Harnessing the bone-seeking ability of Ca(II)-like metal ions in the treatment of metastatic cancer and resorption disorders.

Metal ions are naturally retained by skeletal tissues in living systems because of their high affinity for the hydroxyapatite-like mineral matrix that makes up cortical bone. This is particularly true for metal ions that bear a close resemblance to calcium(ii) (such as the lanthanides or alkaline earth metals), and in a few key cases this targeting ability has been exploited in order to develop medicinal agents that are intended to treat bones which have become diseased. In this review, we focus on two areas where this has been particularly effective: first is in the diagnosis and therapy of metastatic bone cancer, in which radioactive metal ions including (99m)Tc, (153)Sm, and (223)Ra are used to image, alleviate, and ablate harmful cancerous legions with good specificity versus healthy tissues; second is the use of trivalent lanthanides to treat osteoporosis, an emerging concept which has gathered significance over the last 15 years, and is now entering preclinical trials with carefully designed systems.

Improved separation scheme for 44Sc produced by irradiation of natCa targets with 12.8 MeV protons.

INTRODUCTION: 44Sc is of great interest as a positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclide due to its suitable nuclear characteristics: Eß+max = 1.47 MeV, branching ratio 94.3% and convenient half-life of 3.97 h. Here, 44Sc was produced via the widely used reaction 44Ca (p,n)44Sc using natural calcium as a target. METHODS: The irradiation was performed at TRIUMF using the 13 MeV cyclotron. The separation consisted of a combination of DGA branched resin and Dowex 50Wx8 (200-400 mesh). The distribution coefficients of Sc3+ on Dowex 50Wx8 (NH4+ form, 200-400 mesh) with ammonium α-hydroxyisobutyrate (pH = 4.8) medium were determined in this study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The tested scheme allows both a reliable separation of 44Sc from the target material as well as from the other competitive metals and a final fraction with high specific activity. The achieved radiochemical yield was 95 ± 3%.

La(iii) biodistribution profiles from intravenous and oral dosing of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), and evaluation as treatments for bone resorption disorders.

Trivalent lanthanum (La3+) has the potential to treat bone resorption disorders (such as osteoporosis) by eliciting a bone-building response in the cells which control skeletal remodelling. Because La3+ suffers from extremely poor intestinal absorption, specifically designed chelators are required in order that a biologically active form of lanthanum can be administered orally. Two such chelators, 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (Hdpp) and bis-{[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]methy}phosphinic acid (H5XT), have previously been the subjects of extensive physical, in vitro, and in vivo testing as the tris- and mono-lanthanum(iii) complexes La(dpp)3 and La(XT), respectively. In this manuscript, we expand upon those studies to include 4-week intravenous (IV) and oral La3+ biodistribution profiles, which show that the metal ion initially accumulates in the liver followed by preferential redistribution and retention by bone. Of the two compounds, La(XT) demonstrates the more favourable in vivo characteristics, therefore dose-dependent oral biodistribution studies were carried out with this complex. These show drug saturation above a dose of 100 mg kg-1 day-1, so liver histology was performed in order to assess any potential toxicity. Finally, we improve upon the physical characterization of La(dpp)3 to include a single crystal X-ray structure, which exhibits an 8-coorindate La3+ centre with two bound water molecules, and a disordered exoclathrate-type hydrogen bonded network.

In vivo study and thermodynamic investigation of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), for the treatment of bone resorption disorders.

Bone density diseases such as osteoporosis affect a significant number of people worldwide. Lanthanide ions are functional mimics of calcium ions, able to substitute for Ca2+ in the bone mineral component, hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone undergoes a continuous remodelling cycle and lanthanides can affect this cycle, exerting a positive influence on bone mineral. We have been engaged in efforts to find new lanthanide containing complexes as active agents for treatment of these diseases and have identified two lead compounds, 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (Hdpp) and a phosphinate-EDTA derivative, bis[[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-methyl]phosphinate (H5XT). In this paper, we report in vivo data for the first time for the two lead compounds. The pharmacokinetics of La(dpp)3 suggest the complex is rapidly cleared from plasma. We demonstrate that La3+ accumulates in the bone following IV dose of either La(dpp)3 or La(XT) and we have investigated the influence of each chelating ligand on the incorporation of La3+ into HAP using ITC and HAP-binding studies.

