Interaction studies of oxindole-derivatives with β-amyloid peptides inhibiting its aggregation induced by metal ions

Some hydrazones and Schiff bases derived from isatin, an endogenous oxindole formed in the metabolism of tryptophan, were obtained to investigate their effects on in vitro aggregation of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ), macromolecules implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Some hydrazone ligands, prepared by condensation reactions of isatin with hydrazine derivatives, showed a large affinity binding to the synthetic peptides Aβ, particularly to Aβ1-16. Measurements by NMR spectroscopy indicated that those interactions occur mainly at the metal binding site of the peptide, involving His6, His13, and His14 residues, and that hydrazone E-diastereoisomer interacts preferentially with the amyloid peptides. Experimental results were consistent with simulations using a docking approach, where it is demonstrated that the amino acid residues Glu3, His6, His13, and His14 are those that mostly interact with the ligands. Further, these oxindole-derived ligands can efficiently chelate copper(II) and zinc(II) ions, forming moderate stable [ML] 1:1 species. The corresponding formation constants were determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy, by titrations of the ligands with increasing amounts of metal salts, and the obtained log K values were in the range 2.74 to 5.11. Both properties, good affinity for amyloid peptides, and reasonably good capacity of chelating biometal ions, like copper and zinc, can explain the efficient inhibition of Aβ fragments aggregation, as shown by experiments carried out with the oxindole derivatives in the presence of metal ions.

A new strategy for improving cytotoxicity of a copper complex toward metastatic melanoma cells unveiled by EPR spectroscopy†

A novel strategy of improving cytotoxicity against metastatic melanoma cells using an oxindolimine copper(ii) complex immobilized and dimerized on a modified Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) matrix was developed, as revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. An assured correlation between continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed EPR spectroscopies provided a complete characterization of the actual active species, its coordination environment, as well as the efficiency/selectivity of the bioconjugate materials.

An oxindolimine-copper(ii) complex with antitumor properties was immobilized in a silica matrix, and verified to be more active and selective due the formation of a dinuclear species, unveiled by continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy.

A bioinspired nitrone precursor to a stabilized nitroxide radical

Nitrones derived from natural antioxidants are emerging as highly specific therapeutics against various human diseases, including stroke, neurodegenerative pathologies, and cancer. However, the development of useful pseudo-natural nitrones requires the judicious choice of a secondary metabolite as the precursor. Betalains are nitrogen-containing natural pigments that exhibit marked antioxidant capacity and pharmacological properties and, hence, are ideal candidates for designing multifunctional nitrones. In this work, we describe the semisynthesis and properties of a biocompatible and antioxidant betalain-nitrone called OxiBeet. This bio-based compound is a better radical scavenger than ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and most non-phenolic antioxidants and undergoes concerted proton-coupled electron transfer. The autoxidation of OxiBeet produces a persistent nitroxide radical, which, herein, is studied via electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that excited state formation is not required for the oxidation of OxiBeet. The results are compared with those obtained using betanin, a natural betalain, and pBeet, the imine analog of OxiBeet. The findings of this study will enable the development of antioxidant and spin-trap nitrones based on the novel N-oxide 1,7-diazaheptamethinium scaffold and betalain dyes with enhanced hydrolytic stability in aqueous alkaline media.

Multivariate probing of antitumor metal-based complexes damage on living cells through Raman imaging

Intracellular modifications caused by two metal-based antitumor compounds were assessed by confocal Raman imaging assisted by multivariate curve resolution method, a very powerful deconvolution tool that can be used to extract the characteristic spectral profile of the individual or "purest" components from an image dataset. The use of this Raman methodology has the advantage of being non-invasive and totally label-free. Four main different intracellular processes were observed under the Raman imaging and multivariate approach combination, and even, significant differences could be identified between the treatments with both metallodrugs. Leakage of the nucleus and nucleolus content into the cytoplasm, along with releasing of cytochrome c were observed for the treatment with the Cu-based complex. At the same time, changes of hydrogen-bonding network were also evidenced, indicating an apoptotic cellular death process, consistent with complementary Total Reflection X-Ray fluorescence (TXRF) and fluorescence experiments attesting mitochondria and DNA as main targets after uptake of the complex by cells. For treatment with the Zn-based complex, changes associated with cytochrome c were not detected, neither a rapid leakage of nucleus content upon 24 h treatment. The hydrogen-bonding network also followed a quite different pattern, suggesting that with this metallodrug, the cellular death follows a different mechanism.

Cobalt-based layered double hydroxides revisited: evidence for oxidizing radical generation

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing transition metal elements such as cobalt show interesting reactivity related to the complexity of cobalt chemistry.

Functionalized nanoparticles as adjuvant to increase the cytotoxicity of metallodrugs toward tumor cells

Silica nanoparticles increasing the cytotoxicity of copper(ii) and zinc(ii) metallodrugs.

