Novel radiopaque ethanol injection: physicochemical properties, animal experiments, and clinical application in vascular malformations.

BACKGROUND: Despite the efficacy of absolute ethanol (EtOH), its radiolucency introduces several risks in interventional therapy for treating vascular malformations. This study aims to develop a novel radiopaque ethanol injection (REI) to address this issue. METHODS: Iopromide is mixed with ethanol to achieve radiopacity and improve the physicochemical properties of the solution. Overall, 82 male New Zealand white rabbits are selected for in vivo radiopacity testing, peripheral vein sclerosis [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 6): negative control (NC, saline, 0.250 ml/kg), positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), low-dose REI (L-D REI, 0.125 ml/kg), moderate-dose REI (M-D REI, 0.250 ml/kg), and high-dose REI (H-D REI 0.375 ml/kg)], pharmacokinetic analyses (the blood sample was harvested before injection, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after injection in peripheral vein sclerosis experiment), peripheral artery embolization [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 3): NC (saline, 0.250 ml/kg), positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg)], kidney transcatheter arterial embolization [animals were divided into the following 4 groups (n = 3): positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg); each healthy kidney was injected with saline as negative control], and biosafety evaluations [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 3): NC (0.250 ml/kg), high-dose EtOH (0.375 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg)]. Then, a prospective cohort study involving 6 patients with peripheral venous malformations (VMs) is performed to explore the clinical safety and effectiveness of REI. From Jun 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, 6 patients [age: (33.3 ± 17.2) years] with lingual VMs received sclerotherapy of REI and 2-month follow-up. Adverse events and serious adverse events were evaluated, whereas the efficacy of REI was determined by both the traceability of the REI under DSA throughout the entire injection and the therapeutic effect 2 months after a single injection. RESULTS: The REI contains 81.4% ethanol (v/v) and 111.3 mg/ml iodine, which can be traced throughout the injection in the animals and patients. The REI also exerts a similar effect as EtOH on peripheral venous sclerosis, peripheral arterial embolization, and renal embolization. Furthermore, the REI can be metabolized at a similar rate compared to EtOH and Ultravist® and did not cause injury to the animals' heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and brain. No REI-related adverse effects have occurred during sclerotherapy of VMs, and 4/6 patients (66.7%) have achieved complete response at follow-up. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, REI is safe, exerts therapeutic effects, and compensates for the radiolucency of EtOH in treating VMs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial was registered as No. ChiCTR2300071751 on May 24 2023.

Antitumor studies evaluation of triphenylphosphine ruthenium complexes with 5,7-dihalo-substituted-8-quinolinoline targeting mitophagy pathways.

Both ruthenium-containing complexes and 8-quinolinoline compounds have emerged as a potential novel agent for malignant tumor therapy. Here, three triphenylphosphine ruthenium complexes, [Ru(ZW1)(PPh3)2Cl2] (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) (RuZ1), [Ru(ZW2)(PPh3)2Cl2] (RuZ2) and [Ru(ZW2)2(PPh3)Cl2]·CH2Cl2 (RuZ3) bearing 5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol (H-ZW1) and 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinaldine (H-ZW2), have been synthesized, characterized and tested for their anticancer potential. We showed that triphenylphosphine ruthenium complexes RuZ1-RuZ3 impaired the cell viability of ovarian adenocarcinoma cisplatin-resistant SK-OV-3/DDP (SKO3CR) and SK-OV-3 (SKO3) cancer cells with greater selectivity and specificity than cisplatin. In addition, RuZ1-RuZ3 show higher excellent cytotoxicity than cisplatin towards SKO3CR cells, with IC50 values of 9.66 ± 1.08, 4.05 ± 0.67 and 7.18 ± 0.40 µM, respectively, in which the SKO3CR cells was the most sensitive to RuZ1-RuZ3. Depending on the substituent type, the antiproliferative ability of RuZ1-RuZ3 followed the trend: -CH3 > -H. However, RuZ1-RuZ3 have no obvious toxicity to normal cell HL-7702. Besides, RuZ1 and RuZ2 could induce mitophagy related-apoptosis pathways through suppression of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), accumulation of [Ca2+] and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and regulation of LC3 II/LC3 I, Beclin-1, P62, FUNDC1, PINK1, Parkin, cleaved-caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c signaling pathway, and hindering the preparation of mitochondrial respiration complexes I and IV and ATP levels. Mechanistic study revealed that RuZ1 and RuZ2 induce apoptosis in SKO3CR cells via mitophagy related-apoptosis pathways induction and energy (ATP) generation disturbance. Taken together, the studied triphenylphosphine ruthenium complexes RuZ1-RuZ3 are promising chemotherapeutic agents with high effectiveness and low toxicity.

