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1.
Biomolecules ; 13(10)2023 10 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37892174

RESUMEN

The insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a Zn2+ peptidase originally discovered as the main enzyme involved in the degradation of insulin and other amyloidogenic peptides, such as the ß-amyloid (Aß) peptide. Therefore, a role for the IDE in the cure of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been long envisaged. Anyway, its role in degrading amyloidogenic proteins remains not clearly defined and, more recently, novel non-proteolytic functions of the IDE have been proposed. From a structural point of view, the IDE presents an atypical clamshell structure, underscoring unique enigmatic enzymological properties. A better understanding of the structure-function relationship may contribute to solving some existing paradoxes of IDE biology and, in light of its multifunctional activity, might lead to novel therapeutic approaches.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Insulisina , Humanos , Insulisina/química , Insulisina/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Proteínas Amiloidogénicas , Diseño de Fármacos
2.
Molecules ; 28(10)2023 May 18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37241902

RESUMEN

A new series of tetrasubstituted pyrrole derivatives (TSPs) was synthesized based on a previously developed hypothesis on their ability to mimic hydrophobic protein motifs. The resulting new TSPs were endowed with a significant toxicity against human epithelial melanoma A375 cells, showing IC50 values ranging from 10 to 27 µM, consistent with the IC50 value of the reference compound nutlin-3a (IC50 = 15 µM). In particular, compound 10a (IC50 = 10 µM) resulted as both the most soluble and active among the previous and present TSPs. The biological investigation evidenced that the anticancer activity is related to the activation of apoptotic cell-death pathways, supporting our rational design based on the ability of TSPs to interfere with PPI involved in the cell cycle regulation of cancer cells and, in particular, the p53 pathway. A reinvestigation of the TSP pharmacophore by using DFT calculations showed that the three aromatic substituents on the pyrrole core are able to mimic the hydrophobic side chains of the hot-spot residues of parallel and antiparallel coiled coil structures suggesting a possible molecular mechanism of action. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis which includes solubility studies allows us to rationalize the role of the different substituents on the pyrrole core.


Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos , Melanoma , Humanos , Pirroles/farmacología , Pirroles/química , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Proliferación Celular , Estructura Molecular , Apoptosis , Línea Celular Tumoral
3.
Biomolecules ; 13(4)2023 04 20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37189451

RESUMEN

Many chronic diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration, are linked to proteasome dysregulation. Proteasome activity, essential for maintaining proteostasis in a cell, is controlled by the gating mechanism and its underlying conformational transitions. Thus, developing effective methods to detect gate-related specific proteasome conformations could be a significant contribution to rational drug design. Since the structural analysis suggests that gate opening is associated with a decrease in the content of α-helices and ß-sheets and an increase in random coil structures, we decided to explore the application of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) in the UV region to monitor the proteasome gating. A comparison of ECD spectra of wild type yeast 20S proteasome (predominantly closed) and an open-gate mutant (α3ΔN) revealed an increased intensity in the ECD band at 220 nm, which suggests increased contents of random coil and ß-turn structures. This observation was further supported by evaluating ECD spectra of human 20S treated with low concentration of SDS, known as a gate-opening reagent. Next, to evaluate the power of ECD to probe a ligand-induced gate status, we treated the proteasome with H2T4, a tetracationic porphyrin that we showed previously to induce large-scale protein conformational changes upon binding to h20S. H2T4 caused a significant increase in the ECD band at 220 nm, interpreted as an induced opening of the 20S gate. In parallel, we imaged the gate-harboring alpha ring of the 20S with AFM, a technique that we used previously to visualize the predominantly closed gate in latent human or yeast 20S and the open gate in α3ΔN mutant. The results were convergent with the ECD data and showed a marked decrease in the content of closed-gate conformation in the H2T4-treated h20S. Our findings provide compelling support for the use of ECD measurements to conveniently monitor proteasome conformational changes related to gating phenomena. We predict that the observed association of spectroscopic and structural results will help with efficient design and characterization of exogenous proteasome regulators.


