Mohammad Aatif

The footprints of cancer development: Cancer biomarkers

Diagnostic detection and measurement of cancer disease progression are essential elements for successful cancer disease management. The early stages of cancer development carry the maximum potential for therapeutic interventions. However, these stages are often asymptomatic, leading to delayed diagnosis at the very advanced stages when effective treatments are unavailing. The application of biomarkers to cancer is leading the way because of the unique association of genomic changes in cancer cells with the disease process. They have the potential to not only help identify who will develop cancer but also to predict as to when the event is most likely to occur. In recent years, there has been an enormous effort to develop specific and sensitive biomarkers for precise and accurate screening, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of high risk cancer to assist with therapeutic decisions. The present article is a brief review of the emerging trends in the development of biomarkers for early detection and precise evaluation of cancer disease.

Synthesis, single-crystal characterization, antimicrobial activity and remarkable in vitro DNA interaction of hydrogen-bonded proton-transfer complex of 1,10-phenanthroline with 2,4,6-trinitrophenol.

A new charge transfer complex as a result of interaction between 1,10-phenanthroline (donor) with 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid), acceptor, was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. The single crystal structure indicates that the cation and anion are joined together by strong N(+)H⋯O(-) type hydrogen bonds. This has been attributed to the formation of 1:1 CT complex via hydrogen bonding interaction. The binding of CT complex with in vitro calf thymus DNA was investigated by the fluorescence spectroscopy. To determine the DNA binding ability of the compound, fluorescence intensity data were analyzed by the Stern-Volmer equation and remarkable DNA interaction with CT complex is found. The CT complex was also screened for its antimicrobial activity. The CT complex exhibited inhibitory results against E. coli and Pseudomonas arenginosa, and the marked enhancement in the potency as antifungal agent.

Template synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of 16-membered [N4] Schiff-base macrocyclic complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II): in vitro DNA-binding studies

Template condensation between o-phthalaldehyde and 3,4-diaminotoluene resulted in mononuclear 16-membered tetraimine macrocyclic complexes, [MLCl2] [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)]. The proposed stoichiometry and the nature of the complexes have been deduced from elemental analyses, mass spectra, and molar conductance data. The macrocyclic framework has been inferred from ν(C=N) and ν(M–N) bands in the IR spectra and the resonances observed in 1H and 13C-NMR spectra. Octahedral geometry has been assigned for all these complexes on the basis of position of the bands in electronic spectra and magnetic moment data; distorted octahedral geometry has been assigned for the Cu(II) complex on the basis of EPR data. The low-conductivity data of all the complexes suggest their non-ionic nature. Interaction of these complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been examined with fluorescence quenching experiments, which show that the complexes are avid binders of CT DNA.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, DNA interaction and antibacterial study of metal complexes of tetraazamacrocyclic Schiff base

The template condensation reaction between benzil and 3,4-diaminotoulene resulted mononuclear 12-membered tetraimine macrocyclic complexes of the type, [MLCl(2)] [M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)]. The synthesized complexes have been characterized on the basis of the results of elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectroscopic studies viz. FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, FAB mass, UV-vis and EPR. An octahedral geometry has been envisaged for all these complexes, while a distorted octahedral geometry has been noticed for Cu(II) complex. Low conductivity data of all these complexes suggest their non-ionic nature. The interactive studies of these complexes with calf thymus DNA showed that the complexes are avid binders of calf thymus DNA. The in vitro antibacterial studies of these complexes screened against pathogenic bacteria proved them as growth inhibiting agents.

Alpha-linolenic acid protects against gentamicin induced toxicity

Correspondence: Bilqees Bano Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002, India Tel +91 571 270 0741 Fax +91 571 270 6002 Email bbilqees@gmail.com Background: Recent studies indicate that reactive oxygen species are the major culprits behind the renal damage induced by gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat serious and life threatening Gram-negative infections. Experimental evidence suggests a protective role of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation against oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible beneficial role of alpha-linolenic acid against gentamicin induced renal distress. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of eight rats each, with the first group serving as a control. The other groups were treated intraperitoneally with gentamicin 100 mg/kg body weight per day for 10 days ± alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E (each given as 250 mg/kg body weight per day). Concentrations of creatinine, urea, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate in serum, malondialdehyde and total sulfhydryl levels, and glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity in kidney tissues were determined. Results: Administration of gentamicin to rats induced marked renal failure, characterized by a profound increase in serum creatinine, urea, and cholesterol concentrations, accompanied by significant lowering of renal alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity, an increase in malondialdehyde, a decline in total sulfhydryl levels, and lowered superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase activity. Cotreatment with alpha-linolenic acid produced amelioration in these biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in serum as well as in tissue. Further histopathological and human studies are necessary to demonstrate the beneficial effects of alpha-linolenic acid in renal disease. Conclusion: Alpha-linolenic acid may represent a nontoxic and effective intervention strategy in gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.