Na, K-ATPase as a Biological Target for Gold(III) Complexes: A Theoretical and Experimental Approach

BACKGROUND

Gold-based complexes represent a new class of potential metallodrugs. Although their action mechanism is not entirely understood, it was shown that gold complexes inhibit some enzymes' activities. Among them, Na,K-ATPase is emerging as an essential target for various anticancer drugs. The functionalization of nanoparticles by gold(III) complexes could facilitate their delivery into the cells and enable the following of their distribution in the target tissues.

OBJECTIVE

The paper presents an overview of Na,K-ATPase interaction with representative and structurally related cytotoxic gold(III) complexes. The results obtained by the employment of theoretical methods (DFT and docking studies) combined with the experimental approach involving a variety of nanotechnology-base techniques (UV/Vis, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, AFM, DLS) are discussed. Detailed information was obtained on the enzyme's conformational and structural changes upon binding the gold(III) complexes. The experimentally determined reaction parameters (constants of dissociation and the reaction stoichiometry) were predicted theoretically.

CONCLUSION

The presented results offer further support to the view that Na,K-ATPase may be a relevant biomolecular target for cytotoxic gold(III) compounds of medicinal interest.

Interaction of Au(iii) and Pt(ii) complexes with Na/K-ATPase: experimental and theoretical study of reaction stoichiometry and binding sites

The present paper deals with investigation of the interaction between selected simple structure Au(iii) ([AuCl4]-, [AuCl2(dmso)2]+, [AuCl2(bipy)]+) and Pt(ii) ([PtCl2(dmso)2]) complexes with Na/K-ATPase as the target enzyme, using an experimental and theoretical approach. Reaction stoichiometries and binding constants for these enzyme/complex systems were determined, while kinetic measurements were used in order to reveal the type of inhibition. Based on the results obtained by quantum mechanical calculations (electrostatic surface potential (ESP), volume and surface of the complexes) the nature of the investigated complexes was characterized. By using the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) applied on specific inhibitory sites (ion channel and intracellular domains) the nature of these sites was described. Docking studies were used to determine the theoretical probability of the non-covalent metal binding site positions. Inhibition studies implied that all the investigated complexes decreased the activity of the enzyme while the kinetic analysis indicated an uncompetitive mode of inhibition for the selected complexes. Docking results suggested that the main inhibitory site of all these complexes is located in the ion translocation pathway on the extracellular side in the E2P enzyme conformation, similar to the case of cardiac glycosides, specific Na/K-ATPase inhibitors. Also, based on our knowledge, the hydrolyzed forms of [AuCl4]- and [PtCl2(dmso)2] complexes were investigated for the first time by theoretical calculations in this paper. Thereby, a new inhibitory site situated between the M2 and M4 helices was revealed. Binding in this site induces conformational changes in the enzyme domains and perturbs the E1-E2P conformational equilibrium, causing enzyme inhibition.

Na/K-ATPase as a target for anticancer metal based drugs: insights into molecular interactions with selected gold(iii) complexes

Na/K-ATPase is emerging as an important target for a variety of anticancer metal-based drugs. The interactions of Na/K-ATPase (in its E1 state) with three representative and structurally related cytotoxic gold(iii) complexes, i.e. [Au(bipy)(OH)₂][PF₆], bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; [Au(py^dmb-H)(CH₃COO)₂], py^dmb-H = deprotonated 6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-pyridine and [Au(bipy^dmb-H)(OH)][PF₆], bipy^c-H = deprotonated 6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-2,2'-bipyridine, are investigated here in depth using a variety of spectroscopic methods, in combination with docking studies. Detailed information is gained on the conformational and structural changes experienced by the enzyme upon binding of these gold(iii) complexes. The quenching constants of intrinsic enzyme fluorescence, the fraction of Trp residues accessible to gold(iii) complexes and the reaction stoichiometries were determined in various cases. Specific hypotheses are made concerning the binding mode of these gold(iii) complexes to the enzyme and the likely binding sites. Differences in their binding behaviour toward Na/K-ATPase are explained on the ground of their distinctive structural features. The present results offer further support to the view that Na/K-ATPase may be a relevant biomolecular target for cytotoxic gold(iii) compounds of medicinal interest and may thus be involved in their overall mode of action.

