The synthesis and properties of new 2-pyrrolylthiones as chelating agents for transition metals and technetium.

A series of new 2-pyrrolylthiones was synthesized and found to be good chelating agents for transition metals and technetium.

Synthesis, structure and properties of 1,19-disubstituted tetradehydrocorrin cobalt complexes.

1,19-Disubstituted tetradehydrocorrins have a ring structure that is closely related to the corrin ring found in vitamin B12. We herein report the isolation and full characterization of a Co(I)-TDHC species and X-ray crystal structures and full characterization of related Co(II) and Co(III) corrins as models for vitamin B12 complexes.

Double-helical dinuclear bis(dipyrromethene) complexes formed by self-assembly

Bis(dipyrromethene) ligands linked by an alkyl spacer between beta and beta' positions are shown to give helical dimers or monomers, dependent upon the length of the alkyl linker, upon complexation. Ligands consisting of methylene, ethylene, and propylene linkers -(CH(2))(n)()- (n = 1, 2, and 3) give helical dimers, while longer linking chains (n = 4, 5, or 6) give monomers or mixtures of dimers and monomers. X-ray crystal structures of the dimeric zinc complexes (n = 1, 2, and 3) reveal that the angles between dipyrromethene planes and the extent of helicity in the complexes differ as the length of the linker varies. The extent of helicity was assessed and found to be dependent upon the length and, specifically, the conformational preferences of the alkyl spacer unit. The presence of an ethylene linker gave complexes of greatest helicity. The use of a methylene spacer gave less helical structures upon complexation, while propylene spacers gave only slightly helical complexes. Our studies identify the crucial importance that the conformational preferences of the beta-beta' alkyl spacer group plays in the coordination algorithm of self-assembly to form dipyrromethene based complexes.

X-ray crystallographic and (13)C NMR investigations of the effects of electron-withdrawing groups on a series of pyrroles

A series of pyrroles substituted with various electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) on the N atom have been synthesized and full characterization including X-ray crystal structures obtained. Analysis of (13)C chemical shifts and X-ray crystal structures reveals that a trend between decreased aromaticity and the strength of the EWG exists. Experimental results regarding alternative mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution reactions can thus be rationalized.

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of helical dipyrromethene-zinc complexes

[formula: see text] Analysis of helical chirality within dinuclear dipyrromethene-Zn(II) complexes has been achieved with the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy. The use of AgFOD and chiral lanthanide shift reagents gives fully resolved resonances attributable to two diastereomeric helical complexes.

2-pyrrolylthiones as monoanionic bidentate N,S-chelators: synthesis and molecular structure of 2-pyrrolylthionato complexes of nickel(II), cobalt(III), and mercury(II).

The metal-chelating ability of 2-pyrrolylthiones is described. The readily available ligands di-2-pyrrolyl thione (6), 2-thioacetylpyrrole (10), and 2-thiobenzoylpyrrole (11) constitute examples of monoanionic ligands with N,S-donor atom sets, although di-2-pyrrolyl thione (6) could theoretically also achieve chelation through an N,N-donor set. A square planar Ni(II) complex, 14, an octahedral Co(III) complex, 18, and a tetrahedral Hg(II) complex, 17, with the di-2-pyrrolyl thionato chelate have been prepared, and their structures have been characterized by 1H NMR, UV-vis, MS, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for 14: C18H14N4NiS2.0.28H2O, trigonal, R3, a = 18.467(1) A, b = 18.467(1) A, c = 26.404(2) A, V = 7797(1) A3; Z = 18, R = 3.2%. Crystal data for 18-mer: C27H21CoN6S3.C3H6O (acetone), monoclinic, P21/n, a = 9.569(1) A, b = 23.152(1) A, c = 13.659(1) A, beta = 100.882(8) degrees, V = 2971.6(5) A3, Z = 4, R = 4.3%. Crystal data for 17: C18H14HgN4S2, triclinic, P1, a = 8.443(2), b = 14.278(1) A, c = 7.445(1) A, alpha = 90.561(9) degrees, beta = 97.64(1) degrees, gamma = 104.250(9) degrees, V = 861.3(2) A3, Z = 2, R = 4.2%. The bond lengths and angles of these metal complexes are comparable to those of known N,S-chelates. A comparison of the structural parameters of the ligand in the metal complexes with those for the free ligand 6 demonstrates the preorganization of the free ligand for complexation and demonstrates the spectator role of the noncoordinating pyrrolic unit. Chelation of Ni(II) by 2-thioacetylpyrrole (10) and 2-thiobenzoylpyrrole (11) to provide complexes 12 and 13 with structures analogous to complex 14 is also described.

