Hypotensive properties and acute toxicity of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)(NO)](PF(6))(3), a new nitric oxide donor

Cardioprotective effects of a ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes and the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are strongly related. Prolonged hyperglycemia has been identified as a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of CVD and diabetic complications. The management of hyperglycemia and prediabetes-associated vascular complications rely on pharmacotherapy and lifestyle intervention strategies. However, patients still take the conventional drugs and neglect lifestyle intervention; therefore, newer alternative drugs are required. The synthesized ruthenium Schiff base complex has been shown to have elevated biological and antidiabetic activity. Thus, the research investigated the cardio-protective effects of ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic (PD) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were randomly allocated to respective groups and treated for 12 weeks. Ruthenium (15 mg/kg) was administered to PD rats once a day every third day. Blood pressure and plasma glucose were monitored throughout the study. Blood and heart tissue were collected for biochemical assays.

RESULTS

Ruthenium complex with dietary intervention lead to reduced mean arterial blood pressure which correlated with a restored heart to body weight ratio. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in tissue malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentration in both the plasma and heart tissue. Furthermore, there was a decrease in plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein with an increased high-density lipoprotein concentration in ruthenium-treated rats. This was further evidenced by reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and cardiac C-reactive protein concentrations in ruthenium-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Ruthenium coupled with dietary intervention decreased the risk of developing cardiac injury, thus preventing CVD in prediabetes. Therefore, this complex may be a beneficial therapeutic agent in the prevention of PD cardiovascular complications.

A gentle introduction to gasotransmitters with special reference to nitric oxide: biological and chemical implications

Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are gaseous molecules of major impact in biology. Despite their toxicity, these molecules have profound effects on mammalian physiology and major implications in therapeutics. At tiny concentrations in human biology, they play key signaling and regulatory functions and hence are now labeled as “gasotransmitters.” In this literature survey, an introduction to gasotransmitters in relevance with NO, CO and H2S has been primarily focused. A special attention has been given to the conjoint physiological, pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects of NO in this work. In addition to the aforementioned elements of the investigation being reported, this report gives a detailed account of some of the recent advancements covering the NO release from both the nitro as well as nitroso compounds. The importance of the metallic center on the eve of producing the reduction center on NO and to develop photolabile properties have been elaborated within the effect of a few examples of metallic centers. Also, theoretical investigations that have been reported in the recent past and some other current theories pertaining to NO chemistry have been enlightened in this review. From the overall study, it is eminent that a number of facts are yet to be explored in context with NO for deeper mechanistic insights, model design for these molecules, other key roles and the search to find the best fit formalism in theoretical chemistry.

Phenotypic switching prevention and proliferation/migration inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cells by the ruthenium nitrosyl complex trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(cyclam](PF6 )2

OBJECTIVES

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation at sites of vascular injury are both critical steps in the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). Local delivery of nitric oxide (NO) largely prevents these events. Among the NO donors, tetraazamacrocyclic nitrosyl complexes, such as trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(cyclam)](PF₆ )₂ (cyclamNO), gained attention for their features, which include the possibility of being embedded in solid matrices, and ability to participate in a nitrite/NO catalytic conversion cycle.

METHODS

Methods used to evaluate cyclamNO activity: safety margin by NR and MTT; cell proliferation by 3H-thymidine incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression; antimigratory properties by transwell and wound healing; prevention of cell phenotypic switching under platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB) stimuli by analysis of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression.

KEY FINDINGS

Cell proliferation and migration induced by PDGF-BB were significantly inhibited by cyclamNO. The ~60% reduction on expression of contractile protein α-SMA induced by PDGF-BB revealed VSMC phenotypic switching which is significantly prevented by cyclamNO. Compared to the NO donor sodium nitroprusside, cyclamNO showed to be significantly less cytotoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

With great potential to maintain VSMC functionality and prevent IH-associated events, cyclamNO might be a promissory drug for several applications in cardiovascular medicine, as in stents.

