Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and
in vitro pharmacological and cancer cell growth inhibitory activity studies of new silicon-containing compounds based on the indomethacin
scaffold are now reported. Amidation of the indomethacin carboxylate group using amino-functional silanes generated a series
of novel lipophilic derivatives of indomethacin. The pharmacological activity of these derivatives tested against human recombinant
cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 demonstrated that the silicon-containing derivatives are cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective. The silicon-containing
amides of indomethacin demonstrated
in vitro growth inhibitory activity against human MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma cells at low μM concentrations. The
3a and
3c derivatives exhibited the most potent
in vitro antiproliferative activity, with IC
50 <6.0 μM, compared to unmodified indomethacin having an IC
50100 μM.
Keywords silicon chemistry - silicon-based drugs - indomethacin
We dedicate this paper to Prof. Mitsuo Kira, outstanding organosilicon chemist and valued friend.