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Ermini E, Brai A, Cini E, Finetti F, Giannini G, Padula D, Paradisi L, Poggialini F, Trabalzini L, Tolu P, Taddei M. A novel bioresponsive self-immolative spacer based on aza-quinone methide reactivity for the controlled release of thiols, phenols, amines, sulfonamides or amides. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6168-6177. [PMID: 38665538 PMCID: PMC11041255 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01576b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A stimuli-sensitive linker is one of the indispensable components of prodrugs for cancer therapy as it covalently binds the drug and releases it upon external stimulation at the tumour site. Quinone methide elimination has been widely used as the key transformation to release drugs based on their nucleofugacity. The usual approach is to bind the drug to the linker as a carbamate and release it as a free amine after a self-immolative 1,6-elimination. Although this approach is very efficient, it is limited to amines (as carbamates), alcohols or phenols (as carbonates) or other acidic functional groups. We report here a self-immolative spacer capable of directly linking and releasing amines, phenols, thiols, sulfonamides and carboxyamides after a reductive stimulus. The spacer is based on the structure of (5-nitro-2-pyrrolyl)methanol (NPYM-OH), which was used for the direct alkylation of the functional groups mentioned above. The spacer is metabolically stable and has three indispensable sites for bioconjugation: the bioresponsive trigger, the conjugated 1,6 self-immolative system and a third arm suitable for conjugation with a carrier or other modifiers. Release was achieved by selective reduction of the nitro group over Fe/Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in a micellar aqueous environment (H2O/TPGS-750-M), or by NADH mediated nitroreductase activation. A DFT study demonstrates that, during the 1,6 elimination, the transition state formed from 5-aminopyrrole has a lower activation energy compared to other 5-membered heterocycles or p-aminobenzyl derivatives. The NPYM scaffold was validated by late-stage functionalisation of approved drugs such as celecoxib, colchicine, vorinostat or ciprofloxacin. A hypoxia-activated NPYM-based prodrug (HAP) derived from HDAC inhibitor ST7612AA1 was also produced, which was active in cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ermini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Annalaura Brai
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Elena Cini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Federica Finetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology Corporate R&D - Alfasigma SpA Via Pontina, km 30400 00071 Pomezia (Roma) Italy
| | - Daniele Padula
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Lucrezia Paradisi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Lorenza Trabalzini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Paola Tolu
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
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2
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Niu Y, Chen Y, Zhou J, Sun W. Online electrochemistry coupling liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for rapid investigation on the phase I and phase II simulated metabolic reactions of flavonoids. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2541-2551. [PMID: 38451277 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In this study, an online electrochemistry coupling high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (EC-HPLC-MS) technology has been developed for simulating metabolic reactions and rapid analysis of metabolites of flavone, quercetin, and rutin, which are not only widely present compounds with pharmacological activity in nature, but also have structural similarity and variability. The simulated metabolic processes of the substrates (phase I and phase II metabolism) were implemented on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by using different electrochemical methods. After online chromatographic separation, the products were transmitted to a mass spectrometer for detection, in order to speculate relevant reaction pathways and structural information of the reaction product. The main metabolites, including methylation, hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and conjugation reaction products, had been successfully identified through the designed in situ hyphenated technique. Furthermore, compared with metabolites produced by in vitro incubation of rat liver microsomes, it was found that the products of electrochemical simulated metabolism were more abundant with diverse metabolic pathways. The results indicated that the proposed method exhibited advantages in the sample pretreatment process and detection cycle without compromising the reliability and accuracy of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Niu
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
| | - Yuxue Chen
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
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3
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Wang D, Bai L, Wang W, Li S, Yan W. Functional groups effect on the toxicity of modified ZIF-90 to Photobacterium phosphoreum. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141188. [PMID: 38215832 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is of wide interest in biomedical applications due to its extraordinary properties such as high storage capacity, functionality and favorable biocompatibility. However, more comprehensive safety assessments are still essential before ZIF is broadly used in biomedicine. Using the characteristic that aldehyde groups on the surface of ZIF-90 can be modified with other functional groups, a series of ZIF-90s modified with different functional groups (oxime group, carboxyl group, amino group and sulfhydryl group) were synthesized to investigate the effect of functionalization on the toxicity of ZIF-90. ZIF-90 series showed concentration-dependent toxic effects on Photobacterium phosphoreum T3 and the functionalized ZIF-90s are more toxic than pristine ZIF-90, with the ZIF-90 modified with amino group (ZIF-90-NH2) showing the strongest toxicity (IC50 = 23.06 mg/L). Based on the results of the cellular assay and stability exploration, we concluded that corresponding imidazole-ligand release and the property of positively charged are responsible for the elevated toxicity of ZIF-90-NH2. Cell membrane damage, oxidative damage and luminescence damage are the main contributors to the toxic effects of ZIF-90 series. This study explored the effect of surface functionalization on the toxicity of ZIF and proposed mechanistic clues for the safety application of ZIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Recycling and Resource Recovery, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Linming Bai
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Recycling and Resource Recovery, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Recycling and Resource Recovery, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Recycling and Resource Recovery, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.
