Search for new biologically active compounds: in vitro studies of antitumor and antimicrobial activity of dirhodium(II,II) paddlewheel complexes.

Four neutral Rh1-Rh4 complexes of the general formula [Rh2(CH3COO)4L2], where L is an N-alkylimidazole ligand, were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, and in the case of Rh4 the crystal structure was confirmed. Investigation of the interactions of these complexes with HSA by fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the binding constants Kb are moderately strong (∼104 M-1), and site-marker competition experiments showed that the complexes bind to Heme site III (subdomain IB). Competitive binding studies for CT DNA using EB and HOE showed that the complexes bind to the minor groove, which was also confirmed by viscosity experiments. Molecular docking confirmed the experimental data for HSA and CT DNA. Antimicrobial tests showed that the Rh2-Rh4 complexes exerted a strong inhibitory effect on G+ bacteria B. cereus and G- bacteria V. parahaemolyticus as well as on the yeast C. tropicalis, which showed a higher sensitivity compared to fluconazole. The cytotoxic activity of Rh1-Rh4 complexes tested on three cancer cell lines (HeLa, HCT116 and MDA-MB-231) and on healthy MRC-5 cells showed that all investigated complexes elicited more efficient cytotoxicity on all tested tumor cells than on control cells. Investigation of the mechanism of action revealed that the Rh1-Rh4 complexes inhibit cell proliferation via different mechanisms of action, namely apoptosis (increase in expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax protein and caspase-3 protein in HeLa and HCT116 cells; changes in mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial damage; release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria; cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in both HeLa and HCT116 cells together with a decrease in the expression of cyclin A and cyclin B) and autophagy (reduction in the expression of the protein p62 in HeLa and HCT116 cells).

Overview of Erasmus+ NETCHEM project: ICT networking for overcoming technical and social barriers in instrumental analytical chemistry education.

The paper briefly presents goals, activities, challenges, and outcomes of the NETCHEM project ( http://www.netchem.ac.rs/ ) that was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of European Union (573885-EPP-1-2016-1-RS-EPPKA2- CBHE-JP). The project has been started in October 2016 and with extension lasted until April 2020. Western Balkan region has been targeted by upgrading capacities for education and research in environmental and food analysis in cooperation with partners from France, the UK, and Czech Republic. NETCHEM platform providing Web Accessed Remote Instrumental Analytical Laboratories (WARIAL) network, Database service and Open education system was created in order to improve the cooperation, educational, and research capacities of Higher Education Institutions involved, but also targeting whether audience not only from academic domain but from industry as well. The NETCHEM platform is free for access to public; thus, the external users to NETCHEM consortium can not only see its content but also actively participate, enter Database and WARIAL network, and upload their own educational/research material.

Synthesis, characterization, HSA/DNA interactions and antitumor activity of new [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl2(L)] complexes.

Three new ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized from different substituted isothiazole ligands 5-(methylamino)-3-pyrrolidine-1-ylisothiazole-4-carbonitrile (1), 5-(methylamino)-3-(4-methylpiperazine-1-yl)isothiazole-4-carbonitrile (2) and 5-(methylamino)-3-morpholine-4-ylisothiazole-4-carbonitrile (3): [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl2(L1)]·H2O (4), [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl2(L2)] (5) and [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl2(L3)] (6). All complexes were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of all ligands and complexes 4 and 6 were determined by an X-ray. The results of the interactions of CT-DNA (calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid) and HSA (human serum albumin) with ruthenium (II) complexes reveal that complex 4 binds well to CT-DNA and HSA. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the reaction between complex and HSA confirmed the associative mode of interaction. The results of Quantum mechanics (QM) modelling and docking experiments toward DNA dodecamer and HSA support the strongest binding of the complex 4 to DNA major groove, as well as its binding to IIa domain of HSA with the lowest ΔG energy, which agrees with the solution studies. The modified GOLD docking results are indicative for Ru(p-cymene)LCl··(HSA··GLU292) binding and GOLD/MOPAC(QM) docking/modelling of DNA/Ligand (Ru(II)-N(7)dG7) covalent binding. The cytotoxic activity of compounds was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Neither of the tested compounds shows activity against a healthy MRC-5 cell line while the MCF-7 cell line is the most sensitive to all. Compounds 3, 4 and 5 were about two times more active than cisplatin, while the antiproliferative activity of 6 was almost the same as with cisplatin. Flow cytometry analysis showed the apoptotic death of the cells with a cell cycle arrest in the subG1 phase.

