The metal-organic frameworks of the formula Ln(bta)ÁnH 2 O where n = 3, 4, 5 or 6; bta = benzene-1,3,5triacetate ion: [C 9 H 9 (COO) 3 ] 3-; Ln = La(III), Nd(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), Ho(III), Tm(III), Lu(III) were synthesized by the reaction of LnCl 3 ÁxH 2 O with ammonium salt of H 3 bta acid in water solution. Insoluble water compounds crystallize in the monoclinic or triclinic crystal system, and they are stable up to 30°C. When heated, they decompose up to 160-200°C in two stages to stable anhydrous compounds. The dehydrated compounds Ln(bta) are still crystalline and stable up to about 350°C. When heated above 350°C, they undergo decomposition where the intermediate products are Ln 2 O 2 CO 3 or Tb 4 O 6 CO 3 and the residues are: Ln 2 O 3 or Tb 4 O 7. The interpretation of IR spectra of title compounds was made taking into consideration the experimental and theoretical wavenumbers obtained for H 3 bta specie. The XPS spectra of H 3 bta and its complexes were recorded. The way of metal-carboxylate group of ligand coordination was discussed. This work presents the results of the XPS analyses, which allowed to determine the binding energies (E b) for the main lines of Ln3d, Ln4d, Ln5p, C1s, O1s spectra, spin-orbital splitting and full width at half maximum complexes.

No abstract

The removal of uremic toxins from patients with acute kidney injury is a key issue in improving the quality of life for people requiring peritoneal dialysis. The currently utilized method for the removal of uremic toxins from the human organism is hemodialysis, performed on semipermeable membranes where the uremic toxins, along with small molecules, are separated from proteins and blood cells. In this study, we describe a mixed-linker modulated synthesis of zirconium-based metal−organic frameworks for efficient removal of uremic toxins. We determined that the efficient adsorption of uremic toxins is achieved by optimizing the ratio between −amino functionalization of the UiO-66 structure with 75% of −NH 2 groups within organic linker structure. The maximum adsorption of hippuric acid and 3-indoloacetic acid was achieved by UiO-66-NH 2 (75%) and by UiO-66-NH 2 (75%) 12.5% HCl prepared by modulated synthesis. Furthermore, UiO-66-NH 2 (75%) almost completely adsorbs 3-indoloacetic acid bound to bovine serum albumin, which was used as a model protein to which uremic toxins bind in the human body. The high adsorption capacity was confirmed in recyclability test, which showed almost 80% removal of 3-indoloacetic acid after the third adsorption cycle. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity tests as well as hemolytic activity assay have proven that the UiO-66-based materials can be considered as potentially safe for hemodialytic purposes in living organisms.

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is a simple coumarin from botanical drugs of Artemisia species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Génépi liquor. However, its bioavailability to the brain and potential central effects remain unexplored. We profiled the neuropharmacological effects of scoparone upon acute and subchronic intraperitoneal administration (2.5–25 mg/kg) in Swiss mice and determined its brain concentrations and its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and related lipids using LC–ESI–MS/MS. Scoparone showed no effect in the forced swimming test (FST) but, administered acutely, led to a bell-shaped anxiogenic-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze test and bell-shaped procognitive effects in the passive avoidance test when given subchronically and acutely. Scoparone rapidly but moderately accumulated in the brain (Cmax < 15 min) with an apparent first-order elimination (95% eliminated at 1 h). Acute scoparone administration (5 mg/kg) significantly increased brain arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in the FST. Conversely, subchronic scoparone treatment (2.5 mg/kg) decreased NAEs and increased 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Scoparone differentially impacted ECS lipid remodeling in the brain independent of serine hydrolase modulation. Overall, the unexpectedly potent central effects of scoparone observed in mice could have toxicopharmacological implications for humans.

Bergapten is a furanocoumarin naturally occurring in the Apiaceae family and it is a well-known photosensitizing agent used in photochemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the influence of bergapten on cognitive function and mechanism underlying these effects in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in male Swiss mice. The passive avoidance test was used to evaluate the efficiency of memory acquisition and consolidation. The results demonstrated that both single and repeated administration of bergapten improved not only the acquisition but also consolidation of memory. The behavioral tests showed that bergapten prevented memory impairment induced by administration of scopolamine. Observed effects may result from the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Also, bergapten caused significant anti-oxidative effects. These new findings provide pharmacological and biochemical support for the development of the coumarin’s potential in cognitive deficits.