Interaction of a Vanadyl Schiff Base Complex with DNA and BSA: A Combination of Experimental and Computational Studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cancer is the primary cause of death in the world. Vanadium (IV) is a metal ion complex which has been proposed as a suitable candidate for cancer treatment. In this study, the interaction of the oxido-vanadium (IV) complex VOL(bipy) with salmon sperm DNA and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was investigated through experimental and computational approaches. With the results of this experimental study, the mechanism and parameters related to the interaction of VOL(bipy) with DNA and BSA were determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The kinetic interaction of DNA and BSA with VOL(bipy) was determined using absorption titration and fluorescence quenching, respectively. Moreover, the possible interactions were calculated by molecular docking prediction using the available software. RESULTS: The binding constant (Kb) of the complex-DNA interaction was calculated to be 2.34Ã�104 M-1, indicating a relatively strong interaction between the complex and DNA. It was found that the V(IV) complex interacted with DNA through the groove binding mode followed by partial intercalation into the DNA helix. The Kb values obtained for VOL(bipy)-BSA interaction were in the range of 1.07Ã�103-5.82Ã�104 M-1. The V(IV) complex was found to prefer the domain I binding pocket of BSA with the Î�Gb value of -7.52 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION: Both experimental and computational analyses confirmed the interaction of the vanadium complex with DNA and BSA. The moderate affinity of VOL(bipy) for BSA indicates that this protein is a good candidate for transferring the complex. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at [email protected]

Pesticide exposure and related health problems among family members of farmworkers in southeast Iran. A case-control study

Background: Pesticides used in agriculture are some of the most common pollutants in the world. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Organophosphorus Pesticides (OPPs) and Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) on the families of farmworkers in the southeast of Iran. Methods: In the present case-control study, 141 family members of farmworkers (as the case group) and 59 family members of non-farmworkers (as the controls) were recruited. Serum levels of OCPs such as α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4-DDE, 4,4-DDE, 2,4-DDT, and 4,4-DDT were determined. In addition, erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl (PC), nitric oxide (NO) serum levels, arylesterase activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were determined in all participants. Furthermore, distance to farmlands, education, crops, type, and the number of consumed fruits were evaluated for each individual separately. Results: The erythrocyte AChE activity and serum activities of GPx, SOD, and PON-1 and TAC levels were significantly decreased, whereas the concentration of MDA, PC, NO, and seven OCPs were significantly increased in the farmworkers� families as compared to the controls. Spearman correlation and linear regression suggest that OCPs increase the oxidative stress in farmworkers� family members. Moreover, distance, education, farming precedence, products, and ventilation had significant effects on the OCP levels and increased the odds ratio of OCP levels in farmworkers� families. Conclusion: With regards to the data obtained in this study, it was revealed that OCPs as illegal pesticides and OPPs were higher than expected in the farmworkers� family members. Furthermore, exposure to OCPs and OPPs, apart from the other effects on the body, leads to oxidative stress (OS) that may cause serious diseases in the exposed populations. © 2020 Elsevier Lt