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Indoxacarb and metaflumizone are two sodium channel blocker insecticides (SCBIs). They preferably bind to and trap sodium channels in the slow-inactivated non-conducting state, a mode of action similar to that of local anesthetics (LAs). Recently, two sodium channel mutations, F1845Y (F(4i15)Y) and V1848I (V(4i18)I), in the transmembrane segment 6 of domain IV (IVS6), were identified to be associated with indoxacarb resistance in Plutella xylostella. F(4i15) is known to be critical for the action of LAs on mammalian sodium channels. Previously, mutation F(4i15)A in a cockroach sodium channel, BgNav1-1a, has been shown to reduce the action of lidocaine, a LA, but not the action of SCBIs. In this study, we introduced mutations F(4i15)Y and V(4i18)A/I individually into the cockroach sodium channel, BgNav1-1a, and conducted functional analysis of the three mutants in Xenopus oocytes. We found that both the F(4i15)Y and V(4i18)I mutations reduced the inhibition of sodium current by indoxacarb, DCJW (an active metabolite of indoxacarb) and metaflumizone. F(4i15)Y and V(4i18)I mutations also reduced the use-dependent block of sodium current by lidocaine. In contrast, substitution V(4i18)A enhanced the action metaflumizone and lidocaine. These results show that both F(4i15)Y and V(4i18)I mutations may contribute to target-site resistance to SCBIs, and provide the first molecular evidence for common amino acid determinants on insect sodium channels involved in action of SCBIs and LA., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cancer cells have a high iron requirement and many experimental studies, as well as clinical trials, have demonstrated that iron chelators are potential anti-cancer agents. The ligand, 2-benzoylpyridine 4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Bp4eT), demonstrates both potent anti-neoplastic and anti-retroviral properties. In this study, Bp4eT and its recently identified amidrazone and semicarbazone metabolites were examined and compared with respect to their anti-proliferative activity towards cancer cells (HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma, HCT116 human colon carcinoma and A549 human lung adenocarcinoma), non-cancerous cells (H9c2 neonatal rat-derived cardiomyoblasts and 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts) and their interaction with intracellular iron pools. Bp4eT was demonstrated to be a highly potent and selective anti-neoplastic agent that induces S phase cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Both semicarbazone and amidrazone metabolites showed at least a 300-fold decrease in cytotoxic activity than Bp4eT towards both cancer and normal cell lines. The metabolites also lost the ability to: (1) promote the redox cycling of iron; (2) bind and mobilize iron from labile intracellular pools; and (3) prevent 59Fe uptake from 59Fe-labeled transferrin by MCF-7 cells. Hence, this study demonstrates that the highly active ligand, Bp4eT, is metabolized to non-toxic and pharmacologically inactive analogs, which most likely contribute to its favorable pharmacological profile. These findings are important for the further development of this drug candidate and contribute to the understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these agents.

Cathepsin B [EC 3.4.22.1], cathepsin H [EC 3.4.22.16] and cathepsin L [EC 3.4.22.15] are the most versatile lysosomal cysteine proteases and are responsible for intracellular protein degradation. These are involved in a number of pathological conditions including tissue degenerative processes. In the present work, we report the synthesis and systematic evaluation of differently substituted chalcones, chalconesemicarbazones, and diarylpyrazolines on cathepsins B, H and L activity. It was found that after a preliminary screening as cysteine protease inhibitors, chalconesemicarbazones were better inhibitors to these cysteine proteases than diarylpyrazolines followed by chalcones. All the synthesized compounds were identified as the best inhibitors to cathepsin L followed by cathepsin B and then cathepsin H. The results are compared with docking studies and it was found that all the compounds resulted in decrease in energy while interacting with the active site of the enzyme., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause various diseases in human, such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and sleeping sickness. The highly syntenic genomes of the trypanosomatid species lead the assumption that they can encode similar proteins, indicating the possibility to design new antitrypanosomatid drugs with dual trypanosomicidal and leishmanicidal activities. In this work a series of compounds (6a-h and 7a-h), containing a semicarbazone scaffold as a peptide mimetic framework, was designed and synthesized. From this series compound 7g (LASSBio-1483) highlighted, showing dual in vitro trypanosomicidal and leishmanicidal activities, with potency similar to the standard drugs nifurtimox and pentamidine. This data, taken together with its good in silico druglikeness profile and its great chemical and plasma stability, make LASSBio-1483 (7g) a new antitrypanosomatid lead-candidate., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

A series of isosteric phenolic thio- and selenosemicarbazones have been obtained by condensation of naturally-occurring phenolic aldehydes and thio(seleno)semicarbazides. Title compounds were designed as potential multi-target drugs, and a series of structure-activity relationships could be established upon their in vitro assays: antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibition and antiproliferative activity against six human tumor cell lines: A549 (non-small cell lung), HBL-100 (breast), HeLa (cervix), SW1573 (non-small cell lung), T-47D (breast) and WiDr (colon). For the antiradical activity, selenium atom and 2 or 3 phenolic hydroxyl groups proved to be essential motifs; remarkably, the compound with the most potent activity, with a trihydroxyphenyl scaffold (EC50 = 4.87 ± 1.57 μM) was found to be stronger than natural hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant present in olive oil (EC50 = 13.80 ± 1.41 μM). Furthermore, one of the thiosemicarbazones was found to be a strong non-competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase (Ki = 9.6 ± 1.6 μM), with an 8-fold increase in activity compared to acarbose (Ki = 77.9 ± 11.4 μM), marketed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Most of the synthesized compounds also exhibited relevant antiproliferative activities; in particular, seleno derivatives showed GI50 values lower than 6.0 μM for all the tested cell lines; N-naphthyl mono- and dihydroxylated derivatives behaved as more potent antiproliferative agents than 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Binding to the primary receptor, CD4, triggers conformational changes in the metastable HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer ((gp120-gp41)3) that are important for virus entry into host cells. These changes include an 'opening' of the trimer, creation of a binding site for the CCR5 co-receptor and formation and/or exposure of a gp41 coiled coil. Here we identify a new compound, 18A (1), that specifically inhibits the entry of a wide range of HIV-1 isolates. 18A does not interfere with CD4 or CCR5 binding, but it inhibits the CD4-induced disruption of quaternary structures at the trimer apex and the exposure of the gp41 HR1 coiled coil. Analysis of HIV-1 variants with increased or reduced sensitivity to 18A suggests that the inhibitor can distinguish distinct conformational states of gp120 in the unliganded Env trimer. The broad-range activity and observed hypersensitivity of resistant mutants to antibody neutralization support further investigation of 18A.

