Neuroprotective Effect of Isobenzofuranones on Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Redox Imbalance in Primary Cultures of Hippocampal Neurons

Abstract In live organisms, there is a balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization. The increased level of these species leads to a condition called redox imbalance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective action of isobenzofuranones in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons subjected to redox imbalance. To accomplish this, MTT and LIVE/DEAD assays were initially performed. In the cultures pretreated with isobenzofuranones 1 and 2, there was a higher number of live cells when compared to that in the untreated ones. Regarding redox imbalance, there was a significant increase in the intracellular levels of ROS. The cultures pretreated with isobenzofuranones showed a reduction in ROS levels. Lipid peroxidation caused by oxidative damage was significantly reduced in the cultures pretreated with isobenzofuranones 1 and 2. Taken together, these data show the ability of isobenzofuranones 1 and 2 to significantly minimize cytotoxicity, cell death, intracellular levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation induced by redox imbalance. These results suggest that isobenzofuranones 1 and 2 represent a possible alternative therapy for the neurodegenerative disturbances that are triggered by ROS production increases.

Synthesis and phytogrowth properties of oxabicyclic analogues related to helminthosporin.

This investigation describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of oxabicyclic analogues related to the helminthosporins. Four oxabicycles were prepared by [4+3] cycloaddition of an oxyallyl carbocation, generated in situ from 2,4-dibromopentan-3-one, with selected furans. Functional group manipulations of the oxabicyclic architecture generated nine further derivatives. The phytotoxic properties of these oxabicycles were evaluated as their ability to interfere with the growth of Sorghum bicolor and Cucumis sativus seedlings. In both species, the most active compounds were oxabicycles possessing a carbonyl group conjugated with a double bond.