Sodium 1, 4‐dihydroxy‐9, 10‐anthraquinone‐ 2‐sulphonate interacts with calf thymus DNA in a way that mimics anthracycline antibiotics: an electrochemical and spectroscopic study

The anthracycline drugs, adriamycin and daunorubicin, efficient in the treatment of various human cancers, form strong intercalation complexes with DNA. The therapeutic efficiency and toxic properties of the drugs are associated with electron transfer processes, which correlate well with the redox behaviour of the compounds. Sodium 1,4‐dihydroxy 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2‐sulphonate (sodium quinizarin‐2‐sulphonate, NaLH₂) (Na‐Qz‐2S) is a molecule that resembles anthracycline drugs and has a simpler structure in comparison to these drugs. Two electrons in the course of chemical action reduce this molecule like the anthracyclines. Electrochemical methods were used to identify this process. UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to analyse binding of the compound to calf thymus DNA. The binding constant and site size were evaluated for Na‐Qz‐2S and the same compared to that of the anthracyclines. Such comparisons are essential in order to understand whether the simpler hydroxy‐anthraquinones can be a substitute for anthracycline drugs in cancer chemotherapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exploration of small hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinones as anthracycline analogues: physicochemical characteristics and DNA binding for comparison

Hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinones resemble anthracycline‐based anticancer drugs. By varying the pH of the solution, the proton dissociation constants of 1,2,5,8‐tetrahydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone (THAQ) were determined. Interaction of THAQ with calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) was studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy to determine the overall binding constant and site size of interaction. The binding constant values (~10⁴) for THAQ interacting with ct DNA at different pH were an order less than that known for anthracyclines. From knowledge of the overall binding constants at different pH values and the first pK of THAQ, the contribution of each form (neutral and monoanionic) towards overall binding with ct DNA could be obtained under physiological conditions. Hence, knowing the contributions of the neutral and monoanionic forms, it now becomes possible to know the overall binding constant for an interaction of THAQ with ct DNA at any pH. The calculated parameters help in understanding the role of the negative charge on the monoanionic form during interaction and suggests suitable chemical modifications that could prevent the development of such negative charges. This could lead to an increase in binding of THAQ to ct DNA. The study also helps to recognize the importance of sugar units in anthracycline anticancer drugs in DNA interaction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.