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the brain are amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, and metal ions such as copper(II) and zinc(II) have been shown to play a role in the aggregation and toxicity of the Aβ peptide, the major constituent of these extracellular aggregates. Metal binding agents can promote the disaggregation of Aβ plaques, and have shown promise as AD therapeutics. Herein, we describe the syntheses and characterization of an acetohydrazone (8-H2QH), a thiosemicarbazone (8-H2QT), and a semicarbazone (8-H2QS) derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline. The three compounds are shown to be neutral at pH7.4, and are potent antioxidants as measured by a Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay. The ligands form complexes with Cu(II), 8-H2QT in a 1:1 metal:ligand ratio, and 8-H2QH and 8-H2QS in a 1:2 metal:ligand ratio. A preliminary aggregation inhibition assay using the Aβ1-40 peptide showed that 8-H2QS and 8-H2QH inhibit peptide aggregation in the presence of Cu(II). Native gel electrophoresis/Western blot and TEM images were obtained to give a more detailed picture of the extent and pathways of Aβ aggregation using the more neurotoxic Aβ1-42 in the presence and absence of Cu(II), 8-H2QH, 8-H2QS and the drug candidate PBT2. An increase in the formation of oligomeric species is evident in the presence of Cu(II). However, in the presence of ligands and Cu(II), the results match those for the peptide alone, suggesting that the ligands function by sequestering Cu(II) and limiting oligomer formation in this assay., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oxidative stress is a common denominator of numerous cardiovascular disorders. Free cellular iron catalyzes the formation of highly toxic hydroxyl radicals, and iron chelation may thus be an effective therapeutic approach. However, using classical iron chelators in diseases without iron overload poses risks that necessitate more advanced approaches, such as prochelators that are activated to chelate iron only under disease-specific oxidative stress conditions. In this study, three cell-membrane-permeable iron chelators (clinically used deferasirox and experimental SIH and HAPI) and five boronate-masked prochelator analogs were evaluated for their ability to protect cardiac cells against oxidative injury induced by hydrogen peroxide. Whereas the deferasirox-derived agents TIP and TRA-IMM displayed negligible protection and even considerable toxicity, the aroylhydrazone prochelators BHAPI and BSIH-PD provided significant cytoprotection and displayed lower toxicity after prolonged cellular exposure compared to their parent chelators HAPI and SIH, respectively. Overall, the most favorable properties in terms of protective efficiency and low inherent cytotoxicity were observed with the aroylhydrazone prochelator BSIH. BSIH efficiently protected both H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast-derived cells and isolated primary rat cardiomyocytes against hydrogen peroxide-induced mitochondrial and lysosomal dysregulation and cell death. At the same time, BSIH was nontoxic at concentrations up to its solubility limit (600 μM) and in 72-h incubation. Hence, BSIH merits further investigation for prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disorders associated with a known (or presumed) component of oxidative stress., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The metaflumizone, which belongs to the class of voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, was registered to control Spodoptera exigua on vegetables in China in 2009. The present study revealed S. exigua has developed high resistance to this novel chemistry insecticide shortly after 2-3 years application in Guangdong Province of China. The metabolic mechanisms for metaflumizone resistance in this insect were analysed. The inhibitor of esterases greatly potentiates the toxicity of this chemical against the field resistant populations. The synergism ratio is 5.7 and 3.4-fold for S. exigua collected from Huizhou, Guangdong Province in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The activity of esterases in field populations (HZ12) is also significantly greater than that in the susceptible strain, and further significantly increased by challenge with metaflumizone for 3 generations. However, the inhibitor of P450s or GSTs only has slight synergism on metaflumizone toxicity against resistant populations, and there are no obvious differences in activities of P450s or GSTs between resistant populations and the susceptible strain. These results suggest that esterases might take pivotal role in conferring metabolic resistance to metaflumizone in the field populations of S. exigua, and P450s or GSTs are not involved in this resistance. Moreover, flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs) are discovered to involve in metaflumizone resistance in the field populations of S. exigua. The FMO inhibitor, methimazole, potentiates metaflumizone toxicity in resistant larva of this species substantially. The synergism ratios for methimazole in resistant populations HZ11 and HZ12 were 3.1 and 1.9, respectively. Enzymatic assays also revealed higher FMO activities in resistant populations than in the susceptible strain, and successive selection with metaflumizone further increased the FMO activity in the field resistant population, but not significantly. The higher FMO activities in the older larval stages and in the larval midgut signify the importance of FMO in the detoxification of xenobiotic from food sources. The synergism assay and FMO activity analysis suggest that FMO contributes to metaflumizone detoxification in resistant populations of S. exigua and conferred metaflumizone resistance in S. exigua. A novel mechanism for insecticide resistance by insect was proposed., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bacterial toxins and small molecules are useful tools for studying eukaryotic cell biology. In a recent issue of PNAS, Gillespie and colleagues describe a novel small molecule inhibitor of bacterial toxins and virus trafficking through the endocytic pathway, 4-bromobenzaldehyde N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)semicarbazone (EGA), that prevents transport from early to late endosomes., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pathogenic microorganisms and toxins have evolved a variety of mechanisms to gain access to the host-cell cytosol and thereby exert virulent effects upon the host. One common mechanism of cellular entry requires trafficking to an acidified endosome, which promotes translocation across the host membrane. To identify small-molecule inhibitors that block this process, a library of 30,000 small molecules was screened for inhibitors of anthrax lethal toxin. Here we report that 4-bromobenzaldehyde N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)semicarbazone, the most active compound identified in the screen, inhibits intoxication by lethal toxin and blocks the entry of multiple other acid-dependent bacterial toxins and viruses into mammalian cells. This compound, which we named EGA, also delays lysosomal targeting and degradation of the EGF receptor, indicating that it targets host-membrane trafficking. In contrast, EGA does not block endosomal recycling of transferrin, retrograde trafficking of ricin, phagolysosomal trafficking, or phagosome permeabilization by Franciscella tularensis. Furthermore, EGA does not neutralize acidic organelles, demonstrating that its mechanism of action is distinct from pH-raising agents such as ammonium chloride and bafilomycin A1. EGA is a powerful tool for the study of membrane trafficking and represents a class of host-targeted compounds for therapeutic development to treat infectious disease.

