Ligand-Modulated Nuclearity and Geometry in Nickel(II) Hydrazone Complexes: From Mononuclear Complexes to Acetato- and/or Phenoxido-Bridged Clusters.

The propensity of 4-hydroxybenzhydrazone-related ligands derived from 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2L3OMe), 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2L4OMe), and salicylaldehyde (H2LH) to act as chelating and/or bridging ligands in Ni(II) complexes was investigated. Three clusters of different nuclearities, [Ni3(L3OMe)2(OAc)2(MeOH)2]∙2MeOH∙MeCN (1∙2MeOH∙MeCN), [Ni2(HL4OMe)(L4OMe)(OAc)(MeOH)2]∙4.7MeOH (2∙4.7MeOH), and [Ni4(HLH)2(LH)2(OAc)2]∙4MeOH·0.63H2O·0.5MeCN·HOAc (3∙4MeOH·0.63H2O·0.5MeCN·HOAc), were prepared from Ni(OAc)2∙4H2O and the corresponding ligand in the presence of Et3N. The hydrazones in these acetato- and phenoxido-bridged clusters acted as singly or doubly deprotonated ligands. When pyridine was used, mononuclear complexes with the square-planar geometry seemed to be favoured, as found for complexes [Ni(L3OMe)(py)] (4), [Ni(L4Ome)(py)] (5) and [Ni(LH)(py)] (6). Ligand substituent effects and the stability of square-planar complexes were investigated and quantified by extensive quantum chemical analysis. Obtained results showed that standard Gibbs energies of binding were lower for square-planar than for octahedral complexes. Starting from [MoO2(L)(EtOH)] complexes as precursors and applying the metal-exchange procedure, the mononuclear complexes [Ni(HL3OMe)2]∙MeOH (7∙MeOH) and [Ni(HLH)]∙2MeOH (9∙2MeOH) and hybrid organic-inorganic compound [Ni2(HL4OMe)2(CH3OH)4][Mo4O10(OCH3)6] (10) were achieved. The octahedral complexes [Ni(HL)2] (7-9) can also be obtained by the direct synthesis from Ni(Oac)2∙4H2O and the appropriate ligand under specific reaction conditions. Crystal and molecular structures of 1∙2MeOH∙MeCN, 2∙4.7MeOH, 3∙4MeOH∙0.63H2O∙0.5MeCN∙HOAc, 4, 5, 9∙2MeOH, and 10 were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method.

4-Hydroxynonenal Modulates Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability In Vitro through Changes in Lipid Composition and Oxidative Status of Endothelial Cells and Astrocytes.

Blood brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface responsible for proper functioning of brain, but also a major obstacle for effective treatment of neurological diseases. Increased levels of free radicals, in high ferrous and high lipid content surrounding, induce lipid peroxidation, leading to production of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). HNE modifies all key proteins responsible for proper brain functioning thus playing a major role in the onset of neurological diseases. To investigate HNE effects on BBB permeability, we developed two in vitro BBB models-'physiological' and 'pathological'. The latter mimicked HNE modified extracellular matrix under oxidative stress conditions in brain pathologies. We showed that exogenous HNE induce activation of antioxidative defense systems by increasing catalase activity and glutathione content as well as reducing lipid peroxide levels in endothelial cells and astrocytes of 'physiological' model. While in 'pathological' model, exogenous HNE further increased lipid peroxidation levels of endothelial cells and astrocytes, followed by increase in Nrf2 and glutathione levels in endothelial cells. At lipid composition level, HNE caused increase in ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) level in endothelial cells, followed by decrease in ω3 PUFA level and increase in monounsaturated fatty acid level in astrocytes. Using these models, we showed for the first time that HNE in 'pathological' model can reduce BBB permeability.

Supramolecular stabilization of metastable tautomers in solution and the solid state.

