The focus of these studies has been toward the development of new synthetic methods and procedures for the synthesis of novel compounds with unique biological properties. This research has led to the development of two new synthetic strategies for the construction of two novel amphibian alkaloids. In addition, the efforts have led to the large-scale process for the preparation of a novel analgesic compound. The regioselective ring opening of lactones (δ-valerolactone and γ-butyrolactone) with aryllithium reagents is reported for the construction of a series of δ-hydroxyarylketones and γ-hydroxyarylketones. Both the R and S enantiomers of the amphibian alkaloid noranabasamine were prepared in >30% overall yield with 80% ee and 86% ee, respectively. An enantioselective iridium-catalyzed N-heterocyclization reaction with either (R)- or (S)-1-phenylethylamine and 1-(5-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-1, 5-pentanediol was employed to generate the 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-piperidine ring system in 69-72% yield. A cis-2, 5-disubstitued pyrrolidine building block derived from (-)-Cocaine•HCl was prepared. We utilized this compound as a chiral building block for the formal synthesis of (+)-gephyrotoxin. Using this pyrrolidine building block, Kishi's intermediate was obtained enantiospecifically in 15 steps and 9.4% overall yield. A large-scale process for the preparation of the analgesic compounds SCP-123 and its sodium salt, SCP-123ss•monohydrate has been developed. The process for the preparation of SCP-123 required three synthetic steps with no chromatography, while the process for the preparation of SCP-123ss required four synthetic steps and no chromatography. The overall yields for both SCP-123 and SCP-123ss were 47% and 46%, respectively, and both compounds were obtained in exceptionally high purity (>99%).

Esta dissertação descreve os resultados obtidos no estudo da clivagem oxidativa de beta-hidróxi-éteres bicíclicos promovida por RuO4 catalítico visando à obtenção de ceto-lactonas de anel médio (9 e 10 membros). Um dos objetivos deste trabalho foi verificar o uso de solventes não clorados, uma vez que as condições clássicas para reações com RuO4 envolvem o uso de CCl4. Foram utilizados dois sistemas solventes: um homogêneo composto por MeCN e H2O (1:1) e um sistema bifásico composto por AcOEt/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Ambos os sistemas solventes mostraram-se viáveis para estas reações, levando a obtenção de ceto-lactonas de 9 e 10 membros em rendimentos moderados, mas inferiores aos rendimentos obtidos quando empregada a mistura CCl4/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Além disso, foi estudado o uso de Oxone como co-oxidante nas reações de clivagem oxidativa promovidas por RuO4, em substituição ao NaIO4 amplamente empregado nestas reações de oxidação. Contudo, o uso de Oxone levou a resultados insatisfatórios em comparação com aqueles obtidos com NaIO4. / This dissertation presents the results obtained during the study of oxidative cleavage of bicyclic beta-hydroxyethers promoted by catalytic RuO4 aiming at obtention of medium ring keto-lactones (9 and 10 members). One of the aims of this work was to verify the use of non chlorinated solvents since the classic conditions for the RuO4 reactions involve the use of CCl4. Two solvents systems were used: a homogeneous one composed of MeCN and H2O (1:1) and a biphasic one composed by AcOEt/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Both solvents systems were useful in these reactions, leading to 9 and 10 membered keto-lactones in moderate yields. However, the yields were lower than those observed when the mixture CCl4/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3) was employed. Moreover, the use of Oxone as co-oxidant in the reactions of oxidative cleavage promoted by RuO4 was investigated in replacement of NaIO4, widely employed in these oxidation reactions. However, the use of Oxone led to unsatisfactory results in comparison with those obtained with NaIO4.

