Biomedical subjects

Joshua Telser

Publications and source records attributed to Joshua Telser.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Electronic structure of four-coordinate C3v nickel(II) scorpionate complexes: investigation by high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance and electronic absorption spectroscopies.

A series of complexes of formula TpNiX, where Tp*- = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazole)borate and X = Cl, Br, I, has been characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) region and by high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy. The crystal structure of TpNiCl has been previously reported; that for TpNiBr is given here: space group = Pmc2(1), a = 13.209(2) A, b = 8.082(2) A, c = 17.639(4) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees , Z = 4. TpNiX contains a four-coordinate nickel(II) ion (3d8) with approximate C3v point group symmetry about the metal and a resulting S = 1 high-spin ground state. As a consequence of sizable zero-field splitting (zfs), TpNiX complexes are "EPR silent" with use of conventional EPR; however, HFEPR allows observation of multiple transitions. Analysis of the resonance field versus the frequency dependence of these transitions allows extraction of the full set of spin Hamiltonian parameters. The axial zfs parameter for TpNiX displays pronounced halogen contributions down the series: D = +3.93(2), -11.43(3), -22.81(1) cm(-1), for X = Cl, Br, I, respectively. The magnitude and change in sign of D observed for TpNiX reflects the increasing bromine and iodine spin-orbit contributions facilitated by strong covalent interactions with nickel(II). These spin Hamiltonian parameters are combined with estimates of 3d energy levels based on the visible-NIR spectra to yield ligand-field parameters for these complexes following the angular overlap model (AOM). This description of electronic structure and bonding in a pseudotetrahedral nickel(II) complex can enhance the understanding of similar sites in metalloproteins, both native nickel enzymes and nickel-substituted zinc enzymes.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Trinuclear, antiferromagnetically coupled Cu(II) complex with an EPR spectrum of mononuclear Cu(II): effect of alcoholic solvents.

A rigid trinuclear copper pyrazolato framework supports the solvolytic exchange of mu3-X by mu3-OR ligands (X = Cl and Br; R = alkyl group), converting the trinuclear ferromagnetically coupled S = 3/2 system to antiferromagnetically coupled S = 1/2 in the solid state. In contrast, we propose that, in alcoholic solutions, solvolysis results in unsymmetrical coordination of the Cu3 cluster, magnetically decoupling one Cu center from the other two. This disguises the intact triangular Cu(II)3 system as a mononuclear Cu(II) complex in its electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum.

Alcohols↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of the particulate methane monooxygenase metal centers in multiple redox states by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

The integral membrane enzyme particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) converts methane, the most inert hydrocarbon, to methanol under ambient conditions. The 2.8-A resolution pMMO crystal structure revealed three metal sites: a mononuclear copper center, a dinuclear copper center, and a nonphysiological mononuclear zinc center. Although not found in the crystal structure, solution samples of pMMO also contain iron. We have used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to analyze the oxidation states and coordination environments of the pMMO metal centers in as-isolated (pMMO(iso)), chemically reduced (pMMO(red)), and chemically oxidized (pMMO(ox)) samples. X-ray absorption near-edge spectra (XANES) indicate that pMMO(iso) contains both Cu(I) and Cu(II) and that the pMMO Cu centers can undergo redox chemistry. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis reveals a Cu-Cu interaction in all redox forms of the enzyme. The Cu-Cu distance increases from 2.51 to 2.65 A upon reduction, concomitant with an increase in the average Cu-O/N bond lengths. Appropriate Cu2 model complexes were used to refine and validate the EXAFS fitting protocols for pMMO(iso). Analysis of Fe EXAFS data combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra indicates that Fe, present as Fe(III), is consistent with heme impurities. These findings are complementary to the crystallographic data and provide new insight into the oxidation states and possible electronic structures of the pMMO Cu ions.

Copper↗

PubMed2006

Targeted guanine oxidation by a dinuclear copper(II) complex at single stranded/double stranded DNA junctions.

A dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(II)2(PD'O-)(H2O)2](ClO4)3 (5) with terminal Cu(II)-H(2)O moieties and a Cu...Cu distance of 4.13 A (X-ray structure) has been synthesized and characterized by EPR spectroscopy (ferromagnetic coupling observed) and cyclic voltammetry. Dizinc(II) and mononuclear copper(II) analogues [Zn(II)2(PD'O-)(H2O)2]3+ (7) and [Cu(II)(mPD'OH)(H2O)]2+ (6), respectively, have also been synthesized and structurally characterized. Reacting 5/MPA/O(2) (MPA = 3-mercaptopropionic acid) with DNA leads to a highly specific oxidation of guanine (G) at a junction between single- and double-stranded DNA. Mass spectrometric analysis of the major products indicates a gain of +18 and +34 amu relative to initial DNA strands. The most efficient reaction requires G at the first and second unpaired positions of each strand extending from the junction. Less reaction is observed for analogous targets in which the G cluster is farther from the junction or contains less than four Gs. Consistent with our previous systems, the multinuclear copper center is required for selective reaction; mononuclear complex 6 is not effective. Hydrogen peroxide as a substitute for MPA/O2 also does not lead to activity. Structural analysis of a [Cu(II)2(PD'O-)(G)]3+ complex (8) and dizinc analogue [Zn(II)(2)(PD'O-)(G)](ClO4)3 (9) (G = guanosine) reveals coordination of the G O6 and N7 atoms with the two copper (or zinc) centers and suggests that copper-G coordination likely plays a role in recognition of the DNA target. The Cu2-O2 intermediate responsible for guanine oxidation appears to be different from that responsible for direct-strand scission induced by other multinuclear copper complexes; the likely course of reaction is discussed.

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid↗

PubMed2006

Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS, e.g. nitric oxide, NO(*)) are well recognised for playing a dual role as both deleterious and beneficial species. ROS and RNS are normally generated by tightly regulated enzymes, such as NO synthase (NOS) and NAD(P)H oxidase isoforms, respectively. Overproduction of ROS (arising either from mitochondrial electron-transport chain or excessive stimulation of NAD(P)H) results in oxidative stress, a deleterious process that can be an important mediator of damage to cell structures, including lipids and membranes, proteins, and DNA. In contrast, beneficial effects of ROS/RNS (e.g. superoxide radical and nitric oxide) occur at low/moderate concentrations and involve physiological roles in cellular responses to noxia, as for example in defence against infectious agents, in the function of a number of cellular signalling pathways, and the induction of a mitogenic response. Ironically, various ROS-mediated actions in fact protect cells against ROS-induced oxidative stress and re-establish or maintain "redox balance" termed also "redox homeostasis". The "two-faced" character of ROS is clearly substantiated. For example, a growing body of evidence shows that ROS within cells act as secondary messengers in intracellular signalling cascades which induce and maintain the oncogenic phenotype of cancer cells, however, ROS can also induce cellular senescence and apoptosis and can therefore function as anti-tumourigenic species. This review will describe the: (i) chemistry and biochemistry of ROS/RNS and sources of free radical generation; (ii) damage to DNA, to proteins, and to lipids by free radicals; (iii) role of antioxidants (e.g. glutathione) in the maintenance of cellular "redox homeostasis"; (iv) overview of ROS-induced signaling pathways; (v) role of ROS in redox regulation of normal physiological functions, as well as (vi) role of ROS in pathophysiological implications of altered redox regulation (human diseases and ageing). Attention is focussed on the ROS/RNS-linked pathogenesis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease), rheumatoid arthritis, and ageing. Topics of current debate are also reviewed such as the question whether excessive formation of free radicals is a primary cause or a downstream consequence of tissue injury.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The copper chelator methanobactin from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b binds copper(I).

The oxidation state of copper bound to methanobactin, a small siderophore-like molecule from the methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, was investigated. Purified methanobactin loaded with Cu(II) exhibits a weak EPR signal probably due to adventitious Cu(II). The EPR signal intensity increases significantly upon addition of the strong oxidant nitric acid. Features of the X-ray absorption near edge spectrum, including a 1s --> 4p transition at 8985 eV, further indicate the presence of Cu(I). EXAFS data were best fit using a multiple scattering model generated from previously reported crystallographic parameters. These results establish definitively that M. trichosporium OB3b methanobactin binds Cu(I) and suggest that methanobactin itself reduces Cu(II) to Cu(I).

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Tunable-frequency high-field electron paramagnetic resonance.