| | - Wei Yan
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Recycling and Resource Recovery, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
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Govednik T, Lainšček D, Kuhar U, Lachish M, Janežič S, Štrbenc M, Krapež U, Jerala R, Atlas D, Manček-Keber M. TXM peptides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, syncytia formation, and lower inflammatory consequences. Antiviral Res 2024; 222:105806. [PMID: 38211737 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
After three years of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the search and availability of relatively low-cost benchtop therapeutics for people not at high risk for a severe disease are still ongoing. Although vaccines and new SARS-CoV-2 variants reduce the death toll, the long COVID-19 along with neurologic symptoms can develop and persist even after a mild initial infection. Reinfections, which further increase the risk of sequelae in multiple organ systems as well as the risk of death, continue to require caution. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is an important target for both vaccines and therapeutics. The presence of disulfide bonds in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein is essential for its binding to the human ACE2 receptor and cell entry. Here, we demonstrate that thiol-reducing peptides based on the active site of oxidoreductase thioredoxin 1, called thioredoxin mimetic (TXM) peptides, can prevent syncytia formation, SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, and infection in a mouse model. We also show that TXM peptides inhibit the redox-sensitive HIV pseudotyped viral cell entry. These results support disulfide targeting as a common therapeutic strategy for treating infections caused by viruses using redox-sensitive fusion. Furthermore, TXM peptides exert anti-inflammatory properties by lowering the activation of NF-κB and IRF signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in mice. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the TXM peptides, which also cross the blood-brain barrier, in combination with prevention of viral infections, may provide a beneficial clinical strategy to lower viral infections and mitigate severe consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Govednik
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marva Lachish
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Sandra Janežič
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Malan Štrbenc
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.
| | - Mateja Manček-Keber
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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5
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Shim SY. Late-Stage C-H Activation of Drug (Derivative) Molecules with Pd(ll) Catalysis. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302620. [PMID: 37846586 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
This review comprehensively analyses representative examples of Pd(II)-catalyzed late-stage C-H activation reactions and demonstrates their efficacy in converting C-H bonds at multiple positions within drug (derivative) molecules into diverse functional groups. These transformative reactions hold immense potential in medicinal chemistry, enabling the efficient and selective functionalization of specific sites within drug molecules, thereby enhancing their pharmacological activity and expanding the scope of potential drug candidates. Although notable articles have focused on late-stage C-H functionalization reactions of drug-like molecules using transition-metal catalysts, reviews specifically focusing on late-stage C-H functionalization reactions of drug (derivative) molecules using Pd(II) catalysts are required owing to their prominence as the most widely utilized metal catalysts for C-H activation and their ability to introduce a myriad of functional groups at specific C-H bonds. The utilization of Pd-catalyzed C-H activation methodologies demonstrates impressive success in introducing various functional groups, such as cyano (CN), fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), aromatic rings, olefin, alkyl, alkyne, and hydroxyl groups, to drug (derivative) molecules with high regioselectivity and functional-group tolerance. These breakthroughs in late-stage C-H activation reactions serve as invaluable tools for drug discovery and development, thereby offering strategic options to optimize drug candidates and drive the exploration of innovative therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yong Shim
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) KRICT School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
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6
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Bersani M, Failla M, Vascon F, Gianquinto E, Bertarini L, Baroni M, Cruciani G, Verdirosa F, Sannio F, Docquier JD, Cendron L, Spyrakis F, Lazzarato L, Tondi D. Structure-Based Optimization of 1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thione Derivatives: Improving Inhibition of NDM-/VIM-Type Metallo-β-Lactamases and Synergistic Activity on Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1682. [PMID: 38139809 PMCID: PMC10747250 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide emergence and dissemination of Gram-negative bacteria expressing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) menace the efficacy of all β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, a last-line treatment usually restricted to severe pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Nonetheless, no MBL inhibitor is yet available in therapy. We previously identified a series of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives acting as micromolar inhibitors of MBLs in vitro, but devoid of synergistic activity in microbiological assays. Here, via a multidisciplinary approach, including molecular modelling, synthesis, enzymology, microbiology, and X-ray crystallography, we optimized this series of compounds and identified low micromolar inhibitors active against clinically relevant MBLs (NDM-1- and VIM-type). The best inhibitors increased, to a certain extent, the susceptibility of NDM-1- and VIM-4-producing clinical isolates to meropenem. X-ray structures of three selected inhibitors in complex with NDM-1 elucidated molecular recognition at the base of potency improvement, confirmed in silico predicted orientation, and will guide further development steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bersani
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (M.F.); (E.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Mariacristina Failla
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (M.F.); (E.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Filippo Vascon
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (M.F.); (E.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Laura Bertarini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Massimo Baroni
- Kinetic Business Centre, Molecular Discovery Ltd., Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 4PJ, UK;
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Università Degli Studi di Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Federica Verdirosa
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.V.); (F.S.); (J.-D.D.)
| | - Filomena Sannio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.V.); (F.S.); (J.-D.D.)
| | - Jean-Denis Docquier
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.V.); (F.S.); (J.-D.D.)
