Ruthenium(II) complexes of curcumin and β-diketone derivatives: effect of structural modifications on their cytotoxicity.

Ruthenium(II) complexes (-) with the general formula [Ru(O-O)(PPh)(bipy)]PF bearing two triphenylphosphine (PPh), bipyridine (bipy) and a series of natural and synthetic β-diketones (O,O) ligands were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The interaction between the complexes and DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated and demonstrated a weak interaction. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was investigated against breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), lung cancer cells (A549), cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (A2780), as well as non-tumour lung (MRC-5) and non-tumour breast (MCF-10A) cell lines.

Exploring the potential of ruthenium(II)-phosphine-mercapto complexes as new anticancer agents.

The search for new metal-based anticancer drug candidates is a fundamental task in medicinal inorganic chemistry. In this work, we assessed the potential of two new Ru(II)-phosphine-mercapto complexes as potential anticancer agents. The complexes, with the formula [Ru(bipy)(dppen)(Lx)]PF [(1), HL1 = 2-mercapto-pyridine and (2), HL2 = 2-mercapto-pyrimidine, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dppen = -1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethylene] were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) [H, P(H), and C], high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), cyclic voltammetry, infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopies.

Role of metalloproteinases and TNF-α in obesity-associated asthma in mice.

Numerous population studies conducted worldwide indicate that the prevalence of asthma is higher in obese versus lean individuals. It has been reported that sensitized lean mice has a better recovery of lung inflammation in asthma. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an essential role in the structural support of the lungs regulating the airways diameter, thus preventing its collapse during expiration.

In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of ternary copper(II) complexes and in vivo evaluation of the most promising complex.

In order to improve the previously observed antichagasic activity of Cu(II) complexes containing 2-chlorobenzhydrazide (2-CH), we report herein the synthesis and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of novel copper complexes containing 2-methoxybenzhydrazide (2-MH), 4-methoxybenzhydrazide (4-MH) and three α-diimine ligands, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2-bipyridine (bipy) and 4-4'-dimethoxy-2-2'-bipyridine (dmb). Two of these complexes showed higher in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity when compared to benznidazole, the main drug used in Chagas disease treatment. One of them, the copper complex with 4-MH and dmb, [Cu(4-MH)(dmb)(ClO)], exhibited a higher selectivity index than that recommended for preclinical studies.

Chronical treatment with sildenafil causes Achilles tendinopathy in rats.

Aims: The primary goal was to assess the effects of chronic sildenafil treatment over the Achilles tendons in rats.

Main Methods: Animals were divided into two groups, control and sildenafil administration (n = 5). After 60 days, the tendons were subject to biochemical and image analysis to compare tendons between the groups: collagen I and decorin content, polarisation microscopy and birefringence analysis, and tissue zymography.

Three new platinum complexes containing fluoroquinolones and DMSO: Cytotoxicity and evaluation against drug-resistant tuberculosis.

This work describes the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of three platinum complexes of the type [Pt(DMSO)(L)Cl]Cl, in which L represents a fluoroquinolone, namely, ciprofloxacin (cpl), ofloxacin (ofl), or sparfloxacin (spf). The new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and H, C and Pt NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). The spectral data suggest that the fluoroquinolones act as bidentate ligands coordinated to Pt(II) through the nitrogen atoms of the piperazine ring.

Low-level laser therapy stimulates tissue repair and reduces the extracellular matrix degradation in rats with induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint.

The objective of this study was to characterize morphological and biochemistry action of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups with 12 animals each: (AG) group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ and (LG) group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ and treated with LLLT (830 nm, 30 mW, 3 J/cm(2)). Right TMJs in the AG group were used as noninjected control group (CG).

Green Tea and Glycine Modulate the Activity of Metalloproteinases and Collagen in the Tendinitis of the Myotendinous Junction of the Achilles Tendon.

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the weakest element in the muscle-tendon unit of the heel, and thus the most susceptible to injuries. The scarcity of adequate treatments means that tendinitis is a major concern to athletes and other groups who depend on their physical fitness, although green tea and glycine have both been shown to have beneficial effects on the inflammation. The present study investigated the remodeling effects of green tea and glycine in the MTJ of rats with tendinitis.

Glycine improves biochemical and biomechanical properties following inflammation of the achilles tendon.

Tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon is a clinical problem that motivates the scientific community to search for treatments that assist in restoring its functional properties. Glycine has broad biological effects, acting as a modulator of the inflammatory cascade, and is the predominant amino acid in collagen. A 5% glycine diet provided beneficial effects against toxicity and inflammation since glycine may restructure the collagen molecules faster due to its broad anti-inflammatory effects.

(+)-Catechin attenuates activation of hepatic stellate cells.

(+)-Catechin is a type of catechin present in large amounts in açaí fruits and cocoa seeds. Besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, little is known about its effects in the liver, especially during hepatic fibrosis. We report here the effects of (+)-catechin on hepatic stellate cells.

A hypothesis for the anti-inflammatory and mechanotransduction molecular mechanisms underlying acupuncture tendon healing.

A previous study demonstrated that acupuncture increases the synthesis and reorganisation of collagen molecules in rat tendons after injury. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture improves pain and functional activity in patients with tendinopathy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown.

Statins induce biochemical changes in the Achilles tendon after chronic treatment.

Statins have been widely prescribed as lipid-lowering drugs and are associated with tendon rupture. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the possible biochemical changes in the Achilles tendon of rats after chronic treatment with statins. Dosages of statins were calculated using allometric scaling with reference to the 80mg/day and 20mg/day, doses recommended for humans.

Inflammatory process induced by carrageenan in adjacent tissue triggers the acute inflammation in deep digital flexor tendon of rats.

Tendinopathy is a pathology found mainly in the rotator cuff, patellar, Achilles and flexor tendons. Tendinopathy is a significant impediment to performance in athletes and in workers in the labor market. Some studies have indicated that inflammation in adjacent tissues may affect the rotator cuff and Achilles tendon.

Alterations in the Achilles tendon after inflammation in surrounding tissue.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the Achilles tendon of rats after induction of localized inflammation in the rat paw.

Methods: IN OUR STUDY THREE GROUPS WERE USED: inflamed group with carrageenan in rat paw (G1); saline group (G2) and control group (G3). After 4 hours the animals were euthanized and the Achilles tendon removed.