Synthetic and biological activity evaluation studies on novel 1,3-diarylpropenones

Fourteen novel C-prenylated and O-allylated 1,3-diarylpmpenones (chalcones) were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of C-prenylated/ O-allylated acetophenones with appropriate aldehydes; twelve of these model chalcones were screened in an assay based on the confrontation of invasive human MCF-7/6 mammary carcinoma cells with fragments of normal embryonic c hick heart in vitro. Out of the twelve chalcones tested, three were found t o exhibit potent anti-invasive activity. Some of these chalcones and their precursor acetophenones were also tested for inhibition of initiation of li pid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes; a prenylated acetophenone carryin g two methoxy groups and two free phenolic hydroxy functions was found to b e a potential antioxidant. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.