Evaluation of enantioselective binding of fluoxetine to human serum albumin by ultrafiltration and CE--experimental design and quality considerations

Several pharmacokinetic processes are affected by enantioselectivity (ES). At the level of distribution, protein binding (PB) is one of the most important. The enantioselective binding of fluoxetine (FLX) to HSA has been evaluated in this work by ultrafiltration of FLX–HSA mixtures and chiral analysis of unbound fractions by EKC-CD. PB, affinity constants (K) and ES were obtained for both enantiomers of FLX. In order to improve the consistency of the estimations, the evaluation of affinity constants of each enantiomer was performed using two designs, one keeping constant the total concentration of protein and varying the total concentration of the enantiomers, and the other in the opposite way, in both cases via an unusual short-concentration interval strategy to assure model validity. Different mathematical approaches were compared and characterised and some of them, judged as the most consistent under the experimental conditions used, were selected to provide final estimates. Quality considerations include criteria for three critical aspects: (i) detecting/eliminating outliers, (ii) checking the number of binding sites in the protein and (iii) evaluating the robustness of each approach. The differences on estimates from the selected approaches were used as an uncertainty source to delimit the reported values. The ES of HSA for FLX enantiomers was approximate. Estimates include the assumptions of independent and competitive models. In the last case, a SIMPLEX function was designed capable of simultaneously optimizing the non-linear binding models for both enantiomers, thus improving the consistence of results.     

Investigation of ketoprofen binding to human serum albumin by spectral methods

The binding of ketoprofen with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopic methods. Quenching of fluorescence of HSA was found to be a static quenching process. At 288.15, 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K, the binding constants and binding sites were obtained. The effects of Cu²⁺, Al³⁺, Ca²⁺, Pb²⁺ and K⁺ on the binding at 288.15 K were also studied. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH, ΔG and ΔS were got and the main sort of acting force between ketoprofen and HSA was studied. Based on the Förster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer, the binding average distance, r, between the acceptor (ketoprofen) and the donor (HSA) was calculated.     

Exploring the binding mechanism of dihydropyrimidinones to human serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques

The binding mechanism of molecular interaction between 5-(ethoxycarbonyl)-6-methyl-4-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (a dihydropyrimidinones derivative, EMPD) and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using spectroscopic methods and modeling technique. The quenching mechanism was investigated in terms of the binding constants and the basic thermodynamic parameters. The results of spectroscopic measurements suggested that EMPD have a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through static quenching procedure. The drug-protein complex was stabilized by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding as indicated from the thermodynamic parameters and synchronous fluorescence spectra, which was consistent with the results of molecular docking and accessible surface area calculation. Competitive experiments indicated that a displacement of warfarin by EMPD, which revealed that the binding site of EMPD to HSA was located at the subdomains IIA. The distance between the donor and the acceptor was 4.85nm as estimated according to F?rster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The effect of metal ions on the binding constants was also investigated. The results indicated that the binding constants between EMPD and HSA increased in the presence of common metal ions.     

Evaluation of enantioselective binding of antihistamines to human serum albumin by ACE

The drug binding to plasma and tissue proteins is a fundamental factor in determining the overall pharmacological activity of a drug. HSA, together with alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, are the most important plasma proteins, which act as drug carriers, with implications on the pharmacokinetic of drugs. Among plasma proteins, HSA possesses the highest enantioselectivity. In this paper, a new methodology for the study of enantiodifferentiation of chiral drugs with HSA is developed and applied to evaluate the possible enantioselective binding of four antihistamines: brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine and orphenadrine to HSA. This study includes the determination of affinity constants of drug enantiomers to HSA and the evaluation of the binding sites of antihistamines on the HSA molecule. The developed methodology includes the ultrafiltration of samples containing HSA and racemic antihistaminic drugs and the analysis of the free or bound drug fraction using the affinity EKC-partial filling technique and HSA as chiral selector. The results shown in this paper represent the first evidence of the enantioselective binding of antihistamines to HSA, the major plasmatic protein.     

