A Metallo Pro-Drug to Target Cu II in the Context of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease and oxidative stress are connected. In the present communication, we report the use of a Mn -based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic ([Mn (L)] , 1 ) as a pro-drug candidate to target Cu -associated events, namely, Cu -induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide aggregation. Complex 1 is able to remove Cu from Aβ, stop ROS and prevent alteration of Aβ aggregation as would do the corresponding free ligand LH. Using 1 instead of LH in further biological applications would have the double advantage to avoid the cell toxicity of LH and to benefit from its proved SOD-like activity.