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The search for alternatives to Gd-containing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents addresses the field of Fe(III)-bearing species with the expectation that the use of an essential metal ion may avoid the issues raised by the exogenous Gd. Attention is currently devoted to highly stable Fe(III) complexes with hexacoordinating ligands, although they may lack any coordinated water molecule. We found that the hexacoordinated Fe(III) complex with two units of deferasirox, a largely used iron sequestering agent, owns properties that can make it a viable alternative to Gd-based agents. Fe(deferasirox)2 displays an outstanding thermodynamic stability, a high binding affinity to human serum albumin (three molecules of complex are simultaneously bound to the protein), and a good relaxivity that increases in the range 20-80 MHz. The relaxation enhancement is due to second sphere water molecules likely forming H-bonds with the coordinating phenoxide oxygens. A further enhancement was observed upon the formation of the supramolecular adduct with albumin. The binding sites of Fe(deferasirox)2 on albumin were characterized by relaxometric competitive assays. Preliminary in vivo imaging studies on a tumor-bearing mouse model indicate that, on a 3 T MRI scanner, the contrast ability of Fe(deferasirox)2 is comparable to the one shown by the commercial Gd(DTPA) agent. ICP-MS analyses on blood samples withdrawn from healthy mice administered with a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg of Fe(deferasirox)2 showed that the complex is completely removed in 24 h.

T1-weighted magnetic resonance images of water in the surroundings of a Nafion surface allowed the identification of the presence of a low-mobility zone (LMZ), 60 μm thick, consisting of water mole...

Hyperpolarization-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can be used to study biomolecular processes in the body, but typically requires nuclei such as 13C, 15N, or 129Xe due to their long spin‑polarization lifetimes and the absence of a proton‑background signal from water and fat in the images. Here we present a novel type of 1H imaging, in which hyperpolarized spin order is locked in a nonmagnetic long-lived correlated (singlet) state, and is only liberated for imaging by a specific biochemical reaction. In this work we produce hyperpolarized fumarate via chemical reaction of a precursor molecule with para-enriched hydrogen gas, and the proton singlet order in fumarate is released as antiphase NMR signals by enzymatic conversion to malate in D2O. Using this model system we show two pulse sequences to rephase the NMR signals for imaging and suppress the background signals from water. The hyperpolarization-enhanced 1H‑imaging modality presented here can allow for hyperpolarized imaging without the need for low‑abundance, low‑sensitivity heteronuclei.

The relaxivity of Gd(HP-DO3A) was studied as a function of pH and buffer composition in order to identify the main factors of the observed relaxation enhancement due to the exchange of the coordinated hydroxyl proton. It was established that the paramagnetic relaxation time, T1M, of the coordinated hydroxyl proton is about 50% shorter than that of the protons in the coordinated water molecule. The control of the p K of the coordinated alcoholic -OH moiety in the ligand is fundamental to utilize the proton exchange enhanced relaxivity under physio/pathologic conditions. A new derivative of Gd(HP-DO3A) was synthesized by replacing the -CH3 group with a -CF3 moiety. In this complex, the -OH group becomes more acidic. Consequently, the maximum contribution of the proton exchange to the relaxivity is shifted to a lower pH region with the fluorinated ligand.

Hyperpolarized fumarate can be used as a probe of real-time metabolism in vivo, using carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging. Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization is commonly used to produce hyperpolarized fumarate, but a cheaper and faster alternative is to produce hyperpolarized fumarate via PHIP (parahydrogen induced polarization). In this work we trans-hydrogenate [1-13C]acetylene dicarboxylate with para-enriched hydrogen using a commercially available Ru catalyst in water to produce hyperpolarized [1-13C]fumarate. We show that fumarate is produced in 89% yield, with succinate as a side product in 11% yield. The proton polarization is converted into 13C magnetization using a constant adiabaticity field cycle, and a polarization level of 25% is achieved using 86% para-enriched hydrogen gas. We inject the hyperpolarized [1-13C]fumarate into cell suspensions and track the metabolism. This work opens the path to greatly accelerated preclinical studies using fumarate as a biomarker.

Hyperpolarized fumarate can be used as a probe of real-time metabolism in vivo, using carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging. Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization is commonly used to produce hyperpolarized fumarate, but a cheaper and faster alternative is to produce hyperpolarized fumarate via PHIP (parahydrogen induced polarization). In this work we trans-hydrogenate [1-13C]acetylene dicarboxylate with para-enriched hydrogen using a commercially available Ru catalyst in water to produce hyperpolarized [1-13C]fumarate. We show that fumarate is produced in 89% yield, with succinate as a side product in 11% yield. The proton polarization is converted into 13C magnetization using a constant adiabaticity field cycle, and a polarization level of 25% is achieved using 86% para-enriched hydrogen gas. We inject the hyperpolarized [1-13C]fumarate into cell suspensions and track the metabolism. This work opens the path to greatly accelerated preclinical studies using fumarate as a biomarker.

