Comparison of antioxidant abilities of magnolol and honokiol to scavenge radicals and to protect DNA

The antioxidant properties of magnolol and honokiol were evaluated in the experimental systems of reducing ONOO⁻ and ¹O₂, bleaching β-carotene in linoleic acid (LH) emulsion, and trapping 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic radical (ABTS⁺) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and then were applied to inhibit the oxidation of DNA induced by Cu²⁺/glutathione (GSH) and 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH). Magnolol and honokiol were active to reduce ONOO⁻ and ¹O₂. Honokiol showed a little higher activity to protect LH and to inhibit Cu²⁺/GSH-induced oxidation of DNA than magnolol. In addition, honokiol exhibited higher activities to trap ABTS⁺ and DPPH than magnolol. In particular, honokiol trapped 2.5 radicals while magnolol only trapped 1.8 radicals in protecting DNA against AAPH-induced oxidation. The obtained results suggested that low antioxidant ability of magnolol may be related to the intramolecular hydrogen bond formed between di-ortho-hydroxyl groups, which hindered the hydrogen atom in hydroxyl group to be abstracted by radicals. Therefore, the antioxidant capacity of magnolol was lower than that of honokiol.     

Dendritic antioxidants with pyrazole as the core: ability to scavenge radicals and to protect DNA

Chalcones with or without a para-hydroxyl group were condensed with phenylhydrazine-related compounds to form 1,3,5-triphenyl-1H-pyrazole (TPP), 4-(1,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenol (APP), 4-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenol (BPP), and 4-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenol (CPP), in which the phenyl group formed a dendritic structure with pyrazole as the core. Thus, the aim of this work was to explore the antioxidant capacities of TPP, APP, BPP, and CPP in trapping 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic radical (ABTS^+?) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and in inhibiting Cu^2 +/glutathione (GSH)-, ^?OH-, and 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation of DNA. TPP can react with ABTS^+? and DPPH, indicating that the N atom in pyrazole possesses radical-scavenging ability. Moreover, APP, BPP, and CPP can trap 1.71, 1.81, and 1.58 radicals, respectively, in protecting DNA against AAPH-induced oxidation. Thus, the combination of pyrazole with a phenyl group exerted antioxidant ability although only one phenolic hydroxyl group was involved. However, these compounds showed weak protective effect against Cu^2 +/GSH-induced oxidation of DNA and even a pro-oxidant effect on ^?OH-induced oxidation of DNA.     

Quantum mechanical study of antioxidative ability and antioxidative mechanism of rutin (vitamin P) in solution

A quantum mechanical approach has been used to shed light on the antioxidative mechanism for scavenging hydroxyl radicals (OH) and superoxide radicals () by rutin in the solution phase. Density-functional theory (DFT) using B₃LYP and UB₃LYP functional and split-valance 6-311+G^∗∗ basis sets were used to optimize rutin and its different radical forms. Analysis of the theoretical bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) values for all OH sites of rutin in solution clearly shows the importance of the B-ring and the 3′-OH and 4′-OH groups in the antioxidant activity. We have also investigated the spin density of the radicals to determine the delocalization possibilities. The results of the calculations showed that the oxidation of rutin by both the hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical is an exothermic reaction. In all calculations solvent effects were considered using a polarized continuum model (PCM).     

Photophysics of ruthenium(II) complexes carrying amino acids in the ligand 2,2′-bipyridine and intramolecular electron transfer from methionine to photogenerated Ru(III)

New ruthenium(II) complexes carrying methionine and phenylalanine in the bipyridine ligand, [Ru(bpy)₂(4-Me-4′-(CONH-l-methionine methyl ester)-2,2′-bipyridine)](PF₆)₂ (IV) and [Ru(bpy)₂(4-Me-4′-(CONH-l-phenylalanine ethyl ester)-2,2′-bpy)](PF₆)₂(V) have been synthesized and characterized and their photophysical properties studied. Flash photolysis measurements of complex IV, in the presence of an electron acceptor, methyl viologen (MV²⁺) show that an intermolecular electron transfer from the excited state of Ru(II) in complex IV, to MV²⁺ takes place, forming Ru(III) and the methyl viologen cation radical, MV⁺. The formation of MV⁺ in this system is confirmed using time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. This intermolecular electron transfer is followed by intramolecular electron transfer from the thioether moiety (methionine) to the photogenerated Ru(III), regenerating Ru(II).     

