Reduction of [VO2(ma)2]- and [VO2(ema)2]- by ascorbic acid and glutathione: kinetic studies of pro-drugs for the enhancement of insulin action

Hydrolysis, Ligand Exchange, and Redox Properties of Vanadium Compounds: Implications of Solution Transformation on Biological, Therapeutic, and Environmental Applications

Vanadium is a transition metal with important industrial, technological, biological, and biomedical applications widespread in the environment and in living beings. The different reactions that vanadium compounds (VCs) undergo in the presence of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and metabolites under mild physiological conditions are reviewed. In the environment vanadium is present naturally or through anthropogenic sources, the latter having an environmental impact caused by the dispersion of VCs in the atmosphere and aquifers. Vanadium has a versatile chemistry with interconvertible oxidation states, variable coordination number and geometry, and ability to form polyoxidovanadates with various nuclearity and structures. If a VC is added to a water-containing environment it can undergo hydrolysis, ligand-exchange, redox, and other types of changes, determined by the conditions and speciation chemistry of vanadium. Importantly, the solution is likely to differ from the VC introduced into the system and varies with concentration. Here, vanadium redox, hydrolytic and ligand-exchange chemical reactions, the influence of pH, concentration, salt, specific solutes, biomolecules, and VCs on the speciation are described. One of our goals with this work is highlight the need for assessment of the VC speciation, so that beneficial or toxic species might be identified and mechanisms of action be elucidated.

Ultrasensitive iodide detection in biofluids based on hot electron-induced reduction of p-Nitrothiophenol on Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles

Surveillance of iodine intake is important because either inadequate or excessive amount of iodine may lead to thyroid malfunctions. Herein, we report a method for fast iodide quantification based on a plasmonic hot electron-driven chemical reaction, which occurs on Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) coated with p-nitrothiophenol (PNTP) molecules. Upon resonant light illumination, hot electron-hole pairs are generated in the NPs. The hot holes capture iodide ions (I^-) and form AgI which decomposes under light; while the hot electrons are shifted to the electron orbital (LUMO) of PNTP and trigger its reduction to p-aminothiophenol (PATP). By measuring characteristic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) peaks of PNTP and PATP, the concentration of I^- in water can be quantitatively determined, with a linear response in the 0.5-20 μM range and a detection limit of 0.30 μM. The Au@Ag nanosensor was then applied for I^- detection in various biofluids including urine, serum and saliva, exhibiting superior detection sensitivity and high selectivity. This sensing assay requires a small sample volume of ∼10 μL and completes the entire detection process in ∼2 min, and therefore holds significant potential for application in point-of-care settings.

A family of amphiphilic dioxidovanadium(V) hydrazone complexes as potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitors along with anti-diabetic and cytotoxic activities

A family of dioxidovanadium(V) complexes (1-4) of the type [Na(H₂O)_x]⁺[V^VO₂(HL^1-4)]^- (x = 4, 4.5 and 7) where HL^2- represents the dianionic form of 2-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone of 2-hydroxyacetophenone (H₂L¹, complex 1), 2-hydroxy-5-methylacetophenone (H₂L², complex 2), 2-hydroxy-5-methoxyacetophenone (H₂L³, complex 3) and 2-hydroxy-5-chloroacetophenone (H₂L⁴, complex 4), have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral methods. These complexes exhibited the potential abilities to suppress the erythrocytes carbonic anhydrase enzymatic activity in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients (in vitro), promising antidiabetic activity against T2 diabetic mice (in vivo). They also exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer (SiHa) cells (in vitro) as the IC₅₀ value of complexes 1, 2 and 4 is substantially lower than the value found for cisplatin while that of 3 is comparable and follow the order: 4 < 1 < 2 < 3 and can kill the cells by apoptosis via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The complexes are soluble both in water and octanol media and also non-toxic at working concentrations. The antidiabetic activity of these four complexes follows the order: 4 > 2 > 1 > 3 while both the carbonic anhydrase and cytotoxic activity follow the order: 4 > 1 > 2 > 3 suggesting that complex 4, containing electron withdrawing Cl atom is the most reactive while 3 with electron donating OCH₃ group is the least reactive species. The molecular docking study on hCA-I and hCA-II demonstrates that complexes interact via hydrogen bonding as well as different types of π-stacking.