A series of 4-(2-fluorophenoxy)-2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)pyridines bearing semicarbazone moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antitumor potency. Some of the compounds (10b, 10c, 10e-10h, 10m-10p, 10r, and 11b) exhibited moderate to excellent antitumor activity as compared to sorafenib and PAC-1, as well as low levels of toxicity toward the human fetal lung fibroblast cell line WI-38. The most promising compound 10p (IC50 = 0.08, 0.36, 0.97 µM) was 45.1-, 6.1-, and 2.4-fold more active than sorafenib (IC50 = 3.61, 2.19, 2.32 µM), and 17, 3.2, and 2.9 times better than PAC-1 (IC50 = 1.36, 1.17, 2.83 µM) against three cancer cell lines (HT-29, H460, and MKN-45), respectively. In addition, further studies examining enzymatic activity suggested that the marked pharmacological activity observed might be ascribed to an inhibitory action against CRAf kinase., (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A new cis-palladium(II)diaqua(3,4-difluoroacetophenonethiosemicarbazone complex (Pd(II) complex) is synthesized using 3,4-difluoroacetophenonethiosemicarbazone(L). The L and its Pd(II) complex are characterized and confirmed by elemental analyses, electrochemical analyses, FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, HRMS and LC-MS techniques. Ligand L is further characterized by (1)H, (13)C and (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of L is unambiguously characterized by single X-ray crystallography. The ligand (L) belongs to monoclinic system with P2(1)/C space group and the unit cell parameters are a(Å)=9.1144(7), b(Å)=13.7928(7), c(Å)=8.4174(5), α(°)=90, β(°)=100.715, γ(°)=90 and volume V(A(3))=1039.73(11). The Raman bands observed for the L and its Pd(II) complex are in good agreement with the FT-IR spectral data. The Pd(II) complex is found to be highly efficient in inhibiting the growth of human pathogens like Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumonia with MIC value 10.0μg/mL whose inhibition zones are almost comparable with the standard antibiotic. The synthesized compounds have shown antiproliferative activity against the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB231 by intermitting the regular pathway of ribonucleotidereductase., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily are present in nearly all eukaryotes. They play pivotal roles in the biology of parasites and inhibition of cysteine proteases is emerging as an important strategy to combat parasitic diseases such as sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis. Homology modeling of the mature Leishmania mexicana cysteine protease CPB2.8 suggested that it differs significantly from bovine cathepsin B and thus could be a good drug target. High throughput screening of a compound library against this enzyme and bovine cathepsin B in a counter assay identified four novel inhibitors, containing the warhead-types semicarbazone, thiosemicarbazone and triazine nitrile, that can be used as leads for antiparasite drug design. Covalent docking experiments confirmed the SARs of these lead compounds in an effort to understand the structural elements required for specific inhibition of CPB2.8. This study has provided starting points for the design of selective and highly potent inhibitors of L. mexicana cysteine protease CPB that may also have useful efficacy against other important cysteine proteases.

Some new semicarbazones of 4-aminopyridine were synthesized and evaluated for antiamnesic, cognition enhancing and anticholinesterase activities. The results illustrated a significant cognition enhancing effect on elevated plus maze model with a significant reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia. A significant inhibition in acetycholinesterase (AChE) activity by all the synthesized compounds in specific brain regions that is, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus was observed. Compound 4APi exhibited significant antiamnesic and cognition enhancing activity which was comparable with standard drug donepezil. Its enzyme kinetic study revealed a non-competitive inhibition of AChE and a competitive inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Docking studies predicted the binding modes of these compounds in AChE active site, which were further processed for molecular dynamics simulation for calculating binding free energies using Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA). All the computational study confirmed their consensual interaction with AChE justifying the experimental outcome., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Novel quinoline derivatives bearing acyclic semicarbazones were prepared and their chemical structures as well as the relative stereochemistry were confirmed. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their c-Met kinase inhibitory activity and their cytotoxicity against the cell lines HT-29, MKN-45, and MDA-MB-231 in vitro. Several potent compounds were further evaluated against A549 cells. Most compounds displayed moderate to excellent activity, and the structure-activity relationship studies identified the most promising compound 35 as a selective c-Met kinase inhibitor (IC50  = 4.3 nM). Compound 35 showed a 3.5- and 18.8-fold increase in cytotoxicity in vitro against HT-29 and A549 cells, respectively, compared to that of foretinib. Poor off-target effects of compound 35 were further confirmed by the antiproliferative activity against the c-Met inhibition less sensitive MDA-MB-231 cell line (IC50  = 0.77 µM)., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is a serious insect pest of vegetables worldwide, and has evolved resistance to various kinds of insecticides. Studies were conducted to determine the baseline toxicity of metaflumizone and the possibility of cross-resistance between metaflumizone and indoxacarb, two sodium channel blocking insecticides (SCBIs), in field populations of P. xylostella from China. The variation in susceptibility to metaflumizone among 29 field populations of P. xylostella collected from 14 geographical locations in China was less than five-fold, with 50% lethal concentrations (LC50(s)) varying from 1.34 to 6.55 mg/liter. Limited variations in LC50(s) (less than five-fold, ranging from 1.76 to 8.16 mg/liter) were also observed in the four laboratory-selected strains with high levels of resistance to abamectin, spinosad, fipronil, or Bt toxin Cry1Ac. The toxicity of metaflumizone and indoxacarb was compared among 23 out of the 29 field populations. When compared with the susceptible Roth strain, the JN-09B population showed the highest level of resistance to indoxacarb (110-fold), but two-fold tolerance to metaflumizone. The other 22 populations (with 5- to 58-fold of resistance to indoxacarb) had 1- to three-fold tolerance to metaflumizone. Metaflumizone could provide an effective alternative insecticide for diamondback moth management. Although the field populations of P. xylostella tested with various levels of resistance to indoxacarb did not have cross-resistance to metaflumizone, metaflumizone should be rotated with other chemicals of different modes of action instead of indoxacarb.

