Case Report: Non-negligible Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders in a lung transplant recipient.

Background: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are uncommon but serious complications in patients following solid organ transplantation. Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a risk factor for the development of PTLD, especially early-onset PTLD, in EBV-negative recipients. To date, however, there are no specific guidelines on the threshold of EBV-DNA load for therapeutic intervention, the source for measurement (e.g., blood, bronchoalveolar fluid), or the use of antiviral agents as prophylaxis for early PTLD prevention in EBV-mismatched patients. Methods: The present study describes a 56-year-old male lung transplant recipient diagnosed with EBV-associated PTLD. Results: This patient had a history of invasive fungal disease and Mucor and Aspergillus fumigatus infections in the early post-transplant period, necessitating antifungal therapy throughout the course of the disease. The patient was EBV-positive 15 days after transplantation, with lung CT showing multiple bilateral nodules of varying sizes beginning 98 days after transplantation. A lung biopsy showed PTLD, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed EBV. This patient, however, did not receive any antiviral therapy for early PTLD prevention or any PTLD-related treatment. He died 204 days after lung transplantation. Conclusion: The present study describes a lung transplant recipient who developed EBV-associated PTLD, a non-negligible disease, after solid organ transplantation. Monitoring EBV-DNA load is important, as a sudden increase may be a sensitive indicator of PTLD. An earlier diagnosis may increase the likelihood of successful treatment.

Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on coronary blood flow and microcirculation.

This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on coronary blood flow and microcirculation function using the quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). We randomly divided 129 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) into RIPC and control groups. Following the first CAG, we randomly divided the patients further into the unilateral upper limb and lower limb groups for four cycles of ischemia/reperfusion circulation; subsequently, we performed the second CAG. During each CAG, contrast-flow QFR (cQFR), fixed-flow QFR (fQFR), and IMR (in patients with cardiac syndrome X) were calculated and compared. We measured 253 coronary arteries in 129 patients. Compared to the control group, the average cQFR of the RIPC group increased significantly after RIPC. Additionally, 23 patients with cardiac syndrome X (IMR > 30) were included in this study. Compared to the control group, IMR and the difference between cQFR and fQFR (cQFR-fQFR) both decreased significantly after receiving RIPC. The application of RIPC can increase coronary blood flow and improve coronary microcirculation function.

Bioinformatic Analysis Identifying PSMB 1/2/3/4/6/8/9/10 as Prognostic Indicators in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Renal cancer incidence has been increasing across the world, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the major subtype of renal cancer. The proteasome is involved in onset, metabolism and survival of tumor and has been recognized as a therapeutic target for various malignancies, while the role of ß subunits of proteasome, PSMB gene family, in ccRCC has not been fully unveiled. Herein we investigated the expression and the prognostic role of PSMBs in ccRCC by analyzing a series of databases, including ONCOMINE, UALCAN, cBioPortal, STRING, GEPIA, GO and KEGG. Over-expressions of PSMB1/2/4/7/8/9/10 mRNA were found in ccRCC tissues compared to normal tissues, transcriptional levels of PSMB2/3/4/6/8/9/10 were significantly positively associated with patients' individual cancer stages and grades. Similar or higher levels of proteins encoded by PSMB1/2/3/7/8/9/10 were observed in tumor tissues compared to normal renal tissues. Further, high mRNA levels of PSMB1/2/3/4/6/10 were correlated with shorter overall survival in univariate analysis. Taken together, the results of our analysis implied that overexpression of PSMB1/2/3/4/6/8/9/10 were indicative of worse prognosis of ccRCC. However, further researches were required to validate our findings.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a sleep disorder with insufficient sleep time or/and poor sleep quality. Relevant epidemiological studies have shown that insomnia symptoms occur in about 35% to 50% of the adult population, and it is one of the most common diseases in the elderly. Patients who often suffer from insomnia are prone to symptoms such as fatigue, weakened cognitive function, depression, and even mental illness, which bring serious physical and mental damage to individuals and a heavy economic burden to social medical care and families. Traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine have their own advantages in the treatment of insomnia, and there is currently a lack of reports on the comparison of acupuncture combined with massage and conventional medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia. METHODS: Search for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database. The RevMan5.4 software was used for Meta- analysis after literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies were included with a total of 2688 cases. Compared with drugs or acupuncture alone, acupuncture combined with Tuina has advantages in the total clinical effectiveness, as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Statistical Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (SAS) (OR = 3.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.77, 4.66], Z = 9.62 [P < .00001]) (MD = -2.44, 95% CI [-2.93, -1.95], Z = 9.72 [P < .00001]) (MD = -8.42, 95% CI [-10.23, -6.61], Z = 9.09 [P < .00001]). There was no statistically significant difference in Statistical Self-rating Depression Scale score (SDS) (MD = -5.26, 95% CI [-11.29, 0.78], Z = 1.71 [P > .05]). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with Tuina has obvious clinical advantages in the treatment of insomnia. This result is expected to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of insomnia, but the long-term effect of clinical efficacy still needs further study.

