In vitro anticancer activity of binuclear Ru(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 5-substituted salicylaldehyde and 2-aminopyridine with notably low IC50 values

The binuclear Ru(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 5-chlorosalicyladehyde and 2-aminopyridine and its 5-substituted salicylideneimine homologues were tested in vitro against cervical carcinoma (HeLa), metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW620), lung adenocarcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and human lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell lines. All compounds showed strong antiproliferative activity with extremely low IC₅₀ values. The compounds expressed strong activity against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.     

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Iron Complexes as Anticancer Agents: In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Studies

Cisplatin and its derivatives are commonly used in chemotherapeutic treatments of cancer, even though they suffer from many toxic side effects. The problems that emerge from the use of these metal compounds led to the search for new complexes capable to overcome the toxic side effects. Here, we report the evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of Fe(II) cyclopentadienyl complexes bearing n-heterocyclic carbene ligands in tumour cells and their in vivo toxicological profile. The in vitro antiproliferative assays demonstrated that complex Fe1 displays the highest cytotoxic activity both in human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) and ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780) with IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. The antiproliferative effect of Fe1 was even higher than cisplatin. Interestingly, Fe1 showed low in vivo toxicity, and in vivo analyses of Fe1 and Fe2 compounds using colorectal HCT116 zebrafish xenograft showed that both reduce the proliferation of human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells in vivo.     

Transition metal complexes of α-aminophosphonates part II: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,and in vitro anticancer activity of copper(II) complexes of α-aminophosphonates

Abstract

A one pot procedure was used to synthesize two new derivatives of α-aminophosphonates. Novel copper(II) complexes of α-aminophosphonates were synthesized by coordinating different copper salts with the newly synthesized α-aminophosphonates. Their structures were characterized by different spectral and analytical techniques. Evaluation of the metal-free ligands HL1, HL², and their Cu(II) complexes against human colon carcinoma HT-29 cell lines was performed, using cisplatin as a reference drug. The results indicated that the complexes of the ligand HL¹ exhibited enhanced anticancer activity, while ligand HL² complexes showed decreased anticancer activity.     

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of isatinyl‐2‐aminobenzoylhydrazone: synthesis,characterization and anticancer activity

This article describes the synthesis, structural aspects and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of a new hydrazone derived from the condensation of isatin and 2‐aminobenzoylhydrazide. The ligand is well characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D HETCOR, mass and IR spectral studies. The chelating tendency of the ligand towards transition metal ions is established using analytical and spectral studies, which reveal the monobasic tridentate nature of the ligand. Octahedral geometry for Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and tetrahedral geometry for Ni(II) are tentatively proposed. All the synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and human cancer cell lines (adenocarcinoma HT29, kidney cancer cell line K293 and breast cancer cell line MDA231) using tryphan blue exclusion method and MTT assay. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization, antiproliferative,and antimicrobial activity of osmium(II) half-sandwich complexes

New osmium(II)-arene complexes [(η⁶-C₆H₆)OsCl(C₅H₄N-2-CH=N-C₆H₅X)](PF₆) (X = p-flouro (1), p-chloro (2), p-methyl (3)) were synthesized by reaction of the corresponding bidentate N,N′-ligands with the osmium-arene precursor [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Os(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ in a 2:1 ratio. These complexes were characterized by UV–Vis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis and, for compound 1, a single crystal X-ray structure was also obtained. The complexes were investigated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma), and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) tumor cell lines. To test their selectivity, the non-tumor HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cell line was used. The compounds were selective toward the tumor cell lines when compared to the known anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil which displayed low selectivity. The compounds were substantially more active against Caco-2 than 5-fluorouracil. They also showed moderate activity against the other two tumor cell lines. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of complex 2 was explored against a panel of antimicrobial-susceptible and -resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Complex 2 showed anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis and bactericidal activity against drug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300.     

N-phenyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamides: Molecular Docking,Synthesis, and Biological Investigation as Anticancer Agents

Cancer is a multifactorial disease and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Diverse factors induce carcinogenesis, such as diet, smoking, radiation, and genetic defects. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kα) has emerged as an attractive target for anticancer drug design. Eighteen derivatives of N-phenyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamide were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), and high-resolution mass spectra (HRMS). The series exhibited distinct antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ µM) against human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines, respectively: compounds 16 (37.4, 8.9 µM), 18 (50.9, 3.3 µM), 19 (17.0, 5.3 µM), and 21 (18.9, 4.9 µM). The induced-fit docking (IFD) studies against PI3Kαs showed that the derivatives occupy the PI3Kα binding site and engage with key binding residues.     

DNA binding and antitumor activities of platinum(IV) and zinc(II) complexes with some S-alkyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid

A series of complexes of platinum(IV) (C1–C5) and zinc(II) (C6–C10) with S-alkyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid were prepared and characterized. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were analyzed by absorption (UV–Vis) and emission spectral studies (ethidium bromide displacement studies). The cytotoxic activities of complexes C1–C10 were determined against mouse B cell lymphocytic leukemia cells (BCL1), human B-prolymphocytic leukemia (JVM-13), mouse mammary carcinoma cells (4T1), and human mammary carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-468) and compared to the activities of the free ligand precursors and cisplatin. The cytotoxicities of the platinum(IV) and zinc(II) complexes toward mouse tumor cell lines were higher compared with their effects on human tumor cell lines. The zinc(II) complex C9 showed the highest antitumor activity toward the tested human cell lines, while the platinum(IV) complex C4 exhibited the highest antitumor activity toward mouse BCL1 and 4T1 cells. Both C4 and C9 have ligands derived from S-propyl thiosalicylic acid.     

Synthesis,characterization, cytotoxicity and computational studies of new phosphine‐ and carbodithioate‐based palladium(II) complexes

In quest of new metallo‐pharmaceuticals with enhanced anticancer activity, four new phosphine‐ and carbodithioate‐based Pd(II) complexes of the type [(R)CS₂Pd(PR₃)Cl] (where R = 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine ( 1 , 2 ), dibenzyl ( 3 , 4 ); PR₃ = diphenyl(p ‐tolyl)phosphine ( 1 , 3 ), tris(4‐tolyl)phosphine ( 2 , 4 )) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopies and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray diffraction data confirmed the pseudo square‐planar geometry ensuring bidentate coordination mode of carbodithioate ligands. Anticancer activity of the synthesized complexes and their ligands was assessed against human lung (A549), breast (MCF‐7) and prostate (PC3) carcinoma cells using MTT assay. All the tested compounds showed activity in micromolar range. In many cases, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized complexes was higher than or comparable to that of the standard drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. Complex 3 emerged as the most promising compound with the lowest IC₅₀ values of 4.83, 3.72 and 5.11 μM for A549, MCF‐7 and PC3 carcinoma cell lines, respectively. DNA binding studies were also carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy. We extended our investigations to explore the mechanism of anticancer activity using in silico tools. Based on the mechanism of action of standard drugs used, extensive docking studies were carried out on the three different biomolecular targets.     

Synthesis of Novel Methyl 7-[(Hetero)arylamino]thieno[2,3-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylates and Antitumor Activity Evaluation: Effects in Human Tumor Cells Growth,Cell Cycle Analysis,Apoptosis and Toxicity in Non-Tumor Cells

Several novel methyl 7-[(hetero)arylamino]thieno[2,3-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylates were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed C–N Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling of either methyl 7-aminothieno[3,2-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylate with (hetero)arylhalides or 7-bromothieno[2,3-b]pyrazine-6-carboxylate with (hetero)arylamines in good-to-excellent yields (50% quantitative yield), using different reaction conditions, namely ligands and solvents, due to the different electronic character of the substrates. The antitumoral potential of these compounds was evaluated in four human tumor cell lines: gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), colorectal adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2), breast carcinoma (MCF7), and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) using the SRB assay, and it was possible to establish some structure–activity relationships. Furthermore, they did not show relevant toxicity against a non-tumor cell line culture from the African green monkey kidney (Vero). The most promising compounds (GI₅₀ ≤ 11 µM), showed some selectivity either against AGS or CaCo-2 cell lines without toxicity at their GI₅₀ values. The effects of the methoxylated compounds 2b (2-OMeC₆H₄), 2f and 2g (3,4- or 3,5-diOMeC₆H₃, respectively) on the cell cycle profile and induction of apoptosis were further studied in the AGS cell line. Nevertheless, even for the most active (GI₅₀ = 7.8 µM) and selective compound (2g) against this cell line, it was observed that a huge number of dead cells gave rise to an atypical distribution on the cell cycle profile and that these cells were not apoptotic, which points to a different mechanism of action for the AGS cell growth inhibition.     

