Interaction between antidepressant drug trazodone with double-stranded DNA: Multi-spectroscopic and computational analysis

Trazodone (TZD) is an antidepressant drug used to treat major depressive and sleeping disorders. Elevated doses of trazodone are associated with central nervous system depression, which manifests as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, exhaustion, etc. To develop a clinically viable active pharmaceutical compound with minimal adverse effects, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the drug's action mechanism on DNA. Hence, we investigate the mode of interaction between trazodone and DNA utilizing various spectroscopic and computational techniques. Studies using UV-vis titration showed that the DNA and trazodone have an effective interaction. The magnitude of the Stern-Volmer constant (KSV) has been calculated to be 5.84 × 106 M-1 by the Lehrer equation from a steady-state fluorescence study. UV-vis absorption, DNA melting, dye displacement, and circular dichroism studies suggested that trazodone binds with DNA in minor grooves. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation demonstrated that the TZD-DNA system was stable, and the mode of binding was minor groove. Furthermore, ionic strength investigation demonstrates that DNA and trazodone do not have a substantial electrostatic binding interaction.

Structure-bioactivity relationship study on anticancer Pd and Pt complexes with aliphatic glycine derivative ligands

To investigate the structure and bioactivity relationship, six Pd(II)/Pt(II) complexes with N-isobutylglycine (L1) and cyclohexylglycine (L2) as N^O amino acid bidentate ligands, 1,10'-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) as N^N donor ligands, and [Pd(L1)(bipy)]NO3 (1), [Pd(L2)(bipy)]NO3 (2), [Pd(L1)(phen)]NO3 (3), [Pd(L2)(phen)]NO3·2H2O (4), [Pt(L1)(phen)]NO3 (5), along with [Pt(L2)(phen)]NO3 (6) were prepared and then characterized. The geometry of each compound was validated by doing a DFT calculation. Furthermore, tests were conducted on the complexes' water solubilities and lipophilicity. All bipy complexes had superior aqueous solubility and less lipophilicity in comparison with phen complexes, as well as complexes containing cyclohexyl-glycine compared to isobutyl-glycine complexes, probably because of the steric effects and polarity of cyclohexylglycine. The in-vitro anticancer activities of these compounds were examined against HCT116, A549, and MCF7 cancerous cell lines. Data revealed that all Pd/Pt complexes demonstrate higher anticancer activity than carboplatin, and complexes 3 and 4 are more cytotoxic than cisplatin against the HCT116 cell line, particularly against MCF7 cancerous cells. In addition, among all compounds, complex 4 has more anticancer ability than oxaliplatin. Due to different solubility and lipophilicity behavior, the accumulation of Pt complexes and clinical Pt drugs in each cancerous cell was investigated. The binding capabilities of these complexes to DNA, as the main target in chemotherapy, occur through minor grooves and intercalate into DNA, which was done using absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Finally, the docking simulation study showed the mode of DNA bindings is in good agreement with the spectral binding data.

In vitro and in silico binding studies of phytochemical isochroman with calf thymus DNA using multi-spectroscopic and computational modelling techniques

A wide range of therapeutic molecules uses deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as an intracellular target. The interaction of small molecules to DNA is a key feature in pharmacology and plays a vital role in the development of novel and more efficient drugs with increased selective activity and enhanced therapeutic effectiveness. Isochroman (IC) is a constituent of Olea europea plant, which has been shown to exhibit several beneficial pharmacological activities. At present, its interaction studies using calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) have not been explained. A set of multi-spectroscopic techniques has been performed to determine the interaction mechanism of isochroman with ct-DNA. Absorption spectra and quenching in fluorescence studies show that isochroman and ct-DNA form a complex. The static mode of quenching was determined by the Stern-Volmer plot. The value of binding constant, Kb = 4.0 × 103 M-1 revealed moderate type of binding. Effects of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and ionic strength were studied to examine the isochroman binding to ct-DNA. Potassium iodide (KI) quenching effects and competitive binding studies clearly showed that isochroman binds in the minor groove of ct-DNA. Circular dichroic and DNA melting experiments also confirmed these results. The experimental outputs were further corroborated via in silico computational modelling studies. Lipinski's rule of 5 and SwissADME showed drug-likeness and oral bioavailability scores. Protox ІІ online software predicts oral and organ toxicity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Biological Activity of Two Anticancer Pt Complexes with a Cyclohexylglycine Ligand against a Colon Cancer Cell Line: Theoretical and Experimental Study

