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Biomedical subjects

V L Narayanan

Publications and source records attributed to V L Narayanan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Synthesis, antitumor activity, and chemical properties of silaplatin and related platinum (II) and platinum (IV) complexes derived from beta-silyl amines.

Platinum (II) and platinum (IV) coordination complexes derived from beta-silyl-substituted amines were prepared. The solubility of selected complexes in water and physiological saline was measured, and the effect of the beta-silicon on the reactivity of the complex in aqueous solution was determined by HPLC. The stabilities of selected silyl complexes were compared to the carbon analogues. The cyclic complexes 2a ("silaplatin") and its Pt(IV) analogue, 2b, were very active against L1210 leukemia in vivo. Both the platinum (II) complex 2a and the platinum (IV) complex 2b produced a significant number of cures over the dose range 10-40 mg/kg. The platinum (II) complex 2a, silaplatin, was very active in vivo against an L1210 leukemia subline that was resistant to cisplatin; 2a was also active, when given ip, against ic implanted L1210. The cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid complex 3c was synthesized; this complex was active against both cisplatin sensitive and resistant L1210 leukemia but was less potent than the analogous dichloro compound 2a. The acyclic platinum (II) and platinum (IV) complexes 1a,b were synthesized and unexpectedly found to be inactive in vivo against L1210 leukemia. More lipophilic silaplatin analogues were prepared--Pt(II) complex 2c and Pt(IV) complex 2d have one additional methylene carbon compared to 2a,b, whereas Pt(II) complex 2e and Pt(IV) complex 2f have two additional methylene carbons. Cyclization of the alkyl groups attached to the silicon gave the spiro bicyclic Pt(II) complexes 10a and 11a and the Pt(IV) complexes 10b and 11b.

Animals

Efficacy of the quinocarmycins KW2152 and DX-52-1 against human melanoma lines growing in culture kand in mice.

Quinocarmycin monicitrate (KW2152) and its analogue, DX-52-1, demonstrated specificity for melanomas in the National Cancer Institute in vitro human tumor cell line drug screen. In contrast to most cell lines, a 50% reduction in tumor cell burden (as measured protein) at the end of a 48-h drug incubation was produced in five of eight melanoma lines by KW2152 concentrations (LC50s) ranging from 0.49 to 10.93 microM and by DX-52-1 concentrations ranging from 0.71 to 7.33 microM. Using the COMPARE algorithm, the patterns of differential cytotoxicity for both agents at the LC50 level of effect most closely resembled those for actinomycin D, mithramycin, and Adriamycin. In in vivo studies, both KW2152 (40 mg/kg/day) and DX-52-1 (90 mg/kg/day) caused partial and complete regressions of staged s.c.-implanted LOX IMVI melanoma xenografts following i.p. administration on days 5, 9, and 13 and produced tumor growth delays of 231 and 181%, respectively (P < 0.001). Activity was augmented by more prolonged therapy. Statistically significant growth inhibition of SK-MEL-2, UACC-62, UACC-257, and M14, but not SK-MEL-5 and MALME-3M, melanoma xenografts also was observed following every fourth or seventh day i.p. treatments. Based on these findings, DX-52-1 has been selected by the National Cancer Institute for development to clinical trial especially against melanomas. This agent represents one of the first to be selected for preclinical development based on disease-panel specificity discovered in the National Cancer Institute cancer drug screen.

Animals

Antineoplastic agents 322. synthesis of combretastatin A-4 prodrugs.

Combretastatin A-4 (1a), the principal cancer cell growth-inhibitory constituent of the Zulu medicinal plant Combretum caffrum, has been undergoing preclinical development. However, the very limited water solubility of this phenol has complicated drug formation. Hence, derivatives of the combretastatin A-4 (1a) 3'-phenol group were prepared for evaluation as possible water-soluble prodrugs. As observed for combretastatin A-4, the sodium salt (1b), potassium salt (1c) and hemisuccinic acid ester (1e) derivatives of phenol 1a were essentially insoluble in water. Indeed, these substances regenerated combretastatin A-4 upon reaction with water. A series of other simple derivatives (1d, 1f-j) proved unsatisfactory in terms of water solubility or stability, or both. The most soluble derivatives evaluated included the ammonium (1l), potassium (1m) and sodium (1n) phosphate salts, where the latter two proved most stable and suitable. Both the potassium (1m) and sodium (1n) phosphate derivatives of combretastatin A-4 were also found to exhibit the requisite biological properties necessary for a useful prodrug. Sodium salt 1n was selected for drug formulation and further pre-clinical development.

Animals

Anticancer specificity of some ellipticinium salts against human brain tumors in vitro.

