Palindromic carbazole derivatives: unveiling their antiproliferative effect via topoisomerase II catalytic inhibition and apoptosis induction

Human DNA topoisomerases are essential for crucial cellular processes, including DNA replication, transcription, chromatin condensation, and maintenance of its structure. One of the significant strategies employed in cancer treatment involves the inhibition of a specific type of topoisomerase, known as topoisomerase II (Topo II). Carbazole derivatives, recognised for their varied biological activities, have recently become a significant focus in oncological research. This study assesses the efficacy of three symmetrically substituted carbazole derivatives: 2,7-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole (27a), 3,6-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole (36a), and 3,6-Di(2-thienyl)-9H-carbazole (36b) - as anticancer agents. Among investigated carbazole derivatives, compound 3,6-di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole bearing two furan moieties emerged as a novel catalytic inhibitor of Topo II. Notably, 3,6-di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole effectively selectively inhibited the relaxation and decatenation activities of Topo IIα, with minimal effects on the IIβ isoform. These findings underscore the potential of compound 3,6-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole as a promising lead candidate warranting further investigation in the realm of anticancer drug development.

Targeting yeast topoisomerase II by imidazo and triazoloacridinone derivatives resulting in their antifungal activity

Fungal pathogens are considered as serious factors for deadly diseases and are a case of medical concern. Invasive fungal infections also complicate the clinical course of COVID-19, leading to a significant increase in mortality. Furthermore, fungal strains' multidrug resistance has increased the demand for antifungals with a different mechanism of action. The present study aimed to identify antifungal compounds targeting yeast topoisomerase II (yTOPOII) derived from well-known human topoisomerase II (hTOPOII) poisons C-1305 and C-1311. Two sets of derivatives: triazoloacridinones (IKE1-8) and imidazoacridinones (IKE9-14) were synthetized and evaluated with a specific emphasis on the molecular mechanism of action. Our results indicated that their effectiveness as enzyme inhibitors was not solely due to intercalation ability but also as a result of influence on catalytic activity by the formation of covalent complexes between plasmid DNA and yTOPOII. Lysine conjunction increased the strength of the compound's interaction with DNA and improved penetration into the fungal cells. Triazoloacridinone derivatives in contrast to starting compound C-1305 exhibited moderate antifungal activity and at least twice lower cytotoxicity. Importantly, compounds (IKE5-8) were not substrates for multidrug ABC transporters whereas a derivative conjugated with lysine (IKE7), showed the ability to overcome C. glabrata fluconazole-resistance (MIC 32-64 µg mL-1).

Anticancer Study on IrIII and RhIII Half-Sandwich Complexes with the Bipyridylsulfonamide Ligand

Organometallic half-sandwich complexes [(η5-Cp)IrCl(L)]PF6 (1) and [(η5-Cp)RhCl(L)]PF6 (2) were prepared using pentamethylcyclopentadienyl chloride dimers of iridium(III) or rhodium(III) with the 4-amino-N-(2,2'-bipyridin-5-yl)benzenesulfonamide ligand (L) and ammonium hexafluorophosphate. The crystal structures of L, 1, and 2 were analyzed in detail. The coordination reactions of the ligand with the central ions were confirmed using various spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, the interactions between sulfaligand, Ir(III), and Rh(III) complexes with carbonic anhydrase (CA), human serum albumin (HSA), and CT-DNA were investigated. The iridium(III) complex (1) did not show any antiproliferative properties against four different cancer cell lines, i.e., nonsmall cell lung cancer A549, colon cancer HCT-116, breast cancer MCF7, lymphoblastic leukemia Nalm-6, and a nonmalignant human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293, due to high binding affinity to GSH. The sulfonamide ligand (L) and rhodium(III) complex (2) were further studied. L showed competitive inhibition toward CA, while complexes 1 and 2, uncompetitive. All compounds interacted with HSA, causing a conformational change in the protein's α-helical structure, suggesting the induction of a more open conformation in HSA, reducing its biological activity. Both L and 2 were found to induce cell death through a caspase-dependent pathway. These findings position L and 2 as potential starting compounds for pharmaceutical, therapeutic, or medicinal research.