Application of long-circulating liposomes to cancer photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a cancer treatment is notable for its quite low side effects in comparison with those of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the accumulation of porphyrin derivatives used in PDT into tumor tissues is rather low. Since long-circulating liposomes are known to accumulate passively into tumor tissues, we liposomalized a porphyrin derivative, benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA), and used these liposomes to investigate the usefulness of PDT for tumor-bearing mice. BPD-MA was liposomalized into glucuronate-modified liposomes, which are known to be long-circulating. These liposomes were injected i.v. into Balb/c mice bearing Meth A sarcoma, and tumor regression and survival time were monitored after irradiation with laser light. Tumor regression and complete curing of tumor (80% cure rate by the treatment with 6 mg/kg BPD-MA) were observed when long circulating liposomalized BPD-MA was injected and laser-irradiated. In contrast, only a 20% cure rate was obtained when the animals were treated with BPD-MA solution or BPD-MA entrapped in conventional liposomes. These results suggest that a long-circulating liposomal formulation of photo-sensitive agents is useful for PDT.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of photodynamic therapy-induced hemorrhagic necrosis in the murine M1 tumor model.

Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological methods were used to evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced hemorrhagic necrosis in the murine M1 tumor within 72 h of treatment of male DBA/2 mice. The effects of three photosensitizing drugs were investigated: Photofrin (n = 4), Zn (II) phthalocyanine (n = 7) and benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (n = 11). As noted in previous studies of PDT using MRI, MRI makes possible serial, noninvasive, in vivo observation of tissue response to PDT. Our serial study of MRI and histological data confirms that tumors responded in the same way to PDT treatment using the three photosensitizing drugs: vascular damage followed by hemorrhagic necrosis. Most importantly and unlike previous MRI studies of PDT, we used a very high field magnet that enhanced the effect of magnetic susceptibility on image signal when blood is processed by the body after PDT-induced hemorrhagic necrosis. This last finding demonstrates the utility of high field magnets and the importance of localized, serial experiments in future magnetic resonance studies of PDT.

Structure and biodistribution relationships of photodynamic sensitizers.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has, during the last quarter century, developed into a fully fledged biomedical field with its own association, the International Photodynamic Association (IPA) and regular conferences devoted solely to this topic. Recent approval of the first PDT sensitizer, Photofrin (porfimer sodium), by health boards in Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and United States for use against certain types of solid tumors represents, perhaps, the single most significant-indicator of the progress of PDT from a laboratory research concept to clinical reality. The approval of Photofrin will undoubtedly encourage the accelerated development of second-generation photosensitizers, which have recently been the subject of intense study. Many of these second-generation drugs show significant differences, when compared to Photofrin, in terms of treatment times postinjection, light doses and drug doses required for optimal results. These differences can ultimately be attributed to variations in either the quantum efficiency of the photosensitizer in situ, which is in turn affected by aggregation state, localized concentration of endogenous quenchers and primary photophysics of the dye, or the intratumoral and intracellular localization of the photosensitizer at the time of activation with light. The purpose of this review is to bring together data relating to the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of second-generation sensitizers and attempt to correlate this with structural and electronic features of these molecules. As this requires a clear knowledge of photosensitizer structure, only chemically well-characterized compounds are included, e.g. Photofrin and crude sulfonated phthalocyanines have been excluded as they are known to be complex mixtures. Nonporphyrin-based photosensitizers, e.g. rose bengal and the hypericins, have also been omitted to allow meaningful comparisons to be made between different compounds. As the intracellular distribution of photosensitizers to organelles and other subcellular structures can have a large effect on PDT efficacy, a section will be devoted to this topic.