A series of novel imidazole incorporated semicarbazones was synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized by spectral analysis (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass). The anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized compounds was determined using doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg kg-1 against maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure and minimal neurotoxicity test. Six compounds exhibited protection in both models and 2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethylidene)-N-p-tolylsemicarbazone emerged as the most active compound of the series without any neurotoxicity and significant CNS depressant effect. Liver enzyme estimations (SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline phosphatase) of the compound also showed no significant change in the enzymes levels. Moreover, it caused 80% elevation of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels in the whole mice brain, thus indicating that it could be a promising candidate in designing of a potent anticonvulsant drug.

Lapachol was chemically modified to obtain its thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives. These compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi by the broth microdilution method. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05 and 0.10 µmol/mL, respectively. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives were also active against the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus gattii (MICs of 0.10 and 0.20 µmol/mL, respectively). In addition, the lapachol thiosemicarbazone derivative was active against 11 clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, with MICs ranging from 0.01-0.10 µmol/mL. The lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone was not cytotoxic to normal cells at the concentrations that were active against fungi and bacteria. We synthesised, for the first time, thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol. The MICs for the lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone against S. aureus, E. faecalis, C. gattii and several isolates of P. brasiliensis indicated that this compound has the potential to be developed into novel drugs to treat infections caused these microbes.

4-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone (DABT) and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde-N-phenyl-thiosemicarbazone (DABPT) were synthesized and established by (1)H and (13)C NMR and mass spectrum. Both compounds were evaluated for their inhibition activities on mushroom tyrosinase and their anti-tyrosinase kinetics was investigated. The results showed that both compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on activity of monophenolase and diphenolase; DABT and DABPT decreased the steady-state rate with 1.54 μM and 1.78 μM as their IC50 values respectively. The inhibitory effects of diphenolase activity exhibited sharp in a dose-dependent manner and their IC50 values were estimated as 2.01 μM and 0.80 μM, respectively. Kinetic analysis showed that their inhibition mechanism was reversible. The inhibition type of DABT was mix-type with inhibition constants KI = 1.77 μM and KIS = 6.49 μM, while that of DABPT displays non-competitive with the inhibition constant KI = 0.77 μM., (Copyright © 2012 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Benzaldehyde semicarbazone (BS) has presented positive results in several pharmacological models, including anticonvulsivant and anti-inflammatory models. The present study evaluated the preclinical toxicity (acute and subchronic), as well as the toxicokinetic and gastroprotective effects of BS against ethanol lesions. Oral doses of 300 and 2000mg/kg were used in the preclinical acute toxicity study; 100, 200, and 300mg/kg were used in both the subchronic toxicity evaluation and the gastric study; and 300mg/kg was used in the toxicokinetic study. No impact from the dose of 300mg/kg could be identified; while, one animal died at 2000mg/kg in the acute toxicity test. In the subchronic toxicity test, changes in the biochemical parameters of the liver, as well as in the histopatological evaluation, demonstrated that BS is a hepatotoxic drug. BS proved to be effective for moderate and severe gastric lesions. In the toxicokinetics study, BS presented a low concentration and rapid plasma disappearance. Several results also indicate that BS is likely to be mostly eliminated from the liver and may well undergo a first-pass effect after oral absorption. It was impossible to estimate the noobserved-adverse-effect-levels (NOAEL) and lowest-observed-adverse-effect-levels (LOAEL) due to the presence of hepatotoxicity in all tested doses., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is an important drug target for the treatment of neurological disorders. A series of 6-nitrobenzothiazole-derived semicarbazones were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as inhibitors of the rat brain MAO-B isoenzyme. Most of the compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of MAO-B, with IC(50) values in the nanomolar to micromolar range. Molecular docking studies were performed with AutoDock 4.2 to deduce the affinity and binding mode of these inhibitors toward the MAO-B active site. The free energies of binding (ΔG) and inhibition constants (K(i)) of the docked compounds were calculated by the Lamarckian genetic algorithm (LGA) of AutoDock 4.2. Good correlations between the calculated and experimental results were obtained. 1-[(4-Chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methylene]-4-(6-nitrobenzothiazol-2-yl)semicarbazide emerged as the lead MAO-B inhibitor, with top ranking in both the experimental MAO-B assay (IC(50): 0.004±0.001 μM) and in computational docking studies (K(i): 1.08 μM). Binding mode analysis of potent inhibitors suggests that these compounds are well accommodated by the MAO-B active site through stable hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Interestingly, the 6-nitrobenzothiazole moiety is stabilized in the substrate cavity with the aryl or diaryl residues extending up into the entrance cavity of the active site. According to our results, docking experiments could be an interesting approach for predicting the activity and binding interactions of this class of semicarbazones against MAO-B. Thus, a binding site model consisting of three essential pharmacophoric features is proposed, and this can be used for the design of future MAO-B inhibitors., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objective: To determine the hepatoprotective effect of acetone semicarbazone (ASC) in vivo in normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing male Swiss albino mice., Methods: Drug-induced changes in biochemical and behavioral parameters at dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 14 d and nullifying the toxicity induced by EAC cells were studied. The histopathology studies of the protective effects of ASC on vital organs were also assessed., Results: The administration of ASC made insignificant changes in body weight and behavioral (salivation, diarrhea, muscular numbness) changes during treatment period due to minor toxicity were minimized after the treatment in normal mice. The biochemical parameters, including serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloactate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, serum glucose, cholesterol, urea, triglyceride and billirubin changed modestly in normal mice receiving ASC. Though the treatment continued, these values gradually decreased to normal level after the treatment. In EAC bearing mice, the toxic effects due to EAC cells in all cases were nullified by treatment with the ASC. Significant abnormalities were not detected in histology of the various organs of the normal mice treated with ASC., Conclusions: ASC can, therefore, be considered safe in formulating novel anticancer drug, as it exhibits strong protective effect against EAC cell bearing mice.

