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This study reports the design and synthesis of NO-donating polymer to generate biodegradable polymeric micelle containing paclitaxel (NO/PTX) as a nanomedicine delivery system aimed to enhance the solubility and anti-cancer activity of paclitaxel (PTX). NO/PTX showed greater NO-releasing performance than nitroglycerin, displaying excellent tolerance in KM mice, and exhibited a two-fold stronger antiproliferative activity than PTX in vitro against HCT116, SW480, and SGC-7901 cell lines. In vivo tumor growth inhibition assay results indicated that NO/PTX displayed lightly stronger activities against tumor growth than PTX at a dose of 10 mg kg−1, while the anti-tumor effect of NO/PTX was significantly improved than that of PTX and Genexol®-PM groups at a dose of 15 mg kg−1 (the inhibition rate: 67% vs. 53% and 41%). In addition, NO/PTX showed an improved area under the plasma concentration-time curve and drug deposition in tumors in comparison to PTX. Wound healing assay and western blot analysis of EMT-related markers suggested that NO/PTX could inhibit the potential of HCT116 migration. Western blot analysis also demonstrated that NO/PTX dampened efflux activity of P-gp and up-regulated apoptosis-related proteins. Overall, these promising results suggested that the synergism between PTX and NO-donating micelles could contribute to the potent anti-cancer activity of NO/PTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPR119 is a promising target for discovery of anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus agents. We described the optimisation of a novel series of pyrimido[5,4-b][1,4]oxazine derivatives as GPR119 agonists. Most designed compounds exhibited good agonistic activities. Among them, compound 10 and 15 demonstrated the potent EC50 values (13 and 12 nM, respectively) and strong inherent activities. Moreover, significant hypoglycaemic effect of compound 15 was observed by reducing the blood glucose AUC0–2h at the dose of 30 mg/kg, which is stronger than Vildagliptin (23.4% reduction vs. 17.9% reduction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The authors designed novel GPR119 agonists bearing various core moiety from lipophilic cycloolefin fused pyrimidines to polar tetrahydropyridopyrimidines and found that the less polar cyclohexene fused compounds displayed the most potent activity. A novel series of fused pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as GPR119 agonists. Among them, cyclohexene fused compounds (tetrahydroquinazolines) showed greater GPR119 agonistic activities than did dihydrocyclopentapyrimidine and tetrahydropyridopyrimidine scaffolds. Analogues (16 , 19 , 26 , 28 , 42) bearing endo - N -Boc-nortropane amine and fluoro-substituted aniline exhibited better EC 50 values (0.27–1.2 μM) though they appeared to be partial agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We described the discovery and optimization of a novel series of pyrimidopyrimidine derivatives as G-protein coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists against type 2 diabetes. Most designed compounds displayed significant GPR119 agonistic activities. Optimized analogues 15a and 21e exhibited highly potent agonistic activities with single digit EC 50 values (2.2 nM and 8.1 nM, respectively). Therefore, 15a and 21e were evaluated for their oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) in C57BL/6N mice. Compound 15a reduced the blood glucose area of under curve from 0 to 2 h (AUC 0–2h ) to 13.5% at the dose of 15 mg/kg comparing with Metformin reduced 18% of AUC 0–2h at the dose of 300 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of senkyunolide analogues bearing benzofuranone fragment were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their neuroprotective effect in models of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and oxidative stress. All tested compounds showed neuroprotection profile based on the cell viability assay. In particular, derivatives 1f – 1i possessing furoxan-based nitric oxide releasing functionality exhibited significant biological activities in OGD models. More importantly, compound 1g containing short linker with furoxan displayed the most potent neuroprotection at the concentration of 100 μM (cell survival up to 145.2%). Besides, 1g also showed the middle level neuroprotective effect in model of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of novel pyrimidine derivatives bearing diverse conformationally restricted azabicyclic ether/amine were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their GPR119 agonist activities against type 2 diabetes. Most compounds exhibited superior hEC 50 values to endogenous lipid oleoylethanolamide (OEA). Analogs with 2-fluoro substitution in the aryl ring showed more potent GPR119 activation than those without fluorine. Especially compound 27m synthesized from endo -azabicyclic alcohol was observed to have the best EC 50 value (1.2 nM) and quite good agonistic activity (112.2% max) as a full agonist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of GPR119 agonists based on a 