Interrelationships among measures of autonomic activity and cardiovascular risk factors during orthostasis and the oral glucose tolerance test.

Overstimulation of sympathetic nervous system activity is related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, but the role of parasympathetic activity in this association is not clear. This study evaluated sympathetic and parasympathetic function by spectral analysis of heart rate variability and plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) epinephrine (EPI), dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). It also examined the interrelationships among these parameters and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors in 53 men (mean age 59.5 years). During supine rest, low-frequency power correlated positively with high-frequency power (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), plasma NE correlated with plasma DHPG (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and plasma DOPA with DOPAC (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) but neither low- nor high-frequency power was correlated with plasma levels of any catechol. Among risk factors, plasma NE correlated with fasting insulin and mean arterial blood pressure, and urine NE correlated with body mass index. Both low- and high-frequency power correlated positively with insulin levels. Orthostasis decreased high-frequency power and increased low-frequency power and plasma NE levels. During the oral glucose tolerance test, both high- and low-frequency power increased, plasma NE levels were unchanged, and plasma EPI levels decreased [88.5 +/- 18 (SEM) versus 52.5 +/- 12 pM, p = 0.001]. The results suggest that orthostasis decreases and the oral glucose tolerance test increases parasympathetic outflows, whereas both stimuli increase sympathetic outflows. Among all atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors, hyperinsulinaemia showed the strongest association with autonomic nervous system activity, especially parasympathetic activity. Estimates of sympathetic responses obtained from power spectral analysis of heart rate variability agree poorly with those from plasma levels of catechols, possibly because of a parasympathetic contribution to low-frequency power and independence of sympathoneural outflows to the arm and heart.

Insulin resistance and autonomic function in traumatic lower limb amputees.

This study examined plasma insulin response to oral glucose load and autonomic nervous system activity in male lower limb amputees (n = 52) aged 50-65 years, compared to matched controls (n = 53). The groups had similar body mass index, blood pressure and plasma lipid levels. The amputees had higher mean fasting plasma insulin levels (18.4 +/- 9.7 (SD) versus 13.7 +/- 5.1 mU/l, p = 0.005) and during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (1 h levels 88.1 +/- 45.3 versus 62.1 +/- 42.7, p = 0.016) with similar plasma glucose levels, indicating insulin resistance. At baseline with the subjects supine, there were no group differences in low- or high-frequency power of heart rate variability or in plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) or epinephrine (EPI). In response to orthostasis, the groups had similarly increased plasma NE levels. During the OGTT, amputees had significantly larger increments in low-frequency power than did controls (2.2 +/- 1.3 versus 1.6 +/- 0.9 (beats/min)2 respectively, p < 0.01) and plasma NE levels increased significantly in amputees (1595 +/- 849 versus 1941 +/- 986 pM, p = 0.0008) but not in controls. At 1 h after glucose administration, plasma EPI levels were decreased significantly from baseline in both groups; at both 1 and 2 h after glucose administration, plasma EPI levels were higher in the amputees than controls. Amputees appear to have a combination of enhanced sympathoneural responsiveness and attenuated suppression of adrenomedullary secretion during glucose challenge. As catecholamines antagonize insulin effects, one possible explanation for insulin resistance in amputees is hyperglycaemia-induced sympathoneural activation and a failure of hyperglycaemia to decrease adrenomedullary secretion.

Metallophthalocyanines as possible lignin peroxidase models.

