Synthesis and antiprotozoal activity of cationic 1,4-diphenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles

J Med Chem. 2010 Jan 14;53(1):254-72. doi: 10.1021/jm901178d.

Abstract

Novel dicationic triazoles 1-60 were synthesized by the Pinner method from the corresponding dinitriles, prepared via the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The type and the placement of cationic moieties as well as the nature of aromatic substituents influenced in vitro antiprotozoal activities of compounds 1-60 against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania donovani and their cytotoxicity for mammalian cells. Eight congeners displayed antitrypanosomal IC(50) values below 10 nM. Thirty-nine dications were more potent against P. falciparum than pentamidine (IC(50) = 58 nM), and eight analogues were more active than artemisinin (IC(50) = 6 nM). Diimidazoline 60 exhibited antiplasmodial IC(50) value of 0.6 nM. Seven congeners administered at 4 x 5 mg/kg by the intraperitoneal route cured at least three out of four animals in the acute mouse model of African trypanosomiasis. At 4 x 1 mg/kg, diamidine 46 displayed better antitrypanosomal efficacy than melarsoprol, curing all infected mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amidines / chemical synthesis*
  • Amidines / chemistry
  • Amidines / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Leishmania donovani / drug effects*
  • Leishmania donovani / growth & development
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / growth & development
  • Rats
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Triazoles / chemistry
  • Triazoles / pharmacology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense / drug effects*
  • Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense / growth & development

Substances

  • 1,4-bis(4-amidinophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole
  • Amidines
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Triazoles