Responsive ZIF-90 nanocomposite material: targeted delivery of 10-hydroxycamptothecine to enhance the therapeutic effect of colon cancer (HCT116) cells.

There is significant value in developing multifunctional drug delivery systems with high therapeutic efficiency for diagnosing and treating tumors. In this study, we synthesized the ATP-triggered and pH-sensitive material ZIF-90 using the liquid-phase diffusion method. This was done to load 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), and the FA-PEG-NH2 conjugate was synthesized through an amidation reaction. We further modified the HCPT@ZIF-90 nanocomposite by employing the Schiff base reaction to create the HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA nanomaterial. Drug loading test results revealed a high HCPT drug loading of up to 22.3% by weight. In the drug release experiment, the cumulative drug release of HCPT@ZIF-90 nanomaterials in pH 5.4 and ATP solutions was the highest after 72 hours. The active targeted delivery of FA and the dual-responsive release of HCPT by ZIF-90 significantly enhanced the therapeutic effect of HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA on human colon cancer cells (HCT116). In the cytotoxicity test, when 100 µg mL-1 of HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA was incubated with cells, the cell survival rate was 16.61 ± 1.19%, significantly lower than that of the other experimental groups. This result indicates that HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA exhibits excellent anti-tumor activity. Cell cycle experiments have shown that HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by blocking DNA synthesis and halting cell cycle progression. Cell uptake experiments showed that HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA was mainly present in the cytoplasm of HCT1116 cells, indicating successful cellular entry of the drug to exert its therapeutic effect. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that HCPT@ZIF-90-PEG-FA nanomaterials can effectively eradicate HCT116 tumors. The utilization of the nano-drug carrier ZIF-90, along with the modification with PEG-FA, notably improved the therapeutic efficacy of HCPT. These results suggest that the system, with its active targeted delivery of FA and dual-responsive release of HCPT, could present a novel strategy for treating human colorectal cancer.

Multifunctional O-phenanthroline silver(I) complexes for antitumor activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and antimicrobial properties by multiple mechanisms.

A series of O-phenanthroline silver(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity of the silver(I) complex (P-131) was evaluated in the cancer cell lines HCT-116, HeLa, and MDA-MB-231 and the normal cell line LO2 via MTT assays. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of P-131 on HCT116 cell line is 0.86 ± 0.03 µM. It is far lower than the IC50 value of cisplatin (9.08 ± 1.10 µM), the IC50 value of normal cell LO2 (76.20 ± 0.48 µM) is much higher than that of cisplatin (3.99 ± 0.74 µM), indicating that its anticancer effect is stronger than that of cisplatin, and its biological safety is greater than that of cisplatin. Furthermore, anticancer mechanistic studies showed that P-131 inhibited cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis and acted temporally on the nucleus in dividing HCT-116 cells. Moreover, P-131 increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, 10 mg/kg P-131 showed better antitumor effects than oxaliplatin in an HCT116 human colorectal xenograft mouse model without inducing toxicity. Moreover, the microdilution broth method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of P-131 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. A biofilm eradication study was also performed using the crystal violet method and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

(8-Hydroxyquinoline) Gallium(III) Complex with High Antineoplastic Efficacy for Treating Colon Cancer via Multiple Mechanisms.

A series of (8-hydroxyquinoline) gallium(III) complexes (CP-1-4) was synthesized and characterized by single X-ray crystallography and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The cytotoxicity of the four gallium complexes toward a human nonsmall cell lung cancer cell line (A549), human colon cancer cell line (HCT116), and human normal hepatocyte cell line (LO2) was evaluated using MTT assays. CP-4 exhibited excellent cytotoxicity against HCT116 cancer cells (IC50 = 1.2 ± 0.3 µM) and lower toxicity than cisplatin and oxaliplatin. We also evaluated the anticancer mechanism studies in cell uptake, reactive oxygen species analysis, cell cycle, wound-healing, and Western blotting assays. The results showed that CP-4 affected the expression of DNA-related proteins, which led to the apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, molecular docking tests of CP-4 were performed to predict other binding sites and to confirm its higher binding force to disulfide isomerase (PDI) proteins. The emissive properties of CP-4 suggest that this complex can be used for colon cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as in vivo imaging. These results also provide a foundation for the development of gallium complexes as potent anticancer agents.

