Enhanced hydrolytic stability and water solubility of an aromatic nitrogen mustard by conjugation with molecular umbrellas

Bioconjug Chem. 2003 May-Jun;14(3):667-71. doi: 10.1021/bc034007s.

Abstract

Chlorambucil, an aromatic nitrogen mustard, has been conjugated to putrescine- and spermidine-based scaffolds bearing one, two, and four persulfated cholic acid units. Those conjugates bearing two or four sterols show improved hydrolytic stability and water solubility relative to chlorambucil. A similar conjugate that contained only one sterol unit shows negligible improvement in hydrolytic stability but a significant increase in water solubility. Qualitatively, the hydrolytic stability within this series of conjugates parallels the shielding effects that have previously been found for related conjugates bearing a pendant, hydrophobic fluorescent probe. In vitro studies indicate that these conjugates possess modest to moderate activity against certain human lymphoblastic leukemia and human colon carcinoma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects
  • Chlorambucil / chemistry
  • Chlorambucil / metabolism
  • Chlorambucil / pharmacology
  • Drug Stability
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Nitrogen Mustard Compounds / chemistry*
  • Nitrogen Mustard Compounds / metabolism*
  • Nitrogen Mustard Compounds / pharmacology
  • Solubility
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Nitrogen Mustard Compounds
  • Water
  • Chlorambucil