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Synthese neuer optisch aktiver Hydroxyalkylheterocyclen durch Ringtransformationen von chiralen -Alkylidenlactonen. Hierzu wurden letztere gezielten Additionen von Binucleophilen, 1,3-dipolaren Cycloadditionen, Cupratadditionen und Epoxidierungsreaktionen unterworfen. Die erhaltenen Produkte konnten durch weitere gezielte Folgereaktionen, Spaltungen oder Reaktionen mit Nucleophilen zu interessanten enantiomerenreinen Hydroxyalkylheterocyclen umgesetzt werden. Eine Deutung der acyclischen Seitendifferenzierung gelang mit Hilfe des antiperiplanaren Effektes und des inside alkoxy effects. Umsetzungen mit Hydrazinen führten in guten Ausbeuten zu trans-Hydroxyalkyl-3-pyrazolidinonen. Aus Nitromethan und -Alkylidenlactonen erhält man DBU-katalysiert Nitroethyllactone die sich unter hydrogenolytischen Reaktionsbedingungen zu trans-3-Hydroxyalkyl-2-pyrrolidinonen ringtransformieren lassen. Über o-Aminothiophenoladditionen und Ringtransformationen werden enantiomerenreine 3-(2-Hydroxyalkyl-2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one erhalten, die neuartige Analoga der Pharmaka Dilthiazem und Thiazesim darstellen. Neue D1-Pyrazoline entstehen durch 1,3-dipolare Cycloadditionen von Diazoalkanen an -Alkylidenlactone. Durch photolytische Extrusion von Stickstoff werden neue chirale Cyclopropanderivate erhalten. Enantiomerenreine , -Diaminosäurederivate werden durch hydrogenolytische N-N-Bindungsspaltung der D1-Pyrazoline generiert. Über Epoxidierung der -Alkylidenlactone mittels Dimethyldioxiran und Umsetzung der erhaltenen Oxirane mit verschiedenen N- und S-Nucleophilen und anschließender Ringtransformation, ist ein Zugang zu Benzothiazepin-4(5H) -on, 1,5-Benzodiazepin-2-on, 1,4-Thiazepan-5-on, Thiomorpholin-2-on, 1-Phenyl-2-acetidion sowie über Lithium-Halogenaustausch-Reaktion zu 2-Hydroxy-2-hydroxyethyl- thiochromen-4-on erarbeitet worden. Mit Organokupferverbindungen gelingt hochregioselektiv die 1,4-Addition. Unter Bedingungen der Iodlactonisierung werden aus den Addukten neuartig substituierte -Butyro- und -Valerolactone erhalten. / The thesis is focused on the synthesis of new optically active hydroxyalkyl heterocycles by ring-chain-transformation of chiral -alkylidenlactones. The latter were subjected to specific additions of binucleophiles to 1,3-dipolare cycloadditions to addition of cuprates and to epoxidation. The product obtained could be further applied in the synthesis of interesting enantiomerically pure hydroxyalkyl heterocycles by specific reactions like ring-cleavage or reactions with nucleophiles. The acyclic side differentiation could be explained with the help of the antiperiplanar effect and the inside alkoxy effects. Reactions with hydrazines led to trans-hydroxyalkyl-3-pyrazolidinones in good yields. Nitroethyllactones were obtained from -alkylidenlactones and nitromethane under DBU-catalysis. In a following step they are ring-transformed into trans-3-hydroxyalkyl-2-pyrrolidinones by hydrogenation. Enantiomerically pure 2-hydroxyalkyl-2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-4-(5H)ones could be prepared by addition of o-aminothiophenol and following ring-chain-transformation. These compounds represent novel analogs of the drugs Dilthiazem&#8482 and Thiazesim&#8482. Novel D1-pyrazoline results from 1,3-dipolare cycloadditions of -alkylidenlactone with diazoalkanes. New chiral derivatives of cyclopropanes were obtained by photolytic extrusion of nitrogen. Enantiomerically pure ,-diaminoacid derivatives were generated by hydrogenolytic cleavage of the N-N-bond of the pyrazolines. Epoxidation of -alkylidenlactones with dimethyldioxirane and opening of the oxirane ring obtained by various N- and S-nucleophiles provided new methods for the synthesis of benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one, 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one, 1,4-thiazepan-5-one, thiomorpholin-2-one and 1-phenyl-2-acetidione. 2-Hydroxy-2-hydroxyethyl-thiochromen-4-one could be obtained by lithium-halogens exchange reaction. The 1,4-additions of organocuprates to -alkylidenlactones succeeded with high regioselectivity. Novel substituted [gamma]-butyro- and -valerolactones were obtained by iodolactonisations of these adducts.