Novel structure-activity relationships (SAR) distinct from known SAR for ellipticines have been revealed for certain ellipticinium salts. In particular, ellipticiniums such as the prototypical 9-methoxy-2-methylellipticinium (I- or OAc-) were found to be preferentially cytotoxic to the brain tumor cell line subpanel of the NCI 60 cell-line screening panel. Similar specificity also was apparent with 9-unsubstituted ellipticiniums, or others bearing 9-methyl or 9-chloro substituents. In contrast, 9-hydroxy-substituted ellipticiniums, as well as all nonquaternized ellipticines tested, were devoid of brain tumor specificity. Therefore, it did not appear that this unusual preference was correlated with the relative availability of redox cycling mechanisms, since redox cycling presumably is blocked in 9-methyl- and 9-chloroellipticiniums. Indeed, related investigations have indicated that the brain tumor specificity is mediated by preferential uptake and intracellular accumulation of the specific ellipticiniums. The present study further supports that the NCI in vitro "disease-oriented" primary screen can facilitate the discovery of novel, selectively cytotoxic leads for in vivo and mechanistic investigations.

Brain Neoplasms

Synthesis and anti-cancer activity of 2-alkylaminomethyl-5-(E)-alkylidene cyclopentanone hydrochlorides.

A series of 2-alkylaminomethyl-5-(E)-alkylidene cyclopentanone hydrochlorides (2), have been synthesized and evaluated as anti-cancer agents. These compounds were designed as masked alpha-methylenecyclopentanones, which appear in many cytotoxic or anti-cancer natural products. Most of the synthesized compounds were found to be active towards various human cancer cell lines and many showed significant subpanel selectivity. For compounds containing the same alkylidene moiety (from C3 to C9), the dimethylaminomethyl analogs were more active than structures possessing morpholino-, pyrrolidino-, or piperidino-methyl groups. Alteration of the alkylidene moiety had little effect on anti-cancer potency. The mass spectrum of a glutathione adduct of 2h indicated that the mechanism of action for these anti-cancer agents may be related to the attack at the aminomethyl carbon atom by biological nucleophilic thiols.

Antineoplastic Agents

Diarylsulfones, a new chemical class of nonnucleoside antiviral inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase.

A series of variously substituted diarylsulfones and related derivatives were found to prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication and HIV-1-induced cell killing in vitro. One of the more potent derivatives, 2-nitrophenyl phenyl sulfone (NPPS), completely protected human CEM-SS lymphoblastoid cells from the cytopathic effects of HIV-1 in cell culture at 1 to 5 microM concentrations. HIV-1 replication, as assessed by the production of infectious virions, viral p24 antigen, and virion reverse transcriptase (RT), was inhibited by NPPS at similar concentrations. There was no evidence of direct cytotoxicity of the drug at concentrations below 100 microM. A variety of other CD4+ T-cell lines as well as cultures of peripheral blood leukocytes and monocytes were protected from HIV-1-induced cytopathicity and/or viral replication. NPPS also inhibited several distinctly different strains of HIV-1 but was ineffective against three strains of HIV-2. Biochemical studies revealed that NPPS inhibited HIV-1 RT but not HIV-2 RT. NPPS had no direct effect on HIV-1 virions, nor did it block the initial binding of HIV-1 to target cells. Time-limited treatments of cells with NPPS found that NPPS had to be present continuously in culture to provide maximum antiviral protection. In addition, HIV-1 replication in cells in which infection was already fully established or in chronically infected cells was also unaffected by NPPS. We conclude that NPPS acts in a reversible manner as a nonnucleoside HIV-1-specific RT inhibitor. Although markedly different in structure from a larger, structurally diverse group of known HIV-1-specific nonnucleoside RT inhibitors, NPPS shares several of the biological properties that characterize this emerging new pharmacologic class.

Antiviral Agents

Oxathiin carboxanilide, a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus reproduction.

Oxathiin carboxanilide (OC), NSC 615985, a compound originally synthesized as a potential fungicide, was demonstrated to be highly active in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced cell killing and in inhibiting HIV reproduction. Virus-infected CD4+ lymphocytes were completely protected by 0.5 microM OC, whereas no toxicity was observed at concentrations below 50 microM OC. Production of infectious virus, viral p24 antigen, and virion reverse transcriptase were reduced by OC at concentrations that prevented viral cell killing. A variety of CD4+ T-cell lines were protected by OC from HIV cytopathicity, and OC inhibited two distinct strains of HIV-1. However, HIV-2 infections were unaffected by OC. OC had no direct effect on virions of HIV or on the enzymatic activities of HIV reverse transcriptase or HIV protease. Time-limited treatments of cells with OC before, during, or after exposure of cells to virus failed to protect cells from the eventual cytopathic effects of HIV, and OC failed to inhibit the production of virus from cells in which infection was established or from chronically infected cells. We conclude that the highly active OC has a reversible effect on some early stage of HIV-1 reproduction and cytopathicity. Pilot in vivo experiments showed that circulating concentrations of OC exceeding 1 microM could be achieved and sustained in hamsters for at least a week with no remarkable toxicological sequelae. OC represents a new class of anti-HIV agents that are promising candidates for drug development.

