# Synthesis andIn Vitro AMPK Activation of Cycloalkyl/Alkarylbiguanides with RobustIn Vivo Antihyperglycemic Action

Authors: Erika Gutierrez-Lara; Carlos Martínez-Conde; Edgar Rosales-Ortega; Juan José Ramírez-Espinosa; Julio C. Rivera-Leyva; David Centurión; Karla Carvajal; Daniel Ortega-Cuellar; Samuel Estrada-Soto; Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2017)

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## Abstract

This work describes the design, synthesis in one step, and thein vitro, in vivo, and in silico antidiabetic evaluation of a series of ten alicyclic and aromatic (alkyl +aryl: alkaryl)biguanides, analogues of metformin and phenformin. The design was conceived using isosteric replacement, chain-ring transformation, and lower and higher homologation strategies. All compounds were obtained as crystals and their structure was confirmed on the basis of their spectral data (NMR and mass spectra), and their purity was ascertained by microanalysis. Compounds werein vitro evaluated as activators of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). The results indicated that compounds4,5, and6 showed similar or even better effect compared to metformin. Docking analysis was performed with regulatory subunit γ of AMPK, showing several interactions with nucleotide binding pocket. Thein vivo evaluation of compounds4–6 at a single dose of 50 mg/kg was performed in a murine experimental model of diabetes. The results showed an important and robust decrease of plasmatic glucose levels (−40%). Compound6 was selected for an oral glucose tolerance test, showing an antihyperglycemic effect similar to metformin. Thein vivo results indicated that compounds4–6 may be effective in treating experimental T2DM.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a long-lasting and progressive metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance in several peripheral tissues such as liver, muscle, and adipose, as well as impaired insulin secretion by the pancreas [1]. Metformin (a biguanide, Figure 1) is the most extensively prescribed oral antidiabetic drug for the treatment of T2DM [2]. The main effect of metformin is to decrease hepatic glucose production, being a perfect agent for controlling fasting hyperglycemia. Several mechanisms of action have been proposed, but a previous study [3] reported that metformin increases phosphorylation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), with subsequent activation of AMPK activity in hepatocytes. AMPK is a heterotrimeric protein kinase comprised of three subunits: α catalytic subunit and the regulatory β and γ subunits [3]. AMPK is activated by phosphorylation of Thr172 residue on the α-subunit by kinases LKB1 and CaMKKb. Furthermore, AMP binds to nucleotide binding sites on γ-subunits to allosterically activate as well as facilitate Thr172 phosphorylation. AMPK plays a role of “fuel gauge” of the cell as it works to guarantee that ATP levels are maintained under situations of energetic stress such as exercise, hypoxia, and starvation [4]. Due to the central role played by AMPK in cellular energy homeostasis, it has emerged as an attractive drug target for the treatment of a number of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [2].Figure 1
Biguanides that activate AMPK.Another biguanide, phenformin (Figure1), also activates AMPK, but in 1978 it was retired from the market due to its toxicity, producing lactic acidosis as a major side effect that prompted the withdrawal of phenformin as a treatment for diabetes [5].In our ongoing research on molecules with antidiabetic activity [6, 7], we report in this manuscript the preparation of ten alicyclic and aromatic biguanides (Table 1), as well as thein vitro activation of AMPK. We also describe the molecular docking of the most active compounds in the nucleotide binding site on γ-subunit of AMPK, and theirin vivo antihyperglycemic effect using a streptozotocin–nicotinamide rat model of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.Table 1
Physicochemical properties of biguanides1–10.
Compd.
R
Yield (%)
Mp (°C)
Mol. Weight(g/mol)
Reaction time (h)
1
Diethylamine
37
190 (dec)
157
5
2
Pyrrolidine
46
116.5–119
155
5
3
Piperidine
63
156.4–158.7
169
5
4
Morpholine
22
178.4–180.5
171
7
5
4-Methylpiperazine
54
148 (dec)
184
7
6
Benzylamine
56
184.2–186.8
191
7
7
Aniline
75
185.3–187.4
177
7
8
4-Nitroaniline
68
145.5–148.7
222
16
9
4-Chloroaniline
80
161.9–163.3
211
10
10
4-Fluoroaniline
85
207.5–209.2
195
4


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Chemicals and Analytical Methods

Starting materials and solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and were used without any further purification. Melting points were determined using an EZ-Melt MPA120 automated melting point apparatus from Stanford Research Systems and are uncorrected. Reactions were monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm precoated silica gel 60 F254 Merck plates. 1H NMR spectra were recorded on Varian Oxford (400 MHz) and 13C NMR (100 MHz), as well as 1H NMR (200 MHz) and 13C NMR (50 MHz) instruments. Chemical shifts are given in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (Me4Si, δ=0) in DMSO-d6 and CDCl3; J values are given in Hz. The following abbreviations are used: s, singlet; d, doublet; q, quartet; dd, doublet of doublet; t, triplet; m, multiplet; bs, broad signal. MS were recorded on a JEOL JMS-700 spectrometer by electronic impact. Element analyses have been carried out on an Elementar Vario ELIII instrument.


### 2.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds1–10

To a solution of dicyandiamide21 (0.5 g, 0.0060 mol) in toluene (5 mL) was added 1.1 mol equiv of corresponding alkylamines11–15 or arylamines16–20. After the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min, a mixture 50 : 50 of HCl diluted in water (2.5 mL) was added dropwise. This mixture was stirred at reflux for 3 to 16 h. After that, the obtained residue was neutralized with a diluted solution of NH4OH. Solvent was removed under vacuum, and the residues were washed with water. The crude solid products were then recrystallized from ethanol affording title compounds (Figure 2, Table 1).Figure 2
Scheme reaction to obtain compounds1–10.


#### 2.2.1. N,N-Diethylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (1)

Yield 37%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 190°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.16 (t, 6H, CH3  ×  2), 2.89 (q, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 11.1 (-CH3), 41.4 (CH2), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 157 (M+, 25%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H15N5: C, 45.84; H, 9.62; N, 44.55. Found: C, 45.80; H, 9.58; N, 44.57.


#### 2.2.2. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboximidamide (2)

Yield 46%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 156.4–158.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.82 (q, 4H, CH2-CH2), 3.07 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 23.7 (CH2-CH2), 44.7 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 155 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5: C, 46.43; H, 8.44; N, 45.12. Found: C, 46.50; H, 8.48; N, 45.01.


#### 2.2.3. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboximidamide (3)

Yield 63%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 116.5–118.0°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.03 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.05 (m, 2H, CH2) 3.40 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.58 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 18.5 (CH2-CH2), 30.6 (CH2), 56.1 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 169 (M+, 40%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H15N5: C, 49.68; H, 8.93; N, 41.38. Found: C, 49.62; H, 8.90; N, 41.40.