5-nitropyrimidine scaffold bearing endo -azabicyclic substituents were synthesized and evaluated for their GPR119 agonistic activities. Most compounds exhibited much stronger EC 50 values than that of oleoylethanolamide (OEA). Among them, derivatives from endo -azabicyclic alcohols displayed more potent GPR119 agonistic activities than compounds with endo -azabicyclic amines. Especially the optimized compounds ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 12 , 17 ) were shown to have potent biological activities and were identified as full agonists. Isopropyl carbamate compound 8 synthesized from endo -azabicyclic alcohol was observed to have the best EC 50 value (0.6 nM). Generally 2-fluoro substitution of the aryl group at the C4 position of 5-nitropyrimidine scaffold resulted in the increase of biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of Hederacolchiside A 1 (HA 1 ) on 28-COOH gave a series of novel triterpenoid saponin compounds containing ester or amide group. Comparing with natural product HA 1 , several derivatives showed decreased toxicity in the mice acute toxicity trial and increased the anticancer activity in vitro. Especially compound 1 exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activities against human cancer cell lines tested (IC 50 = 1.1–4.6 μM) and potent tumor inhibition rate in vivo (46.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several phenylbutenoid dimer ( PBD) analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against nitric oxide ( NO) production and TNF-α release. The PBD analogs were synthesized via Diels-Alder and subsequent Schlosser reactions as key steps. Among the tested compounds, two analogs ( 8c, 8f) exhibited much stronger inhibitory activity against LPS-stimulated NO production and TNF-α release in RAW 264.7 cells than that of wogonin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A practical total synthesis of racemic nyasol (7) was explored. The α-hydroxyketo compound3was prepared from commercially available starting materials in two steps. Chelation-controlled reduction of the α-hydroxyketo compound3with Zn(BH4)2gave the anti-1,2-diol compound4as the major product (anti/syn = 11.5:1). Stereospecific elimination reaction of a 1,3-cyclic thionocarbonate intermediate (5) exclusively yielded the Z-alkene compound6. Our total synthesis is very concise (seven steps), uses commercially available starting materials, and offers good overall yield (40%). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Straightforward and facile synthesis of a bioactive component A fromZingiber cassumunarRoxb. is described. The phenylbutenoid dimer A was reported to possess anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. The optically active cyclohexene ring fragment was obtained via the highly diastereo- and enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction of chiral acryloyloxazolidinones (1aand1b) and 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butadiene (2). The enantiomeric excess of Diels–Alder adducts3aand3bwere determined via high-performance liquid chromatotography of the corresponding bis-acetate (6). The greatest enantiomeric excess (99.9% ee) was obtained when the 4-phenyloxazolidin-2-one (1a) chiral auxiliary was used in combination with TiCl4. The optically pure bioactive compound A was prepared from the optically active Diels–Alder adduct (3a) in two additional steps. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of halogenated 1,5-diarylimidazole compounds were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced PGE2 production in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. A wide variety of 2,4-, 4-, and 2-halogenated 5-aryl-1-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazoles were synthesized for SAR study via two different pathways. Overall, 4-halogenated 5-aryl-1-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazoles, regardless of the species of halogen, exhibited very strong inhibitory activities of PGE2 production. Among them, 4-chloro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazole (3, IC50 3.3 nM ± 2.93), and 4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)imidazole (13, IC50 5.3 nM ± 0.23) showed the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 5-Nitropyrimidine analogs substituted with conformationally restricted azabicyclic amines and alcohols were prepared and evaluated their agonistic activity against human GPR119. The analogs bearing endo-azabicyclic amines and alcohols (7, 8, 11, and 12) exhibited full agonistic activities while the analogs with exo-azabicyclic amines and alcohols were proved as partial agonists (9, 10, 13, and 14) regardless of their EC50 values. 5-Nitropyrimidine analogs with (2-fluoro-4-methylsulfonyl)phenylamino group (8, 10, 12, 14) showed more potent GPR119 activation activities than the analogs without fluorine in all cases (7, 9, 11, 13). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A series of tetrahydropyridopyrimidine derivatives targeting GPR119 and DPP-4 were designed and synthesized. • Compound 51 was revealed to show both GPR119 agonistic and DPP-4 inhibitory activities. • Compound 51 demonstrated potent hypoglycemic effect compared with vildagliptin. • The 3D binding mode of 51 with DPP-4 was generated. Based on the approach of merged pharmacophores of GPR119 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, a series of tetrahydropyridopyrimidine compounds were designed as dual GPR119 and DPP-4 modulators with hypoglycemic activity. Seven fragments extracted from DPP-4 inhibitors were hybridized with the scaffold of tetrahydropyridopyrimidine. Among them, compound 51 displayed most potent GPR119 agonistic activity (EC 50 = 8.7 nM) and good inhibition rate of 74.5% against DPP-4 at 10 μM. Furthermore, the blood glucose AUC 0-2h of 51 was reduced to 19.5% in the oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) at the dose of 30 mg/kg in C57BL/6N mice, which was more potent than that of vildagliptin (16.4%) at the same dose. The docking study of compound 51 with DPP-4 indicated GPR119 agonists could inhibit DPP-4 to serve as dual GPR119 and DPP-4 modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Practical Synthesis of (±)-Nyasol (I)" by Yuanying Fang and Haeil Park is presented.

[Display omitted] • PROTAC has been considered as a promising strategy for drug discovery in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. • This review provides a summary of aberrant pathogenic proteins involved in NDD, and their degraders reported from 2016. • The listed PROTAC molecules were categorized based on their protein targets associated with various types of NDD. • PROTAC-based approaches offer potential therapeutic benefits for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the gradual deterioration of neuronal function and integrity, resulting in an overall decline in brain function. The existing therapeutic options for NDD, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, fall short of meeting the clinical demand. A prominent pathological hallmark observed in numerous neurodegenerative disorders is the aggregation and misfolding of proteins both within and outside neurons. These abnormal proteins play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted degradation of irregular proteins offers a promising avenue for NDD treatment. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) function via the ubiquitin–proteasome system and have emerged as a novel and efficacious approach in drug discovery. PROTACs can catalytically degrade "undruggable" proteins even at exceptionally low concentrations, allowing for precise quantitative control of aberrant protein levels. In this review, we present a compilation of reported PROTAC structures and their corresponding biological activities aimed at addressing NDD. Spanning from 2016 to present, this review provides an up-to-date overview of PROTAC-based therapeutic interventions. Currently, most protein degraders intended for NDD treatment remain in the preclinical research phase. Overcoming several challenges is imperative, including enhancing oral bioavailability and permeability across the blood–brain barrier, before these compounds can progress to clinical research or eventually reach the market. However, armed with an enhanced comprehension of the underlying pathological mechanisms and the emergence of innovative scaffolds for protein degraders, along with further structural optimization, we are confident that PROTAC possesses the potential to make substantial breakthroughs in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: GPR119 agonist has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A series of novel 2,4-disubstituted quinazoline analogues was prepared and evaluated their agonistic activity against human GPR119. The analogues bearing azabicyclic amine substituents (12a, 12c and 12g) exhibited better EC50 values than that of OEA though they appeared to be partial agonists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of Pulsatilla saponin D (PSD) and α-hederin derivatives bearing NO donors were designed, synthesized and evaluated for anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. Among them, most of the target compounds exhibited strong antiproliferative activities against the tested cancer cell lines, and derivatives 5a, 5b and 5c exhibited high levels of NO release. Furthermore, compound 5c treated with a dose of 15 mg kg−1 showed a more potent tumor inhibitory effect than that of Taxol (27.44% vs. 23.26%). In addition, compound 5c blocked the cell cycle at the S phase and induced cancer cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Twenty-eight coumarin-dithiocarbamate hybrids were designed and synthesized. • 8g was identified as a potent and balanced inhibitor for AChE and MAO-B. • 8g showed no acute toxicity in mice and could penetrate the BBB. • 8g could significantly reverse scopolamine-induced memory deficit in vivo. Abstract A series of new coumarin-dithiocarbamate hybrids were designed and synthesized as multitarget agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most of them showed potent and clearly selective inhibition towards AChE and MAO-B. Among these compounds, compound 8f demonstrated the most potent