Synthesis and characterization of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of p-isopropylbenzaldehyde N-protected thiosemicarbazones. Cytotoxic activity against ras-transformed cells.

Cytotoxicity tests in tumor cells sensitive to cis-DDP (HL-60, JURKAT, Hela and 3T3) and in tumor cells transformed by ras oncogenes and resistant to cis-DDP (Pam 212-ras) show that cyclometallated complexes 1a [Pd(p-is.TSCN-NHMe)]4, 2b [Pt(p-is.TSCN-NMe2)]4 and 4a [Pd(p-is.TSCN-NHex)]4 may be endowed with specific cytotoxic properties. In fact, these three novel metal-thiosemicarbazone compounds kill Pam 212-ras cells through apoptosis induction. These results, together with others recently published, indicate that the design and synthesis of metallated-thiosemicarbazone compounds may lead to the discovery of novel antitumor agents able to circumvent cis-DDP resistance, in particular tumor cell lines.     

Synthesis and characterization of complexes of p-isopropyl benzaldehyde and methyl 2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazones with Zn(II) and Cd(II) metallic centers. Cytotoxic activity and induction of apoptosis in Pam-ras cells.

It is known that metallic complexes of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (HL1) and p-isopropyl benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (HL2) may have potential antitumor activity. We have prepared complexes of HL1 and HL2 with Zn(II) and Cd(II). The cytotoxic activity shown by these compounds against cell lines sensitive and resistant to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) indicates that coupling of HL1 and HL2 to Zn(II) and Cd(II) centers may result in metallic complexes with important biological properties since they display IC50 values in a microM range similar to that of the antitumor drug cis-DDP. Moreover, it is interesting to note that the Zn/HL2 complex exhibits specific cytotoxic activity against Pam-ras cells (cis-DDP resistant cells which over-express the H-ras oncogene) with an in vitro therapeutic index of 3.26 versus 0.78 for cis-DDP. Treatment of Pam-ras cells with the IC50 value of the Zn/HL2 compound induces a 'DNA ladder' (fragmentation of genomic DNA in nucleosome units) indicative of apoptosis in this ras-transformed cell line. In contrast, a 'DNA smear' (non-specific fragmentation of genomic DNA) is observed in Pam 212 normal cells treated with the IC50 of this compound. The analysis by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy of the interaction of the Zn/HL2 compound with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) indicates that it produces stronger alterations on the double helix conformation than cis-DDP. So, these results suggest that Zn/HL2 may be considered a potential antitumor agent.     

Apoptosis induction and inhibition of H-ras overexpression by novel trans-[PtCl2(isopropylamine)(amine')] complexes

Hitherto, it has been generally accepted as a paradigm of the biochemical pharmacology of platinum antitumor drugs that a cis configuration of the leaving groups is necessary for antitumor activity of platinum compounds. However, it has been recently observed that certain trans-platinum complexes have both in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. We previously reported the synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity against ras-transformed cells of several trans-[PtCl2LL'] complexes where L and L' are asymmetric aliphatic amines (L = dimethylamine and butylamine, L' = isopropylamine). The results reported in this paper show that the compounds trans-[PtCl2(isopropylamine)(dimethylamine)] and trans-[PtCl2(isopropylamine)(butylamine)] kill Pam 212-ras cisplatin resistant cells through apoptosis induction. Moreover, Western blot data show that both compounds inhibit overexpression of H-ras oncogene in Pam 212-ras cells. Altogether, these data indicate that, in contrast with cis-DDP, the apoptotic activity of these novel trans-Pt(II) compounds in ras-transformed cells is associated with their ability to abolish ras-overexpression.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel palladium(II) complexes of bis(thiosemicarbazone). Structure, cytotoxic activity and DNA binding of Pd(II)-benzyl bis(thiosemicarbazonate).