Product inhibition in the radical S-adenosylmethionine family

Members of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) superfamily reductively cleave AdoMet to generate the highly reactive 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical (DOA) which initiates biological transformations by abstraction of a hydrogen atom. We demonstrate that three members of the family: biotin synthase (BioB), lipoyl synthase (LipA) and tyrosine lyase (ThiH) are inhibited in vitro by a combination of the products 5′-deoxyadenosine (DOA) and methionine. These results suggest the observed inhibition is a common feature of the radical AdoMet proteins that form DOA and methionine as products. Addition of 5′-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTAN) to BioB, LipA or ThiH activity assays removed the product inhibition by catalysing the hydrolysis of DOA and gave an increase in activity.     

Reactions of alkyl- and aryl(ferrocenyl)phosphines with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone

Reaction of diphenyl(ferrocenyl)phosphine (1), tri(ferrocenyl)phosphine (2) and ^tbutyl(diferrocenyl)phosphine (3) with one equivalent of 2,3-dichloro-4,5-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) yields FcPPh₂ • DDQ (4), Fc₃P • DDQ (5) and Fc₂P^tBu • DDQ (6), respectively. Infrared, UV-Vis and ESR spectra of 4-6 are consistent with formation of DDQ⁻ Mössbauer spectroscopy, however, reveals that 4-6 all contain low spin Fe^II suggesting that the radical cation is ligand centered rather than iron centered.     

Iron release from transferrin induced by mixed ligand complexes of copper(II)

Summary Copper(II) complexes CuL₁L₂ with the ligand pairs 3-phosphoglycerate (PG)/ethylenediamine (en), phosphoserine (PS)/ethylenediamine, phosphoserine/malonate (mal) are shown to be effective in inducing the release of both iron atoms from di-ferric transferrin (Fe2Tf; human serum transferrin) at pH 7.3 in 1 M NaCl at 25°C. Half-times of the reaction with Cu(PG)(en)^– were less than 1 min at 0.02 M concentration. The iron(III) products are polynuclear hydroxo complexes. There is weaker interaction with Cu(PS) ₂ ^4– and virtually none with Cu(serine)(en) nor Cu(PS)(2,2-bipyridyl)^–, revealing crucial effects of the combined ligand sphere including the phosphomonoester group. The results suggest that the release of iron from Fe2Tf, or from either monoferric transferrins, occurred due to the breakdown of the stability of iron binding in conjunction with the expulsion of the synergistic anion carbonate (or oxalate). The active copper(II) complexes are postulated to be models of membrane components that could liberate iron from transferrin succeeding its uptake at the receptor sites of cells.Abbreviations PG phosphoglycerate - PS phosphoserine - en ethylenediamine - Fe2Tf diferric transferrin - Fe_cTf and Fe_NTf transferrin with iron bound to the lobe containing the C- or N-terminus, respectively - apoTf apotransferrin - K-3 all-cis-1,3,5-tris(trimethylammonio)-2,4,6-cyclo-hexanetriol - NTA nitrilotriacetic acid; bipy, 2,2-bipyridine; mal, malonate     

Inhibition of methyl jasmonate-promoted senescence in rice leaves by a metal chelator, 2,2′-bipyridine

The possible mediatory role of transition metals in methyl jasmonate- (MJ-)induced senescence of rice leaves was investigated. Metal chelators(2,2-bipyridine, 8-hydroxylquinoline and 1,10-phenanthroline) reducedMJ-promoted senescence of rice leaves. The reduction of MJ-promoted senescenceby 2,2-bipyridine(BP) is closely associated with the decrease in lipidperoxidation and increase in activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Our resultssuggest that iron or copper plays a major role in MJ-promoted senescence ofdetached rice leaves. BP-reduced senescence of detached rice leaves induced byMJ was reversed by adding Fe²⁺ or Cu²⁺, but notby Mn²⁺ or Mg²⁺. Reduction of MJ-promotedsenescence of detached rice leaves by BP is most likely mediated throughchelation of iron or copper and an increase in SOD activity.     

A new type of electrochemical oxidation of alcohols mediated with a ruthenium-dioxolene-amine complex in neutral water

Electrochemical oxidation of [Ru^II(terpy)(sq)(NH₃)]⁺ in neutral water (pH 8.0) at +0.8 V (versus SCE) generated [Ru^II(terpy)(q)(NH₂)]²⁺ and/or [Ru^III(terpy)(sq)(NH₂)]²⁺ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, sq = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-semiquinonate, q = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone), which played roles in hydrogen abstraction and one-electron acceptor in the catalytic oxidation of methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol affording formaldehyde, acetoaldehyde, and acetone, respectively, under the electrolysis conditions.     

