Enhanced potency of a chloro-substituted polyaromatic platinum(II) complex and its platinum(IV) prodrug against lung cancer

The present study investigates the anti-neoplastic activity of a platinum (II) complex, Pt(II)5ClSS, and its platinum (IV) di-hydroxido analogue, Pt(IV)5ClSS, against mesenchymal cells (MCs), lung (A549), melanoma (A375) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells. Both complexes exhibited up to 14-fold improved cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin. NMR was used to determine that ∼25 % of Pt(IV)5ClSS was reduced to Pt(II)5ClSS in the presence of GSH (Glutathione) after 72 h. The complex 1H NMR spectra acquired for Pt(II)5ClSS with GSH shows evidence of degradation and environmental effects (∼30 %). The prominence of the 195Pt peak at ∼ -2800 ppm suggests that a significant amount of Pt(II)5ClSS remained in the mixture. Pt(II)5ClSS and Pt(IV)5ClSS have shown exceptional selectivity to cancer cells in comparison to MCs (IC50 > 150 μM). Western blot analysis of Pt(II)5ClSS and Pt(IV)5ClSS on A549 cells revealed significant upregulation of cleaved PARP-1, BAX/Bcl2 ratio, cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome thus suggesting apoptosis was induced through the intrinsic pathway. Flow cytometry also revealed significant cell death by apoptosis. Treatment with Pt(II)5ClSS and Pt(IV)5ClSS also showed significant amounts of free radical production while the COMET assay showed that both complexes cause minimal DNA damage. Cellular uptake results via ICP-MS suggest a time-dependent active mode of transport for both complexes with Pt(II)5ClSS being transported at a higher rate compared to Pt(IV)5ClSS. A Dose Escalation Study carried out on BALB/c mice showed that Pt(II)5ClSS and Pt(IV)5ClSS were approximately 8- folds and 12.5-folds, respectively, more tolerated than cisplatin. The present study provides evidence that both complexes may have the characteristics of an efficient and potentially safe anti-tumor drug that could support NSCLC treatment.

A Ru(II)-Strained Complex with 2,9-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline Ligand Induces Selective Photoactivatable Chemotherapeutic Activity on Human Alveolar Carcinoma Cells via Apoptosis

[Ru(bipy)2(dpphen)]Cl2 (where bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and dpphen = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) (complex 1) is a sterically strained compound that exhibits promising in vitro photocytotoxicity on an array of cell lines. Since lung adenocarcinoma cancer remains the most common lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths, the current study aims to evaluate the plausible effect and uptake of complex 1 on human alveolar carcinoma cells (A549) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and assess its cytotoxicity in vitro while considering its effect on cell morphology, membrane integrity and DNA damage. MSC and A549 cells showed similar rates of complex 1 uptake with a plateau at 12 h. Upon photoactivation, complex 1 exhibited selective, potent anticancer activity against A549 cells with phototoxicity index (PI) values of 16, 25 and 39 at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. This effect was accompanied by a significant increase in A549-cell rounding and detachment, loss of membrane integrity and DNA damage. Flow cytometry experiments confirmed that A549 cells undergo apoptosis when treated with complex 1 followed by photoactivation. In conclusion, this present study suggests that complex 1 might be a promising candidate for photochemotherapy with photoproducts that possess selective anticancer effects in vitro. These results are encouraging to probe the potential activity of this complex in vivo.

Novel Platinum(II) and Platinum(IV) Antitumor Agents that Exhibit Potent Cytotoxicity and Selectivity

A novel platinum(II) complex 47OMESS(II) and its platinum(IV) derivative 47OMESS(IV) were synthesized and characterized. Cytotoxicity studies against mesenchymal cells (MCs) and lung (A549), breast (MDA-MB-231), and melanoma (A375) cancer cells demonstrated 7-20-fold superior activity for both complexes relative to cisplatin. Remarkably, 47OMESS(IV) demonstrated 17-22-fold greater selectivity toward the cancerous cells compared to the non-cancerous MCs. Western blot analysis on A549 cells showed the involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Cellular fractionation and uptake experiments in A549 cells using ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) indicated that 47OMESS(II) and 47OMESS(IV) cross the cellular membrane predominantly via active transport mechanisms. The significant improvement in selectivity that is exhibited by 47OMESS(IV) is reported for the first time for this class of complexes.