Nesta tese de doutorado, são descritos os resultados obtidos no estudo sobre a síntese de diversos tipos de ?-butirolactonas, tais como derivados de maculalactonas, compostos análogos ao ácido paracônico e butenolidas. Os derivados de maculalactonas foram obtidos por uma reação multicomponente entre o 2-benzil-3-metileno-succinato de dimetila, um haleto aromático e um aldeído, sendo catalisada por brometo de cobalto(II) e utilizando radiação de micro-ondas como fonte de aquecimento. Esse processo multicomponente apresentou bom rendimento e moderada diastereosseletividade, tendo sido possível obter doze derivados de maculalactonas com três centros estereogênicos na forma de misturas diastereoisoméricas. Os diastereoisômeros majoritários puderam ser isolados por recristalização e tiveram as suas configurações relativas determinas como sendo anti:anti. Um desses derivados de maculalactonas teve todos os seus quatro diastereoisômeros isolados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e suas configurações relativas foram determinadas por meio de análises de ressonância magnética nuclear combinada com química computacional, comparando os deslocamentos químicos experimentais e teóricos de ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H e de 13C. Além disso, também foi desenvolvida uma nova metodologia sintética que permite a obtenção de ?-butirolactonas derivadas do éster paracônico, do ácido paracônico e de butenolidas. Para isso, inicialmente foram estudadas diversas condições reacionais do processo multicomponente utilizado e uma nova condição reacional foi obtida. Na sequência, a reação multicomponente entre o 2-metileno-succinato de 1-terc-butila e 4-metila, um haleto aromático e um composto carbonílico, catalisada por brometo de cobalto(II), possibilitou a obtenção de derivados do éster paracônico que tiveram os seus grupos terc-butil removidos ao serem tratados com ácido trifluoroacético fornecendo os derivados do ácido paracônico desejados, os quais foram convertidos em butenolidas por meio de uma reação de iodação descarboxilativa seguida da reação de eliminação de ácido iodídrico / We have synthesized some types of ?-butyrolactones, like maculalactone derivatives, paraconic acid analogs, and butenolides. Maculalactone derivatives were obtained by a cobalt bromide (II)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction between dimethyl 2-benzyl-3-methylenesuccinate, an aromatic halide, and an aldehyde; microwave radiation was used as heat source. This multicomponent process provided good yield and moderate diastereoselectivity, and it produced twelve compounds with three stereogenic centers as diastereoisomeric mixtures. The major diastereoisomers were isolated by crystallization and presented the relative configuration anti:anti. A maculalactone derivative had all the four possible diastereoisomers isolated by high performance liquid chromatograph. The relative configurations of the diastereoisomers were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments combined with computational chemistry; experimental and calculated 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were compared. We also developed a new synthetic methodology to obtain ?-butyrolactones analogous to paraconic ester, paraconic acid, and butenolides. To this end, we initially studied several reactional conditions of the multicomponent process and obtained a new reaction condition. Subsequently, the multicomponent reaction between 1-tert-butyl 4-methyl 2-methylenesuccinate, an aromatic halide, and a carbonyl compound, catalyzed by cobalt bromide (II), furnished paraconic ester derivatives which had their tert-butyl groups removed by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid, to afford the desired paraconic acid analogs. The latter analogs were converted to butenolides by decarboxylative halogenation followed by dehydrohalogenation

Uma das principais características da família Asteraceae é sua capacidade de produzir uma grande diversidade de metabólitos secundários que podem possuir efeitos terapêuticos ou tóxicos. Para verificar a existência de variações inter e intrapopulacionais na sua composição metabólica secundária de Lychnophora granmongolense (Duarte) Semir & Leitão Filho e caracterização desses metabólitos foi desenvolvida uma metodologia analítica em CLAE DAD. Essa metodologia permitiu a identificação de três compostos, vicenina-2, quercetina e pinocembrina, através da coinjeção de padrões, ou seja, pela comparação do tempo de retenção com padrões previamente isolados associados com os dados do espectro no UV. Com a utilização da técnica de