Synthesis, characterization and pharmacological evaluation of quinoline derivatives and their complexes with copper(ΙΙ) in in vitro cell models of Alzheimer's disease

The impact of chelating compounds on Cu2+, Fe2+/3+, and Zn2+ ions in Alzheimer's disease treatment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid - β extracellular plaques and tau interfibrillar tangles, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. With dementia posing a growing global health concern, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address its challenges. The economic burden of dementia is projected to rise significantly, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative efforts in research and healthcare. In the United States alone, millions are affected by AD, with prevalence increasing with age and even affecting younger individuals. The complexity of AD involves intricate biological processes, including the aggregation of amyloid beta, oxidative stress, and metal ion dysregulation. Metal ions, particularly those from copper, iron, and zinc, play pivotal roles in AD pathology, influencing Aβ deposition and tau protein accumulation. Current treatments offer symptomatic relief but do not address the underlying disease mechanisms. This paper explores the potential of various chelating compounds to target metal ions involved in AD pathology. N-acylhydrazones, morpholine, chrysin, quinoline, oxindole, cyclam, catechol-based, and quinazolinone-based derivatives show promising chelation activity and therapeutic effects. Metal chelation therapy offers a targeted approach to AD treatment by addressing the core pathology. By selectively binding to metal ions implicated in disease progression, chelators may minimize side effects associated with broad-spectrum treatments. Additionally, chelators may offer neuroprotective effects beyond metal binding, further enhancing their therapeutic potential. Overall, metal chelation therapy presents a promising strategy in combating AD, with the potential to significantly impact disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Targeting Biometals in Alzheimer's Disease with Metal Chelating Agents Including Coumarin Derivatives

Numerous physiological processes happening in the human body, including cerebral development and function, require the participation of biometal ions such as iron, copper, and zinc. Their dyshomeostasis may, however, contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases. Chelation of biometal ions is therefore a therapeutic strategy against AD. This review provides a survey of natural and synthetic chelating agents that are or could potentially be used to target the metal hypothesis of AD. Since metal dyshomeostasis is not the only pathological aspect of AD, and the nature of this disorder is very complex and multifactiorial, the most efficient therapeutics should target as many neurotoxic factors as possible. Various coumarin derivatives match this description and apart from being able to chelate metal ions, they exhibit the capacity to inhibit cholinesterases (ChEs) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) while also possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and numerous other beneficial effects. Compounds based on the coumarin scaffold therefore represent a desirable class of anti-AD therapeutics.

Clioquinol rescues yeast cells from Aβ42 toxicity via the inhibition of oxidative damage

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, has gotten considerable attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that clioquinol (CQ) as a metal chelator is a potential drug for the treatment of AD. However, the mode of action of CQ in AD is still unclear. In our study, the antioxidant effects of CQ on yeast cells expressing Aβ42 were investigated. We found that CQ could reduce Aβ42 toxicity by alleviating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation level in yeast cells. These alterations were mainly attributable to the increased reduced glutathione (GSH) content and independent of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and/or catalase (CAT). CQ could affect antioxidant enzyme activity by altering the transcription level of related genes. Interestingly, it was noted for the first time that CQ could combine with antioxidant enzymes to reduce their enzymatic activities by molecular docking and circular dichroism spectroscopy. In addition, CQ restored Aβ42-mediated disruption of GSH homeostasis via regulating YAP1 expression to protect cells against oxidative stress. Our findings not only improve the current understanding of the mechanism of CQ as a potential drug for AD treatment but also provide ideas for subsequent drug research and development.

Recent Advances in Targeting Transition Metals (Copper, Iron, and Zinc) in Alzheimer's Disease

Changes in the transition metal homeostasis in the brain are closely linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD), including intraneuronal iron accumulation and extracellular copper and zinc pooling in the amyloid plague. The brain copper, zinc, and iron surplus are commonly acknowledged characteristics of AD, despite disagreements among some. This has led to the theory that oxidative stress resulting from abnormal homeostasis of these transition metals may be a causative explanation behind AD. In the nervous system, the interaction of metals with proteins appears to be an essential variable in the development or suppression of neurodegeneration. Chelation treatment may be an option for treating neurodegeneration induced by transition metal ion dyshomeostasis. Some clinicians even recommend using chelating agents as an adjunct therapy for AD. The current review also looks at the therapeutic strategies that have been attempted, primarily with metal-chelating drugs. Metal buildup in the nervous system, as reported in the AD, could be the result of compensatory mechanisms designed to improve metal availability for physiological functions.

