Structure-cytoprotective activity relationship of simple molecules containing an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl system

In previous reports we attributed the cytoprotective activity of several sesquiterpene lactones to the presence of a nonhindered electrophilic acceptor in their structure. We suggested that the mechanism of protection would be, at least in part, mediated through a reaction between the electrophilic acceptor and the sulfhydryl-containing groups of the mucosa. We report here the gastric cytoprotective effect of simple molecules containing an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group. In the present paper, we undertake the study of molecular accessibility and molecular shape, in addition to conformational, electronic, and steric factors. Our results helped to establish two important facts connecting chemical structure with cytoprotective effect. Firstly, an adequate molecular accessibility appears to be necessary to produce the biological response, and secondly, the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl system has to be included in a cyclic structure or, at least, in the proximity of a cyclic system.