The liposomal delivery of hydrophobic oxidovanadium complexes imparts highly effective cytotoxicity and differentiating capacity in neuroblastoma tumour cells

Oxidovanadium complexes with organic ligands are well known to have cytotoxic or differentiating capabilities against a range of cancer cell types. Their limited use in clinical testing though has resulted largely from uncertainties about the long-term toxicities of such complexes, due in part to the speciation to vanadate ions in the circulation. We hypothesised that more highly stable complexes, delivered using liposomes, may provide improved opportunities for oxidovanadium applications against cancer. In this study we sourced specifically hydrophobic forms of oxidovanadium complexes with the explicit aim of demonstrating liposomal encapsulation, bioavailability in cultured neuroblastoma cells, and effective cytotoxic or differentiating activity. Our data show that four ethanol-solubilised complexes with amine bisphenol, aminoalcohol bisphenol or salan ligands are equally or more effective than a previously used complex bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(V) in neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, we show that one of these complexes can be stably incorporated into cationic liposomes where it retains very good bioavailability, apparently low speciation and enhanced efficacy compared to ethanol delivery. This study provides the first proof-of-concept that stable, hydrophobic oxidovanadium complexes retain excellent cellular activity when delivered effectively to cancer cells with nanotechnology. This offers the improved prospect of applying oxidovanadium-based drugs in vivo with increased stability and reduced off-target toxicity.

Impact of copper and iron binding properties on the anticancer activity of 8-hydroxyquinoline derived Mannich bases

The anticancer activity of 8-hydroxyquinolines relies on complex formation with redox active copper and iron ions. Here we employ UV-visible spectrophotometry and EPR spectroscopy to compare proton dissociation and complex formation processes of the reference compound 8-hydroxyquinoline (Q-1) and three related Mannich bases to reveal possible correlations with biological activity. The studied derivatives harbor a CH2-N moiety at position 7 linked to morpholine (Q-2), piperidine (Q-3), and chlorine and fluorobenzylamino (Q-4) substituents. Solid phase structures of Q-3, Q-4·HCl·H2O, [(Cu(HQ-2)2)2]·(CH3OH)2·Cl4·(H2O)2, [Cu(Q-3)2]·Cl2 and [Cu(HQ-4)2(CH3OH)]·ZnCl4·CH3OH were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, the redox properties of the copper and iron complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the direct reaction with physiologically relevant reductants (glutathione and ascorbic acid) was monitored. In vitro cytotoxicity studies conducted with the human uterine sarcoma MES-SA/Dx5 cell line reveal the significant cytotoxicity of Q-2, Q-3, and Q-4 in the sub- to low micromolar range (IC50 values 0.2-3.3 μM). Correlation analysis of the anticancer activity and the metal binding properties of the compound series indicates that, at physiological pH, weaker copper(ii) and iron(iii) binding results in elevated toxicity (e.g.Q4: pCu = 13.0, pFe = 6.8, IC50 = 0.2 μM vs.Q1: pCu = 15.1, pFe = 13.0 IC50 = 2.5 μM). Although the studied 8-hydroxyquinolines preferentially bind copper(ii) over iron(iii), the cyclic voltammetry data revealed that the more cytotoxic ligands preferentially stabilize the lower oxidation state of the metal ions. A linear relationship between the pKa (OH) and IC50 values of the studied 8-hydroxyquinolines was found. In summary, we identify Q-4 as a potent and selective anticancer candidate with significant toxicity in drug resistant cells.

