Thermodynamic Study of Oxidovanadium(IV) with Kojic Acid Derivatives: A Multi-Technique Approach.

The good chelating properties of hydroxypyrone (HPO) derivatives towards oxidovanadium(IV) cation, VIVO2+, constitute the precondition for the development of new insulin-mimetic and anticancer compounds. In the present work, we examined the VIVO2+ complex formation equilibria of two kojic acid (KA) derivatives, L4 and L9, structurally constituted by two kojic acid units linked in position 6 through methylene diamine and diethyl-ethylenediamine, respectively. These chemical systems have been characterized in solution by the combined use of various complementary techniques, as UV-vis spectrophotometry, potentiometry, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, ESI-MS spectrometry, and DFT calculations. The thermodynamic approach allowed proposing a chemical coordination model and the calculation of the complex formation constants. Both ligands L4 and L9 form 1:1 binuclear complexes at acidic and physiological pHs, with various protonation degrees in which two KA units coordinate each VIVO2+ ion. The joined use of different techniques allowed reaching a coherent vision of the complexation models of the two ligands toward oxidovanadium(IV) ion in aqueous solution. The high stability of the formed species and the binuclear structure may favor their biological action, and represent a good starting point toward the design of new pharmacologically active vanadium species.

The Aging Kidney-As Influenced by Heavy Metal Exposure and Selenium Supplementation.

The aging process in the kidneys has been well studied. It is known that the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines with age in subjects older than 50-60 years. However, there is still insufficient knowledge regarding the response of the aged kidney to environmental toxicants such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Here, we present a review on the functional decline and proposed mechanisms in the aging kidney as influenced by metal pollutants. Due to the prevalence of these toxicants in the environment, human exposure is nearly unavoidable. Further, it is well known that acute and chronic exposures to toxic metals may be detrimental to kidneys of normal adults, thus it may be hypothesized that exposure of individuals with reduced GFR will result in additional reductions in renal function. Individuals with compromised renal function, either from aging or from a combination of aging and disease, may be particularly susceptible to environmental toxicants. The available data appear to show an association between exposure to mercury, cadmium and/or lead and an increase in incidence and severity of renal disease in elderly individuals. Furthermore, some physiological thiols, as well as adequate selenium status, appear to exert a protective action. Further studies providing improved insight into the mechanisms by which nephrotoxic metals are handled by aging kidneys, as well as possibilities of therapeutic protection, are of utmost importance.

Metal Toxicity and Speciation: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Essential metal ions play a specific and fundamental role in human metabolism. Their homeostasis is finely tuned, and any concentration imbalance in the form of deficiency or excess could lead to a progressive reduction and failure of normal biological function, to severe physiological and clinical outcomes, may eventually causing death. Conversely, non-essential metals are not necessary for life, and only noxious effects could arise after their exposure. Large environmental amounts of such chemicals come from both natural and anthropogenic sources, with the latter being predominant because of human activities. The dissipation of toxic metals contaminates water, air, soil, and food, causing a series of chronic and acute syndromes. OBJECTIVE: This review discusses the toxicity of non-essential metals considering their peculiar chemical characteristics, such as different forms, hard-soft character, oxidation states, binding capabilities, and solubility, which can influence their speciation in biological systems, and subsequently, the main cellular targets. Particular focus is given to selected toxic metals, major non-essential metals, or semimetals related to toxicity, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and arsenic. In addition, we provide indications on the possible treatments/interventions for metal poisoning based on chelation therapy. CONCLUSION: Toxic metal ions can exert their peculiar harmful effects in several ways. They strongly coordinate with important biological molecules on the basis of their chemical- physical characteristics (mainly HSAB properties) or replace essential metal ions from their natural locations in proteins, enzymes, or hard structures, such as bones or teeth. Metals with redox properties could be key inducers of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Therapeutic detoxification, through complexation of toxic metal ions by specific chelating agents, appears an efficacious clinical strategy, mainly in acute cases of metal intoxication.

The Potential Clinical Properties of Magnesium.