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Moléculaire, Centre d’Ingénierie des Protéines-InBioS, Université de Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (M.F.); (E.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Loretta Lazzarato
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (M.F.); (E.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Donatella Tondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy;
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Roy K, Ghosh AK, Das PK. Naphthalene Diimide-Based Orange Emitting Luminogen: A Fluorometric Probe for Thiol Sensing through the Click Reaction. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:15690-15704. [PMID: 37874762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Fluorometric sensors have gained considerable attention in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedical research, and clinical diagnostics. This article delineates the fabrication of an orange emitting naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivative consisting of maleimide moiety (NDI-mal) for fluorometric sensing of thiols. Spherical shaped organic nanoparticles (∼100-150 nm) were constructed by NDI-mal in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/dimethylformamide (DMF)-water through J-type aggregation. NDI-mal displayed self-assembly driven aggregation-induced emission (AIE) through excimer formation at λem= 588 nm at fw = 99 vol % DMSO/DMF-water. Naphthyl residue at both terminals of NDI-mal facilitates intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from the donor naphthyl residue to the acceptor NDI core. The fluorescence intensity of NDI-mal fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) got quenched in the presence of thiols due to thiol-maleimide adduct formation (Michael addition). NDI-mal FONPs selectively probed thiol functionalized small molecules (4-aminothiophenol), biomolecules (glutathione (GSH)), and proteins (reduced BSA) with high sensitivity having a limit of detection of 15.3 nM, 6.0 nM, and 9.2 ng/mL, respectively. Importantly, thiol sensing was selective against analogous small molecules, biomolecules, and proteins devoid of thiol moieties. Cellular imaging demonstrated selective diagnosis of cancer cells by NDI-mal FONPs through quenching of its emission upon interaction with thiols in B16F10 cells due to the high abundance of GSH in cancer cells compared to NIH3T3 cells. NDI-mal FONPs emitted their native fluorescence inside cells subjected to reactive oxygen species mediated thiol oxidation via Fenton's reaction. Notably, GSH-maleimide adduct formation by NDI-mal FONPs displayed notable therapeutic efficacy against cancer cells having ∼2.4-fold higher killing of B16F10 in comparison to NIH3T3 cells possibly through oxidative stress induced apoptosis owing to the depletion in the GSH level. Thus, NDI-mal AIE-gen successfully emerged as a selective and sensitive probe toward thiols through thiol-maleimide click chemistry with therapeutic ability against cancer cells in the absence of systematic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathakoli Roy
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Anup Kumar Ghosh
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Das
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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Ren P, Li H, Nie T, Jian X, Yu C, Li J, Su H, Zhang X, Li S, Yang X, Peng C, Yin Y, Zhang L, Xu Y, Liu H, Bai F. Discovery and Mechanism Study of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like Protease Inhibitors with a New Reactive Group. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12266-12283. [PMID: 37594952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
3CLpro is an attractive target for the treatment of COVID-19. Using the scaffold hopping strategy, we identified a potent inhibitor of 3CLpro (3a) that contains a thiocyanate moiety as a novel warhead that can form a covalent bond with Cys145 of the protein. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and X-ray crystallography confirmed the mechanism of covalent formation between 3a and the protein in its catalytic pocket. Moreover, several analogues of compound 3a were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 3h shows the best inhibition of 3CLpro with an IC50 of 0.322 μM and a kinact/Ki value of 1669.34 M-1 s-1, and it exhibits good target selectivity for 3CLpro against host proteases. Compound 3c inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells (EC50 = 2.499 μM) with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 200 μM). These studies provide ideas and insights to explore and develop new 3CLpro inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxuan Ren
- School of Life Science and Technology, and Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianqing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoqin Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Changyue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xianglei Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, and Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shiwei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, and Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, and Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yue Yin
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Fang Bai
- School of Life Science and Technology, and Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
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9
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Zhu M, Dagah OMA, Silaa BB, Lu J. Thioredoxin/Glutaredoxin Systems and Gut Microbiota in NAFLD: Interplay, Mechanism, and Therapeutical Potential. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1680. [PMID: 37759983 PMCID: PMC10525532 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common clinical disease, and its pathogenesis is closely linked to oxidative stress and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Recently accumulating evidence indicates that the thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems, the two thiol-redox dependent antioxidant systems, are the key players in the NAFLD's development and progression. However, the effects of gut microbiota dysbiosis on the liver thiol-redox systems are not well clarified. This review explores the role and mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by bacteria in NAFLD while emphasizing the crucial interplay between gut microbiota dysbiosis and Trx mediated-redox regulation. The paper explores how dysbiosis affects the production of specific gut microbiota metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids, bile acid, and alcohol. These metabolites, in turn, significantly impact liver inflammation, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and cellular damage through thiol-dependent redox signaling. It suggests that comprehensive approaches targeting both gut microbiota dysbiosis and the thiol-redox antioxidant system are essential for effectively preventing and treating NAFLD. Overall, comprehending the intricate relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and thiol-redox systems in NAFLD holds significant promise in enhancing patient outcomes and fostering the development of innovative therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jun Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education (Southwest University), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (M.Z.); (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.)