Vanadium in Biological Action: Chemical, Pharmacological Aspects, and Metabolic Implications in Diabetes Mellitus

Vanadium compounds have been primarily investigated as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various major health issues, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. The translation of vanadium-based compounds into clinical trials and ultimately into disease treatments remains hampered by the absence of a basic pharmacological and metabolic comprehension of such compounds. In this review, we examine the development of vanadium-containing compounds in biological systems regarding the role of the physiological environment, dosage, intracellular interactions, metabolic transformations, modulation of signaling pathways, toxicology, and transport and tissue distribution as well as therapeutic implications. From our point of view, the toxicological and pharmacological aspects in animal models and humans are not understood completely, and thus, we introduced them in a physiological environment and dosage context. Different transport proteins in blood plasma and mechanistic transport determinants are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of different vanadium species and the role of physiological factors (i.e., pH, redox conditions, concentration, and so on) are considered. Mechanistic specifications about different signaling pathways are discussed, particularly the phosphatases and kinases that are modulated dynamically by vanadium compounds because until now, the focus only has been on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B as a vanadium target. Particular emphasis is laid on the therapeutic ability of vanadium-based compounds and their role for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, specifically on that of vanadate- and polioxovanadate-containing compounds. We aim at shedding light on the prevailing gaps between primary scientific data and information from animal models and human studies.

Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterisation of a Series of Heterobimetallic N-phenyldiethanolaminate-alkoxide Derivatives of Oxovanadium(V)

Reaction of VO(OPri)3 with two equivalents of N-phenyldiethanolamine (PhDEAH2) yields a homometallic complex [VO(PhDEA)(PhDEAH)] 1, which reacts with a number of metal alkoxides to afford heterobimetallic oxovanadium(V) complexes of the types [VO(PhDEA)2{M(OR)n-1}] [where PhDEA = C6H5N(CH2CH2O–)2], [M =: Al (n = 3, R = Pri) 2; Al (n = 3, R = But) 3; Ti (n = 4, R = Pri) 4; Zr (n = 4, R = Pri) 5; Nb (n = 5, R = Pri) 6; Ta (n = 5, R = Pri) 7. The derivative [VO(PhDEA)(OSiPh3)] 8 has been prepared by the equimolar interaction of [VO(PhDEA)(OPri)] with Ph3SiOH. All of these complexes have been characterised by spectroscopic (IR; 1H, 13C, 27Al and 51V NMR) studies, elemental analyses, and molecular weight measurements. The derivative 2 has also been characterised by FAB mass spectral studies, which supports for its monomeric nature.

A Study on the Electronic Effect of para-substituents in the Aryloxy Ring of the Hydrazone Ligands on the Vanadium Centre in the mixed-ligand [VIVO(ONO)(NN)] families

The hyperfine coupling constant (Aıı) and the redox potential (E½) values of vanadium(IV) in its mixed-ligand hydrazone complexes [VIVO(L)(bipy)], 1–4 and [VIVO(L)(phen)], 5–8, [which have been synthesised from the reaction of VIVO(acac)2 with the hydrazone ligand H2L in the presence of equimolar amount of 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in methanol], exhibit a linear relationship with the Hammett constant (σ) of the para-substituents in the aryloxy ring of the hydrazone ligands.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anti-cancer activity of vanadium-doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite

Nanocrystalline V(v)-doped hydroxyapatite and its reduced analogue (V(v) and V(iv) mixture) show promising in vitro cytotoxicity against cultured human bone cancer cells.

Colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide by dioxido-vanadium(V) complex containing hydrazone ligand: synthesis and crystal structure

Dioxido-vanadium(V) complex has been synthesized in good yield, the complex was characterized by IR, UV-visible and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray crystallography techniques were used to assign the structure of the complex. Complex crystallized with monoclinic P2₁/c space group with cell parameters a (Å) = 39.516(5), b (Å) = 6.2571(11), c (Å) = 17.424(2), α (°) = 90, β (°) = 102.668(12) and γ (°) = 90. The hydrazone ligand is coordinate to metal ion in tridentate fashion through -ONO- donor atoms forming a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the metal ion.

