Hydroxyl Radical is the Active Species in Photochemical DNA Strand Scission by Bis(peroxo)vanadium(V) Phenanthroline

Transition Metal Complexes as Therapeutics: A New Frontier in Combatting Neurodegenerative Disorders through Protein Aggregation Modulation

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are a class of debilitating diseases that progressively impair the protein structure and result in neurological dysfunction in the nervous system. Among these disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD), prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by protein misfolding and aggregation at the cellular level. In recent years, transition metal complexes have gained significant attention for their potential applications in diagnosing, imaging, and curing these NDDs. These complexes have intriguing possibilities as therapeutics due to their diverse ligand systems and chemical properties and can interact with biological systems with minimal detrimental effects. This review focuses on the recent progress in transition metal therapeutics as a new era of hope in the battle against AD, CJD, and PD by modulating protein aggregation in vitro and in vivo. It may shed revolutionary insights into unlocking new opportunities for researchers to develop metal-based drugs to combat NDDs.

A refreshing approach to understanding the action on DNA of vanadium (IV) and (V) complexes derived from the anticancer VCp2Cl2

A computational study based on derivatives of the anticancer VCp2Cl2 compound and their interaction with representative models of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is presented. The derivatives were obtained by substituting the cyclopentadienes of VCp2Cl2 with H2O, NH3, OH-, Cl-, O2- and C2O42- ligands. The oxidation states IV and V of vanadium were considered, so a total of 20 derivative complexes are included. The complexes interactions with DNA were studied using two different models, the first model considers the interactions of the complexes with the pair Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) and the second involves the interaction of the complexes with adjacent pairs, that is, d(GG). This study compares methodologies based on density functional theory with coupled cluster like calculations (DLPNO-CCSD(T)), the gold standard of electronic structure methods. Furthermore, the change in the electron density of the hydrogen bonds that keep bonded the G-C pair and d(GG) pairs, due to the presence of vanadium (IV) and (V) complexes is rationalize. To this aim, quantities obtained from the topology of the electron densities are inspected, particularly the value of the electron density at the hydrogen bond critical points. The approach allowed to identify vanadium complexes that lead to significant changes in the hydrogen bonds indicated above, a key aspect in the understanding, development, and proposal of mechanisms of action between metal complexes and DNA.

Biological Consequences of Vanadium Effects on Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Lipid Peroxidation

Lipid peroxidation (LPO), a process that affects human health, can be induced by exposure to vanadium salts and compounds. LPO is often exacerbated by oxidation stress, with some forms of vanadium providing protective effects. The LPO reaction involves the oxidation of the alkene bonds, primarily in polyunsaturated fatty acids, in a chain reaction to form radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS). LPO reactions typically affect cellular membranes through direct effects on membrane structure and function as well as impacting other cellular functions due to increases in ROS. Although LPO effects on mitochondrial function have been studied in detail, other cellular components and organelles are affected. Because vanadium salts and complexes can induce ROS formation both directly and indirectly, the study of LPO arising from increased ROS should include investigations of both processes. This is made more challenging by the range of vanadium species that exist under physiological conditions and the diverse effects of these species. Thus, complex vanadium chemistry requires speciation studies of vanadium to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the various species that are present during vanadium exposure. Undoubtedly, speciation is important in assessing how vanadium exerts effects in biological systems and is likely the underlying cause for some of the beneficial effects reported in cancerous, diabetic, neurodegenerative conditions and other diseased tissues impacted by LPO processes. Speciation of vanadium, together with investigations of ROS and LPO, should be considered in future biological studies evaluating vanadium effects on the formation of ROS and on LPO in cells, tissues, and organisms as discussed in this review.