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10
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Li Y, Kolasinski KW, Zare RN. Silica particles convert thiol-containing molecules to disulfides. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304735120. [PMID: 37590411 PMCID: PMC10450441 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304735120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic amorphous silica is a common food additive and a popular cosmetic ingredient. Mesoporous silica particles are also widely studied for their potential use in drug delivery and imaging applications because of their unique properties, such as tunable pore sizes, large surfaces areas, and assumed biocompatibility. Such a nanomaterial, when consisting of pure silicon dioxide, is generally considered to be chemically inert, but in this study, we showed that oxidation yields for different compounds were facilitated by simply incubating aqueous solutions with pure silica particles. Three thiol-containing molecules, L-cysteine, glutathione, and D-penicillamine, were studied separately, and it was found that more than 95% of oxidation happened after incubating any of these compounds with mesoporous silica particles in the dark for a day at room temperature. Oxidation increased over incubation time, and more oxidation was found for particles having larger surface areas. For nonporous silica particles at submicron ranges, yields of oxidation were different based on the structures of molecules, correlating with steric hindrance while accessing surfaces. We propose that the silyloxy radical (SiO•) on silica surfaces is what facilitates oxidation. Density functional theory calculations were conducted for total energy changes for reactions between different aqueous species and silicon dioxide surfaces. These calculations identified two most plausible pathways of the lowest energy to generate SiO• radicals from water radical cations H2O•+ and hydroxyl radicals •OH, previously known to exist at water interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | | | - Richard N. Zare
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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11
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Sun M, Wu C, Liu L, Gu L, Wang Z, Xu F, Zhu D. Interplay between the renin angiotensin system and oxidative stress contributes to alcohol addiction by stimulating dopamine accumulation in the mesolimbic pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115578. [PMID: 37137415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has recently been implicated in the development of substance abuse and addiction. However, the integrative roles of the two counter-regulating RAS arms, including the ACE1/Ang II/AT1R axis and the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis, in alcohol addiction remain unclear. Using the 20% ethanol intermittent-access two-bottle-choice (IA2BC) paradigm, we observed significant alcohol preference and addictive behaviors in rats. Additionally, we observed significant disruption in the RAS and redox homeostasis in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), as indicated by upregulation of ACE1 activities, Ang II levels, AT1R expression, and glutathione disulfide contents, as well as downregulation of ACE2 activities, Ang(1-7) levels, MasR expression and glutathione content. Moreover, dopamine accumulated in the VTA and nucleus accumbens of IA2BC rats. Intra-VTA infusion of the antioxidant tempol substantially attenuated RAS imbalance and addictive behaviors. Intra-VTA infusion of the ACE1 inhibitor captopril significantly reduced oxidative stress, alcohol preference, addictive behaviors, and dopamine accumulation, whereas intra-VTA infusion of the ACE2 inhibitor MLN4760 had the opposite effects. The anti-addictive effects of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis were further observed using intra-VTA infusion of Ang(1-7) and a MasR-specific antagonist A779. Therefore, our findings suggest that excessive alcohol intake causes RAS imbalance via oxidative stress, and that a dysregulated RAS in the VTA contributes to alcohol addiction by stimulating oxidative stress and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Breaking the vicious cycle of RAS imbalance and oxidative stress using brain-permeable antioxidants, ACE1 inhibitors, ACE2 activators, or Ang(1-7) mimetics thus represents a promising strategy for combating alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China; Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, PR China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, PR China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, PR China
| | - Liang Gu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Donglin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China.