Why Antidiabetic Vanadium Complexes are Not in the Pipeline of "Big Pharma" Drug Research? A Critical Review

Public academic research sites, private institutions as well as small companies have made substantial contributions to the ongoing development of antidiabetic vanadium compounds. But why is this endeavor not echoed by the globally operating pharmaceutical companies, also known as "Big Pharma"? Intriguingly, today's clinical practice is in great need to improve or replace insulin treatment against Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Insulin is the mainstay therapeutically and economically. So, why do those companies develop potential antidiabetic drug candidates without vanadium (vanadium- free)? We gathered information about physicochemical and pharmacological properties of known vanadium-containing antidiabetic compounds from the specialized literature, and converted the data into explanations (arguments, the "pros and cons") about the underpinnings of antidiabetic vanadium. Some discoveries were embedded in chronological order while seminal reviews of the last decade about the Medicinal chemistry of vanadium and its history were also listed for further understanding. In particular, the concepts of so-called "noncomplexed or free" vanadium species (i.e. inorganic oxido-coordinated species) and "biogenic speciation" of antidiabetic vanadium complexes were found critical and subsequently documented in more details to answer the question.

Biotransformations of Antidiabetic Vanadium Prodrugs in Mammalian Cells and Cell Culture Media: A XANES Spectroscopic Study

The antidiabetic activities of vanadium(V) and -(IV) prodrugs are determined by their ability to release active species upon interactions with components of biological media. The first X-ray absorption spectroscopic study of the reactivity of typical vanadium (V) antidiabetics, vanadate ([V^VO₄]^3–, A) and a vanadium(IV) bis(maltolato) complex (B), with mammalian cell cultures has been performed using HepG2 (human hepatoma), A549 (human lung carcinoma), and 3T3-L1 (mouse adipocytes and preadipocytes) cell lines, as well as the corresponding cell culture media. X-ray absorption near-edge structure data were analyzed using empirical correlations with a library of model vanadium(V), -(IV), and -(III) complexes. Both A and B ([V] = 1.0 mM) gradually converged into similar mixtures of predominantly five- and six-coordinate V^V species (∼75% total V) in a cell culture medium within 24 h at 310 K. Speciation of V in intact HepG2 cells also changed with the incubation time (from ∼20% to ∼70% V^IV of total V), but it was largely independent of the prodrug used (A or B) or of the predominant V oxidation state in the medium. Subcellular fractionation of A549 cells suggested that V^V reduction to V^IV occurred predominantly in the cytoplasm, while accumulation of V^V in the nucleus was likely to have been facilitated by noncovalent bonding to histone proteins. The nuclear V^V is likely to modulate the transcription process and to be ultimately related to cell death at high concentrations of V, which may be important in anticancer activities. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes (unlike for preadipocytes) showed a higher propensity to form V^IV species, despite the prevalence of V^V in the medium. The distinct V biochemistry in these cells is consistent with their crucial role in insulin-dependent glucose and fat metabolism and may also point to an endogenous role of V in adipocytes.

The first detailed speciation study of typical antidiabetic vanadium(V/IV) complexes in mammalian cell culture systems showed that the complexes decomposed rapidly in cell culture media and were further metabolized by the cells, which included interconversions of V^V and V^IV species.

Vanadium(V) and -(IV) complexes of anionic polysaccharides: Controlled release pharmaceutical formulations and models of vanadium biotransformation products

Uncontrolled reactions in biological media are a main obstacle for clinical translation of V-based anti-diabetic or anti-cancer pro-drugs. We investigated the use of controlled-release pharmaceutical formulations to ameliorate this issue with a series of V(V) and (IV) complexes of anionic polysaccharides. Carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, or alginic acid formulations were prepared by the reactions of [VO4](3-) with one or two molar equivalents of biological reductants, L-ascorbic acid (AA) or L-cysteine (Cys), in the presence of excess polysaccharide at pH~7 or pH~4. XANES studies with the use of a previously developed library of model V(V), V(IV) and V(III) complexes showed that reactions in the presence of AA led mostly to the mixtures of five- and six-coordinate V(IV) species, while the reactions in the presence of Cys led predominantly to the mixtures of five- and six-coordinate V(V) species. The XANES spectra of some of these samples closely matched those reported previously for [VO4](3-) biotransformation products in isolated blood plasma, red blood cells, or cultured adipocytes, which supports the hypothesis that modified polysaccharides are major binders of V(V) and V(IV) in biological systems. Studies by EPR spectroscopy suggested predominant V(IV)-carboxylato binding in complexes with polysaccharides. One of the isolated products (a V(IV)-alginato complex) showed selective release of low-molecular-mass V species at pH~8, but not at pH~2, which makes it a promising lead for the development of V-containing formulations for oral administration that are stable in the stomach, but release the active ingredient in the intestines.