A tunable-frequency methodology based on backward wave oscillator sources in high-frequency and -field EPR (HFEPR) is described. This methodology is illustrated by an application to three non-Kramers transition metal ion complexes and one Kramers ion complex. The complexes are of: Ni(II) (S=1) as found in dichlorobistriphenylphosphanenickel(II), Mn(III) (S=2) as found in mesotetrasulfonatoporphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride, Fe(II) (S=2) as found in ferrous sulfate tetrahydrate, and Co(II) (S=3/2) as found in azido(tris(3-tert-butylpyrazol-1-yl)hydroborate)cobalt(II). The above Ni(II) and Mn(III) complexes have been studied before by HFEPR using the multifrequency methodology based on Gunn oscillator sources, but not by the present method, while the Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes presented here have not been studied by any form of HFEPR. Highly accurate spin Hamiltonian parameters can be obtained by the experimental methodology described here, in combination with automated fitting procedures. This method is particularly successful in determining g-matrix parameters, which are very difficult to extract for high-spin systems from single frequency (or a very limited set of multi-frequency) HFEPR spectra, but is also able to deliver equally accurate values of the zero-field splitting tensor. The experimental methods involve either conventional magnetic field modulation or an optical modulation of the sub-THz wave beam. The relative merits of these and other experimental methods are discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Synthesis, characterization, and physicochemical properties of manganese(III) and manganese(V)-oxo corrolazines.

The structural and physicochemical properties of the manganese-corrolazine (Cz) complexes (TBP8Cz)Mn(V)O (1) and (TBP8Cz)Mn(III) (2) (TBP = p-tert-butylphenyl) have been determined. Recrystallization of 2 from toluene/MeOH resulted in the crystal structure of (TBP8Cz)Mn(III)(CH3OH) (2 x MeOH). The packing diagram of 2 x MeOH reveals hydrogen bonds between MeOH axial ligands and meso N atoms of adjacent molecules. Solution binding studies of 2 with different axial ligands (Cl-, Et3PO, and Ph3PO) reveal strong binding, corroborating the preference of the Mn(III) ion for a five-coordinate environment. High-frequency and field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy of solid 2 x MeOH shows that 2 x MeOH is best described as a high-spin (S = 2) Mn(III) complex with zero-field splitting parameters typical of corroles. Structural information on 1 was obtained through an X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES)/extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) study and compared to XANES/EXAFS data for 2 x MeOH. The XANES data for 1 shows an intense pre-edge transition characteristic of a high-valent metal-oxo species, and a best fit of the EXAFS data gives a short Mn-O bond distance of 1.56 A, confirming the structure of the metal-oxo unit in 1. Detailed spectroelectrochemical studies of 1 and 2 were performed revealing multiple reversible redox processes for both complexes, including a relatively low potential for the Mn(V) --> Mn(IV) process in 1 (near 0.0 V vs saturated calomel reference electrode). Chemical reduction of 1 results in the formation of a Mn(III)Mn(IV)(mu-O) dimer as characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2005

High-frequency and -field EPR investigation of a manganese(III) N-confused porphyrin complex, [Mn(NCTPP)(py)2].

We report the first high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) study of a Mn(III) N-confused porphyrin (NCP) complex (NCP is also known as inverted porphyrin or 2-aza-21-carbaporphyrin). We have found a striking variation in the electronic properties of the S = 2 Mn(III) ion coordinated by NCP compared to other Mn(III) porphyrinoid complexes. Thus, inversion of a single pyrrole ring greatly changes the equatorial ligand field exerted and leads to large magnitudes of both the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting [respectively, D = -3.084(3) cm(-1), E = -0.608(3) cm(-1)], which are unprecedented in other Mn(III) porphyrinoids.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Enzyme control of small-molecule coordination in FosA as revealed by 31P pulsed ENDOR and ESE-EPR.

FosA is a manganese metalloglutathione transferase that confers resistance to the broad-spectrum antibiotic fosfomycin, which contains a phosphonate group. The active site of this enzyme consists of a high-spin Mn(2+) ion coordinated by endogenous ligands (a glutamate and two histidine residues) and by exogenous ligands, such as substrate fosfomycin. To study the Mn(2+) coordination environment of FosA in the presence of substrate and the inhibitors phosphonoformate and phosphate, we have used (31)P pulsed electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) at 35 GHz to obtain metrical information from (31)P-Mn(2+) interactions. We have found that continuous wave (CW) (31)P ENDOR is not successful in the study of phosphates and phosphonates coordinated to Mn(2+). Parallel studies of phosph(on)ate binding to the Mn(2+) of FosA and to aqueous Mn(2+) ion disclose how the enzyme modifies the coordination of these molecules to the active site Mn(2+). Through analysis of (31)P hyperfine parameters derived from simulations of the ENDOR spectra we have determined the binding modes of the phosph(on)ates in each sample and discerned details of the geometric and electronic structure of the metal center. The (31)P ENDOR studies of the protein samples agree with, or improve on, the Mn-P distances determined from crystal structures and provide Mn-phosph(on)ate bonding information not available from these studies. Electron spin echo electron paramagnetic resonance (ESE-EPR) spectra have also been recorded. Simulation of these spectra yield the axial and rhombic components of the Mn(2+) (S = (5)/(2)) zero-field splitting (zfs) tensor. Comparison of structural inferences based on these zfs parameters both with the known enzyme structures and the (31)P ENDOR results establishes that the time-honored procedure of analyzing Mn(2+) zfs parameters to describe the coordination environment of the metal ion is not valid or productive.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2005