Ruthenium-based nitric oxide-donating and carbon monoxide-donating molecules

Objectives

Over the past few years, the use of metallocomplexes for medical purposes has considerably grown. Because of its favourable characteristics, ruthenium has taken a significant place in this expanding field of research. Several ruthenium-containing metal compounds have been developed as delivery agents of physiological important molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Key findings

This review focuses on the (vaso)relaxant capacity of ruthenium-based NO-donating and CO-donating molecules in view of their potential usefulness in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and erectile dysfunction.

Summary

Ruthenium seems to be a valuable candidate for the design of NO-donating and CO-donating molecules. To date, ruthenium remains of interest in drug research as the search for new alternatives is still necessary.

Vascular response of ruthenium tetraamines in aortic ring from normotensive rats

Background

Ruthenium (Ru) tetraamines are being increasingly used as nitric oxide (NO) carriers. In this context, pharmacological studies have become highly relevant to better understand the mechanism of action involved.

Objective

To evaluate the vascular response of the tetraamines trans-[Ru^II(NH₃)₄(Py)(NO)]³⁺, trans-[Ru^II(Cl)(NO) (cyclan)](PF₆)₂, and trans-[Ru^II(NH₃)₄(4-acPy)(NO)]³⁺.

Methods

Aortic rings were contracted with noradrenaline (10⁻⁶ M). After voltage stabilization, a single concentration (10⁻⁶ M) of the compounds was added to the assay medium. The responses were recorded during 120 min. Vascular integrity was assessed functionally using acetylcholine at 10⁻⁶ M and sodium nitroprusside at 10⁻⁶ M as well as by histological examination.

Results

Histological analysis confirmed the presence or absence of endothelial cells in those tissues. All tetraamine complexes altered the contractile response induced by norepinephrine, resulting in increased tone followed by relaxation. In rings with endothelium, the inhibition of endothelial NO caused a reduction of the contractile effect caused by pyridine NO. No significant responses were observed in rings with endothelium after treatment with cyclan NO. In contrast, in rings without endothelium, the inhibition of guanylate cyclase significantly reduced the contractile response caused by the pyridine NO and cyclan NO complexes, and both complexes caused a relaxing effect.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the vascular effect of the evaluated complexes involved a decrease in the vascular tone induced by norepinephrine (10⁻⁶ M) at the end of the incubation period in aortic rings with and without endothelium, indicating the slow release of NO from these complexes and suggesting that the ligands promoted chemical stability to the molecule. Moreover, we demonstrated that the association of Ru with NO is more stable when the ligands pyridine and cyclan are used in the formulation of the compound.

Antileishmanial activity of ruthenium(II)tetraammine nitrosyl complexes

The complexes trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)L](X)(3) (X = BF(4)(-), PF(6)(-) or Cl(-) and L = N-heterocyclic ligands, P(OEt)(3), SO(3)(-2)), and [Ru(NO)Hedta)] were shown to exhibit IC(50pro) in the range of 36 (L = imN) to 5000 microM (L = imC). The inhibitory effects of trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)imN](BF(4))(3) and of the Angeli's salt on the growth of the intramacrophage amastigote form studied were found to be similar while the trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)imN(H(2)O)](2+) complex was found not to exhibit any substantial antiamastigote effect. The trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)imN](BF(4))(3) compound, administered (500 nmol kg(-1) day(-1)) in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major, was found to exhibit a 98% inhibition on the parasite growth. Furthermore, this complex proved to be at least 66 times more efficient than glucantime in in vivo experiments.