espectrometria de massas, CLAE-DAD-EM e CLAE-DAD-EM/EM, foram identificadas quatro lactonas sesquiterpênicas (LST), centraterina, 4,5-di-idrocentraterina, lychnofolido e 15-desoxigoyazensolido. No estudo de variação populacional, os resultados indicaram grandes variações quantitativas e qualitativas tanto inter quanto intrapopulacionais para os metabólitos de alta e média polaridade. A análise dos metabólitos mais apolares presentes nas folhas permitiu a identificação de 8 triterpenos e 8 triterpenos acetilados. Contudo, esses metabólitos apresentam somente pequena variação que não é significativa. Assim, esse estudo contribuiu para o aumento do conhecimento sobre o ritmo metabólico dessa espécie. / One of the main characteristics of plants of the Asteraceae family is their capacity to produce a huge diversity of secondary metabolites having therapeutic and toxic effects. An analytical method was developed based on HPLCDAD which was used to verify the existence of variations in Lychnophora granmongolense (Duarte) Semir & Leitão Filho secondary metabolite levels among species within populations and between distinct populations and to characterize the major secondary metabolites. Through this method three compounds, namely vicenin-2, quercetin and pinocembrin were identified by co-injection of standards. This identification was based on the comparison of retention time with isolated standards and the UV spectrum. Four sesquiterpenes lactones centratherin, 4,5-dihydrocentratherin, lycnopholide and 15-deoxygoyazensolide were identified by mass spectrometry techniques coupled with HPLC (HPLC-DAD-MS e HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). In the populational variation study, the results show large qualitative and quantitative differences among species within populations and between populations for high and medium polarity secondary metabolites. Eight triterpenes and eight acetyl triterpenes were identified by apolar compound analysis. However, small, insignificant variation was observed for these particular metabolites. Thus, this study contributed to an increase in the knowledge of the metabolic rhythm of this specie.

<p style="text-align: justify;">Reverzno-faznom tečnom hromatografijom pod visokim pritiskom primenom dva sistema<br />rastvarača ispitano je pona&scaron;anje i hromatografska lipofilnost prirodnih stiril laktona 7-(+)-<br />goniofufurona, 7-epi-(+)-goniofufurona, krasalaktona B i C i dvadeset njihovih<br />novosintetizovanih derivata i analoga. U ranijim ispitivanjima pokazalo se da ova jedinjenja<br />imaju veliki biolo&scaron;ki potencijal jer pokazuju zapaženu citotoksičnost prema vi&scaron;e humanih<br />tumorskih ćelijskih linija. Hromatografsko pona&scaron;anje jedinjenja uglavnom je u skladu sa<br />njihovom strukturom. Ustanovljene su linearne veze između hromatografskih retencionih<br />konstanti i većine in silico parametara lipofilnosti. Primenom hemometrijske QSRR analize<br />utvrđeni su veoma dobri multi linearni regresioni prediktivni modeli kvantitativne zavisnosti<br />između eksperimentalno dobijene hromatografske retencione konstante, koja defini&scaron;e<br />retenciju jedinjenja u čistoj vodi i in silico molekulskih deskriptora odnosno strukture<br />jedinjenja. Lipofilnost jedinjenja ima najveći uticaj na njihove farmakokinetičke, tj. ADME<br />(apsorpcija, distribucija, metabolizam, eliminacija) osobine. Definisani su i statistički<br />potvrđeni najbolji multi linearni regresioni modeli zavisnosti farmakokinetičkih parametara<br />stiril laktona i od drugih molekulskih deskriptora. In vitro citotoksična aktivnost jedinjenja<br />evaluirana je prema četiri nove humane maligne ćelijske linije: kancer prostate (PC3), kancer debelog creva (HT-29), melanom (Hs294T), adenokancer pluća (A549). Najaktivnije<br />novosintetizovano jedinjenje je triciklični 4-fluorocinamatni analog, koji ispoljava<br />nanomolarnu aktivnost (IC₅₀ 2,1 nM) prema ćelijama melanoma i aktivniji je preko 2250 puta od komercijalnog antitumorskog agensa doksorubicina (DOX). SAR analizom utvrđena je zavisnost između strukture i biolo&scaron;ke aktivnosti jedinjenja. Molekulskim dokingom ispitana je veza stiril laktona i ciljanog proteina značajnog za kancer prostate. Jedinjenja sa visokom inhibitornom aktivno&scaron;ću prema ćelijama kancera prostate imaju visok doking skor i mogu graditi koordinativno-kovalentnu vezu sa Fe²+jonom prisutnim u aktivnom centru enzima. 3D-QSAR analizom, koja je izvedena metodama komparativnih polja CoMFA i CoMSIA, formiran je značajan prediktivni model između hemijske strukture i biolo&scaron;ke aktivnosti stiril laktona.