Because of their extraordinary ability to disrupt the natural structure of nucleic acids, metal complexes could be used in cancer therapy. In this study, cyclohexylglycine (HL) as a ligand and two new Pt complexes, [Pt(NH₃)₂(L)]NO₃ (1) and [Pt(bipy)(L)]NO₃ (2), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, LC-MS, UV-vis spectrometry, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy, HPLC analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 2 crystallized in the orthorhombic Pbca space group, and density functional theory (DFT) was used to describe its structural parameters were described in detail. These complexes can be classified as oral medications and drug-like molecules based on a comparison of their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion assessment. Quantum chemical descriptors (QCDs) were determined using DFT calculations to predict the tendency of DNA to approach these complexes. During the determination of the function of the metallodrug in DNA binding, the fluorescence data indicated that static quenching took place for all ligands and complexes with higher DNA binding affinity. CD and isothermal absorption studies indicate the presence of electrostatic and groove binding for the amine derivative and that DNA binds with the bipy moiety via groove binding. Furthermore, the interaction modes were determined using molecular docking to investigate the binding of these compounds with the target DNA molecule. According to docking investigations, binding energies of -5.7, -11.56, and -10.00 kcal/mol for HL and complexes 1 and 2, respectively, indicate partially electrostatic and groove binding. The anticancer activities of the Pt(II) complexes were tested against the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line, with IC₅₀ values of 35.51 and 51.33 μM for 1 and 2, respectively, after 72 h. These values show that the inhibitory effect of complex 1 was better than those of 2 and carboplatin (IC₅₀ = 51.94 μM).

DNA-binding activities of compounds acting as enzyme inhibitors, ion channel blockers and receptor binders

The DNA-binding activities of compounds used as remedies can display DNA-protection, but also damaging effects in biological systems. The current review compiles literature data on DNA-binding activities of drugs widely used as remedies with different therapeutic indications. The compounds are classified according their mechanism of action: enzyme inhibitors, ion channel inhibitors, inhibitors of viral RNA replication and HIV protease and receptor agonists. DNA binding was reported for such widely used drugs as paracetamol, aspirin, metformin, statins and many others. The capability of the drug to bind DNA is sometimes coupled to genotoxic effects, but in some cases - to genome protection. Data on atoms and chemical groups involved in the drug-DNA interactions are also presented. In many cases the same atoms are involved in both interactions of the compounds with proteins and DNA.

Interaction of citalopram and escitalopram with calf Thymus DNA: A spectrofluorometric, voltammetric, and liquid chromatographic approach

Citalopram (CIT) and its S-enantiomer, escitalopram (ESC), are antidepressants belonging to the class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and have many different pharmacological and biological properties. Understanding the interaction mechanism of small drug molecules with DNA both helps in the development of new DNA-targeted drugs and provides more in-depth knowledge for controlling gene expression. In this study, the interaction of CIT and ESC with double-stranded calf thymus DNA (ct-dsDNA) was investigated for the first time. Spectrofluorometric, liquid chromatographic, and voltammetric response profiles of drugs and ct-dsDNA at different concentrations showed DNA-drug complex formation. Calculated binding constants were greater with all three techniques for ESC compared to CIT and were of the order of 10³-10⁴, which is in accordance with those of well-known groove binders. The results also showed the significant effect of chirality on complex formation. The thermodynamic parameters, including free energy change (ΔG < 0) and enthalpy change (ΔH < 0) obtained at different temperatures, indicated that complex formation was mainly driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces for both drugs. The results of this study may enhance the understanding of the interaction between CIT or ESC and ct-dsDNA and can be considered as the pioneer for future studies to uncover possible hidden phenotypes of these compounds.

Comprehensive study of the interaction between Puerariae Radix flavonoids and DNA: From theoretical simulation to structural analysis to functional analysis

Puerariae Radix (PR) is a natural herb whose active ingredient is mainly flavonoids. To explore the interaction between PR flavonoids and DNA not only has important biological implications for understanding the mechanism of action, but also helps develop PR products for the design of appropriate dietary interventions to aid cancer treatment. In this work, we comprehensively studied the interaction between six kinds of PR flavonoids and DNA from four different and progressive levels, including molecular docking, multi-spectral analysis, and functional analysis in vitro and in cell. Results show that the DNA binding affinity of six flavonoids is in an order of quercetin > formononetin > daidzein > puerarin > 4'-methoxy puerarin > puerarin 6″-O-xyloside (POS), in which quercetin can significantly inhibit DNA amplification owing to its strongest binding affinity. The binding between quercetin and DNA is further revealed to be intercalated binding, which can cause conformational changes in DNA, thereby exhibiting an activity of cell cycle arrest and anti-proliferative. This property of quercetin can be utilized for the further development of flavonoids with anticancer activity. In addition to the potential application, this work also provides a platform for the comprehensive study of the interaction between micromolecules and DNA.