METHOTREXATE AND MYOTREXATE INDUCE APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN MYOMA FIBROBLASTS (T hES CELL LINE) VIA MITOCHONDRIAL PATHWAY.

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. Although the local application of low doses of methotrexate (MTX) is used as an effective treatment of the myomas, myotrexate could be a promising new drug. This study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of both MTX and myotrexate in human fibroblasts derived from the uterine fibroids (T hES cell line). The myotrexate adduct is an aqueous solution of MTX and L-arginine. Cells were treated with a graded concentrations of both MTX and myothrexate (0.1-16 µM) for 24 h. The cytotoxicity was assayed by MTT test, apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC assay and their possible role in apoptosis was determined by immnu- flourescence. Both MTX and myotrexate induced apoptosis in T hES cells in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.001). Myotrexate significantly increased the percentage of AnnexinV positive cells, BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and subsequent caspase-3 activation compared to the MTX treated cells (p < 0.05). Both MTX or myotrexate treatment showed a diffuse staining of cytochrome c indicating its release from mitochondria to the cytosol, suggesting that their mechanisms of action most likely involves the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Synthesis of novel palladium(II) complexes with oxalic acid diamide derivatives and their interaction with nucleosides and proteins. Structural, solution, and computational study.

Novel palladium complexes, KH[Pd(obap)]2·3H2O (3) with oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N'-benzoic acid and [Pd(apox)] (4) with N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethanediamide, were synthesized. Exhaustive synthetic, solution and structural studies of the two Pd(ii) complexes are reported. The binary and ternary systems of the Pd(ii) ion with H2apox or H3obap as primary ligands and nucleosides (Ado or Cyt) as secondary ligands, are investigated in order to better understand their equilibrium chemistry. The relative stabilities of the ternary complexes are determined and compared with those of the corresponding binary complexes in terms of their Δlog K values. The species distribution of all complexes in solution is evaluated. Fluorescence spectroscopy data shows that the fluorescence quenching of HSA is a result of the formation of the [PdL]-HSA complex. The structure of complex 3 is confirmed using X-ray crystallography. The results are compared to those obtained for palladium complexes of similar structures. Density functional theory (DFT) has been applied for modelling and energetic analysis purposes. The nature of the Pd-N(O) bond interaction is analyzed using NBO. We report here docking simulation experiments in order to predict the most probable mechanism of pro-drug-action. The next free binding energy order of the best scores from the [PdL]-DNA docking simulations, cis-[Pt(NH3)2(H2O)2](2+) > [Pd(obap)] > [Pd(mda)], has been observed in the case of DNA alteration. For the ER and cytosolic stress mechanisms the results of the docking simulations to the chaperons Grp78 and Hsc70 are promising for possible applications as potent protein inhibitors (Ki of [Pd(mda)]/GRP78 being ∼66 µM and Ki for [Pd(obap)]/HSC70 being 14.39 µM).

Molecular modeling for Cu(II)-aminopolycarboxylate complexes: structures, conformational energies, and ligand binding affinities.

A ligand field molecular mechanics (LFMM) force field (FF) has been developed for d(9) copper(II) complexes of aminopolycarboxylate ligands. Training data were derived from density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimizations of 14 complexes comprising potentially hexadentate N2O4, tetrasubstituted ethylenediamine (ed), and propylenediamine cores with various combinations of acetate and propionate side arms. The FF was validated against 13 experimental structures from X-ray crystallography including hexadentate N2O4 donors where the nitrogens donors are forced to be cis and bis-tridentate ONO ligands which generate complexes with trans nitrogen donors. Stochastic conformational searches for [Cu{ed(acetate)n(propionate)(4-n)}](2-), n = 0-4, were carried out and the lowest conformers for each system reoptimized with DFT. In each case, both DFT and LFMM predict the same lowest-energy conformer and the structures and energies of the higher-energy conformers are also in satisfactory agreement. The relative interaction energies for n = 0, 2, and 4 computed by molecular mechanics correlate with the experimental log ß binding affinities. Adding in the predicted log ß values for n = 1 and 3 suggest for this set of complexes a monotonic decrease in log ß as the number of propionate arms increases.

