Half-sandwich Ru II[9]aneS3 complexes structurally similar to antitumor-active organometallic piano-stool compounds: preparation, structural characterization and in vitro cytotoxic activity

The preparation, structural characterization, and chemical behavior in aqueous solution of a series of new Ru[9]aneS3 half-sandwich complexes of the type [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(NN)][CF3SO3] and [Ru([9]aneS3)(dmso-S)(N-N)][CF3SO3]2 (5-15, NN=substituted bpy or 2x1-methylimidazole) are described. The X-ray structures of [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(3,3'-H2dcbpy)][CF3SO3] (9) (3,3'-H2dcbpy=3,3'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine), [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(4,4'-dmobpy)][CF3SO3] (13) (4,4'-dmobpy=4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine), and [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(1-MeIm)2][CF3SO3] (15) (1-MeIm=1-methylimidazole) were also determined. The new compounds are structurally similar to anticancer-active organometallic half-sandwich complexes of formula [Ru(eta6-arene)Cl(NN)][PF6]. Three chloro compounds (5, 9, 15) were tested in vitro for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines in comparison with the previously described [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(en)][CF3SO3] (1, en=ethylenediamine), [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(bpy)][CF3SO3] (2), and with their common dmso precursor [Ru([9]aneS3)Cl(dmso-S)2][CF3SO3] (3). Only the ethylenediamine complex 1 showed some antiproliferative activity, ca. one order of magnitude lower than the reference organometallic half-sandwich compound RM175 that contains biphenyl instead of [9]aneS3. This compound was further tested against a panel of human cancer cell lines (including one resistant to cisplatin).     

Outbreak of avian polyomavirus infection with high mortality in recently captured Crimson's seedcrackers (Pyrenestes sanguineus)

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection of recently imported Crimson's seedcrackers (Pyrenestes sanguineus) resulted in mortality in 56 of 70 (80%) birds in January 2000. Viral infection in these birds was characterized by diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy, and death usually ensued within 48 to 72 hr of initial clinical signs. Bacteriologic testing resulted in consistently negative results. Histologic examination of tissues from dead birds revealed large intranuclear inclusion bodies, which at electron microscopy examination, contained 42- to 49-nm viral particles. The diagnosis of APV infection was based on immunohistochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy, using a monoclonal antibody specific for VP-1 major capsidic APV protein. This is the first report of an acute APV outbreak in wild, recently imported, Crimson's seedcrackers.     

Human proliferating cell nuclear antigen,poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, and p21waf1/cip1. A dynamic exchange of partners

We addressed the analysis of the physical and functional association of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a protein involved in many DNA transactions, with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA repair and interacts with many DNA replication/repair factors. We demonstrated that PARP-1 and PCNA co-immunoprecipitated both from the soluble and the DNA-bound fraction isolated from S-phase-synchronized HeLa cells. Immunoprecipitation experiments with purified proteins further confirmed a physical association between PARP-1 and PCNA. To investigate the effect of this association on PARP-1 activity, an assay based on the incorporation of radioactive NAD was performed. Conversely, the effect of PARP-1 on PCNA-dependent DNA synthesis was assessed by a DNA polymerase delta assay. A marked inhibition of both reactions was found. Unexpectedly, PARP-1 activity also decreased in the presence of p21waf1/cip1. By pull-down experiments, we provided the first evidence for an association between PARP-1 and p21, which involves the C-terminal part of p21 protein. This association was further demonstrated to occur also in vivo in MNNG (N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine)-treated human fibroblasts. These observations suggest that PARP-1 and p21 could cooperate in regulating the functions of PCNA during DNA replication/repair.     

Helicobacter pylori releases a factor(s) inhibiting cell cycle progression of human gastric cell lines by affecting cyclin E/cdk2 kinase activity and Rb protein phosphorylation through enhanced p27(KIP1) protein expression

Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of chronic gastritis, plays a central role in the etiology of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. In vitro studies have shown that H. pylori increases gastric epithelial cell turnover, thus increasing the risk for the development of neoplastic clones. The mechanisms by which H. pylori promotes perturbation of cell proliferation are not yet elucidated. To investigate whether products released by H. pylori in culture media interfere with cell cycle progression of human gastric epithelial cells, four cell lines (MKN 28, MKN 7, MKN 74, and AGS) were incubated in the presence of H. pylori broth culture filtrate. Cell cycle analysis showed that a H. pylori-released factor(s) significantly inhibited the G1- to S-phase progression of MKN 28 and MKN 7 cell lines, with a reversible, nonlethal mechanism, independent of the expression of VacA, CagA, and/or urease. The cell cycle inhibition occurred concomitantly with an increase in p27(KIP1) protein levels, a reduction in Rb protein phosphorylation on serine residues 807-811, and a significant decrease in cyclin E-associated cdk2 activity. In contrast, the cell cycle progression of MKN 74 and AGS cell lines was not affected by the H. pylori-released factor(s). In normal human fibroblasts, G1-phase cell accumulation was concomitant with the reduction in Rb protein phosphorylation; that, however, appeared to be dependent on p21(WAF1/CIP1) rather than on p27(KIP1) protein. A preliminary characterization showed that the molecular mass of the partially purified cell cycle inhibitory factor(s) was approximately 40 kDa. These results suggest that H. pylori releases a soluble factor(s) that may affect cell cycle progression of gastric epithelial cells through elevated levels of cdk inhibitor p27(KIP1). This factor(s) might act in vivo on noncolonized distant cells, the most proliferating cells of human gastric mucosa.     