inhibition to AChE with IC 50 values of 0.0068 μM and 0.0089 μM for eeAChE and hAChE, respectively. Compound 8g was identified as the most potent inhibitor to hMAO-B, and it is also a good and balanced inhibitor to both hAChE and hMAO-B (0.114 µM for hAChE; 0.101 µM for hMAO-B). Kinetic and molecular modeling studies revealed that 8g was a dual binding site inhibitor for AChE and a competitive inhibitor for MAO-B. Further studies indicated that 8g could penetrate the BBB and exhibit no toxicity on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. More importantly, 8g did not display any acute toxicity in mice at doses up to 2500 mg/kg and could reverse the cognitive dysfunction of scopolamine-induced AD mice. Overall, these results highlighted 8g as a potential multitarget agent for AD treatment and offered a starting point for design of new multitarget AChE/MAO-B inhibitors based on dithiocarbamate scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three types of benzofuranone derivatives were designed and synthesised as analogues of neuroprotective agent 3- n -butylphthalide. • Compound 5 (without an NO donor) and compound 16 (with nitrate as an NO donor) displayed more potent neuroprotective effects than the positive controls Edaravone and 3- n -butylphthalide in an OGD model of primary rat neuronal cells. • Compound 5 appeared to significantly reduce the infarct area in a rat MCAO model, and it improved the morphology of neuronal cells and capillaries in injured cerebral tissue. • Compound 5 decreased the expression of Iba-1 and GFAP in inflammatory cells, and increased the expression of NGF, which proved that 5 might also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and thereby protect against cerebral injury. There are no highly effective and safe medicines for clinical treatment of ischemic stroke, although the natural product 3- n -butylphthalide (NBP) has been approved in China for mild and moderate ischemic stroke. To discover more potent anti-cerebral ischemic agents and overcome the low stability by phthalide derivatives, benzofuran-3-one was selected as a core moiety and two types of nitric oxide (NO)-donating groups were incorporated into the structure. In this work, a series of 2,6-disubstituted benzofuran-3-one derivatives were designed and synthesised as NBP analogues, and tested as neuroprotective and antioxidative agents. Compounds 5 (without an NO donor) and 16 (with an NO donor) displayed more potent neuroprotective effects than the established clinical drugs Edaravone and NBP. More importantly, 5 and 16 also exhibited good antioxidative activity without cytotoxicity in rat primary neuronal and PC12 cells. Most active compounds showed good blood–brain barrier permeability in a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Furthermore, compound 5 reduced the ischemic infarct area significantly in rats subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury, downregulated ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in inflammatory cells, and upregulated nerve growth factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel melatonin-based compounds were designed and synthesized. • 5 displayed potent inhibitory activity and the excellentive selectivity against BuChE. • 5 could scavenge free radicals and induce expression of the Nrf2. • 5 displayed the good abilities to penetrate BBB. Here, we have designed and synthesized a series of melatonin-alkylbenzylamine hybrids as multitarget agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most of them exhibited a potent multifunctional profile involving cholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant effects. Among these compounds, compound 5 was most the potent antioxidant (ORAC = 5.13) and also an excellent selective inhibitor of BuChE (hu BuChE IC 50 = 1.20 μM, hu AChE IC 50 = 177.49 μM, SI = 147.91). Moreover, kinetic study indicated compound 5 was a mixed-type inhibitor for hu BuChE. Furthermore, it could induce expression of the Nrf2 as well as its downstream markers at the protein level in cells. More importantly, compound 5 display no acute toxicity in mice at doses up to 2500 mg/kg. And we found compound 5 could improve memory function of scopolamine-induced amnesia mice. These results highlighted compound 5 as a possible hit molecule for further investigation of new anti-AD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) possessed intricate pathogenesis. Currently, multi-targeted drugs were considered to have the potential to against AD by simultaneously triggering molecules in functionally complementary pathways. Hence, a series of molecules based on the pharmacophoric features of Dimethyl fumarate, Tranilast, and Dithiocarbate were designed and synthesized. These compounds showed significant AChE inhibitory activity in vitro. Among them, compound 4c 2 displayed the mighty inhibitory activity to hAChE (IC 50 = 0.053 μM) and held the ability to cross the BBB. Kinetic study and molecular docking pointed out that 4c 2 bound well into the active sites of hAChE, forming steady and sturdy interactions with key residues in hAChE. Additionally, 4c 2 as an