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12
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Jobson J, Tsegay PS, Beltran MT, Taher EA, Rein SR, Liu Y, Rein KS. Brevetoxin induces a shift in the redox state of the proteome and unfolded protein response in human lymphoblast cells that can be alleviated with the acrolein scavenger MESNA. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104137. [PMID: 37127110 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Human lymphoblast cells were treated with the marine algal toxin, brevetoxin-2 (PbTx-2), and its effects on the proteome were assessed by redox proteomics using cysteine reactive tandem mass tags (TMT). Additionally, cells were simultaneously treated with PbTx-2 and the antioxidant and acrolein scavenger sodium 2-mercaptoethylsulfonate (MESNA) to determine if MESNA could prevent the proteomic effects of brevetoxin-2. A massive shift in the redox state of the proteome of brevetoxin-2 treated cells was observed. The main pathway affected was genetic information processing. Significantly oxidized proteins included Trx-1, peroxyredoxins (Prxs), ribosomal proteins, and the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 β subunit (eIF2β). Proteins that were overexpressed in brevetoxin-treated cells included four folding chaperones. These effects were diminished in the presence of MESNA indicating that MESNA may act through its antioxidant properties or as a brevetoxin scavenger. These studies provide novel insights into new prophylactics for brevetoxicosis in humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Jobson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Pawlos S Tsegay
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Mayra Tabares Beltran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Eman A Taher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Samuel R Rein
- The School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Kathleen S Rein
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; Current address: The Water School, Department of Marine and Earth Science and Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL 33965.
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13
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Gomes DG, Debiasi TV, Pelegrino MT, Pereira RM, Ondrasek G, Batista BL, Seabra AB, Oliveira HC. Soil Treatment with Nitric Oxide-Releasing Chitosan Nanoparticles Protects the Root System and Promotes the Growth of Soybean Plants under Copper Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11233245. [PMID: 36501285 PMCID: PMC9740903 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The nanoencapsulation of nitric oxide (NO) donors is an attractive technique to protect these molecules from rapid degradation, expanding, and enabling their use in agriculture. Here, we evaluated the effect of the soil application of chitosan nanoparticles containing S-nitroso-MSA (a S-nitrosothiol) on the protection of soybeans (Glycine max cv. BRS 257) against copper (Cu) stress. Soybeans were grown in a greenhouse in soil supplemented with 164 and 244 mg kg-1 Cu and treated with a free or nanoencapsulated NO donor at 1 mM, as well as with nanoparticles without NO. There were also soybean plants treated with distilled water and maintained in soil without Cu addition (control), and with Cu addition (water). The exogenous application of the nanoencapsulated and free S-nitroso-MSA improved the growth and promoted the maintenance of the photosynthetic activity in Cu-stressed plants. However, only the nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA increased the bioavailability of NO in the roots, providing a more significant induction of the antioxidant activity, the attenuation of oxidative damage, and a greater capacity to mitigate the root nutritional imbalance triggered by Cu stress. The results suggest that the nanoencapsulation of the NO donors enables a more efficient delivery of NO for the protection of soybean plants under Cu stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego G. Gomes
- Department of Agronomy, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
- Correspondence: (D.G.G.); (H.C.O.)
| | - Tatiane V. Debiasi
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Milena T. Pelegrino
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, Saint Andrew 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M. Pereira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, Saint Andrew 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Gabrijel Ondrasek
- Department of Soil Amelioration, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bruno L. Batista
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, Saint Andrew 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Amedea B. Seabra
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, Saint Andrew 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Halley C. Oliveira
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
- Correspondence: (D.G.G.); (H.C.O.)
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14
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Altered peripheral factors affecting the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of oral medicines in Alzheimer's disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114282. [PMID: 35421522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has traditionally been considered solely a neurological condition. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to identify the existence of pathophysiological changes affecting the brain and the blood-brain barrier in individuals with AD. Such studies have provided invaluable insight into possible changes to the central nervous system exposure of drugs prescribed to individuals with AD. However, there is now increasing recognition that extra-neurological systems may also be affected in AD, such as the small intestine, liver, and kidneys. Examination of these peripheral pathophysiological changes is now a burgeoning area of scientific research, owing to the potential impact of these changes on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs used for both AD and other concomitant conditions in this population. The purpose of this review is to identify and summarise available literature reporting alterations to key organs influencing the pharmacokinetics of drugs, with any changes to the small intestine, liver, kidney, and circulatory system on the ADME of drugs described. By assessing studies in both rodent models of AD and samples from humans with AD, this review highlights possible dosage adjustment requirements for both AD and non-AD drugs so as to ensure the achievement of optimum pharmacotherapy in individuals with AD.