Unravelling the interaction of glipizide with human serum albumin using various spectroscopic techniques and molecular dynamics studies

Glipizide is known to stimulate insulin secretion by β-cells of the pancreas. It is a second-generation sulfonylurea drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. The shorter biological half-life makes it a suitable candidate to be designed as a controlled release formulation. Human serum albumin (HSA), a major plasma protein plays a crucial role in the transportation of drugs, hormones, fatty acids, and many other molecules and determines their physiological fate and biodistribution. In this study, the interaction of glipizide with HSA was investigated under physiological conditions using multi-spectroscopic techniques corroborated with molecular docking and dynamics approach. It was found that glipizide integrates to HSA with a binding constant in the order of 10⁵ M^-1. The mode of fluorescence quenching by glipizide is static in nature with one binding site. Glipizide preferentially interacts with sub-domain IIA of HSA and their complexion is thermodynamically favorable. This interaction results in the loss of α-helical content of HSA. The energy transfer efficiency from HSA to glipizide was found to be 26.72%. In silico molecular docking and simulation studies ratified in vitro findings and revealed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are accountable for glipizide-HSA complex formation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Preparation of co-Co3 O4 /carbon nanotube/carbon foam for glucose sensor

Co-Co₃ O₄ /carbon nanotube/carbon foam (Co-Co₃ O₄ /CNT/CF) nanocomposites were prepared by soaking melamine foam into a solution of Co(NO₃ )₂ ·6H₂ O, followed by calcination in N₂ and air in sequence. The obtained Co-Co₃ O₄ /CNT/CF nanocomposites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that Co₃ O₄ nanoparticles were grown on the external of CF successfully, while CNTs were grown on the surfaces of CF in a large amount, which further improved the electrical conductivity of the. The prepared Co-Co₃ O₄ /CNT/CF nanocomposites were then used to construct nonenzymatic sensor to detect glucose in alkaline solution. The sensor showed detection range from 1.2 μM to 2.29 mM with a detection limit of 0.4 μM (S/N =3) and a high sensitivity of 637.5 μA^-1 cm^-2 . The developed sensor also showed an instant response, favorable reproducibility, and high selectivity. The results attest that Co-Co₃ O₄ /CNT/CF composites have great potential in the development of nonenzymatic sensors for glucose.

Interaction of aloe active compounds with calf thymus DNA

Natural anthraquinone compounds have emerged as potent anticancer chemotherapeutic agents because of their promising DNA-binding properties. Aloe vera is among one of the very well-known medicinal plants, and the anthraquinone derivatives like aloe emodin (ALM), aloins (ALN), and aloe emodin-8-glucoside (ALMG) are known to have immense biological activities. Here, we have used biophysical methods to elucidate the comparative DNA-binding abilities of these three molecules. Steady-state fluorescence study indicated complexation between calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and both the molecules ALM and ALMG whereas ALN showed very weak interaction with DNA. Displacement assays with ctDNA-bound intercalator (ethidium bromide) and a groove binder (Hoechst 33258) indicated preferential binding of both ALM and ALMG to minor groove of DNA. Isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) data suggested spontaneous exothermic single binding mode of both the molecules: ALM and ALMG. Entropy is the most important factor which contributed to the standard molar Gibbs energy associated with relatively small favorable enthalpic contribution. The equilibrium constants of binding to ctDNA were (6.02 ± 0.10) × 10⁴  M^-1 and (4.90 ± 0.11) × 10⁴  M^-1 at 298.15 K, for ALM and ALMG, respectively. The enthalpy vs temperature plot yielded negative standard molar heat capacity value, and a strong negative correlation between enthalpy and entropy terms was observed which indicates the enthalpy entropy compensation behavior in both systems. All these thermodynamic phenomena indicate that hydrophobic force is the key factor which is involved in the binding process. Moreover, the enhancement of thermal stability of DNA helix by ALM and ALMG fully agreed to the complexation of these molecules with DNA.

Highly-selective recognition of latent fingermarks by La-sensitized Ce nanocomposites via electrostatic binding

A series of binuclear (Ce,La) nanocomposite fluorescent powders was elaborately designed for highly-selective recognition of latent fingermarks, which were proved to combine with fingermark residues electrostatically without any damage to touch-DNA.