3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone and Iron-Overload

The design of novel Fe chelators with high Fe mobilization efficacy and low toxicity remains an important priority for the treatment of Fe overload disease. We have designed and synthesized the novel methyl pyrazinylketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HMPIH) analogs based on previously investigated aroylhydrazone chelators. The HMPIH series demonstrated high Fe mobilization efficacy from cells and showed limited to moderate antiproliferative activity. Importantly, this novel series demonstrated irreversible electrochemistry, which was attributed to the electron-withdrawing effects of the noncoordinating pyrazine N-atom. The latter functionality played a major role in forming redox-inactive complexes that prevent reactive oxygen species generation. In fact, the Fe complexes of the HMPIH series prevented the oxidation of ascorbate and hydroxylation of benzoate. We determined that the incorporation of electron-withdrawing groups is an important feature in the design of N, N, O-aroylhydrazones as candidate drugs for the treatment of Fe overload disease.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Benzoates; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Crystallography, X-Ray; Humans; Hydrazones; Hydroxylation; Iron; Iron Chelating Agents; Iron Overload; Iron Radioisotopes; Isonicotinic Acids; Ketones; Ligands; Oxidation-Reduction; Pyrazines; Structure-Activity Relationship

Iron (Fe) chelation therapy was initially designed to alleviate the toxic effects of excess Fe evident in Fe-overload diseases. However, the novel toxicological properties of some Fe chelator-metal complexes have shifted appreciable focus to their application in cancer chemotherapy. Redox-inactive Fe chelator complexes are well suited for the treatment of Fe-overload diseases, whereas Fe chelator complexes with high redox activity have shown promising results as chemotherapeutics against cancer. Within this perspective, we discuss the different modes of action and toxicological profiles of Fe chelators, including analogues of 2-pyridylcarboxaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone, di-2-pyridylketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone, di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone, and the clinically trialed chelator 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. The potential application of these agents in the changing face of Fe chelation therapy is discussed.

Topics: Chelation Therapy; Humans; Hydrazones; Iron Chelating Agents; Iron Overload; Isoniazid; Pyridines; Pyridoxal; Structure-Activity Relationship; Thiosemicarbazones; Toxicology