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15
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Reaction of N-Acetylcysteine with Cu 2+: Appearance of Intermediates with High Free Radical Scavenging Activity: Implications for Anti-/Pro-Oxidant Properties of Thiols. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116199. [PMID: 35682881 PMCID: PMC9181168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the kinetics of the reaction of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC or RSH) with cupric ions at an equimolar ratio of the reactants in aqueous acid solution (pH 1.4−2) using UV/Vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. Cu2+ showed a strong catalytic effect on the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical (ABTSr) consumption and autoxidation of NAC. Difference spectra revealed the formation of intermediates with absorption maxima at 233 and 302 nm (ε302/Cu > 8 × 103 M−1 cm−1) and two positive Cotton effects centered at 284 and 302 nm. These intermediates accumulate during the first, O2-independent, phase of the NAC autoxidation. The autocatalytic production of another chiral intermediate, characterized by two positive Cotton effects at 280 and 333 nm and an intense negative one at 305 nm, was observed in the second reaction phase. The intermediates are rapidly oxidized by added ABTSr; otherwise, they are stable for hours in the reaction solution, undergoing a slow pH- and O2-dependent photosensitive decay. The kinetic and spectral data are consistent with proposed structures of the intermediates as disulfide-bridged dicopper(I) complexes of types cis-/trans-CuI2(RS)2(RSSR) and CuI2(RSSR)2. The electronic transitions observed in the UV/Vis and CD spectra are tentatively attributed to Cu(I) → disulfide charge transfer with an interaction of the transition dipole moments (exciton coupling). The catalytic activity of the intermediates as potential O2 activators via Cu(II) peroxo-complexes is discussed. A mechanism for autocatalytic oxidation of Cu(I)−thiolates promoted by a growing electronically coupled −[CuI2(RSSR)]n− polymer is suggested. The obtained results are in line with other reported observations regarding copper-catalyzed autoxidation of thiols and provide new insight into these complicated, not yet fully understood systems. The proposed hypotheses point to the importance of the Cu(I)−disulfide interaction, which may have a profound impact on biological systems.
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16
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Functionalized Mesoporous Silica as Doxorubicin Carriers and Cytotoxicity Boosters. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12111823. [PMID: 35683677 PMCID: PMC9182127 DOI: 10.3390/nano12111823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) bearing methyl, thiol or glucose groups were synthesized, and their encapsulation and release behaviors for the anticancer drug Doxorubicin (Dox) were investigated in comparison with nonporous homologous materials. The chemical modification of thiol-functional silica with a double bond glucoside was completed for the first time, by green thiol-ene photoaddition. The MSNs were characterized in terms of structure (FT-IR, Raman), morphology (TEM), porosity (nitrogen sorption–desorption) and Zeta potential measurements. The physical interactions responsible for the Dox encapsulation were investigated by analytic methods and MD simulations, and were correlated with the high loading efficiency of MSNs with thiol and glucose groups. High release at pH 5 was observed in most cases, with thiol-MSN exhibiting 98.25% cumulative release in sustained profile. At pH 7.4, the glucose-MSN showed 75.4% cumulative release, while the methyl-MSN exhibited a sustained release trend. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on NDHF, MeWo and HeLa cell lines by CellTiter-Glo assay, revealing strong cytotoxic effects in all of the loaded silica at low equivalent Dox concentration and selectivity for cancer cells. Atypical applications of each MSN as intravaginal, topical or oral Dox administration route could be proposed.
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17
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Kaya C, Walter I, Alhayek A, Shafiei R, Jézéquel G, Andreas A, Konstantinović J, Schönauer E, Sikandar A, Haupenthal J, Müller R, Brandstetter H, Hartmann RW, Hirsch AK. Structure-Based Design of α-Substituted Mercaptoacetamides as Inhibitors of the Virulence Factor LasB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1010-1021. [PMID: 35451824 PMCID: PMC9112332 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Antivirulence therapy
has become a widely applicable method for
fighting infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Among
the many virulence factors produced by the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, elastase (LasB) stands out
as an important target as it plays a pivotal role in the invasion
of the host tissue and evasion of the immune response. In this work,
we explored the recently reported LasB inhibitor class of α-benzyl-N-aryl mercaptoacetamides by exploiting the crystal structure
of one of the compounds. Our exploration yielded inhibitors that maintained
inhibitory activity, selectivity, and increased hydrophilicity. These
inhibitors were found to reduce the pathogenicity of the bacteria
and to maintain the integrity of lung and skin cells in the diseased
state. Furthermore, two most promising compounds increased the survival
rate of Galleria mellonella larvae
treated with P. aeruginosa culture
supernatant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Kaya
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Isabell Walter
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alaa Alhayek
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Roya Shafiei
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Gwenaëlle Jézéquel
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anastasia Andreas
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jelena Konstantinović
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Esther Schönauer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße, 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Asfandyar Sikandar
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Campus E 8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße, 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Rolf W. Hartmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anna K.H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)─Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Campus E 8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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18
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Barth MC, Lange S, Häfner N, Ueberschaar N, Görls H, Runnebaum IB, Weigand W. Synthesis and characterization of thiocarbonato-linked platinum(IV) complexes. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:5567-5576. [PMID: 35311885 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00318j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein we show the formation of new oxaliplatin-based platinum(IV) complexes by reaction with DSC-activated thiols via thiocarbonate linkage. Three model complexes based on aliphatic and aromatic thiols, as well as one complex with N-acetylcysteine as biologically active thiol were synthesized. This synthetic strategy affords the expansion of biologically active compounds other than those containing carboxylic, amine or hydroxy groups for coupling to the platinum(IV) center. The complexes were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 195Pt) and elemental analysis. Their biological behavior was evaluated against two ovarian carcinoma cell lines and their cisplatin-resistant analogues. Remarkably, the platinum(IV) samples show modest in vitro cytotoxicity against A2780 cells and comparable effects against A2780cis cells. Two complexes in particular demonstrate improved activity against SKOV3cis cells. The reduction experiment of complex 8, investigated by UHPLC-HRMS, provides evidence of interesting platinum-species formed during reaction with ascorbic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Barth
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Lange
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Norman Häfner
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Nico Ueberschaar
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Helmar Görls
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Ingo B Runnebaum
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Weigand
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Mustafa M, Winum JY. The importance of sulfur-containing motifs in drug design and discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:501-512. [PMID: 35193437 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2044783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sulfur-containing functional groups are privileged motifs that occur in various pharmacologically effective substances and several natural products. Various functionalities are found with a sulfur atom at diverse oxidation states, as illustrated by thioether, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfonamide, sulfamate, and sulfamide functions. They are valuable scaffolds in the field of medicinal chemistry and are part of a large array of approved drugs and clinical candidates. AREA COVERED Herein, the authors review the current research on the development of organosulfur-based drug discovery. This article also covers details of their roles in the new lead compounds reported in the literature over the past five years 2017-2021. EXPERT OPINION Given its prominent role in medicinal chemistry and its importance in drug discovery, sulfur has attracted continuing interest and has been used in the design of various valuable compounds that demonstrate a variety of biological and pharmacological feature activities. Overall, sulfur's role in medicinal chemistry continues to grow. However, many sulfur functionalities remain underused in small-molecule drug discovery and deserve special attention in the armamentarium for treating diverse diseases. Research efforts are also still required for the development of a synthetic methodology for direct access to these functions and late-stage functionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Mustafa
- IBMM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya Unuversity, Minia, Egypt
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20
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Lasso JD, Castillo-Pazos DJ, Li CJ. Green chemistry meets medicinal chemistry: a perspective on modern metal-free late-stage functionalization reactions. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:10955-10982. [PMID: 34382989 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00380a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The progress of drug discovery and development is paced by milestones reached in organic synthesis. In the last decade, the advent of late-stage functionalization (LSF) reactions has represented a valuable breakthrough. Recent literature has defined these reactions as the chemoselective modification of complex molecules by means of C-H functionalization or the manipulation of endogenous functional groups. Traditionally, these diversifications have been accomplished by organometallic means. However, the presence of metals carries disadvantages related to their cost, environmental hazard and health risks. Fundamentally, green chemistry directives can help minimize such hazards through the development of metal-free LSF methodologies. In this review, we expand the current discussion on metal-free LSF reactions by providing an overview of C(sp2)-H, and C(sp3)-H functionalizations, as well as the utilization of heteroatom-containing functional groups as chemical handles. Selected topics such as metal-free cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reactions, organocatalysis, electrochemistry and photochemistry are also discussed. By writing the first review on metal-free LSF methodologies, we aim to highlight current advances in the field with examples that reveal specific challenges and solutions, as well as future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Lasso
- Department of Chemistry, FRQNT Centre for Green Chemistry and Catalysis, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.
| | - Durbis J Castillo-Pazos
- Department of Chemistry, FRQNT Centre for Green Chemistry and Catalysis, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.
| | - Chao-Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry, FRQNT Centre for Green Chemistry and Catalysis, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.