Ru(II) Oxygen Sensors for Co(III) Complexes and Amphotericin B Antifungal Activity Detection by Phosphorescence Optical Respirometry

The measurement of oxygen consumption is an important element in the understanding of an organism's metabolic state. Oxygen is also a phosphorescence quencher, which allows the evaluation of phosphorescence emitted by oxygen sensors. Two Ru(II)-based oxygen-sensitive sensors were used to study the effect of chemical compounds [(1) = [CoCl₂(dap)₂]Cl, and (2) = [CoCl₂(en)₂]Cl (AmB = amphotericin B) against reference and clinical strains of Candida albicans. The tris-[(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)] chloride ([Ru(DPP)₃]Cl₂) (Box) adsorbed onto the Davisil^TM silica gel was embedded in the silicone rubber Lactite NuvaSil^® 5091 and the coating on the bottom of 96-well plates. The water-soluble oxygen sensor (BsOx = tris-[(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulphonic acid disodium)ruthenium(II)] chloride 'x' hydrate = {Ru[DPP(SO₃Na)₂]₃}Cl₂ = water molecules were omitted in the BsOx formula) was synthesized and characterized by RP-UHPLC, LCMS, MALDI, elemental analysis, ATR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, and TG/IR techniques. The microbiological studies were performed in the environment of RPMI broth and blood serum. Both Ru(II)-based sensors turned out to be useful in the study of the activity of Co(III) complexes and the commercial antifungal drug amphotericin B. In addition, a new activity of the oxygen sensor, the soluble Ru(II) complex BsOx, was demonstrated, which is a mixture with amphotericin B that caused a significant increase in its antifungal activity. Thus, it is also possible to demonstrate the synergistic effect of compounds active against the microorganisms under study.

Metal-Ion Interactions with Dodecapeptide Fragments of Human Cationic Antimicrobial Protein LL-37 [hCAP(134-170)]

Isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism (CD) techniques, and in silico analysis were used to determine potential metal binding sites in human cationic antimicrobial protein (hCAP) corresponding to overlapping the dodecapeptide sequences of hCAP(134–170) referred to as LL-37. The correct antibacterial action of LL-37 is closely related to its established unique structure. Disturbances in the LL-37 structure (e.g., unwanted presence of metal ions) lead to a radical change in its biological functions. Five fragments of the LL-37 [hCAP(134–170)], namely, hCAP(134–145) (A1), hCAP(140–151) (A2), hCAP(146–157) (A3), hCAP(152–163) (A4), and hCAP(159–170) (A5), were taken into account and their affinity to Mn(II) and Zn(II) ions was rigorously assessed. We prove that only three of the investigated peptides (A1, A2, and A5) are capable of forming thermodynamically stable complexes with metal ions. Additionally, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we propose the most likely coordination modes of metal(II) to peptides as well as discuss the chemical nature of the interactions. Finally, we present the structural features of the strongest binding peptide, hCAP(159–170), responsible for the metal binding. The presented results provide important structural and thermodynamic information to understand the influence of some metal ions on the activity of hCAP(134–170).

Low-Molecular Pyrazine-Based DNA Binders: Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties

Pyrazine and its derivatives are a large group of compounds that exhibit broad biological activity, the changes of which can be easily detected by a substituent effect or a change in the functional group. The present studies combined theoretical research with the density functional theory (DFT) approach (B3LYP/6-311+G**) and experimental (potentiometric and spectrophotometric) analysis for a thorough understanding of the structure of chlorohydrazinopyrazine, its physicochemical and cytotoxic properties, and the site and nature of interaction with DNA. The obtained results indicated that 2-chloro-3-hydrazinopyrazine (2Cl3HP) displayed the highest affinity to DNA. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the compound did not exhibit toxicity toward human dermal keratinocytes, which supported the potential application of 2Cl3HP in clinical use. The study also attempted to establish the possible equilibria occurring in the aqueous solution and, using both theoretical and experimental methods, clearly showed the hydrophilic nature of the compound. The experimental and theoretical results of the study confirmed the quality of the compound, as well as the appropriateness of the selected set of methods for similar research.

When biomolecules meet 2-hydrazinopyrazine: from theory through experiment to molecular levels using a wide spectrum of techniques

The design of drug structures that are non-toxic, easily transported and permeable to cellular barriers is currently one of the most growing research trends. Indeed, the structural similarity of 2-hydrazinopyrazine (2HP) to pyrazinamide, which has been successfully used in anti-tuberculosis therapy, makes 2HP a promising research object. Thus, herein, a complete analysis of the structure of 2HP and its physicochemical and cytotoxic properties was performed. Calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies were conducted, which demonstrated the higher affinity of 2HP to BSA. Furthermore, cytotoxicity tests were performed, which proved that 2HP was non-toxic to human skin keratinocyte cells. Accordingly, 2HP was initially classified as a compound with potential application. Physicochemical investigations were performed using a wide range of experiments, which were supported by DFT calculations using the B3LYP functional and 6-311+G** basis set. The good correlation, high quality and correctness of the obtained parameters were proven although the data was obtained using independent techniques. Additionally, 42 tautomeric (prototrophic) forms of 2HP were found by searching the conformational hyperspace. The most energy stable 2HP conformer structure and the partial charge distribution were established. The preferred 2HP ionic forms preferred were presented, and models of the equilibrium occurring in aqueous solution were proposed. The hydrophilic character of 2HP was established based on the partition coefficient values determined by both experiment and theory. The PCM and SMD solvent models of water and n-octanol were used.