#### 2.2.4. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]morpholine-4-carboximidamide (4)

Yield 22%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 178.4–180.5°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.06 (t, 4H, CH2-O-CH2), 3.75 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.61 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 43.2 (CH2-N), 63.7 (CH2-O), 162.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 171 (M+, 15%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5O: C, 42.09; H, 7.68; N, 40.91. Found: C, 42.10; H, 7.65; N, 40.88.


#### 2.2.5. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]-4-methylpiperazine-1-carboximidamide (5)

Yield 54%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 148°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 2.48 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.73 (m, 4H, CH2-N-CH2), 3.38 (m, 4H, CH2-NMe-CH2), 6.71 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.5 (CH2-N), 43.3 (CH2-N), 49.6 (CH3), 163.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 184 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H16N6: C, 45.63; H, 8.75; N, 45.61. Found: C, 45.70; H, 8.75; N, 45.58.


#### 2.2.6. N-Benzylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (6)

Yield 56%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 184.2–186.8°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.99 (d, 2H, CH2), 7.30 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6), 7.39 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5), 7.50 (m, 1H, H-4), 8.60 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.6 (CH2-N), 129.4 (C-4), 128.8 (C-2, C-6), 129.0 (C-3, C-5), 134.5 (C-1), 154.9 (C=NH), 156.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 191 (M+, 2%), 91 (100%), 85 (40%). Anal. Calcd for C9H13N5: C, 56.53; H, 6.85; N, 36.62. Found: C, 56.50; H, 6.85; N, 36.61.


#### 2.2.7. N-Phenylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (7)

Yield 75%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 185.3–187.4°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.19 (m, 5H, H-2 to H-6), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 121.4 (C-4), 123.7 (C-2, C-6), 129.1 (C-3, C-5), 139.1 (C-1), 155.7 (C=NH), 161.6 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 177 (M+, 70%), 119 (100%), 85 (20%). Anal. Calcd for C8H11N5: C, 54.22; H, 6.26; N, 39.52. Found: C, 54.20; H, 6.21; N, 39.60.


#### 2.2.8. N-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (8)

Yield 68%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 145.5–148.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.68 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6,Jo= 9.2 Hz), 8.21 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 11.07 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 119.4 (C-2, C-6), 125.5 (C-3, C-5), 142.9 (C-1), 144.5 (C-4), 151.6 (C=NH), 155.4 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 222 (M+, 70%), 165 (100%), 85 (5%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N6O2: C, 43.24; H, 4.54; N, 37.82. Found: C, 43.31; H, 4.50; N, 37.79.


#### 2.2.9. N-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (9)

Yield 80%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 161.9–163.3°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.30 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=8.4 Hz), 7.39 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=8.8 Hz), 9.99 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 122.5 (C-2, C-6), 127.27 (C-3, C-5), 128.9 (C-4), 136.3 (C-1), 155.3 (C=NH), 161.8 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 211 (M+, 90%), 154 (100%), 85 (10%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5Cl: C, 45.40; H, 4.76; N, 33.09. Found: C, 45.38; H, 4.78; N, 33.12.


#### 2.2.10. N-(4-Fluorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (10)

Yield 85%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 207.5–209.2°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.18 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 7.42 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=9.2 Hz), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 117.8 (d, C-3, C-5, 2JC-F=11.25 Hz), 125.6 (d, C-2, C-6, 3JC-F=3.9 Hz), 137.6 (d, C-1, 4JC-F=1.55 Hz), 160.9 (d, C-4, 1JC-F=294.7 Hz), 159.8 (C=NH), 162.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 195 (M+, 80%), 111 (100%), 85 (70%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5F: C, 49.22; H, 5.16; N, 35.88. Found: C, 49.21; H, 5.20; N, 35.90.


### 2.3. Biological Activity

#### 2.3.1.In Vitro AMPK Activation

Primary rat hepatocytes were obtained by collagenase digestion as described by Berry and Friend [8]. Fresh isolated hepatocytes were equally distributed in collagen-coated dishes and incubated at 37°C for 2 h in medium α MEM (Gibco; cat 11900-024), 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The cultured dishes were then washed three times with PBS to remove unattached dead cells. Dishes were randomly assigned to receive fresh FBS-free medium without or with different concentrations of both metformin (10 mM) and ten of its analogues (1 and 10 mM) for 1 h. After this time, the plated cells were washed three times with cold PBS. The cells were then lysed using a buffer containing 50 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 50 mM KCl, 1 mM EDTA, 5 mM EGTA, 1 mM glycerolphosphate, 0.1% (vol/vol) Triton X-100, 50 mM NaPPi, 1 nM orthovanadate, and 1 nM DTT, a standard complete protease inhibitor mixture (Roche). The lysates were then centrifuged (10,000g, 10 min, 4°C), and the supernatants were stored at −80°C. The activation of AMPK and its target protein, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), was determined by immunoblot detection with antibodies against phospho-Thr172 AMPK and phospho-Ser79 ACC1, as well as total AMPK, ACC, and actin as loading controls. All antibodies were purchased from Cell Signaling.


#### 2.3.2.In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity

Male Wistar rats weighing an average of 300 g were used. They were maintained at 25°C in a 12 h a light/dark cycle and at 45–65% of humidity during experimentation time. All animal procedures were developed in accordance with the Mexican Federal Regulations for Animal Experimentation and Care, ratified by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (UNAM) based on US National Institute of Health Publication #85-23 [9, 10].


#### 2.3.3. Induction of Diabetes

Streptozotocin (STZ) was dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and nicotinamide was dissolved in normal physiological saline solution. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes rat model was induced in overnight fasted rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg STZ, 15 min before the i.p. administration of 40 mg/kg of nicotinamide. Hyperglycemia was confirmed by elevated glucose concentration in plasma, determined after 2 weeks by strip-glucometer. The animals with blood glucose concentration higher than 200 mg/dL were used for the antidiabetic study [11, 12].


#### 2.3.4. Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model

The diabetic animals were divided into three groups of five animals each (n=5). Rats of experimental groups were given a solution of compounds4–6 (50 mg/kg body weight, prepared in tween 80, 10%). Control group animals were also treated with saline plus tween 80, 10%. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as antihyperglycemic reference drug. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 h after vehicle, compound, and drug administration. Blood glucose concentration was estimated by enzymatic glucose oxidase method using a commercial glucometer [13]. The percentage variation of glycemia for each group was calculated in relation to initial (0 h) level, according to (1)%variationofglycemia=Glux-Glu0Glu0×100,where Glu0 were initial glycemia values and Glux were the glycemia values at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h, respectively. All values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was estimated by analysis of variance (ANOVA); p<0.05 implies significance.


#### 2.3.5. Glucose Tolerance Test

Normoglycemic rats were divided into groups of five animals each (n=5). Thirty min after administration of test compounds, a dose of 2 g/kg of glucose solution was orally administered to each animal. Compound6 (50 mg/kg), metformin (50 mg/kg), and vehicle (tween 80, 10%) were administered to rats in the same volume of solution. Blood samples were collected from the tail tip at 0 (before oral administration), 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 h after vehicle, positive control, or test compound administration.


