The Role of Metabolism in the Estrogenic Activity of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

Exposure to several natural and synthetic chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system and thus present a threat to human health. In vivo, such chemicals can be metabolized, which can change the endocrine activity of the parent chemical. Metabolism is usually considered to be a detoxification process, as it generally appears to reduce the estrogenic activity of a chemical and accelerate its elimination from the body. This is seen for bisphenol A (BPA), a known agonist of the estrogen receptor, whereby BPA glucuronide has no effects on this receptor. In contrast, numerous metabolites that show significantly greater estrogenic activities from their parent chemicals have been described in the literature. An example is the ipso metabolite of BPA, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene, which shows >100-fold estrogenic activity compared to BPA. Consideration of metabolic pathways in in vitro models is therefore of great importance for reliable analysis and correct in vitro to in vivo correlations. The inclusion of metabolic aspects in these assays will reduce false-positive data for chemicals that are detoxified in vivo and false-negative data for proestrogens. Different approaches for this incorporation of metabolic systems for determination of estrogenic activities are already in use and are described in the present chapter

Data on biosynthesis of BPAF glucuronide, enzyme kinetics of BPAF glucuronidation, and molecular modeling

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is in the body mainly metabolized to the corresponding bisphenol AF glucuronide (BPAF-G). While BPAF-G is not commercially available, enzyme-assisted synthesis of BPAF-G using the human recombinant enzyme UGT2A1, purification of BPAF-G by solid phase extraction and semi-preparative HPLC and chemical characterization of BPAF-G by NMR and LC-MS/MS were performed and are described here. Furthermore, BPAF glucuronidation kinetics with the UGT enzymes that showed the highest glucuronidation activity in previous studies (i.e hepatic UGTs 1A3, 2B7, and 2B17, intestinal UGT 1A10 and UGT 2A1 that is present in airways) was performed and data is presented. Hepatic enzymes exhibited high affinities toward BPAF, while extrahepatic UGTs 2A1 and 1A10 showed the high v(max), values (3.3 and 3.0 nmol/min/mg, respectively). To understand molecular interactions of BPA, BPAF and BPAF-G with ligand biding sites of several nuclear receptors, molecular modeling was performed and data on the binding modes of BPAF, BPA, and BPAF-G in the ligand-binding sites of nuclear receptors are presented. This article is related to "Endocrine activities and adipogenic effects of bisphenol AF and its main metabolite" (Skledar et al., 2019). (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.Peer reviewe

New N-phenyl-4,5-dibromopyrrolamides as DNA gyrase B inhibitors

Due to the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance, the discovery of new antibacterials is essential in the fight against potentially lethal infections. The DNA gyrase B (GyrB) subunit of bacterial DNA gyrase is an excellent target for the design of antibacterials, as it has been clinically validated by novobiocin. However, there are currently no drugs in clinical use that target GyrB. We prepared a new series of N-phenyl-4,5-dibromopyrrolamides and evaluated them against DNA gyrase and against the structurally and functionally similar enzyme, topoisomerase IV. The most active compound, 28, had an IC50 of 20 nM against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase. The IC50 values of 28 against Staphylococcus aureus DNA gyrase, and E. coli and S. aureus topoisomerase IV were in the low micromolar range. However, the compounds evaluated did not show significant antibacterial activities against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our results indicate that for potent inhibition of DNA gyrase, a combination of polar groups on the carboxylic end of the molecule and substituents that reach into the 'lipophilic floor' of the enzyme is required.Peer reviewe

A new cell-based AI-2-mediated quorum sensing interference assay in screening of LsrK-targeted inhibitors

Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial communication strategy, has been recognized as one of the control mechanisms of virulence in bacteria. Thus, targeting QS offers an interesting opportunity to impair bacterial pathogenicity and develop antivirulence agents. Aiming to enhance the discovery of QS inhibitors, we developed a bioreporter Escherichia coli JW5505 pET-Plsrlux and set up a cell-based assay for identifying inhibitors of autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-mediated QS. A comparative study on the performance of target- versus cell-based assays was performed, and 91 compounds selected with the potential to target the ATP binding pocket of LsrK, a key enzyme in AI-2 processing, were tested in an LsrK inhibition assay, providing 36 hits. The same set of compounds was tested by the AI-2-mediated QS interference assay, resulting in 24 active compounds. Among those, six were also found to be active against LsrK, whereas 18 might target other components of the pathway. Thus, this AI-2-mediated QS interference cell-based assay is an effective tool for complementing target-based assays, yet also stands as an independent assay for primary screening.Peer reviewe

RP-HPLC evaluation of lipophilicity of a series of dual DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors

In this study, lipophilicity of twenty-three DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV ATPase inhibitors was estimated at two pH values (5.5 and 7.4) using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) [1,2]. Retention behavior was tested on HP 1100 HPLC chromatograph, using column Zorbax Eclipse Plus C8 (150 X 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size). Mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH was adjusted to 5.5 or 7.4). Each compound was tested in four different ratios of acetonitrile and buffer (acetonitrile ranged from 20% to 65%). Column temperature was 25 °C, flow rate 1 mL/min, injection volume 20 µL and detection was performed at 254 nm. For each compound, capacity factor (k) was calculated and logk values were plotted against percentage of acetonitrile. Finally, following chromatography parameters were calculated: logkw (y-axis intercept), a (slope) and ϕ0 (-logkw/a). Derivatives with the highest lipophilicity were TEL-28 and NDL-20, whereas NZ97 had the lowest lipophilicity (at both pH values, Figure 1). The majority of compounds possess similar or slightly different lipophilicities at both pH values, but the highest differences were observed for TAZ-7, LMD-17 and NCH-4d, which could significantly affect their biological properties (particularly gastrointestinal absorption, distribution and biological activity)