Nickel(II) in chelate N2O2 environment. DFT approach and in-depth molecular orbital and configurational analysis.

The O-N-N-O-type tetradentate ligands H2S,S-eddp (H2S,S-eddp stands for S,S-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propionic acid) and H2edap (H2edap stands for ethylenediamine-N-acetic-N'-3-propionic acid) and the corresponding novel octahedral nickel(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. N2O2 ligands coordinate to the nickel(II) ion via four donor atoms (two deprotonated carboxylate atoms and two amine nitrogens) affording octahedral geometry in the case of all investigated Ni(II) complexes. A six coordinate, octahedral geometry has been verified crystallographically for the s-cis-[Ni(S,S-eddp)(H2O)2] complex. Structural data correlating similarly chelated Ni(II) complexes have been used to carry out an extensive configuration analysis. Molecular mechanics and Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been used to model the most stable geometric isomer, yielding, at the same time, significant structural and spectroscopic (TDDFT) data. The results from density functional studies have been compared to X-ray data. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Natural Energetic Decomposition Analysis (NEDA) have been done for the [Ni(edda-type)(H2O)(2-n)] and nH2O fragments. Molecular orbital analysis (MPA) is given as well. The infra-red and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries.

Antitumor effects of a tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands and corresponding square-planar palladium(II) complexes toward some cancer cells. Crystal structure, DFT modeling and ligand to DNA probe docking simulation.

Novel square-planar palladium(II) complexes with O-N-N-O-type ligands H4mda (H4mda=malamido-N,N'-diacetic acid) and H4obp (H4obp=oxamido-N,N'-di-3-propionic acid) were prepared and characterized. The ligands coordinate to the palladium(II) ion via two pairs of deprotonated ligating atoms with square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry was verified crystallographicaly for the K2[Pd(mda)]·H2O complex. The binary and ternary systems of Pd(II) ion with H4mda or H4obp (L) as primary ligands and guanosine (A) as secondary ligand were studied in aqueous solutions in 0.1 M NaCl ionic medium at 25 °C by potentiometric titrations. In addition, calculations based on density functional methods (DFT) were carried out. A natural bonding orbital analysis indicated that the Pd-N bonds are three-centric in nature and mainly governed by charge transfer via a strong delocalization of the oxygen lone pair with "p" character into the bonding Pd-N orbital. Mononuclear palladium(II) complexes together with amido acid N,O-containing ligands were tested against several tumor cells and reveal significant antitumor activity and lower resistance of tumor cells in vitro than cisplatin. In this paper, interactions of palladium complexes with DNA are discussed in order to provide guidance and determine structure and antitumor activity relationships for continuing studies of these systems. Docking simulation on DNA dodecamer or 29-mer (Lippard solved crystal structures), suggests several favorable interactions with the hydrogen pocket/binding site for the incoming ligands. These results support amidoacids/Pd complexes as novel antitumor drugs and suggest that their potent cell life inhibition may contribute to its anti-cancer efficacy.

Synthetic, crystallographic, and computational study of copper(II) complexes of ethylenediaminetetracarboxylate ligands.

Copper(II) complexes of hexadentate ethylenediaminetetracarboxylic acid type ligands H(4)eda3p and H(4)eddadp (H(4)eda3p = ethylenediamine-N-acetic-N,N',N'-tri-3-propionic acid; H(4)eddadp = ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic-N,N'-di-3-propionic acid) have been prepared. An octahedral trans(O(6)) geometry (two propionate ligands coordinated in axial positions) has been established crystallographically for the Ba[Cu(eda3p)]·8H(2)O compound, while Ba[Cu(eddadp)]·8H(2)O is proposed to adopt a trans(O(5)) geometry (two axial acetates) on the basis of density functional theory calculations and comparisons of IR and UV-vis spectral data. Experimental and computed structural data correlating similar copper(II) chelate complexes have been used to better understand the isomerism and departure from regular octahedral geometry within the series. The in-plane O-Cu-N chelate angles show the smallest deviation from the ideal octahedral value of 90°, and hence the lowest strain, for the eddadp complex with two equatorial ß-propionate rings. A linear dependence between tetragonality and the number of five-membered rings has been established. A natural bonding orbital analysis of the series of complexes is also presented.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of methanolic extracts from Ligustrum vulgare L. as an individual treatment and in combination with palladium complex.

