reactions of d-secosteroidal δ-alkenyl-aldehydes

A simple one-pot Prins-Ritter route was developed for the synthesis of 16-acylamino-17a-hydroxy-d-homoestrone 3-benzyl and 3-methyl ethers in the 13α-estrone series. The d-secosteroidal δ-alkenyl-aldehydes were allowed to react with different nitriles in the presence of BF3·OEt2 as a Lewis acid catalyst. Prins cyclizations afforded 17a-hydroxy-16-carbenium ions, which underwent Ritter reactions with nitriles, leading to 16α- or 16β-acylamino derivatives. A side-product in which a dihydro-1,3-oxazine was bridged to six-membered ring D at positions 16α,17aα was formed in each reaction. The antiproliferative properties of the novel 13α-d-homosteroids were determined on a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361, A2780 and A431) by means of MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Some compounds proved to be more effective (with submicromolar IC50 values) than the reference agent cisplatin. One of the most potent compounds substantially increased the rate of tubulin polymerization. Cell cycle analyses by flow cytometry indicated a concentration-dependent accumulation of the G2/M cell population.

Synthesis and in vitro pharmacological evaluation of N-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-carboxamides on d-secoestrone scaffolds

An efficient synthesis of several N-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]carboxamides in the 13β- and 13α-d-secoestrone series is reported. Novel triazoles were synthesized via the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of steroidal alkynyl carboxamides and p-substituted benzyl azides. Each of the products was evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, A431 and A2780). Some of them exhibited activities similar to those of the reference agent cisplatin. On change of the substitution pattern of the benzyl group of the azide, great differences in the cell growth-inhibitory properties were observed. The p-alkylbenzyl-substituted triazoles selectively exerted high cytostatic action against A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 1 µM. We investigated the potential inhibitory action exerted on the human 17β-HSD1 activity of the new secosteroids. Three triazoles effectively suppressed the estrone to 17β-estradiol conversion with IC50 values in low micromolar range.

A molecular understanding of D-homoestrone-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells

2-Methoxyestradiol (ME), one of the most widely investigated A-ring-modified metabolites of estrone, exerts significant anticancer activity on numerous cancer cell lines. Its pharmacological actions, including cell cycle arrest, microtubule disruption and pro-apoptotic activity, have already been described in detail. The currently tested d-ring-modified analogue of estrone, d-homoestrone, selectively inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and induces a G2/M phase cell cycle blockade, resulting in the development of apoptosis. The question arose of whether the difference in the chemical structures of these analogues can influence the mechanism of anticancer action. The aim of the present study was therefore to elucidate the molecular contributors of intracellular processes induced by d-homoestrone in HeLa cells. Apoptosis triggered by d-homoestrone develops through activation of the intrinsic pathway, as demonstrated by determination of the activities of caspase-8 and -9. It was revealed that d-homoestrone-treated HeLa cells are not able to enter mitosis because the cyclin-dependent kinase 1-cyclin B complex loses its activity, resulting in the decreased inactivation of stathmin and a concomitant disturbance of microtubule formation. However, unlike 2-ME, d-homoestrone does not exert a direct effect on tubulin polymerization. These results led to the conclusion that the d-homoestrone-triggered intracellular processes resulting in a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells differ from those in the case of 2-ME. This may be regarded as an alternative mechanism of action among steroidal anticancer compounds.

Synthesis of methoxycarbonylpyrazolylandrostene derivatives, and their potential inhibitory effect on androgen biosynthesis and cell proliferation

The Claisen condensations of 3β-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one (1) and 3β-acetoxypregna-5,16-diene (7) with dimethyl oxalate are known to lead to 3β-hydroxy-21-methoxalylpregn-5-en-20-one (2) and 3β-hydroxy-21-methoxalylpregna-5,16-dien-20-one (8), respectively. The reactions of 2 with p-substituted phenylhydrazines afford pyrazol-5-yl derivatives (5) as main, and 3-yl regioisomers (4) as minor products. The corresponding reactions of 16-ene analogue 8 afford only pyrazol-5-yl regioisomer 9. Oppenauer oxidation of the pyrazolyl compounds yields the corresponding Δ(4)-3-ketosteroids. We investigated the antiandrogenic effects of new methoxycarbonylpyrazolyl compounds through determination of their in vitro inhibition of the activities of rat testicular C17,20-lyase, Δ(5)-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ(5)-3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3). A Δ(5)-3β-hydroxy compound in the D-ring-saturated androst-5-ene series bearing an unsubstituted phenyl group on the pyrazolyl heterocycle (5a) proved to be a potent inhibitor of Δ(5)-3β-HSD. The 4-methoxyphenyl derivative (5e) and the 3-oxo counterpart (6a) of 5a also displayed substantial inhibition. The other tested compounds exerted only weak inhibitory action against the enzymes investigated. The newly synthetized compounds were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against Hela (cervical carcinoma), A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cells. In all four groups (3β-hydroxy- and 3-ketosteroids with saturated or unsaturated ring D), the most potent analogs contain a 4-tolyl or 4-methoxyphenyl group. Compound 5d exhibited substantial antiproliferative action against the three cell lines investigated, whereas 9d inhibited the growth of Hela cells markedly. The most noteworthy inhibition was exerted by 6a against A431 cells.

