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Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity, 2nd Edition
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Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity, 2nd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 1945

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Scibior

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
Interests: mechanisms of toxicity of selected elements; mechanisms of metal interactions; seeking the most sensitive biomarkers to assess organism reactions to some metals; cytotoxicity of metals; bioelements; oxidative stress; antioxidants; in vivo/in vitro studies; experimental toxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juan Llopis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix Verdú”, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Armilla, Spain
2. Sport and Health Research Centre, University of Granada, 18016 Armilla, Spain
Interests: mineral metabolism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Manuel Aureliano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Algarve, Portugal
Interests: metals in biology; polyoxometalates in biomedical sciences; interactions of POMs with proteins; bioinorganic chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to their pharmacological potential, metal complexes and compounds have been arousing interest in many research centers worldwide. The structure and properties of many metal coordination compounds make them therapeutically effective. They are used not only in the treatment of some modern-age diseases but also in clinical diagnostics. Currently, metal complexes and compounds (such as polyoxometalates) are prominent players in medicine and medicinal chemistry.

The results of certain studies have demonstrated that gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and ruthenium (Ru) coordination compounds exhibit antitumor, antimicrobial, and immunosuppressive activity. Some of them, i.e., Cu and Zn complexes, have also been studied in the context of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, which is a constantly growing social concern. Numerous studies have also revealed the potential therapeutic benefits of vanadium (V) complexes and compounds, which are at the forefront among the different metals examined for their potential therapeutic use. Its multidirectional biological properties (i.e., antiviral, antibacterial, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiallergic, antioxidative, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and antiobesity activity), as well as its neuroprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective effects, provide a basis for studies of the unique class of pharmacological agents containing this metal.

Despite the progress in the knowledge of the pharmacological activity of certain metals and their complexes, further studies are still needed, as the mechanisms of action of the potential drugs containing metal ions are not yet sufficiently recognized. Moreover, the side-effects of the use of metal coordination compounds in the treatment of some diseases (mainly cancer) and resistance to treatment are serious problems in modern medicine. Therefore, there is a constant search for new therapeutics based on metal complexes that would ensure better treatment results and contribute to a significant slowdown in the progression of the disease. The therapeutic targets, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of metal-containing compounds must be clarified in detail with reference to metal-based drugs, which may guarantee potential clinical success.

We invite authors to submit original research papers or review articles on the pharmacological activity of metal coordination compounds with a focus on strategies to improve their pharmacological features and on links between metal-containing complexes and potential therapies of human pathologies with mechanistic analysis.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Current strategies for the synthesis of metal complexes and/or compounds with biological properties;
  • Methods of improvement to existing metal-based drugs in order to enhance their therapeutic potential;
  • Biological and pharmacological effects of new metal-containing complexes and/or compounds (in vitro/in vivo studies);
  • Metal coordination compounds in modern cancer therapy and in new strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases;
  • Metal ligands in the biological activity of complexes;
  • Mechanisms of action of metal-containing compounds;
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of metal complexes;
  • Metal coordination compounds in laboratory diagnostics and clinical trials.

Due to the success of the first edition, we would like to add more results and new insights from recent research projects.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/G300O371XX.

Dr. Agnieszka Scibior
Prof. Dr. Juan Llopis
Dr. Manuel Aureliano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • metal complexes
  • polyoxometalates
  • biological activity
  • pharmacokinetic parameters
  • mechanistic analysis
  • cancer/neurodegenerative diseases
  • innovative strategies
  • laboratory diagnostics
  • clinical studies

