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D Vedaldi

Publications and source records attributed to D Vedaldi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Benzoangelicins: new monofunctional DNA photobinding agents.

4,6-Dimethylbenzoangelicin, obtained by fusing a benzene ring at the furan side of 4,6-dimethylangelicin, was studied in terms of crystal structure and interactions with DNA in both ground and excited states. 4,6-Dimethylbenzoangelicin has a planar structure and forms a molecular complex with DNA, undergoing intercalation inside the double helix. Under UVA irradiation, it photoconjugates covalently with the macromolecule, showing a DNA photobinding rate slightly lower than that of 8-methoxypsoralen, involving however only its 3,4 double bond, i.e. behaving as a pure monofunctional agent. The parameters of dark binding and photobinding were determined, and two C4 cycloadducts with thymine were isolated and characterized.

Animals↗

4,4',5'-trimethyl-8-azapsoralen, a new-photoreactive and non-skin-phototoxic bifunctional bioisoster of psoralen.

Photochemical and photobiological properties of a new isoster of psoralen, 4,4',5'-trimethyl-8-azapsoralen (4,4',5'-TMAP), have been studied. This compound shows a high DNA-photobinding rate, higher than that of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), forming both monoadducts and inter-strand cross-links. The yield of cross-links, however, is markedly lower than that of 8-MOP. Antiproliferative activity of 4,4',5'-TMAP, in terms of DNA synthesis inhibition in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, is higher than that of 8-MOP. Mutagenic activity on E. coli WP2 R46+ cells appeared similar to or even lower than that of 8-MOP. This new compound applied on depilated guinea pig skin and irradiated with UVA did not show any skin-phototoxicity. On the basis of these properties 4,4',5'-TMAP appears to be a potential photochemotherapeutic agent.

Animals↗

Methylangelicins: structure activity studies on the role of methyl groups present in 3,4 and 4',5' photoreactive sites.

The effect of the introduction of one, two or three methyl groups at the level of 3,4 or 4',5' photoreactive site of angelicin, in terms of extent of intercalation and DNA-photobinding, was studied. The introduction of one methyl group both in the 3 or 4 and in 4' or 5' position increases the affinity of angelicin toward DNA for the molecular complex formation and enhances the DNA-photobinding, even if to a different extent. The increase is more pronounced for occupancy of 5' or 4' position; much less pronounced is the enhancement in the case of 3 or 4 positions. The introduction of two methyl groups in 3,4 or in 4',5' positions leads to an increased capacity to form the intercalated complex with DNA; the photoreactivity is also enhanced, but to a larger extent for 4',5'-dimethylangelicin. No steric hindrance, therefore, seems to be exerted by the introduction of one or two methyl groups at the level of the photoreactive sites of angelicin. The introduction of a third methyl group in 4',5'-dimethyl or in 3,4-dimethylangelicin exhibits a strong enhancement of the DNA photobinding; in particular 4,4',5'-trimethylangelicin appears the most photoreactive towards DNA. Angelicins carrying methyl groups in 3,4 positions exhibit lower antiproliferative activity than derivatives carrying methyl groups in 4',5' positions. No correlation was observed between antiproliferative activity and DNA-photobinding; may be that the presence of methyl groups in 3,4 or in 4',5' positions affects the type of cycloadducts formed. The different ratio of adducts may affect the antiproliferative effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Azapsoralens: new potential photochemotherapeutic agents for psoriasis.