A significant percentage of costs in pharmaceutical markets is devoted to supplements due to the confidence of consumers in the beneficial effects of these products. Magnesium is one of the supplements with enduring and increasing popularity. According to what is reported online, this metal ion can cure or prevent almost all kinds of diseases. This review aims at illustrating a series of scientifically demonstrated cases in which magnesium was used in clinical practice. Except for its ordinary use as antacid and laxative, other ascertained uses, reported in scientific literature, consist of helping to treat several diseases such as nocturnal leg cramps, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, depression, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, some types of arrhythmias, asthma, migraine headaches, epilepsy, cerebral haemorrhage, and stroke. However, many of these promising uses of magnesium require further studies to define the involved molecular mechanisms which should help establishing its uses in relation to the prolonged use of supplements.

Clinical Therapy of Patients Contaminated with Polonium or Plutonium.

Although most of the harmful radionuclides are of anthropogenic origin and released from military or industrial processes, radioactive substances, such as uranium, also occur naturally in the environment. Low standards of care at nuclear facilities can lead to the contamination of employees with radionuclides due to inhalation of gases or dust or contamination of skin or wounds. Various sources for radionuclide exposure may present concerns for radioactive polonium or plutonium exposure, for instance, terrorist actions on the infrastructure, such as on drinking water basins. Early health effects after extensive radiation exposure may be vomiting, headaches, and fatigue, followed by bone marrow depression, fever, and diarrhea. The main purpose of radionuclide mobilization is to minimize the radiation dose. Since some of the important radionuclides, such as polonium and plutonium, have very long biological half-times after their deposition in bone, liver or kidneys, rapid initiation of chelation treatment is usually imperative after a contamination event. The antidote DMPS (dimercapto-propanesulfonate) is considered the drug of choice for polonium decorporation. DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) is a potent chelator especially approved for radionuclide mobilization, including polonium and other actinides. Other chelators and drugs are under investigation as potential chelators of transuranic elements.

Medical Therapy of Patients Contaminated with Radioactive Cesium or Iodine.

Follow-up studies after the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents have shown that 137Cs and 131I made up the major amount of harmful contaminants in the atmospheric dispersion and fallout. Other potential sources for such radionuclide exposure may be terrorist attacks, e.g., via contamination of drinking water reservoirs. A primary purpose of radionuclide mobilization is to minimize the radiation dose. Rapid initiation of treatment of poisoned patients is imperative after a contaminating event. Internal contamination with radioactive material can expose patients to prolonged radiation, thus leading to short- and long-term clinical consequences. After the patient's emergency conditions are addressed, the treating physicians and assisting experts should assess the amount of radioactive material that has been internalized. This evaluation should include estimation of the radiation dose that is delivered and the specific radionuclides inside the body. These complex assessments warrant the reliance on a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates regional experts in radiation medicine and emergencies. Regional hospitals should have elaborated strategies for the handling of radiation emergencies. If radioactive cesium is a significant pollutant, Prussian blue is the approved antidote for internal detoxification. Upon risks of radioiodine exposure, prophylactic or immediate treatment with potassium iodide tablets is recommended. Chelators developed from calcium salts have been studied for gastrointestinal trapping and enhanced mobilization after strontium exposure.

Iron and other metals in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease: Toxic effects and possible detoxification.

Of the documented cases of Parkinson's disease (PD), about 10% have a genetic background. The remaining cases of PD have unknown etiology. Thus, environmental factors appear to play a pathogenic role in most of the PD cases. Several of the so far known PD inducing chemicals appear to increase the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). A suspected environmental factor is the non-proteinogenic amino acid ß-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), which may act to carry iron species into the brain and disrupt correct biosynthesis of proteins. In addition, in epidemiological studies, it has been reported a connection between PD and metal exposures, including iron, mercury, manganese, and lead. Research has shown elevated iron levels in the substantia nigra of PD patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by genetic or environmental factors appears to evoke cascades of biochemical events, which include non-physiological leakage of ROS and arrest of the sensitive production of dopamine. A combination of increased ROS and loosely chelated iron causes neurotransmitter dysfunction. Recent research indicates that treatment with exogenous chelators, such as deferiprone, apomorphine, and hinokitiol, can inhibit PD progression. The endogenous chelator, neuromelanin, also appears to exert protection. In the present review, the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic susceptibilities to metals in PD are explored. The paper is also focused on strategies for the therapy of PD, mainly by using chelation therapy to reduce the level of iron.