The Gd(3+)-DO3A-arylsulphonamide (DO3A-SA) complex is a promising pH-sensitive MRI agent. The stability constants of the DO3A-SA and DO3A complexes formed with Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+) ions are similar, whereas the logKLnL values of Ln(DO3A-SA) complexes are 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of the Ln(DO3A) complexes. The protonation constant (log KMHL) of the sulphonamide nitrogen in the Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+) complexes is very similar to that of the free ligand, whereas the logKLnHL values of the Ln(DO3A-SA) complexes are lower by about 4 logK units, indicating a strong interaction between the Ln(3+) ions and the sulphonamide N atom. The Ln(HDO3A-SA) complexes are formed via triprotonated *Ln(H3DO3A-SA) intermediates which rearrange to the final complex in an OH(-)-assisted deprotonation process. The transmetalation reaction of Gd(HDO3A-SA) with Cu(2+) is very slow (t1/2 = 5.6 × 10(3) h at pH = 7.4), and it mainly occurs through proton-assisted dissociation of the complex. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of the La-, Eu-, Y-, and Lu(DO3A-SA) complexes have been assigned using 2D correlation spectroscopy (COSY, EXSY, HSQC). Two sets of signals are observed for Eu-, Y-, and Lu(DO3A-SA), showing two coordination isomers in solution, that is, square antiprismatic (SAP) and twisted square antiprismatic (TSAP) geometries with ratios of 86-14, 93-7, and 94-6%, respectively. Line shape analysis of the (13)C NMR spectra of La-, Y- , and Lu(DO3A-SA) gives higher rates and lower activation entropy values compared to Ln(DOTA) for the arm rotation, which indicates that the Ln(DO3A-SA) complexes are less rigid due to the larger flexibility of the ethylene group in the sulphonamide pendant arm. The fast isomerization and the lower activation parameters of Ln(DO3A-SA) have been confirmed by theoretical calculations in vacuo and by using the polarizable continuum model. The solid state X-ray structure of Cu(H2DO3A-SA) shows distorted octahedral coordination. The coordination sites of Cu(2+) are occupied by two ring N- and two carboxylate O-atoms in equatorial position. The other two ring N-atoms complete the coordination sphere in axial positions. The solid state structure also indicates that a carboxylate O atom and the sulphonamide nitrogen are protonated and noncoordinated.

Commercial Gd-containing complexes are often used as MRI reporters in cellular labeling procedures as they are internalized into endosomes by pinocytosis. A methodology has been applied to assess the relative stability of three commercial Gd contrast agents following cellular uptake in fibroblasts and macrophages. It has been found that the acyclic series of Gd MRI contrast agents are degraded much more rapidly than their macrocyclic analogues, following endosomal internalization into living cells. This helps to explain their causal role in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in renally impaired patients. The methodology has also been applied to assess the fate of Gd-DTPA-BMA-loaded liposomes upon their endosomal internalization. Resistant liposomes prevent the degradation of the complex, whereas liposomes designed to release their payload in the acidic environments show a loss of integrity of Gd-DTPA-BMA analogous to the one observed upon internalization of the free complex.

GdHPDO3A is one of the most used MRI contrast agents (CAs) for clinical use. However, unlike most of the other commercially available Gd-based CAs, only limited information is available on its solution structure and dynamics. 600 MHz high resolution (1)H NMR spectra of nine LnHPDO3A complexes (Ln = Pr, Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) have been recorded at 298 K and neutral pH. Because of the low symmetry of the Ln-chelates, each proton gives rise to a different peak. Despite the very crowded spectra, it is possible to detect the presence of two sets of resonances associated with different isomers in solution in slow exchange in the NMR time scale. In principle, the LnHPDO3A complexes may be present in solution as eight isomeric forms (four enantiomeric pairs) differing in the layout of the acetate arms (Δ or Λ), in the conformation of the macrocyclic ring (δδδδ or λλλλ) and in the configuration of the chiral center (R or S). 1D- and 2D proton NMR spectra were measured as a function of temperature across the Lanthanide series. The data allow identifying the nature of the most abundant isomeric species in solution (e.g., Λ(λλλλ)-R/Λ(δδδδ)-R and their enantiomeric forms Δ(δδδδ)-S/Δ(λλλλ)-S) and their interconversion process. Analysis of the data led us to identify the presence in solution of a third isomeric species, lacking the coordinated water molecule (q = 0), whose population becomes more relevant for the heavier lanthanides (Ln = Er-Lu). Moreover, we have introduced an innovative way of modeling the thermodynamic equilibrium between the various isomeric forms of LnHPDO3A that can be extended to a number of other systems. This analysis enabled us to calculate the molar fractions of the two isomeric forms for GdHPDO3A (χ = 0.7 and 0.30, for SAP and TSAP, respectively). This information has allowed interpreting the slightly anomalous relaxometric properties of GdHPDO3A. In particular, we observed that the temperature dependence of the (17)O NMR transverse relaxation rate of GdHPDO3A, R2, reveals an unusual trend at low temperatures and at high magnetic field strength (>9.4 T). This behavior has been attributed to the occurrence of a very large difference in the rate of water exchange, k(ex), for the two isomeric species (1/k(ex) = τM = 640 ± 35 ns and 8.9 ± 0.5 ns, for the major and minor isomer respectively).

