Damir Suljević

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are characterised by persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, making them harmful to human health and ecosystem stability [1]. Their sources may be natural (e.g...

A novel heterobimetallic ruthenium(II)–gold(I) complex featuring a bridging bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligand was prepared and fully characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a piano-stool geometry around Ru(II) with η⁶-cymene, two chlorido ligands, and one phosphorus atom from dppb, while the Au(I) center adopts a linear P–Au–Cl coordination. Structural integrity in the solution was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while solution behavior was further monitored by variable solvent ³¹P NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, indicating that the organometallic Ru–arene core remains intact, whereas the chlorido ligands coordinated to Ru exhibit partial lability. Complementary characterization included elemental analysis, FTIR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Spectrofluorimetric and FRET analyses showed that Au(dppb), Ru(dppb), and the heterobimetallic AuRu complex bind to BSA with apparent constants of 1.41 × 10⁵, 5.12 × 10², and 2.66 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively, following a static quenching mechanism. In vivo biological evaluation in Wistar rats revealed no significant hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, with only mild and reversible histological alterations and preserved hepatocyte nuclear morphology. Hematological analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in leukocyte populations, suggesting immunomodulatory potential, while elevated serum glucose levels point to possible endocrine or metabolic activity. These findings highlight compound structural stability and intriguing bioactivity profile, making it a promising platform for further organometallic drug development and testing.

Gentamicin (GM) is an antibiotic, and its uncontrolled use is nephrotoxic. Renal proximal convoluted tubules are the major GM targets. Nephrotoxicity in rats was induced by gentamicin, and the protective effects using pomegranate extract were monitored for 15 days. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, PG group (ingested pomegranate fruit extract, PG), GM group (80 mg/kg/day gentamicin) and combined treatment PG-GM and GM-PG. The treatment had been applied for two weeks before hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the particular markers of nephrotoxicity, were analyzed. GM alone caused lymphocytopenia, and granulopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, uricemia, hyperglycemia and high enzyme activities. Therapeutic groups (GM + PG) did not show complete nephroprotection; recovery depended on the period of ingestion, before or after GM administration. Hypobilirubinemia was noted in the GM-PG group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as an oxidative stress biomarker showed high levels in all treatment groups. PM extract fruit alone can have an immunosuppressive effect, increase the number of platelets, and lower the triglyceride values. The preventive use of PG as a dietary product has certain health benefits, but the therapeutic effect in GM-induced nephrotoxicity is moderate. Pomegranate fruit can normalize altered values of hematological and biochemical parameters, depending on the dose and exposure. Simultaneously, excessive use can result in side effects.

Cadmium is a widespread and non-biodegradable pollutant that is dangerous to living organisms. The routes of exposure and doses of pollutants are different, and it is extremely important to assess their toxicity. Three experimental groups received a single treatment of CdCl₂ (15 and 30 mg/kg orally; 15 OR and 30 OR group and 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally; 15 IP group) and one control group (Ctr). The toxic effects of Cd were examined on hematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathological observation of hepatocytes and bone marrow. Leukocytopenia and granulopenia were recorded in 30-OR, and thrombocytopenia in 15-OR and 15-IP. 30-OR causes a decrease in RBC, and 15-IP causes changes in RBC count. Renal markers (CRE and BUN) show a correlation with 15-OR dose, inflammatory marker CRP shows a positive correlation with 15-IP dose, LDH as a biomarker of oxidative stress and CK as a biomarker of membrane damage were significantly increased in all experimental groups. The hepatocyte membrane and the size of the nucleolus have changed in all groups, and the highest degree in 15-IP. Bone marrow hypoplasia was noted with oral doses, and basophilia and an increased number of lymphoblasts and myeloblasts and immature hematopoietic cells with toxic granulations in 15-IP. Single doses of Cd cause serious toxicological changes in blood and tissues. Oral doses cause significant tissue-specific microscopic lesions observed in the liver during histopathology and bone marrow hypoplasia compared with intraperitoneal administration. Intraperitoneal administration shows a strong correlation with renal, inflammatory and stress markers compared to oral administration.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause destructive joint disease and progressive disability. The diagnosis of RA is based on laboratory and clinical evidence, which includes the analysis of inflammatory markers, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Fifty patients diagnosed with RA without methotrexate (MTX) therapy and 50 patients with therapy (MTX, 7.5 mg/week; after three months prednisolone 10 mg/day) were included in this study. After six months of therapy, inflammatory biomarkers, hematological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Inflammatory biomarkers: sedimentation rate (SE), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are significantly lower in the group of patients on therapy compared to patients without MTX therapy. Significant differences were not found for the rheumatoid factor (RF). Significant differences were not found for hematological parameters between the compared groups. Analysis of serum biochemical parameters showed significant differences for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and iron values. In patients without MTX therapy, the incidence of anemia was recorded in 68%, which is significantly higher than the incidence of 32% in patients with therapy. Prescribed therapy has shown effectiveness in the treatment of RA and reduction of the inflammatory process. The success of the treatment depends on the timely diagnosis of RA. Postponement of therapy and late-detected disease prolongs therapy treatment and often requires a combination of several drugs.

CCl₄ causes oxidative injury, fatty degeneration, fibrosis of the liver, renal failure, and even hepatocellular and renal carcinoma. Certain substances have the potential to neutralize the harmful effects of CCl₄, so it will lead to numerous beneficial effects. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant that regulates circadian rhythm and has beneficial effects on organism; tryptophan (TRP) is its precursor necessary for the synthesis of MEL. The aim of the current study was to determine whether MEL and TRP, have protective effects during subchronic application of CCl₄ to the liver and kidneys. Results suggest that CCl₄ led to decrease of total proteins, albumins, globulins, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit; and increase of creatinine, AST, ALT values, and leukocytes. MEL and TRP both showing protective effects on regulation of serum proteins, albumins, globulins, A/G, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. TRP had been shown to have potential in regulation of disbalanced hematological parameters caused by CCl₄. TRP had beneficial effects on hepatocyte morphology in term of beaded chromatin and preserved cell morphology. Overall, oral supplementation of TRP had better protective effects on liver/kidneys compared to MEL.