This work presents a successful application of a recently reported supramolecular strategy for stabilization of metastable tautomers in cocrystals to monocomponent, non-heterocyclic, tautomeric solids. Quantum-chemical computations and solution studies show that the investigated Schiff base molecule, derived from 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (ap), is far more stable as the enol tautomer. In the solid state, however, in all three obtained polymorphic forms it exists solely as the keto tautomer, in each case stabilized by an unexpected hydrogen-bonding pattern. Computations have shown that hydrogen bonding of the investigated Schiff base with suitable molecules shifts the tautomeric equilibrium to the less stable keto form. The extremes to which supramolecular stabilization can lead are demonstrated by the two polymorphs of molecular complexes of the Schiff base with ap. The molecules of both constituents of molecular complexes are present as metastable tautomers (keto anion and protonated pyridine, respectively), which stabilize each other through a very strong hydrogen bond. All the obtained solid forms proved stable in various solid-state and solvent-mediated methods used to establish their relative thermodynamic stabilities and possible interconversion conditions.

Effects of bioreactive acrolein from automotive exhaust gases on human cells in vitro.

Acrolein is a toxic unsaturated aldehyde and widespread environmental pollutant produced during lipid peroxidation and also by burning of tobacco or liquid fuels. Inhalation or dermal exposure to acrolein could be toxic to organisms. This very reactive aldehyde has a strong affinity for binding to proteins thus forming pathogenic protein-adducts. In the present study we have analyzed formation of bioreactive acrolein-protein adducts in bovine serum albumin solution exposed to exhaust gases of mineral diesel fuel and of mineral diesel fuel supplemented with different amounts of a novel diesel fuel additive denoted Ecodiesel (produced by a genuine procedure of recycling of plant oils used for food preparation). The effects of acrolein-protein adducts were tested on human microvascular endothelial cells and on human osteosarcoma cells that are sensitive to bioactivities of lipid peroxidation products. The results have shown a reduction of the bioreactive acrolein in exhaust gases when mineral diesel was supplemented with 5-20% Ecodiesel. Moreover, acrolein-protein adducts obtained from mineral diesel supplemented with Ecodiesel were less toxic than those obtained from mineral diesel alone. Thus, we assume that supplementing mineral diesel fuel with Ecodiesel would be of benefit for the use of renewable energy, for environment and for human health due to reduced environmental pollution with bioreactive acrolein.

Anion-templated supramolecular C3 assembly for efficient inclusion of charge-dispersed anions into hydrogen-bonded networks.

The binding properties and conformational adaptability of a known nitrate/sulfate receptor N,N'-3-azapentane-1,5-bis[3-(1-aminoethylidene)-6-methyl-3H-pyran-2,4-dione] (L) toward various charge-dispersed monoanions (HSO(3)(-), ClO(4)(-), IO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), and SbF(6)(-)) are considered. These anions template the folding of three HL(+) species through a self-assembly process into a new hollow supramolecular trication. During the self-assembly, all strong hydrogen-bond donors of the podand become coordinatively saturated by interactions with the oxo functionalities from other HL(+) molecules. In that way, only the weak hydrogen-bond-donating groups in the exterior part of the receptor are accessible for anion binding. The investigated anions are accommodated in the hydrophobic pockets of the isomorphous hydrogen-bonded frameworks, which serve as a basis for selective crystallization from the highly competitive anion/solvent systems. This behavior is discussed in terms of size and geometry of the anions as well as the receptor's coordination capabilities to provide the most favorable surroundings for guest inclusion both in solution and in the solid state.

Growth modulation of human cells in vitro by mild oxidative stress and 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative antioxidants.

Reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products are not only cytotoxic but may also modulate signal transduction in cells. Accordingly, antioxidants may be considered as modifiers of cellular redox signaling. Therefore, the effects of two novel synthetic antioxidants, analogues of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, cerebrocrast and Z41-74 were analysed in vitro on human osteosarcoma cell line HOS, the growth of which can be modulated by lipid peroxidation. The cells were pretreated with either cerebrocrast or Z41-74 and afterwards exposed to mild, copper induced lipid peroxidation or to 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), the end product of lipid peroxidation. The results obtained have shown that both antioxidants exert growth modulating effects interfering with the lipid peroxidation. Namely, cells treated with antioxidants showed increased metabolic rate and cell growth, thereby attenuating the effects of lipid peroxidation. Such biomodulating effects of cerebrocrast and Z41-74 resembled growth modulating effects of HNE, suggesting that the antioxidants could eventually promote cellular adaptation to oxidative stress interacting with redox signaling and hydroxynonenal HNE-signal transduction pathways. This may be of particular relevance for better understanding the beneficial role of hydroxynonenal HNE in cell growth control. Therefore, cerebrocrast and Z41-74 could be convenient to study further oxidative homeostasis involving lipid peroxidation.

Lipid peroxidation in brain tumors.

There is a lot of evidence showing that lipid peroxidation plays very important role in development of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. Lipid peroxidation is achieved by two main pathways, by enzymatic or by non-enzymatic oxidation, respectively. In this paper, we focus on non-enzymatic, self-catalyzed chain reaction of poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation generating reactive aldehydes, notably 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which acts as second messenger of free radicals and as growth regulating factor. It might originate from astrocytes as well as from blood vessels, even within the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is in case of brain tumors transformed into the blood-brain-tumor barrier (BBTB). The functionality of the BBB is strongly affected by 4-HNE because it forms relatively stable protein adducts thus allowing the persistence and the spread of lipid peroxidation, as revealed by immunohistochemical findings. Because 4-HNE can act as a regulator of vital functions of normal and of malignant cells acting in the cell type- and concentration-dependent manners, the bioactivities of this product of lipid peroxidation be should further studied to reveal if it acts as a co-factor of carcinogenesis or as natural factor of defense against primary brain tumors and metastatic cancer.

The relevance of pathophysiological alterations in redox signaling of 4-hydroxynonenal for pharmacological therapies of major stress-associated diseases.

Modern analytical methods combined with the modern concepts of redox signaling revealed 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) as particular growth regulating factor involved in redox signaling under physiological and pathophysiological circumstances. In this review current knowledge of the relevance of 4-HNE as "the second messenger of reactive oxygen species" (ROS) in redox signaling of representative major stress-associated diseases is briefly summarized. The findings presented allow for 4-HNE to be considered not only as second messenger of ROS, but also as one of fundamental factors of the stress- and age-associated diseases. While standard, even modern concepts of molecular medicine and respective therapies in majority of these diseases target mostly the disease-specific symptoms. 4-HNE, especially its protein adducts, might appear to be the bioactive markers that would allow better monitoring of specific pathophysiological processes reflecting their complexity. Eventually that could help development of advanced integrative medicine approach for patients and the diseases they suffer from on the personalized basis implementing biomedical remedies that would optimize beneficial effects of ROS and 4-HNE to prevent the onset and progression of the illness, perhaps even providing the real cure.

Mitochondrial ROS Induce Partial Dedifferentiation of Human Mesothelioma via Upregulation of NANOG.

The expression of pluripotency factors is a key regulator of tumor differentiation status and cancer stem cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of pluripotency factors and differentiation status of human mesothelioma and the role of mitochondria in their regulation. We tested the expression of OCT4/POU5F1, NANOG, SOX2, PI3K-AKT pathway and BCL2 genes and proteins in 65 samples of human mesothelioma and 19 samples of normal mesothelium. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and expression of pluripotency factors were also tested in human mesothelioma cell line. Human mesothelium and mesothelioma expressed SOX2, NANOG, PI3K and AKT genes and proteins and POU5F1 gene, whereby NANOG, SOX2 and phosphorylated (activated) AKT were upregulated in mesothelioma. NANOG protein expression was elevated in less differentiated samples of human mesothelioma. The expression of genes of PI3K-AKT pathway correlated with pluripotency factor genes. Mesothelioma cells had functional, but depolarized mitochondria with large capacity to generate ROS. Mitochondrial ROS upregulated NANOG and mitoTEMPO abrogated it. In conclusion, human mesothelioma displays enhanced expression of NANOG, SOX2 and phosphorylated AKT proteins, while elevated NANOG expression correlates with poor differentiation of human mesothelioma. Mitochondria of mesothelioma cells have a large capacity to form ROS and thereby upregulate NANOG, leading to dedifferentiation of mesothelioma.

