Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of N-Oxide-Containing Heterocycles with in Vivo Sterilizing Antitubercular Activity

J Med Chem. 2017 Oct 26;60(20):8647-8660. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01332. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

Abstract

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is the infectious disease responsible for the highest number of deaths worldwide. Herein, 22 new N-oxide-containing compounds were synthesized followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antitubercular potential against Mtb. Compound 8 was found to be the most promising compound, with MIC90 values of 1.10 and 6.62 μM against active and nonreplicating Mtb, respectively. Additionally, we carried out in vivo experiments to confirm the safety and efficacy of compound 8; the compound was found to be orally bioavailable and highly effective, leading to a reduction of Mtb to undetectable levels in a mouse model of infection. Microarray-based initial studies on the mechanism of action suggest that compound 8 blocks translation. Altogether, these results indicate that benzofuroxan derivative 8 is a promising lead compound for the development of a novel chemical class of antitubercular drugs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antitubercular Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antitubercular Agents / chemistry*
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biological Availability
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Oxides