Sulfonated N‐heterocyclic carbine‐silver (I) complexes: Synthesis,characterisation and biological evaluation

The synthesis, characterisation and biological activity of water‐soluble Ag(I)‐NHC complexes, general formula Na[(NHC)AgCl] where NHC is a sulfonated and sterically hindered N‐heterocyclic carbene, is reported. The Ag‐NHC complexes (2a–e) were synthesised by reacting the corresponding sulfonated NHC ligands with Ag₂O in the presence of NaCl or NaBr in methanol/water (1:1) solution. Synthesised silver (I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have been characterised by NMR, micro‐analysis and HRMS spectroscopic methods. The IC₅₀ values of these complexes were determined by a proliferation BrdU enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against HeLa (human cervix carcinoma), HT29 (human adenocarcinoma) and L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines. These complexes have been highlighted as promising and original platforms for building new types of metalodrug. All new water‐soluble Ag(I) complexes demonstrated remarkable cytotoxic activity against HeLa, HT29 and L929 cell lines.     

烷氧基酸为离去基团的铂(Ⅱ)配合物的体外活性研究

合成了5个以直链和带支链烷氧基乙酸为载体配基的顺铂类配合物,通过红外光谱、核磁共振氢谱和质谱对配合物进行了表征,并测试了化合物对肺腺癌SPC-A1和胃腺癌BGC823的体外抗肿瘤活性。生物活性测试结果表明,配合物的活性与离去基团有很大关系。配合物4(顺-二(异丙氧基乙酸根)·[(1R,2R)-1,2-反式环己二胺]合铂(Ⅱ))在2个细胞系中均显示最高的体外抗肿瘤活性,甚至超过顺铂。     

Chemical and biological profiles of novel copper(II) complexes containing S-donor ligands for the treatment of cancer

In the last years, we have synthesized some new platinum(II), palladium(II), gold(I/III) complexes with dithiocarbamato derivatives as potential anticancer drugs, to obtain compounds with superior chemotherapeutic index in terms of increased bioavailability, higher cytotoxicity, and lower side effects than cisplatin. On the basis of the obtained encouraging results, we have been studying the interaction of CuCl2 with methyl-/ethyl-/tert-butylsarcosine-dithiocarbamato moieties in a 1:2 molar ratio; we also synthesized and studied the N,N-dimethyl- and pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamato copper complexes for comparison purposes. The reported compounds have been successfully isolated, purified, and fully characterized by means of several spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of the designed compounds have been studied through cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the behavior in solution was followed by means of UV-vis technique to check the stability with time in physiological conditions. To evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic properties, preliminary biological assays (MTT test) have been carried out on a panel of human tumor cell lines. The results show that cytotoxicity levels of all of the tested complexes are comparable or even greater than that of the reference drug (cisplatin).     

Theoretical,antimicrobial, antioxidant,in vitro cytotoxicity,and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitor studies of metal(II) complexes with bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane-based heteroscorpionate ligands

Abstract

A series of C-centered heteroscorpionate-based homoleptic manganese(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) complexes of type [M(L^1–3)₂] (1–9) have been synthesized by using the ligands (2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL¹), (4-diethylamino-2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL²) and (5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol-1-yl)methane (HL³). The geometric parameters of the complexes were determined using UV-vis and theoretical studies suggesting distorted octahedral geometry around metal(II) ion. Frontier molecular orbital analysis supports bioefficacy of the complexes. Antimicrobial activity of the metal(II) complexes were determined against two Gram(–ve) (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and two Gram(+ve) (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and three fungal (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei) strains. Antioxidant activity of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes were evaluated against ABTS, DPPH, and H₂O₂ free radicals. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines along with one normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cell line were carried out by MTT assay, which shows the potent activity of copper(II) complex 8 with respect to the standard drug cisplatin. Molecular docking studies evidence the interaction of complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 receptor (CDK2).     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,biological screening and in vitro cytotoxic studies of 4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone derived Schiff bases and their Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes

A series of twenty compounds inclusive of bidentate Schiff bases derived from condensation of 4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazide with substituted derivatives of napthaldehyde/benzaldehyde/salicylaldehyde and their mononuclear Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes in molar ratio (1:1) were synthesized and characterized. The coordination behavior, modes of bonding and overall geometry of the compounds was known from the elemental analysis, spectral techniques (IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESR and ESI‐mass), magnetic moment measurements, molar conductance, thermal and powder XRD studies. The studies revealed octahedral geometry for all the complexes where ligands coordinated in a neutral bidentate manner (NS) via nitrogen atom of azomethine group and sulphur atom of thione group with the metal centre. In vitro biological effects of the compounds were tested against four bacterial species and two fungal strains. The results indicated that the metal complexes showed a marked enhancement in biocidal activity in comparable with the parent Schiff bases. In vitro anticancer activity against the malignant tumor cell lines; human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and human normal lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT assay, exposed compound 16 as a leading member with lowest IC₅₀ value of 10.6 ± 0.14 μM against (A549) cell line.     

Synthesis,characterization and assessment of the cytotoxic activity of Cu(II), Fe(III) and Mn(III) complexes of camphoric acid‐derived salen ligands

Novel Cu(II), Fe(III) and Mn(III) salen‐type metal complexes from (1R,3S)‐N,N′‐bis[salicylidene]‐1,3‐diamino‐1,2,2‐trimethylcyclopentane were synthesized and screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines: melanoma, colorectal and breast. In vitro experiments carried out with the three metal complexes show that the copper complex exhibits the highest cytotoxic activity towards all cell lines studied, presenting IC₅₀ values of 3.32–6.71 μM. A significant improvement in the anti‐proliferative effect, by 20‐fold, is observed with this complex when compared with conventional chemotherapy. The relationship between structure, redox characteristics and biological activity in human cancer cell lines was evaluated for the most efficient Cu(II) complex and associated with theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of pentacoordinated Tin(IV) complexes derived from aminoalcohols

The synthesis of pentacoordinated Tin(IV) compounds derived from aminoalcohols is described. The compounds were characterized by IR, 1H-, 13C-, and 119Sn-NMR, the mass spectrometry exhibits molecular ions corresponding to monomeric species. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against five human tumor cell lines, U251 (human glioblastoma), PC-3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma), K-562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia), HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma). The cytotoxic evaluation revealed that all compounds possess higher cytotoxic potency than that of the cisplatin, which was used as reference. Additionally, MT2 cells (human T-lymphocytes) were also evaluated.     

Cattleianal and Cattleianone: Two New Meroterpenoids from Psidium cattleianum Leaves and Their Selective Antiproliferative Action against Human Carcinoma Cells

The Myrteacae family is known as a rich source of phloroglucinols, a group of secondary metabolites with notable biological activities. Leaves of Psidium cattleianum were extracted with chloroform: methanol 8:2 to target the isolation of phloroglucinol derivatives. Isolated compounds were characterized using different spectroscopic methods: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultra-violet (UV) and mass spectrometry (MS). Two new phloroglucinols were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a panel of six human cancer cell lines, namely colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29 and HCT-116); hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2); laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2); breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB231), in addition to normal human melanocytes HFB-4. Additionally, cell cycle analysis and annexin-V/FITC-staining were used to gain insights into the mechanism of action of the isolated compounds. The new phloroglucinol meroterpenoids, designated cattleianal and cattleianone, showed selective antiproliferative action against HT-29 cells with IC₅₀’s of 35.2 and 32.1 μM, respectively. Results obtained using cell cycle analysis and annexin-V/FITC-staining implicated both necrosis and apoptosis pathways in the selective cytotoxicity of cattleianal and cattleianone. Our findings suggest that both compounds are selective antiproliferative agents and support further mechanistic studies for phloroglucinol meroterpenoids as scaffolds for developing new selective chemotherapeutic agents.     