The preparation of palladium(II) complexes of 3,5-diacyl-1,2,4-triazole bis(thiosemicarbazone) (H2L2), 2,6-diacylpyridine bis(thiosemicarbazone) (H2L3) and benzyl bis(thiosemicarbazone) (H2L4) is described. The new complexes [PdCl2(H2L2)] (1), [PdCl2(H2L3)] (2) and [PdL4].DMF (3) have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies (IR, 1H NMR and UV-Vis). The crystal and molecular structure of PdL4.DMF (L = bideprotonated form of benzyl bis(thiosemicarbazone)) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: green triclinic crystal, a = 10.258(5), b = 10.595(5), c = 11.189(5) A, alpha = 97.820(5), beta = 108.140(5), gamma = 105.283(5) degrees, space group P1, Z = 1. The palladium atom is tetracoordinated by four donor atoms (SNNS) from L4 to form a planar tricyclic ligating system. The testing of the cytotoxic activity of compound 3 against several human, monkey and murine cell lines sensitive (HeLa, Vero and Pam 212) and resistant to cis-DDP (Pam-ras) suggests that compound 3 might be endowed with important antitumor properties since it shows IC50 values in a microM range similar to those of cis-DDP [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)]. Moreover, compound 3 displays notable cytotoxic activity in Pam-ras cells resistant to cis-DDP (IC50 values of 78 microM versus 156 microM, respectively). On the other hand, the analysis of the interaction of this novel Pd-thiosemicarbazone compound with DNA secondary structure by means of circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates that it induces on the double helix conformational changes different from those induced by cis-DDP.     

Synthesis,characterization and antitumor activity of novel octahedral Pt(IV) complexes

Novel platinum(IV) complexes were synthesized having octahedral structure for new antitumor agents. The series of (1,4-butanediamine)Pt(IV) complexes of the type trans,cis-[PtA(2)Cl(2)(1,4-butanediamine)] (A=hydroxo 9, acetato 12, trifluoroacetato 13 as axial ligands) and trans-[PtA(2)(malonate)(1,4-butanediamine)] (A=hydroxo 16, acetato 17, trifluoroacetato 18) were synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of 12, 13 and 18 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The crystals are monoclinic, P2 1/c with a=21.165 (5), b=9.050 (3), c=15.293 (3) A, beta=103.89 (2) degrees and Z=8 for 12, a=10.178 (5), b=12.894 (9), c=12.182 (8) A, beta=91.01 (5) degrees and Z=4 for 13 and a=10.460 (5), b=11.199 (8), c=15.641 (7) A, beta=98.41 (5) degrees, Z=4 for 18. Three crystallographically independent molecules of 12, 13 and 18 have octahedral coordination around Pt(IV) cation. The trans,cis-[PtA(2)Cl(2)(1,4-butanediamine)] were prepared by acetylation or trifluoroacetylation of trans,cis-[Pt(OH)(2)Cl(2)(1,4-butanediamine)]. The trans-[PtA(2)malonate(1,4-butanediamine)] 17 and 18 was prepared by a similar method. The in vitro cytotoxicity of theses Pt(IV) complexes have been evaluated against 12 cancer cell lines assayed by MTS method. The IC(50) values of the compounds 12 and 13 were shown to be lower than those of cisplatin. The in vivo antitumor activity of the Pt(IV) complexes was evaluated using mice bearing L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma and L1210/cis-DDP cancer animal models. The compound 18 was found to highest activity against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells, L1210/cis-DDP, in vivo.     

Genotoxicity of novel trans-platinum(II) complex with diethyl (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)phosphate in human non-small cell lung cancer cells A549

The dynamic development of metal-containing anticancer drugs has started since the discovery of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II). For many years it was believed that trans platinum(II) compounds were non-active as antitumour agents because trans-diamminedichloroplatinum is biologically inactive although it binds to DNA and also forms monoadducts and cross-links. In the present work the ability of a novel platinum(II) compound trans-[PtCl(2)(4-pmOpe)(2)] to induce DNA damage in human non-small cell lung cancer cells A549 was examined using the alkaline comet assay. The obtained results revealed that the novel trans platinum(II) complex induced DNA strand breaks, which were effectively repaired during 2h of post-incubation, and cross-links which remained unrepaired under these test conditions. Apart from that, the modified comet assay with incubation with proteinase K was used to verify the ability of trans-[PtCl(2)(4-pmOpe)(2)] and cis-DDP to form DNA-protein cross-links. It has been proved that only trans-[PtCl(2)(4-pmOpe)(2)] complex exhibits the ability to induce DNA-protein cross-links. The results suggest a different mechanism of action of this compound in comparison to cis-DDP. It seems that trans geometry and the presence of two diethyl (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)phosphates as non-leaving ligands can determine dissimilar properties of the adducts formed on DNA and the different mechanism of action of trans-[PtCl(2)(4-pmOpe)(2)] and in consequence the efficacy in killing cancer cells.     

DNA-protein cross-linking in L1210 cells sensitive and resistant to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II)

The role of restricted cellular accumulation of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) and altered repair of DNA-Pt-protein cross-links in the mechanism of L1210 murine leukemia cell resistance was examined. An immunochemical method was used to analyze the formation and removal of DNA-Pt-protein complexes in L1210 cells sensitive and resistant to cis-DDP. The accumulation of Pt into the cells and the binding of Pt to the DNA was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that both decreased accumulation of the drug and the rate of DNA-Pt protein cross-link removal may be important factors in L1210 cell resistance to cis-DDP.Abbreviations AAS atomic absorption spectroscopy - cis-DDP cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)     

Enhanced antitumor activity [correction for activitiy] of trans(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclo- hexaneglutamatoplatinum(II) formulated with stealth liposome

The antitumor platinum(II) compound, [Pt(dach)(Glu)] (dach=trans(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, Glu=glutamate) was formulated with a stealth liposome to improve its biological activity. Liposomes were composed of PC/PEG2000-PE/CH (PC=1,2-diacyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; PEG2000-PE=poly(ethylene glycol)2000-1,2-diacyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; CH=cholesterol) involving different acyl moieties of phospholipids such as DO (dioleoyl), DM (dimyristoyl) or DS (distearoyl) group. Among the different acyl groups in the stealth liposomes, the DM formulation was optimal for the preparation of the liposomal [Pt(dach)(Glu)] at the mole ratio of DMPC/PEG2000-DMPE/CH=50/5/45 and at the weight ratio of drug/lipid=1/20, which is represented as L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)]. In vitro cytotoxicity was examined in sensitive A2780 and ME180 and their cisplatin-resistant A2780/PDD and ME180/PDD cancer cells. L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] was 2 approximately 3 times more cytotoxic than the free complex [Pt(dach)(Glu)] and cisplatin in sensitive cells, and 4 approximately 8 times more cytotoxic in resistant cells. Thus, the resistance index of L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] was 1.3 approximately 2 while those of the free complex and cisplatin were 5 approximately 6, which indicates that L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] overcome the cisplatin resistance in both resistant cells. In vivo antitumor activity was assayed against the L1210/S leukemia. The optimal activities (% T/C) of the free complex and L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] were >459/20 and >442/200 mg/kg, respectively. Considering the amount of the platinum complex in L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)], the liposomal [Pt(dach)(Glu)] displayed 2-fold higher drug potency than the free complex. The biodistribution experiment using LE52 tumor-bearing mouse showed excellent lung targeting property of L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)].     

Acridine Orange based platinum(II) complexes inducing cytotoxicity and cell cycle perturbation in spite of GSTP1 up-regulation

A series of new ionic Pt(II) complexes of general formula [Pt(II)(A)n(Cl)(AO)]X (A=en, NH3; n=1, 2; X-=BF4-, NO3-, PF6-, CF3SO3-), 1-5, containing Acridine Orange (AO) bound to the metal atom through the endocyclic N atom, have been tested in human melanoma cells (M14, JR8 and PLF2), human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and its cis-platin resistant subline SH-SY5Yres. The Pt(II) compounds, and in particular complexes 1 and 4, exhibit higher cytotoxic activity at lower concentration compared to cis-DDP in melanoma cells, affecting cell growth behavior and causing cell cycle perturbation. Moreover, M14 and JR8 cell lines were not able to rescue the impairment due to the new Pt(II) complexes since perturbation of cell cycle phases and cell proliferation inhibition were found after 72 h of recovery time. In order to evaluate whether GSTP1 may play a role in chemo-resistance of our melanoma model, we investigated the effect of the treatment with these Pt(II) compounds on GSTP1 gene expression. Up-regulation of GSTP1, evaluated by Qreal-time PCR was observed after treatment with complexes 1 and 4, showing that the effect of these Pt(II) compounds is GSTP1 indipendent. The lack of resistance of the new Pt(II)-AO complexes and their cytotoxicity, cell growth and cell cycle recovery in melanoma cells provide the basis for the development of new platinum anticancer compounds, directed to those tumors that over express GSTs enzymes.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of copper complexes with pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone derivatives. X-ray crystal structure of three dimeric complexes

A dimeric copper complex of the unsubstituted pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone (H(2)L), [[Cu(HL)(OH(2))](2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O, previously tested on Friend murine cell lines has been recently resynthesized to evaluate its behavior on different murine and human leukemic cell lines and has been compared, in vitro and in vivo, with its monomeric counterpart [Cu(H(2)L)(OH(2))Cl]Cl. On TS/A murine adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro, both compounds significantly inhibit cell proliferation at micromolar concentrations, although the dimeric compound is more active. Despite this cytotoxicity they lack in vivo activity on TLX5 lymphoma. The unsubstituted dimeric [[Cu(HL)(OH(2))](2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O induces apoptosis on CEM and U937 human cell lines, with IC(50) concentrations of 1.2 x 10(-5) and 6.7 x 10(-6) M, respectively, but it is inactive on K562. Moreover, it alters significantly the cell cycle of U937 and CEM lines and decreases the telomerase activity of U937. To verify if other dimeric copper complexes show relevant biological activity new complexes with N-substituted pyridoxal thiosemicarbazones have been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Three of them, namely [Cu(Me(2)-HL)Cl](2).6H(2)O (Me(2)-H(2)L=pyridoxal N1,N1-dimethylthiosemicarbazone) (1), [Cu(MeMe-HL)Cl](2)Cl(2).4H(2)O (MeMe-HL=pyridoxal N1,N2-dimethylthiosemicarbazone) (2), [Cu(Et-H(2)L)Cl](2)Cl(2).2H(2)O (Et-H(2)L=pyridoxal N1-ethylthiosemicarbazone) (3), were also characterized by X-ray diffractometry. These complexes are dimeric and all three present a square pyramidal coordinative geometry with the ligand showing an SNO tridentate behavior. Their biological activities have been tested in vitro on U937, CEM and K562 cell lines to ascertain their effectiveness in comparison to the corresponding unsubstituted complex [[Cu(HL)(OH(2))](2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O. Compound 1 shows weak proliferation inhibition on all three cell lines, but it does not induce apoptosis and it does not inhibit telomerase activity, compound 2 is not effective at low concentration and is toxic at higher doses; compound 3 inhibits CEM cell growth better than complex 1 but it does not exert any other biological effect.     

Synthesis and antitumour activity of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes containing ethylenediamine-derived ligands having alcohol, carboxylic acid and acetate substituents. Crystal and molecular structure of [PtL4CL2].H20 where L4 is ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetate

Several cisplatin analogues of ethylenediamine-derived ligands containing alcohol, carboxylic acid and acetate substituents have been prepared and characterised. Oxidation of some of these square planar platinum(II) complexes using aqueous hydrogen peroxide gave octahedral platinum(IV) complexes, containing trans hydroxo ligands. Acetylation of the hydroxo ligands was achieved by reaction with acetic anhydride, giving complexes which are analogues of the antitumour drug, JM-216. Oxidation of the complex [Pt(H2L4)Cl2], where H2L4 is ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, with H2O2 gave the platinum(IV) complex [PtL4Cl2].H2O in which L4 is tetradentate as shown by a crystal and molecular structure. This complex was previously reported to be [Pt(HL4)(OH)Cl2] in which HL4 is tridentate. Several of the complexes were tested for antitumour activity against five human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. IC50 values range from 4.0 microM for cis,trans-PtCl2(OH)2(NH2CH2CH2NHCH2CH2OH) against the CH1 cell line to >25 microM indicating moderate to low activity relative to other platinum complexes.     