Apoferritin has been exploited to deliver simultaneously therapeutic and imaging agents (loaded into its internal cavity) to hepatocytes as this protein is efficiently taken up from blood by hepatocyte scavenger receptor class A type 5 via the ferritin transporting route. To this purpose the protein has been loaded with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent GdHPDO3A and curcumin, a polyphenolic substance endowed with multiple pharmacological actions, namely: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic. Curcumin and GdHPDO3A loaded apoferritin has been used with the aim to attenuate the thioacetamide-induced hepatitis together with the evaluation by MRI of drug delivery efficiency. Mice pretreated by intraperitoneal administration showed significantly attenuated hepatic injury as assessed by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in plasma and by histology assessment. The encapsulation of curcumin inside the apoferritin cavity significantly increases its stability and bioavailability while maintaining its therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties. Fil: Cutrin, Juan Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas (i); Argentina. Universita di Torino; Italia Fil: Geninatti Crich, Simonetta. Universitã â Di Torino; Italia Fil: Burghelea, Diana. Universitã â Di Torino; Italia Fil: Dastrù, Walter. Universitã â Di Torino; Italia Fil: Aime, Silvio. Universitã â Di Torino; Italia

Novel contrast agent based systems, which selectively visualize specific cells, e.g., neurons in the brain, would be of substantial importance for the fast developing field of molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report here the synthesis and in vitro validation of a Gd(III)-based contrast agent designed to act as an MRI responsive probe for imaging the activity of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) present in neurons. Upon the action of the enzyme, the Gd(III) complex increases its hydration sphere and takes on a residual positive charge that promotes its binding to endogenous macromolecules. Both effects contribute in a synergic way to generate a marked relaxation enhancement, which directly reports enzyme activity and will allow activity detection of GAD positive cells in vitro and in vivo selectively.

The aim of this work is to design and test an MRI probe (Gd-DOTAtyr-gal) able to report on the gene expression of β-galactosidase (β-Gal) in melanoma cells. The probe consists of a Gd-DOTA reporter bearing on its surface a tyrosine-galactose-pyranose functionality that, upon the release of the sugar moiety, readily transforms, in the presence of tyrosinase, into melanin oligomeric/polymeric mixture. The formation of Gd-DOTA-containing melanin oligomers and polymers is accompanied by a marked increase of the water proton relaxation rate. The steps involving the release of the galactose-pyranose group and the formation of the melanin-like structure have been carefully investigated in vitro by relaxometric and UV-vis measurements. Cellular uptake studies of Gd-DOTAtyr-gal by melanoma cells have shown that the probe enters the cells, and it appears not to be confined in endosomal vesicles. Using B16-F10LacZ transfected cells, the fast formation of paramagnetic melanin-Gd(III)-containing species has been assessed by the measurement of increased longitudinal relaxation rates of the cellular pellets suspensions. The in vitro results have been confirmed in in vivo MRI investigations on murine melanoma tumor bearing mice. Upon direct injection of Gd-DOTAtyr-gal, a good contrast is observed after 5 h post injection in B16-F10LacZ tumors, but not in B16-F10 tumors lacking the β-Gal enzyme. Gd-DOTAtyr-gal in combination with tyrosinase introduces a novel approach for the detection of β-Gal expression by MRI in vivo.

Nanomedicine formulations aim to improve the biodistribution and the target site accumulation of systemically administered (chemo)therapeutic agents. Many different types of nanomedicines have been evaluated over the years, including for instance liposomes, polymers, micelles and antibodies, and a significant amount of evidence has been obtained showing that these submicrometer-sized carrier materials are able to improve the balance between the efficacy and the toxicity of therapeutic interventions. Besides for therapeutic purposes, nanomedicine formulations have in recent years also been increasingly employed for imaging applications. Moreover, paralleled by advances in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, nanotechnology, medicine and imaging, several different systems have been developed in the last decade in which disease diagnosis and therapy are combined. These so-called (nano) theranostics contain both a drug and an imaging agent within a single formulation, and they can be used for various different purposes. In this Account, we summarize several exemplary efforts in this regard, and we show that theranostic nanomedicines are highly suitable systems for monitoring drug delivery, drug release and drug efficacy. The (pre)clinically most relevant applications of theranostic nanomedicines relate to their use for validating and optimizing the properties of drug delivery systems, and to their ability to be used for pre-screening patients and enabling personalized medicine. Regarding the former, the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic agents within a single formulation provides real-time feedback on the pharmacokinetics, the target site localization and the (off-target) healthy organ accumulation of nanomedicines. Various examples of this will be highlighted in this Account, illustrating that by non-invasively visualizing how well carrier materials are able to deliver pharmacologically active agents to the pathological site, and how well they are able to prevent them from accumulating in potentially endangered healthy tissues, important information can be obtained for optimizing the basic properties of drug delivery systems, as well as for improving the balance between the efficacy and the toxicity of targeted therapeutic interventions. Regarding personalized medicine, it can be reasoned that only in patients which show high levels of target site accumulation, and which respond well to the first couple of treatment cycles, targeted therapy should be continued, and that in those in which this is not the case, other therapeutic options should be considered. Based on these insights, we expect that ever more efforts will be invested in developing theranostic nanomedicines, and that these systems and strategies will contribute substantially to realizing the potential of personalized medicine.

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful technique for investigating the structure and composition, as well as the physicochemical properties, of foodstuff. NMR-field cycling modality reports about the relaxation times of solvent molecules as a function of the applied magnetic field strength. In the case of aqueous solutions, this methodology is particularly valuable in assessing the interactions of water molecules with paramagnetic and large-size macromolecular systems. (1)H NMR field cycling relaxometry has been used to characterize traditional balsamic vinegars and balsamic vinegars of Modena. It has been found that the longitudinal relaxation time (T(1)) of the water proton resonance is mainly determined by the water molar fraction and the occurrence of dissolved macromolecules and paramagnetic metal ions. Actually, the observed (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion (NMRD) profiles appear markedly affected by the formation of paramagnetic macromolecular adducts. It has been shown that counterfeit specimens can be identified on the basis of the comparison of their T(1) and T(2) (transverse relaxation time) values with respect to the corresponding values of genuine samples. For the latter ones, a relationship has been found that relates the observed T(1) to the age of the vinegar.