Asunto(s)
Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal , Humanos , Dicroismo Circular , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/química , Conformación Proteica , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Microscopía de Fuerza Atómica
4.
Molecules ; 28(7)2023 Apr 03.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37049935

RESUMEN

Chiral natural compounds are often biosynthesized in an enantiomerically pure fashion, and stereochemistry plays a pivotal role in biological activity. Herein, we investigated the significance of chirality for nature-inspired 3-Br-acivicin (3-BA) and its derivatives. The three unnatural isomers of 3-BA and its ester and amide derivatives were prepared and characterized for their antimalarial activity. Only the (5S, αS) isomers displayed significant antiplasmodial activity, revealing that their uptake might be mediated by the L-amino acid transport system, which is known to mediate the acivicin membrane's permeability. In addition, we investigated the inhibitory activity towards Plasmodium falciparum glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (PfGAPDH) since it is involved in the multitarget mechanism of action of 3-BA. Molecular modeling has shed light on the structural and stereochemical requirements for an efficient interaction with PfGAPDH, leading to covalent irreversible binding and enzyme inactivation. While stereochemistry affects the target binding only for two subclasses (1a-d and 4a-d), it leads to significant differences in the antimalarial activity for all subclasses, suggesting that a stereoselective uptake might be responsible for the enhanced biological activity of the (5S, αS) isomers.


Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/química , Isoxazoles/química , Plasmodium falciparum , Modelos Moleculares
5.
Eur J Med Chem ; 254: 115286, 2023 Jun 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37058971

RESUMEN

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a key glycolytic enzyme, plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism of cancer cells and has been proposed as a valuable target for the development of anticancer agents. Among a series of 5-substituted 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroisoxazole (BDHI) derivatives, we identified the spirocyclic compound 11, which is able to covalently inactivate recombinant human GAPDH (hGAPDH) with a faster reactivity than koningic acid, one of the most potent hGAPDH inhibitors known to date. Computational studies confirmed that conformational rigidification is crucial to stabilize the interaction of the inhibitor with the binding site, thus favoring the subsequent covalent bond formation. Investigation of intrinsic warhead reactivity at different pH disclosed the negligible reactivity of 11 with free thiols, highlighting its ability to selectively react with the activated cysteine of hGAPDH with respect to other sulfhydryl groups. Compound 11 strongly reduced cancer cell growth in four different pancreatic cancer cell lines and its antiproliferative activity correlated well with the intracellular inhibition of hGAPDH. Overall, our results qualify 11 as a potent hGAPDH covalent inhibitor with a moderate drug-like reactivity that could be further exploited to develop anticancer agents.


Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Humanos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Gliceraldehído-3-Fosfato Deshidrogenasas , Glucólisis , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo
6.
Environ Res ; 226: 115685, 2023 06 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36921791

RESUMEN

Urban stressors pose a health risk, and individual-level assessments provide necessary and fine-grained insight into exposure. An ever-increasing amount of research literature on individual-level exposure to urban stressors using data collected with personal monitors, has called for an integrated assessment approach to identify trends, gaps and needs, and provide recommendations for future research. To this end, a scoping review of the respective literature was performed, as part of the H2020 URBANOME project. Moreover, three specific aims were identified: (i) determine current state of research, (ii) analyse literature according with a waterfall methodological framework and identify gaps and needs, and (iii) provide recommendations for more integrated, inclusive and robust approaches. Knowledge and gaps were extracted based on a systematic approach, e.g., data extraction questionnaires, as well as through the expertise of the researchers performing the review. The findings were assessed through a waterfall methodology of delineating projects into four phases. Studies described in the papers vary in their scope, with most assessing exposure in a single macro domain, though a trend of moving towards multi-domain assessment is evident. Simultaneous measurements of multiple stressors are not common, and papers predominantly assess exposure to air pollution. As urban environments become more diverse, stakeholders from different groups are included in the study designs. Most frequently (per the quadruple helix model), civil society/NGO groups are involved, followed by government and policymakers, while business or private sector stakeholders are less frequently represented. Participants in general function as data collectors and are rarely involved in other phases of the research. While more active involvement is not necessary, more collaborative approaches show higher engagement and motivation of participants to alter their lifestyles based on the research results. The identified trends, gaps and needs can aid future exposure research and provide recommendations on addressing different urban communities and stakeholders.


Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire , Humanos , Estilo de Vida
7.
Cell Biol Toxicol ; 39(4): 1275-1295, 2023 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36066700

RESUMEN

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, is the most toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin among the classes of aflatoxins. Previous research showed that AFB1 affects vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression. In the present study, integrated computational and experimental studies were carried out to investigate how AFB1 can interfere with Vitamin D signalling. A competitive antagonism of AFB1 toward RXRα and VDR was hypothesized by comparing the docked complex of AFB1/RXRα and AFB1/VDR ligand-binding domain (LBD) with the X-ray structures of RXRα and VDR bound to known ligands. Accordingly, we demonstrated that AFB1 can affect vitamin D-mediated transcriptional activation of VDR by impairing the formation of protein complexes containing both VDR-RXRα and RXRα/RAR and affecting the subcellular localization of VDR and RXRα. As a whole, our data indicate that AFB1 can interfere with different molecular pathways triggered by vitamin D with an antagonistic mechanism of action.


Asunto(s)
Aflatoxina B1 , Vitamina D , Vitamina D/farmacología , Vitamina D/metabolismo , Activación Transcripcional , Vitaminas , Unión Proteica
8.
Biomolecules ; 12(6)2022 05 24.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35740865

RESUMEN

Cationic porphyrins exhibit an amazing variety of binding modes and inhibition mechanisms of 20S proteasome. Depending on the spatial distribution of their electrostatic charges, they can occupy different sites on α rings of 20S proteasome by exploiting the structural code responsible for the interaction with regulatory proteins. Indeed, they can act as competitive or allosteric inhibitors by binding at the substrate gate or at the grooves between the α subunits, respectively. Moreover, the substitution of a charged moiety in the peripheral arm with a hydrophobic moiety revealed a "new" 20S functional state with higher substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. In the present study, we expand our structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis in order to further explore the potential of this versatile class of 20S modulators. Therefore, we have extended the study to additional macrocyclic compounds, displaying different structural features, comparing their interaction behavior on the 20S proteasome with previously investigated compounds. In particular, in order to evaluate how the introduction of a peptidic chain can affect the affinity and the interacting mechanism of porphyrins, we investigate the MTPyApi, a porphyrin derivatized with an Arg-Pro-rich antimicrobial peptide. Moreover, to unveil the role played by the porphyrin core, this was replaced with a corrole scaffold, a "contracted" version of the tetrapyrrolic ring due to the lack of a methine bridge. The analysis has been undertaken by means of integrated kinetic, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and computational studies. Finally, in order to assess a potential pharmacological significance of this type of investigation, a preliminary attempt has been performed to evaluate the biological effect of these molecules on MCF7 breast cancer cells in dark conditions, envisaging that porphyrins may indeed represent a powerful tool for the modulation of cellular proteostasis.


Asunto(s)
Porfirinas , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal , Cinética , Porfirinas/química , Porfirinas/farmacología , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Proteasoma/farmacología , Proteolisis , Proteostasis
10.
Bioorg Med Chem ; 66: 116813, 2022 07 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35576657