Chelating principles in Menkes and Wilson diseases: Choosing the right compounds in the right combinations at the right time.

Dysregulation of copper homeostasis in humans is primarily found in two genetic diseases of copper transport, Menkes and Wilson diseases, which show symptoms of copper deficiency or overload, respectively. However, both diseases are copper storage disorders despite completely opposite clinical pictures. Clinically, Menkes disease is characterized by copper deficiency secondary to poor loading of copper-requiring enzymes although sufficient body copper. Copper accumulates in non-hepatic tissues, but is deficient in blood, liver, and brain. In contrast, Wilson disease is characterized by symptoms of copper toxicity secondary to accumulation of copper in several organs most notably brain and liver, and a saturated blood copper pool. It is a challenge to correct copper dyshomeostasis in either disease though copper depletion in Menkes disease is most challenging. Both diseases are caused by defective copper export from distinct cells, and we seek to give new angles and guidelines to improve treatment of these two complementary diseases. Therapy of Menkes disease with copper-histidine, thiocarbamate, nitrilotriacetate or lipoic acid is discussed. In Wilson disease combination of a hydrophilic chelator e.g. trientine or dimercaptosuccinate with a brain shuttle e.g. thiomolybdate or lipoate, is discussed. New chelating principles for copper removal or delivery are outlined.

Interaction of a chelating agent, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-4(1H)-one, with Al(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions.

5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-4(1H)-one ligand, an iron chelator, was evaluated for its coordination ability toward Al(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions by using potentiometric, NMR, EPR and UV-Vis techniques. The behavior of the ligand with the non-essential Al(III) ion has been examined, as well as its potential influence on the homeostatic equilibria of the essential Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. Structural information on the complex formation equilibria have been obtained from 1D and 2D NMR study. The donor atoms involved in the coordination of Al(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions are (O, O) the same as for Fe(III) at physiological pH value, even if from the complexation competition study the ligand appears to be more selective toward Fe(III) ions supporting that it can be used as an iron chelating agent. The involvement of N-donor atoms at high pH in Cu(II) coordination has been determined by using EPR and UV-Vis techniques.

Complex formation equilibria of Cu2+ and Zn2+ with Irbesartan and Losartan.

We conducted a thorough study of Cu2+ complex formation equilibria with Irbesartan and Losartan, the two primary drugs for the cure of cardiovascular diseases, with the aim of recognising if these drugs could exert a chelating action towards Cu2+. We used different complementary techniques to gain a clear picture of the involved protonation and complexation equilibria. The low solubility in water of the ligands and of the formed metal complexes prevented the use of water as solvent, so we had to perform the measurements in mixed methanol-water solvents. Further, we studied the related equilibria with Zn2+ for evaluating a potential interference of this essential metal ion, largely present in biological fluids. Our study provided a strong evaluation of the formed complexes and of the relative stability constants. The binding of both metal ions takes place through the tetrazole moiety except for the Zn2+-Irbesartan system. In this last case, NMR measurements gave evidence of a tautomeric equilibrium involving the imidazole ring and the aliphatic chain. The estimated complexation model, and the related stability constants, allowed a speciation study in human plasma, based on a number of simplifying assumptions, which remarked that both drugs, Losartan and Irbesartan, could exert a chelating action, scavenging non-negligible amounts of Cu2+ from the organism.

Chemical features of in use and in progress chelators for iron overload.

