Ls. Fisher et al., Theoretical study of the role of boron-nitrogen dative bonds in the physiological action of boronated compounds, J PHYS CH B, 104(15), 2000, pp. 3744-3751
Some boronated molecules have shown surprising physiological action; howeve
r, the mode of action of these compounds is not understood. Our hypothesis
is that the boron moiety is attracted to Lewis base sites on an enzyme and
the resulting interaction causes an inhibition of the physiological pathway
. To study this problem, quantum mechanical calculations of boron-nitrogen
bond dissociation energies for 12 molecules have been calculated and compar
ed with physiological activities including anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-neo
plastic behavior. Results of linear correlation analysis between bond disso
ciation energy and physiological action have shown evidence that our hypoth
esis has merit. Possible locations of enzyme inhibition by boronated compou
nds are inferred. In addition, structural and energetic features of boronat
ed molecules, including intramolecular electrostatic interactions and Lewis
acidity, are discussed.