Ethanol Embolization of Chest Wall Arteriovenous Malformations: Four-Year Findings.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the clinical characteristics and investigate the efficacy of ethanol embolotherapy in the treatment of chest well arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Treatment-associated complications were also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2017 and August 2021, 32 consecutive patients (mean age, 23.7 years; age range, 5-54 years) who underwent ethanol embolotherapy for chest well AVMs under general anesthesia were included in this study. Embolization was performed through a direct puncture, transarterial catheterization, or a combination of the 2 procedures. The mean follow-up duration after the last treatment was 18.0 months (range, 3-42 months). The degree of devascularization on follow-up (assessed using angiography or computed tomography), and the clinical signs and symptoms of AVMs were evaluated as the therapeutic outcomes. The major and minor complications associated with the procedures were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 103 embolization procedures (mean, 3.2; range, 2-7) comprising 101 ethanol embolization and 2 coil embolizations were performed on 32 patients with chest wall AVMs. The AVM nidus was accessed through the transarterial approach alone in 4 patients, by direct puncture in 11, and a combined procedure in 17 patients. Overall, more than 80% of the procedures were performed using the combined approach. Complete AVM devascularization was achieved in 12 (37.5%) patients. Moreover, 76% to 99% AVM was achieved in 18 patients (56.3%), and 50% to 75% in 2 patients (6.3%). Bleeding, pain, heart failure, and cosmetic deformities were the indications for treatment. For 3 patients (3/32, 9.4%) who had bleeding, the treatment stopped the hemorrhage. Complete pain relief was reported in 8 patients (8/32, 25.0%), whereas complete relief from congestive heart failure post-embolization was observed in 5 of the 6 patients with congestive heart failure (5/6, 83.3%). Complete correction of cosmesis deformities after embolization was achieved in 10 patients (10/32, 31.3%). Two patients who underwent surgery to correct persistent deformity after embolization only showed insignificant improvement. In addition, 6 (18.8%) patients developed 13 complications including blister, necrosis, hemothorax, transient hemoglobinuria, and transient pulmonary artery hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol embolotherapy is a safe and effective procedure for chest well AVMs. Surgery is required for some patients with residual cosmesis deformity. CLINICAL IMPACT: Currently, there is no standard treatment for chest well AVMs due to their rarity and high heterogeneity. The present study shows that thanol embolotherapy is a safe and clinically effective treatment procedure for the chest well AVMs. Transarterial embolization in combination with direct puncture embolization can reach the AVM nidus. Ethanol embolotherapy can achieve complete obliteration of the AVM nidus in the majority of patients. Surgery may still be needed to correct cosmetic deformity after embolization. The present study provides valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making.

Management of high-output cardiac failure caused by head and neck AVMs: Percutaneous suture-assisted ethanol and coil embolotherapy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment technique, outcomes, and complications of Schobinger stage IV head and neck arteriovenous malformations (HNAVMs) with associated high-output cardiac failure (HOCF) using ethanol and coils with the percutaneous suture technique. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, 19 patients who had HNAVMs with associated HOCF were treated first with a percutaneous suture of the remarkably dilated dominant drainage vein (RDDOV) and subsequent embolization with coils and ethanol. The percutaneous suture of RDDOV was preferred to be performed, followed by the deployment of coils and the injection of absolute ethanol via transarterial approach, direct puncture approach, or both of them. Treatment outcomes and complication rates were evaluated at follow-up. Results: A total of 19 patients who experienced HNAVMs with HOCF received 19 percutaneous suture procedures and 84 embolization procedures with ethanol and coils. Complete or >90% shunt reduction of the AVM was achieved in 16 patients. Notably, 19 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage II improved to stage I, and the symptom of dyspnea disappeared after embolization. The symptoms of five patients with bleeding disappeared. All patients presented with cosmetic concerns; Four were cured, and eight had a clearly recognizable improvement. Of note, 19 (100%) patients presented with impairment of daily life, which was resolved. The minor complications were encountered and recovered by the self. No major complications occurred. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that ethanol and coil embolotherapy is effective and safe in treating HOCF caused by HNAVMs with acceptable complications in these cases. The percutaneous suture technique for RDDOV management can act as an adjunct for embolotherapy.

