Structure-activity relationships of diverse Annonaceous acetogenins against multidrug resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7/Adr) cells

Fourteen structurally diverse Annonaceous acetogenins, representing the three main classes of bis-adjacent, bis-nonadjacent, and singie-THF ring(s), were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of adriamycin resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7/Adr) cells. This cell line is resistant to treatment with adriamycin, vincristine, and vinblastine and is, thus, multidrug resistant (MDR), Among a series of bis-adjacent THF ring acetogenins, those with the stereochemistry of threo-trans-threo-trans-erythro (from C-15 to C-24) were the most potent with as much as 250 times the potency of adriamycin. A spacing of 13 carbons between the flanking hydroxyl of the THF ring system and the gamma-unsaturated lactone seems to be optimum with a spacing of 11 and 9 carbons being significantly less active. Several single-THF ring compounds, were also quite potent with gigantetrocin A (11) being the most potent compound tested. The acetogenins may, thus, have chemotherapeutic potential, especially with regard to MDR tumors.