Experimental chemotherapy against Trypanosoma cruzi infection using ruthenium nitric oxide donors

The ruthenium NO donors of the group trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4L]n+, where the ligand (L) is N-heterocyclic H2O, SO(3)(2-), or triethyl phosphite, are able to lyse Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. Using half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentrations against bloodstream trypomastigotes (IC50try) and cytotoxicity data on mammalian V-79 cells (IC50V79), the in vitro therapeutic indices (TIs) (IC50V79/IC50try) for these compounds were calculated. Compounds that exhibited an in vitro TI of > or = 10 and trypanocidal activity against both epimastigotes and trypomastigotes with an IC50(try/epi) of < or = 100 microM were assayed in a mouse model for acute Chagas' disease, using two different routes (intraperitoneal and oral) for drug administration. A dose-effect relationship was observed, and from that, the ideal dose of 400 nmol/kg of body weight for both trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 (isn, isonicotinamide) and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3 (imN, imidazole) and median (50%) effective doses (ED50) of 86 and 190 nmol/kg, respectively, were then calculated. Since the 50% lethal doses (LD50) for both compounds are higher than 125 micromol/kg, the in vivo TIs (LD50/ED50) of the compounds are 1,453 for trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 and 658 for trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3. Although these compounds exhibit a marked trypanocidal activity and are able to react with cysteine, they exhibit very low activity in T. cruzi-glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase tests, suggesting that this enzyme is not their target. The trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4isn](BF4)3 and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4imN](BF4)3 compounds are able to eliminate amastigote nests in myocardium tissue at 400-nmol/kg doses and ensure the survival of all infected mice, thus opening a novel set of therapies to try against trypanosomatids.

Polychromophoric metal complexes for generating the bioregulatory agent nitric oxide by single- and two-photon excitation

In order to deliver a bioactive agent to a physiological location, it is important to be able to regulate precisely the location and the dosage. Such exquisite control can easily be envisioned for a photochemical drug that is active toward release of the desired bioactive agent upon irradiation of a specific tissue site. These materials should be thermally stable but reactive under excitation at visible (vis) or near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths where tissue transmission is optimal. Two photon excitation (TPE) is of special interest, since the use of focused laser pulses to activate release could provide 3D spatial control in therapeutic applications. This Account describes the preparation and photochemistry of a series of transition metal complexes designed to release the simple bioregulatory compound nitric oxide upon vis or NIR excitation. In order to enhance the light gathering capability of such compounds, we have attached chromophores with high single- or two-photon absorption cross sections to several photochemical NO precursors. For example, the iron nitrosyl clusters Fe2(mu-SR)2(NO)4 (Roussin's red esters) have been prepared with various chromophores as pendant groups, an example being the protoporphyrin XI derivative illustrated here. Direct excitation into the vis absorbing Q bands of the porphyrin leads to enhanced rates of NO generation from the Fe/S/NO cluster owing to the larger rate of light absorption by that antenna. Furthermore, femtosecond pulsed laser NIR excitation of the same compound at 810 nm (a spectral region where no absorption bands are apparent) leads to weak emission at approximately 630 nm and generation of NO, both effects providing evidence of a TPE mechanism. Roussin's red esters with other chromophores described here are even more effective for TPE-stimulated NO release. Another photochemical NO precursor discussed is the Cr(III) complex trans-Cr(L)(ONO)2(+) where L is a cyclic tetraamine such as cyclam. When L includes a chromophore tethered to the ligand backbone, excitation of that functionality results in energy transfer to the spin-forbidden ligand field double states and light-stimulated release of NO. We are working to develop systems where L is attached to a semiconductor nanoparticle as the antenna. In this context, we have shown that electrostatic assemblies are formed between the anionic surface of water-soluble CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) and Cr(L)(ONO)2(+) cations via an ion-pairing mechanism. Photoexcition of such modified QDs leads to markedly enhanced NO generation and suggests promising applications of such nanomaterials as photochemical drugs.