Novel zinc(II)-curcumin molecular probes bearing berberine and jatrorrhizine derivatives as potential mitochondria-targeting anti-neoplastic drugs.

Berberine and jatrorrhizine are major bioactive components that are emerging as potential anti-cancer drugs. However, no zinc(II) - berberine/jatrorrhizine - curcumin compounds have been reported in the literature to date. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms associated with their cytotoxicity remain unexplored. To investigate the potential mitochondria-targeting ability, anti-neoplastic activity, and utility in cell imaging of berberine and jatrorrhizine derivates, four novel zinc(II) complexes, [Zn(Ber)(H2O)Cl2] (Zn(Ber)), [Zn(Ber)(Cur)Cl] (Zn(CurBer)), [Zn(Jat)(H2O)Cl2] (Zn(Jat)), and [Zn(Jat)(Cur)Cl] (Zn(CurJat)) bearing the berberine-derived ligand 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate 10-methoxy-9-((9-((2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)amino)nonyl)oxy) -5,6-dihydro- [1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolino [(Torre et al., 2015; de Ruijter et al., 2020) 3,23,2-a]isoquinolin-7-ium (Ber), the jatrorrhizine-derived ligand 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate 2,9,10-trimethoxy-3-((9- ((2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)amino)nonyl)oxy)-5,6-dihydroisoquinolino [(Torre et al., 2015; de Ruijter et al., 2020) 3,23,2-a]isoquinolin-7-ium (Jat), and/or curcumin (H-Cur) were first synthesised in this study. Zn(Ber), Zn(CurBer), Zn(Jat), and Zn(CurJat) showed higher cytotoxicity against human MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cells than did cisplatin, with IC50 values ranging from 0.21 to 4.45 µM. The anti-neoplastic activities of the zinc(II) - berberine/jatrorrhizine - curcumin complexes were in the following order: Zn(CurBer) > Zn(CurJat) > Zn(Ber) > Zn(Jat) > cisplatin > H-Cur > Ber > Jat > ZnCl2. Among these, Zn(CurBer) displayed the highest cytotoxicity (0.21 ± 0.06 µM). Furthermore, mechanistic investigations revealed that Zn(CurBer) and Zn(CurJat) could accumulate in the mitochondria, exhibit red fluorescence, and trigger mitophagy and apoptosis. In vivo anti-cancer evaluations also suggested that Zn(CurBer) inhibited MCF-7 xenograft tumour growth more effectively than cisplatin and Zn(CurJat). This is the first report describing the synthesis of zinc(II) - berberine/jatrorrhizine - curcumin complexes and their potential use as molecular probes and mitochondria-targeting anti-neoplastic drugs.

Cell nucleus localization and high anticancer activity of quinoline-benzopyran rhodium(III) metal complexes as therapeutic and fluorescence imaging agents.

Four novel rhodium(III) complexes, [RhIII(QB1)Cl3(DMSO)] (RhN1), [RhIII(QB2)Cl3(CH3OH)]·CH3OH (RhN2), [RhIII(QB3)Cl3(CH3OH)]·CH3OH (RhS), and [RhIII(QB4)Cl3(DMSO)] (RhQ), bearing quinoline-benzopyran ligands (QB1-QB4) were synthesized and used to develop highly anticancer therapeutic and fluorescence imaging agents. Compared with the QB1-QB4 ligands (IC50 > 89.2 ± 1.7 µM for A549/DDP), RhN1, RhN2, RhS and RhQ exhibit selective cytotoxicity against lung carcinoma cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP (A549CDDP) cancer cells, with IC50 values in the range of 0.08-2.7 µM. The fluorescent imaging agent RhQ with the more extended planar QB4 ligand exhibited high anticancer activity in A549CDDP cells and was found in the cell nucleus fraction, whereas RhS had no fluorescence properties. RhQ and RhS may trigger cell apoptosis by causing DNA damage and initiating the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. Furthermore, RhQ has a higher antitumor efficacy (ca. 55.3%) than RhS (46.4%) and cisplatin (CDDP, 33.1%), and RhQ demonstrated significantly lower toxicity in vivo than CDDP, making it a promising Rh(III)-based anticancer therapeutic and fluorescence imaging agent.

Novel bifluorescent Zn(II)-cryptolepine-cyclen complexes trigger apoptosis induced by nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage in cisplatin-resistant lung tumor cells.