RESUMEN

A reduced proteasome activity tiles excessive amyloid growth during the progress of protein conformational diseases (PCDs). Hence, the development of safe and effective proteasome enhancers represents an attractive target for the therapeutic treatment of these chronic disorders. Here we analyze two natural diastereoisomers belonging to the family of flavonolignans, Sil A and Sil B, by evaluating their capacity to increase proteasome activity. Enzyme assays carried out on yeast 20S (y20S) proteasome and in parallel on a permanently "open gate" mutant (α3ΔN) evidenced that Sil B is a more efficient 20S activator than Sil A. Conversely, in the case of human 20S proteasome (h20S) a higher affinity and more efficient activation is observed for Sil A. Driven by experimental data, computational studies further demonstrated that the taxifolin group of both diastereoisomers plays a crucial role in their anchoring to the α5/α6 groove of the outer α-ring. However, due to the different stereochemistry at C-7" and C-8" of ring D, only Sil A was able to reproduce the interactions responsible for h20S proteasome activation induced by their cognate regulatory particles. The provided silybins/h20S interaction models allowed us to rationalize their different ability to activate the peptidase activities of h20S and y20S. Our results provide structural details concerning the important role played by stereospecific interactions in driving Sil A and Sil B binding to the 20S proteasome and may support future rational design of proteasome enhancers.


Asunto(s)
Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Citoplasma/metabolismo , Humanos , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Conformación Proteica , Silibina
11.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34886269

RESUMEN

Using low-cost portable air quality (AQ) monitoring devices is a growing trend in personal exposure studies, enabling a higher spatio-temporal resolution and identifying acute exposure to high concentrations. Comprehension of the results by participants is not guaranteed in exposure studies. However, information on personal exposure is multiplex, which calls for participant involvement in information design to maximise communication output and comprehension. This study describes and proposes a model of a user-centred design (UCD) approach for preparing a final report for participants involved in a multi-sensor personal exposure monitoring study performed in seven cities within the EU Horizon 2020 ICARUS project. Using a combination of human-centred design (HCD), human-information interaction (HII) and design thinking approaches, we iteratively included participants in the framing and design of the final report. User needs were mapped using a survey (n = 82), and feedback on the draft report was obtained from a focus group (n = 5). User requirements were assessed and validated using a post-campaign survey (n = 31). The UCD research was conducted amongst participants in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the results report was distributed among the participating cities across Europe. The feedback made it clear that the final report was well-received and helped participants better understand the influence of individual behaviours on personal exposure to air pollution.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Ciudades , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Europa (Continente) , Humanos
12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34770131

RESUMEN

Use of a multi-sensor approach can provide citizens with holistic insights into the air quality of their immediate surroundings and their personal exposure to urban stressors. Our work, as part of the ICARUS H2020 project, which included over 600 participants from seven European cities, discusses the data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams to provide a comprehensive and understandable report for participants. Harmonizing the data streams identified issues with the sensor devices and protocols, such as non-uniform timestamps, data gaps, difficult data retrieval from commercial devices, and coarse activity data logging. Our process of data fusion and harmonization allowed us to automate visualizations and reports, and consequently provide each participant with a detailed individualized report. Results showed that a key solution was to streamline the code and speed up the process, which necessitated certain compromises in visualizing the data. A thought-out process of data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams considerably improved the quality and quantity of distilled data that a research participant received. Though automation considerably accelerated the production of the reports, manual and structured double checks are strongly recommended.


Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire , Ciudades , Humanos , Almacenamiento y Recuperación de la Información
13.
J Med Chem ; 64(24): 17901-17919, 2021 12 23.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34845907

RESUMEN

Due to the neuroprotective role of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) isoforms NCX1 and NCX3, we synthesized novel benzodiazepinone derivatives of the unique NCX activator Neurounina-1, named compounds 1-19. The derivatives are characterized by a benzodiazepinonic nucleus linked to five- or six-membered cyclic amines via a methylene, ethylene, or acetyl spacer. The compounds have been screened on NCX1/NCX3 isoform activities by a high-throughput screening approach, and the most promising were characterized by patch-clamp electrophysiology and Fura-2AM video imaging. We identified two novel modulators of NCX: compound 4, inhibiting NCX1 reverse mode, and compound 14, enhancing NCX1 and NCX3 activity. Compound 1 displayed neuroprotection in two preclinical models of brain ischemia. The analysis of the conformational and steric features led to the identification of the molecular volume required for selective NCX1 activation for mixed NCX1/NCX3 activation or for NCX1 inhibition, providing the first prototypal model for the design of optimized isoform modulators.


