Naphth[1,2-]imidazoles Bioactive from β-Lapachone: Fluorescent Probes and Cytotoxic Agents to Cancer Cells.

Theranostics combines therapeutic and imaging diagnostic techniques that are extremely dependent on the action of imaging agent, transporter of therapeutic molecules, and specific target ligand, in which fluorescent probes can act as diagnostic agents. In particular, naphthoimidazoles are potential bioactive heterocycle compounds to be used in several biomedical applications. With this aim, a group of seven naphth[1,2-]imidazole compounds were synthesized from β-lapachone.

Naphthoquinone-based Hydrazone Hybrids: Synthesis and Potent Activity Against Cancer Cell Lines.

Background: Natural naphthoquinones have shown diversified biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities. However, they are also compounds with acute cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, carcinogenesis, and cardio- and hepatotoxicity, and the modification at their redox center is an interesting strategy to overcome such harmful activity.

Objective: In this study, four novel semisynthetic hydrazones, derived from the isomers α- and β- lapachones (α and β, respectively) and coupled with the drugs hydralazine (HDZ) and isoniazid (ACIL), were prepared, evaluated by electrochemical methods and assayed for anticancer activity.