The influence of oxo-bridged binuclear gold(III) complexes on Na/K-ATPase activity: a joint experimental and theoretical approach

The in vitro effects of oxo-bridged binuclear gold(III) complexes, i.e., [(bipy2Me)₂Au₂(μ-O)₂][PF₆]₂ (Auoxo6), Au₂[(bipydmb-H)₂(μ-O)][PF₆] (Au₂bipyC) and [Au₂(phen^2Me)₂(μ-O)₂](PF₆)₂ (Au₂phen) on Na/K-ATPase, purified from the porcine cerebral cortex, were investigated. All three studied gold complexes inhibited the enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner achieving IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. Kinetic analysis suggested an uncompetitive mode of inhibition for Auoxo6 and Au₂bipyC, and a mixed type one for Au₂phen. Docking studies indicated that the inhibitory actions of all tested complexes are related to E2-P enzyme conformation binding to ion channel and intracellular part between N and P sub-domain. In addition, Au₂phen was able to inhibit the enzyme by interacting with its extracellular part as well. Toxic effects of the gold(III) complexes were evaluated in vitro by following lactate dehydrogenase activity in rat brain synaptosomes and incidence of micronuclei and cytokinesis-block proliferation index in cultivated human lymphocytes. All investigated complexes turned out to induce cytogenetic damage consisting of a significant decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in micronuclei in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, lactate dehydrogenase activity, an indicator of membrane integrity/viability, was not affected by Auoxo6 and Au₂bipyC, while Au₂phen slightly modified its activity.

A combined crystallographic analysis and ab initio calculations to interpret the reactivity of functionalized hexavanadates and their inhibitor potency toward Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase

In vitro influence of five synthesized functionalized hexavanadates (V6) on commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity has been studied. Dose dependent Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition was obtained for all investigated compounds. Calculated half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 values, in mol/L, for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase were 7.6×10(-5), 1.8×10(-5), 2.9×10(-5), 5.5×10(-5) for functionalized hexavanadates (V6) with tetrabutylammonium (TBA) [V6-CH3][TBA]2, [V6-NO2][TBA]2, [V6-OH][TBA]2 and [V6-C3][TBA]2 respectively. [V6-OH][Na]2 inhibited Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity up to 30% at maximal investigated concentration 1×10(-3)mol/L. This reactivity has been interpreted using a study of the non-covalent interactions of functionalized hexavanadate hybrids through Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) analysis. Bibliographic searching has led to 18 different structures and 99 contacts. We have observed that C-H⋯O contacts consolidate the structures. We have also performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations and have determined electrostatic potential values at the molecular surface on a series of functionalized V6. These results enlightened their chemical reactivity and their potential biological applications such as the inhibition of the ATPase.

Heteroatom-doped mesoporous carbons as efficient adsorbents for removal of dimethoate and omethoate from water

B-, N- and P-doped mesoporous carbons have been successfully applied for removal of dimethoate and omethoate from water.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: pharmacology and toxicology

Acetylcholinesterase is involved in the termination of impulse transmission by rapid hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in numerous cholinergic pathways in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The enzyme inactivation, induced by various inhibitors, leads to acetylcholine accumulation, hyperstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and disrupted neurotransmission. Hence, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, interacting with the enzyme as their primary target, are applied as relevant drugs and toxins. This review presents an overview of toxicology and pharmacology of reversible and irreversible acetylcholinesterase inactivating compounds. In the case of reversible inhibitors being commonly applied in neurodegenerative disorders treatment, special attention is paid to currently approved drugs (donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine) in the pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease, and toxic carbamates used as pesticides. Subsequently, mechanism of irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibition induced by organophosphorus compounds (insecticides and nerve agents), and their specific and nonspecific toxic effects are described, as well as irreversible inhibitors having pharmacological implementation. In addition, the pharmacological treatment of intoxication caused by organophosphates is presented, with emphasis on oxime reactivators of the inhibited enzyme activity administering as causal drugs after the poisoning. Besides, organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides can be detoxified in mammals through enzymatic hydrolysis before they reach targets in the nervous system. Carboxylesterases most effectively decompose carbamates, whereas the most successful route of organophosphates detoxification is their degradation by corresponding phosphotriesterases.