Two novel series of N(4)-(5-(2/3/4-substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N(1)-(2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-enylidene)semicarbazide and N(4)-(5-(2/3/4-substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N(1)-(3,7-dimethylocta-3,6-dienylidene)-semicarbazide were synthesized to meet structural prerequisite indispensable for anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activities of the compounds were investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetrtrazole (scPTZ) and subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY) models. The rotorod test was conducted to evaluate neurotoxicity. Some of the selected active compounds were subjected to GABA assay to confirm their mode of action. The outcome of the present investigations proved that the four binding sites pharmacophore model is vital for anticonvulsant activity. The efforts were also made to establish structure-activity relationships among test compounds., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Our previous studies showed that zinc (II), cadmium (II) and nickel (II) complexes with 2-formylpyridine selenosemicarbazone induce apoptosis in cancer cells via activation of mitochondrial pathway. Herein, we reported their antimetastatic properties. Nickel (II), and zinc (II) complexes exhibited the strongest inhibitory potential towards MMP-2/9, while all investigated compounds significantly decreased proteolytic activity of MMP-2/9 in human breast cancer MDA-MB-361 cells. As shown by in vitro transmembrane assays, nickel (II) complex was the most effective in inhibiting invasion of MDA-MB-361 cells, while the cadmium (II) complex was the most active in inhibiting HeLa cells invasion. In malignant cells, the complexes inhibited intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, known for its pro-angiogenic properties via VEGF signaling, but no reduction in total cellular amount of VEGF was found. Furthermore, tubulogenesis test showed anti-angiogenic effect of the complexes in treated endothelial cells. Data indicate multiple mechanisms of the complexes' anti-angiogenic properties. In addition, they could modulate metastatic phenotype of tumor cells. Nickel (II) complex with 2-formylpyridine selenosemicarbazone revealed to be the most potent.

During the last fifteen years, semicarbazones have been extensively investigated for their anticonvulsant properties. 4-(4-Flurophenoxy) benzaldehyde semicarbazone (C0102862, V102862) was discovered as a lead molecule and is being developed as a potent antiepileptic drug, with maximal electroshock (MES) ED₅₀ of i.p. 12.9 mg kg⁻¹. In MES (oral screen), this compound has a protective index (PI = TD₅₀/ED₅₀ > 315) higher than carbamazepine (PI 101), phenytoin (PI > 21.6) and valproate (PI 2.17). The compound is a potent sodium channel blocker. Other semicarbazones have demonstrated activity in various chemoshock screens, like subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole, subcutaneous strychnine, subcutaneous picrotoxin and subcutaneous bicculine. Semicarbazones are also GABA-transaminase inhibitors. Extensive structure- -activity relationship has demonstrated that F, Cl, Br and NO₂ substituents in the arylhydrophobic pocket and a hydrogen bonding domain (HBD) are generally found in active anticonvulsant agents.

Sodium channel inhibitor (SCI) insecticides are hypothesized to inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels by binding selectively to the slow-inactivated state. Replacement of valine at position 787 in the S6 segment of homology domain II of the rat Na(v)1.4 sodium channel by lysine (V787K) enchances slow inactivation of this channel whereas replacement by alanine or cysteine (V787A and V787C) inhibits slow inactivation. To test the hypothesis that SCI insecticides bind selectively to the slow-inactivated state, we constructed mutated Na(v)1.4/V787A, Na(v)1.4/V787C, and Na(v)1.4/V787K cDNAs, expressed wildtype and mutated channels with the auxiliary β1 subunit in Xenopus oocytes, and used the two-electrode voltage clamp technique to examine the effects of these mutations on channel inhibition by four SCI insecticides (indoxacarb, its bioactivated metabolite DCJW, metaflumizone, and RH3421). Mutations at Val787 affected SCI insecticide sensitivity in a manner that was independent of mutation-induced changes in slow inactivation gating. Sensitivity to inhibition by 10 μM indoxacarb was significantly increased in all three mutated channels, whereas sensitivity to inhibition by 10 μM metaflumizone was significantly reduced in Na(v)1.4/V787A channels and completely abolished in Na(v)1.4/V787K channels. The effects of Val787 mutations on metaflumizone were correlated with the hydrophobicity of the substituted amino acid rather than the extent of slow inactivation. None of the mutations at Val787 significantly affected the sensitivity to inhibition by DCJW or RH3421. These results demonstrate that the impact of mutations at Val787 on sodium channel inhibition by SCI insecticides depend on the specific insecticide examined and is independent of mutation-induced changes in slow inactivation gating. We propose that Val787 may be a unique determinant of metaflumizone binding., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A prochelator named BHAPI (N'-(1-(2-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyloxy)phenyl)ethylidene)isonicotinohydrazide) based on the structure of experimental metal chelator HAPI (N'-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyliden]isonicotinoylhydrazide) has been synthesized. The prochelator, which shows limited affinity for metal ions, is converted efficiently upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide into its chelator form, which binds di- and trivalent metal ions, including Zn(2+), Cu(2+) and Fe(3+). This work shows that the prochelator has a protective effect on cells under oxidative stress induced by either hydrogen peroxide or the cytotoxic herbicide paraquat. The effect of BHAPI and HAPI on cellular iron status was assessed by monitoring the mRNA level of the transferrin receptor. Whereas the chelator HAPI induces iron deficiency in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells, the prochelator does not, providing evidence that the differential metal-binding capacity of these compounds observed in vitro is replicated in the cellular context.

Benzaldehyde semicarbazone (BS) inhibited zymosan writhing response, carrageenan paw edema and both phases of formaldehyde nociceptive response. 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde semicarbazone (2-OHBS) and semicarbazide inhibited carrageenan paw edema and the second phase of formaldehyde nociceptive response. 2-OHBS inhibited zymosan writhing response. 3- and 4-OHBS did not show such activities. 2-OHBS showed the lowest LUMO energy, the highest contribution of the iminic carbon to LUMO energy, the highest positive charge on the iminic carbon, the highest negative charge on the iminic nitrogen and the highest susceptibility to hydrolysis. Hence semicarbazide may play important roles in 2-OHBS's activities. Inhibition of the first phase of formaldehyde response by BS could be attributed to its higher hydrophobicity and lower susceptibility to hydrolysis in comparison to 2-OHBS., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Sodium channel inhibitor (SCI) insecticides selectively target voltage-gated sodium (Na(v)) channels in the slow-inactivated state by binding at or near the local anesthetic receptor within the sodium channel pore. Metaflumizone is a new insecticide for the treatment of fleas on domesticated pets and has recently been reported to block insect sodium channels in the slow-inactivated state, thereby implying that it is also a member of the SCI class. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we examined metaflumizone inhibition of rat Na(v)1.4 sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Metaflumizone selectively inhibited Na(v)1.4 channels at potentials that promoted slow inactivation and shifted the voltage dependence of slow inactivation in the direction of hyperpolarization. Metaflumizone perfusion at a hyperpolarized holding potential also shifted the conductance-voltage curve for activation in the direction of depolarization and antagonized use-dependent lidocaine inhibition of fast-inactivated sodium channels, actions not previously observed with other SCI insecticides. We expressed mutated Na(v)1.4/F1579A and Na(v)1.4/Y1586A channels to investigate whether metaflumizone shares the domain IV segment S6 (DIV-S6) binding determinants identified for other SCI insecticides. Consistent with previous investigations of SCI insecticides on rat Na(v)1.4 channels, the F1579A mutation reduced sensitivity to block by metaflumizone, whereas the Y1586A mutation paradoxically increased the sensitivity to metaflumizone. We conclude that metaflumizone selectively inhibits slow-inactivated Na(v)1.4 channels and shares DIV-S6 binding determinants with other SCI insecticides and therapeutic drugs. However, our results suggest that metaflumizone interacts with resting and fast-inactivated channels in a manner that is distinct from other compounds in this insecticide class.