The synthesis, structure and catalytic properties of the [Mo7O24(µ-Mo8O26)Mo7O24]16- anion formed via two intermediate heptamolybdates [Co(en)3]2[NaMo7O24]Cl·nH2O and (H3O)[Co(en)3]2[Mo7O24]Cl·9H2O.

Ageing a mixture of sodium molybdate, malonic acid, and tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(iii) chloride using different synthetic routes, namely, solution-based methods at room temperature or 110 °C, and a mechanochemically accelerated vapour-assisted method, yielded the polyoxomolybdate [Co(en)3]5Na[Mo7O24(µ-Mo8O26)Mo7O24]·nH2O (1). The new polyoxomolybdate anion 1 comprised three fragments, namely, two {Mo7O24} units bridged by a {Mo8O26} unit, which were interconnected by the terminal oxygen atoms of MoO6 octahedra and represent a unique structural motif not yet described in the structurally versatile chemistry of polyoxomolybdates (POMos). The ageing reaction was found to occur via a series of intermediates, two of which were isolated and identified as the heptamolybdate coordination polymer [Co(en)3]2[NaMo7O24]Cl·nH2O (2), comprising {Mo7O24} units bridged by a sodium atom, and the heptamolybdate (H3O)[Co(en)3]2[Mo7O24]Cl·9H2O (3). An identical reaction procedure with [Co(C2O4)(en)2]+ instead of [Co(en)3]3+ yielded the orthomolybdate [Co(C2O4)(en)2]2[MoO4]·9H2O (4) and the hydrogen malonate [Co(C2O4)(en)2]C3O4H3 (5). The new polyoxomolybdate [Co(en)3]5Na[Mo7O24(µ-Mo8O26)Mo7O24]·nH2O was also examined as a catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclooctene, and was superior to both heptamolybdate and octamolybdate catalysts over 24 h. The heptamolybdate [Co(NH3)6]2[Mo7O24]·8H2O (6) was isolated as the only reaction product of sodium molybdate and hexaamminecobalt(iii) nitrate in the presence of malonic acid using solution-based methods.

Short Overview of ROS as Cell Function Regulators and Their Implications in Therapy Concepts.

The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been gradually acknowledged over the last four decades. Initially perceived as unwanted products of detrimental oxidative stress, they have been upgraded since, and now ROS are also known to be essential for the regulation of physiological cellular functions through redox signaling. In the majority of cases, metabolic demands, along with other stimuli, are vital for ROS formation and their actions. In this review, we focus on the role of ROS in regulating cell functioning and communication among themselves. The relevance of ROS in therapy concepts is also addressed here.

Novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives as potential antitumor agents: Synthesis, physicochemical and structural properties, DNA interactions and antiproliferative activity.

The paper describes synthesis of several novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Furthermore, crystal and molecular structure of 4-diethylamino-salicylaldehyde 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone revealed planarity of conjugated aromatic system, which suggested the possibility of DNA binding by intercalation, especially for here studied naphthalene derivatives. However, here presented DNA binding studies excluded this mode of action. Physicochemical and structural properties of novel derivatives were compared with previously studied analogues, taken as reference compounds, revealing distinctive differences. In addition, novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1, 2 and 5-8) clearly display stronger antiproliferative activity on five tumor cell lines than the reference compounds 3 and 4, which supports their further investigation as potential antitumor agents.

