Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 3,4-Diaryl-1,2-dihydro- and 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines.

Tetrahydroquinolines are key structures in a variety of natural products with diverse pharmacological utilities and other applications. A series of 3,4-diaryl-5,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines were synthesized in good yield by reacting 3-aryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-ones with different Grignard reagents followed by the dehydration of the intermediate phenolic compounds. Subsequent reduction and deprotection were carried out to achieve the desired tetrahydroquinolone moiety.

Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment.