Lavinia Liliana Ruta - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Lavinia Liliana Ruta

Dalton Transactions, 2022

The response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to copper(ii) complexes with Schiff bases containi... more The response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to copper(ii) complexes with Schiff bases containing salicylimine and R/S-methionine moieties is influenced by chirality and the nature and position of the additional substituents on the aromatic ring.

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Jan 11, 2020

A novel series of Cu(II) complexes with formula M(HL n)(ClO 4) 2 •mH 2 O [HL n : 13-membered pent... more A novel series of Cu(II) complexes with formula M(HL n)(ClO 4) 2 •mH 2 O [HL n : 13-membered pentaazamacrocyclic ligand resulted from condensation of N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, l-tyrosine (HL 1)/l-tryptophan (HL 2)/l-phenylalanine (HL 3) and formaldehyde] were synthesized by one-pot method. Techniques such as ESI-MS, IR, UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopy provided data characterizing the complexes as mononuclear species. The course of thermal decomposition was followed using TG/DSC-MS analysis in air atmosphere. The TG curves showed a gradual decomposition in several stages that comprise dehydration, decomposition of perchlorate ions as well as fragmentation and oxidative degradation of the organic part. The intermediates formed after first stage of water elimination are stable on 40, 15 and 80 °C interval for complexes (1), (2) and (3), respectively. The compounds were tested on the eukaryotic unicellular organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, showing variable actions in terms of toxicity, cellular uptake and capacity to alleviate growth defects associated with Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) depletion.

Revista De Chimie, Oct 9, 2008

InTech eBooks, Dec 13, 2017

Metal ions are the least sophisticated chemical species that interact or bind to biomolecules. Th... more Metal ions are the least sophisticated chemical species that interact or bind to biomolecules. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents a versatile model organisms used in both basic and applicative research, and one of the main contributors to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the transport, accumulation, and homeostasis of heavy metals. With a negatively charged wall, the yeast cells are very good biosorbents for heavy metals. In addition to biosorption, the metabolically active cells take up heavy metals via the normal membrane transport systems. Once in the cell, the toxicity of the heavy metals is controlled by various mechanisms, including sequestration by metal-binding proteins, such as the metallothioneins. Metallothioneins are cysteine-rich proteins involved in the buffering of excess heavy metals, both essential (Cu and Zn) and nonessential (Cd, Ag, and Hg). S. cerevisiae has two innate metallothioneins, Cup1 and Crs5, intensively investigated. Additionally, S. cerevisiae served as a host for the heterologous expression of a variety of metallothioneins from different species. This review focuses on the technological implications of expressing metallothioneins in yeast and on the possibility to use these transgenic cells in heavy metal-related biotechnologies: bioremediation, recovery of rare metals, or obtaining clonable tags for protein imaging.

Biometals, Aug 5, 2021

In an attempt to propose new applications for the biomedical field, complexes with mixed ligands ... more In an attempt to propose new applications for the biomedical field, complexes with mixed ligands {[Cu(bpy)2(μ2OClO3)]ClO4}n (1) and [Cu(phen)2(OH2)](ClO4)2 (2) (bpy: 2,2'-biyridine; phen and 1,10-phenantroline) were evaluated for their antibacterial and cytotoxicicity features and for the elucidation of some of the mechanisms involved. Complex (2) proved to be a very potent antibacterial agent, exhibing MIC and MBEC values 2 to 54 times lower than those obtained for complex (1) against both susceptible or resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, in planktonic or biofilm growth state. In exchange, complex (1) exhibited selective cytotoxicity against melanoma tumor cells (B16), proving a promising potential for developing novel anticancer drugs. The possible mechanisms of both antimicrobial and antitumor activity of the copper(II) complexes is their DNA intercalative ability coupled with ROS generation. The obtained results recommend the two complexes for further development as multipurpose copper-containing drugs.

Food Chemistry, 2018

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the main green tea component, is intensively studied for its... more Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the main green tea component, is intensively studied for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects. In the present study, a screen on a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene deletion library was performed to identify conditions under which EGCG had deleterious rather than beneficial effects. Two genes were identified whose deletion resulted in sensitivity to EGCG: FET3 and FTR1, encoding the components of the Fet3/Ftr1 high-affinity iron uptake system, also involved in Cu(I)/Cu(II) balance on the surface of yeast cells. The presence of EGCG in the growth medium induced the production of Cu (I), with deleterious effects on fet3Δ and ftr1Δ cells. Additionally, when combined, physiological surpluses of Cu (II) and EGCG acted in synergy not only against fet3Δ and ftr1Δ, but also against wild type cells, by generating surplus Cu(I) in the growth medium. The results imply that caution should be taken when combining EGCG-rich beverages/nutraceuticals with copper-rich foods.

Elsevier eBooks, 2019

Abstract The benefits provided by energy and sports and energy drinks (SED) are widely recognized... more Abstract The benefits provided by energy and sports and energy drinks (SED) are widely recognized, leading to a continuously increasing popularity of these beverages. SED contain a plethora of ingredients with various pharmacological traits which are more or less studied or understood. Apart from their beneficial effects, many ingredients from SED also raise concern regarding unwanted effects caused by multidose ingestion or by alcohol association. The main goal of this review was to describe the most representative compounds found in SED with a focus on their adverse or side effects, highlighted by recent studies and surveys. This literature compilation provides a comprehensive overview of the neurotransmitters and related compounds, amino acids and peptides, protein supplements, carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners, alkaloids, vitamins, herbal extracts, and electrolytes usually encountered in SED.

Tetrahedron Letters, Apr 1, 2009

In recent years, hypervalent iodine-containing reagents have been successfully utilized to prepar... more In recent years, hypervalent iodine-containing reagents have been successfully utilized to prepare 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, namely iodobenzene diacetate 13 or bis(trifluoroacetoxy)-iodobenzene. 14 Besides these trivalent iodine-based reagents, some pentavalent iodine-containing ...

DANA STAN1, MIHAELA MATACHE2, LAVINIA RUTA2, CONSTANTIN DRAGHICI 3, CRISTIAN DOBROTA2* 1DDS Diagn... more DANA STAN1, MIHAELA MATACHE2, LAVINIA RUTA2, CONSTANTIN DRAGHICI 3, CRISTIAN DOBROTA2* 1DDS Diagnosic SRL, Segovia Str., No. 1, District 3,032032, Bucharest, Romania 2University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018, Bucharest, Romania 3 Romanian Academy, “C. D. Nenitzescu” Institute of Organic Chemistry, 202B Spl. Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania

Nutrients, Jun 28, 2019

Cerebrovascular accidents are currently the second major cause of death and the third leading cau... more Cerebrovascular accidents are currently the second major cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has provided protocols for stroke prevention. Although there is a multitude of studies on the health benefits associated with anthocyanin (ACN) consumption, there is no a rigorous systematization of the data linking dietary ACN with stroke prevention. This review is intended to present data from epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies dealing with the stroke related to ACN-rich diets or ACN supplements, along with possible mechanisms of action revealed by pharmacokinetic studies, including ACN passage through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

ChemInform, Aug 4, 2009

ABSTRACT ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance t... more ABSTRACT ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Molecules

This paper describes the synthesis of new heterocycles from oxazol-5(4H)-one and 1,2,4-triazin-6(... more This paper describes the synthesis of new heterocycles from oxazol-5(4H)-one and 1,2,4-triazin-6(5H)-one classes containing a phenyl-/4-bromophenylsulfonylphenyl moiety. The oxazol-5(4H)-ones were obtained via condensation of 2-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzamido)acetic acids with benzaldehyde/4-fluorobenzaldehyde in acetic anhydride and in the presence of sodium acetate. The reaction of oxazolones with phenylhydrazine, in acetic acid and sodium acetate, yielded the corresponding 1,2,4-triazin-6(5H)-ones. The structures of the compounds were confirmed using spectral (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS) and elemental analysis. The toxicity of the compounds was evaluated on Daphnia magna Straus crustaceans and on the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results indicate that both the heterocyclic nucleus and halogen atoms significantly influenced the toxicity against D. magna, with the oxazolones being less toxic than triazinones. The halogen-free oxazolone had the lowest toxicity, and th...

Gels

Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, giv... more Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, given the potential impact on patients’ quality of life and the limited availability of expensive treatment options. Hydrogel wound dressings offer a promising solution for effective wound care due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to incorporate bioactive substances that enhance the wound healing process. Our study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid hydrogel membranes enriched with bioactive components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We utilized both natural and synthetic polymers and employed a scalable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly production process. We conducted extensive testing, including an in vitro assessment of moisture content, moisture uptake, swelling rate, gel fraction, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate, protein denaturation, and protein adsorption. We evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel membranes through cellular assays...

Pharmaceuticals

The aim of this review is to summarize some of the most recent work in the field of cardiovascula... more The aim of this review is to summarize some of the most recent work in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and therapy, focusing mainly on the role of nanobodies in the development of non-invasive imaging methods, diagnostic devices, and advanced biotechnological therapy tools. In the context of the increased number of people suffering from CVDs due to a variety of factors such as sedentariness, poor nutrition, stress, and smoking, there is an urgent need for new and improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Nanobodies can be easily produced in prokaryotes, lower eukaryotes, and plant and mammalian cells, and offer great advantages. In the diagnosis domain, they are mainly used as labeled probes that bind to certain surface receptors or other target molecules and give important information on the severity and extent of atherosclerotic lesions, using imaging methods such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging (CEUMI), positron emission tomography (PET), ...