Risk Assessment of Phthalates and Their Metabolites in Hospitalized Patients: A Focus on Di- and Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalates Exposure from Intravenous Plastic Bags

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are plasticizers associated with multiple toxicities; however, no strict regulations have been implemented to restrict their use in medical applications in Lebanon. Our study aimed at assessing the potential risks correlated with phthalate exposure from IV bags manufactured in Lebanon. GC–MS analysis showed that di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the predominant phthalate found in almost all samples tested with values ranging from 32.8 to 39.7% w/w of plastic. DEHP concentrations in the IV solutions reached up to 148 µg/L, as measured by SPME-GC–MS/MS, thus resulting in hazard quotients greater than 1, specifically in neonates. The toxicity of DEHP is mainly attributed to its metabolites, most importantly mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). The IV bag solution with the highest content in DEHP was therefore used to extrapolate the amounts of urinary MEHP. The highest concentrations were found in neonates having the lowest body weight, which is concerning, knowing the adverse effects of MEHP in infants. Our study suggests that the use of IV bags manufactured in Lebanon could pose a significant risk in hospitalized patients, especially infants in neonatal care. Therefore, Lebanon, as well as other countries, should start imposing laws that restrict the use of phthalates in medical IV bags and substitute them with less toxic plasticizers.

Gasoline fume inhalation induces apoptosis, inflammation, and favors Th2 polarization in C57BL/6 mice

Gasoline exposure has been widely reported in the literature as being toxic to human health. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms triggered by its inhalation have not been thoroughly investigated. We herein present a model of sub-chronic, static gasoline vapor inhalation in adult female C57BL/6 mice. Animals were exposed daily to either gasoline vapors (0.86 g/animal/90 minutes) or ambient air for five days/week over seven consecutive weeks. At the end of the study period, toxic and molecular mechanisms, underlying the inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic effects triggered by gasoline vapors, were examined in the lungs and liver of gasoline exposed mice. Static gasoline exposure induced a significant increase (+21 %) in lungs/body weight ratio in gasoline-exposed (GE) versus control (CON) mice along with a pulmonary inflammation attested by histological staining. The latter was consistent with increases in the transcript levels of proinflammatory cytokines [Interleukins (ILs) 4 and 6], respectively by ~ 6-, 4-fold in the lungs of GE mice compared to CON. Interestingly, IL-10 expression was also increased by ~ 10-fold in the lungs of GE mice suggesting an attempt to counterbalance the established inflammation. Moreover, the pulmonary expression of IL-12 and TNF-α was downregulated by 2- and 4-fold, respectively, suggesting the skewing toward Th2 phenotype. Additionally, GE mice showed a significant upregulation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspases 3, 8 and 9 with no change in JNK expression in the lungs, suggesting the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Static gasoline exposure over seven consecutive weeks had a minor hepatic portal inflammation attested by H&E staining along with an increase in the hepatic expression of the mitochondrial complexes in GE mice. Therefore, tissue damage biomarkers highlight the health risks associated with vapor exposure and may present potential therapeutic targets for recovery from gasoline intoxication.

Drug-free phototherapy of superficial tumors: White light at the end of the tunnel

Visible light has long been recognized as a treatment for many diseases and an essential component of photo-induced chemotherapy. While previous data proved its inherent cytotoxicity, this study is the first to explore the use of a commercially available, high-intensity white LED light (24.5 mW.cm^-2) as a treatment for skin tumors. After a 9-h exposure in vitro, the viability of Human Malignant Melanoma cells (A375) decreased by around 70%. Western blot analysis suggested an apoptotic cell death confirmed by the upregulation of Bax, cleaved PARP/caspase-3/8, cytochrome c, and t-bid. Additionally, cellular ROS accumulation and DNA damage were induced upon irradiation with blue light. When tested on a DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model, a 90-min exposure to white light thrice weekly resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volumes/incidence compared to control and cisplatin groups, and restored normal morphological features, as confirmed by histopathology. Toxicological evaluation of ight-treated animals indicated a 100% survival rate, no skin irritation, no signs of discomfort or changes in body weight/behavior, and no toxicities to vital organs. Although these results must be confirmed by further studies, this research showed that short-exposure by commercially available high-intensity white LED light irradiation may be a promising approach for the treatment of superficial malignancies.