Interaction of some Pd(II) complexes with Na+ / K+-ATPase: inhibition, kinetics, prevention and recovery

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of [PdCl4]2-, [PdCl(dien)]+ and [PdCl(Me4dien)]+ complexes on Na+ / K+-ATPase activity. The dose-dependent inhibition curves were obtained in all cases. IC50 values determined by Hill analysis were 2.25 x 10(-5) M, 1.21 x 10(-4) M and 2.36 x 10(-4) M, respectively. Na+ / K+-ATPase exhibited typical Michelis-Menten kinetics in the presence of Pd(II) complexes. Kinetic parameters (Vmax, Km) derived using Eadie-Hofstee transformation indicated a noncompetitive type of Na+ / K+-ATPase inhibition. The inhibitor constants (Ki) were determined from Dixon plots. The order of complex affinity for binding with Na+ / K+-ATPase, deducted from Ki values, was [PdCl4]2- > [PdCl(dien)]+ > [PdCl(Me4dien)]+. The results indicated that the potency of Pd(II) complexes to inhibit Na+/ K +-ATPase activity depended strongly on ligands of the related compound. Furthermore, the ability of SH-donor ligands, L-cysteine and glutathione, to prevent and recover the Pd(II) complexes-induced inhibition of Na+ / K+-ATPase was examined. The addition of 1 mM L-cysteine or glutathione to the reaction mixture before exposure to Pd(II) complexes prevented the inhibition by increasing the IC50 values by one order of magnitude. Moreover, the inhibited enzymatic activity was recovered by addition of SH-donor ligands in a concentration-dependent manner.

Spectrophotometric and electrochemical study of protolytic equilibria of some oximes-acetylcholinesterase reactivators

Newly synthesized oximes, mono and bis imidazole derivatives, which promise to be more effective acetylcholinesterase reactivators than standard antidotes used, were investigated by spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods. The electrochemical investigations confirmed the existence of overlapping equilibria, obtained by spectrophotometric methods. Dissociation constants of those oximes were also obtained by numerical treatment of overlapping equilibria, using the Lavendberg Marquardt least square method, and when compared with the same for some similar compounds, were found to be very effective acetylcholinesterase reactivators. The distribution of ionic forms of the investigated oximes, as a dependence of pH values, was calculated from the obtained values of dissociation constants. The results indicated that many oxime anions will be available at physiological pH 7.4 and a relative increased ability to reactivate inhibited acetylcholinesterase could be expected.

Protolytic constants of nizatidine, ranitidine and N,N'-dimethyl-2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamine; spectrophotometric and theoretical investigation

The prototropic exchange equilibria of two drugs, nizatidine (I) and ranitidine(II), and also of structurally related the N,N'-dimethyl-2-nitro-1,1-ethenediamine molecule (III) were investigated. From the changes in electronic spectra in media of various acidity several protonation constants were determined. For pK values were -0.82, 1.95, and 6.67; for ranitidine pK values were 1.95 and 8.13; and for III was 2.60. The hydroxylation equilibrium constant in strongly alkaline media was determined too. Corresponding pK(a) values were 13.23 for I, 13.36 for II and 13.76 for III. Molecular orbital calculations of electronic spectra confirmed that pK 1.95 for I and II, and pK 2.60 for III, are associated with C-protonation of nitroethenediamine fragment, while all pK(a) values correspond to the addition of HO- anion at the same double bond.

Kinetics of the reaction of S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine with palladium(II) chloride

The influence of the acidity and the Cl- concentration on the kinetics of the complex formation between s-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine and Pd(II) chloride was studied with a stopped-flow technique in the pH range from 1.5 to 5.0 at 25 degrees C. The reaction mechanism involving Pd(H2O)4-nCln, LH-, LH2 and LH3+ species was proposed. Fairly good agreement between the computed and experimentally determined rate constants was found.