Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 14, Issue 12, 2014

Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives comprise an important group of heterocyclic compounds that are well recognized for their anticancer activities. Efforts have been made over the years aiming to develop new CPT analogs with better clinical efficacy, improved pharmacokinetic profile and lower toxicity. First generation of analogs, irinotecan (CPT-11) and topotecan (TPT) was approved for use by FDA in 1996 for the treatment of colorectal (CPT-11) and cervical, ovarian and small lung cancers (TPT). Other analogs of CPT are currently in different phases of clinical trials. As CPT represents an important lead compound in the field of antitumor- research, in this review we will highlight some recent discoveries (2008-2013) on the development of novel camptothecin-based compounds as potential anticancer agents.

Sulforaphane is a natural product that is constantly under biological investigation for its unique biological properties. This naturally occurring isothiocyanate (ITC) and its analogs are the main components of cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, watercress, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, widely used as chemopreventive agents. Due to their interesting biological profiles, natural ITCs have been exploited as starting point to develop new synthetic analogs. The present mini-review briefly highlights the most important biological actions of selected new synthetic ITCs focusing on their structure-activity relationships and related synthetic strategies.

Tendons play a crucial role in musculoskeletal functioning because they physically connect bones and muscles making the movement of articular joints possible. The molecular composition of tendons mostly include collagen I fibrils, which aggregate together to form fibers to form a fascicle. A complex network composed of resident cells (i.e., tenocytes) and extracellular matrix macromolecules (glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, glycoproteins and other non collagenous proteins) interact and define the structure of tendons and their properties. Development, renewal and remodeling of tendons composition occur at all ages of living organisms so the homeostasis of proteolytic systems is a critical issue. A major role is played by Metalloproteinases, a family of Zn2+-dependent endopeptidases involved in the catabolism of several components of the extracellular matrix, such as collagens, proteoglycans, fibronectin and many others. Among these, two main classes are mostly involved in tendon pathophysiology, namely the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). This study analyses the various aspects of the roles played by Metalloproteinases in the physiological and pathological processes of tendons.

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrothieno pyridine is an important class of heterocyclic nucleus. Various 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno pyridine derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for various biological activities in different models with desired findings. Some analogs have shown potent biological activities and may be considered as lead molecule for the development of future drugs. Number of drug molecules are available in the market and many molecules are in clinical development containing 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno pyridine nucleus as an important core. This review is an attempt to organize the chemical and biological aspects of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno pyridine analogs reported in last 20 year to till date. Review mainly focuses on the important role of the core in synthesis of drug or drug intermediates giving emphasis on synthetic schemes and biological activities of the different 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno pyridine analogs.

Dithiocarbamates are considered as the simplest occurring organosulfur compounds exhibiting diverse chemical and medicinal versatility. Dithiocarbamates have been used as pesticide in the 20th century but thereafter they have attracted the interest of medicinal chemists due to their metal binding capacity. Recently a variety of chemical and medicinal properties of dithiocarbamates have been explored other than metal binding capacity. This review collectively describes the most significant chemical and medicinal properties of dithiocarbamate derivatives reported over the last decade.