Interaction of trivalent antimony with a CCHC zinc finger domain: potential relevance to the mechanism of action of antimonial drugs.

Sb(III) competes with Zn(II) for its binding to the CCHC zinc finger domain of the NCp7 protein of HIV-1, indicating that zinc finger proteins may be targets for antimony-based drugs and thus responsible for their important pharmacological actions.

Zinc metalloproteins as medicinal targets.

Zinc bioinorganic chemistry has emphasized the role of the metal ion on the structure and function of the protein. There is, more recently, an increasing appreciation of the role of zinc proteins in a variety of human diseases. This critical review, aimed at both bioinorganic and medicinal chemists, shows how apparently widely-diverging diseases share the common mechanistic approaches of targeting the essential function of the metal ion to inhibit activity.

Effects of geometric isomerism and anions on the kinetics and mechanism of the stepwise formation of long-range DNA interstrand cross-links by dinuclear platinum antitumor complexes.

Reported herein is a detailed study of the kinetics and mechanism of formation of a 1,4-GG interstrand cross-link by the dinuclear platinum anticancer compound [15N][{cis-PtCl(NH3)2}2{mu-NH2(CH2)6NH2}]2+ (1,1/c,c (1)). The reaction of [15N]1 with 5'-{d(ATATGTACATAT)2} (I) has been studied by [1H,15N] HSQC NMR spectroscopy in the presence of different concentrations of phosphate. In contrast with the geometric trans isomer (1,1/t,t), there was no evidence for an electrostatic preassociation of 1,1/c,c with the polyanionic DNA surface, and the pseudo-first-order rate constant for the aquation of [(15)N]1 was actually slightly higher (rather than lower) than that in the absence of DNA.

Thiolate bridging and metal exchange in adducts of a zinc finger model and Pt(II) complexes: biomimetic studies of protein/Pt/DNA interactions.

To provide precedents for the possible interactions of platinum DNA adducts with zinc finger proteins, the complexes [Pt(dien)Cl]Cl (dien = diethylenetriamine) and [Pt(terpy)Cl]Cl (terpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) were exposed to the N,N'-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4-diazacycloheptanezinc(II) dimer, [Zn(bme-dach)]2, and the products defined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), X-ray crystallography and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a leaving chloride in both platinum(II) complexes facilitates electrophilic substitution involving sulfur-containing zinc finger synthetic models or, as in previous studies, zinc finger peptidic sequences. Monitored via ESI-MS, both reactants yielded evidence for Zn-(mu-SR)-Pt bridges followed by zinc ejection from the N2S2 coordination sphere and subsequent formation of a trimetallic Zn-(mu-SR)2-Pt-(mu-SR)2-Zn-bridged species.

Amide-based prodrugs of spermidine-bridged dinuclear platinum. Synthesis, DNA binding, and biological activity.

The chemistry and biology of acetyl-protected spermidine-bridged dinuclear platinum complexes [{ trans-PtCl(NH 3) 2] 2-mu-NH 2(CH 2) 3N(COR)(CH 2) 4NH 2]X 2 (R = H, X = Cl (1,1/t,t-spermidine, BBR3571); R = CH 3 , X = Cl ( 2); R = CH 2 Cl, X = ClO 4 ( 3); R = CF 3 , X = Cl ( 4)) are compared with their carbamate analogues. The compounds are potential prodrugs for the parent compound 1, a highly potent antitumor agent. At pH 6-8 hydrolysis of the blocking group with the release of the "parent" protonated species follows the order 4 > 3 >> 2.

Correlates of depression among HIV-positive women and men who inject drugs.

Introduction: Although depression is common among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs), little is known about differences between male and female HIV-positive IDUs.

Methods: We used baseline data for 1126 HIV-positive IDUs from a behavioral intervention trial from 2001 through 2005 in 4 US cities. Using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18, scores indicating high risk for depression were calculated separately for men and women based on raw scores of 9 for women and 7 for men.

A population-based study on substance abuse treatment for adults with disabilities: access, utilization, and treatment outcomes.

Aims: To examine potential disparities in access to substance abuse treatment services for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities, and compare utilization rates and outcomes in outpatient programs.

Design: Population-based multi-year cross-sectional study.

Setting: State-wide examination of substance-abuse treatment, particularly outpatient.

Pre-association of polynuclear platinum anticancer agents on a protein, human serum albumin. Implications for drug design.

The interactions of polynuclear platinum complexes with human serum albumin were studied. The compounds examined were the "non-covalent" analogs of the trinuclear BBR3464 as well as the dinuclear spermidine-bridged compounds differing in only the presence or absence of a central -NH(2)-(+) (BBR3571 and analogs). Thus, closely-related compounds could be compared.

