Copper(II) complexes with antimicrobial drug flumequine: structure and biological evaluation

Erbium(III) complexes with fluoroquinolones: Structure and biological properties

Four erbium(III) complexes with the fluoroquinolones enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, flumequine and sparfloxacin as ligands were synthesized and characterized by a wide range of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The compounds were evaluated for their activity against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Xanthomonas campestris, which was higher than that of the corresponding free quinolones. The interaction mode of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA is via intercalation, as suggested by diverse studies such as UV-vis spectroscopy, DNA-viscosity measurements and competitive studies with ethidium bromide. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy revealed the high affinity of the complexes for bovine and human serum albumin and the determined binding constants suggested a tight and reversible binding of the compounds with both albumins.

Design, synthesis, biomedical investigation, DFT calculation and molecular docking of novel Ru(II)-mixed ligand complexes

A novel series of bioactive water-soluble mononuclear Ru(II)-mixed ligand complexes of 2,2'-bipyridyl and V-shaped Schiff base ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. Biomedical activities of Ru(II) complexes have been tested in view of antioxidant activities, interaction with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), and anticancer performance. The optimized structure of these complexes has been further supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Further, validation of the interaction studies of some complexes was accomplished by carrying out molecular docking studies with DNA using molecular operating environment (MOE) software are reported.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The effect of Luteolin on DNA damage mediated by a copper catalyzed Fenton reaction

Luteolin has been reviewed as a flavonoid possessing potential cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities. Having multiple biological effects, luteolin may act as either an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant. In this work, the protective role of copper(II)-chelation by luteolin on DNA damage via the Cu-Fenton reaction was studied. EPR and UV-vis spectroscopic data demonstrated that the luteolin, lacking 3-OH group, chelates to Cu(II) via the 5-OH and 4-CO groups, respectively. EPR spin trapping experiments using DMPO spin trap confirmed that the coordination of luteolin to Cu(II) significantly suppressed formation of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals (by 80%) in a Cu-Fenton system. Absorption titrations showed that the chelation of Cu(II) by luteolin slightly increased the mild intercalation strength of its interaction with DNA, as compared with free luteolin. Comparison with kaempferol and quercetin revealed, that the strength of the interaction between the free flavonoids/Cu-flavonoid complexes with DNA is only mildly affected by the presence/absence of 3-OH group. Due to the differences in the sensitivities of absorption titrations and viscometry, the latter confirmed weaker DNA intercalating efficiency of Cu-luteolin complex than does free luteolin. A dose dependent protective effect of luteolin against ROS-induced DNA damage was observed using gel electrophoresis. This effect was more pronounced compared to quercetin and kaempferol. In conclusion, the administration of luteolin to patients suffering from oxidative stress-related diseases with disturbed Cu-metabolism such as Alzheimer's diseases (antioxidant effect) and certain cancers (prooxidant effect) may have several health benefits.

Ceftriaxone-based Schiff base transition metal(II) complexes. Synthesis, characterization, bacterial toxicity, and DFT calculations. Enhanced antibacterial activity of a novel Zn(II) complex against S. aureus and E. coli

From the reaction of ceftriaxone 1 antibiotic with 2,6-diaminopyridine 2 a ceftriaxone-based Schiff base (H₂L,3) was obtained and its transition metal complexes were synthesized. Spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques, namely, UV-visible, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, EPR, mass spectrometry, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, together with elemental and thermal analyses, were used to find out the binding mode and composition of these complexes. The ceftriaxone-based Schiff base 3 behaves as a monoanionic tridentate N,N,O ligand. Spectral and magnetic data suggest an octahedral geometry for all complexes and the general formulae [M(HL)(OAc)(H₂O)₂] (M(II) = Mn²⁺4, Co²⁺5, Ni²⁺6, Cu²⁺7, Zn²⁺8), are proposed for them. All compounds were screened for antibacterial activity using both the agar disc diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). It was found that complex 8 exhibited the most promising bactericidal activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.0048 μmol/ml) and E. coli (MIC = 0.0024 μmol/ml). It is more active than the free ligand 1 (MIC = 0.0560 μmol/ml for S. aureus and 0.0140 μmol/ml for E. coli). These MIC results were compared with those obtained using similar zinc(II) Schiff base complexes, and with the values obtained using ceftriaxone conjugated with silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs), using earlier published data. Synthesized metal complexes exhibited LC₅₀ values >1000 ppm indicating their nontoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia Salina).

