Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,4-diaryl-2-azetidinones as specific anticancer agents: activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and induction of apoptosis

A series of novel 1,4-diaryl-2-azetidinones were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity, cell cycle effects, and apoptosis induction. Strong cytotoxicity was observed with the best compounds (±)-trans-20 ,( ±)-trans-21 ,a nd enantiomers (+)-trans-20 and (+)-trans-21, which exhibited IC50 values of 3−13 nM against duodenal adenocarcinoma cells. They induced inhibition of tubulin polymerization and subsequent G2/ M arrest. This effect was accompanied by activation of AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK), activation of caspase-3, and induction of apoptosis. Additionally, the most potent compounds displayed antiproliferative activity against different colon cancer cell lines, opening the route to a new class of potential therapeutic agents against colon cancer.