Reactivity-activity relationships of oral anti-diabetic vanadium complexes in gastrointestinal media: an X-ray absorption spectroscopic study

The reactions of oral V(V/IV) anti-diabetic drugs within the gastrointestinal environment (particularly in the presence of food) are a crucial factor that affects their biological activities, but to date these have been poorly understood. In order to build up reactivity-activity relationships, the first detailed study of the reactivities of typical V-based anti-diabetics, Na3V(V)O4 (A), [V(IV)O(OH2)5](SO4) (B), [V(IV)O(ma)2] (C, ma = maltolato(-)) and (NH4)[V(V)(O)2(dipic)] (D, dipic = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylato(2-)) with simulated gastrointestinal (GI) media in the presence or absence of food components has been performed by the use of XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroscopy. Changes in speciation under conditions that simulate interactions in the GI tract have been discerned using correlations of XANES parameters that were based on a library of model V(V), V(IV), and V(III) complexes for preliminary assessment of the oxidation states and coordination numbers. More detailed speciation analyses were performed using multiple linear regression fits of XANES from the model complexes to XANES obtained from the reaction products from interactions with the GI media. Compounds B and D were relatively stable in the gastric environment (pH ∼ 2) in the absence of food, while C was mostly dissociated, and A was converted to [V10O28](6-). Sequential gastric and intestinal digestion in the absence of food converted A, B and D to poorly absorbed tetrahedral vanadates, while C formed five- or six-coordinate V(V) species where the maltolato ligands were likely to be partially retained. XANES obtained from gastric digestion of A-D in the presence of typical food components converged to that of a mixture of V(IV)-aqua, V(IV)-amino acid and V(III)-aqua complexes. Subsequent intestinal digestion led predominantly to V(IV) complexes that were assigned as citrato or complexes with 2-hydroxyacidato donor groups from other organic compounds, including certain carbohydrates. The absence of strong reductants (such as ascorbate) in the food increased the V(V) component in gastrointestinal digestion products. These results can be used to predict the oral bioavailability of various types of V(V/IV) anti-diabetics, and the effects of taking such drugs with food.

The discovery of vanadyl and zinc complexes for treating diabetes and metabolic syndromes

The incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased over the decades because of lifestyle changes. The number of people with diabetes mellitus worldwide is expected to increase from 150 million to 220 million by 2010 and to 300 million by 2025. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is due to the autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in absolute insulin deficiency; the patients require exogenous insulin injections. Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance and abnormal insulin secretion and the patients require exercise, diet control and/or oral hypoglycemics. However, each treatment has some adverse effects, including physical burden, formation of self-antibodies for insulin injections, the severe side effects of hypoglycemics and the discontinuation of insulin synthesis in the pancreas. To overcome these adverse effects and replace the use of these agents, the author attempted to develop new antidiabetic agents with novel structures and mechanisms. This review focuses on the authors' recent development of vanadium and zinc complexes for antidiabetic and antimetabolic syndromes.

Advances in research on the accumulation, redox behavior, and function of vanadium in ascidians

