Design and synthesis of 2,6-dihalogenated stilbene derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor agents

In present study, three series of 2,6-dihalogenated stilbene derivatives were designed, synthesized, and assayed for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. All 62 compounds showed potential anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish model in vivo, and the installation of halogens and pyridines led to significant improved effects. Among them, DHS2u and DHS3u with the substitution of pyridine showed more higher effects than positive drug indomethacin at 20 μM with inhibitory rate of 94.59% and 90.54%, respectively. Besides, DHS3g bearing 2,5-dimethoxy exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against K562 cells with IC50 values 3.12 μM along with a suitable selectivity on normal cell viability. These results showed that 2,6-dihalogenated stilbenes could serve as a bright starting point for the further development as anti-inflammatory and antitumor agents.