X-ray structure and magnetic properties of dinuclear and polymer iron(II) complexes

Five new octahedral iron(II) complexes [FeL2(4-dpa)]_n(EtOH) (1), [FeL2(bipy)]_n(DMF) (2), [FeL1(bpee)]_n (3), [Fe₂L3(1-meim)₄](1-meim)₄ (4) and [FeL1(DMAP)₂] (5), with L1 and L2 being tetradentate coordinating Schiff base like ligands (L1 = (E,E)-[{diethyl-2,2′-[1,2-phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)]bis[3-oxobutanato](2-)-N,N′,O³,O³′}, L2 = (3,3′)-[{1,2-phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)]bis(2,4-pentane-dionato)(2-)-N,N′,O²,O²′}) and L3 being a octadentate dinucleating coordinating Schiff base like ligand ({tetraethyl-(E,E,E,E)-2,2′,2′′,2′′′-[1,2,4,5-phenylentetra(iminomethylidine)]tetra[3-oxobutanoato](2-)-N,N′,N′′,N′′′,O³,O³′,O³′′,O³′′′}); 4-dpa = di(4-picolyl)-amine, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, bpee = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 1-meim = 1-methylimidazole and DMAP = 4-dimethylaminopyridine, have been synthesized and characterised using X-ray structure analysis and T-dependent susceptibility measurements. Both methods indicate that all iron(II) centres are in the paramagnetic high-spin state over the whole temperature range investigated. The O-Fe-O angle, the so called bit of the equatorial ligand, is with an average of 111° in the region typical for high-spin iron(II) complexes of this ligand type. In the case of compound 1 an infinite two-dimensional hydrogen bond network can be found, for the compounds 2-4 no hydrogen bond interactions are observed between the complex molecules. A comparison of the curve progression obtained from the magnetic measurements of the mononuclear complex 5 and the polymeric complexes 1-3 leads to the conclusion that no magnetic interactions are mediated over the bridging axial ligands. For the dinuclear complex 4 weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the two iron centres are found.     

New polymeric thiocyanatoiron(II) complex with N,N′-diethylnicotinamide - Synthesis, structure, magnetic and spectral properties

The iron(II) compound of formula [Fe(NCS)₂(dena)₂]_n (dena = N,N′-diethylnicotinamide) has been prepared by the reaction between iron(III) thiocyanate and dena in ethanol solution. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, spectral and magnetic measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods show that the complex, crystallizing in the triclinic space group, undergoes a phase transition between 220 K and 230 K, connected with the doubling of cell volume. Crystal structures at 230 K (1a; HT phase) and 150 K (1b; LT phase) are described and a transition mechanism is discussed. In both phases the compound has an extended chain structure, in which the neutral molecule of N,N′-diethylnicotinamide acts as a bridging ligand binding through pyridine N atom to one centre and through amide O atom to the neighbouring Fe centre. The Fe²⁺ ion has a slightly distorted trans-octahedral environment with FeO₂N₄ chromophore, and all Fe-O and Fe-N bonds in the typical for high-spin iron(II) compounds range. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data in the temperature range 1.8-300 K show that iron(II) is high-spin S = 2(⁵T_2g) and as a result effects due to zero-field splitting are anticipated at low temperatures. The IR spectrum suggested the coordination of N,N′-diethylnicotinamide to the central atom of iron(II) as a bridging ligand and NCS group as a monodentate ligand.     

Crystal structures, antioxidation and DNA binding properties of Eu(III) complexes with Schiff-base ligands derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxyaldehyde and three aroylhydrazines

Eu(III) and every newly synthesized ligand can form a binuclear Eu(III) complex with a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry and nine-coordinate at Eu(III) center. Every ligand acts as a dibasic tetradentate ligand, binding to Eu(III) through the phenolate oxygen atom, nitrogen atom of quinolinato unit, the CN group (methylene) and ⁻O-CN- group (enolized and deprotonated from OC-NH- group) of the aroylhydrazine side chain. One DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide) molecule is binding orthogonally to the ligand-plane from one side to the metal ion, while another DMF and a nitrate anion (bidentate) are binding from the other. Dimerization of the monomeric unit occurs through the phenolate oxygen atoms leading to a central planar four-membered (EuO)₂ ring. On the other hand, all the ligands and Eu(III) complexes may be used as potential anticancer drugs, binding to Calf thymus DNA through intercalations at the order of magnitude 10⁵-10⁷ M⁻¹. All the ligands and Eu(III) complexes are strong scavengers of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals, but Eu(III) complex containing active phenolic hydroxyl group shows stronger scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals than others, and Eu(III) complex containing N-heteroaromatic substituent shows stronger scavenging effects for superoxide radicals than others.     