A coumarin based ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of Cu2+ and mechanochromism as well as application in living cells and vegetables

In this paper, a novel coumarin-derived fluorescent probe NY was designed and synthesized. NY displayed a significant ratiometric fluorescence response towards Cu2+ in PBS buffer (10 mM, pH = 7.4), with the emission wavelength blue-shifted from 580 to 495 nm, and a fluorescence change from orange to green was evident under a 365 nm UV light. Meanwhile, NY had the advantages of high selectivity, short response time (5 min), low detection limit (1.3 × 10-8 M) and large binding constant (1.45 × 105 M-1) towards Cu2+. The binding mechanism between NY and Cu2+ was elucidated by FT-IR, 1H NMR titration, TOF-MS and Job's plot analysis. In addition, NY was successfully employed in the detection of Cu2+ within environmental water and vegetable samples with satisfactory results. Laser confocal microscopy imaging results showed that NY could easily penetrate HeLa cells membrane to target mitochondria and image Cu2+ in living cells. Furthermore, NY demonstrated mechanochromic properties by exhibiting orange-red fluorescence when subjected to mechanical grinding.

Multi-Target-Directed Cinnamic Acid Hybrids Targeting Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing challenge. Present therapies are based on acetylcholinesterase inhibition providing only temporary relief. Promising alternatives include butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors, multi-target ligands (MTDLs) that address the multi-factorial nature of AD, and compounds that target oxidative stress and inflammation. Cinnamate derivatives, known for their neuroprotective properties, show potential when combined with established AD agents, demonstrating improved efficacy. They are being positioned as potential AD therapeutic leads due to their ability to inhibit Aβ accumulation and provide neuroprotection. This article highlights the remarkable potential of cinnamic acid as a basic structure that is easily adaptable and combinable to different active groups in the struggle against Alzheimer's disease. Compounds with a methoxy substitution at the para-position of cinnamic acid display increased efficacy, whereas electron-withdrawing groups are generally more effective. The effect of the molecular volume is worthy of further investigation.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of quinoline-O-carbamate derivatives as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A series of novel quinoline-O-carbamate derivatives was rationally designed for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) by multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy. The target compounds were synthesised and evaluated by AChE/BuChE inhibition and anti-inflammatory property. The in vitro activities showed that compound 3f was a reversible dual eeAChE/eqBuChE inhibitor with IC₅₀ values of 1.3 µM and 0.81 µM, respectively. Moreover, compound 3f displayed good anti-inflammatory property by decreasing the production of IL-6, IL-1β and NO. In addition, compound 3f presented significant neuroprotective effect on Aβ_25-35-induced PC12 cell injury. Furthermore, compound 3f presented good stabilities in artificial gastrointestinal fluids, liver microsomes in vitro and plasma. Furthermore, compound 3f could improve AlCl₃-induced zebrafish AD model by increasing the level of ACh. Therefore, compound 3f was a promising multifunctional agent for the treatment of AD.

Sulfonamido-Pincer Complexes of Cu(II) and the Electrocatalysis of O2 Reduction

Heteroleptic copper complexes of an asymmetrical pincer ligand containing a central anionic sulfonamide donor (pyridine-2-yl-sulfonyl)(quinolin-8-yl)-amide (psq), which contains a central anionic sulfonamido donor have been prepared. Meridional κ3-N,N″,N‴ binding with the co-ligands acetate, chloride, or acetonitrile (MeCN), trans to the central sulfonamido N-donor, is revealed by the X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)], [CuCl(psq)]2, and [Cu(psq)(MeCN)](PF6). Either overall distorted square pyramidal or octahedral geometries of the copper atom are satisfied by coordinated water in the case of the acetate complex or interactions with periphery sulfonamido oxygen atoms on adjacent molecules in the dimeric chloride and 1D polymeric acetonitrile complexes. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)] shows a quasi-reversible CuII/CuI reduction at -0.930 V (vs Fc+/Fc0, MeCN), and an irreversible CuII/CuI reduction for [Cu(psq)(MeCN)](PF6) is seen at -0.838 V. This signal is split into two quasi-reversible redox processes on the addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). This suggests that TFE pushes a solution equilibrium toward a dimeric acetate complex analogous to [CuCl(psq)]2, which shows two quasi-reversible waves at -0.666 V and -0.904 V vs Fc+/Fc0 consistent with its dimeric solid-state structure. A comparison of the CVs of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)] under either a N2 or an O2 atmosphere revealed that this complex catalyzes turnover electro-reduction of O2 to H2O2 and H2O. The rate of reaction increases on addition of a weak organic acid, and a coulombic efficiency of 48% for H2O2 was determined by iodometric titration. We propose that a CuI complex formed on electroreduction binds O2 to yield an intermediate superoxide complex. On electron and proton transfer to this species, a bifurcated route back to the O2-activating CuI complex is feasible with either release of H2O2 or O-O cleavage resulting in the liberation of H2O. The CuI complex is regenerated by subsequent reduction and protonation to close the cycle.