Gallium Metal-Organic Nanoparticles with Albumin-Stabilized and Loaded Graphene for Enhanced Delivery to HCT116 Cells.

Background: Gallium (III) metal-organic complexes have been shown to have the ability to inhibit tumor growth, but the poor water solubility of many of the complexes precludes further application. The use of materials with high biocompatibility as drug delivery carriers for metal-organic complexes to enhance the bioavailability of the drug is a feasible approach. Methods: Here, we modified the ligands of gallium 8-hydroxyquinolinate complex with good clinical anticancer activity by replacing the 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands with 5-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline (HBrQ), and the resulting Ga(III) + HBrQ complex had poor water solubility. Two biocompatible materials, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and graphene oxide (GO), were used to synthesize the corresponding Ga(III) + HBrQ complex nanoparticles (NPs) BSA/Ga/HBrQ NPs and GO/Ga/HBrQ NPs in different ways to enhance the drug delivery of the metal complex. Results: Both of BSA/Ga/HBrQ NPs and GO/Ga/HBrQ NPs can maintain stable existence in different solution states. In vitro cytotoxicity test showed that two nanomedicines had excellent anti-proliferation effect on HCT116 cells, which shown higher level of intracellular ROS and apoptosis ratio than that of cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In addition, the superior emissive properties of BSA/Ga/HBrQ NPs and GO/Ga/HBrQ NPs allow their use for in vivo imaging showing highly effective therapy in HCT116 tumor-bearing mouse models. Conclusion: The use of biocompatible materials for the preparation of NPs against poorly biocompatible metal-organic complexes to construct drug delivery systems is a promising strategy that can further improve drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.

Anion-Controlled Assembly of a Silver-Responsive Bifunctional Coordination Polymer with Detection and Large Adsorption Capacity.

The recognition and adsorption of silver ions (Ag+) from industrial wastewater are necessary but still challenging. Herein, we constructed four Zn(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Zn(btap)2(NO3)2]n (1), [Zn(btap)(SO4)(H2O)3]n (2), {[Zn(btap)2(H2O)2]·(ClO4)2}n (3), and [Zn(btap)Cl2]n (4), by using 3,5-bis(triazol-1-yl)pyridine (btap) with different anionic Zn(II) salts. The crystal structures of 1-4, varying from one-dimensional beaded (1) and zigzag chain (2) to two-dimensional sql (3) and bex (4) typologies, were regulated by the coordination modes of btap and the counter-anions. The water stability, pH stability, thermostability, and luminescent properties of the CPs were investigated. The luminescence performances in a series of cations and anions were also explored. Considering the high density of chloride groups in the structure, 4 showed luminescence sensing for Ag+ [KSV = 9188.45 M-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.9 µM], as well as an excellent ability for Ag+ adsorption in aqueous solution (maximum adsorption capacity, 653.3 mg/g). Additionally, anti-interference experiments revealed that 4 had excellent recognition and adsorption capacities for Ag+ even when multiple ions coexisted. Moreover, XRD, EDS, and XPS analyses confirmed that the coordination of Ag+ with chloride groups in 4 resulted in excellent adsorption capacity and prevented ligand-to-ligand electron transfer, showing excellent detection ability. Suitable coordination sites were introduced to interact strongly with Ag+, along with detection and large adsorption capacity. Our strategy can effectively design and develop multifunctional CP-based materials, which are applicable in removal processes and environmental protection, by regulating anions in the self-assembly and introducing CP functional groups.

Anion-controlled Zn(II) coordination polymers with 1-(tetrazo-5-yl)-3-(triazo-1-yl) benzene as an assembling ligand: synthesis, characterization, and efficient detection of tryptophan in water.

