Tetranuclear Ru2Cu2 and Ru2Ni2 complexes with nanomolar anticancer activity.

Complexes [{RuCp(PPh3)2-µ-dmoPTA-1κP:2κ2-N,N'-CuCl}2-µ-Cl-µ-OCH3](CF3SO3)2·(CH3OH)4 (1) and [{RuCp(PPh3)2-µ-dmoPTA-1κP:2κ2-N,N'-NiCl}2-µ-Cl-µ-OH](CF3SO3)2 (2) have been synthesized and characterized. Their antiproliferative activities were assessed against six human solid tumours showing nanomolar GI50 values. The effects of 1 and 2 on SW1573 cells colony formation, HeLa cells action mechanism and their interaction with the pBR322 DNA plasmid were evaluated.

Enhancement of the antiproliferative activity of [RuCp(PPh3)2(dmoPTA-1κP)]+via its coordination to one {CoCl2} unit: synthesis, crystal structure and properties of [RuCp(PPh3)2-µ-dmoPTA-1κP:2κ2N,N'-CoCl2](OTf)·0.25H2O.

Synthesis, characterization and the antiproliferative activity of a new bimetallic complex [RuCp(PPh3)2-µ-dmoPTA-1κP:2k2N,N'-CoCl2]OTf·0.25H2O are described. The stability of the complex was studied under air and N2 atmospheres and in CDCl3, DMSO, water and the cell culture medium, at room temperature and 40 °C. The complex showed an enhanced antiproliferative activity (up to six-fold) when compared with its parent complex [RuCp(PPh3)2(HdmoPTA)]2+ against human lung, cervix, breast, and colon solid tumor cell lines.

Consumption of organic meat does not diminish the carcinogenic potential associated with the intake of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Numerous studies have shown an epidemiological link between meat consumption and the incidence of cancer, and it has been suggested that this relationship may be motivated by the presence of carcinogenic contaminants on it. Among the most frequently detected contaminants in meat are several types of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and it is well known that many of them are carcinogenic. On the other hand, an increasing number of consumers choose to feed on what are perceived as healthier foods. Thus, the number of consumers of organic food is growing. However, environmental contamination by POPs is ubiquitous, and it is therefore unlikely that the practices of organic food production are able to prevent this contamination. To test this hypothesis, we acquired 76 samples of meat (beef, chicken, and lamb) of two modes of production (organic and conventional) and quantified their levels of 33 carcinogenic POPs. On this basis, we determined the human meat-related daily dietary exposure to these carcinogens using as a model a population with a high consumption of meat, such as the Spanish population. The maximum allowable meat consumption for this population and the carcinogenic risk quotients associated with the current pattern of consumption were calculated. As expected, no sample was completely free of carcinogenic contaminants, and the differences between organically and conventionally produced meats were minimal. According to these results, the current pattern of meat consumption exceeded the maximum limits, which are set according to the levels of contaminations, and this is associated with a relevant carcinogenic risk. Strikingly, the consumption of organically produced meat does not diminish this carcinogenic risk, but on the contrary, it seems to be even higher, especially that associated with lamb consumption.

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of [RuCp(PPh3)2(HdmoPTA)](OSO2CF3)2 (HdmoPTA = 3,7-H-3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane).

The complex [RuCp(PPh3)2(HdmoPTA)](OSO2CF3)2 (2; HdmoPTA = 3,7-H-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) was synthesized and characterized. Its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex showed a more potent antiproliferative activity than cisplatin against a representative panel of human cancer cells.

An estimation of the carcinogenic risk associated with the intake of multiple relevant carcinogens found in meat and charcuterie products.

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated a link between excessive meat consumption and the incidence of various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and it has been suggested that environmental carcinogens present in meat might be related to the increased risk of cancer associated with this food. However, there are no studies evaluating the carcinogenic potential of meat in relation to its content of carcinogens. Our purpose was to emphasize the relevance of environmental carcinogens existing in meat as a determinant of the association between cancer and meat consumption. Because within Europe, Spain shows high consumption of meat and charcuterie, we performed this study focusing on Spanish population. Based on the preferences of consumers we acquired 100 samples of meat and charcuterie that reflect the variety available in the European market. We quantified in these samples the concentration of 33 chemicals with calculated carcinogenic potential (PAHs, organochlorine pesticides, and dioxin-like PCBs). The carcinogenic risk of these contaminants was assessed for each food using a risk ratio based on the current consumption of meat and charcuterie and the maximum tolerable intake of these foods depending on the level of contamination by the carcinogens they contain. Our results indicate that the current consumption of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and "chorizo", represents a relevant carcinogenic risk for consumers (carcinogenic risk quotient between 1.33 and 13.98). In order to reduce carcinogenic risk, the study population should halve the monthly consumption of these foods, and also not to surpass the number of 5 servings of beef/pork/chicken (considered together).