</p> / <p>The behavior and the chromatographic lipophilicity natural styryl lactone 7-(+)-<br />goniofufurone, 7-epi-(+)-goniofufurone, crassalactones B and C and twenty of their newly<br />synthesized derivatives and analogs were examined using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography in the two solvent systems. In previous studies it has been shown that these compounds have great biological potential toward several human tumor cell lines. Chromatographic behavior of the compounds is generally in accordance with their structure. The relationships between the chromatographic retention constants and the majority of their in silico lipophilicity parameters are linear. The application of chemometric QSRR analysis determined very good multiple linear regression predictive models of quantitative correlation between experimentally obtained chromatographic retention constant, which determines the retention of the compound in pure water and in silico molecular descriptors, i.e. the structure of the compound. The lipophilicity of the compounds has a major influence on their pharmacokinetics, i.e. ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) properties. The best multi-linear regression models depending on the pharmacokinetic parameters of styryl lactone and other molecular descriptors have been defined and statistically validated. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the compounds was evaluated according to four novel human malignant cell lines: prostate cancer (PC3), colon cancer (HT-29), melanoma (Hs294T), lung adenocarcinom (A549). The most active compound was tricyclic 4-fluorocinnamic analog, which exhibits a nanomolar activity (IC50 2,1 nM) toward melanoma cells. This compound is over 2250 times more active than commercial antitumor agent doxorubicin (DOX). SAR analysis has revealed a correlation between the structure and the biological activity of the compounds. Using the molecular docking the relationship of the styryl lactone and the target protein important for prostate cancer was examined. The compounds with high inhibitory activity against prostate cancer cells have a high docking score and are capable to form a coordinative-covalent bond with a Fe2+ ion present in the active centre of the enzyme. 3DQSAR analysis, which was performed by methods of comparative CoMFA and CoMSIA fields, has formed a good predictive model between chemical structure and biological activity of the styryl lactone.</p>

Esta dissertação descreve os resultados obtidos no estudo da clivagem oxidativa de beta-hidróxi-éteres bicíclicos promovida por RuO4 catalítico visando à obtenção de ceto-lactonas de anel médio (9 e 10 membros). Um dos objetivos deste trabalho foi verificar o uso de solventes não clorados, uma vez que as condições clássicas para reações com RuO4 envolvem o uso de CCl4. Foram utilizados dois sistemas solventes: um homogêneo composto por MeCN e H2O (1:1) e um sistema bifásico composto por AcOEt/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Ambos os sistemas solventes mostraram-se viáveis para estas reações, levando a obtenção de ceto-lactonas de 9 e 10 membros em rendimentos moderados, mas inferiores aos rendimentos obtidos quando empregada a mistura CCl4/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Além disso, foi estudado o uso de Oxone como co-oxidante nas reações de clivagem oxidativa promovidas por RuO4, em substituição ao NaIO4 amplamente empregado nestas reações de oxidação. Contudo, o uso de Oxone levou a resultados insatisfatórios em comparação com aqueles obtidos com NaIO4. / This dissertation presents the results obtained during the study of oxidative cleavage of bicyclic beta-hydroxyethers promoted by catalytic RuO4 aiming at obtention of medium ring keto-lactones (9 and 10 members). One of the aims of this work was to verify the use of non chlorinated solvents since the classic conditions for the RuO4 reactions involve the use of CCl4. Two solvents systems were used: a homogeneous one composed of MeCN and H2O (1:1) and a biphasic one composed by AcOEt/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3). Both solvents systems were useful in these reactions, leading to 9 and 10 membered keto-lactones in moderate yields. However, the yields were lower than those observed when the mixture CCl4/MeCN/H2O (2:2:3) was employed. Moreover, the use of Oxone as co-oxidant in the reactions of oxidative cleavage promoted by RuO4 was investigated in replacement of NaIO4, widely employed in these oxidation reactions. However, the use of Oxone led to unsatisfactory results in comparison with those obtained with NaIO4.