Four novel bifluorescent Zn(II)-cryptolepine-cyclen complexes, namely [Zn(BQTC)]Cl2 (Zn(BQTC)), [Zn(BQA) (Cur)Cl] (Zn(BQACur)), [Zn (TC)]Cl2 (Zn(TC)), and [Zn (AP) (Cur)Cl] (Zn(APCur)), bearing curcumin (H-Cur), cyclen (TC), 1,10-phenanthrolin-5-amine (AP), and novel cryptolepine-cyclen derivatives (BQTC and BQA) were prepared for cell nucleus- and mitochondria-specific imaging. MTT assay results indicated that Zn(BQTC) and Zn(BQACur) exhibit stronger anticancer activity against cisplatin-resistant A549R lung tumor cells than ZnCl2, Zn(TC), Zn(APCur), H-Cur, TC, AP, BQTC, and BQA. Due to the dual fluorescence characteristic of Zn(BQTC), selective fluorescence imaging of the nucleus and mitochondria of A549R cancer cells was conducted. Further, Zn(BQTC), obtained by the functionalization of Zn(TC) with cryptolepine derivative substituents, efficiently inhibited DNA synthesis, thus resulting in high cytotoxicity (selective for A549R lung tumor cells) accompanied by DNA impairment in nuclear and mitochondrial fractions. Additionally, Zn(BQTC) caused severe damage to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA), sequentially disrupted mitochondrial and nuclear functions, and promoted the DNA damage-induced apoptotic signaling pathway and adenosine triphosphate depletion (ATP). Thus, Zn(BQTC) can be used as an anticancer drug by targeting mtDNA and nDNA. Most importantly, Zn(BQTC) showed higher efficacy in inhibiting cancer growth (55.9%) in A549R tumor-bearing mice than Zn(TC) (31.2%) and cisplatin, along with a promising in vivo safety profile. These results demonstrate the applicability of the developed novel bifluorescent Zn(II)-cryptolepine-cyclen complexes as promising DNA-targeting anticancer agents for cancer treatment.

A new class of nickel(II) oxyquinoline-bipyridine complexes as potent anticancer agents induces apoptosis and autophagy in A549/DDP tumor cells through mitophagy pathways.

A new class of nickel(II) oxyquinoline-bipyridine complexes, namely, [Ni(La1)2(Lb6)] (Ni1), [Ni(La1)2(Lb2)] ·CH3OH (Ni2), [Ni(La7)2(Lb11)]·2H2O (Ni3), [Ni(La1)2(Lb9)] (Ni4), [Ni(La1)2(Lb8)] (Ni5), [Ni(La2)2(Lb1)] (Ni6), [Ni(La2)2(Lb6)]·CH3OH (Ni7), [Ni(La2)2(Lb11)]·CH3OH (Ni8), [Ni(La2)2(Lb3)] (Ni9), [Ni(La2)2(Lb2)]·CH3OH (Ni10), [Ni(La2)2(Lb5)]·CH3OH (Ni11), [Ni(La2)2(Lb7)] (Ni12), [Ni(La3)2(Lb2)] (Ni13), [Ni(La4)2(Lb4)]·2CH3OH (Ni14), [Ni(La4)2(Lb8)]·2.5CH3OH (Ni15), [Ni(La4)2(Lb11)]·1.5CH3OH (Ni16), [Ni(La5)2(Lb7)] (Ni17), [Ni(La5)2(Lb10)]·CH3OH (Ni18), [Ni(La6)2(Lb11)]·3CH3OH (Ni19), [Ni(La7)2(Lb7)]·2CH3OH (Ni20), [Ni(La7)2(Lb8)]·2CH3OH (Ni21) and [Ni(La7)2(Lb1)]·2CH3OH (Ni22) bearing oxyquinoline (H-La1-H-La7) and bipyridine derivatives (Lb1-Lb11) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). An MTT method suggested that the IC50 values of Ni1-Ni22 for A549/DDP tumor cells were 0.25-25.14 µM, but these complexes exhibited low cytotoxicity toward normal HL-7702 cells (>50 µM). Ni2 could induce A549/DDP tumor cell apoptosis, cause a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm), and increase the intracellular [Ca2+] and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels better than Ni10, Ni13, and Ni14. Autophagic and western blot assays showed that Ni2, Ni10, Ni13, and Ni14 could induce autophagy and regulate the expression of LC3 II/I, Beclin1, P62, PINK1, and Parkin proteins, and the inducibility activities were in the order of Ni2 > Ni14 > Ni13 > Ni10. Taken together, these results revealed that the nickel(II) oxyquinoline-bipyridine complex Ni2 inhibited cell growth in A549/DDP tumor cells via mitophagy pathways.

