Synthesis, Structure, and Antiproliferative Activity of Three Gallium(III) Azole Complexes

As part of our interest into the bioinorganic chemistry of gallium, gallium(III) complexes of the azole ligands 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (btd), 1,2,3-benzotriazole (btaH), and 1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (L) have been isolated. Reaction of btaH or btd with GaBr3 or GaCl3 resulted in the mononuclear complexes [GaBr3(btaH)2] (1) and [GaCl3(btd)2] (2), respectively, while treatment of GaCl3 with L resulted in the anionic complex (LH)2[GaCl4] (3). All three complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and IR spectroscopy, while their antiproliferative activities were investigated against a series of human and mouse cancer cell lines

Adaptable asylum systems in Portugal in the context of COVID-19

COVID-19 has provided a new entry point for conversations about the adaptability of asylum systems. The swift, constructive approach taken by Portugal to ensure the rights of asylum seekers during the pandemic offers a protection model for others to consider

Aberrant methylation of c-myc and c-fos protooncogenes and p53 tumor suppressor gene in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia

Purpose: Aberrant methylation, as an epigenetic phenomenon, may precede and regulate the expression of genes involved in transformation mechanisms that lead to leukemogenesis of hemopoietic cells. The genes involved mostly encode transcription factors and cell cycle specific inhibitors. The aim of this project was to study the DNA methylation pattern of c-myc, c-fos and p53 in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and in acute non-lymphocytic leukemias (ANLL). Patients and methods: DNA was isolated from the monocyte cell layer harvested from bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of 44 patients suffering from MDS and ANLL. Genomic DNA was digested with methylation-specific enzymes, and was electrophoresed and hybridized with probes specift for human c-myc, c-fos and p53 genes. Results: In MDS, the c-myc gene in exons 2 and 3 was regionally hypomethylated, whereas exon 2 in ANLL was hypermethylated and exon 3 hypomethylated. The c-fos gene was hypomethylated in ANLL type 4 and presented aberrant hypomethylation in the different types of MDS. The p53 anti-oncogene appeared extensively hypomethylated in MDS. Conclusion: Aberrant DNA methylation pattern of the c-myc, c-fos and p53 tumor suppressor gene seems to be a primary event in the transformation process from myelodysplasia to acute leukemia, affecting their expression, and, consequently, altering the proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis of hemopoietic precursor cells. The p53 hypomethylation predisposes to critical mutations that enhance the transformation process of myelodysplasia to leukemia. The recognition of altered methylation of these genes in myelodysplasia may have prognostic implications and may lead to novel therapeutic modalities. © 2003 Zerbinis Medical Publications

The value of serum antilipoarabinomannan antibody detection in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in hemodialysis patients

Background The risk for tuberculosis (TB) reactivation in hemodialysis (HD) patients is increased, and screening for latent TB is recommended. The tuberculin skin test (TST) is inaccurate because of the high incidence of anergy in skin testing in HD patients and its inability to differentiate latent from eradicated TB infection. In this study, use of serum antilipoarabinomannan (anti-LAM) antibody detection for the diagnosis of latent TB in a dialysis population was evaluated. Methods: Seventy-four HD patients never treated for TB composed the first group. Forty-eight healthy volunteers never treated for TB served as controls. Twenty-one TST-positive renal transplant candidates on dialysis therapy who had completed preventive anti-TB treatment formed a third group. The TST (using the Mantoux method) and anti-LAM test (using an immunochromatographic assay) were performed in all subjects participating in the study. Results In the first group, a strong association was detected between results of the TST and anti-LAM test (P < 0.0001, chi-square test). A similar association was found in the second group. In the group of HD patients treated for TB, a positive TST result and negative anti-LAM test result was a constant finding. Conclusion: The association between the TST and anti-LAM test in HD patients suggests that the anti-LAM test could be a useful tool for diagnosing latent TB. The absence of anti-LAM antibodies in anti-TB-treated HD patients suggests that immune response to lipoarabinomannan lacks long-lasting memory. A negative anti-LAM test result might reflect the absence of latent TB, even in patients with a positive TST result

Synthesis, Structure, and Antiproliferative Activity of Three Gallium(III) Azole Complexes

As part of our interest into the bioinorganic chemistry of gallium, gallium(III) complexes of the azole ligands 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (btd), 1,2,3-benzotriazole (btaH), and 1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (L) have been isolated. Reaction of btaH or btd with GaBr3 or GaCl3 resulted in the mononuclear complexes [ GaBr3(btaH) 2] (1) and [ GaCl3(btd) 2] (2), respectively, while treatment of GaCl3 with L resulted in the anionic complex (LH)(2)[GaCl4] (3). All three complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and IR spectroscopy, while their antiproliferative activities were investigated against a series of human and mouse cancer cell lines