The discovery of high levels of vanadium-containing compounds in ascidian blood cells goes back to 1911. Ascidians, which are also known as tunicates or sea squirts, belong to a subphylum of the Chordata, between the vertebrates and invertebrates. This discovery attracted the attention of an interdisciplinary group of chemists, physiologists, and biochemists, in part because of interest in the possible role of vanadium in oxygen transport as a prosthetic group in respiratory pigments, which was later shown not to be such a role, and in part because of the fact that high levels of vanadium were unknown in other organisms. The intracellular concentration of vanadium in some ascidian species can be as high as 350 mm, which is 107times that in seawater. Vanadium ions, which are thought to be present in the +5 oxidation state in seawater, are reduced to the +3 oxidation state via the +4 oxidation state and are stored in the vacuoles of vanadium-containing cells called vanadocytes, where high levels of protons and sulfate ions are also found. Recently, many proteins and genes that might be involved in the accumulation and reduction of vanadium have been isolated. In this review, we not only trace the history of vanadium research but also describe recent advances in our understanding of the field from several viewpoints: (i) vanadium-accumulating blood cells, (ii) the energetics of vanadium accumulation, (iii) the redox mechanism of vanadium, (iv) the possible role of sulfate, and (v) the physiological roles of vanadium.

Complexes of hydroxy(thio)pyrone and hydroxy(thio)pyridinone with Zn(II) and Mo(VI). Thermodynamic stability and insulin-mimetic activity

The development of metal-containing pharmaceuticals as insulin-mimetics has been the object of recent worldwide research. We have examined a series of zinc(II) and molybdenum(VI) complexes with model O,S-donor ligands (thiomaltol and 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyridine-4-thione (DMHTP)) and the corresponding O,O-analogues (maltol and DMHP) for their insulin-mimetic activity. Aimed at getting structure-activity relationships, some physical-chemical properties were also studied, such as metal-complex formation, speciation at different pH conditions and ligand lipophilicity. The Zn-complexes exhibit considerably higher insulin-mimetic activity than the corresponding Mo-analogues. Particularly, the bis(thiomaltolato)zinc(II) complex reveals a very high activity, ascribed to the effect of the thione π character and to the soft nature of the sulfur donor atom enhancing the Zn(II)-ligand affinity and the ligand/complex lipophilicity, two determinant parameters for delivering the metal-drug into the cells. Hence, these preliminary studies indicate that the Zn(thiomaltol)₂ complex can be considered a potential drug candidate for treatment of diabetes mellitus, upon in vivo evaluations.

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and alkaline phosphatase by bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV)

Vanadate has been recognized as a specific and potent phosphatase inhibitor since its structure is similar to that of phosphate. In this study, we measured the inhibition of glutathione S-transferase-tagged protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (GST-PTP1B) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by the insulin enhancing compounds, bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV). The results showed that the activity of GST-PTP1B was reversibly inhibited by solutions of BMOV with an IC(50) value of 0.86+/-0.02 microM. Steady state kinetic studies showed that inhibition of GST-PTP1B by BMOV was of a mixed competitive and noncompetitive type. In addition, incubation of GST-PTP1B with BMOV showed a time-dependent biphasic inactivation of the protein. On the other hand, the inhibitory behavior of BMOV on ALP activity was reversible and competitive with an IC(50) value of 32.1+/-0.6 microM. Incubation with BMOV did not show biphasic inactivation of ALP. The reversible inhibition of GST-PTP1B by BMOV is more potent than that of ALP, but solutions of BMOV inhibited both enzymes. This data support the suggestion that mechanisms for the inhibitory effects of BMOV on GST-PTP1B and ALP are very different.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of decavanadate Na4Co(H2O)6V10O28.18H2O

We have reported the synthesis and biological evaluation of a decavanadate Na(4)Co(H(2)O)(6)V(10)O(28).18H(2)O (CoV(10)) designed as a potential antitumoral agent. The human cancer cell lines SMMC-7721 (liver cancer) and SK-OV-3 (ovary cancer) were tested for their viability by the MTT method in vitro, which showed that the compound exhibited a remarkable activity against two cell lines with IC(50) values smaller than 0.24 microg/mL, 0.32 microg/mL, respectively. CoV(10) showed the tumor growth suppression for Hep-A-22 (mice liver cancer) in tumor bearing mice in vivo. In addition, using flow cytometry analysis, the ratio of apoptotic cells was up to 8.33% with treatment of CoV(10) at 1.56 microg/mL after 30 min, suggesting that the antitumoral activity of CoV(10) comes from the activation of the apoptotic pathway.