Baseline toxicity levels to a novel semicarbazone insecticide, metaflumizone were established for 25 field populations of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae),from North America. Excluding the susceptible laboratory strain, 50% lethal concentrations of metaflumizone ranged from 0.57 to 1.31 ppm, while response slopes ranged from 1.92 to 4.24 (average = 2.93), and were unrelated to the 50% lethal concentration (r = 0.06; P = 0.76). Beetle populations with known resistance to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid also exhibited the highest LC50 levels to metaflumizone suggesting at least the possibility of cross-resistance. Additional experiments using a potato leaf-dip bioassay as well as field efficacy evaluations confirmed the high level of toxicity of metaflumizone to L. decemlineata and demonstrated a potential benefit of tank mixing a low rate of the pyrethroid esfenvalerate with metaflumizone at one-tenth the recommended field rate. These research findings confirm that metaflumizone is highly active against L. decemlineata larvae and adults and could provide an effective alternative insecticide for potato pest management.

The copper(ii) complexes of two salicylaldehyde semicarbazones, HOC(6)H(4)CH[double bond, length as m-dash]N-NHCONR(2) [H(2)Bnz(2) (R = CH(2)Ph) and H(2)Bu(2) (R = Bu)], were evaluated for their DNA binding and cleavage properties by spectrophotometric DNA titration, ethidium bromide displacement assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results showed that the Cu(ii) complexes can bind to DNA via a partial intercalation mode with binding constants of 1.1 × 10(4) and 9.5 × 10(3) M(-1) for [Cu(HBnz(2))Cl] and [Cu(HBu(2))Cl], respectively. These complexes also cleave DNA in the presence of ascorbic acid, most likely through hydroxyl radicals that are generated via the reduction of a Cu(ii) to a Cu(i) species. The complexes show similar DNA cleavage activity, which is reflected in the similarity of their frontier molecular orbital energies calculated by density functional theory. These results are discussed in relation to the anticancer properties of the complexes.

A new ligand, 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde semicarbazone (OQsc-H) (1);, its N(4)-phenyl derivative (OQsc-Ph) (2); and their corresponding copper(II) complexes [CuCl(2)(OQsc-H)]·H(2)O·CH(3)OH (3), [CuCl(2)(OQsc-Ph)(H(2)O)]·CH(3)OH (4), and [CuNO(3)(OQsc-Ph)(H(2)O)]NO(3)·H(2)O·C(2)H(5)OH (5) have been synthesized and characterized by structural, analytical, and spectral methods, in order to investigate the influence of N(4)-phenyl substitution on structure and pharmacological properties. In all of the complexes, the ligands coordinated to the Cu(II) ion in a neutral fashion via ONO donor atoms. The single-crystal X-ray structures of neutral complex (3) and cationic complex (5) exhibit a slightly distorted square-pyramidal structure, while neutral complex (4) revealed an octahedral structure. The interaction of the compounds with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration methods, which revealed that compounds 1-5 could interact with CT-DNA through intercalation. A gel electrophoresis pictogram demonstrated the ability of the complexes (3-5) to cleave the pBR322 plasmid DNA through a hydrolytic process. The interactions of the compounds with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were also investigated using UV-visible, fluorescence, and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that all of the compounds could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA in a static quenching process. Investigations of antioxidative properties showed that all of the compounds have strong radical scavenging potencies against hydroxyl radicals, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, nitric oxide, and superoxide anion radicals. Further, the cytotoxic effect of the compounds examined on cancerous cell lines such as human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma cells (HEp-2), human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2), human skin cancer cells (A431), and noncancerous NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell lines showed that all three complexes exhibited substantial cytotoxic activity. Further, all of the pharmacological investigations support the fact that there exists a strong influence of N(4)-phenyl substitution in semicarbazone., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