A dual-probe optical and magnetic imaging system has been synthesized out of nanometer-sized zeolite L crystals. The zeolite channels contain the optically emitting green pyronine molecules which can be used as fluorescent labels for optical imaging. The surface has been modified by a gadolinium complex which introduces a probe for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The combination of the excellent three-dimensional spatial resolution of MRI with the high sensitivity of optical imaging should lead to a system which overcomes the shortcomings of each individual technology. The system has been characterized by fluorescence microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion (NMRD) spectroscopy. The results obtained show that the probes open up interesting possibilities for imaging based on multiple read outs.

A cyclen-based ligand containing trans-acetate and trans-methylenephosphonate pendant groups, H 6DO2A2P, was synthesized and its protonation constants (12.6, 11.43, 5.95, 6.15, 2.88, and 2.77) were determined by pH-potentiometry and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The first two protonations were shown to occur at the two macrocyclic ring N-CH 2-PO 3 (2-) nitrogens while the third and fourth protonations occur at the two phosphonate groups. In parallel with protonation of the two -PO 3 (2-) groups, the protons from the NH (+)-CH 2-PO 3 (2-) are transferred to the N-CH 2-COO (-) nitrogens. The stability constants of the Ca (2+), Cu (2+), and Zn (2+) (ML, MHL, MH 2L, and M 2L) complexes were determined by direct pH-potentiometry. Lanthanide(III) ions (Ln (3+)) form similar species, but the formation of complexes is slow; so, "out-of-cell" pH-potentiometry (La (3+), Eu (3+), Gd (3+), Y (3+)) and competitive spectrophotometry with Cu(II) ion (Lu (3+)) were used to determine the stability constants. By comparing the log K ML values with those of the corresponding DOTA (H 4DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) and DOTP (H 8DOTP = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylenephosphonic acid) complexes, the order DOTADO2A2PDOTP was found for all the metal ion complexes examined here with the exception of the Ca (2+) complexes, for which the order is reversed. The relaxivity of Gd(DO2A2P) decreases between pH 2 and 7 but remains constant in the pH range of 7pH12 ( r 1 = 3.6 mM (-1) s (-1)). The linewiths of the (17)O NMR signals of water in the absence and presence of Gd(DO2A2P) (at pH = 3.45 and 8.5) between 274 and 350 K are practically the same, characteristic of a q = 0 complex. Detailed kinetic studies of the Ce (3+) and Gd (3+) complexes with DO2A2P showed that complex formation is slow and involves a high stability diprotonated intermediate Ln(H 2DO2A2P)*. Rearrangement of the diprotonated intermediate into the final complex is an OH (-) assisted process but, unlike formation of Ln(DOTA) complexes, rearrangement of Ln(H 2DO2A2P)* also takes place spontaneously likely as a result of transfer of one of the protons from a ring nitrogen to a phosphonate group. The order of the OH (-) assisted formation rates of complexes is DOTADO2A2PDOTP while the order of the proton assisted dissociation rates of the Gd (3+) complexes is reversed, DOTPDO2A2PDOTA. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of Eu(DO2A2P) and Lu(DO2A2P) were assigned using two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D COSY), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), heteronuclear chemical shift correlation (HETCOR), and exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) NMR methods. Two sets of (1)H NMR signals were observed for Eu(DO2A2P) characteristic of the presence of two coordination isomers in solution, a twisted square antiprism (TSAP) and a square antiprism (SAP), in the ratio of ~93% and ~7%, respectively. Line shape analysis of the (1)H NMR spectra of Lu(DO2A2P) gave lower activation parameters compared to La(DOTP) for interconversion between coordination isomers. This indicates that the Ln(DO2A2P) complexes are less rigid probably due to the different size and spatial requirements of the carboxylate and phosphonate groups.

High relaxivity macromolecular contrast agents based on the conjugation of gadolinium chelates to the interior and exterior surfaces of MS2 viral capsids are assessed. The proton nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles of the conjugates show up to a 5-fold increase in relaxivity, leading to a peak relaxivity (per Gd3+ ion) of 41.6 mM(-1) s(-1) at 30 MHz for the internally modified capsids. Modification of the exterior was achieved through conjugation to flexible lysines, while internal modification was accomplished by conjugation to relatively rigid tyrosines. Higher relaxivities were obtained for the internally modified capsids, showing that (i) there is facile diffusion of water to the interior of capsids and (ii) the rigidity of the linker attaching the complex to the macromolecule is important for obtaining high relaxivity enhancements. The viral capsid conjugated gadolinium hydroxypyridonate complexes appear to possess two inner-sphere water molecules (q = 2), and the NMRD fittings highlight the differences in the local motion for the internal (tauRl = 440 ps) and external (tauRl = 310 ps) conjugates. These results indicate that there are significant advantages of using the internal surface of the capsids for contrast agent attachment, leaving the exterior surface available for the installation of tissue targeting groups.

Hydroxypyridinone (HOPO)-based Gd(III) complexes have previously been shown to exhibit high relaxivity, especially at the high magnetic fields that are clinically relevant for present and future clinical use. This is due to more than one coordinated water molecule exchanging rapidly with bulk solvent. These complexes, however, present poor water solubility. Heteropodal complexes which include a terephthalamide (TAM) moiety maintain the high relaxivity characteristics of the HOPO family and have been functionalized with solubilizing substituents of various charges. The charge of the substituent significantly affects the stability of the Gd(III) complex, with the most stable complex presenting a neutral charge. The solubilizing substituent also moderately affects the affinity of the complex for physiological anions, with the highest affinity observed for the positively charged complex. In any case, only two anions, phosphate and oxalate, measureably bind the Gd(III) complex with weak affinities that are com...