Exploring the potential of gold(III) cyclometallated compounds as cytotoxic agents: variations on the C

A series of novel (C^N) cyclometallated Au(III) complexes of general formula [Au(py(b)-H)L(1)L(2)](n+) (py(b)-H = C^N cyclometallated 2-benzylpyridine, L(1) and L(2) being chlorido, phosphane or glucosethiolato ligands, n = 0 or 1) have been synthesized and fully characterized using different techniques, including NMR, IR and far-IR, mass spectrometry, as well as elemental analysis. The crystal structure of one compound has been solved using X-ray diffraction methods. All compounds were tested in vitro in five human cancer cell lines including the lung, breast, colon and ovarian cancer cells. For comparison purposes, all compounds were also tested in a model of healthy human cells from the embryonic kidney. Notably, all new compounds were more toxic than their cyclometallated precursor bearing two chlorido ligands, and the derivative bearing one phosphane ligand presented the most promising toxicity profile in our in vitro screening, displaying a p53 dependent activity in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Finally, for the first time C^N cyclometallated gold(III) complexes were shown to be potent inhibitors of the zinc finger protein PARP-1, involved in the mechanism of cisplatin resistance.

Thioflavin-based molecular probes for application in Alzheimer's disease: from in silico to in vitro models.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disease of confusing causation with no cure or prevention available. The definitive diagnosis is made postmortem, in part through the presence of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain tissue, which can be done with the small molecule thioflavin-T (ThT). Plaques are also found to contain elevated amounts of metal ions Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) that contribute to the neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta (Aß). In this paper, we report in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo studies with ThT-derived metal binders 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBX), 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (HBT) and their respective iodinated counterparts, HBXI and HBTI. They exhibit low cytotoxicity in a neuronal cell line, potential blood-brain barrier penetration, and interaction with Aß fibrils from senile plaques present in human and transgenic mice AD models. Molecular modelling studies have also been undertaken to understand the prospective ligand-Aß complexes as well as to rationalize the experimental findings. Overall, our studies demonstrate that HBX, HBT, HBXI, and HBTI are excellent agents for future use in in vivo models of AD, as they show in vitro efficacy and biological compatibility. In addition to this, we present the glycosylated form of HBX (GBX), which has been prepared to take advantage of the benefits of the prodrug approach. Overall, the in vitro and ex vivo assays presented in this work validate the use of the proposed ThT-based drug candidate series as chemical tools for further in vivo development.

A survey of reducing agents for the synthesis of tetraphenylarsonium oxotechnetiumbis(ethanedithiolate) from [99Tc] pertechnetate in aqueous solution.

We have studied the effectiveness of various reducing agents in the production of the well-characterized complex [99TcO(SCH2CH2S)2]- from pertechnetate in aqueous solution. The reductants tested included sodium dithionite, hypophosphorous acid, formamidine sulfinic acid, dithiothreitol, hydrazine, and hydroxylamine. Of these, only sodium dithionite in the pH range 11--13 was found to give quantitative yields of the required technetium complex.

Chemical and in vivo studies of the anion oxo[N,N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptoacetimido)]Technetate(V).

Studies of the anionic coordination complex 99Tc-oxo[N,N'-ethylene-bis(2-mercaptoacetimido)]technetate(V) ([TcO(ema)]-) are described. Syntheses performed both at carrier levels (10(-5)M) and with no carrier added (less than 10(-8)M) indicate that the complex is formed virtually quantitatively from pertechnetate ion over this range. Tissue distributions in normal rats are similar at both concentrations up to one hour after administration. It has been shown--using a combination of high-pressure liquid chromatography and field-desorption mass spectrometry--that the anion is excreted unchanged into both urine and bile. The effectiveness of this N2S2 donor set in sequestering Tc-99m, and the in vivo stability of the resulting complex, suggest that modified chelates of this structural class could provide a series of useful diagnostic agents.

Kinetic analysis and comparison of uptake, distribution, and excretion of 48V-labeled compounds in rats.

Vanadium has been found to be orally active in lowering plasma glucose levels; thus it provides a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus. Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV) is a well-characterized organovanadium compound that has been shown in preliminary studies to have a potentially useful absorption profile. Tissue distributions of BMOV compared with those of vanadyl sulfate (VS) were studied in Wistar rats by using 48V as a tracer. In this study, the compounds were administered in carrier-added forms by either oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection. Data analyzed by a compartmental model, by using simulation, analysis, and modeling (i.e., SAAM II) software, showed a pattern of increased tissue uptake with use of 48V-BMOV compared with 48VS. The highest 48V concentrations at 24 h after gavage were in bone, followed by kidney and liver. Most ingested 48V was eliminated unabsorbed by fecal excretion. On average, 48V concentrations in bone, kidney, and liver 24 h after oral administration of 48V-BMOV were two to three times higher than those of 48VS, which is consistent with the increased glucose-lowering potency of BMOV in acute glucose lowering compared with VS.

Potential 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals for renal imaging: tris(N-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyridinonato)technetium(IV) cations.

