Design and synthesis of conjugated azo-hydrazone analogues using nano BF3·SiO2 targeting ROS homeostasis in oncogenic and vascular progression

Abstract

Disrupted redox balance is implicated in multiple pathologies including malignant progression and tumor angiogenesis. In this investigation, we report the design and development of novel and effective ROS detoxifying azo-hydrazone molecules targeting malignant pathologies and neoangiogenesis. A series of azo-derivatives conjugated to hydrazones moieties (9a-j) were synthesized using Nano BF₃·SiO₂. The compounds (9a-j) were screened for in-vitro antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. Among the series 9a-j, compound 9f potently quenched biologically relevant radicals such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide which emerged as the lead ROS detoxifying molecules. Compound 9f potently inhibited the proliferative capability of Daltons Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) tumor cells in-vivo in dose dependent manner. Regressed tumor progression was correlated with pronounced endogenous antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and catalase in-vivo. Also, ROS levels were severely suppressed in 9f treated mice as assessed by lapsed lipid peroxidation. Altered enzymic and ROS levels in-vivo by 9f were implicated in suppressed VEGF secretion leading to regressed tumor neovasculature and tumor growth. Considering together, it is evident that the synthetic azo-hydrazone analogue 9f with potent ROS scavenging efficacy inhibits tumor progression and neo-angiogenesis.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Azo-hydrazone; Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumor; Malignancy; ROS.