Complexes of Zn(II) with a mixed tryptanthrin derivative and curcumin chelating ligands as new promising anticancer agents.

In this study, two novel curcumin (H-Cur)-tryptanthrin metal compounds-[Zn(TA)Cl2], i.e., Zn(TA), and [Zn(TA)(Cur)]Cl, i.e., Zn(TAC)-were synthesized and investigated using 5-(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-pentanoic acid (6,12-dioxo-6,12-dihydro-indolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-8-yl)-amide (TA) and H-Cur as the targeting and high-activity anticancer chemotherapeutic moieties, respectively. They were then compared with the di-(2-picolyl)amine (PA) Zn(II) complex [Zn(PA)Cl2], i.e., Zn(PA). When compared with Zn(PA) and cisplatin, the IC50 values of Zn(TA) and Zn(TAC) indicated that the compounds had high cytotoxicity against A549/DDP cancer cells, implying that the H-Cur-tryptanthrin Zn(II) compounds have the potential for use as anticancer drugs. We propose the use of synthesized theragnostic H-Cur-tryptanthrin Zn(II) complexes with nuclear-targeting and DNA-damaging capabilities as a simple therapeutic strategy against tumors. The Zn(TA) and Zn(TAC) complexes could be traced via red fluorescence and were found to accumulate in the cell nuclei and induce DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, Zn(TAC) exhibited a higher antiproliferative effect on A549/DDP than Zn(TA) and Zn(PA), which was undoubtedly associated with the key roles of the novel tryptanthrin derivative TA and H-Cur in the Zn(TAC) complex.

Discovery of thirteen cobalt(II) and copper(II) salicylaldehyde Schiff base complexes that induce apoptosis and autophagy in human lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells and that can overcome cisplatin resistance in vitro and in vivo.

In this study, 13 transition metal complexes, namely, [Cu(L1H)(H2O)2]·(H2O)·NO3 (1), [Cu(LnH2)2]·(NO3)·(H2O)2 (2, n = 2; 3, n = 3; 4, n = 4; 5, n = 5), [Co(LnH)2]2·(H2O)0.5 (6, n = 2; 7, n = 3; 8, n = 4; 9, n = 5), [Cu(L6H)0.5(L10H)0.5(phen)]·(CH3OH)0.25 (10), [Cu(L11H) (phen)]4·(H2O)9 (11), [Cu(L8H)0.27(L12H)0.73(phen)]4·(H2O)5.5(CH3OH) (12), and [Cu(L9H) (phen)]3·(H2O)7·(CH3OH) (13), were synthesized using Schiff base ligands and characterized by elemental analysis (EA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). Compared with complexes 1-9, complexes 10-13 displayed stronger cytotoxic activities against the tested A549/DDP cancer cells (IC50 = 0.97-3.31 µM), with differences greater than one order of magnitude. Moreover, complexes 11 and 13 could induce apoptosis and autophagy in A549/DDP cells via the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway that affects the regulation of autophagy- and mitochondrial-related proteins. Importantly, the results indicate that the two novel salicylaldehyde Schiff base analogs, 11 and 13, exhibited pronounced and selective activity against A549/DDP xenografts in vivo.

Ethanol Embolization of Nasal Arteriovenous Malformations: A 10-Year, Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: To summarize a 10-year, single-institution experience with ethanol embolization of nasal arteriovenous malformations (NAVMs) in 52 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present work was a retrospective study of 52 patients (aged between 1 and 67 years) with NAVMs who were treated with ethanol embolization between August 2009 and August 2019. The diagnosis of NAVMs was established based on clinical and imaging studies including ultrasound, computer tomography angiography, and digital subtract angiography. Embolization techniques used in the current study included transarterial, direct puncture, and a combination of both. The clinical and angiographic features, treatment methods, clinical outcomes, and complications were assessed within the mean period of 55.2 months (range, 1-119 months) after the last embolization. RESULTS: The total number of embolization sessions (140 embolization procedures in 52 pts) included transarterial approach (1 pt), direct puncture (2 pt), and a combination of transarterial and direct puncture (49 pts). There was a positive correlation between nidus size and treatment sessions (r = 0.780, P = 0.0005) and the amount of ethanol injected (r = 0.840, P = 0.0004). Results of the current study showed that the therapeutic outcomes were complete response in two patients (3.8%) without recurrence throughout the follow-up period (range, 1-119 months; mean, 55.2 months), and partial response in 50 patients (96.2%). A total of seven patients (13.5%) experienced one or more complications, including skin necrosis in one patient (1.9%), transient hemoglobinuria in five patients (9.6%), and skin blister in five patients (9.6%). CONCLUSION: The reported single-institution experience evidently indicated that ethanol embolotherapy has the potential to successfully devascularize NAVMs and also significantly improve symptoms and signs. Further, it was evident that the use of a combination of transarterial and direct puncture techniques has the potential to increase the rate of therapeutic response in patients with NAVMs.