Synthesis of novel 17-(5'-iodo)triazolyl-3-methoxyestrane epimers via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditon, and an evaluation of their cytotoxic activity in vitro

The regioselective Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 3-methoxyestrane 17α- and 17β-azide epimers (3 and 5) with different terminal alkynes afforded novel 1,4-substituted triazolyl derivatives (8a-f and 11a-f). If the Ph3P in the classical CuAAC process was replaced by Et3N, the formation of small quantities of 5-iodotriazoles (9a-f and 11a-f) was observed. For the preparation of 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazoles (9a-f and 11a-f), an improved method was developed, directly from steroidal azides and terminal alkynes, in reactions mediated by CuI and ICl as iodinating agents. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related triazoles were determined in vitro with the microculture tetrazolium assay on six malignant human cell lines of gynecological origin (HeLa, A2780, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361 and T47D). X-ray analysis revealed the presence of the iodo substituent on the 1,2,3-triazole ring.

Synthesis of trans-16-triazolyl-13α-methyl-17-estradiol diastereomers and the effects of structural modifications on their in vitro antiproliferative activities

Novel 16-triazoles in the 13α-estrone series were synthesized via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of the two diastereomeric (on C-16 and on C-17) 16-azido-13α-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol 3-benzyl ethers with substituted phenylacetylenes. The new heterocyclic derivatives were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, A431, A2780, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361). The inversion of the configurations at C-16 and C-17 selectively affected the growth-inhibitory properties of the tested compounds. The 16β,17α isomers generally proved to be potent on all cell lines, with IC50 values comparable to those of the reference agent cisplatin. Change of the substitution pattern of the phenyl group of the acetylene led to great differences in antiproliferative properties. Exclusively the p-phenyl-substituted triazoles exerted high cytostatic effects. One of the most potent compounds activated caspase-3 and caspase-9 without influencing caspase-8, confirming the induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway.

Efficient access to novel androsteno-17-(1',3',4')-oxadiazoles and 17β-(1',3',4')-thiadiazoles via N-substituted hydrazone and N,N'-disubstituted hydrazine intermediates, and their pharmacological evaluation in vitro

A series of novel 17-exo-oxadiazoles and -thiadiazoles in the Δ(5) androstene series were efficiently synthesized from pregnenolone acetate and pregnadienolone acetate via multistep pathways. 17β-(1',3',4')-Oxadiazoles were obtained in high yields by the phenyliodonium diacetate-induced oxidative ring closure of semicarbazone and N-acylhydrazones derived from 3β-acetoxy- and 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17β-carbaldehydes. For the synthesis of analogous Δ(16)-17-oxadiazolyl derivatives, N,N'-disubstituted hydrazine intermediates were prepared from 3β-acetoxyandrosta-5,16-diene-17-carboxylic acid, which then underwent cyclodehydration in the presence of POCl3. The cyclization of steroidal N,N'-diacylhydrazines containing a saturated ring D with the Lawesson reagent afforded 17β-(1',3',4')-thiadiazoles in good yields. Most of the products were subjected to deacetylation in basic media in order to enlarge the compound library available for pharmacological studies. All of these derivatives were screened in vitro for their antiproliferative effects against four malignant human adherent cell lines (HeLa, A2780, MCF7 and A431) by means of the MTT assay. The 3β-hydroxy derivatives of the newly-synthesized 17-exo-heterocycles were tested in vitro to investigate their inhibitory effects on rat testicular C17,20-lyase. One of the 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl derivatives proved to exert noteworthy enzyme-inhibitory action, with an IC50 (0.065 μM) of the same order of magnitude as that of abiraterone.

A click approach to novel D-ring-substituted 16α-triazolylestrone derivatives and characterization of their antiproliferative properties