Deciphering the role of pH in the binding of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride to bovine serum albumin

The effect of the added fluoroquinolone, Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride (CpH), on structural properties of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was investigated by Circular Dichroism (CD), steady-state, time-resolved and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) spectroscopic approaches. The intrinsic fluorescence of the Tryptophan (Trp) amino acid residue in the globular protein BSA was made use of and the effect of pH at two different temperatures was thoroughly investigated. CD results indicate that CpH induces some structural changes in BSA and this has been well-supported by steady-state, lifetime and DLS data. The fluorescence intensity of Trp gradually decreases with the rise in concentration of CpH and we have conclusively proved that at pH 7.4 and 9.2, the mechanism of fluorescence quenching is mostly dynamic in nature, whereas at pH 4.5 mainly static quenching is operational. Thermodynamic parameters have been studied to rationalize the nature of binding of CpH to BSA, and we have concluded that hydrophobic and van der Waals forces play an important role in the process of drug-protein interaction at three different pH values. The lifetime of Trp was found to decrease with the rise in CpH concentration and the percentage reduction in lifetime was found to be a function of the pH of the medium under investigation.     

Study binding of Al-curcumin complex to ds-DNA, monitoring by multispectroscopic and voltammetric techniques

In this work a complex of Al3+ with curcumin ([Al(curcumin) (EtOH)2](NO3)2) was synthesized and characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, elemental analysis and spectrophotometric titration techniques. The mole ratio plot revealed a 1:1 complex between Al3+ and curcumin in solution. For binding studies of this complex to calf thymus-DNA various methods such as: UV-vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), FT-IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used. The intrinsic binding constant of ACC with DNA at 25°C was calculated by UV-vis and cyclic voltammetry as 2.1×10(4) and 2.6×10(4), respectively. The thermodynamic studies showed that the reaction is enthalpy and entropy favored. The CD results showed that only the Δ-ACC interacts with DNA and the Δ-ACC form has not any tendency to interact with DNA, also the pure curcumin has not any stereoselective interaction with CT-DNA. Fluorimetric studies showed that fluorescence enhancement was initiated by a static process in the ground state. The cyclic voltammetry showed that ACC interact with DNA with a binding site size of 2. From the FT-IR we concluded that the Δ-ACC interacts with DNA via partial electrostatic and minor groove binding. In comparison with previous works it was concluded that curcumin significantly reduced the affinity of Al3+ to the DNA.     

Evaluation of the enantioselective binding of imazalil to human serum albumin by capillary electrophoresis

In this work, a methodology for the evaluation of enantioselective binding of imazalil (IMA) enantiomers to human serum albumin (HSA) that does not require the separation of free and bound to HSA fractions is developed. This methodology comprises the incubation of IMA–HSA designed mixtures for 30 min directly in the capillary electrophoresis system and the subsequent direct injection and chiral separation of IMA employing highly sulfated β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector and the complete filling technique. Two mathematical approaches were used to estimate apparent affinity constants (K₁), protein binding and enantioselectivity (ES) for both enantiomers of IMA. Moderate enantioselective binding of IMA enantiomers to HSA (ES = 2.0) was shown by the 1:1 stoichiometry and log K₁ values of 3.4 ± 0.4 and 3.1 ± 0.3 for the first and second eluted enantiomers, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the binding of ceftriaxone to human serum albumin solution and albumin from diluted human serum

The binding of ceftriaxone to human serum albumin has been studied by high-performance liquid chromatography. The gel permeation method of Hummel and Dreyer was used. Ceftriaxone was tested with two sources of albumin (aqueous solution and diluted serum). After internal calibration the binding parameters were determined for each albumin, and results compared. These data are in agreement with those from classical methods for the determination of protein binding of ceftriaxone.     

Spectroscopic studies on binding of Puerarin to human serum albumin

The interaction between Puerarin with human serum albumin has been studied for the first time by spectroscopic methods including fluorescence quenching technology, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy under simulative physiological conditions. The results of fluorescence titration revealed that Puerarin can strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA by static quenching and there is a single class of binding site on HSA. In addition, the studies of CD spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy showed that the binding of Puerarin to HSA changed slightly molecular conformation of HSA. Furthermore, the thermodynamic functions ΔH⁰ and ΔS⁰ for the reaction were calculated to be −9.067 kJ mol⁻¹ and 54.315 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ according to van’t Hoff equation. These data suggested that both hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction play a major role in the binding of Puerarin to HSA, which is in good agreement with the result of molecular modeling study.     

Enantioselective binding of a lanthanide(III) complex to human serum albumin studied by 1H STD NMR techniques

The enantioselective binding of the (SSS)-Δ isomer of an yttrium(III) tetraazatriphenylene complex to 'drug-site II' of human serum albumin (HSA) was detected by the intensity differences of its STD (1)H NMR spectrum relative to the (RRR)-Λ isomer, by the effect of the competitive binder to that site, N-dansyl sarcosine, upon the STD spectrum of each isomer, in the presence of HSA and by 3D docking simulations.     