Resveratrol Enhances Inhibition Effects of Cisplatin on Cell Migration and Invasion and Tumor Growth in Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cell Models In Vivo and In Vitro

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a refractory type of breast cancer that does not yet have clinically effective drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects and mechanisms of resveratrol combined with cisplatin on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (MDA231) cell viability, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, MTS assays showed that resveratrol combined with cisplatin inhibits cell viability as a concentration-dependent manner, and produced synergistic effects (CI < 1). Transwell assay showed that the combined treatment inhibits TGF-β1-induced cell migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that resveratrol upregulated E-cadherin expression and downregulated vimentin expression. Western blot assay demonstrated that resveratrol combined with cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of fibronectin, vimentin, P-AKT, P-PI3K, P-JNK, P-ERK, Sma2, and Smad3 induced by TGF-β1 (p < 0.05), and increased the expression of E-cadherin (p < 0.05), respectively. In vivo, resveratrol enhanced tumor growth inhibition and reduced body weight loss and kidney function impairment by cisplatin in MDA231 xenografts, and significantly reduced the expressions of P-AKT, P-PI3K, Smad2, Smad3, P-JNK, P-ERK, and NF-κB in tumor tissues (p < 0.05). These results indicated that resveratrol combined with cisplatin inhibits the viability of breast cancer MDA231 cells synergistically, and inhibits MDA231 cells invasion and migration through Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) approach, and resveratrol enhanced anti-tumor effect and reduced side of cisplatin in MDA231 xenografts. The mechanism may be involved in the regulations of PI3K/AKT, JNK, ERK and NF-κB expressions.     

1-(2-Picolyl)-substituted 1,2,3-triazole as novel chelating ligand for the preparation of ruthenium complexes with potential anticancer activity

The 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole ligand prepared by click chemistry 1-(2-picolyl)-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole (ppt) was investigated as novel chelating ligand for Ru(II) complexes with potential antitumor activity. The preparation and structural characterization, mainly by NMR spectroscopy in solution and by X-ray crystallography in the solid state, of four new Ru(II) complexes is reported: two isomeric Ru-dmso compounds, trans,cis-[RuCl(2)(dmso-S)(2)(ppt)] (1) and cis,cis-[RuCl(2)(dmso-S)(2)(ppt)] (2), and two half-sandwich Ru-[9]aneS(3) coordination compounds, [Ru([9]aneS(3))(dmso-S)(ppt)][CF(3)SO(3)](2) (3) and [Ru([9]aneS(3))Cl(ppt)][CF(3)SO(3)] (4). In all compounds ppt firmly binds to ruthenium in a bidentate fashion through the pyridyl nitrogen atom and the triazole N2, thus forming a puckered six-membered ring. The chemical behavior in aqueous solution of the water-soluble complexes 3 and 4 was studied by UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy and compared to that of the previously described organometallic analogue [Ru(η(6)-p-cymene)Cl(ppt)][Cl] (5) in view of their potential antitumor activity. Compounds 3-5 were tested also in vitro for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines, one sensitive and one resistant to cisplatin, in comparison with cisplatin. Compound 4, the one that aquates faster, was found to be more cytotoxic than cisplatin against human lung squamose carcinoma cell line (A-549).     

Highly cytotoxic iron(II) complexes with pentadentate pyridyl ligands as a new class of anti-tumor agents

The iron(II) complexes and with pentadentate pyridyl ligands are stable under physiological conditions and exhibit higher cytotoxicities toward a series of human carcinoma cell lines than cisplatin; can significantly increase intracellular oxidant levels, cleave supercoiled plasmid DNA in vitro without addition of a reductant and induce apoptotic cell death in human cervical epithelioid carcinoma cells (HeLa) as observed in flow cytometric studies.