An oxidodiperoxido vanadium-based artificial nuclease: DNA binding and cleavage studies

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Strategies Employing Transition Metal Complexes To Modulate Amyloid-β Aggregation

Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia. Thus, numerous efforts to identify chemical tactics to control the aggregation pathways of Aβ peptides have been made. Among them, transition metal complexes as a class of chemical modulators against Aβ aggregation have been designed and utilized. Transition metal complexes are able to carry out a variety of chemistry with Aβ peptides (e.g., coordination chemistry and oxidative and proteolytic reactions for peptide modifications) based on their tunable characteristics, including the oxidation state of and coordination geometry around the metal center. This Viewpoint illustrates three strategies employing transition metal complexes toward modulation of Aβ aggregation pathways (i.e., oxidation and hydrolysis of Aβ as well as coordination to Aβ), along with some examples of such transition metal complexes. In addition, proposed mechanisms for three reactivities of transition metal complexes with Aβ peptides are discussed. Our greater understanding of how transition metal complexes have been engineered and used for alteration of Aβ aggregation could provide insight into the new discovery of chemical reagents against Aβ peptides found in AD.

Nanomaterials as nanocarriers: a critical assessment why these are multi-chore vanquisher in breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is a group of diseases with various subtypes and leads to high mortality throughout the globe. Various conventional techniques are in practice to cure breast cancer but these techniques are linked with various shortcomings. Mostly these treatments are not site directed and cause toxicity towards normal cells. In order to overcome these issues, we need smart system that can deliver anticancer drugs to specific sites. Targeted drug delivery can be achieved via passive or active drug delivery using nanocarriers. This mode of drug delivery is more effective against breast cancer and may help in the reduction of mortality rate. Potentially used nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery belong to organic and inorganic molecules. Various FDA approved nano products are in use to cure breast cancer. However, body's defense system is main limitation for potential use of nano systems. However, this can be overcome by surface modification of nanocarriers. In this review, breast cancer and its types, targeted drug delivery and nanocarriers used to cure breast cancer are discussed. By progressing nanotechnology, we will be able to fight against this life threatening issue and serve the humanity, which is the basic aim of scientific knowledge.

An experimental and theoretical study on the interaction of DNA and BSA with novel Ni2+, Cu2+ and VO2+ complexes derived from vanillin bidentate Schiff base ligand

In this investigation, the structure of bidentate N,N-Schiff base ligand of vanillin, (E)-4-(((2-amino-5-nitrophenyl)imino)methyl)-2-methoxyphenol (HL) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of new [CuL₂], [NiL₂] and [VOL₂] complexes with DNA and BSA was explored through UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The electronic spectra changes displayed an isosbestic point for the complexes upon titration with DNA. The K_b values for the complexes [CuL₂], [NiL₂] and [VOL₂] were 2.4×10⁵, 1.9×10⁵ and 4.2×10⁴, respectively. [CuL₂] complex was bound more toughly than [NiL₂] and [VOL₂] complexes. These complexes had a significant interaction with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and the results demonstrated that the quenching mechanism was a static procedure. Also, the complexes interacted with BSA by more than one binding site (n>1). Finally, the theoretical studies were performed using the docking method to calculate the binding constants and recognize the binding site of the DNA and BSA with the complexes. The ligand and complexes including Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and VO²⁺ ions were colonized by fungal growth.

Physiological roles of peroxido-vanadium complexes: Leitmotif as their signal transduction pathway

Evidence exists that supports the various physiological roles of vanadium compounds, although the amount of vanadium in our body is limited. This limited concentration in our body does not attract much attention of the biological chemists, although the fact is present; even in the 19th century, vanadium derivatives were used for the therapeutic reagents. In the middle of the 20th century, the main focus of vanadium chemistry is mainly on the chemical and material fields. After the first discovery of vanadium compounds expressing ATPase activity, oxidovanadium(IV) sulfate was reported to have insulin mimic activity. Additionally, because some vanadium compounds possess cellular toxicity, trials were also carried out to examine the possible use of vanadium compounds as cancer therapeutics. The application of vanadium complexes was extended in recent years especially in the 21st century. In this review, we briefly explain the historical background of vanadium chemistry and also summarize the physiological role of vanadium complexes mainly focusing on the synthesis and physiological role of peroxidovanadium compounds and their interactions with insulin signal transduction pathways.