### 2.4. Docking Studies

Discovery Studio version 3.5 and Pymol version 1.0 were used for visualization. The crystal structure of AMPK was retrieved from the PDB with the accession code: 2UV4. Docking calculations were conducted with AutoDock Vina. The program performs several runs in each docking experiment. Each run provides one predicted binding mode. All water molecules and also cocrystal ligand (5′-adenylic acid) were removed from the crystallographic structure. The AutoDock Vina plugin through Pymol program was used, where we generated the grid maps. Each grid was centered at the crystallographic coordinates of the cocrystal ligand. The grid dimensions were20×20×20 Å3 with points separated by 1.0 Å. Also, the protein file was selected as the rigid part, and the ligand file as the flexible one, allowing all its torsions to rotate during docking. AutoDock Vina uses default algorithms of searching and automatically prepares the files for use as it adds charges and polar hydrogens to the protein necessary to perform scoring calculations; it clusters showing only the main results. The number of docking runs was 10. After finishing, the poses were visualized on Pymol and compared against the cocrystalized ligand over the protein.


#### 2.4.1. Docking Validation

The molecular docking protocol was validated by redocking of cocrystal ligand (5′-adenylic acid) into the active site of the structure of AMPK. The root mean square deviation between the cocrystal ligand and the docked structure was less than 2.5 Å. This value indicates that the parameters for docking simulations are good in reproducing orientation and conformation in the X-ray crystal structure of enzyme and receptors.


## 2.1. Chemicals and Analytical Methods

Starting materials and solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and were used without any further purification. Melting points were determined using an EZ-Melt MPA120 automated melting point apparatus from Stanford Research Systems and are uncorrected. Reactions were monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm precoated silica gel 60 F254 Merck plates. 1H NMR spectra were recorded on Varian Oxford (400 MHz) and 13C NMR (100 MHz), as well as 1H NMR (200 MHz) and 13C NMR (50 MHz) instruments. Chemical shifts are given in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (Me4Si, δ=0) in DMSO-d6 and CDCl3; J values are given in Hz. The following abbreviations are used: s, singlet; d, doublet; q, quartet; dd, doublet of doublet; t, triplet; m, multiplet; bs, broad signal. MS were recorded on a JEOL JMS-700 spectrometer by electronic impact. Element analyses have been carried out on an Elementar Vario ELIII instrument.


## 2.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds1–10

To a solution of dicyandiamide21 (0.5 g, 0.0060 mol) in toluene (5 mL) was added 1.1 mol equiv of corresponding alkylamines11–15 or arylamines16–20. After the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min, a mixture 50 : 50 of HCl diluted in water (2.5 mL) was added dropwise. This mixture was stirred at reflux for 3 to 16 h. After that, the obtained residue was neutralized with a diluted solution of NH4OH. Solvent was removed under vacuum, and the residues were washed with water. The crude solid products were then recrystallized from ethanol affording title compounds (Figure 2, Table 1).Figure 2
Scheme reaction to obtain compounds1–10.


### 2.2.1. N,N-Diethylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (1)

Yield 37%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 190°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.16 (t, 6H, CH3  ×  2), 2.89 (q, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 11.1 (-CH3), 41.4 (CH2), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 157 (M+, 25%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H15N5: C, 45.84; H, 9.62; N, 44.55. Found: C, 45.80; H, 9.58; N, 44.57.


### 2.2.2. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboximidamide (2)

Yield 46%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 156.4–158.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.82 (q, 4H, CH2-CH2), 3.07 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 23.7 (CH2-CH2), 44.7 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 155 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5: C, 46.43; H, 8.44; N, 45.12. Found: C, 46.50; H, 8.48; N, 45.01.


### 2.2.3. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboximidamide (3)

Yield 63%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 116.5–118.0°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.03 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.05 (m, 2H, CH2) 3.40 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.58 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 18.5 (CH2-CH2), 30.6 (CH2), 56.1 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 169 (M+, 40%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H15N5: C, 49.68; H, 8.93; N, 41.38. Found: C, 49.62; H, 8.90; N, 41.40.


### 2.2.4. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]morpholine-4-carboximidamide (4)

Yield 22%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 178.4–180.5°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.06 (t, 4H, CH2-O-CH2), 3.75 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.61 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 43.2 (CH2-N), 63.7 (CH2-O), 162.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 171 (M+, 15%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5O: C, 42.09; H, 7.68; N, 40.91. Found: C, 42.10; H, 7.65; N, 40.88.


### 2.2.5. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]-4-methylpiperazine-1-carboximidamide (5)

Yield 54%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 148°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 2.48 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.73 (m, 4H, CH2-N-CH2), 3.38 (m, 4H, CH2-NMe-CH2), 6.71 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.5 (CH2-N), 43.3 (CH2-N), 49.6 (CH3), 163.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 184 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H16N6: C, 45.63; H, 8.75; N, 45.61. Found: C, 45.70; H, 8.75; N, 45.58.


### 2.2.6. N-Benzylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (6)

Yield 56%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 184.2–186.8°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.99 (d, 2H, CH2), 7.30 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6), 7.39 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5), 7.50 (m, 1H, H-4), 8.60 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.6 (CH2-N), 129.4 (C-4), 128.8 (C-2, C-6), 129.0 (C-3, C-5), 134.5 (C-1), 154.9 (C=NH), 156.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 191 (M+, 2%), 91 (100%), 85 (40%). Anal. Calcd for C9H13N5: C, 56.53; H, 6.85; N, 36.62. Found: C, 56.50; H, 6.85; N, 36.61.


### 2.2.7. N-Phenylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (7)

Yield 75%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 185.3–187.4°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.19 (m, 5H, H-2 to H-6), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 121.4 (C-4), 123.7 (C-2, C-6), 129.1 (C-3, C-5), 139.1 (C-1), 155.7 (C=NH), 161.6 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 177 (M+, 70%), 119 (100%), 85 (20%). Anal. Calcd for C8H11N5: C, 54.22; H, 6.26; N, 39.52. Found: C, 54.20; H, 6.21; N, 39.60.


### 2.2.8. N-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (8)

Yield 68%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 145.5–148.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.68 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6,Jo= 9.2 Hz), 8.21 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 11.07 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 119.4 (C-2, C-6), 125.5 (C-3, C-5), 142.9 (C-1), 144.5 (C-4), 151.6 (C=NH), 155.4 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 222 (M+, 70%), 165 (100%), 85 (5%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N6O2: C, 43.24; H, 4.54; N, 37.82. Found: C, 43.31; H, 4.50; N, 37.79.