In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative and trypanocidal activities of ruthenium NO donors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many compounds liberating NO (NO donors) have been used as therapeutic agents. Here we test two ruthenium nitrosyls, which release NO when activated by biological reducing agents, for their effects in vitro and in vivo against Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent responsible for the American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ruthenium NO donors were incubated with a partially drug-resistant strain of T. cruzi and the anti-proliferative and trypanocidal activities evaluated. In a mouse model of acute Chagas' disease, trypanocidal activity was evaluated by measuring parasitemia, survival rate of infected mice and elimination of amastigotes in myocardial tissue.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro, the observed anti-proliferative and trypanocidal activities of trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)isn](BF(4))(3) and trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)imN](BF(4))(3) were due to NO liberated upon reduction of these nitrosyls. Ru(NO)isn had a lower IC(50 epi) (67 microM) than the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (IC(50 epi)=244 microM) and Ru(NO)imN (IC(50 try)=52 microM) was more potent than gentian violet (IC(50 try)=536 microM), currently used in the treatment of blood. Both ruthenium nitrosyls eliminated, in vivo, extracellular as well as intracellular forms of T. cruzi in the bloodstream and myocardial tissue and allowed survival of up to 80% of infected mice at a dose (100 nmol kg(-1) day(-1)) much lower than the optimal dose for benznidazole (385 micromol kg(-1) day(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data strongly suggest that NO liberated is responsible for the anti-proliferative and trypanocidal activities of the ruthenium NO donors and that these compounds are promising leads for novel and effective anti-parasitic drugs.

A regenerable ruthenium tetraammine nitrosyl complex immobilized on a modified silica gel surface: preparation and studies of nitric oxide release and nitrite-to-NO conversion

Silica gel bearing isonicotinamide groups was prepared by further modification of 3-aminopropyl-functionalized silica by a reaction with isonicotinic acid and 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to yield 3-isonicotinamidepropyl-functionalized silica gel (ISNPS). This support was characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and specific surface area. The ISNPS was used to immobilize the [Ru(NH(3))(4)SO(3)] moiety by reaction with trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(SO(2))Cl]Cl, yielding [Si(CH(2))(3)(isn)Ru(NH(3))(4)(SO(3))]. The related immobilized [Si(CH(2))(3)(isn)Ru(NH(3))(4)(L)](3+/2+) (L=SO(2), SO(2-)(4), OH(2), and NO) complexes were prepared and characterized by means of UV-vis and IR spectroscopy, as well as by cyclic voltammetry. Syntheses of the nitrosyl complex were performed by reaction of the immobilized ruthenium ammine [Si(CH(2))(3)(isn)Ru(NH(3))(4)(OH(2))](2+) with nitrite in acid or neutral (pH 7.4) solution. The similar results obtained in both ways indicate that the aqua complex was able to convert nitrite into coordinated nitrosyl. The reactivity of [Si(CH(2))(3)(isn)Ru(NH(3))(4)(NO)](3+) was investigated in order to evaluate the nitric oxide (NO) release. It was found that, upon light irradiation or chemical reduction, the immobilized nitrosyl complex was able to release NO, generating the corresponding Ru(III) or Ru(II) aqua complexes, respectively. The NO material could be regenerated from these NO-depleted materials obtained photochemically or by reduction. Regeneration was done by reaction with nitrite in aqueous solution (pH 7.4). Reduction-regeneration cycles were performed up to three times with no significant leaching of the ruthenium complex.

Design of an NO photoinduced releaser xerogel based on the controlled nitric oxide donor trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(cyclam)](PF6)2 (cyclam=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)

The immobilization and properties of the nitric oxide donor trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(cyclam)](PF(6))(2), RuNO, entrapped in a silica matrix by the sol-gel process is reported herein. The entrapped nitrosyl complex was characterized by spectroscopic (UV-vis, infrared (IR), X-ray photoelectron, and (13)C and (29)Si MAS NMR) and electrochemical techniques. The entrapped species exhibit one characteristic absorption band in the UV-vis region of the electronic spectrum at 354 nm and one IR nu(NO) stretching band at 1865 cm(-1), as does the RuNO species in aqueous solution. Our results show that trans-[Ru(NO)Cl(cyclam)](PF(6))(2) can be entrapped in a SiO(2) matrix with preservation of the molecular structure. However, in a SiO(2)/SiNH(2) matrix, the complex undergoes a nucleophilic attack by the amine group at the nitrosonium. Irradiation of the complex, entrapped in the SiO(2) matrix, with light of 334 nm, resulted in NO release. The material was regenerated to its initial nitrosyl form by reaction with nitric oxide.

