Terpyridine platinum (TP)-based chemotherapeutic agents target three-dimensional structures on DNA known as G-quadruplexes. We report the rational design and synthesis of a TP conjugate combined with copper-64 ( 64 Cu), the decay characteristics of which include emission of β − and Auger electrons for radiotherapy and β + particles for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The present experimental studies show that the novel [ 64 Cu]Cu−1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7triacetic acid (NOTA)−TP is stable, permitting selective killing of cancer cells. The antitumor activity of [ 64 Cu]Cu−NOTA−TP at high apparent molar activity is in the low nanomolar range and 27,800-fold greater than that of nat Cu−NOTA−TP at 24 h post treatment. These results suggest that this combination of a cytotoxic TP agent with 64 Cu has considerable potential for cancer treatment and PET imaging.

Maximum benefits of chemoradiation therapy with platinum-based compounds are expected if the radiation and the drug are localized simultaneously in cancer cells. To optimize this concomitant effect, we developed the novel chemoradiotherapeutic agent [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP by conjugating, via a short flexible alkyl chain spacer (C3), a terpyridine platinum (TP) moiety to a NOTA chelator complexed with copper-64 (64Cu). The decay of 64Cu produces numerous low-energy electrons, enabling the 64Cu-conjugate to deliver radiation energy close to TP, which intercalates into G-quadruplex DNA. Accordingly, the in vitro internalization kinetic and the cytotoxic activity of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP and its derivatives were investigated with colorectal cancer (HCT116) and normal human fibroblast (GM05757) cells. Radiolabeling by 64Cu results in a >55,000-fold increase of cytotoxic potential relative to [NatCu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP at 72 h post administration, indicating a large additive effect between 64Cu and the TP drug. The internalization and nucleus accumulation of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP in the HCT116 cells were, respectively, 3.1 and 6.0 times higher than that for GM05757 normal human fibroblasts, which is supportive of the higher efficiency of the [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP for HCT116 cancer cells. This work presents the first proof-of-concept study showing the potential use of the [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-C3-TP conjugate as a targeted chemoradiotherapeutic agent to treat colorectal cancer.

IntroductionHuman serum albumin (HSA) is a critical protein in human blood plasma, which can be highly damaged by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to analyze modifications of this protein after oxidation using a Fenton system.MethodsIn this 2015 experiment, different ratios of Fenton reagent (Fe2+/H2O2) was incubated with one concentration of human serum albumin (1mg/ml). Hence, HSA was incubated 30 min with various combinations of a Fenton system and quantified oxidation products such as carbonyl groups, fragmentations, degradations, and oxidized free thiol group using reliable techniques. Image and data analysis were carried out using ImageJ software and Excel (version 2007), respectively.ResultsAn SDS-PAGE profile showed no cross link and aggregation. However, protein band intensity has decreased to 50% in the highest ratio of H2O2/Fe. Carbonylation assay indicated carbonyl/protein (molc/molp) ratio increased linearly in lower ratios and the values plateau at higher levels of H2O2/Fe 2+. The only free sulfhydryl group on HSA was oxidized in all ratios of the Fenton system.ConclusionTo sum, the structure of HSA has been changed following treatment with Hydroxyl Radical as the main product of Fenton reaction. These data confirm the antioxidant activity of HSA.

IntroductionRadiosensitivity is an inherent trait, associated with a raised reaction to ionizing radiation on the human body. In radiotherapy and radiation protection fields, individualization of the patient’s treatment is one of the main topics. With the goal of determining biomarkers capable of anticipating normal tissue side reactions, we studied the association between the Rh factor and radiosensitivity.MethodsThis experimental study was carried out from January to June 2014 among 50 normal responders with A blood group (25Rh+ and 25Rh−) between the ages of 22 and 23 in Babol, Iran. Human peripheral blood samples were taken from subjects and, using CBMN assay, the biological effects of gamma irradiation, including the frequency of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear division index (NDI), were measured. A data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18 to determine the independent and paired samples t-tests.ResultsA significant increment occurred in the frequency of MN in group Rh+ (196 ± 18.23) compared with Rh- (169 ± 17.11) following irradiation (p<0.001).ConclusionsThe Rh factor might be a predicting marker in an individual’s radiosensitivity to ionizing radiations. However, we believe that additional investigations are needed to prove this hypothesis.

To overcome resistance to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, we propose to validate in vivo a novel terpyridine-platinum (TP) compound radiolabeled with the radio-theranostic isotope 64Cu. In vivo stability, biodistribution, PET imaging, tumor growth delay, toxicity and dosimetry of [64Cu]NOTA-C3-TP were determined. The current experimental studies show that [64Cu]NOTA-C3-TP is stable in vivo, rapidly eliminated by the kidneys and has a promising tumor uptake ranging from 1.8 ± 0.4 to 3.0 ± 0.2 %ID/g over 48 h. [64Cu]NOTA-C3-TP retarded tumor growth by up to 6 ± 2.0 days and improved survival relative to vehicle and non-radioactive [NatCu]NOTA-C3-TP over 17 days of tumor growth observation. This effect was obtained with only 0.4 nmol i.v. injection of [64Cu]NOTA-C3-TP, which delivers 3.4 ± 0.3 Gy tumoral absorbed dose. No evidence of toxicity, by weight loss or mortality was revealed. These findings confirm the high potential of [64Cu]NOTA-TP as a novel radio-theranostic agent.