### 2.2.9. N-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (9)

Yield 80%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 161.9–163.3°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.30 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=8.4 Hz), 7.39 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=8.8 Hz), 9.99 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 122.5 (C-2, C-6), 127.27 (C-3, C-5), 128.9 (C-4), 136.3 (C-1), 155.3 (C=NH), 161.8 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 211 (M+, 90%), 154 (100%), 85 (10%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5Cl: C, 45.40; H, 4.76; N, 33.09. Found: C, 45.38; H, 4.78; N, 33.12.


### 2.2.10. N-(4-Fluorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (10)

Yield 85%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 207.5–209.2°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.18 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 7.42 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=9.2 Hz), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 117.8 (d, C-3, C-5, 2JC-F=11.25 Hz), 125.6 (d, C-2, C-6, 3JC-F=3.9 Hz), 137.6 (d, C-1, 4JC-F=1.55 Hz), 160.9 (d, C-4, 1JC-F=294.7 Hz), 159.8 (C=NH), 162.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 195 (M+, 80%), 111 (100%), 85 (70%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5F: C, 49.22; H, 5.16; N, 35.88. Found: C, 49.21; H, 5.20; N, 35.90.


## 2.2.1. N,N-Diethylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (1)

Yield 37%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 190°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.16 (t, 6H, CH3  ×  2), 2.89 (q, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 11.1 (-CH3), 41.4 (CH2), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 157 (M+, 25%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H15N5: C, 45.84; H, 9.62; N, 44.55. Found: C, 45.80; H, 9.58; N, 44.57.


## 2.2.2. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]pyrrolidine-1-carboximidamide (2)

Yield 46%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 156.4–158.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.82 (q, 4H, CH2-CH2), 3.07 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.60 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 23.7 (CH2-CH2), 44.7 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 155 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5: C, 46.43; H, 8.44; N, 45.12. Found: C, 46.50; H, 8.48; N, 45.01.


## 2.2.3. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboximidamide (3)

Yield 63%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 116.5–118.0°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 1.03 (m, 4H, CH2-CH2), 1.05 (m, 2H, CH2) 3.40 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.58 (bs, 5H, -NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 18.5 (CH2-CH2), 30.6 (CH2), 56.1 (CH2-N), 162.9 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 169 (M+, 40%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H15N5: C, 49.68; H, 8.93; N, 41.38. Found: C, 49.62; H, 8.90; N, 41.40.


## 2.2.4. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]morpholine-4-carboximidamide (4)

Yield 22%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 178.4–180.5°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.06 (t, 4H, CH2-O-CH2), 3.75 (t, 4H, N-CH2  ×  2), 6.61 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 43.2 (CH2-N), 63.7 (CH2-O), 162.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 171 (M+, 15%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C6H13N5O: C, 42.09; H, 7.68; N, 40.91. Found: C, 42.10; H, 7.65; N, 40.88.


## 2.2.5. N-[Amino(imino)methyl]-4-methylpiperazine-1-carboximidamide (5)

Yield 54%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 148°C (Dec).1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 2.48 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.73 (m, 4H, CH2-N-CH2), 3.38 (m, 4H, CH2-NMe-CH2), 6.71 (bs, 5H, NH × 5) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.5 (CH2-N), 43.3 (CH2-N), 49.6 (CH3), 163.3 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 184 (M+, 2%), 85 (100%). Anal. Calcd for C7H16N6: C, 45.63; H, 8.75; N, 45.61. Found: C, 45.70; H, 8.75; N, 45.58.


## 2.2.6. N-Benzylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (6)

Yield 56%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 184.2–186.8°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 3.99 (d, 2H, CH2), 7.30 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6), 7.39 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5), 7.50 (m, 1H, H-4), 8.60 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 42.6 (CH2-N), 129.4 (C-4), 128.8 (C-2, C-6), 129.0 (C-3, C-5), 134.5 (C-1), 154.9 (C=NH), 156.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 191 (M+, 2%), 91 (100%), 85 (40%). Anal. Calcd for C9H13N5: C, 56.53; H, 6.85; N, 36.62. Found: C, 56.50; H, 6.85; N, 36.61.


## 2.2.7. N-Phenylimidodicarbonimidic Diamide (7)

Yield 75%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 185.3–187.4°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.19 (m, 5H, H-2 to H-6), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 121.4 (C-4), 123.7 (C-2, C-6), 129.1 (C-3, C-5), 139.1 (C-1), 155.7 (C=NH), 161.6 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 177 (M+, 70%), 119 (100%), 85 (20%). Anal. Calcd for C8H11N5: C, 54.22; H, 6.26; N, 39.52. Found: C, 54.20; H, 6.21; N, 39.60.


## 2.2.8. N-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (8)

Yield 68%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 145.5–148.7°C.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.68 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6,Jo= 9.2 Hz), 8.21 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 11.07 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 119.4 (C-2, C-6), 125.5 (C-3, C-5), 142.9 (C-1), 144.5 (C-4), 151.6 (C=NH), 155.4 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 222 (M+, 70%), 165 (100%), 85 (5%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N6O2: C, 43.24; H, 4.54; N, 37.82. Found: C, 43.31; H, 4.50; N, 37.79.


## 2.2.9. N-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (9)

Yield 80%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 161.9–163.3°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.30 (d, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=8.4 Hz), 7.39 (d, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=8.8 Hz), 9.99 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 122.5 (C-2, C-6), 127.27 (C-3, C-5), 128.9 (C-4), 136.3 (C-1), 155.3 (C=NH), 161.8 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 211 (M+, 90%), 154 (100%), 85 (10%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5Cl: C, 45.40; H, 4.76; N, 33.09. Found: C, 45.38; H, 4.78; N, 33.12.


## 2.2.10. N-(4-Fluorophenyl)imidodicarbonimidic Diamide (10)

Yield 85%. White crystals obtained from ethanol. Mp 207.5–209.2°C.1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 7.18 (m, 2H, H-3, H-5, Jo=9.2 Hz), 7.42 (m, 2H, H-2, H-6, Jo=9.2 Hz), 9.91 (bs, 6H, NH × 6) ppm. 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 117.8 (d, C-3, C-5, 2JC-F=11.25 Hz), 125.6 (d, C-2, C-6, 3JC-F=3.9 Hz), 137.6 (d, C-1, 4JC-F=1.55 Hz), 160.9 (d, C-4, 1JC-F=294.7 Hz), 159.8 (C=NH), 162.1 (C=NH) ppm. MS/EI:m/z (% int. rel). 195 (M+, 80%), 111 (100%), 85 (70%). Anal. Calcd for C8H10N5F: C, 49.22; H, 5.16; N, 35.88. Found: C, 49.21; H, 5.20; N, 35.90.