Development of a multifunctional biomimicking l-cysteine based oxovanadium(iv) complex: synthesis, DFT calculations, bromo-peroxidation and nuclease activity

An oxovanadium complex [VO(sal-l-cys)(phen)] (sal-l-cys = Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and l-cysteine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic studies (IR, UV-vis, ESI-MS and EPR studies).

A spectroscopic study on the coordination and solution structures of the interaction systems between biperoxidovanadate complexes and the pyrazolylpyridine-like ligands

In order to understand the substitution effects of pyrazolylpyridine (pzpy) on the coordination reaction equilibria, the interactions between a series of pzpy-like ligands and biperoxidovanadate ([OV(O2)2(D2O)](-)/[OV(O2)2(HOD)](-), abbrv. bpV) have been explored using a combination of multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (51)V) magnetic resonance, heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), and variable temperature NMR in a 0.15 mol L(-1) NaCl D2O solution that mimics the physiological conditions. Both the direct NMR data and the equilibrium constants are reported for the first time. A series of new hepta-coordinated peroxidovanadate species [OV(O2)2L](-) (L = pzpy-like chelating ligands) are formed due to several competitive coordination interactions. According to the equilibrium constants for products between bpV and the pzpy-like ligands, the relative affinity of the ligands is found to be pzpy > 2-Ester-pzpy ≈ 2-Me-pzpy ≈ 2-Amide-pzpy > 2-Et-pzpy. In the interaction system between bpV and pzpy, a pair of isomers (Isomers A and B) are observed in aqueous solution, which are attributed to different types of coordination modes between the metal center and the ligands, while the crystal structure of NH4[OV(O2)2(pzpy)]·6H2O (CCDC 898554) has the same coordination structure as Isomer A (the main product for pzpy). For the N-substituted ligands, however, Isomer A or B type complexes can also be observed in solution but the molar ratios of the isomer are reversed (i.e., Isomer B type is the main product). These results demonstrate that when the N atom in the pyrazole ring has a substitution group, hydrogen bonding (from the H atom in the pyrazole ring), the steric effect (from alkyl) and the solvation effect (from the ester or amide group) can jointly affect the coordination reaction equilibrium.

Metal-mediated DNA damage and cell death: mechanisms, detection methods, and cellular consequences

Metal ions cause various types of DNA damage by multiple mechanisms, and this damage is a primary cause of cell death and disease.

DNA damage induction and antiproliferative activity of vanadium(V) oxido monoperoxido complex containing two bidentate heteroligands

Several peroxidovanadium(V) complexes have been shown as a potent anticancer agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of monoperoxidovanadium(V) complex Pr(4)N[VO(O(2))(ox)(phen)], (Vphen), [phen=1,10-phenantroline, ox=oxalate(2-) and Pr(4)N=tetra(n-propyl)ammonium(1+)] with DNA. UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE, the comet assay) were used to examine the possibility of the vanadium(V) complex to induce changes in DNA. The interaction of Vphen with calf thymus DNA resulted in absorption hyperchromicity in DNA spectrum and shift of the absorption band of DNA to longer wavelengths for the [complex]/[DNA] concentration ratio equals to 4 and after 60 min of incubation. The rise in DNA absorption (by 34%) and bathochromic shift (Δλ(max)=6 nm) are indicative of the interaction between DNA and the complex molecules. DNA strand breaks in cellular DNA were investigated using the comet assay. The human lymphocytes were exposed to various concentrations of Vphen for 30 min. The results revealed that Vphen contributed to the DNA damage expressed as DNA strand breaks in concentration dependent manner. The used concentrations of Vphen (ranging from 0.1 to 100 μmol/L) caused higher DNA damage in lymphocytes compared to untreated cells (from 1.2 times for 0.1 μmol/L to 1.8 times for 100 μmol/L). Vphen was screened for its potential antitumor activity towards murine leukemia cell line L1210. Vphen exhibited significant antiproliferative activity depending on its concentration and time of exposure. The IC(50) values were 0.247 μg/mL (0.45 μmol/L) for 24h, 0.671 μg/mL (1.21 μmol/L) for 48 h and 0.627 μg/mL (1.13 μmol/L) for 72 h.

