Conjugation of quinones with natural polyamines: toward an expanded antitrypanosomatid profile

J Med Chem. 2012 Dec 13;55(23):10490-500. doi: 10.1021/jm301112z. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

A combinatorial library of quinone-polyamine conjugates designed to optimize the antitrypanosomatid profile of hit compounds 1 and 2 has been prepared by a solid-phase approach. The conjugates were evaluated against the three most important human trypanosomatid pathogens (Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania donovani), and several showed promising activity. A subset also inhibited trypanothione reductase in vitro and induced oxidase activity of the enzyme. A highly potent analogue (7) was identified with activity against T. brucei as low as 70 nM and a selectivity index of 72. Interestingly, the presence of a cadaverine tail confers to 7 the ability to target mitochondrial function in Leishmania. In fact, in L. donovani promastigotes, we verified for 7 a decrease of cytoplasmic ATP and mitochondrial potential. Therefore, the current results support the suitability of the conjugation approach for the development of novel polyamine conjugates with enhanced therapeutic potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Leishmania donovani / drug effects
  • Polyamines / chemistry*
  • Polyamines / pharmacology*
  • Quinones / chemistry*
  • Quinones / pharmacology*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / chemistry*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense / drug effects
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects

Substances

  • Polyamines
  • Quinones
  • Trypanocidal Agents