Reduction of vanadium(V) to vanadium(IV) by NADPH, and vanadium(IV) to vanadium(III) by cysteine methyl ester in the presence of biologically relevant ligands

To better understand the mechanism of vanadium reduction in ascidians, we examined the reduction of vanadium(V) to vanadium(IV) by NADPH and the reduction of vanadium(IV) to vanadium(III) by L-cysteine methyl ester (CysME). UV-vis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies indicated that in the presence of several biologically relevant ligands vanadium(V) and vanadium(IV) were reduced by NADPH and CysME, respectively. Specifically, NADPH directly reduced vanadium(V) to vanadium(IV) with the assistance of ligands that have a formation constant with vanadium(IV) of greater than 7. Also, glycylhistidine and glycylaspartic acid were found to assist the reduction of vanadium(IV) to vanadium(III) by CysME.

Ternary Complex Formation Facilitates a Redox Mechanism for Iron Release from a Siderophore

While the naturally occurring reducing agents glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (H2A) alone are ineffective at reducing iron(III) sequestered by the siderophore ferrioxamine B, the addition of an iron(II) chelator, sulfonated bathophenanthroline (BPDS), facilitates reduction by either reducing agent. A mechanism is described in which a ternary complex is formed between ferrioxamine B and BPDS in a rapidly established pre-equilibrium step, which is followed by rate limiting reduction of the ternary complex by glutathione or ascorbate. Spectral, thermodynamic, and kinetic evidence are given for ternary complex formation. Ascorbate was found to be slightly more efficient at reducing the ternary complex than glutathione (k4=2.1 x 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1) and k4=6.3 x 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1), respectively) at pH 7. Reduction is followed by a rapid ligand exchange step where iron is released from ferrioxamine B to form tris-(BPDS)iron(II). The implications of these results for siderophore mediated iron transport and release are discussed.

Reduction of Vanadium(V) byl-Ascorbic Acid at Low and Neutral pH: Kinetic, Mechanistic, and Spectroscopic Characterization

L-Ascorbic acid interacts with vanadium(V) over the pH range of 0.4-7.0 to form three different coordination complexes. Both inner- and outer-sphere electron-transfer pathways are proposed to form vanadium(IV) complexes with L-ascorbate or dehydroascorbate, respectively. Effects of the pH on the coordination of L-ascorbic acid to the vanadium(V) center were observed and are presumably related to the speciation of the vanadium(V) ion. Three vanadium(IV) complexes were observed using ambient-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Two of these complexes are proposed to be vanadium(IV) L-ascorbate complexes, and one is consistent with a vanadium(IV) dehydroascorbic acid complex proposed earlier. These reduction reactions will occur under physiological conditions and could be important to the reduction of vanadium(V)-containing coordination complexes used as insulin-enhancing agents for treatment of diabetes.

Group 13 and Lanthanide Complexes with Mixed O,S Anionic Ligands Derived from Maltol

Four mixed O,S binding ligand precursors derived from maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) have been chelated to gallium(III), indium(III), and lanthanide(III) ions to yield a series of metal complexes. The four ligand precursors include two pyranthiones, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyranthione, commonly known as thiomaltol (Htma), and 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyranthione, commonly known as ethylthiomaltol (Hetma), and two pyridinethiones, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4(H)-pyridinethione (Hmppt) and 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4-pyridinethione (Hdppt). Dimeric forms of the pyridinethiones, Hmppt dimer and Hdppt dimer, were also isolated and characterized. Complete characterization of the monomeric organic compounds is reported including acidity constants and crystal structures of Htma, Hetma, and Hdppt dimer. Reacting the four monomeric ligand precursors with Ga(3+) and In(3+) ions yielded new tris(bidentate ligand) complexes. X-ray-quality crystals of the fac isomer of Ga(tma)(3) were also obtained. New complexes with a range of lanthanides (Ln(3+)) were also synthesized with the two pyranthiones, Htma and Hetma. The synthesis reactions yielded complexes of the type LnL(3).xH(2)O and LnL(2)(OH).xH(2)O, as indicated by elemental analysis and spectroscopic evidence such as mass spectral data and IR and NMR spectra.