Synthesis, crystal structure, and high-precision high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance investigation of a manganese(III) complex: [Mn(dbm)2(py)2](ClO4).

The complex [Mn(dbm)(2)(py)(2)](ClO(4)) (dbm = anion of 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione (dibenzoylmethane), py = pyridine) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. It has tetragonally distorted geometry with the axial positions occupied by the py ligands and the equatorial positions by the dbm ligands. This mononuclear complex of high-spin Mn(III) (3d(4), S = 2) was studied by high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) both as a solid powder and in frozen dichloromethane solution. Very high quality HFEPR spectra were recorded over a wide range of frequencies. The complete dataset of resonant magnetic fields versus transition energies was analyzed using automated fitting software. This analysis yielded the following spin Hamiltonian parameters (energies in cm(-1)): D = -4.504(2), E = -0.425(1), B(4)(0) = -1.8(4) x 10(-4), B(4)(2) = 7(3) x 10(-4), B(4)(4) = 48(4) x 10(-4), g(x) = 1.993(1), g(y) = 1.994(1), and g(z) = 1.983(1), where the B(4)(n) values represent fourth-order zero-field splitting terms that are generally very difficult to extract, even from single-crystal measurements. The results here demonstrate the applicability of HFEPR at high-precision measurements, even for powder samples. The zero-field splitting parameters determined here for [Mn(dbm)(2)(py)(2)](+) are placed into the context of those determined for other mononuclear complexes of Mn(III).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

High-frequency/high-field EPR spectroscopy of the high-spin ferrous ion in hexaaqua complexes.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at conventional magnetic fields and microwave frequencies, respectively, B0 < or = 1.5 T, nu < or = 35 GHz, has been widely applied to odd electron-number (S = 1/2) transition metal complexes. This technique is less successfully applied to high-spin systems that have even electron configurations, e.g. Fe2+ (S = 2). The recently developed technique of high-frequency and high-field EPR (HFEPR), employing swept fields up to 25 T combined with multiple, sub-THz frequencies readily allows observation of EPR transitions in such high-spin systems. A parallel spectroscopic technique is frequency-domain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (FDMRS), in which the frequency is swept while at zero, or at discrete applied magnetic fields. We describe here the application of HFEPR and FDMRS to two simple high-spin (HS) ferrous (Fe2+) salts: ferrous perchlorate hydrate, [Fe(H2O)6](ClO4)2 and (NH4)2[Fe(H2O)6](SO4)2, historically known as ferrous ammonium sulfate. Both compounds contain hexaaquairon(II). The resulting spectra were analyzed using a spin Hamiltonian for S = 2 to yield highly accurate spin-Hamiltonian parameters. The complexes were also studied by powder DC magnetic susceptibility and zero-field Mössbauer effect spectroscopy for corroboration of magnetic resonance results. In the case of [Fe(H2O)6](ClO4)2, all the magnetic techniques were in excellent agreement and gave as consensus values: D = 11.2(2) cm(-1), E = 0.70(1) cm(-1). For (NH4)2[Fe(H2O)6](SO4)2, FDMRS and HFEPR gave D = 14.94(2) cm(-1), E = 3.778(2) cm(-1). We conclude that the spin-Hamiltonian parameters for the perchlorate best represent those for the isolated hexaaquairon(II) complex. To have established electronic parameters for the fundamentally important [Fe(H2O)6]2+ ion will be of use for future studies on biologically relevant systems containing high-spin Fe2+.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Pseudooctahedral complexes of vanadium(III): electronic structure investigation by magnetic and electronic spectroscopy.