Animals

Preclinical antitumor activity of an alpha-picoline derivative, penclomedine (NSC 338720), on human and murine tumors.

Penclomedine, a synthetic alpha-picoline derivative, was identified as a potential antitumor agent in the P388 leukemia prescreen of the National Cancer Institute. Upon further evaluation in the National Cancer Institute in vivo tumor panel, the compound demonstrated good activity against two breast tumors. A single i.p. dose or five daily doses caused partial regressions of advanced-stage s.c. implanted mouse CD8F1 mammary adenocarcinomas. Also, penclomedine administered i.p. on Days 1,5, and 9 caused regression of the human MX-1 mammary carcinoma implanted under the renal capsule of athymic mice. In contrast, penclomedine demonstrated only marginal to moderate activity against the i.p. implanted L1210 leukemia and M5076 sarcoma and was inactive in three additional non-breast tumor models (i.p. B16 melanoma, i.v. Lewis lung carcinoma, and s.c. colon adenocarcinoma 38). Penclomedine administered p.o. and i.p. was equally effective against the subrenal capsule MX-1. Doses given p.o. every fourth day caused complete regression of 39 of 40 advanced-stage s.c. implanted MX-1 tumors but were much less effective against human H82 small cell lung carcinomas (13 of 80 complete regressions). Penclomedine p.o. also inhibited growth of the human MCF-7 and mouse 16/C breast adenocarcinomas. Further studies to support the development of penclomedine to clinical trial are in progress.

Animals

Synthesis of congeners and prodrugs. 3. Water-soluble prodrugs of taxol with potent antitumor activity.

Taxol has shown good in vivo antitumor activity in a number of test systems. The formulation of taxol for antitumor testing has been difficult. Esterification at either C-2' or C-7 resulted in loss of in vitro tubulin assembly activity but not cytotoxicity. These observations suggested that esters at C-2' and/or C-7, which would tend to promote water solubility, might serve as useful prodrugs of taxol. The reaction of taxol with either succinic anhydride or glutaric anhydride in pyridine solution at room temperature gave the crystalline mono 2'-adducts 1b and 1f, respectively. Salts of these acids (1b, 1f, 1i) were formed by the addition of 1 equiv of the corresponding base, followed by evaporation and/or freeze-drying of the solvent(s). The salts had improved antitumor activity as compared to the free acids. The triethanolamine and N-methylglucamine salts showed greatly improved aqueous solubility and were more active than the sodium salts. The glutarate series was preferred because of the higher activity and the higher yields obtained. 2'-Glutaryltaxol (1f) was coupled with 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine, using CDI, to form in excellent yield the amino amide 1o. The hydrochloride salt (1p) showed good solubility and was extremely potent and active. At 10 mg/kg, in the B16 screen, 1p gave a T/C of 352 with 5 out of 10 cures. In the MX-1 breast xenograft assay, this prodrug gave values of -100 at doses of 40 and 20 mg/kg, with all live animals being tumor free.

Alkaloids

Reaction products of a new anti-cancer agent, Pt(IV)(cyclohexyldiamine)Cl4, with guanosine and 9-methylguanine: first crystal structures of Pt(cyclohexyldiamine) complexes with a nucleobase and a nucleoside.

Pt(IV)(dach)Cl4 (dach = cyclohexyldiamine) was reacted with guanosine and 9-methylguanine and their reaction products were analyzed by single-crystal x-ray diffraction. In both cases the resulting complexes, [Pt(dach)(guanosine)2]2+ and [Pt(dach)(9-methylguanine)2]2+ respectively, corresponded to an unanticipated reduction of the octahedral Pt(IV) starting material to a square planar Pt(II) species. The nature of the reducing agent is presently unknown.

Antineoplastic Agents

Preclinical antitumor activity of batracylin (NSC 320846).