An excessive amount of iron may become extremely toxic both for its ability to generate reactive oxygen species, and for the lack of regulatory mechanisms for iron excretion in humans. Chelation therapy has been introduced in clinical practice in the 1970's to defend thalassemia patients from the effects of iron overload and it has dramatically changed both life expectancy and quality of life. The disadvantages of the drugs in clinical use make the research for new, more suitable iron chelating agents, urgent. This review defines the requirements of an iron chelator, then points out the principal chemical features of the iron chelators in use. Finally, a survey on the last ten years of the literature relative to iron chelators is done, and the most interesting ligands are presented, with particular emphasis to those that reached clinical trials.

A Speciation Study on the Perturbing Effects of Iron Chelators on the Homeostasis of Essential Metal Ions.

A number of reports have appeared in literature calling attention to the depletion of essential metal ions during chelation therapy on ß-thalassaemia patients. We present a speciation study to determine how the iron chelators used in therapy interfere with the homeostatic equilibria of essential metal ions. This work includes a thorough analysis of the pharmacokinetic properties of the chelating agents currently in clinical use, of the amounts of iron, copper and zinc available in plasma for chelation, and of all the implied complex formation constants. The results of the study show that a significant amount of essential metal ions is complexed whenever the chelating agent concentration exceeds the amount necessary to coordinate all disposable iron--a frequently occurring situation during chelation therapy. On the contrary, copper and zinc do not interfere with iron chelation, except for a possible influence of copper on iron speciation during deferiprone treatment.

Novel DFO-functionalized mesoporous silica for iron sensing. Part 2. Experimental detection of free iron concentration (pFe) in urine samples.

Successful in vivo chelation treatment of iron(iii) overload pathologies requires that a significant fraction of the administered drug actually chelates the toxic metal. Increased mobilization of the iron(iii) in experiments on animals or humans, most often evaluated from urinary output, is usually used as an assessment tool for chelation therapy. Alternatively, the efficiency of a drug is estimated by calculating the complexing ability of a chelating agent towards Fe(iii). The latter is calculated by the pFe value, defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of the free metal ion in a solution containing 10 µM total ligand and 1 µM total metal at a physiological pH of 7.4. In theory, pFe has to be calculated taking into account all the complexation equilibria involving the metal and the possible ligands. Nevertheless, complexation reactions in complex systems such as serum and urine may hardly be accurately modelled by computer software. The experimental determination of the bioavailable fraction of iron(iii) in biological fluids would therefore be of the utmost relevance in the clinical practice. The efficiency of the therapy could be more easily estimated as well as the course of overload pathologies. In this context, the aim of the present work was the development of a sensor to assess the free iron directly in biological fluids (urine) of patients under treatment with chelating agents. In the proposed device (DFO-MS), the strong iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) is immobilized on the MCM-41 mesoporous silica. The characterization of the iron(iii) sorption on DFO-MS was undertaken, firstly in 0.1 M KNO3, then directly in urine samples, in order to identify the sorption mechanism. The stoichiometry of the reaction in the solid phase was found to be: with an exchange constant (average value) of log ßex = 40(1). The application of DFO-MS to assess pFe in SPU (Simulating Pathology Urine) samples was also considered. The results obtained were very promising for a future validation and subsequent application of the sensor in samples of patients undergoing chelation therapy.

Chelation therapy for metal intoxication: comments from a thermodynamic viewpoint.

Chelation therapy plays a prominent role in the clinical treatment of metal intoxication. In this paper the principal causes of metal toxicity are exposed, and the chemical and biomedical requisites of a chelating agent are sketched. The chelating agents currently in use for scavenging toxic metal ions from humans belong to few categories: those characterized by coordinating mercapto groups, by oxygen groups, poliaminocarboxylic acids, and dithiocarbamates. Considering that the complex formation equilibria have been studied for less than 50% of chelators in use, some reflections on the utility of stability constants are presented, together with an evaluation of ligands under the stability profile. The competition between endogenous and toxic target metal ions for the same chelating agent is furthermore examined. A thorough examination of stability constant databases has allowed to select, for each toxic metal, the ligands distinguished by the best pMe values. Even though this selection does not consider the biomedical requisites of a chelating agent, it gives a clear picture both of the pMe values that can be attained, and of the most appropriate chelators for each metal ion.