Asunto(s)
Benzodiazepinonas/farmacología , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Isoformas de Proteínas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Pirrolidinas/química , Intercambiador de Sodio-Calcio/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Benzodiazepinonas/química , Diseño de Fármacos , Isoformas de Proteínas/metabolismo , Intercambiador de Sodio-Calcio/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad
14.
Eur J Med Chem ; 221: 113517, 2021 Oct 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33984803

RESUMEN

Glucocorticoids represent the standard gold treatment of inflammation in asthmatic patients. More recently, H2S has been described to exert positive effect on this disease. Bearing in mind that an improved pharmacological activity and a reduced toxicity can be obtained through hybridization of different molecules, simultaneously modulating multiple targets, we designed and synthesized novel betamethasone 17-valerate and triamcinolone acetonide hybrids with well-known H2S-donor moieties. Synthesized compounds have been evaluated for the potential H2S-releasing profile both in cell-free environment and into the cytosol of bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs). The two hybrids 4b and 5b were investigated by molecular modelling studies and results indicated that the steric accessibility of the isothiocyanate carbon atom can account for their different H2S releasing properties. Furthermore, the most promising derivatives 4b and 5b have been tested for inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation and for the ability to induce cell membrane hyperpolarization in BSMCs. Significant inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation was assessed, resulting to reduce ß-hexosaminidase release more efficiently than the corresponding native drugs. Both compounds determined a massive membrane hyperpolarization of BSMCs and proved to be 4-fold more effective compared to reference compound NS1619. These effects represent an enrichment of the pharmacological activity of the native drugs.


Asunto(s)
Valerato de Betametasona/farmacología , Bronquios/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfuro de Hidrógeno/farmacología , Mastocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/efectos de los fármacos , Triamcinolona Acetonida/farmacología , Valerato de Betametasona/química , Bronquios/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Humanos , Sulfuro de Hidrógeno/química , Mastocitos/metabolismo , Modelos Moleculares , Estructura Molecular , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Triamcinolona Acetonida/química
15.
Front Neurosci ; 14: 589924, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33281548

RESUMEN

The differential diagnosis between brain tumors recurrence and early neuroinflammation or late radionecrosis is still an unsolved problem. The new emerging magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography diagnostic modalities still lack sufficient accuracy. In the last years, a great effort has been made to develop radiotracers able to detect specific altered metabolic pathways or tumor receptor markers. Our research project aims to evaluate irradiation effects on radiopharmaceutical uptake and compare the kinetic of the fluorinate tracers. T98G glioblastoma cells were irradiated at doses of 2, 10, and 20 Gy with photons, and 18F-DOPA and 18F-FET tracer uptake was evaluated. Activity and cell viability at different incubation times were measured. 18F-FET and 18F-DOPA are accumulated via the LAT-1 transporter, but 18F-DOPA is further incorporated, whereas 18F-FET is not metabolized. Therefore, time-activity curves (TACs) tend to plateau with 18F-DOPA and to a rapid washout with 18F-FET. After irradiation, 18F-DOPA TAC resembles the 18F-FET pattern. 18F-DOPA activity peak we observed at 20 min might be fictitious, because earlier time points have not been evaluated, and a higher activity peak before 20 min cannot be excluded. In addition, the activity retained in the irradiated cells remains higher in comparison to the sham ones at all time points investigated. This aspect is similar in the 18F-FET TAC but less evident. Therefore, we can hypothesize the presence of a second intracellular compartment in addition to the amino acidic pool one governed by LAT-1, which could explain the progressive accumulation of 18F-DOPA in unirradiated cells.