A series of monocationic complexes of N-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyridinones labeled with technetium(IV)-99m have been evaluated in vivo as potential radiopharmaceuticals. The pyridinones have different substituents at the ring nitrogen atom: ethyl, i-propyl, i-butyl, benzyl, phenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, 3-butoxypropyl and cyclohexyl. Biodistribution studies of the 99mTc complexes have been carried out in rabbits and mice. High kidney uptake and retention of the radionuclide has been shown in rabbits and mice with the cationic complexes of 3-hydroxy-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-4-pyridinone and 1-(cyclohexyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyridinone. These 99mTcL3+ compounds appear to be morphologic renal agents.

Pharmacokinetics of aluminum 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one complexes: implications for aluminum redistribution subsequent to chelation therapy.

The pharmacokinetics of selected aluminum-hydroxypyridinone (Al-HP complexes were determined in rats to better understand the relationship between their disposition and elimination parameters and the safety of HPs in the chelation therapy of Al intoxication. Five complexes were administered as i.v. bolus doses of Al-HP (0.25 mmol/kg Al-0.75 mmol/kg HP). The Al-HP steady state volumes of distribution ranged from 220 to 871 ml/kg, suggesting that each complex distributed out of the vascular compartment (which should have been approximately 65 ml/kg). Systemic clearances ranged from 189 to 906 ml/h per kg. Elimination half-lives (t1/2) and mean residence times ranged from 0.36 to 0.84 and 0.52 to 1.20 h, respectively. The Al-CP20 complex had a short t1/2 and a midrange volume of distribution. It demonstrated no apparent toxicity, whereas myoclonic seizures were observed after Al-CP22, Al-CP24 and Al-CP94 administration. The most appropriate choice for Al chelation among the HPs tested may be CP20. Characterization of the distribution and elimination of Al-HP complexes improves the understanding of potential toxicity that may be associated with HP therapy of Al intoxication.

Evidence for energy-dependent transport of aluminum out of brain extracellular fluid.

Aluminum (Al) can cause CNS toxicity. The mechanism of its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation is poorly understood. In this study, microdialysis was used to determine extracellular fluid (ECF) unbound aluminum distribution between frontal cortex (FC) and blood during steady-state aluminum concentrations. The brain/blood aluminum ratio was determined. Over a 16-fold range of aluminum concentrations (dosed as aluminum citrate), brain/blood aluminum ratios were 0.10-0.15, consistently and significantly < 1. Aluminum diffusion cannot account for these results, suggesting the presence of a carrier that moves aluminum out of brain extracellular fluid. These aluminum brain/blood ratios (BBRs) were not significantly different over the range of concentrations studied, suggesting an inability to saturate the carrier. Brain/blood aluminum ratios obtained with four aluminum-hydroxypyridinones were also significantly < 1 (0.1-0.3), and were generally significantly different among themselves and from the aluminum citrate BBR. Movement of a BBB permeability marker from blood into brain extracellular fluid suggested partial BBB opening. The aluminum BBRs obtained (all << 1), in the presence of a partially opened BBR, suggest an efficient carrier moving aluminum out of brain ECF. Addition of cyanide to the brain microdialysis probe solution significantly increased the Al (citrate) BBR to 1. These results suggest the presence of an efficient, energy-dependent carrier that removes aluminum from brain ECF, either into brain cells or blood.

Pharmacokinetics and distribution of tris(maltolato)aluminum(III) into the central nervous system.

The maltolate compound of aluminum (Al), tris(maltolato)aluminum(III), has been demonstrated to be quite toxic after central administration and in cell cultures. However, reports of peripheral Al-maltolate administration in vivo demonstrated unimpressive neurological effects. We found no reports of Al-maltolate pharmacokinetics or its distribution into the central nervous system (CNS) after systemic administration. In the present study, we evaluated Al pharmacokinetics in serum and Al distribution into brain extracellular fluid (ECF) in rats following Al-maltolate administration. The pharmacokinetic studies revealed that systemic clearance, elimination half-life and mean residence time were 42 (+/- 5) ml/hr/kg, 2.2 (+/- 0.5) hr and 3.1 (+/- 0.7) hr [mean +/- SD), respectively. The steady state volume of distribution (Vss) for Al-maltolate was 130 ml/kg. This Vss suggests that Al-maltolate may exhibit limited distribution outside the vascular compartment, which is estimated to be approximately 80 ml/kg in these rats. Previously, we used microdialysis (MD) probes to assess Al-citrate distribution into the CNS. MD was utilized in the present study to evaluate the CNS distribution of Al as a result of Al-maltolate administration. MD probes were implanted into the frontal cortex (FC) and jugular vein to sample Al from brain and blood ECF, respectively. Al was not measurable in FC MD probe dialysates after a 0.5 mmol/kg Al (as maltolate) bolus, but could be measured after steady state blood and brain ECF Al concentrations had been achieved. The Al brain/blood ration calculated from Al-maltolate steady state brain and blood MD samples was 0.04, significantly less than those calculated for other Al salts at equimolar Al doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vanadyl-biguanide complexes as potential synergistic insulin mimics.

