HNO Release Research Articles

Nitroxyl donating and visualization with a coumarin-based fluorescence probe

Nitroxyl (HNO), the single-electron reduction product of nitric oxide (NO), has attracted great interest in the treatment of congestive heart failure in clinical trials. In this paper, we describe the first coumarin-based compound N-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-6-sulfonamide (CD1) as a dualfunctional HNO donor, which can release both an HNO signaling molecule and a fluorescent reporter. Under physiological conditions (pH 7.4 and 37 °C), the CD1 HNO donor can readily decompose with a half-life of ∼90 min. The corresponding stoichiometry HNO from the CD1 donor was confirmed using both Vitamin B12 and phosphine compound traps. In addition to HNO releasing, specifically, the degradation product 2-oxo-2H-chromene-6-sulfinate (CS1) was generated as a fluorescent marker during the decomposition. Therefore, the HNO amount released in situ can be accurately monitored through fluorescence generation. As compared to the CD1 donor, the fluorescence intensity increased by about 4.9-fold. The concentration limit of detection of HNO releasing was determined to be ∼0.13 μM according to the fluorescence generation of CS1 at physiological conditions. Moreover, the bioimaging of the CD1 donor was demonstrated in the cell culture of HeLa cells, where the intracellular fluorescence signals were observed, inferring the site of HNO release. Finally, we anticipate that this novel coumarin-based CD1 donor opens a new platform for exploring the biology of HNO.

Sixth Ligand Induced HNO/NO- Release by a Five-Coordinated Cobalt(II) Nitrosyl Complex Having a {CoNO}8 Configuration.

Nitroxyl (HNO) and nitroxide (NO-) anion, the one-electron-reduced form of nitric oxide (NO), have been shown to have distinct advantages over NO from pharmacological and therapeutic points of view. However, the role of nitroxyl in chemical biology has not yet been studied as extensively as that of NO. Consequently, only a few examples of HNO donors such as Angeli's salt, Piloty's acid, or acyl- and acyloxynitroso derivatives are known. However, the intrinsic limitations of all of these hinder their widespread utility. Metal nitrosyl complexes, although few examples, could serve as an efficient HNO donor. Here, a cobalt nitrosyl complex of the {CoNO}8 (1) configuration has been reported. This complex in the presence of a sixth ligand [BF4-, DTC- (diethyldithiocarbamate anion), or imidazole] releases/donates HNO/NO-. This has been confirmed using well-known HNO/NO- acceptors like [Fe(TPP)Cl] and [Fe(DTC)3]. The HNO release has been authenticated further by the detection and estimation of N2O using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy as well as its reaction with PPh3.

Real-time visualization of efficient Nitroxyl (HNO) releasing using fluorescence technique

Direct visualization of Nitroxyl (HNO) release is currently not feasible for all chemical and biological systems, limiting the understanding of its biological and pharmaceutical activities. To address this issue, N-hydroxydansylamide was developed as the first fluorescence turn-off HNO donor that efficiently releases HNO with a fluorescence turn-on probe. Under physiological conditions, the HNO release was observed with a half-life of 19.86 min. The decomposition of N-hydroxydansylamide yielded a fluorescent dansyl-based sulfinate species. Specifically, the concentration of HNO released was successfully monitored based on the fluorescence signal with a limit of detection of ~ 0.55 µM. Particularly, HNO releasing can be sensed without any depletion of the HNO source. Finally, cellular imaging was also achieved to demonstrate the HNO release derived from N-hydroxydansylamide. Therefore, HNO release profiles in terms of kinetics, dose, and the site can be monitored through real-time fluorometric analysis or imaging-based studies, providing a novel platform to explore HNO biology.

A tumor-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for HNO and its application to the real-time monitoring of HNO release in vivo.

Nitroxyl (HNO) is a promising regulator for cancer therapy. Here, we develop a tumor-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for HNO and utilize it in the real-time imaging of HNO release in vivo.

Pentacyanoferrate(II) complex of pyridine-4- and pyrazine-2-hydroxamic acid as source of HNO: investigation of anti-tubercular and vasodilation activities.

A pharmacophore design approach, based on the coordination chemistry of an intimate molecular hybrid of active metabolites of pro-drugs, known to release active species upon enzymatic oxidative activation, is devised. This is exemplified by combining two anti-mycobacterial drugs: pyrazinamide (first line) and delamanid (third line) whose active metabolites are pyrazinoic acid (PyzCOOH) and likely nitroxyl (HNO (or NO.)), respectively. Aiming to generate those active species, a hybrid compound was envisaged by coordination of pyrazine-2-hydroxamic acid (PyzCONHOH) witha Na3[FeII(CN)5]moiety. The corresponding pentacyanoferrate(II) complex Na4[FeII(CN)5(PyzCONHO-)] was synthesized and characterized by several spectroscopic techniques, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations. Chemical oxidation of this complex with H2O2 was shown to induce the release of the metabolite PyzCOOH, without the need of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pyrazinamidase enzyme (PncA). Control experiments show that both H2O2- and N-coordinated pyrazine FeII species are required, ruling out a direct hydrolysis of the hydroxamic acid or an alternative oxidative route through chelation of ametal center by a hydroxamic group. The release of HNO was observed using EPR spectroscopy in the presence of a spin trapping agent. The devised iron metal complex of pyrazine-2-hydroxamic acid wasfound inactive against an actively growing/non-resistant Mtb strain; however, itshowed a strong dose-dependent and reversible vasodilatory activity with mostly lesser toxic effects than the reference drug sodium nitroprussiate, unveiling thus a potential indication for acute or chronic cardiovascular pathology. This is a priori a further indirect evidence of HNO release from this metal complex, standing as a possible pharmacophore model for an alternative vasodilator drug.

Mechanistic insights into the in vitro metal-promoted oxidation of (di)azine hydroxamic acids: evidence of HNO release and N,O-di(di)azinoyl hydroxylamine intermediate

HNO is released through a one-electron oxidation of the hydroxamic acid along with the N,O-di(di)azinoylhydroxylamine intermediate.

Synthesis and photochemical studies of 2-nitrobenzyl-caged N-hydroxysulfonamides

Recently, N-hydroxysulfonamides (RSO2NHOH) caged by photolabile protecting groups have attracted significant interest as potential photoactive nitroxyl (HNO) donors. The selectivity of the desired HNO generation pathway from photocaged N-hydroxysulfonamides versus a competing pathway involving O-N bond cleavage is dependent on the specific photodeprotection mechanism of the phototrigger. We present a new class of photocaged N-hydroxysulfonamides incorporating the well-established o-nitrobenzyl photoprotecting group, including a derivative incorporating an additional carbonate linker. Photodecomposition of o-NO2Bn-ON(H)SO2CF3 and the corresponding 2-nitro-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl analog generated the desired HNO and CF3SO2- as a minor pathway, with competing photoinduced O-N bond cleavage to release CF3SO2NH2 as the major photodecomposition pathway. Photolysis of the corresponding -SO2CH3 analogs resulted in O-N bond cleavage only. The presence of the o-nitro substituent was shown to be essential for photoactivity. Photorelease of the parent HNO donor CH3SO2NHOH was observed as the major product upon irradiation of o-NO2Bn-OC(O)ON(H)SO2CH3, with the desired HNO release and O-N bond cleavage occurring as minor pathways. Photoproduct quantum yields for each species have been determined by actinometry. The effect of solvent, pH and air on the mechanism of photodecomposition was studied for o-NO2Bn-ON(H)SO2CH3. The ratio of the solvents in the solvent mixture (CH3CN and phosphate buffer, pH 7.0), the pH of the aqueous component of the buffer, and the presence of oxygen did not affect the amount of each photoproduct and the observed rate constant for O-N bond cleavage. Possible mechanisms for the various pathways are proposed.

Decomposition of Piloty's acid derivatives – Toward the understanding of factors controlling HNO release

The recent interest in the clinical applications of Piloty's acid derivatives as HNO donors for the treatment of cardiovascular system dysfunction has led us to the examination of factors controlling HNO release from selected ortho-substituted N-hydroxysulfonamides. Here we present the kinetic and quantum mechanical studies on the mechanism of HNO release from selected ortho-substituted N-hydroxysulfonamides and in vivo examination of the antiaggregatory properties of N-hydroxy-(2-bromobenzene)sulfonamide complex with sodium salt of β-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ethers-ethyl ethers as compared with Angeli's salt.

Development of Photoactivatable Nitroxyl (HNO) Donors Incorporating the (3‐Hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenyl)methyl Phototrigger

A new family of photoactivatable HNO donors of general structure RSO2NHO‐PT [where PT represents the (3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenyl)methyl (3,2‐HMN) phototrigger] has been developed, which rapidly releases HNO. Photogeneration of HNO was demonstrated using the vitamin B12 derivative aquacobalamin as a trapping agent. The amount of sulfonate RSO2– produced was essentially the same as the amount of HNO released upon photolysis, providing a convenient method to indirectly quantify HNO release. Two competing pathways were also observed; a pathway involving O–N bond cleavage leading to release of a sulfonamide, and a pathway resulting in release of the parent Nhydroxysulfonamide RSO2NHOH (for HNO donors with Me‐ and Ph‐containing leaving groups only). Up to approximately 70 % of the HNO‐generating pathway was observed with the CF3‐containing leaving group, with HNO generation favored for small percentages of aqueous buffer in the acetonitrile/pH 7.00 phosphate buffer solvent mixture. Characterization of the photoproducts obtained from steady‐state irradiation by NMR spectroscopy showed that the desired HNO‐generating pathway was less favored for HNO donors with Me‐ and Ph‐containing leaving groups compared to the CF3‐containing leaving group, suggesting that the excellent CF3‐containing leaving group promotes HNO generation.

A Potential Visible-Light NO Releaser: Synthesis, Reactivity and Vasodilator Properties

The cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-bzpy)(NO)](PF6)3 complex was prepared (4-bzpy = 4-benzoylpyridine), and characterized by UV-visible, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies and electrochemical techniques. The reaction with cysteine was preliminarily investigated, aiming to shed light on the potential biological mechanism for NO or HNO release mediated by thiols. Furthermore, photochemical behavior of cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-bzpy)(NO)](PF6)3 was studied, where it was observed NO release upon ultraviolet, blue and green light irradiations. This latter long wavelength showed still good efficiency, which has not been reported for this type of complex. This feature is very important for a potential application in phototherapy. Additionally, vasorelaxant activity was investigated in rat-isolated aorta. This compound exhibited a greater maximum efficacy than sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a blood vessel relaxant. Nevertheless, the EC50 for SNP (13.3 nmol L-1) was 52-fold smaller than the EC50 for cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-bzpy)NO](PF6)3 (690 nmol L-1). Altogether, these results suggest this complex is a promising NO donor agent deserving further biological studies.

Amphiphilic Copolymers Capable of Concomitant Release of HNO and Small Molecule Organics.

We demonstrate concomitant release of HNO and small molecule organics from amphiphilic poly(norbornene)-based copolymers. This key function was achieved by incorporation of thermally labile oxazine units within random and block copolymer architectures. Upon thermolysis, we observed generation of HNO and release of a small molecule conjugate. Importantly, the release kinetics of HNO and a UV-active small molecule (4-nitroaniline) were found to be 1:1, signifying an ability to monitor HNO production indirectly, or to simultaneously release organic therapeutics (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) along with HNO. To our knowledge, these are the first reported polymeric materials demonstrating HNO release from covalently attached HNO donors.

Rapid Photoactivated Generation of Nitroxyl (HNO) under Neutral pH Conditions.

Directly obtaining kinetic and mechanistic data for the reactions of nitroxyl (HNO) with biomolecules (k≈103 -107 m-1 s-1 ) is not feasible for many systems because of slow HNO release from HNO donor molecules (t1/2 is typically minutes to hours). To address this limitation, we have developed a photoactivatable HNO donor incorporating the (3-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)methyl phototrigger, which rapidly releases HNO on demand. A "proof of concept" study is reported, which demonstrates that, upon continuous xenon light excitation, rapid decomposition of the HNO donor occurs within seconds. The amount of HNO generated is strongly dependent on solvent and the rate of the reaction is dependent on the light intensity.

ChemInform Abstract: Photocontrol of NO, H2S, and HNO Release in Biological Systems by Using Specific Caged Compounds

AbstractReview: 41 refs.

Thiol-Activated HNO Release from a Ruthenium Antiangiogenesis Complex and HIF-1α Inhibition for Cancer Therapy.

Metallonitrosyl complexes are promising as nitric oxide (NO) donors for the treatment of cardiovascular, endothelial, and pathogenic diseases, as well as cancer. Recently, the reduced form of NO– (protonated as HNO, nitroxyl, azanone, isoelectronic with O2) has also emerged as a candidate for therapeutic applications including treatment of acute heart failure and alcoholism. Here, we show that HNO is a product of the reaction of the RuII complex [Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]+ (1) with glutathione or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, using met-myoglobin and carboxy-PTIO (2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) as trapping agents. Characteristic absorption spectroscopic profiles for HNO reactions with met-myoglobin were obtained, as well as EPR evidence from carboxy-PTIO experiments. Importantly, the product HNO counteracted NO-induced as well as hypoxia-induced stabilization of the tumor-suppressor HIF-1α in cancer cells. The functional disruption of neovascularization by HNO produced by this metallonitrosyl complex was demonstrated in an in vitro angiogenesis model. This behavior is consistent with HNO biochemistry and contrasts with NO-mediated stabilization of HIF-1α. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time thiol-dependent production of HNO by a ruthenium complex and subsequent destabilization of HIF-1α. This work suggests that the complex warrants further investigation as a promising antiangiogenesis agent for the treatment of cancer.

Photocontrol of NO, H2S, and HNO Release in Biological Systems by Using Specific Caged Compounds.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that plays various roles in physiological signal transduction, for example, in vasodilation, neural transmission, and biodefence. Recently, other gaseous signal mediators such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have also been found to have important biological activities. Since experimental studies with gaseous mediators are difficult, chemicals that enable controlled release of these gases are indispensable. We have developed a range of photocontrollable releasers that generate NO, H2S, and related species with fine spatiotemporal control, and we have also employed these caged compounds in various applications. This paper briefly reviews our work on photocontrollable NO, H2S, and HNO releasers, and presents some typical applications illustrating the suitability of our compounds for controlled release of these biologically active species in cellular and tissue systems. These compounds also appear to have potential for future therapeutic applications.

Nitrosopersulfide (SSNO-) targets soluble guanylyl cyclase and induces vasodilation in vivo

Background Recent experimental evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide signaling pathways are intimately intertwined particularly in the vasculature, with mutual attenuation or potentiation of biological responses under control of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) / phopshodiesterase (PDE) pathway. There is now compelling evidence that part of the NO/sulfide cross talk has a chemical foundation via the formation of S/N-hybrid molecules including thionitrous acid (HSNO) and nitrosopersulfde (SSNO-). The aim of this study was to characterize the bioactive products of the interaction between sulfide and NO metabolites targeting sGC that may potentially regulate vasodilation. Results We found that the chemical interaction of sulfide with NO or nitrosothiols leads to formation of S/N-hybrid metabolites including SSNO- via intermediate formation of HSNO. Contrary to a recent report in the literature but consistent with the transient nature of HSNO, its formation was not detectable by high-resolution mass spectrometry under physiologically relevant conditions. SSNO- is also formed in non-aqueous media by the reaction of nitrite with oxidized sulfur species including colloidal sulfur and polysulfides. SSNO- is stable in the presence of high concentrations of thiols, release NO, and activates sGC in RFL-6 cells in an NO-dependent fashion. Moreover, SSNO- is a potent vasodilator in aortic rings in vitro and lowers blood pressure in rats in vivo. The presence of high concentrations of SOD or thiols does not affect SSNO- mediated sGC activation, while it potentiates and inhibits the effects of the nitroxyl (HNO) donor Angeli's salt, suggesting that HNO release from SSNO- is not involved in sGC activation. Conclusion The reaction between NO and sulfide leads to fomation of S/N-hybrid molecules including SSNO-, releasing NO, activating sGC and inducing vasodilation. SSNO- is considerably more stable than HSNO at pH 7.4 and thus a more likely biological mediator that can account for the chemical cross-talk between NO and sulfide.