B52 promotes alternative splicing of Dscam in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis.

B52 is a member of the classical serine/arginine (SR)-rich proteins, which are phylogenetically conserved and play significant roles in mRNA maturation, including alternative splicing. In the present study, the docking site, selector sequences and locus control region of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (EsDscam) were identified. Alternative splicing of Dscam is essential to generate different isoforms. We also isolated and characterised the B52 gene from E. sinensis (EsB52). The 876 bp open reading frame of EsB52 encodes a 291 amino acid residue polypeptide, and EsB52 has two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) at the N-terminus and an arginine/serine-rich domain at the C-terminus. Each RRM contains two degenerate short submotifs, RNP-1 and RNP2. Analysis of tissue distribution revealed that EsB52 mRNA expression was widespread in all tested tissues, and especially high in brain and hemocytes. In hemocytes, EsB52 was upregulated significantly after stimulation with pathogen-associated molecular patterns and bacteria. Furthermore, EsB52 RNAi decreased the number of Ig7 inclusion in mRNA rather than Ig2 or Ig3. Taken together, these findings suggest that EsB52 acts as an alternative splicing activator of EsDscam.

Pathogen-Specific Binding Soluble Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) Regulates Phagocytosis via Membrane-Bound Dscam in Crab.

The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) gene is an extraordinary example of diversity that can produce thousands of isoforms and has so far been found only in insects and crustaceans. Cumulative evidence indicates that Dscam may contribute to the mechanistic foundations of specific immune responses in insects. However, the mechanism and functions of Dscam in relation to pathogens and immunity remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified the genome organization and alternative Dscam exons from Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. These variants, designated EsDscam, potentially produce 30,600 isoforms due to three alternatively spliced immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and a transmembrane domain. EsDscam was significantly upregulated after bacterial challenge at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, bacterial specific EsDscam isoforms were found to bind specifically with the original bacteria to facilitate efficient clearance. Furthermore, bacteria-specific binding of soluble EsDscam via the complete Ig1-Ig4 domain significantly enhanced elimination of the original bacteria via phagocytosis by hemocytes; this function was abolished by partial Ig1-Ig4 domain truncation. Further studies showed that knockdown of membrane-bound EsDscam inhibited the ability of EsDscam with the same extracellular region to promote bacterial phagocytosis. Immunocytochemistry indicated colocalization of the soluble and membrane-bound forms of EsDscam at the hemocyte surface. Far-Western and coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated homotypic interactions between EsDscam isoforms. This study provides insights into a mechanism by which soluble Dscam regulates hemocyte phagocytosis via bacteria-specific binding and specific interactions with membrane-bound Dscam as a phagocytic receptor.

Expression pattern and functional analysis of the two RING box protein RBX in spermatogenesis of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis.

Studies in E. sinensis have shown that ubiquitination mediated by Cullin-RING E3 ligases (CRLs) plays important roles in spermatogenesis. In other species, CRLs are also essential in cell cycle progression, DNA replication, signal transduction, gene transcription, and development. The catalytic RING component, the RING box protein, is an important part of CRLs. However, there have been few studies on CRLs in crustaceans. In this study, we cloned two RING box protein genes from the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, termed Es-RBX1 and Es-RBX2 The full length Es-RBX1 cDNA comprises 741 nucleotides, and encodes a protein of 124 amino acid residues, whereas the Es-RBX2 cDNA comprises 1325 nucleotides, and encodes a protein of 110 amino acid residues. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the domains and structure of the RBX proteins have been highly conserved during evolution. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting showed that Es-RBX1 is highly expressed in the testis, particularly during the spermatocyte stage, whereas Es-RBX2 did not show specific expression in the male reproductive system. Furthermore, Es-RBX1 is mainly distributed in the nucleus, and changed its location with the development of the nucleus. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that Es-RBX1 could bind Cullin4. These results suggested that Es-RBX1 plays a key role in spermatogenesis of E. sinensis though forming a complex with Cullin4.

A class B scavenger receptor from Eriocheir sinensis (EsSR-B1) restricts bacteria proliferation by promoting phagocytosis.