Two thiosemicarbazones derived from salicylaldehyde: very specific hydrogen-bonding interactions of the N-H...S=C type.

The molecular structures of two salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives, namely salicylaldehyde 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone, C(14)H(13)N(3)OS, (I), and 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone, C(15)H(15)N(3)O(2)S, (II), both of potential pharmacological interest, are found in the keto (thione) tautomeric form. The first compound represents a second triclinic polymorph of composition beta-C(14)H(13)N(3)OS. Although both polymorphs crystallize in the same space group (P1), the alpha-polymorph [Seena, Kurup & Suresh (2008). J. Chem. Crystallogr. 38, 93-96] differs from the beta form in its unit-cell volume at 293 K. The molecules in the crystal structures of (I) and (II) are linked into centrosymmetric R(2)(2)(8) dimers by hydrogen bonds of the N-H...S=C type. These dimers are connected through pi-pi stacking and T-shaped C-H...pi interactions into three-dimensional networks.

A tetra-nuclear cubane-like nickel(II) complex with a tridentate salicyl-idene-imine Schiff base ligand: tetra-kis-[µ3-4-methyl-N-(2-oxidophen-yl)salicylideneiminato]tetra-kis-[methano-lnickel(II)] methanol 0.8-solvate.

The tetra-nuclear title complex, [Ni4(C14H11NO2)4(CH3OH)4]·0.8CH3OH, has a distorted cubane topology shaped by four Schiff base ligands. The cubane [Ni4(µ3-O4)] core is formed via the O atoms from the Schiff base ligands. The octa-hedrally coordinated NiII ions occupy alternating vertices of the cube. Each NiII ion is coordinated by one O,N,O'-tridentate dianionic ligand, two O atoms of oxidophenyl groups from adjacent ligands and the O atom of a coordinating methanol mol-ecule. The cubane core is stabilized via an intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond between the hy-droxy group of the coordinating methanol mol-ecules and the phenolate O atom of the aldehyde Schiff base fragment. Additional stabilization is obtained via intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving aromatic C-H groups and the oxygen atoms of adjacent methanol mol-ecules. In the crystal, complex mol-ecules are linked into chains parallel to the c axis via weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The partial-occupancy disordered methanol solvent mol-ecule has a site occupancy of 0.8 and is linked to the tetra-nuclear unit via an inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bond involving a phenolate O atom.

Redox control of microglial function: molecular mechanisms and functional significance.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by chronic microglial over-activation and oxidative stress. It is now beginning to be recognized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by either microglia or the surrounding environment not only impact neurons but also modulate microglial activity. In this review, we first analyze the hallmarks of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes of microglia and their regulation by ROS. Then, we consider the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by NADPH oxidases and nitric oxide synthases and the new findings that also indicate an essential role of glutathione (γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine) in redox homeostasis of microglia. The effect of oxidant modification of macromolecules on signaling is analyzed at the level of oxidized lipid by-products and sulfhydryl modification of microglial proteins. Redox signaling has a profound impact on two transcription factors that modulate microglial fate, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, master regulators of the pro-inflammatory and antioxidant responses of microglia, respectively. The relevance of these proteins in the modulation of microglial activity and the interplay between them will be evaluated. Finally, the relevance of ROS in altering blood brain barrier permeability is discussed. Recent examples of the importance of these findings in the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases are also discussed. This review should provide a profound insight into the role of redox homeostasis in microglial activity and help in the identification of new promising targets to control neuroinflammation through redox control of the brain.

Stobadine attenuates impairment of an intestinal barrier model caused by 4-hydroxynonenal.