Nrf2 activator could promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and induce the expressions of Nrf2-dependent enzymes HO-1, NQO1, and GPX4. Moreover, 4c 2 rescued BV-2 cells from H 2 O 2 -induced injury and inhibited ROS accumulation. For the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of 4c 2 , we observed that 4c 2 could lower the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α) and suppressed the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. In particular, 4c 2 was well tolerated in mice (2500 mg/kg, p.o.) and efficaciously recovered the memory impairment in a Scopolamine-induced mouse model. Overall, these results highlighted that 4c 2 was a promising multi-targeted agent for treating AD. [Display omitted] • A series of dual-target compounds were designed and synthesized. • 4c 2 was the most potent AChE inhibitor and could penetrate the BBB. • 4c 2 exerted anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects as an Nrf2 activator. • 4c 2 could reverse Scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel pyrazolone-based compounds were designed and synthesized. • The pyrazolone structure was found a selective BuChE pharmacophore. • 5i displayed potent inhibitory activity and the highest selectivity against BuChE. • 5i could scavenge free radicals and cross the BBB. The butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) has been a potent target for the treatment of the Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the selective BuChE inhibitor is still lacking in the market. In this study, the pyrazolone structure was found to be a promising pharmacophore targeting BuChE. Thus, a series of pyrazolone-based compounds 5a-p were designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro for BuChE inhibitory activities, antioxidant activities and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeabilities. Besides, the compounds 5g, 5h, 5i and 5o with submicromolar IC 50 values as well as good BuChE selectivity were chosen to assess their cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Among them, compound 5i was the most selective BuChE inhibitor (SI: >200) and showed the good abilities to penetrate BBB, scavenge free radicals (1.04 trolox equivalent). Based on above results, compound 5i was selected for molecular docking studies to explain the BuChE selectivity and was considered as a promising lead compound for further investigation in the treatment of AD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring cyclic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as tyrocidine A (Tyrc A) and gramicidin S (GS) are appealing targets for the development of novel antibiotics. However, their therapeutic potentials are limited by undesired hemolytic activity and relatively poor activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Inspired by polycationic lipopeptide polymyxin B (PMB), the so called 'last-resort' antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, we synthesized and biologically evaluated a series of polycationic analogues derived from Tyrc A. We were able to obtain peptide 8 that possesses 5 positive charges exhibiting potent activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria along with totally diminished hemolytic activity. Intriguingly, antibacterial mechanism studies revealed that, rather than the 'pore forming' model that possessed by Tyrc A, peptide 8 likely diffuses membrane in a 'detergent-like' manner. Furthermore, when treating mice with peritonitis–sepsis, peptide 8 showed excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. [Display omitted] • Totally ten polycationic cyclopeptides derived for Tyrocidine A were synthesized. • Several peptides display broad antibacterial spectrum and very low hemolysis. • Peptide 8 shows excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. • Peptide 8 likely diffuses membrane in a 'detergent-like' manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonging in vivo circulation has proved to be an efficient route for enhancing the therapeutic effect of rapidly metabolized drugs. In this study, we aimed to construct a nanocrystal-loaded micelles delivery system to enhance the blood circulation of docetaxel (DOC). We employed high-pressure homogenization to prepare docetaxel nanocrystals (DOC(Nc)), and then produced docetaxel nanocrystal-loaded micelles (DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA) by a thin-film hydration method. The particle sizes of optimized DOC(Nc), docetaxel micelles (DOC@mPEG-PLA), and DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA were 168.4, 36.3, and 72.5 nm, respectively. The crystallinity of docetaxel was decreased after transforming it into nanocrystals, and the crystalline state of docetaxel in micelles was amorphous. The constructed DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA showed good stability as its particle size showed no significant change in 7 days. Despite their rapid dissolution, docetaxel nanocrystals exhibited higher bioavailability. The micelles prolonged the retention time of docetaxel in the circulation system of rats, and DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA exhibited the highest retention time and bioavailability. These results reveal that constructing nanocrystal-loaded micelles may be a promising way to enhance the in vivo circulation and bioavailability of rapidly metabolized drugs such as docetaxel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of multifunctional hybrids against Alzheimer's disease were designed and obtained by conjugating the pharmacophores of xanthone and alkylbenzylamine through the alkyl linker. Biological activity results demonstrated that compound 4j was the most potent and balanced dual ChEs inhibitor with IC 50 values 0.85 μM and 0.59 μM for eeAChE and eqBuChE, respectively. Kinetic analysis and docking study indicated that compound 4j was a mixed-type inhibitor for both AChE and BuChE. Additionally, it exhibited good abilities to penetrate BBB, scavenge free radicals (4.6 trolox equivalent) and selectively chelate with Cu2+ and Al3+ at a 1:1.4 ligand/metal molar ratio. Importantly, after assessments of cytotoxic and acute toxicity, we found compound 4j could improve memory function of scopolamine-induced amnesia mice. Hence, the compound 4j can be considered as a promising lead compound for further investigation in the treatment of AD. Image 1 • Novel xanthone-alkylbenzylamine hybrids were designed and synthesized. • 4j displayed potent and balanced inhibition for both AChE and BuChE. • 4j could selectively chelate with Cu2+ and Al3+, and scavenge free radicals. • 4j could cross the BBB and reverse the scopolamine-induced memory deficit in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel coumarin-based N -hydroxycinnamamide derivatives were designed and synthesized as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Most of the synthesized compounds showed potent HDAC inhibitory activity and significant antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines MCF-7, HepG2, HeLa and HCT-116. Among them, compound 14f displayed the most potent HDAC inhibition, especially against HDAC1 with IC 50 value of 0.19 μM, which was better than that of SAHA (IC 50 = 0.23 μM). It also showed the strongest antiproliferative activity towards HeLa cells and more than 26-fold selectivity for HDAC1 compared with HDAC6. Molecular docking studies revealed the possible binding modes of compound 14f into the two isoforms and provided a reasonable explanation for the selectivity. In addition, compound 14f could inhibit colony formation, upregulate the acetylation level of histone H3, and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in HeLa cells. Taken together, these results highlighted that compound 14f might be a promising HDAC inhibitor for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we intended to fabricate ultra-small nanocrystals (below 50 nm) by formation of hydrogen bonds between model drug and stabilizer. The absorption mechanisms, pharmacokinetic performance in rats and therapeutic effect for myocardial ischemia were studied after in vitro characterization. Poor water solubility and low bioavailability hinder the clinical application of about 70% of newly synthesized compounds. Nanocrystal technology has become a preferred way to improve bioavailability by improving solubility. However, it remains challenging to produce nanocrystals with ultra-small particle sizes to further enhance the extent of bioavailability. Herein, we constructed ultra-small puerarin nanocrystals (Pue-NCs) (20–40 nm) via formation of hydrogen bond during HPH. We confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds by 1H NMR and FTIR, and observed the distribution of polymer chains by SEM and TEM. The absorption mechanisms were studied in Caco-2 cell monolayers, and the results showed that the major transport mechanism for puerarin was passive diffusion, meanwhile, for Pue-NCs, the passive transport and micropinocytosis-mediated endocytosis coexisted. The absolute bioavailability of Pue-NCs was 35.28%, which was 11.54 folds compared to that of puerarin. Therapeutic equivalence was demonstrated between Pue-NCs and puerarin injection at 50 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, respectively, in isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia model. This study provides a novel strategy for preparing ultra-small nanocrystals by HPH to increase bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three series of novel thienopyrimidine derivatives 9a–l, 15a–l, and 18a–h were designed and synthesized, and their IC50 values against four cancer cell lines HepG-2, A549, PC-3, and MCF-7 were evaluated. Most compounds show moderate cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines. The most promising compound 9a showed moderate activity with IC50 values of 12.32 ± 0.96, 11.30 ± 1.19, 14.69 ± 1.32, and 9.80 ± 0.93 µM, respectively. The inhibitory activities of compounds 9a and 15a against PI3Kα and mTOR kinase were further evaluated. Compound 9a exhibited PI3Kα kinase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 9.47 ± 0.63 µM. In addition, docking studies of compounds 9a and 15a were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]