Several metalloporphyrins, particularly highly chlorinated water soluble meso-tetraphenylporphyrins, have been shown to be good biomimetics of the lignin peroxidases which degrade lignin in vivo. Metal complexes of the water soluble phthalocyaninetetrasulfonic acid have been examined as catalysts for the oxidation of lignin since the phthalocyanines are readily available and inexpensive. The copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes showed little catalytic activity towards the oxidation of veratryl alcohol (a substrate of the lignin peroxidases). The iron(III) and manganese(III) complexes on the other hand were able to catalyze the oxidation of veratryl alcohol, 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl-glycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether (a beta-O-4-dimer) and 1-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxy)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol (a beta-1 dimer). These catalysts are, however, much less stable than the halogenated meso-tetraphenylporphyrins and this lower stability, which is dependent upon pH and the oxidant, limits their use as catalysts.

The biomimetic oxidation of beta-1, beta-0-4, beta-5, and biphenyl lignin model compounds by synthetic iron porphyrins.

The degradation of four dimeric lignin model compounds by meso-tetra(2,6-dichloro-3-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin iron chloride (TDCSPPFeCl) (2) are reported. 4-Ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether (3) (a beta-0-4 dimer) was cleaved to give 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (4) and guaiacol (5) as major products. The oxidation of 1-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propandiol (6, a beta-1 dimer) gave 4, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (7), and 4-methoxy-alpha-hydroxyacetophenone (8) as major products. Side chain oxidation and aromatic ring cleavage reactions were found to occur for the phenylcoumaran (alpha-5) model compound, ethyl dehydrodiisoeugenol (12). A biphenyl model compound, 4,4'-diethyldehydrodivanillin (20), was oxidized to give mono- and dicarboxy derivatives, as well as ring-cleaved products of the acid derivatives.

Second generation photodynamic agents: a review.

Over the last decade, laser treatment of neoplastic diseases has become routine. The ability of these light-induced therapies to effect positive results is increased with the utilization of photosensitizing dyes. The approval of Photofrin in Canada as a first generation photodynamic therapeutic agent for the treatment of some forms of bladder cancer is being followed by the development of other agents with improved properties. At this time a number of second generation photosensitizing dyes are under study in phase I/II clinical trials. A review of the status of these trials along with mechanistic aspects is reviewed in this article. In addition, a review of the status of lasers to be utilized for photodynamic therapy gives some indication of which instruments could be considered for this therapy in the future.

The multilingual videotape project: community involvement in a unique health education program.

The large number of Southeast Asian, Hispanic, and Portuguese immigrants in Rhode Island face formidable language and cultural barriers in gaining access to the health care that they need. As the funding for refugee-specific programs diminishes, the focus is on programs that encourage self-sufficiency, assist in gaining access to mainstream health care, and involve a collaboration among service agencies and the communities they serve. On behalf of a coalition of health care and community agencies, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island received a private foundation grant to produce nine multilingual videotapes that would educate immigrants and refugees about health issues specific to them and help them access the health care system. The project was structured to maximize the involvement of the various communities and to "empower" community members in working with mainstream service agencies. Coalition and other community members provided input into topic selection, script content, and presentation methods for the videotapes that would be culturally appropriate. During the 2-year project, nine videotapes were produced with narration in seven languages. Copies of the videotapes were distributed free of charge to coalition members.

Photosensitising potency of structural analogues of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) in a mouse tumour model.

The in vivo characteristics of four analogues of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) have been investigated. Biodistribution data obtained in DBA/2J mice with BPD-MA (monoacid ring A analogue) which had been tritiated or internally labelled with 14C showed that both labelled materials acted in an essentially identical manner during the period of study. Biodistribution and clearance studies showed that relative distribution in a variety of mouse tissues was similar for all BPD analogues. M1 tumour cells (rhabdomyosarcoma in DBA/2J mice) taken from tumours excised from animals treated 3 h earlier with BPD, and tested in vitro for photosensitivity provided evidence that significant levels of photosensitiser detected in tumour was both active and associated with tumour cells. The monoacid forms of BPD were found to be much more photodynamically active in this test than were the diacid analogues. The ability of the analogues to ablate tumours in mice by photodynamic therapy was also tested. Again, BPD-MA and BPD-MB proved to be measurably better than the diacid analogues. These findings are discussed in reference to structural and physical differences between the analogues.