Spectroscopic studies and biological evaluation of some transition metal complexes of azo Schiff-base ligand derived from (1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-aminopyrazol-5-one) and 5-((4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde

A series of metal(II) complexes of VO(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesized from the azo Schiff base ligand 4-((E)-4-((E)-(4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (CDHBAP) and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, ESR and EI-mass), magnetic moment measurements, molar conductance, DNA, SEM, X-ray crystallography and fluorescence studies. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complexes indicate square pyramidal geometry for VO(II) and octahedral geometry for all the other complexes. The important infrared (IR) spectral bands corresponding to the active groups in the ligand and the solid complexes under investigation were studied and implies that CDHBAP is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral tridentate manner. The redox behavior of copper(II) and vanadyl(II) complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The nuclease activity of the above metal(II) complexes shows that the complexes cleave DNA. All the synthesized complexes can serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized ligand and its metal complexes were screened against bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella sonnie) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia bataicola). Amikacin and Ketoconozole were used as references for antibacterial and antifungal studies. The activity data show that the metal complexes have a promising biological activity comparable with the parent Schiff base ligand against bacterial and fungal species. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the ligand was measured and the NLO (non-linear optical) properties of the ligand are expected to result in the realization of advanced optical devices in optical fiber communication (OFC) and optical computing. The SEM image of the copper(II) complex implies that the size of the particles is 1 μm.

Inorganic nanoparticles in cancer therapy

Nanotechnology is an evolving field with enormous potential for biomedical applications. The growing interest to use inorganic nanoparticles in medicine is due to the unique size- and shape-dependent optoelectronic properties. Herein, we will focus on gold, silver and platinum nanoparticles, discussing recent developments for therapeutic applications with regard to cancer in terms of nanoparticles being used as a delivery vehicle as well as therapeutic agents. We will also discuss some of the key challenges to be addressed in future studies.

Spectroscopic investigation of the interaction between diperoxovanadate complexes and benzimidazole-like ligands

To understand the effects of benzimidazole substitution on reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of benzimidazole-like ligands and [OV(O₂)₂(D₂O)]⁻/[OV(O₂)₂(HOD)]⁻ in solution were explored by a combination of multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (51)V) magnetic resonance and variable temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological condition. Some direct NMR data are reported for the first time. These results show that the relative reactivity among the organic ligands is 2-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole>(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanol>1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanol>1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole. Both the steric effect and the electron effect of the 2-position substituted groups in benzimidazole ring affect the reaction equilibrium. The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinated peroxovanadate species [OV(O₂)₂L]⁻(L=benzimidazole-like ligands). Moreover, the results of density functional calculations provided a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the benzimidazole-like ligands as well as the important role of solvation in these reactions.

Spectroscopic and theoretical study on the interaction between diperoxovanadate complexes and glycyl-histidine

The interaction between diperoxovanadate complexes (K₃)[VO(O₂)₂(C₂O₄)]·H₂O and [VO(O₂)₂(D₂O)](-)/[VO(O₂)₂(HOD)](-)) and glycyl-histidine (abbr. GlyHis) in solution was studied by 1D NMR including variable-temperature NMR, 2D diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), HMQC and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results indicate that a pair of [VO(O₂)₂(GlyHis)](-) isomers is formed. The vanadium in the new species is coordinated by either the ɛ-N or δ-N in the imidazole ring. The relative ratio of the isomers was affected by temperature. Theoretical calculation results provide a reasonable explanation on the relative coordination capability of different nitrogen sites. Solvation effect is shown to be important for the reactivity of the interaction system.