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 4505 KiB  
Article
Crystal Structure, Theoretical Analysis, and Protein/DNA Binding Activity of Iron(III) Complex Containing Differently Protonated Pyridoxal–S-Methyl-Isothiosemicarbazone Ligands
by Violeta Jevtovic, Luka Golubović, Badriah Alshammari, Maha Raghyan Alshammari, Sahar Y. Rajeh, Maha Awjan Alreshidi, Odeh A. O. Alshammari, Aleksandra Rakić and Dušan Dimić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137058 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 822
Abstract
Pyridoxal–S-methyl-isothiosemicarbazone (PLITSC) is a member of an important group of ligands characterized by different complexation modes to various transition metals. In this contribution, a new complex containing two differently protonated PLITSC ligands ([Fe(PLITSC–H)(PLITSC)]SO4)∙2.5H2O was obtained. The crystal [...] Read more.
Pyridoxal–S-methyl-isothiosemicarbazone (PLITSC) is a member of an important group of ligands characterized by different complexation modes to various transition metals. In this contribution, a new complex containing two differently protonated PLITSC ligands ([Fe(PLITSC–H)(PLITSC)]SO4)∙2.5H2O was obtained. The crystal structure was solved by the X-ray analysis and used further for the optimization at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)(H,C,N,O,S)/def2-TZVP(Fe) level of theory. Changes in the interaction strength and bond distance due to protonation were observed upon examination by the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. The protein binding affinity of [Fe(PLITSC–H)(PLITSC)]SO4 towards transport proteins (Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Human Serum Albumin (HSA)) was investigated by the spectrofluorimetric titration and molecular docking. The interactions with the active pocket containing fluorescent amino acids were examined in detail, which explained the fluorescence quenching. The interactions between complex and DNA were followed by the ethidium-bromide displacement titration and molecular docking. The binding along the minor groove was the dominant process involving complex in the proximity of DNA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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29 pages, 6101 KiB  
Review
Magnesium (Mg) and Neurodegeneration: A Comprehensive Overview of Studies on Mg Levels in Biological Specimens in Humans Affected Some Neurodegenerative Disorders with an Update on Therapy and Clinical Trials Supplemented with Selected Animal Studies
by Agnieszka Ścibior, Juan Llopis, Paweł P. Dobrakowski and Tomasz Męcik-Kronenberg
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312595 (registering DOI) - 23 Nov 2024
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by neuron loss, are a group of neurological disorders that adversely affect the lives of millions of people worldwide. Although several medicines have been approved for managing neurodegenerative diseases, new therapies allowing for a significant slowdown in the progression of [...] Read more.
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by neuron loss, are a group of neurological disorders that adversely affect the lives of millions of people worldwide. Although several medicines have been approved for managing neurodegenerative diseases, new therapies allowing for a significant slowdown in the progression of neurodegenerative syndromes are constantly being sought. Magnesium (Mg), a crucial mineral necessary for the functioning of organisms, is important to normal central nervous system (CNS) activity. Although the effects of this bioelement on the CNS are relatively well recognized, its role in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in humans is not yet well characterized. Therefore, the main goal of this review is to collect data about a possible association between Mg and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. Hence, the levels of Mg in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, and hair from subjects with AD, PD, and ALS are compiled to detect possible variations in the levels of this mineral in the biological specimens of people with neurodegenerative illnesses. Additionally, the findings from an animal model are summarized to offer the reader a deeper insight into studies on Mg in the context of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Data provided in the present review indicate that Mg, due to its neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-supportive properties, could be a potential therapeutic agent for AD, PD, and ALS. However, more epidemiological studies with standardized methods of dietary assessment and Mg measurement are necessary to recognize its exact role in neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, extensive well-designed clinical trials are also needed to establish definitive therapeutic protocols and optimal dosages, and to ensure long-term safety of this mineral supplementation in AD, PD, and ALS patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity, 2nd Edition)
25 pages, 4041 KiB  
Review
Mechanism of Metal Complexes in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Yi Liu, Jiaying Ma, Qianling Zhang, Yi Wang and Qi Sun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 11873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252211873 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a kind of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by beta-amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles and is also the main cause of dementia. According to statistics, the incidence of AD is constantly increasing, bringing a great burden to individuals and society. Nonetheless, [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a kind of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by beta-amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles and is also the main cause of dementia. According to statistics, the incidence of AD is constantly increasing, bringing a great burden to individuals and society. Nonetheless, there is no cure for AD, and the available drugs are very limited apart from cholinesterase inhibitors and N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists, which merely alleviate symptoms without delaying the progression of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a medicine that can delay the progression of AD or cure it. In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that metal complexes have the enormous potential to treat AD through inhibiting the aggregation and cytotoxicity of Aβ, interfering with the congregation and hyperphosphorylation of tau, regulating dysfunctional synaptic and unbalanced neurotransmitters, etc. In this review, we summarize the current metal complexes and their mechanisms of action for treating AD, including ruthenium, platinum, zinc, vanadium, copper, magnesium, and other complexes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Topics in Metal Complexes: Pharmacological Activity, 2nd Edition)
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