Synthetic thiosemicarbazones and semicarbazones were evaluated for their Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes obtained from LLC-MK2 cell cultures. In general, thiosemicarbazone derivatives were most effective and among them the 4-N-(2'-methoxy styryl)-thiosemicarbazone was chosen, to compare the in vitro effect against amastigotes of T. cruzi lodged in mouse peritoneal and human macrophages. A potent trypanocidal effect was observed that was more pronounced against parasites internalized in human macrophages. A potential target for this compound was also evaluated by measuring the nitric oxide synthase activity through NADPH consumption. A significant decrease in enzyme activity was observed. In contrast to the cytotoxic effect observed with benznidazole, no macrophage toxicity was observed for any of the compounds, indicating that their activity was specific for the parasite forms investigated., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present work stems from our interest in the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of lanthanide(III) complexes of a class of coumarin based imines which have been prepared by the interaction of hydrated lanthanide(III) chloride with the sodium salts of 3-acetylcoumarin thiosemicarbazone (ACTSZH) and 3-acetylcoumarin semicarbazone (ACSZH) in 1:3 molar ratio using thermal as well as microwave method. Characterization of the ligands as well as the metal complexes have been carried out by elemental analysis, melting point determinations, molecular weight determinations, magnetic moment, molar conductance, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, electronic, EPR, X-ray powder diffraction and mass spectral studies. Spectral studies confirm ligands to be monofunctional bidentate and octahedral environment around metal ions. The redox behavior of one of the synthesized metal complex was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Further, free ligands and their metal complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial as well as DNA cleavage activity. The results of these findings have been presented and discussed., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We previously published the synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic effect of the novel Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) complexes with 2-formylpyridine selenosemicarbazone. Here we further investigate the mechanism of their antiproliferative activity against several cancer and vascular endothelial cell lines and compared it to the activity of the ligand itself, corresponding salts and, as a referent compound, cisplatin. Investigated complexes induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner as well as changes in a cell cycle distribution. Caspase-3 activation in HeLa cells, MDA-MB-361 and vascular endothelial cells EA.hy 926 cells by ligand alone, as well as Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) complexes was preceded by the activation of the p53 tumor-suppressor gene family protein p73. In addition to activation of p73, these compounds also trigger cytochrome C release by upregulation of Bax expression. The release of cytochrome C has been linked to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. However, our data indicated that the increased phosphorylation of ERK could be also one of the mechanism involved in the Zn(II), and Cd(II) complexes- induction of apoptosis. Selenosemicarbazone complexes with Cd(II) and Ni(II), possess dual ability to induce apoptosis as well as necrosis, and might present an added advantage for inducing cell death in a diverse array of malignant cells. Taken together, our findings could indicate potential role of these complexes as activator of cross-talk between different signaling pathways that leads to cell death, and thus making the complex intriguing field for further scientific, and maybe clinical investigations., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A series of novel N(1)-{5-[(naphthalene-2-yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}-N(4)-(4-substitutedbenzaldehyde)-semicarbazone, N(1)-{5-[(naphthalene-2-yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}-N(4)-[1-(4-substitutedphenyl)ethanone]-semicarbazone and N(1)-{5-[(naphthalene-2-yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}-N(4)-[1-(4-substitutedphenyl) (phenyl) methanone]-semicarbazone were designed and synthesized on the basis of semicarbazone based pharmacophoric model to meet the structural requirements necessary for anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activities of the compounds were investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetrtrazole (scPTZ) and subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY) models. Some of the selected active compounds were subjected to GABA assay to confirm their mode of action. The efforts were also made to establish structure activity relationships among synthesized compounds. The results of the present studying validated that the pharmacophoric model with four binding sites is essential for anticonvulsant activity., (2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A number of N-(4,6-substituted diphenylpyrimidin-2-yl) semicarbazones (4a-t) were synthesized and tested for their anticonvulsant activity against the two seizure models, maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ). All the synthesized compounds possessed the four essential pharmacophoric elements for good anticonvulsant activity. Most of the compounds displayed good anticonvulsant activity with lesser neurotoxicity. To assess the unwanted effects of the compounds on liver, estimation of enzymes and proteins was carried out., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Eight new transition metal complexes of benzaldehyde-N(4)-phenylsemicarbazone have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, electronic and infrared spectral studies. In all the complexes, the semicarbazone is coordinated as neutral bidentate ligand. (1)H NMR spectrum of [Zn(HL)(2)(OAc)(2)] shows that there is no enolisation of the ligand in the complex. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are paramagnetic and Ni(II) is diamagnetic. The EPR spectrum of [Mn(HL)(2)(OAc)(2)] in DMF solution at 77K shows hyperfine sextet with low intensity forbidden lines lying between each of the two main hyperfine lines. The g values calculated for the [Cu(HL)(2)SO(4)] complex in frozen DMF, indicate the presence of unpaired electron in the d(x)(2) - (y)(2) orbital. The metal ligand bonding parameters evaluated showed strong in-plane sigma bonding and in-plane pi bonding. The ligand and complexes were screened for their possible antimicrobial activities., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A series of copper(II) and zinc complexes of 2-hydroxyacetophenone semicarbazones have been prepared and evaluated as superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics. The SOD-like activity of parent ligands and complexes were determined by the inhibition of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction method, using xanthine/xanthine oxidase as the superoxide radical generator. The obtained results indicate that Cu(II) complexes exhibited the most potent SOD-like activities with the IC(50) values ranging from ca. 0.2 to 4 microM. Among copper complexes, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone semicarbazone analog was the most active compounds (IC(50) approximately 0.2 microM)., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to identify a candidate drug for the development of anti-tuberculosis therapy from previously synthesized compounds based on the thiosemicarbazones, semicarbazones, dithiocarbazates and hydrazide/hydrazones compounds. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was determined. Their in vitro cytotoxicity to J774 cells (IC50) was determined to establish a selectivity index (SI) (SI=IC50/MIC). The best compounds were the thiosemicarbazones (2, 3 and 4) and the hydrazide/hydrazones (14, 15, 16 and 18). The results are comparable to or better than those of "first line" or "second line" drugs commonly used to treat TB, suggesting these compounds as anti-TB drug candidates., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

House fly responses to metaflumizone bait were studied in southern California. Field-strain, laboratory-reared flies in outdoor cages had access for 5 d to water and two containers of untreated sugar/dry milk (control), one container of untreated food and one container of metaflumizone bait, or one container of untreated food and one container of spinosad bait (positive control). Most fly mortality occurred between 0 and 48 h for spinosad and between 48 and 96 h for metaflumizone. On a commercial dairy, fly visitation and bait consumption were higher for metaflumizone bait than for sugar or imidacloprid bait. Flies seldom visited or consumed the imidacloprid bait. Approximately 32% of field flies collected directly from metaflumizone bait (single exposure) died when held in the laboratory with untreated food for 72 h versus < 5% mortality for flies from sugar or imidacloprid bait. Individual laboratory-reared females from a field strain and a susceptible laboratory strain were videotaped in the laboratory after exposure to untreated dry milk/sugar, metaflumizone bait, spinosad bait, and imidacloprid bait. Imidacloprid-induced mortality in field strain flies was low; when on the bait they spent proportionally less time feeding (38%) than did the laboratory strain flies (63%). Feeding by the field strain was more variable, and they fed less on all bait/food sources except metaflumizone. Metaflumizone has promise as a relatively slow-acting fly bait.