A simple and efficient synthesis of novel, D-ring substituted estrone derivatives containing a 16α-triazolyl moiety is described. Two epimeric azido alcohols (16α-azido-17α-hydroxy and 16α-azido-17β-hydroxy) of estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3-methyl ether were prepared, followed by copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition with various terminal alkynes. The steroidal triazoles were obtained in high yields and their activities against three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF7 and A431) were screened. The most effective analogs were submitted to additional experiments in order to characterize their antiproliferative properties. As evidenced by flow cytometry, the selected steroids induced a disturbance in the HeLa cell cycle in a concentration- and exposure-dependent manner, through an increase of the hypodiploid population (subG1) and a cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. A noncancerous human fibroblast cell line (MRC5) was used to determine the selectivities of these compounds. Fluorescent microscopy after Hoechst 33258 - propidium iodide (HOPI) double staining revealed nuclear condensation and disturbed cell membrane integrity. The enhanced activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 without activation of caspase-8 in the treated cells indicated the activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. The levels of cell cycle regulators (CDK1, cyclin B1/B2 and cdc25B) were decreased and the ratio Bax/Bcl-2 was increased 24 h after the treatment of HeLa cells (determined at an mRNA level by means of an RT-PCR technique). Under the same conditions, two agents elicited substantially increased degrees of phosphorylation of stathmin, as evidenced by Western blotting. The presented results demonstrate that these steroids can be regarded as appropriate structural scaffolds for the design and synthesis of further steroid analogs as innovative drug candidates with good efficacy.

Synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative evaluation of d-secooxime derivatives of 13β- and 13α-estrone

d-Secooximes were synthesized from the d-secoaldehydes in the 13β- and 13α-estrone series. The oximes were modified at three sites in the molecule: the oxime function was transformed into an oxime ether, oxime ester or nitrile group, the propenyl side-chain was saturated and the 3-benzyl ether was removed in order to obtain a phenolic hydroxy function. Triazoles were formed via Cu(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) from 3-(prop-2-yniloxy)-d-secooximes and benzyl azides. All the products were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, A2780 and A431). Some of them exhibited activities with submicromolar IC50 values, better than that of the reference agent cisplatin. The structural modifications led to significant differences in the cytostatic properties. Flow cytometry indicated that one of the most potent agents resulted in a cell cycle blockade.

Facile synthesis of 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles via a sequential one-pot synthetic approach

5-Aminopyrazole-4-carbonitrile and ethyl 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxylate, as potential trifunctional building blocks are introduced in a facile, chemo- and regioselective multicomponent assembly of imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles via the Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé reaction (GBB reaction). Besides the synthetic elaboration of a green-compatible isocyanide-based access in three-component mode, we describe an operationally simple, one-pot two-step GBB protocol for the rapid construction of a 46 membered imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole library with yields up to 83%.

Syntheses and antiproliferative effects of D-homo- and D-secoestrones

Substituted and/or heterocyclic d-homoestrone derivatives were synthetized via the intramolecular cyclization of a δ-alkenyl-d-secoaldehyde, -d-secoalcohol or -d-secocarboxylic acid of estrone 3-benzyl ether. The d-secoalcohol was modified at three sites in the molecule. The in vitro antiproliferative activities of the new d-homo- and d-secoestrone derivatives were determined on HeLa, MCF-7, A431 and A2780 cells through use of MTT assay. d-Homoalcohols 3 and 5 displayed cell line-selective cytostatic effects against ovarian and cervical cell lines, respectively. Two d-secoestrones (6 and 12c) proved to be effective, with IC50 values comparable with those of the reference agent cisplatin. A selected compound (6) was tested by tubulin polymerization assay and its cancer specificity was additionally determined by using noncancerous human fibroblast cells.

Regio- and stereoselective access to novel ring-condensed steroidal isoxazolines

Novel 5α-androstanes containing an isoxazoline moiety condensed to ring A or D were efficiently synthetized by 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of aryl nitrile oxides to steroidal α,β-unsaturated ketones. During the ring closures, regioisomers in which the O terminus of the nitrile oxide dipoles is attached to the β-carbon of the dipolarophile were formed in a stereoselective manner to furnish exclusively 1α,2α- or 15β,16β-condensed heterocycles. The cyclic enone moiety of the six-membered ring A proved to be less reactive than that of the five-membered ring D, but all the reactions were affected significantly by the substitution pattern of the nitrile oxide. 17-Deacetylation of the primary products resulted in aromatization or simultaneous hydroxylation, depending on the base applied for the ring A-fused heterocycles, while retro-Dieckmann-like fragmentation was observed partially or completely for the ring D-fused analogues during 3-deacetylation.

Aromatic sulfonamides containing a condensed piperidine moiety as potential oxidative stress-inducing anticancer agents

A 30-membered piperidine ring-fused aromatic sulfonamide library was synthetized, including N-arylsulfonyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indoles. The compounds induced oxidative stress and glutathione depletion in HT168 melanoma and K562 leukemia cells and in micromolar concentrations exerted cytotoxic effects. Among the tested sulfonamides, compounds 21, 22, 23, 35 and 41 exhibited 100% cytotoxic effects with low (< 10 µM) EC50 values on K562 cells. The cytotoxicity of lead compound 22 was investigated in 24 different cancer cell lines, and it was found to be active against leukemia, melanoma, glioblastoma, and liver, breast and lung cancer cells, as confirmed by classical biochemical and holographic microscopic analyses.