Antioxidant vs. Prooxidant Properties of the Flavonoid, Kaempferol, in the Presence of Cu(II) Ions: A ROS-Scavenging Activity, Fenton Reaction and DNA Damage Study

Kaempferol is a flavonoid that occurs in tea and in many vegetables and fruits, including broccoli, cabbage, beans, grapes, apples, and strawberries. The efficacy of Kaempferol has been demonstrated in the treatment of breast, esophageal, cervical, ovarian, and liver cancers and leukemia, which very likely arises from its prooxidant properties and the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways. Indeed, this matter has already been the focus of a number of published studies and reviews. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the antioxidant vs. prooxidant properties of flavonoids in the presence of the redox-active metal, copper (II) ion, by means of the Fenton reaction. The specific motivation of this work is that, since an increased level of Cu(II) ions is known to be associated with many disease states such as neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s disease) and cancer, any interaction between these ions and flavonoids might affect the outcome of therapeutic uses of the latter. The structure of the Cu-kaempferol complex in DMSO was investigated by means of low temperature EPR spectroscopy, which confirmed the existence of at least two distinct coordination environments around the copper (II) ion. UV vis-spectra of kaempferol and its Cu(II) complex in DMSO revealed an interaction between the 5-OH (A ring) group and the 4-CO (C ring) group of kaempferol with Cu(II) ions. An ABTS assay confirmed that kaempferol acted as an effective radical scavenger, and that this effect was further enhanced in the form of the Cu(II)-kaempferol complex. Quantitative EPR spin trapping experiments, using DMPO as the spin trap, confirmed suppression of the formation of a mixture of hydroxyl, superoxide, and methyl radicals, in a Fenton reaction system, upon coordination of kaempferol to the redox-active Cu(II) ions, by 80% with respect to the free Cu(II) ions. A viscometric study revealed a better DNA-intercalating ability of the Cu-kaempferol complex than for free kaempferol, essential for conferring anticancer activity of these substances. The results of the viscometric measurements were compared with those from a DNA damage study of Cu-kaempferol complexes in a Fenton reaction system, using gel electrophoresis. At low concentrations of kaempferol (Cu–kaempferol ratios of 1:1 and 1:2), a very weak protective effect on DNA was noted, whereas when kaempferol was present in excess, a significant DNA-protective effect was found. This can be explained if the weakly intercalated kaempferol molecules present at the surface of DNA provide protection against attack by ROS that originate from the Fenton reaction involving intercalated Cu(II)-kaempferol complexes. Following the application of ROS scavengers, L-histidine, DMSO, and SOD, gel electrophoresis confirmed the formation of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radical anions, respectively. We propose that the prooxidant properties of Cu-kaempferol complexes may provide anticancer activity of these substances. When present in excess, kaempferol displays antioxidant properties under Cu-Fenton conditions. This suggests that kaempferol might prove a suitable candidate for the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress related medical conditions that involve a disturbed metabolism of redox metals such as copper, for example, Menkes disease, and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. For the potential use of kaempferol in clinical practice, it will be necessary to optimize the dose size and critical age of the patient so that this flavonoid may be beneficial as a preventive drug against cancer and neurological disorders.

Spectroscopic, computational and molecular docking study of Cu(ii) complexes with flavonoids: from cupric ion binding to DNA intercalation

Copper(ii) complexes with flavonoids as perspective therapeutic agents with DNA as a target molecule.

Copper(II) Complexes with Mixed Heterocycle Ligands as Promising Antibacterial and Antitumor Species

Complexes with mixed ligands [Cu(N-N)₂(pmtp)](ClO₄)₂ ((1) N-N: 2,2′-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-phenanthroline and pmpt: 5-phenyl-7-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) were synthesized and structurally and biologically characterized. Compound (1) crystallizes into space group Pa and (2) in P-1. Both complexes display an intermediate stereochemistry between the two five-coordinated ones. The biological tests indicated that the two compounds exhibited superoxide scavenging capacity, intercalative DNA properties, and metallonuclease activity. Tests on various cell systems indicated that the two complexes neither interfere with the proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or BJ healthy skin cells, nor cause hemolysis in the active concentration range. Nevertheless, the compounds showed antibacterial potential, with complex (2) being significantly more active than complex (1) against all tested bacterial strains, both in planktonic and biofilm growth state. Both complexes exhibited a very good activity against B16 melanoma cells, with a higher specificity being displayed by compound (1). Taken together, the results indicate that complexes (1) and (2) have specific biological relevance, with potential for the development of antitumor or antimicrobial drugs.

Formation of metal-radical species upon reduction of late transition metal complexes with heteroleptic ligands: an experimental and theoretical study

Three novel transition metal complexes with selenadiazoloquinolones as potential broad spectrum antibiotics in clinical praxis.