## 2.3. Biological Activity

### 2.3.1.In Vitro AMPK Activation

Primary rat hepatocytes were obtained by collagenase digestion as described by Berry and Friend [8]. Fresh isolated hepatocytes were equally distributed in collagen-coated dishes and incubated at 37°C for 2 h in medium α MEM (Gibco; cat 11900-024), 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The cultured dishes were then washed three times with PBS to remove unattached dead cells. Dishes were randomly assigned to receive fresh FBS-free medium without or with different concentrations of both metformin (10 mM) and ten of its analogues (1 and 10 mM) for 1 h. After this time, the plated cells were washed three times with cold PBS. The cells were then lysed using a buffer containing 50 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 50 mM KCl, 1 mM EDTA, 5 mM EGTA, 1 mM glycerolphosphate, 0.1% (vol/vol) Triton X-100, 50 mM NaPPi, 1 nM orthovanadate, and 1 nM DTT, a standard complete protease inhibitor mixture (Roche). The lysates were then centrifuged (10,000g, 10 min, 4°C), and the supernatants were stored at −80°C. The activation of AMPK and its target protein, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), was determined by immunoblot detection with antibodies against phospho-Thr172 AMPK and phospho-Ser79 ACC1, as well as total AMPK, ACC, and actin as loading controls. All antibodies were purchased from Cell Signaling.


### 2.3.2.In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity

Male Wistar rats weighing an average of 300 g were used. They were maintained at 25°C in a 12 h a light/dark cycle and at 45–65% of humidity during experimentation time. All animal procedures were developed in accordance with the Mexican Federal Regulations for Animal Experimentation and Care, ratified by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (UNAM) based on US National Institute of Health Publication #85-23 [9, 10].


### 2.3.3. Induction of Diabetes

Streptozotocin (STZ) was dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and nicotinamide was dissolved in normal physiological saline solution. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes rat model was induced in overnight fasted rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg STZ, 15 min before the i.p. administration of 40 mg/kg of nicotinamide. Hyperglycemia was confirmed by elevated glucose concentration in plasma, determined after 2 weeks by strip-glucometer. The animals with blood glucose concentration higher than 200 mg/dL were used for the antidiabetic study [11, 12].


### 2.3.4. Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model

The diabetic animals were divided into three groups of five animals each (n=5). Rats of experimental groups were given a solution of compounds4–6 (50 mg/kg body weight, prepared in tween 80, 10%). Control group animals were also treated with saline plus tween 80, 10%. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as antihyperglycemic reference drug. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 h after vehicle, compound, and drug administration. Blood glucose concentration was estimated by enzymatic glucose oxidase method using a commercial glucometer [13]. The percentage variation of glycemia for each group was calculated in relation to initial (0 h) level, according to (1)%variationofglycemia=Glux-Glu0Glu0×100,where Glu0 were initial glycemia values and Glux were the glycemia values at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h, respectively. All values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was estimated by analysis of variance (ANOVA); p<0.05 implies significance.


### 2.3.5. Glucose Tolerance Test

Normoglycemic rats were divided into groups of five animals each (n=5). Thirty min after administration of test compounds, a dose of 2 g/kg of glucose solution was orally administered to each animal. Compound6 (50 mg/kg), metformin (50 mg/kg), and vehicle (tween 80, 10%) were administered to rats in the same volume of solution. Blood samples were collected from the tail tip at 0 (before oral administration), 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 h after vehicle, positive control, or test compound administration.


## 2.3.1.In Vitro AMPK Activation

Primary rat hepatocytes were obtained by collagenase digestion as described by Berry and Friend [8]. Fresh isolated hepatocytes were equally distributed in collagen-coated dishes and incubated at 37°C for 2 h in medium α MEM (Gibco; cat 11900-024), 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin. The cultured dishes were then washed three times with PBS to remove unattached dead cells. Dishes were randomly assigned to receive fresh FBS-free medium without or with different concentrations of both metformin (10 mM) and ten of its analogues (1 and 10 mM) for 1 h. After this time, the plated cells were washed three times with cold PBS. The cells were then lysed using a buffer containing 50 mM HEPES (pH 7.5), 50 mM KCl, 1 mM EDTA, 5 mM EGTA, 1 mM glycerolphosphate, 0.1% (vol/vol) Triton X-100, 50 mM NaPPi, 1 nM orthovanadate, and 1 nM DTT, a standard complete protease inhibitor mixture (Roche). The lysates were then centrifuged (10,000g, 10 min, 4°C), and the supernatants were stored at −80°C. The activation of AMPK and its target protein, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), was determined by immunoblot detection with antibodies against phospho-Thr172 AMPK and phospho-Ser79 ACC1, as well as total AMPK, ACC, and actin as loading controls. All antibodies were purchased from Cell Signaling.


## 2.3.2.In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity

Male Wistar rats weighing an average of 300 g were used. They were maintained at 25°C in a 12 h a light/dark cycle and at 45–65% of humidity during experimentation time. All animal procedures were developed in accordance with the Mexican Federal Regulations for Animal Experimentation and Care, ratified by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (UNAM) based on US National Institute of Health Publication #85-23 [9, 10].


## 2.3.3. Induction of Diabetes

Streptozotocin (STZ) was dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and nicotinamide was dissolved in normal physiological saline solution. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes rat model was induced in overnight fasted rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg STZ, 15 min before the i.p. administration of 40 mg/kg of nicotinamide. Hyperglycemia was confirmed by elevated glucose concentration in plasma, determined after 2 weeks by strip-glucometer. The animals with blood glucose concentration higher than 200 mg/dL were used for the antidiabetic study [11, 12].


## 2.3.4. Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model

The diabetic animals were divided into three groups of five animals each (n=5). Rats of experimental groups were given a solution of compounds4–6 (50 mg/kg body weight, prepared in tween 80, 10%). Control group animals were also treated with saline plus tween 80, 10%. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as antihyperglycemic reference drug. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 h after vehicle, compound, and drug administration. Blood glucose concentration was estimated by enzymatic glucose oxidase method using a commercial glucometer [13]. The percentage variation of glycemia for each group was calculated in relation to initial (0 h) level, according to (1)%variationofglycemia=Glux-Glu0Glu0×100,where Glu0 were initial glycemia values and Glux were the glycemia values at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h, respectively. All values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was estimated by analysis of variance (ANOVA); p<0.05 implies significance.


## 2.3.5. Glucose Tolerance Test

Normoglycemic rats were divided into groups of five animals each (n=5). Thirty min after administration of test compounds, a dose of 2 g/kg of glucose solution was orally administered to each animal. Compound6 (50 mg/kg), metformin (50 mg/kg), and vehicle (tween 80, 10%) were administered to rats in the same volume of solution. Blood samples were collected from the tail tip at 0 (before oral administration), 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 h after vehicle, positive control, or test compound administration.