New bioisoters of psoralen, obtained by replacing carbon 8 of the central benzene ring with a nitrogen, were studied from the photochemical, photobiological and phototherapeutic points of view. In particular, 4,4'-, 4',5'-dimetyl, 4,4',5'-trimethyl and 3,4,4',5'-tetramethylazapsoralen were studied. The crystal and molecular structure of 4,4',5'-trimethylazapsoralen, obtained by X ray diffraction, was also reported. Like psoralen, these compounds form a molecular complex with DNA, undergoing intercalation inside the double helix of the macromolecule. When irridiated with long ultraviolet light (365 nm), the intercalated drug photoconjugates covalently to the macromolecule, forming mono- and diadducts. The photobinding rate show the following order of magnitude: 4,4',5'-trimetylazapsoralen (4,4',5'-TMAP) = 3,4,4',5'-tetramethylazapsoralen (3,4,4',5'-TMAP) greater than 4',5'-dimethylazapsoralen (4',5'-DMAP) = 4,4'-dimethylazapsoralen (4,4'-DMAP). The DNA photobinding rate of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), taken as reference compound, is similar to that of the two dimetylazapsoralens but lower than tri- and tetramethyl derivatives. The ability of azapsoralens to form cross-links in DNA is lower than that of 8-MOP. However, capacity to induce cross-links does not parallel the DNA photobinding rate; it is higher for trimethyl derivate and lower for tetramethylazapsoralen. Azapsoralens show evident antiproliferative activity. The trimethyl derivative is the most active, followed by tetrametyl, both these compounds showing activity slightly higher than that of 8-MOP. The two dimethylderivatives are less active. The mautagenic activity of azapsoralens on E. coli WP2 TM6 is lower than that of 8-MOP in the same conditions. The new compounds do not show any skin phototoxicity on guinea pig skin. On the basis of its DNA photobinding, antiproliferative activity, mutagenicity and lack of skin phototoxicity, 4,4',5'-TMAP was chosen for clinical evaluation. Clinical results obtained by topical treatment of psoriatic plaques reveal evident therapeutic effectiveness and clearing is between good and moderate, although 8-MOP, used as reference compound, is more effective.

Animals↗

Genetic effects and repair of DNA photo-adducts induced by 8-methoxypsoralen and homopsoralen (pyranocoumarin) in diploid yeast.

The relationship between DNA mono- and di-adducts and genetic effects induced by the pyranocoumarin 8,8-desmethylxanthyletine (homopsoralen) HP and 365 nm radiation (UVA) was investigated in the diploid yeast strain D7 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) taking 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) as a reference compound. The number of DNA cross-links (CLs) induced was determined using alkaline step elution analysis. The induction and removal of total photo-adducts was followed using radioactively labelled compounds. HP showed the same photobinding capacity as 8-MOP. As a function of UVA dose, it was less effective than 8-MOP for the induction of CLs and genetic effects. However, as a function of CLs induced, HP was shown to be more effective for the induction of lethal effects and mitotic recombination than 8-MOP but equally effective for the induction of mutations. The results suggest that, although CLs are recognized as genetically effective lesions, at a given number of CLs, HP induced mono-adducts efficiently contribute to the induction of lethal effects and mitotic recombination but less to the induction of mutations. Using a re-irradiation protocol, HP was brought to yield the same relative amounts of CLs at the same number of total adducts as single UVA exposures with 8-MOP. In these conditions, mutation induction and the kinetics for the removal of photo-adducts were the same for both agents indicating that not only the removal of adducts but also mutation induction are highly dependent on the relative level of CLs induced.

DNA Repair↗

3-Chloro-4-dimethylaminothioangelicin.

C13H10ClO2NS, Mr = 279.75, monoclinic, P2(1)/a, a = 14.490 (3), b = 22.598 (5), c = 7.336 (2) A, beta = 92.4 (1) degree, U = 2400 (1) A3, Z = 8, D chi = 1.548 g cm-3, lambda(Mo K alpha) = 0.71069 A, mu = 2.07 cm-1, F(000) = 1152, room temperature, R = 0.037 for 2423 independent reflections with I greater than or equal to 3 sigma(I). Each unit cell contains two independent molecules which differ mainly in the orientation of their N(CH3)2 groups. The two tricyclic moieties of each molecule are not coplanar, the pyran ring being tilted by 7.9 (1) degree with respect to the benzene ring in molecule 1 and by 8.7 (1) degree in molecule 2. There are weak interactions between the molecules involving the carboxylic O atoms and the H atoms of the phenyl moieties.

