Synthesis and evaluation of sulfonamide-chalcone hybrid compounds as inhibitors of VEGFR1/VEGFR2-mediated angiogenesis

Abstract

Cancer continues to be a major worldwide health concern, with angiogenesis playing a pivotal role in its progression and metastasis. The capacity of tumors to induce angiogenesis is crucial for their proliferation and metastasis, rendering it a significant target for treatment strategies. This study involved the synthesis of sulfonamide-chalcone hybrid compounds and the evaluation of their anti-angiogenic activity by the assessment of their effects on vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1/VEGFR2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the synthesized compounds, 28 and 31 exhibited the most promising inhibitory effects similar to sorafenib as positive control, with IC₅₀ values superior to 10 μM. They dramatically diminished endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity against healthy human cells. Molecular docking simulations validated their binding affinity to VEGFR1/VEGFR2 receptors, elucidating their molecular mechanisms. Moreover, compounds 28 and 31 exhibited significant anti-angiogenic activity in both 2D and 3D angiogenesis assays, indicating their potential as novel anti-cancer agents. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of these compounds in blocking angiogenesis and necessitate additional in vivo research to confirm their clinical relevance.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Anti-angiogenic therapy; Drug discovery; Endothelial cells; Molecular docking; Sulfonamide-chalcone hybrids; VEGFR1; VEGFR2; Vascular endothelial growth factor.