## 2.4. Docking Studies

Discovery Studio version 3.5 and Pymol version 1.0 were used for visualization. The crystal structure of AMPK was retrieved from the PDB with the accession code: 2UV4. Docking calculations were conducted with AutoDock Vina. The program performs several runs in each docking experiment. Each run provides one predicted binding mode. All water molecules and also cocrystal ligand (5′-adenylic acid) were removed from the crystallographic structure. The AutoDock Vina plugin through Pymol program was used, where we generated the grid maps. Each grid was centered at the crystallographic coordinates of the cocrystal ligand. The grid dimensions were20×20×20 Å3 with points separated by 1.0 Å. Also, the protein file was selected as the rigid part, and the ligand file as the flexible one, allowing all its torsions to rotate during docking. AutoDock Vina uses default algorithms of searching and automatically prepares the files for use as it adds charges and polar hydrogens to the protein necessary to perform scoring calculations; it clusters showing only the main results. The number of docking runs was 10. After finishing, the poses were visualized on Pymol and compared against the cocrystalized ligand over the protein.


### 2.4.1. Docking Validation

The molecular docking protocol was validated by redocking of cocrystal ligand (5′-adenylic acid) into the active site of the structure of AMPK. The root mean square deviation between the cocrystal ligand and the docked structure was less than 2.5 Å. This value indicates that the parameters for docking simulations are good in reproducing orientation and conformation in the X-ray crystal structure of enzyme and receptors.


## 2.4.1. Docking Validation

The molecular docking protocol was validated by redocking of cocrystal ligand (5′-adenylic acid) into the active site of the structure of AMPK. The root mean square deviation between the cocrystal ligand and the docked structure was less than 2.5 Å. This value indicates that the parameters for docking simulations are good in reproducing orientation and conformation in the X-ray crystal structure of enzyme and receptors.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Chemistry

Compounds1–10 were designed on the basis of the structure of metformin and phenformin (Figure 1, Table 1), maintaining the biguanide group, removing both dimethyl and phenylethyl side chains, and substituting the proximal amino group with diethyl or cycloalkyl groups using a straightforward approach called chain-ring transformation, attaining conformational constraint connecting alkyl substituents to give the corresponding cyclic analogues. The homologation criteria were employed to pass from pyrrolidine to piperidine. A homologous series is a group of compounds that differ by a constant unit, generally a methylene group [14]. Morpholine and 4-methylpiperazine derivatives were selected as isosteric replacements of piperidine. Benzyl or 4-substituted phenyl groups were designed as lower homologues, with one or two methylene groups less than those presented by phenformin. Some physicochemical properties of compounds1–10 are described in Table 1.Compounds1–10 were prepared in a single step starting from cyanoguanidine (21), which was condensed with several alkylamines11–15 or aryl amines16–20 under reflux conditions (Figure 2). Title compounds were recovered with 22–85% yields and purified by recrystallization with ethanol. Their chemical structures were confirmed by spectral data (NMR and mass spectra), and their purity was ascertained by elemental analysis.


### 3.2.In Vitro Biological Activity

To test the ability of each derivative to activate AMPK, anin vitro assay was performed on a primary culture of hepatocytes. Aliquots of stock solutions of the analogues (dissolved in DMSO) were diluted with the assay buffer, using metformin as positive control. The phosphorylation of AMPK and its target ACC were assessed by immunoblot analysis, where it is observed that aliphatic or alicyclic compounds1–3 were not able to activate the enzyme (data not shown). Conversely, we found that AMPK phosphorylation (activation) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner with compounds4,5, and6, being more pronounced with compound6; in fact, the concentrations of three of the compounds required for activation of AMPK were significantly lower than those of metformin (Figure 3). On the other hand, aromatic biguanides7–10 were unable to activate the AMPK. These results are in accordance with those reported in a parallel work performed with closely related biguanides [15].Figure 3
AMPK phosphorylation by compounds4–6. The analogues4 and5 are able to activate the enzyme in a similar way to metformin, whereas the analogue6 appears to induce AMPK phosphorylation in a larger extent. p∗<0.05, p∗∗<0.01, and p∗∗∗<0.001.In the immunoblot not only is the phosphorylated AMPK observed, but also the phosphorylated ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) in serine 79 can be detected. This enzyme is one of the targets of AMPK. The phosphorylation of this enzyme causes its inactivation, and this leads to an increase in the oxidation of free fatty acids [16]. The phosphorylation of ACC indicates that analogues induce the phosphorylation (activation) of AMPK, which leads to modification of the different metabolic pathways.


### 3.3. In Silico Studies

#### 3.3.1. Docking Analysis

Based on thein vitro biological assay of AMPK activation, the most active compounds were selected to explain the experimental activities. On this basis, a preliminary molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the putative binding mode of compounds4–6 into the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK. This molecular docking reveals that compounds4 and5 internalize into the nucleotide binding pocket of AMPK and interact by electrostatic and hydrogen bonds with Asp-317 and Thr-200, and both residues are essential for the activation of this enzyme (ΔG=5.2 kcal/mol for both compounds). However, compound6 (the most activein vitro) showed an additional interaction with Ser-226, increasing the docking energy to −6.2 kcal/mol. Figure 4 shows the binding mode of compounds4–6 found by AutoDock showing an extensive hydrogen bonds network.Figure 4
3D binding model of compounds4–6 into the nucleotide binding site of AMPK (γ subunit). Compounds4 (cyan),5 (blue), and6 (green) are shown as stick models, whereas aminoacids are depicted as lines. A yellow dashed lines represent polar or electrostatic interactions.These results contribute to explaining at the molecular level the relevant activities of compounds4–6 in thein vitro test.


#### 3.3.2. In Silico Toxicity

With the aim of anticipating potential toxicity issues of compounds4–6, a computational prediction of safety profiles was performed. The toxicity parameters of4–6, metformin, and phenformin were calculated through the ACD/ToxSuite software, v. 2.95 (Table 2).Table 2
Toxicity profiles predicted for compounds4–6, metformin, and phenformin.
Compd.
LD50 (mg/kg)
Probability of inhibition(IC50 or Ki<10 μM)
Mouse
Rat
CYP450 isoform
hERG
i.p.
p.o.
i.p.
p.o.
3A4
2D6
1A2
4
400
510
260
850
0.01
0.06
0.01
0.02
5
190
640
130
750
0.01
0.04
0.01
0.03
6
170
710
240
850
0.01
0.10
0.03
0.05
Metformin
247
810
220
960
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
Phenformin
160
720
240
890
0.02
0.12
0.04
0.07The in silico calculation of inhibition for the three main isoforms of CYP450 for compounds4–6 was comparable to that of metformin at relevant clinical concentrations (<10 μM), showing low probabilities of drug-drug interactions and undesirable adverse effects [17]. Several basic nitrogen compounds are associated with cardiovascular risks due to human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channel blockade [18–20]. Compounds4–6 showed low prediction of hERG channel blockage at clinically relevant concentrations (Ki<10 μM), being considered as potentially noncardiotoxic compounds. In the calculation of acute toxicity, compounds4–6 demonstrated similar predicted LD50 than metformin and phenformin by two different administration routes.