NMR and theoretical study on interactions between diperoxovanadate complex and pyrazole-like ligands

To understand the effects of pyrazole substitution on reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of pyrazole-like ligands and [OV(O(2))(2)(D(2)O)](-)/[OV(O(2))(2)(HOD)](-) were explored by using multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (51)V) magnetic resonance, HSQC, and variable temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium mimicking physiological conditions. These results show that the relative reactivities among the pyrazole-like ligands are 3-methyl-1H-pyrazole approximately 4-methyl-1H-pyrazole approximately 1H-pyrazole>1-methyl-1H-pyrazole. As a result, the main factor which affects the reaction equilibrium is the steric effect instead of the electronic effect of the methyl group of these ligands. A pair of isomers has been formed resulting from the coordination of 3-methyl-1H-pyrazole and a vanadium complex, which is attributed to different types of coordination between the vanadium atom and the ligands. Thus, the competitive coordination leads to the formation of a series of six-coordinate peroxovanadate species [OV(O(2))(2)L](-) (L, pyrazole-like ligands). Moreover, the results of density functional calculations provided a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the pyrazole-like ligands as well as the important role of solvation in these reactions.

Multinuclear NMR and theoretical investigation on interactions between diperoxovanadate complex and 4-picoline-like ligands

To understand the 4-substituting group effects of organic ligands in pyridine ring on the reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of 4-picoline-like ligands and [OV(O(2))(2)(D(2)O)](-)/[OV(O(2))(2)(HOD)](-) in solution were explored by the combined use of multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (51)V) magnetic resonance, DOSY, and variable-temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological condition. Some direct NMR data are given for the first time. The reactivity among the 4-picoline-like ligands is 4-picoline>isonicotinate>isonicotinamide>ethyl isonicotinate. The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinated peroxovanadate species [OV(O(2))(2)L](n-) (L=4-picoline-like ligands, n=1 or 2). The results of density functional calculations provide a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the 4-picoline-like ligands. Solvation effects play an important role in these reactions.

Photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT): the potential of excited-state d-block metals in medicine

The fields of phototherapy and of inorganic chemotherapy both have long histories. Inorganic photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) offers both temporal and spatial control over drug activation and has remarkable potential for the treatment of cancer. Following photoexcitation, a number of different decay pathways (both photophysical and photochemical) are available to a metal complex. These pathways can result in radiative energy release, loss of ligands or transfer of energy to another species, such as triplet oxygen. We discuss the features which need to be considered when developing a metal-based anticancer drug, and the common mechanisms by which the current complexes are believed to operate. We then provide a comprehensive overview of PACT developments for complexes of the different d-block metals for the treatment of cancer, detailing the more established areas concerning Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Pt, and Cu and also highlighting areas where there is potential for greater exploration. Nanoparticles (Ag, Au) and quantum dots (Cd) are also discussed for their photothermal destructive potential. We also discuss the potential held in particular by mixed-metal systems and Ru complexes.

Investigation on the complex of diperoxovanadate with picolinamide

A novel diperoxovanadate complex NH(4)[OV(O(2))(2)(picolinamide)].H(2)O was synthesized from aqueous solution under physiological conditions. The solution structure of the complex was characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (14)N, and (51)V), variable temperature as well as two-dimensional (DOSY) NMR techniques in the interaction system of NH(4)VO(3)/H(2)O(2)/picolinamide at room temperature. The crystal structure of the complex was determined at 223K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. It belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=7.323(3)A, b=14.255(7)A, c=10.022(5)A, beta=99.524(9) degrees , V=1031.7(8)A(3), and Z=4. The crystal is composed of ammonium ions, picolinamide oxodiperoxovanadate(V) ions, and water molecules, which are held together by ionic and hydrogen bond forces. The species [OV(O(2))(2)(picolinamide)](-) is seven-coordinated with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry both in solution and in crystal.