Scavenger receptors (SRs) are important pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which play significant roles in host defense against pathogens by identifying pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of a SR from Eriocheir sinensis (EsSR-B1) which is a 500 amino acid protein encoded by a gene comprised of 2726 nucleotides with a 1503 bp open reading frame. The domains of EsSR-B1 were found to be evolutionarily conserved. EsSR-B1 was widely detected in different tissues of E. sinensis and significantly up-regulated in hemocytes after stimulation by Staphyloccocus aureus or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Recombinant EsSR-B1 protein could bind to bacteria and promote phagocytosis upon bacterial stimulation. Moreover, antimicrobial peptide expression was reduced in EsSR-B1-silenced hemocytes after challenge by S. aureus or V. parahaemolyticus. Thus, EsSR-B1 has a critical role in the binding of bacteria and subsequent promotion of hemocyte phagocytosis.

Vitellogenin regulates antimicrobial responses in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis.

Vitellogenin (Vtg) is traditionally regarded as a key supplier of nutrients and energy during the early development of embryos and larvae, but accumulating evidence suggests that Vtg is also involved in innate immune defense. Whether Vtg is involved in innate immunity in Eriocheir sinensis, and its functions, remain largely unknown. In this study, a cDNA representing the vitellogenin1 gene from E. sinensis (Es-vtg1) was cloned. The full-length Es-vtg1 cDNA comprised 7939 nucleotides, encoding an open-reading frame of 2567 amino acid residues. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the domains of Es-Vtg1 have been conserved during evolution. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting showed that Es-vtg1 was highly expressed in ovary and hepatopancreas. Moreover, bacteria could induce the high-level expression of Es-Vtg1. Es-Vtg1 plays important roles in immunological defense, including binding to bacteria, inhibiting bacterial proliferation, and regulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Es-Vtg1 plays critical roles in antimicrobial function.

Carcinosarcoma of the Lesser Omentum: A Unique Case Report and Literature Review.

Carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor consisting of epithelial and mesenchymal components, both of which are histologically malignant. It usually runs an aggressive clinical course, with higher metastatic potential than other kinds of carcinomas or sarcomas.Here, we present an extremely uncommon case of carcinosarcoma occurred in the lesser omental bursa in a 65-year-old Chinese man. Metastasis was observed 2 months after operation and disappeared completely after chemotherapy. Until now, 3 years after surgery, the patient is still alive without any signs or symptoms of recurrence.To our knowledge, this is the first case of carcinosarcoma originated from lesser omentum. Surgical resection and the ifosfamide-based combination chemotherapy may be effective to carcinosarcoma in the lesser omentum.

Lipopolysaccharide and beta-1, 3-glucan binding protein (LGBP) stimulates prophenoloxidase activating system in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

Melanization mediated by prophenoloxidase (proPO) activating system play an essential role in killing invading microorganisms in invertebrates. Lipopolysaccharide and ß-1, 3-glucan binding protein (LGBP) as a pattern recognition protein have been demonstrated to active the proPO cascade in insect and shrimp. In this study, we investigated the role of LGBP in prophenoloxidase cascade-induced melanization in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). By RT-PCR analysis, EsLGBP was detected in all tested tissues, and showed highest expression in hemocytes, gill, intestine and brain. The expression of EsLGBP was up-regulated in the hemocytes following injections of LPS and ß-1, 3-glucan. The recombinant EsLGBP protein (rEsLGBP) was produced via prokaryotic expression system and affinity chromatography. By western blotting, rEsLGBP was discovered to exhibit the ability to bind to all tested microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and yeast (Pichia pastoris). Meanwhile we found rEsLGBP has a high binding activity towards microbial immune elicitors such as LPS and ß-1, 3-glucan whereas no binding activity is detected with peptidoglycan. Moreover, the effects of RNAi-mediated blockade of EsLGBP were investigated on bacterial counts in the hemolymph and cumulative mortality rate of crabs infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus in vivo. Further experiments demonstrate that rEsLGBP can trigger the whole hemolymph dependent melanization and stimulate to proPO cascade in vitro. Taken together, these results provide experimental evidence for role of LGBP in innate immunity, especially in the activation of prophenoloxidase activating system.

A single CRD C-type lectin from Eriocheir sinensis (EsLecB) with microbial-binding, antibacterial prophenoloxidase activation and hem-encapsulation activities.

