Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Denitroaristolochic Acids: Structural Insights and Mechanistic Implications in Nephrotoxicity

The efficient synthetic routes and evaluates cytotoxic profiles of denitroaristolochic acids II-V (DAA-II-V) were demonstrated in this study. Based on retrosynthetic analysis, a modular synthetic strategy was developed through Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, Wittig reaction, and bismuth triflate-catalyzed intramolecular Friedel-Crafts cyclization to efficiently construct the phenanthrene core. Process optimization significantly improved yields: aryl bromide intermediate A reached 50.8% yield via bromination refinement, while arylboronic ester intermediate B overcame selectivity limitations. Combining Darzens condensation with Wittig reaction enhanced throughput, achieving 88.4% yield in the key cyclization. Structures were confirmed by NMR and mass spectra. CCK-8 cytotoxicity assays in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells revealed distinct toxicological profiles: DAA-III and DAA-IV exhibited IC₅₀ values of 371 μM and 515 μM, respectively, significantly higher than the nitro-containing prototype AA-I (270 μM), indicating that the absence of nitro group attenuates but does not eliminate toxicity, potentially via altered metabolic activation. DAA-II and DAA-V showed no detectable cytotoxicity within assay limits, suggesting reduced toxicological impact. Structure-activity analysis exhibited that the nitro group is not essential for cytotoxicity, with methoxy substituents exerting limited influence on potency. This challenges the conventional DNA adduct-dependent toxicity paradigm, implying alternative mechanisms like oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction may mediate damage in denitro derivatives. These systematic findings provide new perspectives for AA analog research and a foundation for the rational use and safety assessment of <i>Aristolochiaceae</i> plants.