Crystallography↗

Inhibitory effects of psoralens on rat liver cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase.

TMP (4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen) usually employed in PUVA therapy and TMA (4,6,4'-trimethylangelicin), phototherapeutic agent under clinical and biological investigation, show an inhibitory effect of competitive type on the low Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase present in rat liver. The two drugs exhibit Ki values of 135 and 320 microM, respectively.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Some photochemical and photobiological properties of 8,8-desmethylxanthyletine (homopsoralen), a potential photochemotherapeutic agent.

In this paper the photochemical and photobiological properties of 8,8-desmethyl-xanthyletine (homopsoralen) have been studied. This drug forms a molecular complex with DNA undergoing intercalation between two base pairs of the macromolecule. By subsequent irradiation (365 nm) the compound photobinds covalently to the macromolecule showing an initial DNA-photobinding rate higher than that of 8-methoxypsoralen. In the photoreaction with DNA the drug effectively forms inter-strand cross-linkages. Its ability to generate singlet oxygen when irradiated with ultraviolet light is markedly higher than that of 8-MOP. Homopsoralen when irradiated in water solution undergoes effective photolysis. The drug shows a lower antiproliferative activity on diploid yeast (D 7) than 8-MOP and an almost parallel mutagenic activity. Also the gene convertogenic activity, determined on the same yeast strain, is lower than that of 8-MOP. Homopsoralen does not show any skin phototoxicity on guinea-pig skin. Taking into account its DNA-photobinding capacity, its antiproliferative activity, its reduced genotoxicity and lack of skin-phototoxicity homopsoralen may deserve further studies for evaluating its photochemotherapeutic activity.

Animals↗

Khellin, a naturally occurring furochromone, used for the photochemotherapy of skin diseases: mechanism of action.

Khellin, a naturally occurring furochromone, used in the past as a coronary vasodilator, has recently been used in the photochemotherapeutic treatment of vitiligo and psoriasis. With the aim of elucidating its mechanism of action, the interactions both in ground and excited states between the drug and DNA were studied in vitro. Khellin forms in the dark a molecular complex with DNA. By subsequent irradiation (365 nm) the drug photoconjugates covalently with the macromolecule, although the rate of photobinding is rather low. The in vivo photobinding of khellin to the DNA of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is also low. In photoaddition with the macromolecule the drug forms inter-strand cross-links, although again in small amounts. The furan side monoadduct between khellin and thymine, formed in the photoreaction between the drug and DNA, was isolated and characterized, and shows a cis-syn configuration.

Animals↗

Photochemical, photophysical and photobiological properties of some methylallopsoralens which are potential agents for photochemotherapy.

Two new trimethylallopsoralens, 4,7,4'- and 4,7,5'-trimethylallopsoralen, form molecular complexes with DNA and by successive UVA (320-400 nm) irradiation photobind monofunctionally to the macromolecule. The DNA photobinding rates at 365 nm and photobinding quantum yields at 330 nm are markedly higher for 4,7,4'-trimethylallopsoralen than for 4,7,5'-trimethylallopsoralen. Their capacities to generate singlet oxygen in water and benzene are low, particularly for 4,7,4'-trimethylallopsoralen, and the two trimethylallopsoralens completely lack skin phototoxicity on guinea-pig skin. Both compounds show antiproliferative activity in terms of DNA synthesis inhibition in Ehrlich cells and T2 phage infectivity higher than that displayed by angelicin. In view of its monofunctional character, lack of skin phototoxicity, low singlet oxygen yield and antiproliferative activity, 4,7,4'-trimethylallopsoralen deserves further clinical studies as a potential photochemotherapeutic agent.

