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| Lanthanum complexes demonstrate antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effect, acceleration of tissue regeneration and anesthesia. Photo Credit: Louis Reed |
As a result of the joint work of an international group of scientists from Russia (Ural Federal University), Bulgaria (Medical University, Sofia), and Spain (Complutense University of Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University), a new lanthanum (III) complex with a luminescent triazole ligand has been obtained that is able to selectively regulate the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. The result opens up prospects for the development of new anti-cancer and anti-infective drugs. The interim results of the study were published in the journal Molecules.
“New lanthanum complexes demonstrate a wide range of biological effects such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effect, acceleration of tissue regeneration and anesthesia. In a study that we conducted together with biologists from the Medical University of Sofia, we found out that both lanthanum complexes of La(III) and free organic ligands can affect the level of reactive oxygen species. At the same time, we found that they have a dual effect: in some tests, they act as antioxidants, protecting healthy cells, in others, as pro-oxidants, contributing to the death of tumor cells. This specific focus of action makes them promising candidates for the development of new drugs for cancer,” said Natalia Belskaya, Professor at UrFU Department of Technology pf Organic Synthesis.
ROS are constantly formed in the cells of living organisms as products of normal oxygen metabolism during the redox reactions of the respiratory chain. These extremely active molecules and particles play an important role in cellular physiology, participate in biological processes, and can have both damaging and regulating effects on cellular structures. But with their excessive accumulation, there is a violation of the balance between the formation and removal of ROS. Oxidative stress leads to damage to the components of living cells and contributes to premature aging, inflammation, the development of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, neurological), and the appearance of malignant tumors.
Currently, scientists are conducting chemical and biological research in vitro to create new biologically active substances. The Russian team is engaged in the synthesis of new La(III) ligands and complexes, as well as the study of their chemical, photophysical, and physicochemical properties. Bulgarian colleagues are focused on synthesizing complexes with other metals from the lanthanide group and conducting biological research.
Authors: M. Alcolea Palafox, Lozan T. Todorov, Nataliya P. Belskaya, Javier Álvarez-Conde, Diana Díaz-García, Santiago Gómez-Ruiz, and Irena P. Kostova
Source/Credit: Ural Federal University | Anastasia Pyankova
Reference Number: bmed100525_01
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