### 3.4.In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Compounds4–6

Compounds4–6 were the most potent AMPK activators of the series, and they were selected in order to evaluate theirin vivo antidiabetic activity using an STZ-nicotinamide non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rat model. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. The antidiabetic activity of compounds4–6 was determined using a 50 mg/kg single dose, by intragastric route (Figure 5).Figure 5
Effect of a single dose of compounds4–6 and metformin (50 mg/Kg, intragastric, n=5), or vehicle in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes rat model. p∗<0.001 versus vehicle group.The antidiabetic assay shows that analogue4 significantly reduced glucose levels compared to the vehicle and is as good as to the control group (metformin), having at 7 hours after administration a percentage of glucose decrease of 33.5%. Analogue5also decreased glucose levels compared to vehicle. In addition, its effect was similar to that presented by metformin at the same dose. The activity was retained during the 7 hours of experimentation. At 7 hours after administration, a 40% decrease in blood glucose levels was observed. Analogue6, which was the compound that showed the best activity on AMPK activation, was also active in thein vivo assay, and its antihyperglycemic effect was retained throughout the assay.In order to verify the plausible antihyperglycemic effect of compound6, glucose tolerance test curves in normoglycemic rats were obtained. Dose of 50 mg/kg for6 and metformin was employed. As shown in Figure 6, compound6 displayed a significant reduction of hyperglycemic peak which was attained at 0.5 h after glucose administration. In Figure 6, it can be seen that the animals treated with analogue6reached a lower hyperglycemic value than the animals treated with metformin and compared to the vehicle, 0.5 h after the treatment.Figure 6
Oral glucose tolerance test. Effect of a single dose of compound6 and metformin (50 mg/Kg, intragastric, n=5), or vehicle in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes rat model. p∗<0.05 versus vehicle.During the experiment, glucose levels did not decrease beyond baseline, indicating that the antidiabetic effect of compound6is due to an antihyperglycemic action rather than a hypoglycemic effect. Also, compounds4–6 did not increase the lactic acid concentrations in plasma of rats tested (less than 1.9 mM), so any evidence of lactic acidosis was found. With these results, it can be concluded that the mechanism of action of the analogues4–6 that confer their antidiabetic activity is similar to metformin, through the activation of AMPK and of some of the pathways that are regulated by this enzyme. Previouslyin vitro reports agree with the AMPK results obtained with compound6 [15]. However, in our current study, we have demonstrated the robustin vivo effect produced by this compound after an oral administration. Further studies are being conducted by us in order to demonstrate the cardiovascular action of compound6in a murine model of fructose-induced insulin resistance [21].


## 3.1. Chemistry

Compounds1–10 were designed on the basis of the structure of metformin and phenformin (Figure 1, Table 1), maintaining the biguanide group, removing both dimethyl and phenylethyl side chains, and substituting the proximal amino group with diethyl or cycloalkyl groups using a straightforward approach called chain-ring transformation, attaining conformational constraint connecting alkyl substituents to give the corresponding cyclic analogues. The homologation criteria were employed to pass from pyrrolidine to piperidine. A homologous series is a group of compounds that differ by a constant unit, generally a methylene group [14]. Morpholine and 4-methylpiperazine derivatives were selected as isosteric replacements of piperidine. Benzyl or 4-substituted phenyl groups were designed as lower homologues, with one or two methylene groups less than those presented by phenformin. Some physicochemical properties of compounds1–10 are described in Table 1.Compounds1–10 were prepared in a single step starting from cyanoguanidine (21), which was condensed with several alkylamines11–15 or aryl amines16–20 under reflux conditions (Figure 2). Title compounds were recovered with 22–85% yields and purified by recrystallization with ethanol. Their chemical structures were confirmed by spectral data (NMR and mass spectra), and their purity was ascertained by elemental analysis.


## 3.2.In Vitro Biological Activity

To test the ability of each derivative to activate AMPK, anin vitro assay was performed on a primary culture of hepatocytes. Aliquots of stock solutions of the analogues (dissolved in DMSO) were diluted with the assay buffer, using metformin as positive control. The phosphorylation of AMPK and its target ACC were assessed by immunoblot analysis, where it is observed that aliphatic or alicyclic compounds1–3 were not able to activate the enzyme (data not shown). Conversely, we found that AMPK phosphorylation (activation) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner with compounds4,5, and6, being more pronounced with compound6; in fact, the concentrations of three of the compounds required for activation of AMPK were significantly lower than those of metformin (Figure 3). On the other hand, aromatic biguanides7–10 were unable to activate the AMPK. These results are in accordance with those reported in a parallel work performed with closely related biguanides [15].Figure 3
AMPK phosphorylation by compounds4–6. The analogues4 and5 are able to activate the enzyme in a similar way to metformin, whereas the analogue6 appears to induce AMPK phosphorylation in a larger extent. p∗<0.05, p∗∗<0.01, and p∗∗∗<0.001.In the immunoblot not only is the phosphorylated AMPK observed, but also the phosphorylated ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) in serine 79 can be detected. This enzyme is one of the targets of AMPK. The phosphorylation of this enzyme causes its inactivation, and this leads to an increase in the oxidation of free fatty acids [16]. The phosphorylation of ACC indicates that analogues induce the phosphorylation (activation) of AMPK, which leads to modification of the different metabolic pathways.


## 3.3. In Silico Studies

### 3.3.1. Docking Analysis

Based on thein vitro biological assay of AMPK activation, the most active compounds were selected to explain the experimental activities. On this basis, a preliminary molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the putative binding mode of compounds4–6 into the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK. This molecular docking reveals that compounds4 and5 internalize into the nucleotide binding pocket of AMPK and interact by electrostatic and hydrogen bonds with Asp-317 and Thr-200, and both residues are essential for the activation of this enzyme (ΔG=5.2 kcal/mol for both compounds). However, compound6 (the most activein vitro) showed an additional interaction with Ser-226, increasing the docking energy to −6.2 kcal/mol. Figure 4 shows the binding mode of compounds4–6 found by AutoDock showing an extensive hydrogen bonds network.Figure 4
3D binding model of compounds4–6 into the nucleotide binding site of AMPK (γ subunit). Compounds4 (cyan),5 (blue), and6 (green) are shown as stick models, whereas aminoacids are depicted as lines. A yellow dashed lines represent polar or electrostatic interactions.These results contribute to explaining at the molecular level the relevant activities of compounds4–6 in thein vitro test.