How Drosophila combats microbial infection: a model to study innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions

During the past year, dramatic progress has been achieved in our understanding of Drosophila immune reactions. The completion of the Drosophila genome sequencing project, microarray analysis and the use of genetic screens have led to the identification of several new genes required to combat microbial infection, filling in some important gaps in the understanding of innate immunity. At the same time, this insect was used as a model for the study of host-pathogen interactions. The recent major advances on the mechanisms by which this insect defends itself against intrusion of pathogens are discussed in this review.     

Crystal structure and magnetic behavior of a copper(II)-(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate) coordination polymer: 3D architecture stabilized by H-bonding

Reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate (pzdc) in aqueous ammonia medium results [Cu(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1). The X-ray single crystal structure reveals that the compound is a 1D polymeric sinusoidal infinite chain which through intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions, involving lattice and coordinated water molecules with dicarboxylate oxygens and pyrazine nitrogens, gives rise to a 3D architecture. The variable temperature magnetic measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) centers. The best fit parameters through the typical equation for a uniform copper (II) chain are: J=−0.25 cm⁻¹, g=2.17, R=1.3×10−6. The EPR spectrum does not alter with temperature (from r.t. to 4 K). The spectra are typical for square-pyramidal geometry of copper(II) ions, g_∥=2.24 and g_⊥=2.10 (average g=2.15, in good agreement to the value obtained by susceptibility fit).     

Two μ1,5-dicyanamide bridged 2D and 3D metal complexes formed by covalent bonding and weak interactions

One 2D and one 3D dicyanamide bridged complexes, [Cu(dca)₂(et₂-en)]_n (1) and [Mn(dca)₂(im)₂]_n (2) [dca=dicyanamide, et₂-en=N,N-diethyl-ethylenediamine, im=imidazole], have been synthesized. Both the complexes are 1D by covalent bonding but interchain H-bonding promotes dimensionality. Moreover, π-π interaction among the imidazole ligands also plays an important role to have an interlocked 3D structure for 2. Magnetic study of both the complexes shows weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the metal centers. The magnetic data have been fitted with appropriate equations yielding best fit parameters for 1: J=−0.58±0.02 cm⁻¹, g=2.11±0.01 with R=3.2×10⁻⁶ and for 2, J=−0.21 cm⁻¹, g=2.00 and R=5.6×10⁻⁴.     

1D/2D coordination polymers of copper(II) having two superexchange pathways: syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Two new polynuclear complexes of Cu(II), [(μ-1,1,3-N₃)₂{Cu₂(me₂tn)₂(N₃)₂}]_n (1) (me₂tn=2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine) and [Cu₂(μ-C₂O₄)(μ-N₃)(ipr₂en)₂]_n(ClO₄)_n (2) (ipr₂en=N,N^′-di-isopropylethane-1,2-diamine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 1 displays a 2D network in which distorted octahedral copper(II) centers, chelated by a me₂tn ligand and bound to a terminal azide, are connected through μ-1,1,3 bridging azide anions. The structure of 2 shows 1D chains comprising alternating [(ipr₂en)Cu-Ox-Cu(ipr₂en)] units and end-to-end azide ligand. The chains on mutual H-bonding interaction through ClO₄⁻, give rise to a 2D supramolecular architecture. The magnetic data of complexes were recorded in the temperature range, 300-2 K. In case of complex 1, the magnetic data are consistent with a ferromagnetic interaction through the end-on azide bridge (J_FM=10 cm⁻¹) and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction (zj=−0.8 cm⁻¹) between the ferromagnetically coupled dimers and an average g-value of 2.05. The susceptibility data of 2 were fitted using an alternating AF-AF chain spin 1/2 law which leads to the following parameters J_oxalate=−180 cm⁻¹, J_azide=−43 cm⁻¹ and g=2.25 cm⁻¹.     

Attenuation of chronic neuroinflammation by a nitric oxide-releasing derivative of the antioxidant ferulic acid

Chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease and represent targets for therapy. Ferulic acid is a natural compound that expresses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nitric oxide is also a key modulator of inflammatory responses. Grafting a nitric oxide-releasing moiety onto anti-inflammatory drugs results in enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. We compared the effectiveness of ferulic acid with a novel nitric oxide-releasing derivative of ferulic acid in an animal model of chronic neuroinflammation that reproduces many interesting features of Alzheimer's disease. Lipopolysaccharide was infused into the 4th ventricle of young rats for 14 days. Various doses of ferulic acid or its nitric oxide-releasing derivative were administered daily. Both drugs produced a dose-dependent reduction in microglia activation within the temporal lobe. However, the nitric oxide-releasing ferulic acid derivative was significantly more potent. If we delayed the initiation of therapy for 14 days, we found no reduction in microglial activation. In addition, both drugs demonstrated antioxidant and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities in in vitro studies. Overall, our results predict that a treatment using nitric oxide-releasing ferulic acid may attenuate the processes that drive the pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease if the treatment is initiated before the neuroinflammatory processes can develop.