The aim of this study is to examine the growth inhibitory effects of methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of L. vulgare on HCT-116 cells over different time periods and their synergistic effect with a Pd(apox) complex. The antiproliferative activity of plant extracts alone or in combination with the Pd(apox) complex was determined using MTT cell viability assay, where the IC(50) value was used as a parameter of cytotoxicity. Results show that antiproliferative effects of L. vulgare extracts increase with extension of exposure time, with decreasing IC(50) values, except for 72 h where the IC(50) values for methanolic leaf extract were lower than for the fruit extract. The Pd(apox) complex alone had a weak antiproliferative effect, but combination with L. vulgare extracts caused stronger effects with lower IC(50) values than with L. vulgare extracts alone. The type of cell death was explored by fluorescence microscopy using the acridin orange/ethidium bromide method. Treatments with plant extracts caused typical apoptotic morphological changes in HCT-116 cells and co-treatments with Pd(apox) complex caused higher levels of apoptotic cells than treatment with plant extracts alone. The results indicate that L. vulgare is a considerable source of natural bioactive substances with antiproliferative activity on HCT-116 cells and which have a substantial synergistic effect with the Pd(apox) complex.

Computer simulation of flow and mixing at the duodenal stump after gastric resection.

AIM: To investigate the flow and mixing at the duodenal stump after gastric resection, a computer simulation was implemented. METHODS: Using the finite element method, two different Billroth II procedure cases (A and B) were modeled. Case A was defined with a shorter and almost straight duodenal section, while case B has a much longer and curved duodenal section. Velocity, pressure and food concentration distribution were determined and the numerical results were compared with experimental observations. RESULTS: The pressure distribution obtained by numerical simulation was in the range of the recorded experimental results. Case A had a more favorable pressure distribution in comparison with case B. However, case B had better performance in terms of food transport because of more continual food distribution, as well as better emptying of the duodenal section. CONCLUSION: This study offers insight into the transport process within the duodenal stump section after surgical intervention, which can be useful for future patient-specific predictions of a surgical outcome.

[External fixation in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Besides the conquasant fractures, open tibia shaft fractures belong to the group of the most severe fractures of tibia. Open tibia shaft fracture is one of the most common open fractures of long bones. They most frequently occur as a result of traffic accidents caused by the influence of a strong direct force. METHODS: Within the period from January, 2000 to December 31, 2005 at the Clinic for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Clinical Center Nis, 107 patients with open tibial fractures were treated. We analyzed 96 patients with open tibial fracture. In the series analyzed, the male sex was prevalent--there were 74 men (77.08%). The mean age was 47.3 years. The youngest patient was 17 years old, while the oldest patient was 79. According to the classification of the Gustilo et al. in the analysed group there were 30 (31.25%) open tibial fractures of the I degree, 31 (32.29%) of the II degree, 25 (26.05%) of the III A degree, 8 (8.33%) of the III B degree and 2 (2.08%) of the III C degree. In 95 of the patients the treatment of open tibia shaft fractures consisted of the surgical treatment of wound and the external fixation of the fractured bone using "Mitkovic" type external fixator with a convergent method of pin applications. One primary amputations had been done in patients with grade IIIC open tibial fracture with large soft tissue defect. RESULTS: Of the 96 open tibial fractures available for follow-up, 73 (76.04%) healed without severe complications (osteitis, pseudoarthrosis, valgus malunion and amputation). There were nine (9.38%) soft tissue pin track infections and six (6.25%) superficial wound infections. The mean time of union was 21 (14-36) week. Among severe local complications associated with open tibial fractures, in eight patients (8.33%) was registered osteitis, and in nine patients (9.38%) fracture nonunion and the development of pseudoarthrosis. Three of the patients (3.13%) had more than 10 degree valgus malunion. In one patients (1.04%) deep pin track infection developed. Two patients (2.08%) had below the knee amputation (one primary in patient with type III C open fracture and one secondary after the development of deep infections). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of wounds, external fixation, leaving the wounds open and performing necessary debridements, adequate drug therapy administration are essential for obtaining good results in patients with open tibial shaft fractures.