16.
Int J Mol Sci ; 21(19)2020 Sep 29.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33003385

RESUMEN

The present study provides new evidence that cationic porphyrins may be considered as tunable platforms to interfere with the structural "key code" present on the 20S proteasome α-rings and, by consequence, with its catalytic activity. Here, we describe the functional and conformational effects on the 20S proteasome induced by the cooperative binding of the tri-cationic 5-(phenyl)-10,15,20-(tri N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (Tris-T4). Our integrated kinetic, NMR, and in silico analysis allowed us to disclose a complex effect on the 20S catalytic activity depending on substrate/porphyrin concentration. The analysis of the kinetic data shows that Tris-T4 shifts the relative populations of the multiple interconverting 20S proteasome conformations leading to an increase in substrate hydrolysis by an allosteric pathway. Based on our Tris-T4/h20S interaction model, Tris-T4 is able to affect gating dynamics and substrate hydrolysis by binding to an array of negatively charged and hydrophobic residues present on the protein surface involved in the 20S molecular activation by the regulatory proteins (RPs). Accordingly, despite the fact that Tris-T4 also binds to the α3ΔN mutant, allosteric modulation is not observed since the molecular mechanism connecting gate dynamics with substrate hydrolysis is impaired. We envisage that the dynamic view of the 20S conformational equilibria, activated through cooperative Tris-T4 binding, may work as a simplified model for a better understanding of the intricate network of 20S conformational/functional states that may be mobilized by exogenous ligands, paving the way for the development of a new generation of proteasome allosteric modulators.


Asunto(s)
Regulación Alostérica/genética , Cationes/metabolismo , Porfirinas/metabolismo , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Catálisis , Cationes/farmacología , Citoplasma/genética , Humanos , Cinética , Resonancia Magnética Nuclear Biomolecular , Porfirinas/farmacología , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/genética , Unión Proteica/efectos de los fármacos
17.
Contrast Media Mol Imaging ; 2020: 3629705, 2020.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32410921

RESUMEN

Recent developments in sentinel lymph node (SLN) and radio occult lesion localization (ROLL) highlight the need for a multimodal contrast agent, providing better presurgical PET imaging and improved intraoperative mapping thanks to fluorescence detection. For this reason, we have studied a trimodal SLN/ROLL targeting agent (99mTc-68Ga-ICG) with commercially available kits of macroaggregated or nanocolloidal albumin (MA/NC-HSA). 68Ga PET imaging does provide better spatial resolution and makes it possible to predict signal intensity during surgery. The presence of 99mTc assesses the efficacy of these compounds in vitro and also during the surgery procedure. The aim of this study was to optimise the labelling and tagging of these two radiopharmaceuticals and assess their yields and stability. Kits of MA/NC-HSA particles (Pulmocis® and NanoAlbumon®) were used for sequential radiolabelling with 99mTc and 68Ga. Fluorescent tagging was performed using indocyanine green, a tricarbocyanine dye. The ITLC radiochemical purity of the trilabelled MA/NC-HSA was >95%. Fluorescent purity was measured by scanning the strips with a PhotoDynamicEye probe. Finally, in vitro stability tests, performed with DTPA and human serum solutions, assessed the efficacy of fluorescent tagging and radiolabelling.


Asunto(s)
Radioisótopos de Galio/química , Verde de Indocianina/química , Nanopartículas/química , Compuestos Organometálicos/química , Cintigrafía , Juego de Reactivos para Diagnóstico , Albúmina Sérica/química , Tecnecio/química , Coloides/química , Fluorescencia , Humanos , Ganglios Linfáticos/diagnóstico por imagen , Tamaño de la Partícula , Control de Calidad , Radiactividad , Radiofármacos/química
18.
Molecules ; 25(7)2020 Mar 27.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32230894

