Synthesis, COX-1/2 inhibition and antioxidant activities of new oxicam analogues designed as potential chemopreventive agents

Oxicams (e.g. piroxicam, meloxicam) are widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A large body of evidence from epidemiological and preclinical studies has shown that NSAIDs have a chemopreventive effect on different types of cancer, especially in colorectal cancer. Moreover, mounting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that persistent inflammation functions as a driving force in the journey to cancer. What is more, inflammation induces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which cause damage to important cellular components (e.g., DNA, proteins and lipids), which can directly or indirectly contribute to malignant cell transformation. In this study, we discuss the synthesis and the resultant newly synthesized oxicam derivatives which are potentially chemopreventive, and at the same time antioxidant. Compound 9c, with the highest therapeutic index in the LoVo cancer cell line, was found to be the most efficient in ROS scavenging activity under conditions of oxidative stress.