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson (Asteraceae), conhecida popularmente como yacón, é um erva utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento do diabetes. A ação hipoglicemiante do extrato aquoso das folhas do yacón foi comprovada em estudos recentes realizados por outros autores em animais diabéticos. Análises fitoquímicas preliminares revelaram que a espécie é rica em lactonas sesquiterpênicas (LST) e em derivados dos ácidos clorogênicos (ACG). Ambas as classes de substâncias possuem inúmeras atividades biológicas, como ação antioxidante, anti-inflamatória, e inibidora de enzimas que podem contribuir no quadro de melhora do estado diabético. Contudo, ainda não está comprovado se as atividades biológicas da espécie são resultantes da ação dos ACG ou das LST. Adicionalmente, análises toxicológicas do consumo das folhas do yacón ainda não foram realizadas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar três extratos preparados com folhas do yacón, com o intuito de analisar o papel das diferentes classes químicas no desenvolvimento das atividades biológicas descritas para a espécie, bem como de seus potenciais efeitos tóxicos. Os extratos obtidos foram: o extrato aquoso (EA), no qual foram detectados tanto ACG (2,0 e 1,3 µg/mL dos picos mais intensos), quanto LST (99,7 e 319,0 µg/mL dos picos mais intensos); extrato de lavagem foliar (ELF), rico em LST (1257,4 e 1997,7 µg/mL das majoritárias) e o extrato polar (EP), rico em ACG (9,9 e 9,6 µg/mL dos picos mais intensos), mas sem LST. Os estudos toxicológicos demonstraram que o EP não causou efeitos tóxicos significativos em ratos, enquanto alterações em parâmetros bioquímicos específicos no sangue (creatinina 7,0 mg/dL, glicose 212,0 mg/dL, albumina 2,8 g/dL) de ratos tratados com o EA (10, 50 e 100 mg/kg) e ELF (10 e 100 mg/kg) apontaram para dano renal, confirmado por análises histológicas dos rins. Todos os extratos apresentaram atividade anti-edematogênica in vivo, em especial no modelo de edema induzido por óleo de cróton (EA: 25,9% inibição do edema a 0,5 mg/orelha; EP: 42,7% de inibição a 0,25 mg/orelha, ELF: 44,1% de inibição a 0,25 mg/orelha). O ELF demonstrou os melhores resultados na inibição da migração de neutrófilos, na indução da IL-10, na inibição do NO, TNF- e PGE2, quando comparado aos demais extratos. Todos os extratos inibiram de forma estatisticamente similar a atividade da -amilase, enquanto o EA e o EP foram mais eficazes na redução dos níveis glicêmicos após a administração oral de glicose (controle glicêmico: 201,8±5,2, EA: 169,0±4,9, EP: 176,7,3±7,3, ELF: 219,1±7,6 mg/dL). Com os dados obtidos neste trabalho pode-se concluir que o consumo do chá das folhas do yacón por períodos prolongados pode ser tóxico e seu uso não deve ser recomendado na medicina popular. As LST parecem ser as substâncias responsáveis por essa toxicidade. Tanto as LST, quanto os ACG contribuem para atividade anti-inflamatória, embora as LST parecem ter efeitos mais pronunciados. Contudo, a atividade anti-diabética da espécie parece estar relacionada principalmente à presença ao ACG e não à LST, sendo necessários estudos mais detalhados com ACG puros para verificar seu uso potencial no tratamento do diabetes. / Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson (Asteraceae), known as yacón is a herb used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. The hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract from yacón leaves was demonstrated in recent studies in diabetic animal models. Phytochemical analyzes have demonstrated that this species is rich in chorogenic acids (CGAs) and sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). Both classes of compounds have many biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibit enzymes that can contribute in the improvement of the diabetic state. However, it is not yet established whether the biological activities of this species are due to the action of the CGAs or STLs. In addition, toxicological