In vitro and in silico study of the biological activity of tetradentate Schiff base copper(II) complexes with ethylenediamine-bridge.

The biological activity of six structurally similar tetradentate Schiff base copper(II) complexes, namely [Cu(ethylenediamine-bis-acetylacetonate)] (CuAA) and five derivatives where two methyl groups are replaced by phenyl, (CuPP), CF3 (CuTT) or by mixed groups CH3/CF3 (CuAT), Ph/CF3 (CuPT), and Ph/CH3 (CuAP) has been investigated. The set of antioxidant assays was performed, and the results were expressed as IC50 and EC50 values. The series of complexes showed interesting bioactivity and were investigated for the determination of antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. A significant antioxidant behavior was exhibited by complex CuAA, greater than Trolox in the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Antibacterial assay over Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains and some fungal pathogens were studied. Antiproliferative activity of complexes in two human tumor cell lines, breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7, colon adenocarcinoma LS-174, and normal fibroblast cells-MRC-5, examined the effect on cell cycle progression. The significant cytotoxic potential, comparable to cisplatin cytotoxicity, was determined in human breast cancer cell line-MCF-7 with IC50 values being 17.53-31.40 µM and human colon cancer cell line-LS-174 with IC50 values being 15.22-23.92 µM. All tested compounds showed nearly twice more selectivity toward cancer cell lines than normal cells. The interactions of complexes with human serum albumin (HSA), the most prominent protein in plasma, were investigated using spectroscopic fluorescence techniques. The complexes bind to human serum albumin at multiple sites (n = 0.2-1.9), displaying a moderate binding constant Ka = 4.1-12.4 × 104 M-1. The molecular docking experiment effectively showed complex binding to HSA and DNA molecular fragments.

Cytotoxicity profiling of choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents.

This study aims to examine in detail for the first time the cytotoxic profile of twelve choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (NADES) against HT-29, Caco-2, MCF-7, and MRC-5 cell lines. All NADES systems were synthesized by microwave synthesis using choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and selected sugars, alcohols, organic acids, and urea as hydrogen bond donors (HBD) with the addition of 20% water (w/w) to all systems. It was observed that the cytotoxic effect predominantly depended on the structure of HBD. Acidic systems, where HBDs were organic acids showed the highest cytotoxic effects in all investigated cell lines. The cytotoxicity depended mostly on the concentration of the NADES system in the cell medium as well as on the chemical constitution of the investigated systems. The highest cytotoxic effects showed acidic systems, especially to the HT-29 cell line. The EC50 value for the citric acid-based system was 3.91 mg mL-1 for the HT-29 cell line which was the most vulnerable to acidic NADES systems.

Tumor selective Ru(III) Schiff bases complexes with strong in vitro activity toward cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Novel ruthenium(III) complexes of general formula Na[RuCl2(L1-3-N,O)2] where L(1-3) denote deprotonated Schiff bases (HL1-HL3) derived from 5-substituted salicyladehyde and alkylamine (propyl- or butylamine) were prepared and characterized based on elemental analysis, mass spectra, infrared, electron spin/paramagnetic resonance (ESR/EPR) spectroscopy, and cyclovoltammetric study. Optimization of five isomers of complex C1 was done by DFT calculation. The interaction of C1-C3 complexes with DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and BSA (Bovine serum albumin) was investigated by electron spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching. The cytotoxic activity of C1-C3 was investigated in a panel of four human cancer cell lines (K562, A549, EA.hy926, MDA-MB-231) and one human non-tumor cell line (MRC-5). Complexes displayed an apparent cytoselective profile, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range from 1.6 ± 0.3 to 23.0 ± 0.1 µM. Cisplatin-resistant triple-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 displayed the highest sensitivity to complexes, with Ru(III) compound containing two chlorides and two deprotonated N-propyl-5-chloro-salicylidenimine (hereinafter C1) as the most potent (IC50 = 1.6 µM), and approximately ten times more active than cisplatin (IC50 = 21.9 µM). MDA-MB-231 cells treated for 24 h with C1 presented with apoptotic morphology, as seen by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, while 48 h of treatment induced DNA fragmentation, and necrotic changes in cells, as seen by flow cytometry analysis. Drug-accumulation study by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) demonstrated markedly higher intracellular accumulation of C1 compared with cisplatin.

Exploring heterometallic bridged Pt(II)-Zn(II) complexes as potential antitumor agents.

The four novel complexes [{cis-PtCl(NH3)2(µ-4,4'-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy)}](ClO4)2 (C1), [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2(µ-4,4'-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy)}](ClO4)2 (C2), [{cis-PtCl(NH3)2(µ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy)}](ClO4)2 (C3) and [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2(µ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy)}](ClO4)2 (C4) (where terpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) were synthesized and characterized. Acid-base titrations and concentration dependent kinetic measurements for the reactions with biologically relevant ligands such as guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), inosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-IMP) and glutathione (GSH), were studied at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The binding of the heterometallic bridged cis- or trans-Pt(II)-Zn(II) complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was studied by UV absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy and molecular docking. The results indicated that the complexes bind strongly to DNA, through groove binding, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic or electrostatic interaction. The possible in vitro DNA protective effect of cis- and trans-Pt-L-Zn complexes has shown that C3 had significant dose-dependent DNA-protective effect and the same ability to inhibit peroxyl as well as hydroxyl radicals. Antiproliferative effect of the complexes, mRNA expression of apoptosis and repair-related genes after treatment in cancer cells indicated that newly synthesized C2 exhibited highly selective cytotoxicity toward colon carcinoma HCT116 cells. Only treatment with trans analog C2 induced effect similar to the typical DNA damaging agent such as cisplatin, characterized by p53 mediated cell response, cell cycle arrest and certain induction of apoptotic related genes. Both cis- and trans-isomers C1 and C2 showed potency to elicit expression of PARP1 mRNA and in vitro DNA binding.

Enriching Chemical Space of Bioactive Scaffolds by New Ring Systems: Benzazocines and Their Metal Complexes as Potential Anticancer Drugs.

The search for new scaffolds of medicinal significance combined with molecular shape enhances their innovative potential and continues to attract the attention of researchers. Herein, we report the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization (1H and 13C NMR, UV-vis, IR), ESI-mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of a new ring system of medicinal significance, 5,6,7,9-tetrahydro-8H-indolo[3,2-e]benzazocin-8-one, and a series of derived potential ligands (HL1-HL5), as well as ruthenium(II), osmium(II), and copper(II) complexes (1a, 1b, and 2-5). The stability of compounds in 1% DMSO aqueous solutions has been confirmed by 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy measurements. The antiproliferative activity of HL1-HL5 and 1a, 1b, and 2-5 was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity tests against four cancer cell lines (LS-174, HCT116, MDA-MB-361, and A549) and one non-cancer cell line (MRC-5). The lead compounds HL5 and its copper(II) complex 5 were 15× and 17×, respectively, more cytotoxic than cisplatin against human colon cancer cell line HCT116. Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay showed dominant apoptosis inducing potential of both compounds after prolonged treatment (48 h) in HCT116 cells. HL5 and 5 were found to induce a concentration- and time-dependent arrest of cell cycle in colon cancer cell lines. Antiproliferative activity of 5 in 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model of cancer cells (HCT116, LS-174) superior to that of cisplatin was found. Moreover, HL5 and 5 showed notable inhibition potency against glycogen synthase kinases (GSK-3α and GSK-3ß), tyrosine-protein kinase (Src), lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (Lck), and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk2 and Cdk5) (IC50 = 1.4-6.1 µM), suggesting their multitargeted mode of action as potential anticancer drugs.

Drug combination study of novel oxorhenium(V) complexes.

Three Re(V) complexes of structural formulas [ReOCl2L(PPh3)], where L is pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (C1), 3-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (C2) and 6-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (C3) were synthesized and characterized using NMR, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Crystal structures of all three complexes have been additionally confirmed by X-ray analysis. The biological activity has been investigated in the panel of tumor cell lines A549, PANC-1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, LS-174, EAhy.926 and one in non-tumor cell line MRC-5. Only C1 showed dose-dependent cytotoxic potential, particularly toward triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 with IC50 68.90 ± 1.73 µM and pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells PANC-1 with IC50 69.84 ± 2.3 µM. Both cell lines are characterized by a highly invasive and resistant phenotype. Drug combination studies in PANC-1 cells with C1 and Verapamil hydrochloride (VRP), which is the established inhibitor of efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp), revealed enhancement of antiproliferative action of the complex in a dose-dependent manner, and slight arrest of cell cycle in the S phase. Also, a depletion of the glutathione (GSH) level by L-buthionine-sulfoximine (L-BSO) at sub-toxic concentrations (100 µM) caused an increase of activity of C1 to the IC50 57.67 ± 6.51 (µM). A morphological analysis in PANC-1 cells by dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, revealed apoptotic potential of complex C1 and a slower kinetic of cell death induction, suggesting a different mechanism of action compared to cisplatin.

Synthesis, chemical characterization, PARP inhibition, DNA binding and cellular uptake of novel ruthenium(II)-arene complexes bearing benzamide derivatives in human breast cancer cells.

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) showed remarkable clinical efficacy in BRCA-mutated tumors. Based on the rational drug design, derivatives of PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), 2-amino-4-methylbenzamide (L1) and 3-amino-N-methylbenzamide (L2), were coordinated to the ruthenium(II) ion, to form potential drugs affecting DNA and inhibiting PARP enzyme. The four conjugated complexes of formula: C1 [(ƞ6-toluene)Ru(L1)Cl]PF6, C2 [(ƞ6-p-cymene)Ru(L1)Cl]PF6, C3 [(ƞ6-toluene)Ru(L2)Cl2] and C4 [(ƞ6-p-cymene)Ru(L2)Cl2], have been synthesized and characterized. Colorimetric 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed the highest antiproliferative activity of C1 in HCC1937, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Efficiency of inhibition of PARP-1 enzymatic activity in vitro decreased in order: C2 > C4 > 3-AB>C1 > C3. ICP-MS study of intracellular accumulation and distribution in BRCA1-mutated HCC1937 revealed that C1-C4 entered cells within 24 h. The complex C1 showed the highest intracellular accumulation, nuclear-targeting properties, and exhibited the highest DNA binding (39.2 ±â€¯0.6 pg of Ru per µg of DNA) that resulted in the cell cycle arrest in the S phase.

Antitumor activity of organoruthenium complexes with chelate aromatic ligands, derived from 1,10-phenantroline: Synthesis and biological activity.

The monocationic chloro complexes containing chelating N∩N ligands: [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(L1-4)Cl]+ (1-4), where L1 = 4-methyl-1,10-phenantroline, L2 = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, L3 = 11-chloro-dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, L4 = 11-nitro-dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine; p-cymene = 1-methyl-4-isopropylbenzene) have been prepared and characterized as the hexafluorophosphate salts. The biological activity of 1-4 has been investigated in selected 2D monolayer cell cultures (A549, PANC-1, MDA-MB-231, MRC-5). All investigated ruthenium complexes showed similar or even better cytotoxicity to cisplatin. However, there was no significant reduction in growth of PANC-1 cells in a 3D cell culture of multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) after treatment with 2-4, while the cisplatin treatment induced retardation in MCTS growth. Flow cytometry analysis of the cell cycle of PANC-1 cells shows that 3 caused changes of cell cycle phase distribution characterized by slight accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase. Absence of the Sub-G1 phase in the cell cycle of the treated cells indicated that there was no fragmentation of DNA for the analyzed time intervals (48 and 72 h treatment). Fluorescent microscopy, after acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, revealed that the investigated ruthenium complexes induced some characteristics of apoptotic morphology (shrinking and condensation of chromatin) with notably preserved integrity of the plasma membrane. Investigation of cellular uptake and DNA - fraction accumulation performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in PANC-1 cells with equimolar concentrations (5 µM) of 2-4 and cisplatin showed more efficient cellular uptake and DNA - fraction accumulation of complex 3 compared to complexes 2 and 4.

A Brief Guide to Performing Pharmacological Studies In Vitro: Reflections from the EORTC-PAMM Course "Preclinical and Early-phase Clinical Pharmacology".

One aim of cell-based in vitro assays is to identify the best drug candidate to develop using the best tumor cell model. This is challenging in every anticancer drug discovery process. Briefly, we summarize the parameters to be taken into account when performing in vitro cell assays, in order to obtain reliable and reproducible results, which was fundamentally discussed by lecturers at the educational course on preclinical and early-phase clinical pharmacology studies, at the 40th Winter Meeting of the Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanisms Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Moreover, specific cellular sensitivity tests are described. In addition to monolayer in vitro cell models for the screening of new potential candidate drugs, three-dimensional tumor/cell tissue models are emerging as new pre-clinical tools that more closely reflect the in vivo microenvironment. Therefore, the use of different in vitro models for drug screening can enhance the predictability and reliability of pre-clinical drug-discovery phases and target validation.

New organoruthenium compounds with pyrido[2',3':5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1, 10]phenanthroline: synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, and investigation of mechanism of action.

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes with pyrido[2',3':5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1, 10]phenanthroline (ppf) of general formula: C1 ([(ƞ6-benzene)Ru(ppf)Cl]PF6, C2 ([(ƞ6-toluene)Ru(ppf)Cl]PF6) and C3 ([(ƞ6-p-cymene)Ru(ppf)Cl]PF6) have been synthesized. The structures of complexes were determined by elemental analysis, IR, ESI-MS, as well as with 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activity has been evaluated in three different human neoplastic cell lines (A549, A375, LS 174T) and in one human non-tumor cell line (MRC-5), by the MTT assay. Complexes C1-C3 showed IC50 values in the micromolar range below 100 µM. Complex C3, carrying ƞ6-p-cymene as the arene ligand, exhibited cytoselective activity toward human malignant melanoma A375 cells (IC50 = 15.8 ± 2.7 µM), and has been selected for further analyses of its biological effects. Drug-accumulation study performed in the A375 cells disclosed that C3 possess lower ability of entering the cells compared to cisplatin and distributes approximately equally in the cytosol and membrane/organelle fraction of cells. Investigations in the 3D model of A375 cells, disclosed different effects of the complex C3 and cisplatin on growth of multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs). While the size of cisplatin-treated MCTSs decreased with time, MCTSs treated with C3 continued to growth. Differences in structural organization and biological activity of this type of ruthenium(II)-arene complexes versus cisplatin in A375 malignant melanoma cells pointed out their different modes of action, and necessity for further biological studies and optimizations for potential applications.

In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Platinum(II/IV) Complexes with Diisoamyl Ester of (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoic Acid.

AIMS: Platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes [PtCln{(S,S)-(i-Am)2eddip}] (n = 2, 4: 1, 2, respectively; (S,S)-(i-Am)2eddip = O,O'-diisoamyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoate) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. METHOD: Quantum chemical calculations were used to predict formed isomers of 1 and 2. Furthermore, reduction of 2 with ascorbic acid was followed by time-dependant 13C NMR spectroscopy in order to enable assignation of the formed isomers for complex 1. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined for 1 and 2 on a panel of five human tumor cell lines derived from cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), alveolar basal adenocarcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-453), colorectal cancer (LS 174), erythromyeloblastoid leukemia (K562), as well as one non-malignant human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5), using MTT assay. RESULT: Both complexes exhibited high (2 against K562: IC50 = 5.4 µM), more active than cisplatin, to moderate activity (1). Both complexes caused considerable decrease of cell number in K562 cells in G1, S and G2 phases, concordantly increasing subpopulation in sub-G1 fraction. Morphological analysis of K562 cell death induced by platinum(II/IV) complexes indicate apoptosis.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of novel Ru(II)-arene complexes containing intercalating ligands.

