10.1016/j.ejmech.2006.11.006
The research focuses on the development and evaluation of a series of bis-2,5-[4-guanidinophenyl]thiophenes as potential antiparasitic agents. The researchers synthesized these compounds through a five-step process starting from 2,5-bis[trimethylstannyl]thiophene, involving Stille coupling, reduction, and subsequent reactions to introduce guanidino groups. Key chemicals used in the synthesis include 4-bromonitrobenzene, stannous chloride, ethyl isothiocyanatoformate, and various amines for N-alkyl and N-aryl substitutions. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their DNA affinity and in vitro efficacy against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T. b. r.), Plasmodium falciparum (P. f.), Leishmania donovani (L. d.), and Trypanosoma cruzi (T. c.), as well as in vivo efficacy against T. b. r. in a mouse model. The results showed that certain compounds exhibited promising in vitro activity against T. b. r. and P. f., with some demonstrating superior in vivo activity against T. b. r. compared to existing drugs like pentamidine and furamidine. The study concludes that these bis-2,5-[4-guanidinophenyl]thiophenes merit further investigation as potential new treatments for parasitic diseases due to their strong DNA affinity and effective antiparasitic activity.