Imaging and therapeutic applications of Zn(ii)-cryptolepine-curcumin molecular probes in cell apoptosis detection and photodynamic therapy.

Novel red Zn(ii) complex-based fluorescent probes featuring cryptolepine-curcumin derivatives, namely, [Zn(BQ)Cl2] (BQ-Zn) and [Zn(BQ)(Cur)]Cl (BQCur-Zn), were developed for the simple and fluorescent label-free detection of apoptosis, an important biological process. The probes could synergistically promote mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis and enhance tumor therapeutic effects in vitro and vivo.

Complexes of oxoplatin with rhein and ferulic acid ligands as platinum(iv) prodrugs with high anti-tumor activity.

We herein designed two new PtIV prodrugs of oxoplatin (cis,cis,cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2(OH)2]), [PtIVCl2(NH3)2(O2C-FA)2] (Pt-2) and [PtIVCl2(NH3)2(O2C-RH)2] (Pt-3), by conjugating with ferulic acid (FA-COOH) and rhein (RH-COOH) which have well-known biological activities. Three other Pt(iv) complexes of [PtIVCl2(NH3)2(O2C-BA)2] (Pt-1), [PtIVCl2(NH3)2(O2C-CA)2] (Pt-4) and [PtIVCl2(NH3)2(O2C-TCA)2] (Pt-5) (where BA-COOH = benzoic acid, CA-COOH = crotonic acid and TCA-COOH = trans-cinnamic acid) were also prepared for the comparative study. Like most PtIV prodrug complexes, the cytotoxicity of Pt-3 containing the biologically active rhein (RH-COOH) ligand against lung carcinoma (A549 and A549/DDP) cells was higher than those of Pt-1, Pt-2, Pt-4, cisplatin and Pt-5. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of Pt-3 in HL-7702 normal cells was lower than those of PtIV derivatives bearing BA-COOH, FA-COOH, TCA-COOH and CA-COOH ligands. The highly efficacious Pt-2 and Pt-3 were found to accumulate strongly in the A549/DDP cells, with the prodrug Pt-3 showing highest levels of penetration into the mitochondria. The prodrug Pt-3 effectively entered the A549/DDP cells and caused mitochondrial damage, significantly greater than Pt-2. In addition, the prodrug Pt-3 exhibited higher antitumor efficacy (inhibition rates (IR) = 67.45%) than Pt-2 (28.12%) and cisplatin (33.05%) in the A549/DDP xenograft mouse model. Thus, the prodrug Pt-3 containing the rhein (RH-COOH) ligand is a promising candidate drug targeting the mitochondria.

Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease in China: An Updated Systematical Analysis.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are two major neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Demographic aging is in rapid progress in China. Up-to-date estimates of AD and PD prevalence have not been provided. Methods: Studies that reported the prevalence of AD and PD in China were identified via a systematic database search from 1985 to 2018. Meta-analysis, local polynomial regression and autoregressive integrated moving average model were used for analyses. Results: A total of 99 studies were included in the study with populations of 385,312 and 227,228, respectively for AD and PD. The overall prevalence of AD and PD following age standardization was 3.20% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.17-3.23] and 1.06% (95% CI = 1.02-1.10), respectively in individuals over 60 years old. The rates increased drastically for every 10-years increment of age. The yearly prevalence of AD was predicted to increase from 3.81 to 6.17% in the next 5 years. Significant differences were observed between genders [male to female odds ratio (OR) for AD = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.51-0.64; OR for PD = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-1.46], and between education levels (Illiterate to non-illiterate OR for AD = 2.99, 95% CI = 2.38-3.75), but not between urban and rural settings. Conclusion: Our results provide an updated insight into the epidemiology of AD and PD in China and their associated rates and ratios. The findings may facilitate China policy makers and health professionals mitigate the related health issues.

Strong in vitro and vivo cytotoxicity of novel organoplatinum(II) complexes with quinoline-coumarin derivatives.