Alterations in the expression of inhibitors of apoptosis during differentiation of prostate epithelial cells.

Objective: To investigate alterations in the apoptotic phenotype, specifically the inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family, in prostate epithelial cells after differentiation from an apoptotic-resistant basal cell to an apoptotic-susceptible secretory cell.

Materials And Methods: Cells of the immortalized human prostate epithelial line HPr-1AR were cultured with and with no 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to drive differentiation. Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to determine changes in differentiation markers such as cytokeratins (CK) 14 and 18, and in XIAP, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2.

Dinuclear platinum complexes with biological relevance based on the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane carrier ligand.

The synthesis of bifunctional dinuclear platinum complexes, [{PtCl(dach)}(2)-mu-Y](n+)Cl(n) (1-3; Y = H(2)N(CH(2))(3)NH(2)(CH(2))(4)NH(2), H(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2), and H(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2), respectively; Figure 1) is reported. There was no labilization of the polyamine linker groups of the cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane complexes in the presence of sulfur-containing species at physiological pH, in contrast to previous studies preformed on trans complexes. Metabolism reactions are somewhat dependent on the nature of the polyamine: at physiological pH, the spermidine complex 1 forms an inert (tetraamine)platinum species in which one platinum is chelated by a central and terminal amino group.

Low-dose BBR3610 toxicity in colon cancer cells is p53-independent and enhanced by inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (ERBB1)-phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase signaling.

We have examined the mechanisms by which the multinuclear platinum chemotherapeutic BBR3610 kills human colon cancer cells. BBR3610 more efficiently killed HCT116, DLD1, SW480, and HT29 cells than BBR3464, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin. The amount of platinum uptake per cell and its incorporation into DNA were identical for BBR3464 and BBR3610.

Promotion of DNA strand breaks, interstrand cross-links and apoptotic cell death in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells by transplatinum planar amine complexes.

Cisplatin is one of the primary drugs utilized in the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, despite the initial effectiveness of chemotherapy in suppressing this disease, drug resistance almost invariably develops and cures are relatively rare. While it is generally thought that only compounds of the cis geometry express antitumor activity, a number of transplatinum derivates have shown preclinical promise.

Differences in the cellular response and signaling pathways of cisplatin and BBR3464 ([[trans-PtCl(NH3)(2)]2mu-(trans-Pt(NH3)(2)(H2N(CH2)(6)-NH2)2)]4+) influenced by copper homeostasis.

[[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)mu-(trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(6)-NH(2))(2))](4+) (BBR3464) is a cationic trinuclear platinum drug that is being evaluated in phase II clinical trials for treatment of lung and ovarian cancers. The structure and DNA binding profile of BBR3464 is different from drugs commonly used clinically. It is of great interest to evaluate the difference between the mechanisms of uptake employed by BBR3464 and cisplatin (c-DDP), as altered uptake may explain chemoresistance.

1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link of antitumor dinuclear bifunctional platinum compound with spermidine linker inhibits DNA polymerization more effectively than the cross-link of conventional cisplatin.

In order to learn more about the molecular basis for the inhibition of DNA replication produced by antitumor platinum drugs, we investigated DNA polymerization using DNA templates site-specifically modified with the 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link of dinuclear bifunctional [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2){l-spermidine-N1,N8}](3+)(BBR3571) or conventional mononuclear cisplatin. These cross-links which have the same nature, but differ in the size and character of the conformational alteration induced in double-helical DNA, were analyzed for bypass ability with reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I deficient in exonuclease activity. We found that the 1,2-GG intrastrand CL of BBR3571 inhibited DNA translesion synthesis markedly more than the same adduct of cisplatin.

Recreational Viagra Use and Sexual Risk among Drug Abusing Men.

Until recently, the Viagra connection to HIV was anchored in older adults. However, CDC investigation showed stability in 50+ HIV diagnoses on the heels of upward trends in risk indicators among men who have sex with men (MSM) and substance abusing populations. Signs have increasingly pointed to recreational drug use among younger populations, to which Viagra is being added to the mix.

A third mode of DNA binding: Phosphate clamps by a polynuclear platinum complex.

We describe a 1.2 A X-ray structure of a double-stranded B-DNA dodecamer (the Dickerson Dodecamer, DDD, [d(CGCGAATTCGCG)]2) associated with a cytotoxic platinum(II) complex, [{trans-Pt(NH3)2(NH2(CH2)6(NH3+)}2-mu-{trans-Pt(NH3)2(NH2(CH2)6NH2)2}] (TriplatinNC). TriplatinNC is a multifunctional DNA ligand, with three cationic Pt(II) centers, and directional hydrogen bonding functionalities, linked by flexible hydrophobic segments, but without the potential for covalent interaction.