A photoactivatable chemotherapeutic Ru(II) complex bearing bathocuproine ligand efficiently induces cell death in human malignant melanoma cells through a multi-mechanistic pathway

Photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) is an emerging strategy for targeted cancer therapy. Strained Ru complexes with pseudo-octahedral geometry may undergo photo-induced ligand dissociation, forming aquated photoproducts that are significantly more cytotoxic compared to the precursor complex. The complexes investigated were the strained complex [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂ (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and BC = bathocuproine) and its unstrained control [Ru(bpy)₂phen]Cl₂ (where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The uptake of [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂, assessed by ICP/MS, started immediately post-incubation and plateaued after 24 h. Active transport was found as the main mode of intracellular transport. Cell viability assays on A375 cells indicated a mean phototoxicity index of 340-fold, and the effect was shown to be primarily mediated by the aquated photoproducts rather than the dissociating ligands. A significant increase in ROS production and DNA damage was also observed. Flow cytometry confirmed the induction of early apoptosis at 48 h that proceeds to late apoptosis/necrosis by 72 h post-treatment. Western blot analysis of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins revealed that apoptosis was mediated through an interplay between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, as well as autophagy and via inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂ is a multi-mechanistic PACT drug which exhibits promising anticancer potential.

Rapid quantification of ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl anti-cancer drugs using a selective ligand dissociation LC-MS/MS method

Research on Ru anti-cancer drugs is on the rise with many complexes in clinical trials. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been the standard technique for bioanalytical studies on Ru and Pt complexes in biological media. Tedious ICP-MS methods rely on detecting and quantifying the element while lacking important structural information of the original complexes. Despite being equally sensitive, more accessible, and highly selective to the target species, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has not been validated for the analysis of Ru drugs. Using USFDA guidelines, we report here the optimization and validation of a facile LC-MS/MS method for the detection and quantification of three Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes in cells, plasma, and urine matrices. Importantly, a fast (10 min), single-step procedure was efficient for both extraction and sample purification, and analytes were rapidly eluted over a 3 min simple isocratic run. Specific parent ions were differentially fragmented by tandem MS, thus forming a unique and rational ligand dissociation chemistry that exhibits high selectivity to the target species with no measurable interferences or matrix effects. The developed LC-MS/MS method was advantageous vis-à-vis the prototypical ICP-MS based techniques both in vitro and in vivo, paving the way for its utilization in elaborate cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics studies.

Enhanced cellular uptake and photochemotherapeutic potential of a lipophilic strained Ru(ii) polypyridyl complex

A strained Ru(ii) prodrug exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and phototoxicity due to its lipophilic properties.

Rate of reinfection with S. mansoni following treatment in two newly reclaimed areas of Egypt

This paper reports an on-going study in two newly reclaimed areas in Ismailia Governorate, El-Manayef, 10 km south-west of the city of Ismailia (area 1) and the other in Siani Peninsula, just east of the Bitter Lakes (area 2). In he baseline survey, the prevalence of infection of 49.9% and 40.1% and high intensity infection of 21.8% and 15.7% were found for S. mansoni in areas 1 and 2 respectively. Geometric mean egg counts for those found positive were 101.2 and 75.9. In a subsequent survey, a year after treatment of positives, the overall prevalence was 30.2% and 30.5% and the prevalence of high intensity infection was 8.6% and 10.5% in the two areas. The prevalence among those found positive and then treated during the first round (reinfection rate) was 31.7% and 19.2%. Geometric mean egg counts had declined from 141.3 to 63.1 and from 133.6 to 59 among those who were reinfected. The occurrence of reinfection was strongly associated with younger age in both areas. Rates of reinfection showed a strong but not significant association with male sex in area 2 (p = 0.087), but no association in area 1. These high rates of reinfection demonstrate the importance of promotion of hygiene behaviors as well as ensuring access to chemotherapy.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among immigrants to a newly reclaimed area endemic for Schistosoma mansoni in Sinai, Egypt