Studies on the binding of vinpocetine to human serum albumin by molecular spectroscopy and modeling

The interaction between vinpocetine(VPC) and human serum albumin(HSA) in physiological buffer(pH 7.40) was investigated by fluorescence,FT-IR,UV-vis absorption and molecular modeling.VPC effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA via static quenching.The binding site number n and apparent binding constant K_a,corresponding thermodynamic parametersΔG,ΔH andΔS at different temperatures were calculated.The synchronous fluorescence and FT-IR spectra were used to investigate the structural change of HSA molecules with addition of VPC.Molecular modeling indicated that VPC could bind to the site I of HSA and hydrophobic interaction was the major acting force,which was in agreement with the binding mode study.     

Studies on the binding of nevadensin to human serum albumin by molecular spectroscopy and modeling

The binding of nevadensin to human serum albumin (HSA) in aqueous solution was investigated for the first time by molecular spectroscopy and modeling at pH 7.4. Spectrophotometric observations are rationalized in terms of a static quenching process and binding constant (K_a, K_b) and the number of binding sites (n ≈ 1) were evaluated by fluorescence quenching methods. Thermodynamic data showed that nevadensin was included in the hydrophobic cavity of HSA mainly via hydrophobic interactions. The value of 3.09 nm for the distance r between the donor (HSA) and acceptor (nevadensin) was derived from the fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Spectrophotometric techniques were also applied to investigate the structural information of HSA molecules on the binding of nevadensin and the results showed that the binding of nevadensin to HSA did not change significantly molecular conformation of HSA in our experimental conditions. Furthermore, the study of molecular modeling also indicated that nevadensin could strongly bind to the site I (subdomain IIA) of HSA mainly by a hydrophobic interaction and there are hydrogen bond interactions between nevadensin and the residues Arg-218, Arg-222, Lys-195, and Asp-451. As compared to the other flavonoids, the flavonoids containing methoxy groups which are in aromatic rings can bind to HSA with higher affinity.     

The auxiliary determination of the binding site of berberine binding to human serum albumin by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report on the joint application of fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Raman spectroscopy to the study of berberine with human serum albumin (HSA). We propose the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique to improve the understanding of the quenching interaction caused by berberine which could be applied in recognition process of fluorescent drugs with large biomolecules. The fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopic results show that the fluorescence intensity of HSA is significantly decreased in the presence of berberine, and the quenching mechanism is static. The SERS technique demonstrates clear advantages over direct measurements in physiological conditions. By means of this method, we are able to deduce important information concerning the binding property of berberine when interacting with HSA. We show the nitrogen atom is free but the dioxolane is involved in the spontaneously electrostatic inducement and subsequently hydrophobic binding.     

Capillary electrophoresis study of human serum albumin binding to basic drugs

Summary The applicability of capillary electrophoresis/frontal analysis (CE/FA) for determining the binding constants of the drugs propranolol (PRO) and verapamil (VER) to human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated. After direct hydrodynamic injection of a drug-HAS mixture solution into a coated capillary (32 cm × 50 μm i.d.), the basic drug was eluted as a zonal peak with a plateau region under condition of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4; ionic strength 0.17) at 12 kV positive running voltage. The unbound drug concentrations measured from the plateau peak heights had good correlation coefficients,r>0.999. Employing the Scatchard plot, the Klotz plot and nonlinear regression, the drug protein binding parameters, the binding constant and the number of binding sites on one protein molecule, were obtained. The binding constant obtained was compared to a reported equilibrium dialysis result and they are basically in good agreement.     

Temperature-dependent simultaneous ligand binding in human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a soluble protein in our circulatory system, which is known to bind a variety of drugs and ligands. Since Sudlow's pioneering works on the ligand-binding sites, a major effort of the biophysical/biochemical research has been directed to characterize the structural, functional, and dynamical properties of this protein. Structural studies on HSA have revealed distinct temperature-induced folded states. Despite knowing about the ligand-binding properties and residues important for the binding, less is understood about the temperature-dependent molecular recognition of the protein. Here, we have prepared thermally induced unfolded states of the protein and characterized those by circular dichroism (CD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The change in the globular structure of the protein as a consequence of thermal unfolding has also been characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. We have used two fluorescent ligands (4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl) 4H-pyran) (DCM; hydrophobic; neutral) and Nile blue (NB; cationic) of different natures to characterize the ligand-binding properties of the protein in the native and thermally unfolded states. The possible binding sites of the ligands have been characterized by competitive binding with other drug molecules having definite binding sites in HSA. Picosecond-resolved F?rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies along with steady-state and polarization-gated spectroscopies on the ligands in the protein reveal the dynamics of the binding sites at various temperatures. From the FRET studies, an attempt has been made to characterize the simultaneous binding of the two ligands in various temperature-dependent folded states of HSA.     