Access barriers to substance abuse treatment for persons with disabilities: an exploratory study.

Research in substance abuse (SA) treatment has demonstrated that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are at substantially higher risk for SA than persons without disabilities. Despite their higher risk, PWDs access SA treatment at a much lower rate than persons without disabilities. Using the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations as a research framework, we identified reasons for differences in access to SA treatment for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities in Oregon through a multiphase study.

Age shift in patterns of injection drug use among the HIV/AIDS population in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Analysis of HIV exposure category for 20,034 persons in three age groups (13-29, 30-49, 50 and over) who were alive through 2003 and had been reported to the Florida Department of Health with HIV or AIDS in Miami-Dade County, Florida, found that having a history of injection drug use increases with increasing age (p < .001). Consideration of age-specific HIV risk profiles has implications for primary and secondary HIV prevention interventions, planning, and policy.

Outcomes from the women's wellness project: a community-focused physical activity trial for women.

Background: Given the low rates of physical activity participation, innovative intervention approaches are needed to make a public health impact.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Miriam Hospital/Brown Medical School in Providence, RI, and in communities of Southeastern Massachusetts from 2002 to 2005. Previously sedentary women (n = 280; mean age = 47.

trans-Platinum planar amine compounds with [N2O2] ligand donor sets: effects of carboxylate leaving groups and steric hindrance on chemical and biological properties.

Replacement of NH3 by a planar amine L to give trans-[PtCl2(L)(L')] (L = NH3, L'= pyridine or substituted pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, thiazole; L = L'= pyridine, thiazole), greatly enhances the cytotoxicity of the transplatinum geometry. The "parent" compound trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2] is therapeutically inactive. Modification of the ligands to an [N2O2] donor set, where O represents an acetate leaving group, enhances the aqueous solubility while retaining the cytotoxicity of the parent chloride compounds.

Deoxyribonuclease I footprinting reveals different DNA binding modes of bifunctional platinum complexes.

Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) footprinting methodology was used to analyze oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes containing unique and single, site-specific adducts of trinuclear bifunctional platinum compound, [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2 mu-trans-Pt(NH3)2{H2N(CH2)6NH2}2]4+ (BBR3464) and the results were compared with DNase I footprints of some adducts of conventional mononuclear cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin). These examinations took into account the fact that the local conformation of the DNA at the sites of the contacts of DNase I with DNA phosphates, such as the minor groove width and depth, sequence-dependent flexibility and bendability of the double helix, are important determinants of sequence-dependent binding to and cutting of DNA by DNase I. It was shown that various conformational perturbations induced by platinum binding in the major groove translated into the minor groove, allowing their detection by DNase I probing.

Polynuclear platinum anticancer drugs are more potent than cisplatin and induce cell cycle arrest in glioma.

We have evaluated the efficacy of the multinuclear platinum chemotherapeutics BBR3464, BBR3571, and BBR3610 against glioma cells in culture and animal models and investigated their mechanism of action at the cellular level. In a clonogenic assay, BBR3610, the most potent compound, had an IC90 dose (achieving 90% colony formation inhibition) that was 250 times lower than that of cisplatin for both LNZ308 and LN443 glioma cells. In subcutaneous xenografts of U87MG glioma cells, BBR3610 approximately doubled the time it took for a tumor to reach a predetermined size and significantly extended survival when these cells were implanted intracranially.

Targeting retroviral Zn finger-DNA interactions: a small-molecule approach using the electrophilic nature of trans-platinum-nucleobase compounds.

Noncovalent interactions are ubiquitous in ternary systems involving metal ions, DNA/RNA, and proteins and represent a structural motif for design of selective inhibitors of biological function. This contribution shows that small molecules containing platinated purine nucleobases mimic the natural DNA(RNA)-tryptophan recognition interaction of zinc finger peptides, specifically the C-terminal finger of HIV NCp7 protein. Interaction with platinum results in Zn ejection from the peptide accompanied by loss of tertiary structure.

Mechanism of the membrane interaction of polynuclear platinum anticancer agents. Implications for cellular uptake.

The interaction between phospholipids and polynuclear platinum drugs was studied as a mechanism model for cellular uptake of anticancer drugs. The interaction was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The transition temperature, enthalpy, and entropy of negatively charged phospholipids DPPS, DPPA, and DPPG were changed upon reaction with the trinuclear platinum complex [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2mu-Pt(NH3)2{H2N(CH2)6NH2}2](NO3)4 (I, BBR3464) and the dinuclear analogue [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}mu-{(NH2)(CH2)3NH2(CH2)4(NH2)}Cl3 (II, BBR3571).