Serology for hepatitis B and C markers was performed on a community-based random sample of 506 residents of an area recently reclaimed from the desert and endemic for Schistosoma mansoni. The mean age of the study subjects was (20 +/- 14), and 52% were males. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B (Anti-HBc and/or HBsAg) was 19.6%, hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) was 10.3%, while 5% were positive for both hepatitis B and C. A strong association was present with increasing age for both hepatitis B and C markers. However, there was no association with either sex, S. mansoni infection or schistosomal periportal fibrosis. Also HBV seropositivity was not associated with increased risk of HCV seropositivity. Anti-HCV seropositivity was significantly associated with previous parenteral treatment for schistosomiasis (OR = 7.9), and with history of previous surgery (OR = 3). Hepatitis B and C are major public health problems in this population. It is recommended to consolidate the Egyptian programme of infant hepatitis B vaccination, and to extend it to older children and high risk adult groups. There is also an urgent need to study more closely the epidemiology, natural history, risk factors and modes of transmission of hepatitis C.

Factors affecting knowledge of the symptoms of schistosomiasis in two rural areas near Ismailia, Egypt

The primary method of control of schistosomiasis in Egypt is through passive chemotherapy, in which people who suspect they have the disease are encouraged to go to their local health unit to be tested and treated. If people are unable to recognize the symptoms of schistosomiasis, this strategy may fail. This paper presents data on local knowledge of the symptoms of schistosomiasis from two areas recently reclaimed from the desert near Ismailia. Using data from free-listing and triadic comparisons, it is shown that schistosomiasis is primarily seen as a urinary disease. Factor analysis performed on a series of 12 questions on the symptoms of schistosomiasis included in a survey demonstrated that responses group into three patterns, the first stressing constitutional symptoms such as weakness, the second stressing abdominal symptoms and the third blood in the urine, burning on urination and blood in the stool. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for efforts to promote regular treatment with praziquantel of people living in or near the Nile Delta who are at risk for intestinal schistosomiasis.

Prevalence and epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infection in two areas of Egypt recently reclaimed from the desert

Projects are being carried out in many regions of Egypt to reclaim land from the desert for agriculture. This paper presents findings from a baseline epidemiologic study conducted in 1992 in two newly reclaimed areas near Ismailia, Egypt. In the first area, just east of the Suez Canal, 40.0% of the residents tested positive for Schistosoma mansoni and 1.7% tested positive for S. haematobium, while in the second area, 15 km southwest of Ismailia, 49.3% tested positive for S. mansoni and 3.3% tested positive for S. haematobium. The intensities of S. mansoni infection were moderately high, with a geometric mean egg count of 76 eggs/gram of feces among positive individuals in the first area, and 100 eggs/gram of feces in the second area. When compared with a previous study conducted in 1985, the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the first area has increased from 21.7% to 42.1% among settlers in the last seven years, while that of S. haematobium has decreased from 7.8% to 1.7%. These trends may result from changes in irrigation practices or other alterations in the local environment. There is a risk of schistosomiasis becoming a major public health problem in reclaimed areas if adequate control measures are not taken.

Social and economic conditions in two newly reclaimed areas in Egypt: implications for schistosomiasis control strategies

Reclamation of land from the desert is currently taking place in all parts of Egypt. A side-effect of many of these projects has been the introduction of schistosome parasites and their snail intermediate hosts, sometimes among Bedouin population with no previous exposure to the disease. The purpose of the present study was to describe social, environmental and economic conditions which can affect the transmission and control of schistosomiasis in reclaimed areas, and to investigate how residents of these areas view local conditions. Two areas were found to have high rates of internal and external migration, many different social groups with widely divergent priorities and minimal contact with each other, and inadequate infrastructure in terms of roads, transport, water and sanitation and health services. As a result of these conditions, control strategies which are effective for the population living in the Nile Valley will have to be modified considerably if schistosomiasis is to be brought under control in reclaimed areas.