Tryptophan regulates and participates in various physiological systems in the human body, and its excessive intake has harmful effects. Therefore, detecting and monitoring tryptophan in water and distinguishing it from other amino acids are necessary. In addition to their excellent luminescence, coordination polymer-based sensors have good stability and high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing applications. In this work, two luminescent coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn(ttb)Cl]n (1) and [Zn2(ttb)2(OH)(NO3)]n (2), were obtained through the solvothermal reaction of different Zn(II) salts with a rarely studied multidentate N-donor ligand, 1-(tetrazo-5-yl)-3-(triazo-1-yl) benzene (Httb). Crystallographic investigations revealed that the structure of 1 exhibits a 2D fes net with Cl- anions acting as terminal charge balancers, and that of 2 features a 3D ant net with NO3- anions in a rare monodentate bridging (µ2-O-η1:η1) mode. In terms of stability tests, 2 has better thermal and water stability than 1. Although both show good fluorescence performance, specific tryptophan detection, and excellent anti-interference ability, 2 has higher KSV (111 852.6 M-1), a lower limit of detection (LOD = 23.6 nM), and a better recovery rate than 1. Cytotoxicity experiments proved that 2 has extremely low toxicity and thus has great potential for in vivo detection. Therefore, CP 2 is a suitable candidate for advanced practical applications for the efficient sensing of tryptophan in water. The luminescence of the ligands was also calculated using DFT theory and further discussed through experiments. The quenching mechanism that occurs after tryptophan addition was explored through Hirshfeld surface analysis.

A novel Schiff base cobalt(III) complex induces a synergistic effect on cervical cancer cells by arresting early apoptosis stage.

A new schiff base cobalt(III) complex [N,N'-bis(2'-hydroxyphenylacetone)-o-ethanediamine] cobalt(III) (M3) has been synthesized and characterized by single X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity of complex M3 was evaluated against HeLa, LoVo, A549, A549/cis cancer cell lines, and the normal cell lines LO2 by MTT assays. The IC50 is in the range of 6.27-22.68 µM, which is somewhat lower than cisplatin on the basis of platinum molar concentration. Furthermore, anticancer mechanistic studies showed that the complex M3 inhibited cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis and then acted on nuclear division of HeLa cells over time. Moreover, western blot analysis indicated M3 dramatically decreased the target protein c-Myc and KLF5 expression levels, and activated many signaling pathways including ER stress, apoptosis, cell cycle and DNA damage in HeLa. M3 did not affect proteasomal activity.

A new Schiff base copper(II) complex induces cancer cell growth inhibition and apoptosis by multiple mechanisms.

A new Schiff base copper(II) complex [N,N'-bis(2'-hydroxyphenylacetone)-o-ethanediamine] copper (II) (M1) has been synthesized and characterized by single X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity of complex M1 was evaluated against HeLa, LoVo, A549, A549/cis cancer cell lines, and the normal cell lines LO2 and HUVEC, by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazoyl-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assays. The IC50 (50% inhibition concentrations) is in the range of 5.13-11.68 µM, which is somewhat lower than cisplatin on the basis of platinum molar concentration. Furthermore, anticancer mechanistic studies showed that the complex M1 inhibited cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis and then acted on nuclear division of HeLa cells over time. Moreover, M1 increased intracellular ROS (Reactive oxygen species) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated M1 dramatically decrease c-Myc transcription factor and KLF5 (Krüppel-like factor 5) protein expression levels in HeLa. M1 did not inhibit proteasomal activity. Finally, M1 induced DNA damages and activated the DNA damage repair pathways.

A manganese-salen complex as dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

A manganese Schiff base complex with N,N'-1,2-phenylenediamine-bis(salicyladimine) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. This complex was administered intragastrically to alloxan-diabetic mice 3 weeks. In vivo tests showed that the complex significantly lowered serum glucose levels in alloxan-diabetic mice at doses of 77 mg V kg-1. Meanwhile, this complex was investigated as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The compound exhibit moderate inhibition against DPP-IV and possessed an IC50 value of 30 µM. Lineweaver-Burk transformation of the inhibition kinetics data demonstrated that it was a noncompetitive inhibitor of DPP-IV and Ki value was 136.3 µM. Moreover, molecular modeling studies suggested that the complex could fit well within the active-site cleft of DPP-IV. An acute toxicity study showed that animals treated intragastically with complex 1 at a dose of 5.0 g/kg did not show any significantly abnormal signs. These preliminary results suggest that the manganese Schiff base complex can induce a hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-diabetic mice.