Vanadium has well-documented blood-glucose-lowering properties both in vitro and in vivo. The design of new oxovanadium(IV) coordination compounds, intended for use as insulin-enhancing agents in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, can potentially benefit from a synergistic approach, in which the whole complex has more than an additive effect from its component parts. Biguanides, most importantly metformin, are oral hypoglycemic agents used today to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, biguanide, metformin, and phenformin, all biguanides, were coordinated to oxovanadium(IV) to form potential insulin-enhancing compounds. Highly colored, air-stable, bis(biguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(big)2], bis(N'N'-dimethylbiguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(metf)2], and bis(beta-phenethyl-biguanidato)oxovanadium(IV), [VO(phenf)2], were prepared. Solvation with dimethylsulfoxide occurred with VO(metf)2 to form a six-coordinate complex. Precursor ligands and oxovanadium(IV) coordination complexes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, and, where appropriate, 1H NMR spectroscopy. Biological testing with VO(metf)2, a representative compound, for insulin-enhancing potential included acute (72 h) administration, both by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and by oral gavage (p.o.) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. VO(metf)2 administration resulted in significant blood-glucose lowering at doses of 0.12 mmol kg-1 i.p. and 0.60 mmol kg-1 p.o. (previously established as ED50 doses for organically chelated oxovanadium(IV) complexes); however, no positive associative effects due to the presence of biguanide in the complex were apparent.

Glucose-lowering properties of vanadium compounds: comparison of coordination complexes with maltol or kojic acid as ligands.

Bis(kojato)oxovanadium(IV) [abbreviated VO(ka)2], a close chemical analog of the insulin-mimetic lead compound bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)--abbreviated BMOV or VO(ma)2--is reported and its reaction chemistry and insulin-mimetic properties are presented. VO(ka)2 [log K1 = 7.61(10), log K2 = 6.89(6), log beta 2 = 14.50(16)] has a reaction chemistry which directly parallels that of VO(ma)2. In aqueous solution it is more slowly oxidized by molecular oxygen to [VO2(ka)2]- than is VO(ma)2 to [VO2(ma)2]-. Variable pH electrochemistry and variable pH 51V NMR of solutions of VO(ka)2 are presented and contrasted with the corresponding results for VO(ma)2. Time course studies (24 hr) in STZ-diabetic rats following the oral or i.p. administration of VO(ka)2, VO(ma)2, VO2+ (vanadyl) as vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4), and [VO2(ma)2]- as its [NH4]+ salt have been performed, as have chronic oral studies comparing VO(ka)2 and VO(ma)2 over a six week period. In all studies, the most potent form of vanadium was the neutrally charged, water soluble, complex VO(ma)2.

Vanadium compounds as insulin mimics.

That vanadium compounds act in an insulin-mimetic fashion both in vitro and in vivo has been well established. Both inorganic and organic vanadium compounds have been shown to lower plasma glucose levels, increase peripheral glucose uptake, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease plasma lipid levels, and normalize liver enzyme activities in a variety of animal models of both type I and type II diabetes. Vanadium treatment of diabetic animals does not restore plasma insulin levels but may spare pancreatic insulin. Elucidation of the mechanism(s) of action and potentiation of vanadium's insulin-mimetic effect by appropriate ligand binding would seem to be the highest priorities for future investigation.

Active oxygen species formation in synaptosomes exposed to an aluminum chelator.

This study evaluates the potential of two chelators, 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyridine-4-one (Hdpp) and 1-n-butyl-2-methyl-3-hydroxypyridin-4-one (Hnbp), to modulate cerebral rates of free radical production. The fluorometric assay for 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, which is formed by oxidation of a nonfluorescent precursor (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate), was used to assay reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The chelator Hdpp alone and the aluminum complexes of each chelator, Al (dpp)3 and Al (nbp)3, all inhibited basal rates of generation of ROS within a rat cerebral synaptosomal fraction. In the presence of an iron salt (1 microM FeSO4), a major enhancement of synaptosomal ROS formation was apparent. However, with the addition of an equimolar concentration of Hdpp, Al(dpp)3, or Al(nbp)3, this stimulation was completely abolished. The N-substituted-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones have been proposed to be of clinical utility for the removal of iron or aluminum from tissues. The clinical potential of this class of chelator may be enhanced by their ability to inhibit iron-related oxidative events.