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Aims AMPK plays a critical role regulating cell metabolism, growth and survival. Interfering with this enzyme activity has been extensively studied as putative mechanism for cancer therapy. The present work aims to identify a specific AMPK activator for cancer cells among a series of novel heterocyclic compounds. Materials and methods A series of novel hybrid heterocyclic compounds, namely naphtoquinone-4-oxoquinoline and isoquinoline-5,8-quinone-4-oxoquinoline derivatives, were synthesized via Michael reaction and their structures confirmed by spectral data: infrared; 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy (COSY, HSQC, HMBC); and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The novel compounds were screened and tested for antitumoral activity and have part of their mechanism of action scrutinized. Key findings Here, we identified a selective AMPK activator among the new hybrid heterocyclic compounds. This new compound presents selective cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells but not on non-cancer counterparts. We identified that by specifically activating AMPK in cancer cells, the drug downregulates unfolded protein response pathway, as well as inhibits mTOR signaling. Significance These effects, that are selective for cancer cells, lead to activation of autophagy and, ultimately, to cancer cells death. Taken together, our data support the promising anticancer activity of this novel compound which is a strong modulator of metabolism.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Race is a board game developed as an educational tool for health students. Based on diagnostic scores for Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity and in the prevention of these diseases, this game allows students to learn in a didactic way the clinical relevance of biochemical phenomena. OBJECTIVES: The game aims to consolidate Metabolic Syndrome biochemical events, diagnostic criteria and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The board simulates the environment and routine experienced by university students that could contribute to the development of Metabolic Syndrome. Each group receives a board, pins, dice, question, challenge and diagnostics cards. Players move along a simplified map of Niterói city, where places as Antônio Pedro Hospital (HUAP) are pointed out. The scoring system is based on 3 criteria for Metabolic Syndrome diagnosis: glycemia, abdominal obesity and HDL cholesterol. Students can play as patients or doctors and as they move along the board their glicemia, waist circumference and HDL cholesterol change according to their diet and how much exercise they practice. At the end, it is possible to calculate each player’s rate and provide proportional diagnosis. The healthiest patient that arrives at HUAP wins. DISCUSSION AND RESULTS: Over the last 2 years, the game has been played by 81 medical students currently attending to biochemical classes. They classified the activity as an important educational support, since 91% agreed it complements and consolidate topics discussed in classroom. It was considered entertaining by 74% of them and 86% pointed they would play again. The subject-matter was classified as difficult by 10%, highlighting the need of new methods to enhance teaching and learning process. Finally, 98% believe that games are able to optimize learning. CONCLUSION: Students who played the game were able to understand Metabolic Syndrome as a set of metabolic disorders, to identify its diagnostic criteria and risk factors.