The synthesis and relaxometric properties of hetero-tripodal hydroxypyridonate-terephthalamide gadolinium (Gd3+) chelates with differing structural features for probing human serum albumin (HSA) interactions are reported. The Gd3+ complexes are divided into two series. The first series (3−5) features a benzyl derivative connected to the hydroxypyridonate (HOPO) moiety. The second series of complexes (6−10) has the common feature of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) attached to the terephthalamide (TAM) moiety and is nonbenzylated. The water exchange of the complexes is in the fast exchange regime with rates (kex) in the range 0.45−1.11 × 108 s-1. The complexes have a moderate interaction with HSA with association constants (KA's) in the range 0.7−8.6 × 103 M-1. Protein binding results in an enhancement in proton relaxivity from 7.7−10.4 mM-1 s-1 (r1p) to 15−29 mM-1 s-1 (r1pb). It is concluded that the interaction of the complexes with HSA (i) is enhanced by the presence of benzyl groups, (ii) is entropically ...

Two novel mono-PEGylated derivatives of hGRF(1-29)-NH(2) [human growth hormone-releasing factor, fragment 1-29] have been synthesized by regio-specific conjugation of Lys(12) or Lys(21) to a monomethoxy-PEG(5000) chain (compounds Lys(12)PEG-GRF and Lys(21)PEG-GRF). The PEG moiety has been covalently linked at the amino group of a norleucine residue via a carbamate bond. The Lys(12)PEG-GRF regioisomer was found to be slightly less active in vitro than both the unmodified peptide and Lys(21)PEG-GRF. To assess whether the differences in the biological activity of the PEGylated analogues could be related to conformational rearrangements induced by the PEG moiety, the structure of these PEGylated derivatives has been worked out (TFE solution) by means of NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics. Secondary structure shifts, hydrogen/deuterium exchange kinetics, temperature coefficients of amide protons, and NOE-based molecular models point out that hGRF(1-29)-NH(2), Lys(21)PEG-GRF and Lys(12)PEG-GRF share a remarkably similar pattern of secondary structure. All three compounds adopt an alpha-helix conformation which spans the whole length of the molecule, and which becomes increasingly rigid on going from the N-terminus to the C-terminus. Residues Lys(12) and Lys(21) are enclosed in all the compounds considered into well-defined alpha-helical domains, indicating that PEGylation either at Lys(12) or Lys(21) does not alter the tendency of the peptide to adopt a stable alpha-helix conformation, nor does it induce appreciable conformational mobility in the proximity of the PEGylation sites. No significant variation of the amphiphilic organization of the alpha-helix is observed among the three peptides. Therefore, the different biological activities observed for the PEGylated analogues are not due to conformational effects, but are rather due to sterical hindrance effects. The relationship between the biological activitiy of the mono-PEGylated derivatives and sterical hindrance is discussed in terms of the topology of interaction between hGRF(1-29)-NH(2) and its receptor.

Antide is a decapeptide [(N-Ac-D-Nal(1)-D-Cpa(2)-D-Pal(3)-Ser(4)-Lys(Nic)(5)-D-Lys(Nic)(6)-Leu(7)-Ilys(8)-Pro(9)-D-Ala(10)-NH(2)] that acts in vivo as an antagonist of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The conformational behavior of antide has been studied in water, TFE, DMF, and DMSO solutions by means of 2D-NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculations. Antide adopts in aqueous solution a delta-shaped backbone conformation, which is characterized by an irregular turn around residues D-Pal(3)-Ser(4) and by the close spatial proximity of the side chains belonging to D-Nal(1) and Ilys(8) (as many as 17 NOE peaks were detected between these side chains). The side-chain protons of Ilys(8) (especially the H(gamma) ones) present remarkably upfield shifted resonances, because of ring current effects induced by the naphthyl moiety. The upfield shifted resonances of the Ilys(8) H(gamma) hydrogen atoms are strictly characteristic of the water delta-shaped conformation and can be considered as structure markers. The observation of ring current shifted Ilys(8) H(gamma) resonances under different conditions (temperature, pH, solvent) indicates a remarkable stability of the water delta-shaped conformation. Such a conformation is at least partially disrupted in solvent mixtures containing high percentages of organic solvents. TFE can induce a well-defined conformation, which is characterized by an S-shaped backbone conformation. In DMF and DMSO solution, the molecule is basically endowed with a random coil conformation and high fluxionality. Antide fulfills the conformational requirements that are known to play a crucial role in receptor recognition, namely (i) the presence of a turn in the backbone and (ii) the all-trans nature of peptide bonds. In addition, the structural rigidity of antide likely adds a further contribution to the receptor binding affinity.

The reactions of the cluster complexes Os3(CO)9(μ3-η3-C9H7(4-CH3)N)(μ-H)(1), Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C9H5(n-NH2)N)(μ-H) (n = 3, 2, n = 5, 3), Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C9H6(4-C(CH3)2CN)(5-NH2)N)(μ-H) (4), and Os3(CO)9...

The presence of an intramolecular XH···HM interaction between the imine proton donor and the terminal hydride in H(μ-H)Os3(CO)10(HNCPh2) has been investigated by X-ray analysis, NMR and IR spectros...