Vanadium(V) complexes with salicylaldehyde semicarbazone derivatives bearing in vitro anti-tumor activity toward kidney tumor cells (TK-10): crystal structure of [VVO2(5-bromosalicylaldehyde semicarbazone)]

As a contribution to the development of novel vanadium complexes with pharmacologically interesting moieties, new dioxovanadium(V) semicarbazone complexes with the formula cis-VO(2)L, where L=5-bromosalicylaldehyde semicarbazone and 2-hydroxynaphtalen-1-carboxaldehyde semicarbazone have been synthesized and characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies. Results were compared with those previously reported for other three analogous complexes of this series. The five complexes were tested in three different human tumor cell lines for bioactivity as potential anti-tumor agents, showing selective cytotoxicity on TK-10 cell line. Results showed that structural modifications on the semicarbazone moiety could have a significant effect on the anti-tumor activity of the vanadium complexes. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of all the complexes was studied. No apparent correlation could be demonstrated between reduction potentials of the complexes and their anti-tumor activities. The molecular structure of the novel [V(V)O(2)(5-bromosalicylaldehyde semicarbazone)] complex was solved by X-ray diffraction methods. The vanadium atom shows a distorted square pyramidal coordination sphere. The (VO(2))(+) cation is coordinated to a nearly planar (L)(-) anion acting as a tridentate ligand through both oxygen and one nitrogen atoms.

Monomeric Oxovanadium(IV) Compounds of the General Formula cis-[VIV(O)(X)(LNN)2]+/0 {X = OH-, Cl-, SO42- and LNN = 2,2‘-Bipyridine (Bipy) or 4,4‘-Disubstituted Bipy}

Reaction of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in aqueous solution with 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) and then with 2 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dtbipy), or 4,4'-di-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dmbipy) affords compounds of the general formula cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(L(NN))(2)]Y [where L(NN) = bipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (1), L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (2.1.2H(2)O), L(NN) = 4,4'-dmbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (3.2H(2)O), and L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = SbF(6)(-) (4)]. Sequential addition of 1 equiv of Ba(ClO(4))(2) and then of 2 equiv of bipy to an aqueous solution containing 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O yields cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(bipy)(2)]ClO(4) (5). The monomeric compounds 1-5 contain the cis-[V(IV)O(OH)](+) structural unit. Reaction of 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O in water and of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in ethanol with 2 equiv of bipy gives the compounds cis-[V(IV)O(OSO(3))(bipy)(2)].CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O (6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O) and cis-[V(IV)OCl(bipy)(2)]Cl (7), respectively, while reaction of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in CH(2)Cl(2) with 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy gives the compound cis-[V(IV)OCl(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]Cl.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) (8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2)). Compounds cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]BF(4) (9), cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dmbipy)(2)]BF(4) (10), and cis-[V(IV)O(SbF(6))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]SbF(6) (11) were synthesized by sequential addition of 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy or 4,4'-dmbipy and 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) to a dichloromethane solution containing 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)]. The crystal structures of 2.1.2H(2)O, 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O, and 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) were demonstrated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data are as follows: Compound 2.1.2H(2)O crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 298 K) a = 21.62(1) A, b = 13.33(1) A, c = 27.25(2) A, V = 7851(2) A(3), Z = 8. Compound 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a with (at 298 K) a = 12.581(4) A, b = 14.204(5) A, c = 14.613(6) A, beta = 114.88(1) degrees, V = 2369(1), Z = 4. Compound 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1) with (at 298 K) a = 23.072(2) A, b = 24.176(2) A, c = 13.676(1) A, V = 7628(2) A(3), Z = 8 with two crystallographically independent molecules per asymmetric unit. In addition to the synthesis and crystallographic studies, we report the optical, infrared, magnetic, conductivity, and CW EPR properties of these oxovanadium(IV) compounds as well as theoretical studies on [V(IV)O(bipy)(2)](2+) and [V(IV)OX(bipy)(2)](+/0) species (X = OH(-), SO(4)(2)(-), Cl(-)).