Structure-cytotoxic activity relationship of 3-arylideneflavanone and chromanone (E,Z isomers) and 3-arylflavones

The E,Z-isomers of 3-arylidene substituted flavanone, chromanone and 3-aryl substituted flavone derivatives were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against three cancer cell lines (HL-60, NALM-6, WM-115) and normal cell line (HUVEC). It was observed that substitution at C3 position led to significant enhance in cytotoxicity. Isomeric configuration of 3-arylideneflavanones had an influence on the cytotoxic potential. Multiple regression analysis combined with variable selection by genetic algorithm was used to model relationships between molecular descriptors and the cytotoxic activity. The most accurate QSAR models were based on a combination between energy of LUMO, experimental value of log P and partial charge on carbonyl oxygen (δO2).