Synthesis and characterization of oxidovanadium complexes as enzyme inhibitors targeting dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

Two oxidovanadium(IV) complexes carrying Schiff base ligands obtained from the condensation of 4,5-dichlorobenzene-1,2-diamine and salicylaldehyde derivatives were synthesised and characterised, including their X-ray crystallographic structures. They were evaluated as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These compounds were moderate inhibitors of DPP-IV, with IC50 values of ca. 40µM. In vivo tests showed that complexes 1 and 2 could lower significantly the level of glucose in the blood of alloxan-diabetic mice at doses of 22.5mgV·kg-1 and 29.6mgV·kg-1, respectively. Moreover, molecular modeling studies suggested that the oxidovanadium complexes 1 and 2 could fit well into the active-site cleft of the kinase domain of DPP-IV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of vanadium complexes capable of inhibiting DPP-IV.

The antigluconeogenic activity of cucurbitacins from Momordica charantia.

Five new cucurbitacins, kuguacins II-VI (1-5), along with five known analogues (6-10), were obtained from the fruit of Momordica charantia. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 5ß,19-epoxycucurbit-23-en-7-on-3ß,25-diol (1), 5ß,19-epoxycucurbit-7,23-dion-3ß,25-diol (2), 5ß,19-epoxycucurbit-6-en-19,23-dion-3ß,25-diol (3), 5ß,19-epoxy-23,24,25,26,27-pentanorcucurbit-6-en-7,19-dion-3ß,22-diol (4), and cucurbit-5-en-7,23-dion-3ß,19,25-triol (5) by extensive spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Some cucurbitane compounds from this species were screened for their potential antidiabetic properties in terms of antigluconeogenic activity. As a result, compounds 1, 10, 11, and 12 (at 25-100 µM) showed concentration-dependent inhibition on glucose production from liver cells. In addition, compounds 11 and 12 (at 100 µM) showed around 20-30 % inhibition on PEPCK activity.

Stereumins K-P, sesquiterpenes from the fungus Stereum sp. CCTCC AF 2012007.

The basidiomycete genus Stereum fam Stereaceae is a rich source of sesquiterpenoids. This phytochemical investigation of the basidiomycete Stereum sp. CCTCC AF 2012007 led to isolation of six cadinane-type sesquiterpenes named stereumins K-P. Stereumin O was very likely an artifact formed from stereumin N during isolation. Their structures were elucidated mainly by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Structures of stereumins K, L, M and P were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the absolute configuration of stereumin K was determined.

Triaqua-1κO-µ-cyanido-1:2κN:C-penta-cyanido-2κC-tetra-kis-(dimethyl-formamide-1κO)-1-holmium(III)-2-iron(III) monohydrate.

In the bimetallic cyanide-bridged title complex, [Fe(0.98)HoRu(0.02)(CN)(6)(C(3)H(7)NO)(4)(H(2)O)(3)]·H(2)O, the Ho(III) ion is in a slightly distorted square-anti-prismatic arrangement formed by seven O atoms from four dimethyl-formamide (DMF) mol-ecules and three water mol-ecules, and one N atom from a bridging cyanide group connected with the Fe(III) atom which is octa-hedrally coordinated by six cyanide groups. In the crystal, mol-ecules are held together through O-H⋯N and O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions to form a three-dimensional framework. Elemental analysis of one of the precursors and the crystal shows that there is a slight contamination of Fe by Ru. The Fe site displays, therefore, small substitutional disorder with site-occupancy factors Fe/Ru = 0.98:0.02. The two methyl groups of two dimethyl-formamide ligands are positionally disordered with site-occupancy factors of 0.44 (3):0.56 (3) and 0.44 (3):0.56 (3).