Structural characterization and pharmacological assessment in vitro/in vivo of a new copper(II)-based derivative of enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin (EFX) was selected as the medicinal ligand to afford a new copper(ii)-based complex, EFX-Cu, which was structurally characterized by spectroscopic analyses including X-ray single crystal diffraction. It was also stable and could retain the coordination state in aqueous solution. The in vitro antibacterial activity of EFX-Cu against a panel of pathogenic bacteria was about the same as that of EFX, except that it was twice as active against E. coli. The in vivo test on mice gave a LD50 value of 8148 mg kg-1 for EFX-Cu, which was much lower than those for EFX (LD50, 5312 mg kg-1) and its clinically used sodium salt, EFX-Na (LD50, 1421 mg kg-1). In addition, no obvious lesions in the organs of the dead mice were found by histopathological examination. Pharmacokinetic studies on rats suggested similar pharmacokinetics between EFX-Cu and EFX. On the other hand, EFX-Cu showed higher acute toxicity than EFX-Na in zebrafish, which was inconsistent with that in mice. The ROS-related inflammation and anti-inflammatory assay of EFX-Cu, respectively, in normal cells and zebrafish could be ascribed to its ROS-related redox property. Unfortunately, the final in vivo therapeutic assay in the E. coli-infected mouse model indicated that the therapeutic effect of EFX-Cu, mainly in terms of mortality in mice, was found to be lower than that of EFX-Na at the same dosage (800 mg kg-1, continuous gavage), although the contradictory factors between toxicity and antibacterial activity could not be excluded in this trial.

Copper(ii) complexes containing enoxacin and heterocyclic ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and their biological perspectives

Two copper-based complexes with a distorted square pyramidal geometry show excellent binding and cleavage affinity towards DNA and proteins. Also, these complexes have potential cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells.

Synthesis and spectral characterizations of water soluble Cu(ii) complexes containing N-heterocyclic chelates: cell-proliferation, antioxidant and nucleic acid/serum albumin interactions

Water soluble N-heterocyclic copper(ii) complexes were synthesized, characterized and studied their DNA/protein binding interactions, antioxidation and antiproliferative potentials. The complex 4 found to be better than other complexes.

Supramolecular assembly of two copper(II) coordination compounds of topiroxostat with dialkylformamide ligands

A well-known selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor topiroxostat, 4-[3-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl]-2-pyridinecarbonitrile (ptpc), was selected to react with Cu(NO3)2 · 3H2O in dialkylformamide solvents, affording two novel supramolecular coordination compounds [Cu(ptpc)2(NO3)(DMF)2] · NO3 (1) and Cu(ptpc)2(NO3)2(DEF)2 (2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The components are assembled to a 3D supramolecular framework through hydrogen-bonding interactions between the large [Cu(ptpc)2(NO3)(DMF)2]+ cationic moieties and the nitrate anions. Compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1̅ and shows a 2D hydrogen-bonded network structure. The results clearly indicate that dialkylformamide solvents with different sizes have an important influence on the structures of the complexes. The luminescence properties of 1 and 2 in the solid state and their thermal stabilities were also investigated.

Structure, DNA/proteins binding, docking and cytotoxicity studies of copper(II) complexes with the first quinolone drug nalidixic acid and 2,2'‑dipyridylamine

This work presents the synthesis, structural characterization and biological affinity of the newly synthesized copper(II) complexes with the first antibacterial quinolone drug nalidixic acid (nal) or N-donor ligand 2,2'‑dipyridylamine (bipyam). [Cu(II)(nal)(bipyam)Cl], (2) reveals a distorted square pyramidal based geometry in Cu(II) atom confirmed by X-ray crystallography technique. The theoretical stabilities and optimized structures of the complex were obtained from DFT calculations. The ability of the complexes to bind with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) were investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and viscosity measurements techniques. The experimental results reveal that the complexes strongly interact with CT DNA via intercalative mode but complex 2 exhibits the highest affinity giving K_b=3.91±0.13×10⁶, M^-1. The fluorescence spectroscopy measurements show that both complexes have the superior ability to the replacement of EtBr from DNA-bound EtBr solution and bind to DNA through intercalative mode. Both complex also shows the superior affinity towards proteins with comparatively high binding constant values which have been further revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. Molecular docking analysis indicates that the interaction of the complexes and proteins are stabilized by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, the results of in vitro cytotoxicity reveal that the complex 2 has excellent cytotoxicity than 1 against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7).

Magnetic-field-tuned phase transition of a molecular material from the isolated-spin to the coupled-spin regime

A quantum phase transition, as a consequence of spin-entanglements caused by Cu–Cu exchange couplings, explains EPR measurements in a new monomeric Cu^II compound.

Copper(ii) complexes based on levofloxacin and 2N-donor ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and in vitro biological evaluation

The molecular structures and in vitro biological applications of two cationic copper(ii) complexes are reported.