Reactions of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene with thiosemicarbazide and semicarbazide hydrochloride resulted in the formation of new heterocyclic ketimines, 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene thiosemicarbazone (C(9)H(13)N(3)OS(2) or L(1)H) and 3-acetyl-2,5- dimethylthiophene semicarbazone (C(9)H(13)N(3)OS or L(2)H), respectively. The Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes have been synthesized by mixing metal salts in 1:2 molar ratios with these ligands by using microwave as well as conventional heating method for comparison purposes. The authenticity of these ligands and their complexes has been established on the basis of elemental analysis, melting point determinations, molecular weight determinations, IR, (1)H NMR and UV spectral studies. These studies showed that the ligands coordinate to the metal atom in a monobasic bidentate manner and square planar environment around the metal atoms has been proposed to the complexes. Both the ligands and their complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activities. The antiamoebic activity of both the ligands and their palladium compounds against the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica has been tested., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mono- and binuclear VO(IV), Ce(III), Th(IV) and UO(2)(VI) complexes of thiosemicarbazone, semicarbazone and thiocarbohydrazone ligands derived from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol were synthesized. The structures of these complexes were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, ESR, (1)H NMR and mass spectra as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermal analyses. The thiosemicarbazone (H(4)L(1)) and the semicarbazone (H(4)L(2)) ligands behave as dibasic pentadentate ligands in case of VO(IV) and UO(2)(VI) complexes, tribasic pentadentate in case of Ce(III) complexes and monobasic pentadentate in case of Th(IV) complexes. However, the thiocarbohydrazone ligand (H(3)L(3)) acts as a monobasic tridentate ligand in all complexes except the VO(IV) complex in which it acts as a dibasic tridentate ligand. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were also tested against Rhizobium bacteria and Fusarium-Oxysporium fungus. The metal complexes of H(4)L(1) ligand showed a higher antibacterial effect than the free ligand while the other ligands (H(4)L(2) and H(3)L(3)) showed a higher effect than their metal complexes. The antifungal effect of all metal complexes is lower than the free ligands., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of pyriprole, metaflumizone combined with amitraz, and fipronil-(S)-methoprene commercial spot-on products in preventing adult female Culex pipiens pipiens from feeding on dogs. Twenty-four beagle dogs were tested for their attractiveness to the mosquitoes and ranked accordingly to produce four groups of equivalent sensitivity to mosquitoes; six were treated with the pyriprole spot-on, six with the metaflumizone combined with amitraz spot-on, six with the fipronil-(S)-methoprene spot-on, and six were left untreated. All the dogs were challenged with 50 unfed adult female Culex in cages for one hour seven days before the treatment, and one and seven days after it. The mosquitoes were checked for blood feeding after one hour and for mortality 24 hours after they had been released into the cages. There was a significant reduction in the number of engorged mosquitoes only with the fipronil-(S)-methoprene product and there were significantly more dead mosquitoes with this product and the pyriprole product, but their effects were too small for them to be recommended for use in a dirofilariosis prevention programme.

Sodium channel blocker insecticides (SCBIs), such as indoxacarb and metaflumizone, are a new class of insecticides with a mechanism of action different from those of other insecticides that target sodium channels. SCBIs block sodium channels in a manner similar to local anesthetics (LAs) such as lidocaine. Several residues, particularly F1579 and Y1586, in the sixth transmembrane segment (S6) of domain IV (IV) of rat Na(v)1.4 sodium channels are required for the action of LAs and SCBIs and may form part of overlapping receptor sites. However, the binding site for SCBIs in insect sodium channels remains undefined. We used site-directed mutagenesis, the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system, and the two-electrode voltage clamp technique to study the effects on SCBI activity of mutating F1817 and Y1824 (analogous to those residues identified in mammalian sodium channels) to alanine, in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. The mutant channels showed no effect or a marked increase in channel sensitivity to both DCJW (the active metabolite of indoxacarb) and metaflumizone. Thus, it appeared that although the F1817 residue plays a role in the action of SCBIs and that both residues are involved in LA activity in mammalian sodium channels, neither F1817 nor Y1824 are integral determinants of SCBI binding on insect sodium channels. Our results suggest that the receptor site of SCBIs on insect sodium channels may be significantly different from that on mammalian sodium channels.

The housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a pest of great veterinary and public health importance. In this study, the efficacy of metaflumizone granular fly bait was assessed on first generation (F1) housefly adults raised from flies collected at a cattle feedlot in Kansas. All bioassays were conducted as choice tests, with flies having ad libitum access to water, granular sugar and bait. A commercial methomyl-based bait (Golden Malrin) was used as positive control; no bait (water and granular sugar only) was used as negative control. Fly mortality was recorded on days 2, 7 and 14. The metaflumizone bait was significantly more slow-acting than the methomyl bait (mortality rates after 2 days of exposure were 49.9% and 57.9%, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in cumulative mortality later in the bioassays. Cumulative mortality rates on days 7 and 14 were 96.1% (metaflumizone), 91.4% (methomyl) and 99.0% (metaflumizone), 97.6% (methomyl), respectively. Our results demonstrate that the metaflumizone granular fly bait may be an effective modality for incorporation into management programmes for houseflies in and around livestock production facilities as well as in residential settings.

Vanadium compounds display important pharmacological actions in vivo and in vitro systems. Semicarbazones are versatile ligands with therapeutic effects. Herein, we report the effects of V(V)O(2)(salicylaldehydesemicarbazone) (V(V)-Salsem) on two osteoblast cell lines in culture (MC3T3-E1 and UMR106). V(V)-Salsem inhibited cell proliferation in a dose response manner. At 100muM, the complex caused an inhibition of ca. 48% and 38% for the normal and the tumoral osteoblasts, respectively (p<0.001). This inhibition could be partially reversed to 35% and 28% by NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and a mixture of vitamins E and C. Changes in cell proliferation correlated with morphological alterations and the disruption of actin cytoskeleton fibers. The complex also enhanced the level of ROS (reactive oxygen species) up to ca. 100% over basal in both cell lines. Activation of ERK signalling cascade was also observed. These events led to apoptosis (up to 44% in MC3T3-E1 and 33% in UMR106 cells). Scavengers of ROS and inhibitors of ERK cascade allowed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the cytotoxicity. In conclusion, V(V)-Salsem displayed cytotoxic effects on osteoblasts in culture through the production of free radicals and the activation of ERK cascade. These mechanisms triggered the apoptotic events that conveyed to cell death.

A new series of 4,5-diphenyl-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3(4H)-one were synthesized to study the effect of cyclization of the semicarbazone moiety of aryl semicarbazones on the anticonvulsant activity. Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by the use of their spectral data besides elemental analysis. All compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity in four animal models of seizures, viz. maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY), and subcutaneous picrotoxin (scPIC)-induced seizure threshold tests. The compounds were also evaluated for neurotoxicity. Compounds 4, 9, 14-19 exhibited anticonvulsant activity in all the four animal models of seizure.