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Rochette L, Ghibu S. Mechanics Insights of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against Cardiovascular Diseases during COVID-19 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7979. [PMID: 34360751 PMCID: PMC8348748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. Since then, COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide and was declared a global pandemic on 20 March 2020. Cardiovascular complications are rapidly emerging as a major peril in COVID-19 in addition to respiratory disease. The mechanisms underlying the excessive effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on patients with cardiovascular comorbidities remain only partly understood. SARS-CoV-2 infection is caused by binding of the viral surface spike (S) protein to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), followed by the activation of the S protein by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). ACE2 is expressed in the lung (mainly in type II alveolar cells), heart, blood vessels, small intestine, etc., and appears to be the predominant portal to the cellular entry of the virus. Based on current information, most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus have a good prognosis, while a few patients reach critical condition, especially the elderly and those with chronic underlying diseases. The "cytokine storm" observed in patients with severe COVID-19 contributes to the destruction of the endothelium, leading to "acute respiratory distress syndrome" (ARDS), multiorgan failure, and death. At the origin of the general proinflammatory state may be the SARS-CoV-2-mediated redox status in endothelial cells via the upregulation of ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptors pathway or the increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production. Furthermore, this vicious circle between oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation induces endothelial dysfunction, endothelial senescence, high risk of thrombosis and coagulopathy. The microvascular dysfunction and the formation of microthrombi in a way differentiate the SARS-CoV-2 infection from the other respiratory diseases and bring it closer to cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. Due the role played by OS in the evolution of viral infection and in the development of COVID-19 complications, the use of antioxidants as adjuvant therapy seems appropriate in this new pathology. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) could be a promising candidate that, through its wide tissue distribution and versatile antioxidant properties, interferes with several signaling pathways. Thus, ALA improves endothelial function by restoring the endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and presents an anti-inflammatory effect dependent or independent of its antioxidant properties. By improving mitochondrial function, it can sustain the tissues' homeostasis in critical situation and by enhancing the reduced glutathione it could indirectly strengthen the immune system. This complex analysis could open a new therapeutic perspective for ALA in COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Rochette
- Equipe d’Accueil (EA 7460), Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie Cérébro-Cardiovasculaires (PEC2), Faculté des Sciences de Santé, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, 21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Steliana Ghibu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, de Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:967. [PMID: 34208683 PMCID: PMC8234027 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medicine widely used to treat paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic compound. It has a well-established safety profile, and its toxicity is uncommon and dependent on the route of administration and high dosages. Its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity is the biochemical basis used to treat several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. The primary role of NAC as an antioxidant stems from its ability to increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH), which is the most crucial biothiol responsible for cellular redox imbalance. As an anti-inflammatory compound, NAC can reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) by suppressing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Despite NAC's relevant therapeutic potential, in several experimental studies, its effectiveness in clinical trials, addressing different pathological conditions, is still limited. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the medicinal effects and applications of NAC to human health based on current therapeutic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nayara Gomes Graciliano
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil; (N.G.G.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Fabiana Andréa Moura
- College of Nutrition, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil;
- College of Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Alane Cabral Menezes de Oliveira
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil; (N.G.G.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
- College of Nutrition, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil;
| | - Marília Oliveira Fonseca Goulart
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil;
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil; (N.G.G.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
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Simultaneous Determination of Human Serum Albumin and Low-Molecular-Weight Thiols after Derivatization with Monobromobimane. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113321. [PMID: 34205933 PMCID: PMC8198679 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biothiols are extremely powerful antioxidants that protect cells against the effects of oxidative stress. They are also considered relevant disease biomarkers, specifically risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In this paper, a new procedure for the simultaneous determination of human serum albumin and low-molecular-weight thiols in plasma is described. The method is based on the pre-column derivatization of analytes with a thiol-specific fluorescence labeling reagent, monobromobimane, followed by separation and quantification through reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (excitation, 378 nm; emission, 492 nm). Prior to the derivatization step, the oxidized thiols are converted to their reduced forms by reductive cleavage with sodium borohydride. Linearity in the detector response for total thiols was observed in the following ranges: 1.76–30.0 mg mL−1 for human serum albumin, 0.29–5.0 nmol mL−1 for α-lipoic acid, 1.16–35 nmol mL−1 for glutathione, 9.83–450.0 nmol mL−1 for cysteine, 0.55–40.0 nmol mL−1 for homocysteine, 0.34–50.0 nmol mL−1 for N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and 1.45–45.0 nmol mL−1 for cysteinylglycine. Recovery values of 85.16–119.48% were recorded for all the analytes. The developed method is sensitive, repeatable, and linear within the expected ranges of total thiols. The devised procedure can be applied to plasma samples to monitor biochemical processes in various pathophysiological states.
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Abstract
Arsenic (As) is widely used in the modern industry, especially in the production of pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, and semiconductors. The sources of As such as contaminated water, air, soil, but also food, can cause serious human diseases. The complex mechanism of As toxicity in the human body is associated with the generation of free radicals and the induction of oxidative damage in the cell. One effective strategy in reducing the toxic effects of As is the usage of chelating agents, which provide the formation of inert chelator–metal complexes with their further excretion from the body. This review discusses different aspects of the use of metal chelators, alone or in combination, in the treatment of As poisoning. Consideration is given to the therapeutic effect of thiol chelators such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate, 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, penicillamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and other recent agents against As toxicity. The review also considers the possible role of flavonoids, trace elements, and herbal drugs as promising natural chelating and detoxifying agents.
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