Synthesis, spectroscopic, and biological studies of novel estolides derived from anticancer active 4-O-podophyllotoxinyl 12-hydroxyl-octadec-Z-9-enoate

Lipids. 2004 Jul;39(7):659-66. doi: 10.1007/s11745-004-1279-2.

Abstract

Podophyllotoxin is a well-known natural antitumor agent with severe side effects, which led us to synthesize its numerous analogs in search of product(s) of improved therapeutic potential. Here, we report an efficient method for the synthesis of a series of 4-O-podophyllotoxin estolides with spectral characteristics and their biological studies. The OH of a known molecule, 4-O-podophyllotoxinyl 12-hydroxyl-octadec-Z-9-enoate 2, was coupled with the carboxylic groups of different FA with the help of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethyl aminopyridine (catalyst) to produce high yields of their respective C(4)alpha-estolides 3-11. Spectroscopic techniques, particularly 1H and 13CNMR, proved to be suitable tools to characterize the new compounds. These molecules of greater lipophilic character were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against four human solid tumors, one human leukemia cell, and one noncancerobu cell. Compounds 4-6 and 11 showed moderate antileukemic activity; unexpectedly, none were found to be active against solid tumors. Estolides were also investigated for their in vitro activity against tubulin and topoisomerase II proteins. All the compounds showed inhibition of the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II, whereas 6-8 also inhibited tubulin polymerization. These results suggest the need for further screening of these molecules against a larger panel of cancerous cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Podophyllotoxin* / analogs & derivatives
  • Podophyllotoxin* / chemical synthesis
  • Podophyllotoxin* / chemistry
  • Podophyllotoxin* / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Fatty Acids
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II
  • Podophyllotoxin