Volvalerelactones A and B, two new sesquiterpenoid lactones with an unprecedented skeleton from Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

Volvalerelactones A and B (1 and 2), two new sesquiterpenoid lactones with an unprecedented 3/7/6 tricyclic ring system, were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography, and the absolute configuration was assigned by computational methods. The possible biosynthetic pathways of 1 and 2 were also proposed.

Defensive sesterterpenoids with unusual antipodal cyclopentenones from the leaves of Leucosceptrum canum.

Two novel sesterterpenoids, leucosceptroids C (1) and D (2), possessing unusual antipodal cyclopentenones while maintaining the stereochemistry and functionality of the tricyclic cores, were discovered from the leaves of Leucosceptrum canum (Labiatae). Their structures including absolute stereochemistries were determined by comprehensive NMR, MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The potent antifeedant activity of 1 against the generalist plant-feeding insect Helicoverpa armigera (EC(50) = 0.017 µmol/cm(2)) suggested them to be new defensive sesterterpenoids of L. canum.

Effect of the chloro-substitution on lowering diabetic hyperglycemia of vanadium complexes with their permeability and cytotoxicity.

The effect of the chloro-substitution of dinuclear vanadium (V) complexes on lowering diabetic hyperglycemia was evaluated. The in vivo tests for hypoglycemic activity show that complex 2 at the dose of 10.0 and 20.0 mg V kg(-1), could significantly decrease the blood glucose level. Importantly, our results the chloro substituent increased the insulin-enhancing properties of the complex 2. The two vanadium compounds had permeability above 10(-5) cm/s. It suggested that two complexes permeate via a passive diffusion mechanism. It was also suggested that two complexes has better good lipophilic properties. The cytotoxicity of two complexes on Caco-2 cells suggested the chlorine atom at C4 of complex 2 increased cytotoxicity for vanadium complexes.

Insulin-enhancing activity of a dinuclear vanadium complex: 5-chloro-salicylaldhyde ethylenediamine oxovanadium(V) and its permeability and cytotoxicity.

A new insulin-enhancing oxovanadium complex 5-chloro-salicylaldhyde ethylenediamine oxovanadium (V) ([V(2)O(2)(mu-O)(2)L(2)]) has been synthesized. The complex was characterized by a variety of physical methods, including X-ray crystallography. The X-ray diffraction analysis show a dinuclear complex of two six-coordinate vanadium centers doubly bridged by the oxygen atoms of the Schiff base ligand with a V(2)O(2) diamond core. The complex was administered intragastrically to STZ-diabetic rats for 2 weeks. The biological activity results show that the complex at the dose of 10.0 and 20.0 mg V kg(-1), could significantly decrease the blood glucose level and ameliorate impaired glucose tolerance in STZ-diabetic rats. That results suggested that the complex exerts an antidiabetic effect in STZ-diabetic rats. Furthermore, the complex ([V(2)O(2)(mu-O)(2)L(2)]) had permeability above 10(-5)cm/s. The experimental results suggested that the vanadium complex permeates via a passive diffusion mechanism. It was also suggested the complex with salen-type ligands has good lipophilic properties and better oral administration. The cytotoxicity of the complex ([V(2)O(2)(mu-O)(2)L(2)]) on Caco-2 cells was measured by a decrease of cell viability using the MTT assay suggesting that the chlorine atom at C4 of complex [V(2)O(2)(mu-O)(2)L(2)] increased cytotoxicity for vanadium complexes.

Novel polyesterified 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids as antifeedants from Pieris formosa.

Pieris formosa is a poisonous plant to livestock and is used as an insecticide in rural areas of China. Two novel polyesterified 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids, pierisoids A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from its flowers and were identified by spectroscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction. Both compounds showed obvious antifeedant activity against cotton bollworm, indicating their toxic properties, suggesting a defensive role of polyesterified 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids for P. formosa against herbivores.