Platinum(II) complexes with 2-acetyl pyridine thiosemicarbazone. Synthesis, crystal structure, spectral properties, antimicrobial and antitumour activity

An interesting series of new platinum complexes has been synthesized by the reaction of Na(2)PtCl(4) with 2-acetyl pyridine thiosemicarbazone, HAcTsc. The new complexes, [Pt(AcTsc)Cl], [Pt(HAcTsc)(2)]Cl(2) and [Pt(AcTsc)(2)], have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies. The crystal structure of the complex [Pt(AcTsc)Cl] has been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The anion of HAcTsc coordinates in a planar conformation to the central platinum(II) through the pyridyl N, azomethine N and thiolato S atoms. Double intermolecular hydrogen bonds (NH-Cl), pi-pi and weak Pt-Pt and Pt-pi contacts lead to aggregation and to a two-dimensional supramolecular assembly. The antibacterial and antifungal effect of the novel platinum(II) complexes and the related palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(AcTsc)Cl], [Pd(HAcTsc)(2)]Cl(2) and [Pd(AcTsc)(2)], were studied in vitro. The complexes were found to have a completely lethal effect on Gram+ bacteria, while the same complexes showed no bactericidal effect on Gram- bacteria. Additionally, the complexes [Pt(AcTsc)(2)] and [Pd(AcTsc)(2)] showed effective antifungal activity towards yeast. Among these compounds [33], the most effective in inducing antitumour and cytogenetic effects are the complexes [Pt(AcTsc)(2)] and [Pd(AcTsc)(2)] while the rest, display marginal cytogenetic and antitumour effects.     

Preparation of platinum(II) complexes with L-serine using KI. X-ray crystal structure, HPLC and 195Pt NMR spectra

The preparation of platinum(II) complexes containing L-serine using K(2)[PtCl(4)] and KI as raw materials was undertaken. The cis-trans isomer ratio of the complexes in the reaction mixture differed significantly depending on whether KI was present or absent in the reaction mixture. One of the two [Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] complexes (L-ser=L-serinate anion) prepared using KI crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell dimensions a=8.710(2) A, b=9.773(3) A, c=11.355(3) A, Z=4. The crystal data revealed that this complex has a cis configuration. The other [Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] complex also crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell dimensions a=7.0190(9) A, b=7.7445(6) A, c=20.946(2) A, Z=4. The crystal data revealed that this complex has a trans configuration. The 195Pt NMR chemical shifts of trans-[Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] and cis-[Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] complexes are -1632 and -1832 ppm, respectively. 195Pt NMR and HPLC measurements were conducted to monitor the reactions of the two [Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] complexes with HCl. Both 195Pt NMR and HPLC showed that the reactivities of cis- and trans-[Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] toward HCl are different: coordinated carboxyl oxygen atoms of trans-[Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] were detached faster than those for cis-[Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)].     

Coordination modes vs. antitumor activity: synthesis and antitumor activity of novel platinum(II) complexes of N-substituted amino dicarboxylic acids

The trans-(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(II) complexes of multidentate L-glutamate (Glu) and L-aspartate (Asp) were prepared and their antitumor activity was examined in relation with their coordination modes. All these complexes were obtained as a mixture of (O,O')- and (O,N)-chelate isomers due to rapid isomerization of the initially formed (O,O')-isomer to the thermodynamically more stable (O,N)-isomer. The (O,O')/(O,N)-isomeric mixture with the mole ratio of 80/20 exhibited excellent antitumor activity while the pure (O,N)-isomer was only marginally active. Therefore, in order to prevent the linkage isomerization of the active (O,O')-isomer to the inactive (O,N)-isomer, we have designed N-substituted amino dicarboxylic acids as a leaving group and prepared a new series of complexes, [Pt(dach)(RGlu)] and [Pt(dach)(RAsp)] (dach=trans-(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane; R=acetyl (Ac), propionyl (Pro), pivaloyl (Piv), carbobenzyloxy (Cbz) or phthaloyl (Phth)) and characterized by means of elemental analyses, and 1H NMR, 195Pt NMR and IR spectroscopies. The N-substituted amino dicarboxylate ligands were found to coordinate to platinum(II) ion through only the (O,O')-chelation mode, and their Pt(II) complexes were chemically stable in aqueous solution. The present Pt(II) complexes of N-substituted amino dicarboxylic acids showed excellent antitumor activity against both murine leukemia L1210 and human tumor cells. Especially, the highly hydrophobic N-phthaloylglutamate complex, [Pt(dach)(PhthGlu)], exhibited an outstanding in vitro activity (IC50=2.22 microM) on the human stomach cancer cells which are not responsive to cisplatin and carboplatin.     