A series of novel organoplatinum(II) complexes, [PtII(QC1)(H-QC1)Cl] (Pt1), [PtII(QC2)(H-QC2)Cl] (Pt2), [PtII(QC3)(H-QC3)Cl] (Pt3), [PtII(QC4)(H-QC4)Cl]⋅CH3OH (Pt4), [PtII(QC5)(H-QC5)Cl] (Pt5), [PtII(H-QC6)(DMSO)Cl2] (Pt6), [PtII(H-QC7)(DMSO)Cl2]⋅H2O (Pt7), [PtII(H-QC8)(DMSO)Cl2] (Pt8), [PtII(H-QC9)(DMSO)Cl2]⋅CH3OH (Pt9), [PtII(H-QC10)(DMSO)Cl2] (Pt10) and [PtII(H-QC11)(DMSO)Cl2] (Pt11), bearing quinoline-coumarin derivatives (H-QC1-H-QC11) have been first designed. Complexes Pt1-Pt11 selectively displayed obvious cytotoxicities in comparison to cisplatin for A549/DDP (cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma) cells and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, with IC50 values as low as 100 nM-10.33 µM. In addition, Pt4 and Pt5 display a green-colored luminescent properties, targeted mitochondrial membrane and, thereby induced mainly mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis was in the following order: Pt4 > Pt5. The different anti-cancer activity of quinoline-coumarin complexes Pt4 (100 nM) and Pt5 (250 nM) were correlate with the presence of 3-(2'-quinolyl)-6-hydroxy-coumarin (H-QC4) ligand. The quinoline-coumarin complex Pt4 (2.0 mg/kg per 2 days) also displayed potent in vivo anti-tumor effect after 21 days-treated. In contrast, the H-QC4 ligand highly enhances the anti-tumor activity and selectivity of organoplatinum(II) complexes in comparison to other previously reported coumarin derivatives metal complexes.

Two telomerase-targeting Pt(ii) complexes of jatrorrhizine and berberine derivatives induce apoptosis in human bladder tumor cells.

Two novel Pt(ii) complexes, [Pt(B-TFA)Cl]Cl (Pt1) and [Pt(J-TFA)Cl]Cl (Pt2) with jatrorrhizine and berberine derivatives (B-TFA and J-TFA) were first prepared as desirable luminescent agents for cellular applications and potent telomerase inhibitors, which can induce bladder T-24 tumor cell apoptosis by targeting telomerase, together with induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere DNA damage and cell-cycle arrest. Importantly, T-24 tumor inhibition rate (TIR) was 50.4% for Pt2, which was higher than that of Pt1 (26.4%) and cisplatin (37.1%). Taken together, all the results indicated that jatrorrhizine and berberine derivatives Pt1 and Pt2 show low toxicity and could be novel Pt-based anti-cancer drug candidates.

High in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of luminecent platinum(II) complexes with jatrorrhizine derivatives.

Two highly active anticancer Pt(II) complexes, [Pt(Jat1)Cl]Cl (Pt1) and [Pt(Jat2)Cl]Cl (Pt2), containing jatrorrhizine derivative ligands (Jat1 and Jat2) are described. Cell intake study showed high accumulation in cell nuclear fraction. Pt1 and Pt2 exhibited high selectivity for HeLa cancer cells (IC50 = 15.01 ±â€¯1.05 nM and 1.00 ±â€¯0.17 nM) comparing with HL-7702 normal cells (IC50 > 150 µM), by targeting p53 and telomerase. Pt2 containing Jat2 ligand was more potent and showed high selectivity for telomerase. It also caused mitochondria and DNA damage, sub-G1 phase arrest, and a high rate of cell apoptosis at the low dose of 1.00 nM. The HeLa tumor inhibition rate (TIR) of Pt2 was 48.8%, which was even higher than cisplatin (35.2%). In addition, Pt2 displayed green luminescent property and potent telomerase inhibition. Our findings demonstrated the promising development of platinum(II) complexes containing jatrorrhizine derivatives as novel Pt-based anti-cancer agents.

High in Vitro and in Vivo Tumor-Selective Novel Ruthenium(II) Complexes with 3-(2'-Benzimidazolyl)-7-fluoro-coumarin.

