Synthesis of fused dihydro-pyrimido[4,3-d]coumarins using Biginelli multicomponent reaction as key step

A new efficient approach for the synthesis of functionalized dihydro-pyrimido[4,3-d]coumarins is described. Use of benzyl- or tert-butyl acetoacetate and various salicyl aldehydes in typical Biginelli multicomponent reactions provides esters that can be easily deprotected to yield the corresponding hydroxy acids. Annelation of the latter leads to the target dihydro-pyrimido[4,3-d]coumarins. Formation of some unexpected oxo-bridged tetrahydro-pyrimidines is also described. Spectral properties of the synthesized dihydro-pyrimido[4,3-d]coumarins indicate the necessity to revisit some compounds previously reported as products of direct one-pot Biginelli condensation involving 4-hydroxycoumarin as dicarbonyl component.     

Biological Activity of Triazolopyrimidine Copper(II) Complexes Modulated by an Auxiliary N-N-Chelating Heterocycle Ligands

Novel complexes of type [Cu(N-N)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp ((1) N-N: 2,2′-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-phenantroline and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) were designed in order to obtain biologically active compounds. Complexes were characterized as mononuclear species that crystallized in the space group P-1 of the triclinic system with a square pyramidal geometry around the copper (II). In addition to the antiproliferative effect on murine melanoma B16 cells, complex (1) exhibited low toxicity on normal BJ cells and did not affect membrane integrity. Complex (2) proved to be a more potent antimicrobial in comparison with (1), but both compounds were more active in comparison with dmtp—both against planktonic cells and biofilms. A stronger antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect was noticed against the Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies indicated that the complexes were scavengers rather than reactive oxygen species promoters. Their DNA intercalating capacity was evidenced by modifications in both absorption and fluorescence spectra. Furthermore, both complexes exhibited nuclease-like activity, which increased in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.     

Silica-gadolinium particles loaded with gossypol for simultaneous therapeutic effect and MRI contrast enhancement

Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound with a wide range of therapeutic properties. The incorporation of gossypol in a porous gadolinium-silica matrix was considered for both therapeutic effect and contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of the study was to evaluate gossypol loading in silica-gadolinium particles prepared at different pH values, as a first step in designing new theranostic (therapeutic and diagnostic) compounds. Silica-gadolinium particles of 98SiO₂·2Gd₂O₃ (mol%) composition were prepared following the sol–gel route. The structure of the particles and their loading with gossypol were investigated by X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All results confirmed the highest loading of gossypol on the surface of the particles synthesised at lower pH. The potential application in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of silica-gadolinium particles loaded with gossypol was tested through MRI measurements that showed improved contrast properties compared with the pristine silica-gadolinium particles.     

The antioxidant response induced by Lonicera caerulaea berry extracts in animals bearing experimental solid tumors

Lonicera caerulea is a species of bush native to the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russian Far East) whose berries have been extensively studied due to their potential high antioxidant activity. The aim of our work was to investigate the in vivo effects of the antioxidant action of Lonicera caerulea berry extracts on the dynamics of experimentally-induced tumors. Our data showed that aqueous Lonicera caerulaea extracts reduced the tumor volume when administered continuously during the tumor growth and development stages, but augmented the tumor growth when the administration of extracts started three weeks before tumor grafting. Prolonged administration of Lonicera caerulaea berry extracts induced the antioxidant defense mechanism in the tumor tissues, while surprisingly amplifying the peripheral oxidative stress.     

The Dual Action of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the Main Constituent of Green Tea, against the Deleterious Effects of Visible Light and Singlet Oxygen-Generating Conditions as Seen in Yeast Cells

Green tea extracts (GTEs) as well as their main component, the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are known for their versatile antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumoral or anti-inflammatory effects. In spite of the huge beneficial action, there is increasing evidence that under certain conditions green tea and its components can be detrimental to living organisms. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with various defects in the response to oxidative stress, we found that GTEs or EGCG act in synergy with visible light, exhibiting either deleterious or protective effects depending on the solvent employed. Similar synergistic effects could be observed under singlet oxygen-generating conditions, such as light exposure in the presence of photosensitizers or UV-A irradiation, therefore solvent variance may represent a powerful tool to modulate the preparation of green tea extracts, depending on the intended target.