"Catch-and-release" of HNO with pyrazolones.

A new and versatile class of HNO donors, the (hydroxylamino)pyrazolone (HAPY) series of HNO donors utilizing pyrazolone (PY) leaving groups, is described. HNO, the smallest N-based aldehyde equivalent, is used as a reagent along with a variety of PY compounds to synthesize the desired HAPY donors in what can be considered an N-selective HNO-aldol reaction in up to quantitative yields. The bimolecular rate constant of HNO with PY in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer at 37 °C can reach 8 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). In (1)H NMR experiments, the HAPY compounds generate HNO quantitatively (trapped as a phosphine aza-ylide) with half-lives spanning 3 orders of magnitude (minutes to days) under physiologically relevant conditions. B3LYP/6-31G* calculations confirm the energetically favorable reactions between HNO and the PY enol and enolate, whereas HNO release is expected to occur through the oxyanion (OHN-PY) of each HAPY compound. HNO has been shown to provide functional support to failing hearts.

Curtailing the hydroxylaminobarbituric acid-hydantoin rearrangement to favor HNO generation.

Due to its inherent reactivity, HNO must be generated in situ through the use of donor compounds. One of the primary strategies for the development of new HNO donors has been modifying hydroxylamines with good leaving groups. A recent example of this strategy is the (hydroxylamino)barbituric acid (HABA) class of HNO donors. In this case, however, an undesired intramolecular rearrangement pathway to the corresponding hydantoin derivative competes with HNO formation, particularly in the absence of chemical traps for HNO. This competitive non-HNO-producing pathway has restricted the development of the HABA class to examples with fast HNO release profiles at physiological pH and temperature (t(1/2) < 1 min). Herein, the factors that favor the rearrangement pathway have been examined and two independent strategies that protect against rearrangement to favor HNO generation have been developed. The timecourse and stoichiometry for the in vitro conversion of these compounds to HNO (trapped as a phosphine aza-ylide) and the corresponding barbituric acid (BA) byproduct have been determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy under physiologically relevant conditions. These results confirm the successful extension of the HABA class of pure HNO donors with half-lives at pH 7.4, 37 °C ranging from 19 to 107 min.

Analysis of the HNO and NO donating properties of alicyclic amine diazeniumdiolates

Nitroxyl (HNO) donors have been shown to elicit a variety of pharmacological responses, ranging from tumoricidal effects to treatment of heart failure. Isopropylamine-based diazeniumdiolates have been shown to produce HNO on decomposition under physiological conditions. Herein, we report the synthesis and HNO release profiles of primary alicyclic amine-based diazeniumdiolates. These compounds extend the range of known diazeniumdiolate-based HNO donors. Acetoxymethyl ester-protected diazeniumdiolates were also synthesized to improve purification and cellular uptake. The acetoxymethyl derivative of cyclopentylamine diazeniumdiolate not only showed higher cytotoxicity toward cancer cells as compared to the parent anion but was also effective in combination with tamoxifen for targeting estrogen receptor α-negative breast cancer cells.

A Reductant-Resistant and Metal-Free Fluorescent Probe for Nitroxyl Applicable to Living Cells

Nitroxyl (HNO) is a one-electron reduced and protonated derivative of nitric oxide (NO) and has characteristic biological and pharmacological effects distinct from those of NO. However, studies of its biosynthesis and activities are restricted by the lack of versatile HNO detection methods applicable to living cells. Here, we report the first metal-free and reductant-resistant HNO imaging probe available for use in living cells, P-Rhod. It consists of a rhodol derivative moiety as the fluorophore, linked via an ester moiety to a diphenylphosphinobenzoyl group, which forms an aza-ylide upon reaction with HNO. Intramolecular attack of the aza-ylide on the ester carbonyl group releases a fluorescent rhodol derivative. P-Rhod showed high selectivity for HNO in the presence of various biologically relevant reductants, such as glutathione and ascorbate, in comparison with previous HNO probes. We show that P-Rhod can detect not only HNO enzymatically generated in the horseradish peroxidase-hydroxylamine system in vitro but also intracellular HNO release from Angeli's salt in living cells. These results suggest that P-Rhod is suitable for detection of HNO in living cells.