Three novel Ru(II) complexes, namely, (RuCl2[La][DMSO]2)·H2O (Ru1), (RuCl2[Lb][DMSO]2) (Ru2), and (RuCl2[Lc][DMSO]2) (Ru3), which respectively contain 3-(2'-benzimidazolyl)coumarin (La), 3-(2'-benzimidazolyl)-7-fluoro-coumarin (Lb), and 3-(2'-benzimidazolyl)-7-methoxyl-coumarin (Lc), were first designed and characterized. Ru2 showed potent antitumor activity against NCI-H460 cells (IC50 = 0.30 ± 0.02 µM) and high selectivity between NCI-H460 cancer cells and normal HL-7702 cells. Ru2 induced NCI-H460 apoptosis via telomerase inhibition, which involved DNA damage, cell-cycle distribution, and S phase-protein down-regulation. However, Ru1 did not demonstrate such effects in NCI-H460 cells, which is undoubtedly associated with the key regulatory role of the 7-fluoro substituted group in the Lb ligand of Ru2. Ru2 exhibited considerably higher anticancer efficacy (inhibition rate [IR] = 61.3%) compared with cisplatin (IR= 25.5%) in a NCI-H460 xenograft mouse model. Thus, this coumarin Ru(II) compound is a promising Ru2-targeting telomerase anticancer agent.

Complexes of lanthanides(iii) with mixed 2,2'-bipyridyl and 5,7-dibromo-8-quinolinoline chelating ligands as a new class of promising anti-cancer agents.

Five novel lanthanides(iii) complexes, [Lu(Me)(MBrQ)2NO3] (MeMBrQ-Lu), [Ho(MeO)(MBrQ)2NO3] (MeOMBrQ-Ho), [Ho(Me)(MBrQ)2NO3] (MeMBrQ-Ho), [La(Me)2(BrQ)2NO3] (MeBrQ-La) and [Sm(Me)(BrQ)2(CH3OH)NO3] (MeBrQ-Sm), have been synthesized, in which 2,2'-bipyridyl (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (Me) and 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (MeO)) and 5,7-dibromo-8-quinolinoline derivatives (5,7-dibromo-2-methyl-8-quinolinol (MBrQ-H) and 5,7-dibromo-8-quinolinol (BrQ-H)) act as the chelating ligands. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the five Ln(iii) complexes have been studied with the SK-OV-3/DDP, NCI-H460 and HeLa cancer cells. MeMBrQ-Lu, MeOMBrQ-Ho, MeMBrQ-Ho, MeBrQ-La and MeBrQ-Sm show higher cytotoxicity against the HeLa cells (IC50 values of 1.00 nM-3.45 µM) than cisplatin (13.11 ± 0.53 µM). In particular, the MeOMBrQ-Ho and MeMBrQ-Ho complexes exhibit superior cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values at 1.00 ± 0.34 nM and 125.00 ± 1.08 nM. We further demonstrate that MeOMBrQ-Ho and MeMBrQ-Ho inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells by inhibiting telomerase and targeting mitochondria to induce DNA damage-mediated apoptosis. In addition, MeOMBrQ-Ho significantly inhibits tumor growth with a tumor growth inhibition rate (IR) of 50.8% in a HeLa mouse xenograft model. Taken together, MeOMBrQ-Ho is a novel lanthanide(iii) complex with promising antitumor activity.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of three novel binuclear platinum(II) complexes with 4'-substituted-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine ligands.

Herein, we report the design and synthesis of three novel binuclear platinum(II) complexes, [Pt(tpbtpy)Cl][Pt(DMSO)Cl3] (tpbtpy-Pt), [Pt(dthbtpy)Cl][Pt(DMSO)Cl3]⋅CH3OH (dthbtpy-Pt), and [Pt(qlbtpy)Cl][Pt(DMSO)Cl3]⋅CH3OH (qlbtpy-Pt) with 4'-(3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpbtpy), 4'-(3,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (dthbtpy) and 4'-(2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (qlbtpy) as ligands, respectively. All three novel binuclear platinum(II) complexes tpbtpy-Pt, dthbtpy-Pt, and qlbtpy-Pt were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, spectroscopic analysis (ESI-MS, IR, 1H NMR), and elemental analysis. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of tpbtpy-Pt, dthbtpy-Pt and qlbtpy-Pt was assessed with human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NCIH460 cells), yielding IC50 values in the range of 0.35-12.09 µM with tpbtpy-Pt as the most potent and qlbtpy-Pt as the least potent complexes. Mechanistic studies indicated that tpbtpy-Pt and dthbtpy-Pt induced apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction and telomerase inhibition. In a NCIH460 xenograft model, when administered at 10.0 mg kg-1 every 2 days, tpbtpy-Pt was shown to significantly reduce tumor growth (tumor growth inhibition rate (IR) = 70.1%, p < 0.05). Therefore, tpbtpy-Pt is a promising Pt(II) complex for further translational studies and clinical evaluation as an antitumor agent.