Estimation of gastrointestinal absorption of a series of dual DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV inhibitors using Pampa technique

In this study, estimation of gastrointestinal absorption of thirteen selected dual DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors was carried out using PAMPA test. Diffusion through artificial membrane, consisting of egg lecithin solution in dodecane (first PAMPA model) and a mixture of hexadecane and hexane (second PAMPA model), was monitored [1,2]. The starting solutions (pH 5.5) and the acceptor medium (pH 7.4) were prepared to contain 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Concentrations of tested compounds in starting solutions, donor and acceptor medium after incubation were measured using LC-MS/MS method. Permeability coefficients were calculated and good correlation was observed between results obtained using these two PAMPA models. Subsequently, the hexadecane/hexane model was selected for the evaluation of gastrointestinal absorption of the remaining ten compounds. Derivatives with the highest permeability in hexadecane/hexane model were TZS-34 and TCF-3a (logPe: -5.37 and -4.93, respectively) whereas TLK-13 and NZ-97 had the lowest permeability (logPe: -9.91 and -9.85, respectively). Therefore, the highest gastrointestinal absorption can be expected from TZS-34 and TCF-3a, and lowest from TLK-13 and NZ-97 (Figure 1). High membrane retention observed for compounds TEL-28 (72%) and TAZ-2b (30 %) might be a reason for lower permeability than expected based on their lipophilicity

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel DNA gyrase Inhibitors and their siderophore mimic conjugates

Bacterial DNA gyrase is an important target for the development of novel antibacterial drugs, which are urgently needed because of high level of antibiotic resistance worldwide. We designed and synthesized new 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole-based DNA gyrase B inhibitors and their conjugates with siderophore mimics, which were introduced to increase the uptake of inhibitors into the bacterial cytoplasm. The most potent conjugate 34 had an IC50 of 58 nM against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase and displayed MIC of 14 mu g/mL against E. coli.tolC strain. Only minor improvements in the antibacterial activities against wild-type E. coli in low-iron conditions were seen for DNA gyrase inhibitor - siderophore mimic conjugates.Peer reviewe

High-performance liquid chromatography evaluation of lipophilicity and QSRR modeling of a series of dual DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors

Bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV control the topological state of DNA during replication and represent important antibacterial drug targets. To be successful as drug candidates, newly synthesized compounds must possess optimal lipophilicity, which enables efficient delivery to the site of action. In this study, retention behavior of twenty-three previously synthesized dual DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors was tested in RP-HPLC system, consisting of C8 column and acetonitrile/phosphate buffer (pH 5.5 and pH 7.4) mobile phase. logD was calculated at both pH values and the best correlation with logD was obtained for retention parameter φ0, indicating that this RP-HPLC system could be used as an alternative to the shake-flask determination of lipophilicity. Subsequent QSRR analysis revealed that intrinsic lipophilicity (logP) and molecular weight (bcutm13) have a positive, while solubility (bcutp3) has a negative influence on this retention parameter

New N-phenylpyrrolamide DNA gyrase B inhibitors: Optimization of efficacy and antibacterial activity

The ATP binding site located on the subunit B of DNA gyrase is an attractive target for the development of new antibacterial agents. In recent decades, several small-molecule inhibitor classes have been discovered but none has so far reached the market. We present here the discovery of a promising new series of N-phenylpyrrolamides with low nanomolar IC50 values against DNA gyrase, and submicromolar IC50 values against topoisomerase IV from Escherichia coil and Staphylococcus aureus. The most potent compound in the series has an IC50 value of 13 nM against E. coil gyrase. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Gram-positive bacteria are in the low micromolar range. The oxadiazolone derivative with an IC50 value of 85 nM against E. coli DNA gyrase displays the most potent antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 1.56 mu M against Enterococcus faecalis, and 3.13 mu M against wild type S. aureus, methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). The activity against wild type E. coli in the presence of efflux pump inhibitor phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PA beta N) is 4.6 mu M. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

An optimised series of substituted N-phenylpyrrolamides as DNA gyrase B inhibitors

ATP competitive inhibitors of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV have great therapeutic potential, but none of the described synthetic compounds has so far reached the market. To optimise the activities and physicochemical properties of our previously reported N-phenylpyrrolamide inhibitors, we have synthesized an improved, chemically variegated selection of compounds and evaluated them against DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, and against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The most potent compound displayed IC50 values of 6.9 nM against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase and 960 nM against Staphylococcus aureus topoisomerase IV. Several compounds displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Gram-positive strains in the 1-50 mu M range, one of which inhibited the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC values of 1.56 mu M, 1.56 mu M, 0.78 mu M and 0.72 mu M, respectively. This compound has been investigated further on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and on ciprofloxacin non-susceptible and extremely drug resistant strain of S. aureus (MRSA VISA). It exhibited the MIC value of 2.5 mu M on both strains, and MIC value of 32 mu M against MRSA in the presence of inactivated human blood serum. Further studies are needed to confirm its mode of action. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe