Mariana Mitewa

Bio: Mariana Mitewa is an academic researcher from Sofia University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ligand & Denticity. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 138 publications receiving 1395 citations. Previous affiliations of Mariana Mitewa include Bulgarian Academy of Sciences & University of Zagreb.

Copper(II) Complexes of Spirohydantoins. Synthesis, Quantum-Chemical, and Spectroscopic Study

Abstract: A series of new Cu(II) complexes with important physiologically active cycloalkane-5-spirohydantoines are synthesized reacting as a result of CuCl2 · 2H2O interaction with the ligands in alkaline water medium. Their structures were studied using spectroscopic (IR and EPR) methods. For comparison, ab initio calculations of the structure and IR spectra of the corresponding Cu(II) complexes were also performed. It was proven that with cyclopentane-5-spirohydantoins, distorted (flattened) tetrahedral structure is realized Cu(L−H)2(H2O)2, while with the higher cycloalkane-5-spirohydantoins linear Cu(II) complexes of the type CuL−H(OH) are formed.

Cytostatic and cytotoxic properties of monensic acid and its biometal(II) complexes against human tumor / non-tumor cell lines

Abstract: The anticancer activity of monensic acid (MonH) and its biometal(II) complexes [M(Mon) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] (M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) was evaluated against cultured human permanent cell lines established from glioblastoma multiforme (8MGBA) and cancers of the lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), uterine cervix (HeLa) and liver (HepG2). The viability and proliferation of the non-tumor human embryonic cell line Lep3 was also tested. The investigations were carried out using a thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide test, neutral red uptake cytotoxicity assay, crystal violet staining, colony forming method and double staining with acridin orange and propidium iodide. The results obtained reveal that the compounds applied at concentrations of 0.5-25 µg mL -1 for 24-72 h decrease the viability and proliferation of the treated cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The metal(II) complexes studied (especially those of Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) have been found to express stronger cytotoxic and cytostatic activities than the non-coordinated monensic acid. The non-tumor human cell line showed strong chemosensitivity towards compounds tested comparable to that of cultured human tumor cell lines.

Cobalt-Induced Changes in the Spleen of Mice from Different Stages of Development

Abstract: Cobalt(II) accumulates in organs such as spleen, kidneys, heart, and liver. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cobalt ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Co-EDTA) on spleen of developing mice. Pregnant BALB/c mice in late gestation were subjected to Co-EDTA treatment at daily doses of 75 or 125 mg/kg in drinking water, which continued until d 90 of the newborn pups. The newborn pups were sacrificed on d 18, 25, 30, 45, 60, and 90, which correspond to different stages of development. Spleens were excised, weighed, and processed for histological analysis. Spleen index (SI) was calculated as a ratio of spleen weight to body weight. Cobalt(II) bioaccumulation in spleen was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Preliminary results showed that chronic treatment of mice with low- or high-dose Co-EDTA disturbed extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen. The number of megakaryocytes was reduced compared to controls. SI was also reduced in d 18 mice treated with low- or high-dose Co-EDTA. However, exposure to 75 mg/kg led to an increase of SI in all other experimental groups. FAAS analysis revealed significant cobalt(II) accumulation in spleen of treated mice. The Co(II) levels in spleens of d 18 mice were highest compared to other experimental groups, indicating that at this period mice are more sensitive to treatment. Exposure to cobalt-EDTA resulted in accumulation of Co(II) in spleen, altered SI, and hematopoiesis. Immature mice appear to be more sensitive to chronic treatment than adults.