Benzene↗

Photobiological activity of certain pyranocoumarin derivatives: potential agents for the photochemotherapy of psoriasis.

The photobiological properties of a series of pyranocoumarin derivatives having linear (xanthyletines) and angular structure (seselins) have been studied; while the linear derivative carrying the methyl geminal group, typical of the parent natural compound, appeared to be entirely inactive in all tests performed, very probably because of the steric hindrance in the dark interaction with DNA, 4 substances lacking in this group showed a marked capacity for inhibiting DNA synthesis in Ehrlich cells. In particular, 4,6-dimethyl-8-desmethylseselin proved to be about 7 times more active than 8-MOP. Practically all compounds were capable of inducing cross-links in DNA, but this feature, marked in the linear compounds, is very much reduced in the angular ones; this property appears to be clearly related to the mutagenicity in the light and with the skin phototoxicity, which are both marked in the former and low or absent in the latter. In the dark, while all compounds are non-mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activation, in the presence of microsomial enzymes pyranocoumarins become mutagens; only the xanthyletine derivative carrying a geminal methyl group at the 8 position was not activated, suggesting that the enzymes metabolize the pyranic ring.

Animals↗

N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-3-chloroangelicins: interactions with DNA in the ground and in the excited states (365 nm).

The interactions between three N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-3-chloroangelicins and DNA in the ground and in the excited states have been examined. The three compounds form a molecular complex with DNA in the dark, but to a quite different extent. Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric data suggest that while 3-chloro-4-dimethylaminoangelicin (III) undergoes intercalation between two phase pairs of DNA, the compounds i.e. 3-chloro-4-methylphenyl amino angelicin (I) and its 5,6-dihydroderivative (II) should not undergo intercalation. Compound (I) photobinds to DNA to an extent similar to that of parent angelicin, while compound (III) photobinds to the macromolecule much more effectively. This fact may be attributed to the more suitable type of molecular complex (intercalation) formed by compound (III) with the macromolecular in respect to that formed by compound (I). The observed very low ability of compound (II) both to form a complex and to photobind with DNA can be ascribed primarily to the marked modification of the chromophore due to the saturation of the 5,6 double bond in the central benzene ring.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Photomodification of 4,5',8-trymethylpsoralen (TMP) and related compounds in aqueous solution.

The photomodification of 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP) and related compounds was studied in aqueous solution in the presence of oxygen. The capacity of these compounds to generate singlet oxygen was also determined and an evident correlation between the capacity to generate singlet oxygen and the rate constant of the photomodification was observed. Moreover the photomodification was increased in the presence of D2O (which increases the lifetime of singlet oxygen) and quenched in the presence of sodium azide, a well known singlet oxygen quencher. These data support the hypothesis that the photomodification of the examined compounds occurs mainly via singlet oxygen. The role of the photomodification of TMP in relation of therapeutical efficacy is discussed.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

6-Methylangelicins: a new series of potential photochemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of psoriasis.

The possible presence of methylpsoralens as undesired inquinants in synthetic methylangelicins has been avoided through a synthetic pathway starting from umbelliferones carrying a methyl group in the 6-position. The new 6-methylangelicins show a high affinity toward DNA, forming in the dark a molecular complex; the complexed angelicins under UV-A irradiation photobind effectively to the macromolecule, forming only monoadducts. The new compounds show an evident antiproliferative activity by inhibiting DNA synthesis on Ehrlich cells; great differences, however, can be seen between the various compounds. All the compounds are lacking of skin erythemogenic activity. Some of the new 6-methylangelicins, evaluated in terms of mutagenic activity, demonstrate to be less effective than 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), used for a comparison. On the basis of antiproliferative activity, lack of skin phototoxicity, and low mutagenicity, two compounds have been chosen for clinical evaluation. The compounds tested on seven psoriatic patients by topical application and UV-A irradiation proved to be more effective than 8-MOP, used in the same conditions.

Animals↗