C-type lectins (CTLs) exist widely in crustaceans. To date, thirteen CTLs have been reported in crustaceans, and play significant roles in pathogen recognition, encapsulation of hemocytes and antimicrobial activity in the innate immune response. Based on the initial expressed sequence tags (EST) of a hepatopancreatic cDNA library, a novel CTL, designated as EsLecB, with a 470 bp open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 156 amino acids, including a signal peptide of 19 amino acid residues and one carbohydrate-recognition domain of 131 aa residues, was cloned from the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis. By qRT-PCR analysis, EsLecB was detected in all tested tissues, and showed highest expression in hemocytes, hepatopancreas and heart. The expression of EsLecB was up-regulated following injections of PAMPs or bacteria. The recombinant protein (rEsLecB) expressed in Escherichia coli had a calcium-independent but carbohydrate-dependent microbial-binding and microbial-agglutinating, microorganism growth inhibitory and hem-encapsulation activities. Moreover, the rEsLecB could stimulate the activation of prophenoloxidase in vitro. These results indicated that EsLecB, as an antibacterial pattern recognition receptor is involved in innate immunity, and may act as an upstream detector of the prophenoloxidase activating system, which can detect pathogen invasion in E. sinensis.

Role of transglutaminase in immune defense against bacterial pathogens via regulation of antimicrobial peptides.

Transglutaminase (TGase) is critical for blood coagulation, a conserved immunological defense mechanism among invertebrates. Here, a 3248-bp (full-length) TGase cDNA in Eriocheir sinensis (EsTGase) was cloned, with a 2274-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 757 amino acid protein containing two transglut domains, one TGase/protease-like homolog domain and a KGD (Lys-Gly-Asp) motif. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that EsTGase appeared earlier in evolution compared with TGases of other crustaceans and mammals. EsTGase mRNA was mainly detected in hemocytes and up-regulated post-challenge with bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus), suggesting an immune function for this gene. Moreover, the EsTGase activity in hemocytes challenged with V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus was decreased significantly. RNA interference of EsTGase down-regulated expression of immune-related genes CrusEs2, EsLecG and Es-DWD1 with or without bacteria stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, absence of EsTGase led to higher bacterial counts in the hemocyte culture medium. Thus, EsTGase is an important component of the crab immune response and is involved in the regulation of certain immune-related genes, particularly those encoding anti-microbial peptides.

Antimicrobial activity of a novel hypervariable immunoglobulin domain-containing receptor Dscam in Cherax quadricarinatus.

Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) mediates innate immunity against pathogens in arthropods. Here, a novel Dscam from red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (CqDscam) was isolated. The CqDscam protein contains one signal peptide, ten immunoglobulin domains, six fibronectin type III domains, one transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. CqDscam phylogenetically clustered with other invertebrate Dscams. Variable regions of CqDscam in N-terminal halves of Ig2 and Ig3 domains, complete Ig7 domain and TM domain can be reshuffled after transcription to produce a deluge of >37,620 potential alternative splice forms. CqDscam was detected in all tissues tested and abundantly expressed in immune system and nerve system. Upon lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and b-1, 3-glucans (Glu) challenged, the expression of CqDscam was up-regulated, while no response in expression occurred after injection with peptidoglycans (PG). Membrane-bound and secreted types of CqDscam were separated on the protein level, and were both extensively induced post LPS challenge. Membrane-bound CqDscam protein was not detected in the serum, but localized to the hemocyte surface by immuno-localization assay. In the antimicrobial assays, the recombinant LPS-induced isoform of CqDscam protein displayed bacterial binding and growth inhibitory activities, especially with Escherichia coli. These results suggested that CqDscam, as one of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), involved in innate immune recognition and defense mechanisms in C. quadricarinatus, possibly through alternative splicing.

Synthesis and structure of dicopper(II) complexes bridged by N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-[3-(methy lamino)propyl]oxamide: evaluation of DNA/protein binding, DNA cleavage, and in vitro anticancer activity.

Three new dicopper(II) complexes bridged by N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-[3-(methylamino)-propyl]oxamide (H3chmpoxd) and end-capped with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen); 2,2'-diamino-4,4'-bithiazole (dabt); and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), namely [Cu2(chmpoxd)(H2O)(phen)](ClO4)⋅CH3CN (1), [Cu2(chmpoxd)(dabt)(C2H5OH)](NO3) (2) and [Cu2(chmpoxd)(H2O)(bpy)](NO3)⋅CH3CN (3), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that both the copper(II) ions bridged by the cis-chmpoxd(3-) ligands in the three complexes are in square-planar and square-pyramidal environments, respectively. The reactivity towards herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) and protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) indicated that these copper(II) complexes can interact with the DNA in the mode of intercalation, and bind to BSA responsible for quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by the static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage suggested that all the dicopper(II) complexes are active against the selected tumor cell lines, and the complex 1 exhibits the cleavage capacity for plasmid DNA.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of cervical lymph node metastasis in 708 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma].