Modifications of quinolones and fluoroquinolones: hybrid compounds and dual-action molecules

ABSTRACT

This review is aimed to provide extensive survey of quinolones and fluoroquinolones for a variety of applications ranging from metal complexes and nanoparticle development to hybrid conjugates with therapeutic uses. The review covers the literature from the past 10 years with emphasis placed on new applications and mechanisms of pharmacological action of quinolone derivatives. The following are considered: metal complexes, nanoparticles and nanodrugs, polymers, proteins and peptides, NO donors and analogs, anionic compounds, siderophores, phosphonates, and prodrugs with enhanced lipophilicity, phototherapeutics, fluorescent compounds, triazoles, hybrid drugs, bis-quinolones, and other modifications. This review provides a comprehensive resource, summarizing a broad range of important quinolone applications with great utility as a resource concerning both chemical modifications and also novel hybrid bifunctional therapeutic agents.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Extending the family of quinolone antibacterials to new copper derivatives: self-assembly, structural and topological features, catalytic and biological activity

New copper(ii) compounds with quinolone pefloxacin were synthesized and fully characterized; they exhibit notable catalytic activity and promising biological profiles.

Protective role of quercetin against copper(II)-induced oxidative stress: A spectroscopic, theoretical and DNA damage study

The radical scavenging and metal chelating properties of flavonoids indicate that they may play a protective role in diseases with perturbed metal homeostasis such as Alzheimer's disease. In this work we investigated the effect of the coordination of quercetin to copper(II) in view of the formation of ROS in Cu-catalyzed Fenton reaction. ABTS and DPPH assays confirmed that the copper(II)-quercetin complex exhibits a stronger radical scavenging activity than does quercetin alone. EPR spin trapping experiments have shown that chelation of quercetin to copper significantly suppressed the formation of hydroxyl radicals in the Cu(II)-Fenton reaction. DNA damage experiments revealed a protective effect for quercetin, but only at higher stoichiometric ratios of quercetin relative to copper. DNA protective effect of quercetin against ROS attack was described by two mechanisms. The first mechanism lies in suppressed formation of ROS due to the decreased catalytic action of copper in the Fenton reaction, as a consequence of its chelation and direct scavenging of ROS by free quercetin. Since the Cu-quercetin complex intercalates into DNA, the second mechanism was attributed to a suppressed intercalating ability of the Cu-quercetin complex due to the mildly intercalating free quercetin into DNA, thus creating a protective wall against stronger intercalators.

Self-assembly generation, structural features, and oxidation catalytic properties of new aqua-soluble copper(ii)-aminoalcohol derivatives

Multidentate aminoalcohols were applied as unexplored building blocks to generate two novel Cu(ii) coordination compounds that act as efficient catalysts for the mild and acid-promoter-free oxidation of C₅–C₈ cycloalkanes.

Vitamin D prevents glycation of proteins: an in vitro study

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an important protein involved in the transport of hormones, fatty acids, drugs, and other macromolecules. Under hyperglycemic conditions, this molecule undergoes irreversible modification that affects its structure and function. In this study, we explored the effect of two forms of vitamin D, a nutraceutical, on glycation modification in HSA. The protein was incubated with a physiologically high concentration of glucose in the presence of vitamin D metabolites. After 21 days, samples were tested for secondary structural changes, side chain modification, and the presence of advanced glycation end products. Vitamin D metabolites could reduce glycation modification, albeit only to a small extent. Interaction studies reveal that Vitamin D interaction with HSA can prevent protein glycation.

Transition-metal norharmane compounds as possible cytotoxic agents: New insights based on a coordination chemistry perspective

New first-row transition-metal compounds with the ligand norharmane (9H-Pyrido[3,4-b]indole; Hnor) are reported. The compounds have the general formula [M(LL)(Hnor)(NO₃)₂](MeOH)_0-1 (M=Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; LL=2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)) and have been characterized by physical and analytical methods. X-ray structural analysis revealed that the compound of formula [Cu(phen)(Hnor)(NO₃)₂], (1) has a distorted 6-coordinated octahedrally-based geometry, with a planar-based [CuN₃O] core, where Cu-L varies between 1.99 and 2.04Å and two weak axial CuO contacts (2.209 and 2.644Å) from two different nitrates. Based on spectroscopic similarities, the other compounds appear to have the same or very similar coordination geometries. The compounds showed clear cell growth inhibitory effects in two different cancer cell lines in vitro, with the copper and zinc complexes being the most toxic and in fact almost comparable to cisplatin. Flow-cytometry analysis confirmed induction of apoptosis in cancer cells treated with the compounds. Interestingly, co-incubation of the cells with metal complexes and CuCl₂ induced an increase in the cytotoxic effects, most likely due to the conversion of the metal compounds in the corresponding, and most active, copper analogues.

Structure and biological activities of metal complexes of flumequine

Co(ii)–flumequine complexes were characterized and their biological activity was evaluated in regard to DNA- and albumin-binding and antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity.

Synthesis, structure, and calf-thymus DNA binding of ternary fleroxacin–Cu(ii) complexes

The interaction between the synthesized fleroxacin complexes and CT DNA was investigated.