Electrochemical and Spectrophotometric Methods for Evaluation of NO Dissociation Rate Constants from Nitrosyl Metal Complexes Activated through Reduction

Electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods are described for measuring the rate of nitric oxide (NO) dissociation (k(NO)) from coordination compounds. Electrochemical methods based on double-potential step chronoamperometry and rotating ring-disc electrode voltammetry techniques proved to be suitable for measuring NO dissociation from 0.03 to 4.0 s(-1). The spectrophotometric method using an ancillary ligand as a colorimetric indicator is illustrated on measuring k(-NO)=0.002 s(-1). This methodology is limited only by the rate of the ancillary ligand substitution.

New metal complexes as potential therapeutics

The many activities of metal ions in biology have stimulated the development of metal-based therapeutics. Cisplatin, as one of the leading metal-based drugs, is widely used in treatment of cancer, being especially effective against genitourinary tumors such as testicular. Significant side effects and drug resistance, however, have limited its clinical applications. Biological carriers conjugated to cisplatin analogs have improved specificity for tumor tissue, thereby reducing side effects and drug resistance. Platinum complexes with distinctively different DNA binding modes from that of cisplatin also exhibit promising pharmacological properties. Ruthenium and gold complexes with antitumor activity have also evolved. Other metal-based chemotherapeutic compounds have been investigated for potential medicinal applications, including superoxide dismutase mimics and metal-based NO donors/scavengers. These compounds have the potential to modulate the biological properties of superoxide anion and nitric oxide.

In vivo effects of the controlled NO donor/scavenger ruthenium cyclam complexes on blood pressure

Ruthenium(II/III) complexes able to bind and release NO* were tested in vivo, in conscious Wistar rats instrumented for continuous blood pressure (BP) measurement and administration of in bolus injections (5 to 100 nmol/Kg i.v.) of trans-[Ru(II)Cl(NO+)(cyclam)](PF6)2 (cyclam-NO) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). For normotensive rats, cyclam-NO produced a sustained 10% BP reduction of basal MAP during 7 +/- 0.4 to 11 +/- 0.3 min. In acute hypertensive rats, cyclam-NO produced BP reduction 3-fold larger than in normotensive rats and similar to that of SNP (maximal effect: 41 +/- 1.3 vs. 45 +/- 2.2 mmHg, respectively). However, the duration of the effect of cyclam-NO was 13 to 21-fold longer than that of SNP. The hypotensive effect of cyclam-NO was fully blocked in presence of continuous infusion of a NO* scavenger, carboxy-PTIO (6 mmol/Kg/min), or of the inhibitor of cGMP activation, methylene blue (83 nmol/Kg/min), or of the cyclam-NO precursor, trans-[RuCl(tfins)(cyclam)](tfms) (cyclam-tfms) (500 mmol/Kg/min). The long lasting BP reduction of cyclam-NO can be interpreted in terms of a slower rate of NO* release (k-NO = 2.2 x 10(-3) S(-1) at 35 degrees C) following chemical reduction (E(0') = 0.10 V vs NHE). In summary, cyclam-NO showed an hypotensive effect around 20 times longer than SNP in either normotensive or hypertensive rats, which was completely inhibited by methylene blue or carboxy-PTIO. Continuous infusion of cyclam-tfms completely blocked the hypotensive effect of cyclam-NO by scavenging the NO* released by the reduced cyclam-NO.