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of cervical lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and the relationship between clinicopathologic factors of OSCC and cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM). METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of 708 patients with OSCC who underwent neck dissection were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between clinicopathologic factors of OSCC and CLNM was analyzed with univariate analysis and multivariate analysis using SPPPSS19.0 software package. RESULTS: The incidence of CLNM of OSCC was 35.6%(252/708), and the incidence of CLNM at each level was：levelⅠ30.7%（149/485）, level II33.8% (164/485), level III22.5% (109/485), level Ⅳ8.0% (39/485), and levelⅤ4.9% (24/485), respectively. From univariate analysis of the results, age, differentiation degree, depth of invasion, pathological T stage were significantly correlated with CLNM (P<0.05); while gender, location were not significantly correlated with CLNM (P>0.05). From multivariate analysis of the results, only differentiation degree, depth of invasion and pathological T stage were significantly correlated with CLNM (P<0.05). Depth of invasion was probably the most important influential factor for CLNM of OSCC (OR=2.191). CONCLUSIONS: There was positive relationship between CLNM and pathological T stage , depth of invasion; while there was negative relationship between CLNM and differentiation degree. Depth of invasion was probably the first influential factor for CLNM of OSCC.

Syntheses and crystal structures of tetracopper(II) complexes bridged by asymmetric N,N'-bis(substituted)oxamides: Molecular docking, DNA-binding and in vitro anticancer activity.

Two new tetranuclear copper(II) complexes of the formulae [Cu4(oxbm)2(phen)2](NO3)2⋅6H2O (1) and [Cu4(oxbpa)2(phen)2](ClO4)2·4H2O (2), where H3oxbm and H3oxbpa stand for N-(2-aminopropyl)-N'- (2-carboxylatophenyl)oxamide and N-hydroxypropyl-N'-(2-carboxylatophenyl)oxamide, respectively, and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, IR and electronic spectrum studies, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. In the two tetracopper(II) complexes, the presence of the circular tetracopper(II) cations is assembled by a pair of cis-oxamido-bridged dicopper(II) units through carboxyl bridges, in which Cu1 is located in a distorted square-planar environment, while Cu2 is in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. Numerous hydrogen bonds link complex 1 or 2 into a 2-D infinite network. The interactions of the two tetracopper(II) complexes with DNA are investigated both theoretically and experimentally, revealing that these tetracopper(II) complexes can interact with HS-DNA in the mode of intercalation, and complex 1 possesses stronger intercalating ability. The molecular docking of the two tetranuclear copper(II) complexes with the self-complementary DNA duplex of sequence d(ACCGACGTCGGT)2 facilitates the binding events. Cytotoxicity experiments indicate that the two tetracopper(II) complexes exhibit cytotoxic effects against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC-7721 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549. Interestingly, the cytotoxic activities of the two tetracopper(II) complexes are consistent with their DNA-binding abilities, following the order of 1>2. The main results suggest that different bridging ligands in tetracopper(II) complexes may play an important role in the DNA-binding properties and cytotoxic activities.

Syntheses and structures of new trimetallic complexes bridged by N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamide: cytotoxic activities, and reactivities towards DNA and protein.

Two new µ-oxamido-bridged trinuclear complexes, namely [Cu(3)L(2)(H(2)O)(2)]{[Cu(3)L(2)]·2H(2)O}(2) (1) and [Ni(3)L(2)(H(2)O)(DMF)](H(2)O)(DMF) (2), where L(3-) is deprotonated N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-N'-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamide, have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The structure of complex 1, which consists of three tricopper(II) neutral molecules, lies on an inversion centre at Cu5 atom and thus has a trans conformation. The structure of complex 2 composes of a trinickel(II) neutral molecule. In vitro cytotoxic activities, and the reactivities of the two complexes towards DNA and protein are investigated. Cytotoxicities experiments reveal that the two trinuclear complexes both exhibits cytotoxic effects against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC-7721 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549. The interactions of the two complexes with herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) are investigated by using UV absorption and fluorescence spectra and viscometry. The results suggested that both of the two trinuclear complexes could interact with HS-DNA through the intercalation mode and follow the binding affinity order of 1>2. The reactivity towards protein BSA revealed that the quenching of BSA fluorescence by the two complexes are static quenching, and complex 1 exhibits a higher BSA-binding ability than that of complex 2.