N-2-(Phenylamino) Benzamide Derivatives as Dual Inhibitors of COX-2 and Topo I Deter Gastrointestinal Cancers via Targeting Inflammation and Tumor Progression

J Med Chem. 2022 Aug 11;65(15):10481-10505. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00635. Epub 2022 Jul 22.

Abstract

Given the close association between inflammation and cancer, combining anti-inflammation therapy is prominent to improve the anticancer effect. Based on I-1, a series of agents targeting COX-2 and Topo I were designed by combining fenamates and phenols. The optimal compound 1H-30 displayed an enhanced inhibitory effect on COX-2 compared to tolfenamic acid and I-1 and showed better inhibition of Topo I than I-1. Importantly, 1H-30 showed potential anticancer effects and suppressed the activation of the NF-κB pathway in cancer cells. 1H-30 inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and suppressed the production of NO, COX-2, and IL-1β in RAW264.7. In vivo, 1H-30 showed acceptable pharmacokinetic parameters, decreased the tumor growth without affecting the body weight, down-regulated COX-2 and MMP-9, and induced apoptosis in the CT26.WT tumor-bearing mice. Accordingly, 1H-30 as a potential Topo I/COX-2 inhibitor which possessed anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, with inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, is promising for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzamides / pharmacology
  • Benzamides / therapeutic use
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / pharmacology
  • Dinoprostone
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • NF-kappa B
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I
  • Dinoprostone