In vitroexperiments and infrared spectroscopy analysis of acid and alkaline phosphatase inhibition by vanadium complexes

Two oxidovanadium complexes with 4-aminobenzoic acid and/or the peroxo anion as ligands were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, TGA/DTA,¹H NMR, EPR, FTIR, and UV/vis spectroscopies.

Design, syntheses, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies of novel heterobinuclear oxindolimine copper(II)-platinum(II) complexes

Herein, the design and syntheses of two new mononuclear oxindolimine-copper(II) (1 and 2) and corresponding heterobinuclear oxindolimine Cu(II)Pt(II) complexes (3 and 4), are described. All the isolated complexes were characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV/Vis, IR, EPR), in addition to elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements showed that in all cases, one-electron quasi-reversible waves were observed, and ascribed to the formation of corresponding copper(I) complexes. Additionally, waves related to oxindolimine ligand reduction was verified, and confirmed using analogous oxindolimine-Zn(II) complexes. The Pt(IV/II) reduction, and corresponding oxidation, for complexes 3 and 4 occurred at very close values to those observed for cisplatin. By complementary fluorescence studies, it was shown that glutathione (GSH) cannot reduce any of these complexes, under the experimental conditions (room temperature, phosphate buffer 50mM, pH7.4), using an excess of 20-fold [GSH]. All these complexes showed characteristic EPR spectral profile, with parameters values g_ǁ>g_⊥ suggesting an axially distorted environment around the copper(II) center. Interactions with calf thymus-DNA, monitored by circular dichroism (CD), indicated different effects modulated by the ligands. Finally, the cytotoxicity of each complex was tested toward different tumor cells, in comparison to cisplatin, and low values of IC₅₀ in the range 0.6 to 4.0μM were obtained, after 24 or 48h incubation at 37°C. The obtained results indicate that such complexes can be promising alternative antitumor agents.

Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase CDK1 by oxindolimine ligands and corresponding copper and zinc complexes

Oxindolimine-copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes that previously have shown to induce apoptosis, with DNA and mitochondria as main targets, exhibit here significant inhibition of kinase CDK1/cyclin B protein. Copper species are more active than the corresponding zinc, and the free ligand shows to be less active, indicating a major influence of coordination in the process, and a further modulation by the coordinated ligand. Molecular docking and classical molecular dynamics provide a better understanding of the effectiveness and kinase inhibition mechanism by these compounds, showing that the metal complex provides a stronger interaction than the free ligand with the ATP-binding site. The metal ion introduces charge in the oxindole species, giving it a more rigid conformation that then becomes more effective in its interactions with the protein active site. Analogous experiments resulted in no significant effect regarding phosphatase inhibition. These results can explain the cytotoxicity of these metal complexes towards different tumor cells, in addition to its capability of binding to DNA, and decreasing membrane potential of mitochondria.

In vitro studies of the activity of dithiocarbamate organoruthenium complexes against clinically relevant fungal pathogens

The in vitro antifungal activity of nine dirutheniumpentadithiocarbamate complexes C1-C9 was investigated and assessed for its activity against four different fungal species with clinical interest and related to invasive fungal infections (IFIs), such as Candida spp. [C. albicans (two clinical isolates), C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsolisis, C. tropicalis, C.dubliniensis (six clinical isolates)], Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (seven clinical isolates), Cryptococcus neoformans and Sporothrix schenckii. All synthesized complexes C1-C9 and also the free ligands L1-L9 were submitted to in vitro tests against those fungi and the results are very promising, since some of the obtained MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values were very low (from 10-6 mol mL-1 to 10-8 mol mL-1) against all investigated clinically relevant fungal pathogens, except for C. glabrata, that the MIC values are close to the ones obtained for fluconazole, the standard antifungal agent tested. Preliminary structure-activity relations (SAR) might be suggested and a strong influence from steric and lipophilic parameters in the antifungal activity can be noticed. Cytotoxicity assays (IC50) showed that the complexes are not as toxic (IC50 values are much higher-30 to 200 fold-than MIC values). These ruthenium complexes are very promising lead compounds for novel antifungal drug development, especially in IFIs, one of most harmful emerging infection diseases (EIDs).

Novel properties of melanins include promotion of DNA strand breaks, impairment of repair, and reduced ability to damage DNA after quenching of singlet oxygen

Melanins have been associated with the development of melanoma and its resistance to photodynamic therapy (PDT). Singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)), which is produced by ultraviolet A solar radiation and the PDT system, is also involved. Here, we investigated the effects that these factors have on DNA damage and repair. Our results show that both types of melanin (eumelanin and pheomelanin) lead to DNA breakage in the absence of light irradiation and that eumelanin is more harmful than pheomelanin. Interestingly, melanins were found to bind to the minor grooves of DNA, guaranteeing close proximity to DNA and potentially causing the observed high levels of strand breaks. We also show that the interaction of melanins with DNA can impair the access of repair enzymes to lesions, contributing to the perpetuation of DNA damage. Moreover, we found that after melanins interact with (1)O(2), they exhibit a lower ability to induce DNA breakage; we propose that these effects are due to modifications of their structure. Together, our data highlight the different modes of action of the two types of melanin. Our results may have profound implications for cellular redox homeostasis, under conditions of induced melanin synthesis and irradiation with solar light. These results may also be applied to the development of protocols to sensitize melanoma cells to PDT.