Organochalcogen compounds from glycerol: Synthesis of new antioxidants

We describe here a simple method for the synthesis of glycerol derivatives containing an organochalcogen unit (Se, Te and S) using NaBH₄ and PEG-400 as a solvent. The new methodology was used to synthesize a range of new organochalcogen compounds in good yields. Furthermore, four of synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using different assays, such as 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating, superoxide dismutase-like activity and inhibition of linoleic acid lipid peroxidation. The new organotellurium 2,2-dimethyl-4-(phenyltellanylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolane 3j showed antioxidant activity and was more effective in inhibition of induced lipid peroxidation compared to solketal 4. Selenium and sulfur analogs 3a and 3m and solketal 4 did not present antioxidant effect. These findings suggest that 2,2-dimethyl-4-(phenyltellanylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolane 3j is a promising antioxidant and that its activity is influenced by the presence of the tellurium atom on the structure.     

A new synthesis and electrochemistry of 1,1′-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)ferrocene

The preparation of 1,1′-bis(β-hydroxyethyl)ferrocene (1) by oxidation of 1,1′-divinylferrocene is described. Compound 1 has been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical data are compared to ferrocene and the closely related 2-ferrocenylethanol, 2.     

Synthesis and antioxidant capacities of hydroxyl derivatives of cinnamoylphenethylamine in protecting DNA and scavenging radicals

Cinnamoylphenethylamine (CNPA) derivatives including feruloylphenethylamine (FRPA), caffeoylphenethylamine (CFPA), cinnamoyltyramine (CNTA), feruloyltyramine (FRTA) and caffeoyltyramine (CFTA) were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of the number and position of hydroxyl group on Cu(2+)/glutathione (GSH) and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation of DNA. The radical-scavenging properties of these CNPA derivatives were also evaluated by trapping 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) cationic radical (ABTS(+?)), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and galvinoxyl radical. In addition, these CNPA derivatives were tested by linoleic acid (LH)-β-carotene-bleaching experiment. The chemical kinetic was employed to treat the results from AAPH-induced oxidation of DNA and gave the order of antioxidant ability as CFTA > CFPA > FRTA > FRPA. CFTA and CFPA also possessed high abilities to inhibit Cu2(+)/GSH-mediated degradation of DNA, whereas FRPA and FRTA can protect LH against the auto-oxidation efficiently. Finally, CFPA and FRPA exhibited high activity in trapping ABTS(+?), DPPH and galvinoxyl radicals. Therefore, the cinnamoyl group bearing ortho-dihydroxyl or hydroxyl with ortho-methoxyl benefited for CNPA derivatives to protect DNA, while hydroxyl in tyramine cannot enhance the radical-scavenging abilities of CNPA derivatives.     

Synthesis,antioxidant, and antimicrobial evaluation of some 2-arylbenzimidazole derivatives

A series of 2-arylbenzimidazole derivatives (3a–3p and 4a–4i) were synthesized and evaluated as potential antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated by various in vitro assays including hydroxyl radical (HO) scavenging, superoxide radical anion (O₂^?) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Results demonstrated that compounds with hydroxyl group at the 5-position of benzimidazole ring had a comparable or better antioxidant activity in comparison to standard antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Markedly, compound 4h that showed the highest HO scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 46 μM) in vitro had a significant reduction of 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced intracellular oxidative stress and H₂O₂-induced cell death. In addition, these compounds showed moderate to good inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus selectively at noncytotoxic concentrations.     

A heterotrinuclear and a polynuclear complex constructed from a ferrocenyl carboxylate and an N-containing ligand: Synthesis, crystal structures and electrochemical properties

Treatment of NaO₂CCHC(Me)Fc with cadmium acetate and iron(II) sulfate in the presence of 2,2′-bipy yielded [Cd₂Fe(μ-O₂CCHC(Me)Fc)₂(μ₂-O₂CCHC(Me)Fc)₂(μ₂-η²-O₂CCHC(Me)Fc)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂] · 2H₂O (1); while from NaO₂CC₆H₄{C(O)Fc-o}, cadmium acetate, and pbbm the product was {[Cd(η²-O₂CC₆H₄{C(O)Fc-o})₂(pbbm)] · 0.5H₂O}_n (2) [Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(C₅H₄-η⁵); 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridyl; pbbm = 1,1′-(1,5-pentamethylene)bis-1H-benzimidazole]. Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In centro-symmetric crystalline 1, the Fe and the two flanking atoms are six-coordinate; the three carboxylato ligands between the Fe and a Cd atom have different coordination modes. Crystalline 2 consists of an infinite polymeric chain, in which adjacent [Cd(η²-O₂CC₆H₄{C(O)Fc-o})₂] units are linked by pbbm ligands; thus each Cd atom is six-coordinate. Some electrochemical properties of the two complexes are reported.