Batracylin (NSC 320846, BAY H 2049), given ip on days 2 and 9 at a dose 400 mg/kg, inhibited tumor growth completely in 80-100% of mice with early-stage colon adenocarcinoma 38. Therapeutic efficacy against this subcutaneously implanted tumor was retained upon oral administration of Batracylin although, compared to ip treatment, larger doses were required. Batracylin also caused regression of advanced (400 mg) colon 38 tumors. Only modest activity was observed for this compound against P388 leukemia, but P388 sublines with acquired resistance to either adriamycin or cisplatin demonstrated collateral sensitivity. Batracylin currently is undergoing toxicological evaluation by NCI prior to clinical trials.

Adenocarcinoma

In vivo antitumor activity of 6-benzyl-1,3-benzodioxole derivatives against the P388, L1210, B16, and M5076 murine models.

A series of 6-benzyl-1,3-benzodioxoles have been synthesized and evaluated against the in vivo ip P388 murine lymphocytic leukemia. Selected activities against this system were tested against the additional in vivo systems L1210, B16, M5076, and MX1. The most active of the 6-benzyl-1,3-benzodioxoles tested were as effective as podophyllotoxin as experimental antitumor agents in vivo, but larger doses were required. Three of the P388-active series members were active against the in vitro astrocytoma assay, which detects compounds that interfere with or bind to tubulin.

Animals

Flavone acetic acid: a novel agent with preclinical antitumor activity against colon adenocarcinoma 38 in mice.

Flavone acetic acid, given on Days 2 and 9 at a dose of 267 mg/kg, inhibited tumor growth completely in 60%-80% of mice with early-stage Colon Adenocarcinoma 38. The therapeutic efficacy of the flavone against this tumor was retained when the sites of tumor implantation and drug administration were separated. Flavone acetic acid also caused regression of advanced (500-mg) Colon 38 tumors, with greatest efficacy observed following administration of high individual dose rather than high total dose. Unlike many previous potential anticancer agents, only modest activity was observed for this compound against either P388 or L1210 leukemia.

Adenocarcinoma

Synthesis, physical properties, and antitumor activity of tetraplatin and related tetrachloroplatinum(IV) stereoisomers of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane.

The synthesis, physical properties, and antitumor activity of the cis-, d,l-trans-, d-trans-, and l-trans- stereoisomers of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane tetrachloroplatinum(IV) are described. The objective of the study was to produce a platinum complex with activity against cisplatin-resistant tumor cells and with suitable pharmaceutical properties for formulation development. The isomers had the following solubilities in saline: cis-, 2 mg/ml; d,l-trans-, 6.5 mg/ml; and d-trans- and l-trans-, 15-16 mg/ml. The four complexes showed slightly better activity than cisplatin against the ip implanted murine L1210 leukemia. In contrast to cisplatin, all complexes produced significant increases in life span against L1210/cisplatin, a subline of L1210 with acquired resistance to cisplatin. However, the cis- isomer was less active against L1210/cisplatin. The d,l-trans- isomer (tetraplatin) was selected for further studies based on greater ease for large-scale synthesis. It showed superior activity to cisplatin against P388/cisplatin and like cisplatin showed significant and reproducible activity against the ip implanted B16 melanoma, ip implanted M5076 sarcoma, ip implanted P388 leukemia, and MX-1 human breast xenograft implanted under the renal capsule. Purity and stability (greater than 24 hours in saline) were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography and found to be suitable for development of a parenteral dosage form. Preliminary studies in a rat model (to be reported elsewhere) showed it to be less nephrotoxic than cisplatin on a molar basis and worthy of further study.

Animals

Computer-assisted structure--anticancer activity correlations of carbamates and thiocarbamates.

With the aid of the computer, approximately 8000 compounds that incorporate a carbamate or thiocarbamate moiety, which have been tested as potential anticancer agents at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), were classified and their structure-activity correlations against the in vivo P-388 and L-1210 leukemias were evaluated. Aromatic carbamates and thiocarbamates have shown good activity against P-388 and poor activity against L-1210. The majority of active compounds in this series of aromatic carbamates possess a 2- or 4-heteroatom-substituted phenyl attached to the carbamate oxygen atom or the thiocarbamate sulfur atom with the carbamate nitrogen atom as NHMe. The N-phenyl carbamates were much less active against P-388 than the phenyl carbamates; only bis-N-phenyl carbamates with a methylene bridge between the two phenyl groups showed good activity against both P-388 and L-1210 leukemias. Except for the mycophenolic acid carbamates, the fused phenyl carbamates showed poor activity against both P-388 and L-1210 leukemias. Certain nitrogen-heterocyclic carbamates and carbamates with heteroatom substituents have been selected by the NCI for development toward clinical trials. The nature of the heterocyclic carrier and the position of attachment to the carbamate moiety have a major role on the mode of action of the antitumor activity of these compounds.

Animals