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes, namely [(η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(Me2dppz)Cl]PF6 (1), [(η(6)-benzene)Ru(Me2dppz)Cl]PF6 (2) and [(η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(aip)Cl]PF6 (3) (Me2dppz=11,12-dimethyldipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine; aip=2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques including elemental analysis. The complexes were found to be well soluble and stable in DMSO. The biological activity of the three complexes was tested in three different human cancer cell lines (A549, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa) and in one human non-cancerous cell line (MRC-5). Complexes 1 and 3, carrying η(6)-p-cymene as the arene ligand, were shown to be toxic in all cell lines in the low micromolar/subnanomolar range, with complex 1 being the most cytotoxic complex of the series. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that complex 1 caused concentration- and time-dependent arrest of the cell cycle in G2-M and S phases in HeLa cells. This event is followed by the accumulation of the sub-G1 DNA content after 48h, in levels higher than cisplatin and in the absence of phosphatidylserine externalization. Fluorescent microscopy and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining revealed that complex 1 induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell morphology characteristics. Drug-accumulation and DNA-binding studies performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in HeLa cells showed that the total ruthenium uptake increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and that complex 1 accumulated more efficiently than cisplatin at equimolar concentrations. The introduction of a Me2dppz ligand into the ruthenium(II)-p-cymene scaffold was found to allow the discovery of a strongly cytotoxic complex with significantly higher cellular uptake and DNA-binding properties than cisplatin.

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity of novel platinum(II) iodido complexes.

Novel Pt(II) complexes of general formula [PtI2(L(1-3))], (C1-C3): where L(1-3) are isobutyl, n-pentyl and isopentyl esters of (S,S)-1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis, IR, ((1)H, (13)C and HSQC, Pt) NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. Spectroscopic data and computational studies have shown the usual square planar coordination geometry of synthesized complexes, with coordination of ligands via nitrogen donor atoms. The cytotoxic activity of novel ligands and corresponding complexes were investigated on a palette of different cells line. Complexes C1-C3 exhibited activity comparable to cisplatin, with IC50 values (µM) ranging from 4.6 ± 0.6 to 17.2 ± 2, and showed the highest potential in HeLa, LS-174 and EA.hy.926 cells. Ligands L1-L3 exhibited two- to four-times less activity than corresponding complexes. Analysis of the mode of action in HeLa cells, by ICP-MS study, showed markedly higher intracellular accumulation and DNA binding affinity of C1-C3 versus cisplatin, after 4 h and 20 h post-treatment. Annexin-V-FITC assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy study demonstrated occurrence of cell death through both apoptotic and necrotic changes. Tested complexes, at corresponding IC50 concentrations, caused considerable "sub-G1" peak, without other substantial alterations of cell cycle, while only C1 induced higher level of phosphatidylserine externalization (11.7%), comparing to ligand L1 (4.9%) and cisplatin (8.4%). Structure-activity comparison indicated variations of C1-C3 cytotoxicity, related to the drug/ligand lipophilicity (C log P value), while intracellular platinum content and DNA platination increased on increase of length and branching of ester chain, in sequence: C1 (isobutyl) < C2 (n-pentyl) < C3 (isopentyl).

Biological evaluation of transdichloridoplatinum(II) complexes with 3- and 4-acetylpyridine in comparison to cisplatin.

BACKGROUND: In our previous study we reported the synthesis and cytotoxicity of two trans-platinum(II) complexes: trans-[PtCl2(3-acetylpyridine)2] (1) and trans-[PtCl2(4-acetylpyridine)2] (2), revealing significant cytotoxic potential of 2. In order to evaluate the mechanism underlying biological activity of both trans-Pt(II) isomers, comparative studies versus cisplatin were performed in HeLa, MRC-5 and MS1 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxic activity of the investigated complexes was determined using SRB assay. The colagenolytic activity was determined using gelatin zymography, while the effect of platinum complexes on matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Apoptotic potential and cell cycle alterations were determined by FACS analyses. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effect on expression of DNA-repair enzyme ERCC1, and quantitative real-time PCR was used for the ERCC1 mRNA expression analysis. In vitro antiangiogenic potential was determined by tube formation assay. Platinum content in intracellular DNA and proteins was determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: Compound 2 displayed an apparent cytoselective profile, and flow cytometry analysis in HeLa cells indicated that 2 exerted antiproliferative effect through apoptosis induction, while 1 induced both apoptosis and necrosis. Action of 1 and 2, as analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, was associated with down-regulation of ERCC1. Both trans-complexes inhibited MMP-9 mRNA expression in HeLa, while 2 significantly abrogated in vitro tubulogenesis in MS1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of 2 to induce multiple and selective in vitro cytotoxic effects encourages further investigations of trans-platinum(II) complexes with substituted pyridines.

The synthesis, spectroscopic, X-ray characterization and in vitro cytotoxic testing results of activity of five new trans-platinum(IV) complexes with functionalized pyridines.

Platinum(IV) complexes with general formulas [Pt(L(1-2))(2)Cl(4)], where L(1-2) are 3-acetylpyridine (1) and 4-acetylpyridine (2) respectively, and [Pt(HL(3-5))(2)Cl(2)], where H(2)L(3-5) are 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (3), 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (4) and 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (5) respectively, were prepared by the reaction of K(2)[PtCl(6)] with the corresponding ligand in 1:2 M ratio in water. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 2 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography, which revealed the trans orientation of chloride anions around platinum(IV) in the case of both complexes. The antiproliferative activity was investigated in six tumor cell lines (human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), murine melanoma cells (B16), human breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-453), human colon carcinoma cells (LS-174), transformed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy 926) and murine endothelial cells (MS1)) and in one non-tumor cell line-human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Cytotoxicity studies indicated that Pt(IV) complexes with acetyl-substituted pyridine ligands exhibit significantly higher in vitro antiproliferative activity than the complexes with carboxylato-substituted pyridines. Complexes 1 and 2 showed antiproliferative activity in all tested tumor cell lines, with the highest potential in human endothelial cells EA.hy 926, since they had IC(50) values of 13.8 ± 5.8 µM and 23.4 ± 3.3 µM, respectively and were more active than cisplatin. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibited lower toxicity against the non-tumor human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) than against most of the tested tumor cell lines.

Picolinate ruthenium(II)-arene complex with in vitro antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties: comparison to a series of ruthenium(II)-arene complexes with similar structure.

In our previous study, ruthenium(II)-p-cymene complexes of general formula [(η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl2], L: 3-acetylpyridine (1), 2-amino-5-chloropyridine (2); and [(η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(HL)Cl], HL: 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (3), 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (4), revealed low antiproliferative activity, except complex [(η(6)-p-cymene)RuCl(picolinic acid)]·H(2)O (5) which exhibited IC(50) around 80 µM. In this study we further investigated in vitro potential of antimetastatic action of ruthenium complexes on HeLa and two endothelial cell lines. Comparison of structure and activity of five complexes indicated heterogenic mode of activity, with regard to the potential of antimetastatic and antiproliferative effect. Replacement of substituted pyridine ligand with picolinic acid (complex 5) around Ru(II) center contributed to complex cytotoxicity and ruthenium DNA binding affinity. Analysis of ruthenium(II) accumulation in DNA and protein fractions of HeLa cells, using ICP-OES revealed significantly higher content of complex 5 in DNA fraction in comparison to the other tested compounds. It also altered cell cycle progression, affected expression of DNA repair enzymes ERCC1 and MSH2, and showed enhanced activity in combination with 3-aminobenzamide. Regardless of their effect on cell growth, Ru(II) complexes exerted antimetastatic effect on several tumor cell lines in vitro, achieved mostly by the effect on cell adhesion, migration and angiogenesis, while picolinate ruthenium(II)-arene additionally exerted inhibitory effect on extracellular matrix degradation.

Antiproliferative activity and QSAR studies of a series of new 4-aminomethylidene derivatives of some pyrazol-5-ones.

Twenty five 4-aminomethylidene derivatives obtained from 3-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one and 1,3-diphenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one were synthesized and tested for their antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MDA-MB-361 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines. The compounds derived from 1,3-diphenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one exhibited the most remarkable activity in the treatment of both cell lines. In vitro antiproliferative activities were accompanied by an important apoptotic fraction of both cell lines; also, compounds inhibited key endothelial cell functions implicated in invasion and angiogenesis. QSAR methods were performed in order to analyze the influence of structural features of the compounds investigated on the antiproliferative potential on MDA-MB-361 and MDA-MB-453 cancer cells. One-parameter heuristic analysis was performed and different whole molecule and fragmental descriptors were considered for rationalization of mechanism of interaction of these compounds with active place of hypothetical target included in tumorigenesis.