Alterations in the intestinal barrier permeability occur in a broad spectrum of abdominally related pathologies, mostly due to disturbed oxidative homeostasis and increased lipid peroxidation. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a major lipid peroxidation product, is physiologically present in healthy gastric mucosa, but is increased in early stages of colon cancer and patients with duodenal peptic ulcer. Nevertheless, such supraphysiological levels of HNE have not yet been associated with increased intestinal permeability, even though, as we have described in this paper, they could play important role. In vitro model of intestinal barrier was established by growing Caco-2 cell line on cell culture permeable inserts. The pyridoindole derivative stobadine in hydrophilic and lipophilic form was used for barrier model protection. Both forms of stobadine were able to prevent damaging HNE effects, and reduce generation of reactive oxygen species and permeability of the intestinal barrier. Immunocytochemical analysis has confirmed beneficial effect of stobadine in reducing the formation of HNE-protein conjugates in the cells. Lipophilic form of stobadine proved to be more efficient than hydrophilic, implying importance of lipids in maintaining barrier function. The results obtained indicate that HNE might be important factor affecting intestinal barrier integrity, while stobadine could efficiently protect intestinal cells against harmful HNE effects.

Induction of CMV-1 promoter by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in human embryonic kidney cells.

Oxidative stress, i.e., excessive production of oxygen free radicals and reactive oxygen species, leads to lipid peroxidation and to formation of reactive aldehydes which act as second messengers of free radicals. It has previously been shown that oxidative stress may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter, involved in viral reactivation from latency. In the current study we used a plasmid containing the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) gene under the control of CMV-1 promoter to monitor the influence of hydrogen peroxide and reactive aldehydes, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and acrolein, on CMV-1 promoter activation in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). While acrolein was ineffective, hydrogen peroxide slightly (50 %) stimulated the CMV promoter. In contrast, HNE had a strong, up to 3-fold, enhancing effect on the CMV-1 promoter within four as well as after 24h of treatment. The most effective was the treatment with 24 microM HNE. This effect of HNE suggests that stressful conditions associated with lipid peroxidation could lead to CMV activation.

Lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal as factor of oxidative homeostasis supporting bone regeneration with bioactive glasses.

Bone regeneration is a process of vital importance since fractures of long bones and large joints have a highly deleterious impact on both, individuals and society. Numerous attempts have been undertaken to alleviate this severe medical and social problem by development of novel bioactive materials, among which bioactive glass is the most attractive because of its osteoconductive and osteostimulative properties. Since lipid peroxidation is an important component of systematic stress response in patients with traumatic brain injuries and bone fractures, studies have been undertaken of the molecular mechanisms of the involvement of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), an end product of lipid peroxidation, in cellular growth regulation. We found that HNE generated in bone cells grown in vitro on the surfaces of bioactive glasses 45S5 and 13-93. This raises an interesting possibility of combined action of HNE and ionic bioglass dissolution products in enhanced osteogenesis probably through a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. While the proposed mechanism still has to be elucidated, the finding of HNE generation on bioglass offers a new interpretation of the osteoinducting mechanisms of bioglass and suggests the possibility of tissue engineering based on manipulations of oxidative homeostasis.

Lipid peroxidation product acrolein as a predictive biomarker of prostate carcinoma relapse after radical surgery.

Cancer recurrence after radical surgery might happen even in the case of patients with localized prostate carcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy. Therefore, identifying predictive markers of tumour recurrence is very important, so this study evaluated the presence of lipid peroxidation product acrolein in primary prostate carcinomas, assuming that acrolein could be involved in prostate carcinogenesis as was recently shown for colon cancer. Samples obtained by radical prostatectomy of 70 patients were analysed, out of which 27 patients suffered afterwards from tumour recurrence, while 43 patients were disease free. Immunohistochemistry using genuine monoclonal antibodies against acrolein-protein adducts revealed the association of acrolein with progression of carcinoma. The logistic regression combining clinical parameters together with the biochemical markers of disease and acrolein immunohistochemistry has shown that the relapse might be predicted with 90% accuracy if tumour-positive surgical margins, stage of disease and the intensity of acrolein presence in tumour stroma were taken together.