analysis of the consumption of yacón leaves has not yet been performed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate three extracts prepared from leaves of yacón, with the aim to analyze the role of different chemical classes in the development of the biological activities described for this species, as well as their potential toxic effects. The following extracts were obtained: aqueous extract (AE), were detected CGAs (2.0 and 1.3 mg / mL of the more intense peaks), and STLs (99.7 and 319 mg / mL of most intense peaks); leaf rinse extract (LRE), rich in STLs (1257.4 and 1997.7 mg / mL of major peaks), and the polar extract (PE) rich in CGAs (9.9 and 9.6 mg / mL of the more intense peaks), but without STLs. The toxicological studies in animals showed that the PE did not cause significant toxic effects, while changes in specific biochemical parameters in blood (creatinine 7.0 mg / dL, glucose 212.0 mg / dL, albumin 2.8 g / dL) of rats treated with AE (10, 50 and 100 mg / kg) and LRE (10 and 100 mg / kg) indicated kidney damage, which was confirmed by histological analysis of kidneys. All extracts showed anti-oedematogenics activity in vivo, particularly in the model of oedema induced by croton oil (AE: 25.9% of oedema inhibition at 0.5 mg / ear, PE: 42.7% of inhibition at 0.25 mg / ear, LRE: 44.1% inhibition at 0.25 mg / ear). The LRE showed the best results in the inhibition of neutrophil migration, induction of IL-10, as well as NO, TNF- and PGE2 inhibition, when compared to other extracts. All extracts inhibited in a statistically similar way the activity of -amylase, while the AE and the PE were more effective in reducing blood glucose levels after oral glucose adminstration (glycaemic control: 201.8 ± 5.2; AE: 169, 0 ± 4.9; PE: 7.3 ± 176,7,3; LRE: 219.1 ± 7.6 mg / dL). The data obtained in this work suggested that the consumption of tea from yacón leaves for prolonged periods can be toxic and their use should not be recommended in folk medicine. The STLs seem to be the substances responsible for this toxicity. Both STLs and CGAs contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity, although the STLs seem to have more pronounced effects. However, the anti-diabetic activity of the yacón leaves seems to be related to the presence of the CGAs and not to LST. More detailed studies with pure CGAs are required in order to determine their potential use in treatment of diabetes.

A highly regio- and diastereoselective approach towards complex 6-membered lactones was developed using allyl/propargyl benzyl ethers and delta keto esters. Crucially, the classical ET reagent SmI2 gave unsatisfactory results and it was necessary to develop and screen new Sm(II) cyclopentadienyl complexes to deliver high selectivity in the transformation. The methodology was extended to a one-pot approach to complex cycloheptanols using SmI2-H2O in a second stage of the process. Samarium(II) folding cascades were developed where simple, linear starting materials are converted to complex polycyclic architectures bearing multiple stereocentres. It was found that, depending on the sidechain in the starting material, it was possible to achieve four different pathways from the common radical intermediate. Crucially, transannular 1,5-HAT from tertiary and benzylic positions was observed to give diverse products. A proposed 1,5-HAT facilitated SmI2-mediated 6-membered lactone radical cyclisations for the first time without an activating proton donor additive. Enantioselective samarium(II) mediated cyclisation cascades were achieved, where simple beta keto esters are converted to complex polycyclic architectures bearing up to five contiguous stereocentres with high diastereo- and enantiocontrol. In the process, a simple and easy to prepare chiral aminodiol was employed which could be recycled after the reaction. Unprecedented, enantioselective transannular radical cascades allowed access to unique 3- dimensional scaffolds inaccessible by other synthetic methods.