Evaluation of the binding of oxovanadium(IV) to human serum albumin

The understanding of the biotransformations of insulin mimetic vanadium complexes in human blood and its transport to target cells is an essential issue in the development of more effective drugs. We present the study of the interaction of oxovanadium(iv) with human serum albumin (HSA) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), circular dichroism (CD) and visible absorption spectroscopy. Metal competition studies were done using Cu(II) and Zn(II) as metal probes. The results show that V(IV)O occupies two types of binding sites in albumin, which compete not only with each other, but also with hydrolysis of the metal ion. In one of the sites the resulting V(IV)O-HSA complex has a weak visible CD signal and its X-band EPR spectrum may be easily measured. This was assigned to amino acid side chains of the ATCUN site. The other binding site shows stronger signals in the CD in the visible range, but has a hardly measurable EPR signal; it is assigned to the multi metal binding site (MBS) of HSA. Studies with fatted and defatted albumin show the complexity of the system since conformational changes, induced by the binding of fatty acids, decrease the ability of V(IV)O to bind albumin. The possibility and importance of ternary complex formation between V(IV)O, HSA and several drug candidates - maltol (mal), picolinic acid (pic), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (hpno) and 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridinone (dhp) was also evaluated. In the presence of maltol the CD and EPR spectra significantly change, indicating the formation of ternary VO-HSA-maltol complexes. Modeling studies with amino acids and peptides were used to propose binding modes. Based on quantitative RT EPR measurements and CD data, it was concluded that in the systems with mal, pic, hpno, and dhp (V(IV)OL(2))(n)(HSA) species form, where the maximum value for n is at least 6 (mal, pic). The degree of formation of the ternary species, corresponding to the reaction V(IV)OL(2) + HSA -->/<-- V(IV)OL(2)(HSA) is hpno > pic ≥ mal > dhp. (V(IV)OL)(n)(HSA) type complexes are detected exclusively with pic. Based on the spectroscopic studies we propose that in the (V(IV)OL(2))(n)(HSA) species the protein bounds to vanadium through the histidine side chains.     

Glycyrrhizin binding site on human serum albumin.

The binding site of glycyrrhizin (GLZ) on human serum albumin was detected through competitive displacement experiments with GLZ and ibuprofen (IBU) (diazepam site), warfarin (WAR), salicylate (SAL) (digitoxin site), or deoxycholic acid (DCA) by means of an ultrafiltration technique. The specific binding of GLZ was subject to competitive inhibition by IBU, WAR, SAL, or DCA (1 or 4 mM). The extent of displacement was in the order of: DCA greater than IBU greater than WAR greater than SAL. Conversely, the specific bindings of WAR and DCA and the low-affinity bindings of IBU and SAL were subject to competitive inhibition by GLZ (1 or 4 mM). The extent of inhibition by GLZ was in the order of DCA greater than IBU greater than WAR not equal to SAL. In addition, the low-affinity IBU binding and the specific DCA binding showed mutual competitive inhibition at 4 mM, with almost identical displacements. It was concluded that the specific GLZ binding site on human serum albumin may be located mostly within the low-affinity IBU binding site area (probably the same as the specific DCA binding site area) and partially within the specific WAR binding site area and the low-affinity SAL binding site area.     

Effects of anti-epileptic drugs on the L-tryptophan binding to human serum albumin.

Effects of four anti-epileptic drugs (AED; phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine and sodium valproate) on the L-tryptophan binding to human serum albumin were studied. Among these drugs examined, only sodium valproate inhibited the binding even within the concentrations of its therapeutic range, and the Klotz plotting analysis revealed that the inhibition was competitive. The results of examinations with sera from epileptic patients medicated with these AED and drug-free normal controls also suggested that the protein binding ratios of L-tryptophan were decreased in the blood plasma of some patients with the high valproate concentrations and the low albumin contents.