Structure, ionic forms, hydrophilic and non-cytotoxic character of 2-hydrazinopyrazine with stronger affinity to BSA than DNA were proved.

Photosensitive and pH-dependent activity of pyrazine-functionalized carbazole derivative as promising antifungal and imaging agent

Carbazole skeleton plays a significant role as a structural scaffold of many pharmacologically active compounds. Pyrazine-functionalized carbazole derivative was constructed by coupling 2-amino-5-bromo-3-methylaminepyrazine (ABMAP) into 3 and 6 positions of the carbazole ring. Multi-experimental methods were used, e.g., potentiometric, spectroscopic (ATR, UV, XRD powder,1H and13C NMR), electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry), and optical techniques, to receive the complete structural analysis, physicochemical (pKa, logP) and biological profile of a new carbazole derivative with acronym 3,6-PIRAMICAR. The interaction ability of the compound studied with potential cellular targets like Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA), or Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) were also taken into account. Experiments showed the existence of strong binding, but no DNA or BSA cleavage was observed. The comparative analyzes of compounds anti-Candida action clearly show pH-dependent antifungal activity of 3,6-PIRAMICAR, which was strongly stimulated in the acidic media. Surprisingly, the titled compound turn out to be much more effective (14 times by MIC50; 8 times by MIC; c.a. 4 times by MFC) against Candida krusei than fluconazole at pH 4.

Modern Approach to Medical Diagnostics - the Use of Separation Techniques in Microorganisms Detection

Background:

Analytical chemistry and biotechnology as an interdisciplinary fields of science have been developed during many years and are experiencing significant growth, to cover a wide range of microorganisms separation techniques and methods, utilized for medical therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Currently scientific reports contribute by introducing electrophoretical and immunological methods and formation of devices applied in food protection (avoiding epidemiological diseases) and healthcare (safety ensuring in hospitals).

Methods:

Electrophoretic as well as nucleic-acid-based or specific immunological methods have contributed tremendously to the advance of analyses in recent three decades, particularly in relation to bacteria, viruses and fungi identifications, especially in medical in vitro diagnostics, as well as in environmental or food protection.

Results:

The paper presents the pathogen detection competitiveness of these methods against conventional ones, which are still too time consuming and also labor intensive. The review is presented in several parts following the current trends in improved pathogens separation and detection methods and their subsequent use in medical diagnosis.

Discussion:

Part one, consists of elemental knowledge about microorganisms as an introduction to their characterization: descriptions of divisions, sizes, membranes (cells) components. Second section includes the development, new technological and practical solution descriptions used in electrophoretical procedures during microbes analyses, with special attention paid to bio-samples analyses like blood, urine, lymph or wastewater. Third part covers biomolecular areas that have created a basis needed to identify the progress, limitations and challenges of nucleic-acid-based and immunological techniques discussed to emphasize the advantages of new separative techniques in selective fractionating of microorganisms.

Metallopharmaceuticals in Therapy - A New Horizon for Scientific Research

Coordination chemistry offers much scope for the design of novel and therapeutic agents, including metallopharmaceuticals. The widespread use of metal complexes as effective pharmaceuticals, e.g. cancer therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic drugs or antimicrobial and diagnostic agents, demonstrates that the cytotoxicity of metal ions can be finely controlled via the appropriate choice of ligands. The successful targeting of radioisotopes again depends on the ligand design and metal oxidation state. The complexes of platinum, ruthenium, cobalt, copper and other d-block metal ions have been used in medicine for a long time but only recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular basis of mechanism of their action. Due to the above mentioned purpose, we decided to prepare a detailed description of target-based research, directed towards a design and application possibilities, with the known mechanisms of action of metal ion complexes in the broad sense of therapy definition. The review also covers the progress, limitations and challenges of the above-mentioned approaches and emphasizes the advantages of well known and new metallopharmaceuticals in medicine and pharmacy.

Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action of the Co(III) Coordination Complexes With Diamine Chelate Ligands Against Reference and Clinical Strains of Candida spp

Although many antifungal agents are available in clinical treatment, increasing resistance of fungi, especially Candida species, to the available drugs requires the development of new safe and non-toxic compounds with novel modes of action as effective treatment against resistant microorganisms. Cobalt complexes are very interesting and attractive as potential candidates with antimicrobial activity. Their therapeutic uses as antiviral, antibacterial antifungal, antiparasitic, antitumour, transferrin transporters, and anti-inflammatory agents are being intensively investigated. In this study we examined the antifungal activity of Co(III) complexes with diamine chelate ligands against a broad spectrum of Candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microbroth dilution method and with serial passaging assay; the synergistic antimicrobial activity of the tested complexes combined with two antifungal drugs (ketoconazole and amphotericin B) was made by checkerboard assay. The effects of Co(III) complexes on yeast cell morphology were studied by optical and transmission electron microscopy. The mode of action of Co(III) complexes on the yeast cell wall (sorbitol assay) and cell membrane (ergosterol assay) were investigated. The cytotoxic effects of the tested compounds on red blood cells and the human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line were also evaluated. The analyzed compounds revealed significant antifungal activity for selected strains of Candida species; [CoCl₂(dap)₂]Cl (1) and [CoCl₂(en)₂]Cl (2) were more effective than ketoconazole. Its probable mechanism of action did not involve the cell wall or ergosterol binding. However, the checkerboard assay showed, that the antifungal activity of ketoconazole increased in combination with the tested complexes of Co(III). Our results suggest that both diamine complexes with Co(III) analogs caused damage to mitochondrial membrane or the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The effect was observed by transmission electron microscope. Co(III) complexes with diamine chelate ligands are non-toxic at concentrations active against Candida species. This study provides new data on potential antifungal drugs, especially against Candida species.

Crystalline pyrazine-2-amidoxime isolated by diffusion method and its structural and behavioral analysis in the context of crystal engineering and microbiological activity

The physicochemical characterizations of PAOX were obtained both in solid-state and solution, and its two anti-conformers were observed in the X-ray. Its antimicrobial properties were tested against reference strains of bacteria and yeast.

Coordination chemistry of pyrazine derivatives analogues of PZA: design, synthesis, characterization and biological activity

A novel Ru(iii) complexes were synthesized and characterized. Their stabilities were discussed in terms of aqueous and MeCN solutions. Antimicrobial properties of complexes studied were characterized against reference strains of bacteria and yeast.

Coordinate cis-[Cr(C₂O₄)(pm)(OH₂)₂]⁺ Cation as Molecular Biosensor of Pyruvate's Protective Activity Against Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Cytotoxity

In this paper instrumental methods of carbon dioxide (CO₂) detection in biological material were compared. Using cis-[Cr(C₂O₄)(pm)(OH₂)₂]⁺ cation as a specific molecular biosensor and the stopped-flow technique the concentrations of CO₂ released from the cell culture medium as one of final products of pyruvate decomposition caused by hydrogen peroxide were determined. To prove the usefulness of our method of CO₂ assessment in the case of biological samples we investigated protective properties of exogenous pyruvate in cultured osteosarcoma 143B cells exposed to 1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) added directly to culture medium. Pyruvic acid is well known scavenger of H₂O₂ and, moreover, a molecule which is recognized as one of the major mediator of oxidative stress detected in many diseases and pathological situations like ischemia-reperfusion states. The pyruvate's antioxidant activity is described as its rapid reaction with H₂O₂, which causes nonenzymatic decarboxylation of pyruvate and releases of CO₂, water and acetate as final products. In this work for the first time we have correlated the concentration of CO₂ dissolved in culture medium with pyruvate's oxidant-scavenging abilities. Moreover, the kinetics of the reaction between aqueous solution of CO₂ and coordinate ion, cis-[Cr(C₂O₄)(pm)(OH₂)₂]⁺ was analysed. The results obtained enabled determination of the number of steps of the reaction studied. Based on the kinetic equations, rate constants were determined for each step.

Crystal structures of ethyl 3-azido-2,3-dideoxy-D-arabino-hexopyranoside anomers

The structures of the title alpha (1) and beta (2) anomers of ethyl 3-azido-2,3-dideoxy-d-arabino-exopyranoside (C(8)H(15)N(3)O(4)) are reported. The single-crystal structures of C(8)H(15)N(3)O(4) were determined by X-ray crystallography at 293K. It has been found that both title compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group. In both cases, the unit cell contains four asymmetric molecules. From intensity measurements, it has been shown that each of these molecules adopts a (4)C(1) chair conformation. The packing arrangement in the unit cell displays a stratified structure. Moreover, medium strength O-H...O hydrogen bonds in both crystal lattices can be observed.