A previously unexplored class of heterocyclic bidentate chelating groups, 6-carboxamido-5,4-hydroxypyrimidinones (6-substituted-HOPYs), have been synthesized by two routes that provide a flexible entry into this ligand system. These are related to, but distinct from, the hydroxypyridonates and have been characterized in this study as a gadolinium chelating agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. The complex Gd[TrenHOPY] demonstrates high stability and high selectivity relative to other ions of biological interest, such as Zn(II) and Ca(II). These stability constants are comparable to those demonstrated by the previously studied 3,2-pyridinone analogues, however, the 5,4-pyrimidinones are at least an order of magnitude more soluble in water. The proton relaxation properties of Gd[TrenHOPY] in water were measured as a function of magnetic field, pH, and temperature. These results support the description of Gd[TrenHOPY] as a complex with two coordinated water molecules in fast exchange with bulk water. In addition, the influence of exogenous anions and blood serum proteins has been investigated. The favorable contrast agent properties emerging from these studies are discussed.

Diphenylphosphinoethylene methyl sulfide, Ph2PCH2CH2SMe, reacts with [Os3(CO)11(NCMe)] yielding [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)]. Treatment of [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2] with 1 equiv of the P,S ligand initially yields the cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the phosphine and the thioether moieties coordinate to different metal atoms of the metal triangle; addition of two or more equivalents of the ligand yields 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] and [Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)2]. The cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] is metastable and undergoes a slow isomerization reaction at room temperature to form 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the ligand chelates one Os atom. Computational modeling of 1,2- and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] indicates that the two clusters are of similar stability, with the latter isomer being of slightly lower energy. The dynamic behavior of the clusters have been investigated by variable-temperature 13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR, and the kinetics of the isomerization reaction have been measured. The latter indicate that the isomerization proceeds via an associative mechanism which is proposed to involve an intramolecular nucleophilic attack by the coordinated sulfur on an osmium atom. The solid state structures of [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] are reported.

The occurrence of two pathways responsible for the reaction of (μ-H)2Os3(CO)10 with molecular hydrogen has been elucidated by comparing the results obtained from H2/D2 isotopic exchange experiments and para-H2 effects observed in the cluster's 1H NMR spectrum. The most efficient exchange process is based on an associative mechanism that leads to the formation of the elusive (η-*H2)(H)(μ-H)Os3(CO)10 species (*H2 is either a D2 or a para-H2 molecule), which undergoes *H−H elimination. The other pathway (whose efficiency increases with temperature) is based on the dissociation of H2 from (μ-H)2Os3(CO)10 to form the highly unsaturated “Os3(CO)10” moiety, which promptly adds a *H2 molecule, yielding the asymmetrical *H(μ-*H)Os3(CO)10S intermediate (where S is a stabilizing solvent molecule), which releases the S molecule to re-form (μ-*H)2Os3(CO)10.

Reversible anion binding in aqueous media at chiral EuIII and TbIII centers has been characterized by 1H NMR and by changes in the emission intensity and circular polarization following direct or sensitized (365 nm) excitation via an alkylphenanthridinium chromophore. Using a series of heptadentate tri-amide or polycarboxylate ligands, the affinity for CO32-/HCO3-, phosphate, lactate, citrate, acetate, and malonate at pH 7.4 was found to decrease as a function of the overall negative charge on the complex: citrate and malonate bound most strongly, and lactate and hydrogen carbonate also formed chelated ternary complexes in which displacement of both of the metal-bound water molecules occurred, which was confirmed by VT 17-O NMR measurements of the corresponding Gd complexes. The binding of carbonate was studied in particular, and 1H NMR and CPL data were obtained that were consistent with the formation of a complex with a reduced helical twist about the metal center. Monohydrogen phosphate was bound in a...

The solution structure and dynamics of metal-bound water exchange have been studied in a series of diastereoisomeric gadolinium complexes of tetra(carboxyethyl) derivatives of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclodecane. The structures of the (RRRS), (RSRS), and (RRSS) ligands and the Eu, Gd, and Tb complexes of the (RRRR) isomer have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Luminescence measurements on the Eu and Tb complexes revealed an integral hydration state (q = 1) in each case for the Eu isomers, whereas nonintegral values were measured for the (RRRR) and (RRRS) Tb isomers (e.g., [(RRRR)-Tb·1]-, q = 0.60). The ratio of the twisted and regular monocapped square antiprismatic isomers has been measured in solution by 1H NMR for the Eu and Tb complexes and followed the order, (RRRR) > (RRRS) > (RSRS) > (RRSS). Water exchange rates in the gadolinium complexe have been determined by 17O NMR and were fastest for the (RRRR) isomer [τm = 68 ns (298 K)] and correlated very well with the proportion of the twisted square an...

The title compound appears to be present in solution as one major (98%) and two minor (ca. 1% each) isomers. All three isomers contain one bridging and one terminal hydride ligand. However, they differ in the location of the terminal hydride. Proton T1 measurements at variable temperature have allowed the determination of HT−HB distances in each isomer. An estimation of the relative “hydridicity” of bridging and terminal hydrides has been gained by measuring the T1 of 2H(μ-2H)Os3(CO)11, while insights into the terminal/bridging hydride exchange have been gained from 1H variable-temperature NMR.