Binding of oxindole-Schiff base copper(II) complexes to DNA and its modulation by the ligand

Previous studies on copper(II) complexes with oxindole-Schiff base ligands have shown their potential antitumor activity towards different cells, inducing apoptosis through a preferential attack to DNA and/or mitochondria. Herein, we better characterize the interactions between some of these copper(II) complexes and DNA. Investigations on its binding ability to DNA were carried out by fluorescence measurements in competitive experiments with ethidium bromide, using plasmidial or calf-thymus DNA. These results indicated an efficient binding process similar to that observed with copper(II)-phenanthroline species, [Cu(o-phen)(2)](2+), with binding constants in the range 3 to 9×10(2) M(-1). DNA cleavage experiments in the presence and absence of distamycin, a recognized binder of DNA, indicated that this binding probably occurs at major or minor groove, leading to double-strand DNA cleavage, and being modulated by the imine ligand. Corroborating these data, discrete changes in EPR spectra of the studied complexes were observed in the presence of DNA, while more remarkable changes were observed in the presence of nucleotides (AMP, GMP, CMP or UMP). Additional evidence for preferential coordination of the copper centers to the bases guanine or cytosine was obtained from titrations of these complexes with each nucleotide, monitored by absorption spectral changes. Therefore, the obtained data point out to their action as groove binders to DNA bases, rather than as intercalators or covalent cross-linkers. Further investigations by SDS PAGE using (32)P-ATP or (32)P-oligonucleotides attested that no hydrolysis of phosphate linkage in DNA or RNA occurs, in the presence of such complexes, confirming their main oxidative mechanism of action.

Di-imine copper(II) complexes as redox mediator and modulator in 2-deoxy-D-ribose oxidative damage

Redox properties of copper complexes are important for their catalytic functions in vitro and in biological systems, and can contribute to their reactivity toward selected targets. In order to evaluate the influence of different ligands on the reactivity of copper ions, comparative studies were carried out with some copper(II) complexes containing a tridentate imine, or a tetradentate di-Schiff base ligand with a mixed pyridine, pyrazine, or imidazole donor set, acting as catalysts in the oxidation of 2-deoxy-D-ribose. Addition of the reducing agent glutathione (gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine; GSH), which can also act as a good ligand for copper(I), mediated the oxidation of the substrate. For some of these compounds, a reductive activation followed by competition for the metal ion was verified, with formation of copper(I)-glutathione complex monitored by fluorescence measurements. For others, however, the reduction of the metal by the glutathione seems to not occur. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the oxidative damage is significantly enhanced for all the complexes tested. Redox potential measurements by cyclic voltammetry corroborated partially these results, indicating that the most reactive complexes are those with more positive redox potential. Evidence for site-specific attack to 2-deoxy-D-ribose was also observed, consistent with the intermediary formation of a copper-hydroxyl species, [LCu(II)(*OH)], rather than 'free' hydroxyl radical.

Investigations of different carbohydrate anomers in copper(II) complexes with d-glucose, d-fructose, and d-galactose by Raman and EPR spectroscopy

With the aim of verifying different carbohydrate anomers coordinated to copper(II) ions, some copper(II) complexes with D-glucose (Glc), D-fructose (Fru), and D-galactose (Gal) were prepared and investigated by spectroscopic techniques. Their compositions were verified by elemental, ICP-AES and thermal analyses, in addition to conductivity measurements. The compounds isolated were consistent with the formula Na2[Cu2(carbohydrate)3].8H2O and Na[Cu2(carbohydrate)3].6H2O for the aldoses Glc and Gal, respectively, and Na2[Cu3(carbohydrate)4].8H2O in the case of the ketose, Fru. EPR spectra of these solids showed a rhombic environment around the metal center and suggested the presence of different anomers of the carbohydrates in each case. By Raman spectroscopy, it was possible to verify the predominance of the beta anomer of d-glucose in the corresponding copper complex, while in the free ligand the alpha anomer is predominant. In the case of the analogous complex with d-galactose, the spectrum of the complex shows bands of both anomers (alpha and beta) in approximately the same relative intensities as those observed in the isolated free ligand spectrum. On the other hand, for the complex with d-fructose a mixture of both furanose (five-membered ring) and pyranose (six-membered ring) structures was detected with prevalence of the furanose structure. Based on variations in the relative intensities of characteristic Raman bands, the binding site for copper in the fructose ligand was identified as most likely the 1-CH2OH and the anomeric 1-OH, while in beta-D-glucose it is presumably the anomeric 1-OH and the O-5 atom. These results indicated that EPR and Raman spectroscopy are suitable supporting techniques for the characterization of carbohydrate anomers coordinated to paramagnetic ions.