A variety of physical methods has been used to probe the non-Kramers, S = 1, V(III) ion in two types of pseudooctahedral complexes: V(acac)(3), where acac = anion of 2,4-pentanedione, and VX(3)(thf)(3), where thf = tetrahydrofuran and X = Cl and Br. These methods include tunable frequency and high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) spectroscopy (using frequencies of approximately 95-700 GHz and fields up to 25 T) in conjunction with electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and variable-temperature variable-field MCD (VTVH-MCD) spectroscopies. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization measurements were also performed. All measurements were conducted on complexes in the solid state (powder or mull samples). The field versus sub-THz wave quantum energy dependence of observed HFEPR resonances yielded the following spin Hamiltonian parameters for V(acac)(3): D = +7.470(1) cm(-1); E = +1.916(1) cm(-1); g(x) = 1.833(4); g(y) = 1.72(2); g(z) = 2.03(2). For VCl(3)(thf)(3), HFEPR detected a single zero-field transition at 15.8 cm(-1) (474 GHz), which was insufficient to determine the complete set of spin Hamiltonian parameters. For VBr(3)(thf)(3), however, a particularly rich data set was obtained using tunable-frequency HFEPR, and analysis of this data set gave the folowing: D = -16.162(6) cm(-1); E = -3.694(4) cm(-1); g(x) = 1.86(1); g(y) = 1.90(1); g(z) = 1.710(4). Analysis of the VTVH-MCD data gave spin Hamiltonian parameters in good agreement with those determined by HFEPR for both V(acac)(3) and VBr(3)(thf)(3) and in rough agreement with the estimate for VCl(3)(thf)(3) (D approximately 10 cm(-1), |E/D| approximately 0.18), together with the finding that the value of D is negative for both thf complexes. The electronic structures of these V(III) complexes are discussed in terms of their molecular structures and the electronic transitions observed by electronic absorption and MCD spectroscopies.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

High-frequency and -field EPR of a pseudo-octahedral complex of high-spin Fe(II): bis(2,2'-bi-2-thiazoline)bis(isothiocyanato)iron(II).

A pseudo-octahedral complex of high-spin Fe(II), bis(2,2'-bi-2-thiazoline)bis(isothiocyanato)iron(II), which has a cis-FeN'2N4 chromophore, has been investigated by high-frequency, high-field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR). Complementary Mössbauer and DC magnetic susceptibility studies were also performed. HFEPR spectra of powder samples were recorded at frequencies up to 700 GHz and over a magnetic field range of 0-25 T. Analysis of the field-frequency data set yields the following set of spin Hamiltonian parameters for S = 2: D = +12.427(12) cm-1, E = +0.243(3) cm-1; gx = 2.147(3), gy = 2.166(3), gz = 2.01(1). The parameters are analyzed by use of a simple crystal-field model. This study represents the first precise determination by HFEPR of spin Hamiltonian parameters in six-coordinate high-spin Fe(II) and indicates the applicability of HFEPR to the study of high-spin Fe(II) in coordination complexes and biological model compounds.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2004

An example of O2 binding in a cobalt(II) corrole system and high-valent cobalt-cyano and cobalt-alkynyl complexes.

The novel cobalt corrolazine (Cz) complexes (TBP)(8)CzCoCN (1) and (TBP)(8)CzCo(CCSiPh(3)) (2) have been synthesized and examined in light of the recent intense interest regarding the role of corrole ligands in stabilizing high oxidation states. In the case of 2, the molecular structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography, revealing a short Co[bond]C distance of 1.831(4) A and an intermolecular pi-stacking interaction between Cz ring planes, and this structure has been analyzed in regards to the electronic configuration. By a combination of spectroscopic techniques it has been shown that 1 is best described as a cobalt(III)[bond]pi-cation-radical complex, whereas 2 is likely best represented as the resonance hybrid (Cz)Co(IV)(CCSiPh(3)) <--> (Cz+*)Co(III)(CCSiPh(3)). The reduced cobalt(II) complex, [(TBP)(8)CzCo(II)(py)](-), has been generated in situ and shown to bind dioxygen at low temperature to give [(TBP)(8)CzCo(III)(py)(O(2))](-). For the reduced complex [(TBP)(8)CzCo(II)(py)](-), the EPR spectrum in frozen solution is indicative of a low-spin cobalt(II) complex with a d(z)2 ground state. Exposure of [(TBP)(8)CzCo(II)(py)](-) to O(2) leads to the reversible formation of the cobalt(III)-superoxo complex [(TBP)(8)CzCo(III)(py)(O(2))](-), which has been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. VT-EPR measurements show that the dioxygen adduct is stable up to T approximately 240 K. This work is the first observation, to our knowledge, of O(2) binding to a cobalt(II) corrole.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Definitive spectroscopic determination of zero-field splitting in high-spin cobalt(II).