A complete mechanistic study of the solution dynamics of [Eu(DOTAM)(H2O)]3+ is performed through 1H and 17O NMR variable pressure and temperature studies. An unambiguous understanding of the water exchange was possible thanks to the first 17O NMR observation of the bound water signal on both the M- and m-isomers (M: = 0.113 ± 0.013 × 103 s-1, = 8.3 ± 0.3 × 103 s-1, ΔH⧧ = 53.1 ± 2 kJ mol-1, ΔS⧧ = +8.4 ± 5 J K-1 mol-1, ΔV⧧ = +4.9 ± 1 cm3 mol-1; m: = 8.9 ± 0.6 s-1, = 327 ± 60 × 103 s-1, ΔH⧧ = 44.2 ± 2 kJ mol-1, ΔS⧧ = +8.8 ± 7 J K-1mol-1). The water exchange on m is about 50 times faster than on M, and even though the equilibrium constant K = [M]/[m] equals 4.5, the contribution of m to the overall exchange rate is 90%. These results can be transferred to an aqueous solution since they agree with the overall exchange rate obtained by 17O NMR for an aqueous solution of [Gd(DOTAM)(H2O)]3+. 2D-EXSY and variable temperature and pressure 1H NMR experiments reveal that the interconversion between the M and m isom...

The solution structure and dynamics of metal-bound water exchange have been investigated in a series of lanthanide complexes of primary, secondary, and tertiary tetraamide derivatives of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane. In the gadolinium complexes at ambient pH, water exchange lifetimes (τm) determined by 17O NMR were sufficiently long (19 μs for [Gd·2]3+, 298 K, 17 μs for [Gd·3]3+, and 8 μs for [Gd·4]3+) to limit the measured relaxivity. Direct 1H NMR observation of the bound water resonance is possible for the corresponding Eu complexes at low temperature in CD3CN, and the rate of water proton exchange is about 50 times faster in the twisted square antiprismatic isomer (m) than in the isomeric square antiprismatic (M) complex. The ratio of these two isomers in solution is sensitive to the steric demand of the amide substituent, with m/M = 2 for [Eu·4]3+, but 0.25 for [Eu·2]3+. The slowness of coordinated water exchange has allowed the rate of prototropic exchange to be studied: in basic media deprotonat...

The compartmental ligand H(2)L(A), containing an N(3)O(2) Schiff base and an O(2)O(3) crown like coordination site, has been prepared by reaction of 3,3'-(3-oxapentane-1,5-diyldioxy)bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) with 1,5-diamino-3-azamethylpentane. The formation of a [1+1] macrocycle was inferred by IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. When reacted with the rare-earth hydrate chlorides, LnCl(3).nH(2)O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y), H(2)L(A) or its precursors (template reaction) form the mononuclear complexes [Ln(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3).nH(2)O where the lanthanide ion coordinates the O(2)O(3) crown like site. The solid-state X-ray structures of [Ln(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3).nH(2)O (Ln = Ce, Dy, Lu) have been determined. [Lu(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3).3H(2)O is monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (Z = 4) with a = 15.269(5) Å, b = 11.484(5) Å, c = 19.389(6) Å, beta = 102.85(5) degrees; [Ce(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3).H(2)O and [Dy(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3).H(2)O are isomorphous, space group P2(1) (Z = 2), with a = 10.959(5) Å, b = 16.978(5) Å, c = 9.017(4) Å, beta = 97.73(5) degrees, and a = 10.874(5) Å, b = 16.797(5) Å, c = 9.046(4) Å, beta = 97.86(5) degrees for the cerium and dysprosium complexes, respectively. In the three compounds the metal ion is coordinated in a similar manner by the five oxygens (two phenolic and three etheric) of the cyclic ligand and the nine coordination around the central atom is reached by the oxygen atoms of four coordinated water molecules. Three chlorine ions are present in the asymmetric unit. A detailed (1)H NMR study was carried out in CD(3)OD for both the diamagnetic and paramagnetic [Ln(H(2)L(A))(H(2)O)(4)]Cl(3) complexes in order to compare their structure in solution with that found in the solid state. The quantitative analysis of the paramagnetic proton shifts indicates that the complexes from La to Tm are isostructural, maintain in solution the same type of coordination polyhedron found at the solid state, with the metal ion invariably coordinated in the O(2)O(3) compartment, and present a high degree of stereochemical nonrigidity. In the case of the Lu complex, the decreased fluxionality due to the reduced ionic radius allows the observation of two isomeric species in the (1)H NMR spectrum at low temperature.

Relaxometry and solution thermodynamic measurements show that Gd(H(2,2)-1,2-HOPO) is a good candidate as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-CA). Acidic, octadentate H(2,2)-1,2-HOPO forms a very stable Gd(III) complex [pGd=21.2(2)]. The coordination sphere at the Gd(III) center is completed by one water molecule that is not replaced by common physiological anions. In addition, this ligand is highly selective for Gd(III) binding in the presence of Zn(II) or Ca(II). The symmetric charge distribution of the 1,2-HOPO chelates is associated with favorably long electronic relaxation time T1,2e comparable to those of GdDOTA. This, in addition to the fast water exchange rate typical of HOPO chelates, improves the relaxivity to r1p=8.2 mM-1 s-1 (0.47 T). This remarkably high value is unprecedented for small-molecule, q=1 MRI-CA.

The reactions of ammonia with either Ru3H(μ-H)(μ-CO)(CO)10 (I) or Os3H(μ-H)(CO)11 (II) in CD2Cl2 solutions yield [NH4]+[M3(μ-H)(μ-CO)(CO)10]- (M = Ru, Os). When the reactions are followed at low temperature (183 K) by means of 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy, it is possible to detect the formation of kinetic products which are derived from the addition of an ammonia molecule to a carbonyl carbon atom. In the Ru case ammonia is bonded to the bridging carbonyl carbon atom and maintains its wholeness. In the Os system a carbamoyl moiety is formed by transfer of one hydrogen from NH3 to the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group to form an O−H bond. The NMR observation of the latter functionality is prevented by the occurrence of a fast proton exchange with the excess of free NH3 present. Two isomers of this carbamoyl-containing species can be detected; the structural difference between them is based only on which carbonyl has undergone the ammonia attack.