RESUMEN

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and, what is more, the resistance to available antimalarial drugs is a recurring problem. The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to previous generations of medicines has undermined malaria control efforts and reversed gains in child survival. This paper describes a continuation of our ongoing efforts to investigate the effects against Plasmodium falciparum strains and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) of a series of methoxy p-benzyl-substituted thiazinoquinones designed starting from a pointed antimalarial lead candidate. The data obtained from the newly tested compounds expanded the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the thiazinoquinone scaffold, indicating that antiplasmodial activity is not affected by the inductive effect but rather by the resonance effect of the introduced group at the para position of the benzyl substituent. Indeed, the current survey was based on the evaluation of antiparasitic usefulness as well as the selectivity on mammalian cells of the tested p-benzyl-substituted thiazinoquinones, upgrading the knowledge about the active thiazinoquinone scaffold.


Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos/farmacología , Células Endoteliales/efectos de los fármacos , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Quinonas/química , Quinonas/farmacología , Células Endoteliales/parasitología , Concentración 50 Inhibidora , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Quinonas/síntesis química , Relación Estructura-Actividad
19.
Mar Drugs ; 18(2)2020 Feb 14.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32075136

RESUMEN

The chemical analysis of the sponge Dysidea avara afforded the known sesquiterpene quinone avarone, along with its reduced form avarol. To further explore the role of the thiazinoquinone scaffold as an antiplasmodial, antileishmanial and antischistosomal agent, we converted the quinone avarone into the thiazinoquinone derivative thiazoavarone. The semisynthetic compound, as well as the natural metabolites avarone and avarol, were pharmacologically investigated in order to assess their antiparasitic properties against sexual and asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum, larval and adult developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni (eggs included), and also against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica. Furthermore, in depth computational studies including density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. A toxic semiquinone radical species which can be produced starting both from quinone- and hydroquinone-based compounds could mediate the anti-parasitic effects of the tested compounds.


Asunto(s)
Ciclohexenos/farmacología , Leishmania/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Quinonas/farmacología , Schistosoma mansoni/efectos de los fármacos , Sesquiterpenos/farmacología , Tiazinas/farmacología , Animales , Antiparasitarios/farmacología , Dysidea/química , Leishmania infantum/efectos de los fármacos , Leishmania tropica/efectos de los fármacos
20.
Int J Mol Sci ; 21(4)2020 Feb 13.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32069905

RESUMEN

The identification of molecules whose biological activity can be properly modulated by light is a promising therapeutic approach aimed to improve drug selectivity and efficacy on the molecular target and to limit the side effects compared to traditional drugs. Recently, two photo-switchable diastereomeric benzodiazopyrrole derivatives 1RR and 1RS have been reported as microtubules targeting agents (MTAs) on human colorectal carcinoma p53 null cell line (HCT 116 p53-/-). Their IC50 was enhanced upon Light Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation at 435 nm and was related to their cis form. Here we have investigated the photo-responsive behavior of the acid derivatives of 1RR and 1RS, namely, d1RR and d1RS, in phosphate buffer solutions at different pH. The comparison of the UV spectra, acquired before and after LED irradiation, indicated that the trans→cis conversion of d1RR and d1RS is affected by the degree of ionization. The apparent rate constants were calculated from the kinetic data by means of fast UV spectroscopy and the conformers of the putative ionic species present in solution (pH range: 5.7-8.0) were modelled. Taken together, our experimental and theoretical results suggest that the photo-conversions of trans d1RR/d1RS into the corresponding cis forms and the thermal decay of cis d1RR/d1RS are dependent on the presence of diazonium form of d1RR/d1RS. Finally, a photo-reaction was detected only for d1RR after prolonged LED irradiation in acidic medium, and the resulting product was characterized by means of Liquid Chromatography coupled to High resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.


Asunto(s)
Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/terapia , Fotoquimioterapia , Pirroles/farmacología , Cromatografía Liquida , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Compuestos de Diazonio/química , Compuestos de Diazonio/farmacología , Células HCT116 , Humanos , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética , Espectrometría de Masas , Pirroles/química
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