Loh Shwu Chun. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [109]-120). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; appendix also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iv / List of Abbreviations --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.ix / Table of Contents / Chapter Chapter One: --- Introduction and Study Objectives / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Definition and diagnostic criteria of the metabolic syndrome --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Clinical states of the metabolic syndrome --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- The metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Dyslipidaemia --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Hypertension --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Obesity --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Effects of weight loss on the metabolic syndrome --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4 --- Ethnic differences in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5 --- Treatment of the metabolic syndrome --- p.16 / Chapter 1.6 --- Oral Hypoglycaemic agents and their failure in the metabolic syndrome --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Sulphonylureas --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Biguanides --- p.18 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors --- p.20 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6.4.1 --- Thiazolinedinediones --- p.22 / Chapter 1.6.4.1.1 --- Rosiglitazone --- p.24 / Chapter 1.6.4.1.1.1 --- Mode of Action --- p.24 / Chapter 1.6.4.1.1.2 --- Adverse events and current status --- p.26 / Chapter 1.7 --- Orlistat --- p.27 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Mode of Action --- p.28 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Adverse events and current status --- p.28 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Therapeutic Potential in the Metabolic Syndrome --- p.29 / Chapter 1.8 --- Study Hypothesis --- p.30 / Chapter 1.9 --- Study Objectives --- p.30 / Chapter Chapter Two: --- Research Design and Methods / Chapter 2 --- Study Protocol --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1 --- Overall Design --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Patients Selection Criteria --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- Inclusion Criteria --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- Exclusion Criteria --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Recruitment Period --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Screening Period --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Run- In Period (Visit 0) --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- Randomisation --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.2.4 --- Evaluation Periods (Visit 2 to 4) --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2 --- Investigations --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Anthropometric measurements --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- Analytical Methods --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Determinations of insulin levels in plasma samples --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Principle of the Insulin assay --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Determinations of glucose concentrations in samples --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.2.1. --- Principle of the glucose assay --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4 --- Calculations --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Insulin (hepatic) sensitivity (HOMA) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Area Under the Curves --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Sample Size Calculations --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.46 / Chapter Chapter Three: --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- Study Population --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2 --- Randomisation --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3 --- Study Results --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Indices of Glycaemic Control --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- HbAlc --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Fasting Plasma Glucose --- p.58 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Fasting Insulin --- p.58 / Chapter 3.3.1.4 --- 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test --- p.59 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.1 --- Glucose --- p.59 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.1.1 --- 2hr-Glucose --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.1.2 --- GlucoseAuc --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.2 --- Insulin --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.2.1 --- 2-hr insulin --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.2.2 --- InsulinAuc --- p.65 / Chapter 3.3.1.5 --- HOMA score --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Clinical Determinants --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Lipid Profiles --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.2.1.1. --- Total Cholesterol --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.2.1.2 --- HDL-Cholesterol --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.2.1.3 --- LDL-Cholesterol --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.2.1.4 --- Triglycerides --- p.72 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Anthropometric Evaluations --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.1 --- Body Weight --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.2 --- Waist Circumference Difference --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.3 --- Hip --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.4 --- Body Fat --- p.78 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.5 --- BMI --- p.78 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Blood Pressure --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- RCCA and LCCA --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2.5 --- Other outstanding measurements --- p.82 / Chapter 3.4 --- Side Effects experienced --- p.82 / Chapter Chapter Four: --- Discussion and Conclusion / Chapter 4.1 --- Summary of the results --- p.83 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Effects of Diet and Lifestyle Changes --- p.83 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Effects of Orlistat --- p.84 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Effects of Rosiglitazone --- p.35 / Chapter 4.2 --- Implications for therapy --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Management of metabolic syndrome --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Early Diagnosis --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Lifestyle Modification --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Pharmacological Targets --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.4.1 --- Statins --- p.92 / Chapter 4.2.4.2 --- Fibrates --- p.93 / Chapter 4.2.4.3 --- ACE Inhibitors --- p.93 / Chapter 4.2.4.4 --- Thiazolidinediones --- p.94 / Chapter 4.2.4.4.1 --- Economic Evaluations of Thiazolidinediones --- p.97 / Chapter 4.2.4.5 --- Orlistat --- p.98 / Chapter 4.2.4.5.1 --- Economic Evaluations of Orlistat --- p.102 / Chapter 4.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.104 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Small sample size --- p.104 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Short period of study --- p.105 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Adherence to lifestyle modifications --- p.105 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Analytical assays --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Follow up end of study --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Ultrasound measurement of the common carotid arteries --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Availability of thiazolinediones --- p.107 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion and Implications for future studies --- p.107 / References --- p.110 / Appendix I --- p.121 / Appendix II --- p.122 / Appendix III --- p.125