The structures and intramolecular dynamics of [Ln(EGTA)(H2O)]- (Ln = La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, Yb3+, Lu3+ and EGTA4- = 3,12-bis(carboxymethyl)-6,9-dioxa-3,12-diazatetradecanedioate(4−)) in aqueous solution have been investigated by variable temperature 1H and 13C NMR. The quantitative analysis of the proton hyperfine shifts and considerations about the stereochemical nonrigidity indicate the occurrence of a structural change along the lanthanide series with the crossover between Sm and Eu. Changes of coordination number from 10 to 9 to 8 are proposed to occur across the series. The experimental data from 17O NMR, EPR and NMRD studies for the Gd3+ complex are treated using a self-consistent theoretical model in a simultaneous multiple parameter least-squares fitting procedure (Powell, D. H.; Ni Dhubhghaill, O. M.; Pubanz, D.; Helm, L.; Lebedev, Y. S.; Schlaepfer, W.; Merbach, A. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 9333). An intermolecular dipole−dipole electronic r...

The syntheses of the ligand BOPTA, (4-carboxy-5,8,1 l-tris(carboxymethyl)-l-pheny1-2-oxa-5,8,1 l-triazatridecan13-oic acid; benic acid) and its Gd(III), La(III), and Lu(1U) complexes are reported. Protonation constants for BOPTA have been determined by potentiometry, and the microscopic protonation sequence has been investigated by 'H NMR. The results obtained together with the value of the Gd-BOPTA2- stability constant (log KML = 22.59) show that the complexing properties of the ligand, in comparison with DTPA, are little affected by the presence of the benzyloxymethyl residue in the structure. The solid state structure of Gd-BOPTA disodium salt [C22H2&01 I (H~O)Gd]Na2~/2H20 was determined in a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The structure consists of [C22H2a3011(H20)Gdl2- anions, sodium cations, and water molecules; the space group is Pi (Z = 2), with a = 9.083(6) A, b = 9.469(2) A, c = 16.698(6) A, a = 102.22(3)", = 92.48(4)', y = 102.26(3)", V = 1366(1) A3, and d = 1.84 g/mL. The gadolinium ion adopts a nine-coordinate geometry, which is best described as a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. Eight coordinating sites are occupied by the ligand (three nitrogen atoms and five carboxylate oxygens), and the ninth site is occupied by the oxygen atom of a water molecule. Relaxation studies have shown that in solution also Gd-BOPTA2- has one water molecule directly coordinated to the metal ion. 139La NMR studies on the La-BOPTA2- complex have further supported the view that such complexes maintain in solution the same kind of coordination as found in the solid state for Gd-BOPTA disodium salt. I3C NMR spectra of the diamagnetic La- and Lu-BOPTA2- complexes at various temperatures are consistent with the presence of two couples of isomers interconverting through a dynamic process. Such a process has previously been reported for the parent Ln-DTPA2- complexes.

The water proton longitudinal relaxation rate for Gd-BMA-DTPA was studied at various temperatures and under varied magnetic fields. It was found that a correlation exists between the residence lifetime {tau}{sub M} of the coordinated water molecule in the coordination site on the metal chelate. The Gd(III) result was confirmed by related studies for Dy(III).

The low-temperature limiting NMR spectra ( 1 H and 13 C) of 12 LnDOTA - complexes (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) support the presence in solution of two isomeric forms. The relative abundance of the two isomers changes markedly along the lanthanide series with no apparent trend; NMR data suggest that the structure of the major isomer of LaDOTA - corresponds to that one of the minor isomer of the corresponding Lu 3+ complex

The synthesis of two novel DOTA-like ligands (5a,b) containing a polyhydroxy(benzyloxy)propionamide substituent and their Gd(III) complexes (6a,b) is reported. Debenzylation by hydrogenolysis of the latter complexes in the presence of Pd/C leads to the corresponding derivatives (7a,b) with a primary alcoholic function. Water proton relaxation rates of aqueous solutions of 6a,b and 7a,b strongly suggest that these complexes contain only one water molecule in their inner coordination sphere, as was previously found for the parent DOTA complex

The solid-state {sup 13}C NMR spectra of some substituted iron carbonyl complexes have been analyzed to give values for the carbonyl carbon chemical shift tensor components. It is shown that the lowest frequency tensor component and the chemical shift anisotropy correlate with the degree of bonding asymmetry in double-bridging carbonyl groups, whereas the {sup 13}C isotropic chemical shift does not correlate. The correlations are proposed to form the basis for a method of estimating iron-carbon bond lengths for {mu}{sub 2}-CO groups in this type of complex. 1 table, 4 figs., 30 refs.

The dynamic behavior in the solid state of (C 6 Me 6 )Cr(CO) 3 , (1,2,3-C 6 H 3 Me 3 )Cr(CO) 3 , and (1,2,4,5-C 6 H 2 Me 4 )Cr(CO) 3 has been investigated by means of variable-temperature 1 H spin−lattice relaxation time T 1 measurements and potential energy barrier calculations. Structural characterization at room temperature by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has been carried out. Crystal data: space group P2 1 /n