Structural details on the interaction of biologically active sulfur-containing monoterpenoids with lipid membranes

In this work, we propose the synthesis of new thioterpenoids of a bornane series and study the influence of these compounds on hemostasis. The results from this study suggest that among all investigated terpenoids, sodium ([(1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]thio) acetate may be the most promising for further development due to enhanced inhibition of the spontaneous aggregation compared with isoborneol, and because of its higher solubility in water compared with ([(1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]thio) acetic acid, which has approximately the same antiaggregatory and anticoagulant properties. In accordance with one hypothesis, the distribution of the studied bioactive molecules within the cellular lipid membrane can directly influence the anticoagulant properties. In the current work, the interactions of thioterpenoids with phospholipid membranes have been studied using various NMR techniques. The findings of this study indicate that sodium ([(1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]thio) acetateexhibits a membrane location, which is shifted somewhat in the direction of the lipid-water interface. Such a location may shield the compound from interactions with hydrophobic lipid segments. In contrast, isoborneol is more deeply immersed in the membrane. These results represent an initial step toward developing new drugs based on the synthesized thioterpenoids in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of several human diseases accompanying disorders in the hemostasis system.