Synthesis, anticancer, and antibacterial activity of betulinic and betulonic acid C-28-triphenylphosphonium conjugates with variable alkyl linker length

Abstract

© 2020 Bentham Science Publishers. Background: Conjugation of triterpenoids such as betulinic acid 1 with the Triphenylphosphonium (TPP) group is a powerful approach to generating medicinal compounds. Their development proposes structure optimization in respect of availability and activity towards target cells and organelles. Selection of 1 or its pre-cursor betulonic acid 2 and the optimal linker is of particular importance for drug candidate identification among the TPP-triterpenoid conjugates. Objective: In this study, new C-28-TPP conjugated derivatives of 1 and 2 with the alkyl/alkoxyalkyl linkers of variable length were synthesized and compared regarding their anticancer, antibacterial, and mitochondria-targeted effects. Methods: The TPP conjugates of 1 and 2 [6a-f, 7a-f] were synthesized by the reaction of halogenalkyl esters [3a-f, 4a-f, 5] with triphenylphosphine in acetonitrile upon heating. Cytotoxicity (MTT assay), antibacterial activity (microdilution assay), and mitochondrial effects (flow cytofluorometry) were studied. Results: Conjugation with the TPP group greatly increased the cytotoxicity of the triterpenoids up to 30 times. The conjugates were up to 10-17 times more active against MCF-7 (IC50 = 0.17µM, 72h, 6c) and PC-3 (IC50 = 0.14µM, 72h, 6a) cancer cells than for human skin fibroblasts. The enhanced antibacterial (bactericidal) activity of the TPP-triterpenoid conjugates with MIC for Gram-positive bacteria as low as 2µM (6a, 7a) was for the first time revealed. The conjugates were found to effectively inhibit fluorescence of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin probe in the cytosol upon oxidation, decrease transmembrane potential, and increase superoxide radical level in mitochondria. Conclusion: Relationships between the effects and structure of the TPP-triterpenoid conjugates were evaluated and are discussed. Based on the results, 6a can be selected for further preclinical investigation as a potential anticancer compound.