Molecules, 2022

In an attempt to increase the biological activity of the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold... more In an attempt to increase the biological activity of the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold through complexation with essential metal ions, the complexes trans-[Cu(mptp)2Cl2] (1), [Zn(mptp)Cl2(DMSO)] (2) (mptp: 5-methyl-7-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine), [Cu2(dmtp)4Cl4]·2H2O (3) and [Zn(dmtp)2Cl2] (4) (dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine), were synthesized and characterized as new antiproliferative and antimicrobial species. Both complexes (1) and (2) crystallize in the P21/n monoclinic space group, with the tetrahedral surroundings generating a square-planar stereochemistry in the Cu(II) complex and a tetrahedral stereochemistry in the Zn(II) species. The mononuclear units are interconnected in a supramolecular network through π–π interactions between the pyrimidine moiety and the phenyl ring in (1) while supramolecular chains resulting from C-H∙∙∙π interactions were observed in (2). All complexes exhibit an antiproliferative effect against B16 tumor ce...

Molecules, 2020

Oleandrin, the main component of Nerium oleander L. extracts, is a cardiotoxic glycoside with mul... more Oleandrin, the main component of Nerium oleander L. extracts, is a cardiotoxic glycoside with multiple pharmacological implications, having potential anti-tumoral and antiviral characteristics. Although it is accepted that the main mechanism of oleandrin action is the inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPases and subsequent increase in cell calcium, many aspects which determine oleandrin cytotoxicity remain elusive. In this study, we used the model Saccharomyces cerevisiae to unravel new elements accounting for oleandrin toxicity. Using cells expressing the Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein aequorin, we found that oleandrin exposure resulted in Ca2+ influx into the cytosol and that failing to pump Ca2+ from the cytosol to the vacuole increased oleandrin toxicity. We also found that oleandrin exposure induced Mn2+ accumulation by yeast cells via the plasma membrane Smf1 and that mutants with defects in Mn2+ homeostasis are oleandrin-hypersensitive. Our data suggest that combining oleandrin with agents ...

Heliyon, 2020

Anthocyanidins – the aglycone moiety of anthocyanins – are responsible for the antioxidant traits... more Anthocyanidins – the aglycone moiety of anthocyanins – are responsible for the antioxidant traits and for many of the health benefits brought by the consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods, but whether excessive anthocyanidins are deleterious to living organisms is still a matter of debate. In the present study we used the model eukaryotic microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to evaluate the potential toxicity of cyanidin, one of the most prevalent anthocyanidins found in berries, grapes, purple vegetables, and red wine. We found that yeast cells lacking the transcription factors responsible for regulating the response to oxidative stress – Skn7 and Yap1 – exhibited different sensitivities to cyanidin. Cells lacking the transcription factor Skn7 were sensitive to low concentrations of cyanidin, a trait that was augmented by exposure to visible light, notably blue or green light. In contrast, the growth of yeast cells devoid of Yap1 was stimulated by low concentrations, but it was im...

Copper is essential for life, but it can be deleterious in concentrations that surpass the physio... more Copper is essential for life, but it can be deleterious in concentrations that surpass the physiological limits. Copper pollution is related to widespread human activities, such as viticulture and wine production. To unravel aspects of how organisms cope with copper insults, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for adaptation to high but subtoxic concentrations of copper. We found that S. cerevisiae cells could tolerate high copper concentration by forming deposits on the cell wall and that the copper-containing deposits accumulated predominantly when cells were grown statically on media prepared with reducing sugars (glucose, galactose) as sole carbon source, but not on media containing nonreducing carbon sources, such as glycerol or lactate. Exposing cells to copper in liquid media under strong agitation prevented the formation of copper-containing deposits at the cell wall. Disruption of low-affinity copper intake through the plasma membrane increased the potential of the ...

Molecules, 2021

Novel complexes of type [Cu(N-N)(dmtp)2(OH2)](ClO4)2·dmtp ((1) N-N: 2,2′-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-... more Novel complexes of type [Cu(N-N)(dmtp)2(OH2)](ClO4)2·dmtp ((1) N-N: 2,2′-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-phenantroline and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) were designed in order to obtain biologically active compounds. Complexes were characterized as mononuclear species that crystallized in the space group P-1 of the triclinic system with a square pyramidal geometry around the copper (II). In addition to the antiproliferative effect on murine melanoma B16 cells, complex (1) exhibited low toxicity on normal BJ cells and did not affect membrane integrity. Complex (2) proved to be a more potent antimicrobial in comparison with (1), but both compounds were more active in comparison with dmtp—both against planktonic cells and biofilms. A stronger antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect was noticed against the Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies indicat...