Continuing progress in the field of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), part II. Recent noteworthy developments

This comprehensive survey review compiles noteworthy developments and new concepts of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) for the last two years. It covers review articles, books, proceedings, and numerous research papers published on 2D-COS, as well as patent and publication trends. 2D-COS continues to evolve and grow with new significant developments and versatile applications in diverse scientific fields. The healthy, vigorous, and diverse progress of 2D-COS studies in many fields strongly confirms that it is well accepted as a powerful analytical technique to provide an in-depth understanding of systems of interest.

Potential role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins in diseases

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) are dynamic membrane coupling regions formed by the coupling of the mitochondrial outer membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). MAMs are involved in the mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, Ca²⁺ exchange, and ER stress. A large number of studies indicate that many proteins are involved in the formation of MAMs, including dynamic-related protein 1 (Drp1), DJ-1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK), α-synuclein (α-syn), sigma-1 receptor (S1R), mitofusin-2 (Mfn2), presenilin-1 (PS1), protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), Parkin, Cyclophilin D (CypD), glucose-related protein 75 (Grp75), FUN14 domain containing 1 (Fundc1), vesicle-associated membrane-protein-associated protein B (VAPB), phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (PACS-2), ER oxidoreductin 1 (Ero1), and receptor expression-enhancing protein 1 (REEP1). These proteins play an important role in the structure and functions of the MAMs. Abnormalities in these MAM proteins further contribute to the occurrence and development of related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, non-alcoholicfattyliverdisease (NALFD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and diabetic kidney (DN). In this review, we introduce important proteins involved in the structure and the functions of the MAMs. Furthermore, we effectively summarize major insights about these proteins that are involved in the physiopathology of several diseases through the effect on MAMs.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide and Furan-2,5-dicarboxamide Derivatives

Derivatives based on pyridine-2-6- and furan-2,5-dicarboxamide scaffolds reveal numerous chemical properties and biological activities. This fact makes them an exciting research topic in supramolecular and coordination chemistry and in discovering new pharmacologically-active compounds. This work aimed to obtain a series of symmetrical pyridine-2-6- and furan-2,5-dicarboxamides through a condensation reaction of the appropriate acyl chlorides and aromatic amides. Successful syntheses were confirmed with NMR spectroscopy. We solved their crystal structures for seven compounds; two pyridine and five furan derivatives. Based on our crystallographic studies, we were able to indicate supramolecular features of the crystals under investigation. Additionally, Hirshfeld surface analysis allowed us to calculate a distribution of intermolecular contacts in the dicarboxamide crystals.

Synthesis and evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal activity of 2-styrylquinolines

In this study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal activity of styrylquinoline-like compounds (SQ) 3a-h. Synthesis was carried out by using quinaldine and 8- hydroxyquinaldine with a variety of aromatic aldehydes. The structure of SQs was corroborated by one and two-dimension NMR spectroscopy. In vitro antitrypanosomal activity on T. cruzi Talahuen strain was evaluated using β-galactosidase enzymatic method; cytotoxicity on U-937 cells was assessed by using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] method. On the other hand, in vivo therapeutical response to 3a-f compounds was evaluated in BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) experimentally infected with T. cruzi blood trypomastigotes and then orally administered with 100 mg/kg weight day for 20 days. All of the compounds showed in vitro activity with EC₅₀ values ranging between 4.6 ± 0.1 μg/mL (14.4 μM) and 36.6 ± 6.1 μg/mL (91 μM). Furthermore, treatment with 3a-f compounds for 20 days resulted in improvement in all of the mice, with a 83–96% decrease in parasitic load at day 90 post-treatment. Treatment with benznidazol (BZ) managed to cure 100% of the mice at the end of treatment. None of the treatments affected the weight of the animals or alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in serum. These results suggest a therapeutic potential of 3a-f compounds as treatment for the infection.