A high-spin Co(II) complex (3d(7), S = 3/2), Co(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2) (Ph = phenyl), has been investigated in the solid state by both high-frequency and -field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) and by variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic circular dichroism (VTVH-MCD). In HFEPR spectroscopy, the combination of variable sub-THz frequencies generated by backward wave oscillators (150-700 GHz, corresponding to energy 5-23 cm(-1)) and high magnetic fields (0-25 T) constitutes a novel experimental technique allowing accurate determination of a complete set of spin Hamiltonian parameters for this complex: D = -14.76(2) cm(-1), E = 1.141(8) cm(-1), g(x) = 2.166(4), g(y) = 2.170(4), g(z) = 2.240(5). Independent VTVH-MCD studies on multiple absorption bands of the complex yield D = -14(3) cm(-1), E = 0.96(20) cm(-1) (absolute value of E/D = 0.08(2)), g(x) = 2.15(5), g(y) = 2.16(4), and g(z) = 2.17(3). This very good agreement between HFEPR and MCD indicates that there is no inherent discrepancy between these two quite different experimental techniques. Thus, depending on the nature of the sample, either can be reliably used to determine zero-field splitting parameters in high-spin Co(II), with the HFEPR being more accurate but VTVH-MCD being more sensitive.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Role of oxygen radicals in DNA damage and cancer incidence.

The development of cancer in humans and animals is a multistep process. The complex series of cellular and molecular changes participating in cancer development are mediated by a diversity of endogenous and exogenous stimuli. One type of endogenous damage is that arising from intermediates of oxygen (dioxygen) reduction - oxygen-free radicals (OFR), which attacks not only the bases but also the deoxyribosyl backbone of DNA. Thanks to improvements in analytical techniques, a major achievement in the understanding of carcinogenesis in the past two decades has been the identification and quantification of various adducts of OFR with DNA. OFR are also known to attack other cellular components such as lipids, leaving behind reactive species that in turn can couple to DNA bases. Endogenous DNA lesions are genotoxic and induce mutations. The most extensively studied lesion is the formation of 8-OH-dG. This lesion is important because it is relatively easily formed and is mutagenic and therefore is a potential biomarker of carcinogenesis. Mutations that may arise from formation of 8-OH-dG involve GC --> TA transversions. In view of these findings, OFR are considered as an important class of carcinogens. The effect of OFR is balanced by the antioxidant action of non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as antioxidant enzymes. Non-enzymatic antioxidants involve vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (CAR), selenium and others. However, under certain conditions, some antioxidants can also exhibit a pro-oxidant mechanism of action. For example, beta-carotene at high concentration and with increased partial pressure of dioxygen is known to behave as a pro-oxidant. Some concerns have also been raised over the potentially deleterious transition metal ion-mediated (iron, copper) pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C. Clinical studies mapping the effect of preventive antioxidants have shown surprisingly little or no effect on cancer incidence. The epidemiological trials together with in vitro experiments suggest that the optimal approach is to reduce endogenous and exogenous sources of oxidative stress, rather than increase intake of anti-oxidants. In this review, we highlight some major achievements in the study of DNA damage caused by OFR and the role in carcinogenesis played by oxidatively damaged DNA. The protective effect of antioxidants against free radicals is also discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Triangular, ferromagnetically-coupled CuII 3-pyrazolato complexes as possible models of particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO).

Magnetic susceptibility and EPR studies show that trinuclear Cu(II)-pyrazolato complexes with a Cu(3)(mu3-X)2 core (X = Cl, Br) are ferromagnetically coupled: J(Cu-Cu) = +28.6 cm(-1) (X = Cl), +3.1 cm(-1) (X = Br). The orderly transition from an antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic exchange among the Cu centers of Cu(3)(mu3-X) complexes, X = O, OH, Cl, Br, follows the change of the Cu-X-Cu angle from 120 degrees to approximately 80 degrees. The crystal structures of [Bu4N]2"[Cu3(mu3-Br)2(mu-pz*)3Br3] (pz* = pz (1a) or 4-O2N-pz (1b), pz = pyrazolato anion, C(3)H(3)N(2)(1-)) are presented.

Copper↗