### 3.3.2. In Silico Toxicity

With the aim of anticipating potential toxicity issues of compounds4–6, a computational prediction of safety profiles was performed. The toxicity parameters of4–6, metformin, and phenformin were calculated through the ACD/ToxSuite software, v. 2.95 (Table 2).Table 2
Toxicity profiles predicted for compounds4–6, metformin, and phenformin.
Compd.
LD50 (mg/kg)
Probability of inhibition(IC50 or Ki<10 μM)
Mouse
Rat
CYP450 isoform
hERG
i.p.
p.o.
i.p.
p.o.
3A4
2D6
1A2
4
400
510
260
850
0.01
0.06
0.01
0.02
5
190
640
130
750
0.01
0.04
0.01
0.03
6
170
710
240
850
0.01
0.10
0.03
0.05
Metformin
247
810
220
960
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
Phenformin
160
720
240
890
0.02
0.12
0.04
0.07The in silico calculation of inhibition for the three main isoforms of CYP450 for compounds4–6 was comparable to that of metformin at relevant clinical concentrations (<10 μM), showing low probabilities of drug-drug interactions and undesirable adverse effects [17]. Several basic nitrogen compounds are associated with cardiovascular risks due to human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channel blockade [18–20]. Compounds4–6 showed low prediction of hERG channel blockage at clinically relevant concentrations (Ki<10 μM), being considered as potentially noncardiotoxic compounds. In the calculation of acute toxicity, compounds4–6 demonstrated similar predicted LD50 than metformin and phenformin by two different administration routes.


## 3.3.1. Docking Analysis

Based on thein vitro biological assay of AMPK activation, the most active compounds were selected to explain the experimental activities. On this basis, a preliminary molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the putative binding mode of compounds4–6 into the regulatory γ-subunit of AMPK. This molecular docking reveals that compounds4 and5 internalize into the nucleotide binding pocket of AMPK and interact by electrostatic and hydrogen bonds with Asp-317 and Thr-200, and both residues are essential for the activation of this enzyme (ΔG=5.2 kcal/mol for both compounds). However, compound6 (the most activein vitro) showed an additional interaction with Ser-226, increasing the docking energy to −6.2 kcal/mol. Figure 4 shows the binding mode of compounds4–6 found by AutoDock showing an extensive hydrogen bonds network.Figure 4
3D binding model of compounds4–6 into the nucleotide binding site of AMPK (γ subunit). Compounds4 (cyan),5 (blue), and6 (green) are shown as stick models, whereas aminoacids are depicted as lines. A yellow dashed lines represent polar or electrostatic interactions.These results contribute to explaining at the molecular level the relevant activities of compounds4–6 in thein vitro test.


## 3.3.2. In Silico Toxicity

With the aim of anticipating potential toxicity issues of compounds4–6, a computational prediction of safety profiles was performed. The toxicity parameters of4–6, metformin, and phenformin were calculated through the ACD/ToxSuite software, v. 2.95 (Table 2).Table 2
Toxicity profiles predicted for compounds4–6, metformin, and phenformin.
Compd.
LD50 (mg/kg)
Probability of inhibition(IC50 or Ki<10 μM)
Mouse
Rat
CYP450 isoform
hERG
i.p.
p.o.
i.p.
p.o.
3A4
2D6
1A2
4
400
510
260
850
0.01
0.06
0.01
0.02
5
190
640
130
750
0.01
0.04
0.01
0.03
6
170
710
240
850
0.01
0.10
0.03
0.05
Metformin
247
810
220
960
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
Phenformin
160
720
240
890
0.02
0.12
0.04
0.07The in silico calculation of inhibition for the three main isoforms of CYP450 for compounds4–6 was comparable to that of metformin at relevant clinical concentrations (<10 μM), showing low probabilities of drug-drug interactions and undesirable adverse effects [17]. Several basic nitrogen compounds are associated with cardiovascular risks due to human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channel blockade [18–20]. Compounds4–6 showed low prediction of hERG channel blockage at clinically relevant concentrations (Ki<10 μM), being considered as potentially noncardiotoxic compounds. In the calculation of acute toxicity, compounds4–6 demonstrated similar predicted LD50 than metformin and phenformin by two different administration routes.


## 3.4.In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Compounds4–6

Compounds4–6 were the most potent AMPK activators of the series, and they were selected in order to evaluate theirin vivo antidiabetic activity using an STZ-nicotinamide non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rat model. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. The antidiabetic activity of compounds4–6 was determined using a 50 mg/kg single dose, by intragastric route (Figure 5).Figure 5
Effect of a single dose of compounds4–6 and metformin (50 mg/Kg, intragastric, n=5), or vehicle in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes rat model. p∗<0.001 versus vehicle group.The antidiabetic assay shows that analogue4 significantly reduced glucose levels compared to the vehicle and is as good as to the control group (metformin), having at 7 hours after administration a percentage of glucose decrease of 33.5%. Analogue5also decreased glucose levels compared to vehicle. In addition, its effect was similar to that presented by metformin at the same dose. The activity was retained during the 7 hours of experimentation. At 7 hours after administration, a 40% decrease in blood glucose levels was observed. Analogue6, which was the compound that showed the best activity on AMPK activation, was also active in thein vivo assay, and its antihyperglycemic effect was retained throughout the assay.In order to verify the plausible antihyperglycemic effect of compound6, glucose tolerance test curves in normoglycemic rats were obtained. Dose of 50 mg/kg for6 and metformin was employed. As shown in Figure 6, compound6 displayed a significant reduction of hyperglycemic peak which was attained at 0.5 h after glucose administration. In Figure 6, it can be seen that the animals treated with analogue6reached a lower hyperglycemic value than the animals treated with metformin and compared to the vehicle, 0.5 h after the treatment.Figure 6
Oral glucose tolerance test. Effect of a single dose of compound6 and metformin (50 mg/Kg, intragastric, n=5), or vehicle in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes rat model. p∗<0.05 versus vehicle.During the experiment, glucose levels did not decrease beyond baseline, indicating that the antidiabetic effect of compound6is due to an antihyperglycemic action rather than a hypoglycemic effect. Also, compounds4–6 did not increase the lactic acid concentrations in plasma of rats tested (less than 1.9 mM), so any evidence of lactic acidosis was found. With these results, it can be concluded that the mechanism of action of the analogues4–6 that confer their antidiabetic activity is similar to metformin, through the activation of AMPK and of some of the pathways that are regulated by this enzyme. Previouslyin vitro reports agree with the AMPK results obtained with compound6 [15]. However, in our current study, we have demonstrated the robustin vivo effect produced by this compound after an oral administration. Further studies are being conducted by us in order to demonstrate the cardiovascular action of compound6in a murine model of fructose-induced insulin resistance [21].


## 4. Conclusion

In summary, ten alkarylbiguanides have been developed as promising compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compounds4–6 (a) exhibited AMPK activation similar to or greater than metformin, (b) demonstrated a robust reduction of glucose levels with markedin vivo antihyperglycemic efficacy, and (c) showed predicted low toxicity profiles and any experimental evidence of lactic acidosis. These compounds could be an alternative to metformin, the only biguanide currently available.



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*Source: 1212609-2017-11-15.xml*