In vitro evaluation of phototoxic properties of four structurally related benzoporphyrin derivatives.

Four structural analogs of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) have been studied and compared for photosensitizing activity in vitro. All analogs have an identical reduced tetrapyrrol porphyrin ring, and differ by the position of a cyclohexadiene ring (fused at either ring A or ring B of the porphyrin) and the presence of either two acid groups or one acid and one ester group at rings C and D of the porphyrin. Photosensitizer activity was tested with the M1 tumor cell line using an assay (the MTT assay) which detects mitochondrial hydrogenases as a measure of cell viability. This assay was shown to be equivalent to the standard clonogenicity or [3H]thymidine uptake assay. Comparative studies with the BPD analogs showed that the monoacid derivatives had equivalent cytotoxicity and were about five-fold more active than the diacid forms. This was the case whether the assays were performed in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum.

Arm crank ergometry in chronic spinal cord injured patients.

Cardiovascular response to arm crank ergometry, using a specially adapted Monark bicycle ergometer, was examined in 98 men with long-standing spinal cord injuries (SCI), who were classified into groups by neurologic level of SCI. Exercise response was significantly correlated with lesion levels: the higher the lesion, the lower the levels of physical work capacity and mean exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, physical symptoms and abnormal systolic blood pressure exercise response were more frequent. Exercise response of patients with lower thoracic and lumbar SCI did not differ from the control group. The undisputed value of ergometry in the routine evaluation and exercise prescription for health maintenance in SCI and other wheelchair-disabled patients was substantiated by the study findings.

Biodistribution of tritiated benzoporphyrin derivative (3H-BPD-MA), a new potent photosensitizer, in normal and tumor-bearing mice.

The biodistribution of a new and very potent photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative-monoacid, ring A (BPD-MA), was determined in normal and P815 (mastocytoma) or M1 (rhabdomyosarcoma) tumor-bearing DBA/2J mice. A dose of 80 micrograms of 3H-BPD-MA was determined at 3, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h post injection. The following tissues were tested: blood, brain, heart, intestine, kidney, lung, liver, muscle, skin, stomach, spleen, thymus and tumor. The biodistribution of 3H-BPD-MA in normal and tumor-bearing mice was comparable overall. 3H-BPD-MA localized in tumors better than in other tissues except kidney, liver and spleen. The tumor to tissue ratios were in the range 1.5-3 at 24 h post injection and increased further during the next 72 h. The highest levels of 3H-BPD-MA were observed in all tissues at 3 h post injection and decreased rapidly during the first 24 h. After 24 h the clearance from tissues was rather slow. The preliminary clearance data obtained in a group of five normal mice indicated that the majority of the injected dose (60%) cleared from the body via the bile and feces, while only about 4% cleared via kidneys and urine. Studies in which 3H-BPD-MA was extracted from tumor, kidney and liver 3 and 24 h after injection showed that, at 3 h, all the photosensitizing activity in tumor was retained. At 24 h only 39% of the activity was retained and considerably less active material was present in liver and kidney.

Biomimetic chemistry of hemeproteins.

Hemeproteins play important physiological roles for an oxygen metabolism in living organisms. Their functions are divided to three main groups, i) hemoglobins, myoglobins and the cytochromes which function by transporting and storing dioxygen and electrons; ii) catalase and peroxidases which are activated by hydrogen peroxide, iii) cytochrome oxidase and cytochrome P450 both of which bind dioxygen and use the dioxygen as an electron sink or by partially reducting the dioxygen to make a powerful oxidizing agent. The hemeproteins included to group ii) have been established to produce a reaction intermediate, oxo-ferry (Fe(IV] pi-cation radical, during the catalytic cycle. Recent model studies to mimic cytochrome P450 catalyzed-reaction have shown that the intermediate retains an activated oxygen and functions as a powerful oxidizing agent in the monoxygenase reaction. In this article, the properties of the intermediate and the role in cytochrome P450 monoxygenase reaction is summarized.