Synthesis,cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antitumor activity of platinum(II) complexes of 3-aminocyclohexanespiro-5-hydantoin

New platinum(II) complexes of 3-aminocyclohexanespiro-5-hydantoin (achsh) were prepared and characterized. Ab initio calculation of the structure and the measurements of IR and NMR spectra of [Pt(NH(3))(achsh)Cl(2)] were also performed. Quantum-chemical and spectroscopic studies indicated a cis-square planar structure with a hydantoin ligand coordinated via the NH(2) group. The complexes were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, clone F4N, as well as for in vivo antitumor activity toward murine L1210 leukemia. The complexes exerted significantly lower in vitro and in vivo toxicities compared with those of cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), DDP). The complex [Pt(NH(3))(achsh)Cl(2)] exhibited antitumor activity against L1210 leukemia, comparable to that of cisplatin, resulting at a dose of 72 mg/kg in a %T/C (increased survival time) of 191%. This complex, as well as cisplatin, induced apoptosis in F4N cells, and exerted antibacterial activity as assessed in 10 bacterial strains.     

Syntheses, crystal structure and cytotoxicity of diamine platinum(II) complexes containing maltol

The cationic complexes (1,2-diaminoethane)(maltolato)platinum(II) ([Pt(en)(ma)]+) and (1R,2R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane)(maltolato)platinum(II) ([Pt(R,R-DACH)(ma)]+) have been prepared and the structure of [Pt(R,R-DACH)(ma)]NO3 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The geometry of the metal in [Pt(R,R-DACH)(ma)]NO3 is essentially square planar and the maltolate ligand has a geometry similar to other chelate complexes involving this ligand. The cytotoxicities of the compounds have been assessed in the human cell lines HeLa and K562 and the IC50 values are approximately 32 microM in HeLa cells and 26 microM in K562 cells. In these cell lines the cytotoxicity of cisplatin is higher than the maltolate complexes by a factor of 2 to 3 whereas the cytotoxicity of carboplatin is lower than the maltolate complexes.     

UV-irradiated epidermal cells produce a specific inhibitor of interleukin 1 activity

UV irradiation of epidermal cells (EC) in vitro and in vivo leads to an enhanced synthesis of the immunostimulating cytokine interleukin 1 (IL 1). However, UV exposure in vivo also results in local as well as systemic immunosuppression. Therefore, it was tested whether UV-exposed murine EC in culture in addition to IL 1 release an inhibitor of IL 1 activity. Supernatants of UV-irradiated BALB/c EC and of a transformed keratinocyte cell line (Pam 212) were evaluated for their ability to suppress IL 1-mediated thymocyte proliferation. Crude supernatants derived from either UV-exposed or unirradiated EC did not interfere with IL 1 activity. When supernatants were subjected to HPLC gel filtration, fractions eluting at approximately 40 kD significantly blocked the activity of EC-derived IL 1 and murine recombinant IL 1. The release of this inhibitory cytokine (EC-derived contra-IL 1 [EC-contra-IL 1]) was confined to UV-exposed BALB/c or Pam 212 keratinocytes, since no inhibitory activity was detected in supernatants of unirradiated cells. EC-contra-IL 1 also blocked IL 1-induced fibroblast proliferation but did not suppress IL 2 or IL 3 activity. Moreover, EC-contra-IL 1 did not inhibit spontaneous proliferation of a variety of cell lines (Pam 212, P388D1, L 929, EL 4). With the use of chromatofocusing EC-contra-IL 1 exhibited a pI of 8.8, and upon reversed-phase chromatography it eluted within three distinct peaks. Therefore, murine UV-exposed EC, in addition to the production of immunoenhancing cytokines, also may release immunosuppressing mediators and thereby participate in UV-induced immunosuppression. These findings further support the notion that the epidermis may not only be considered as a simple barrier against harmful agents but represents an active element of the immune system.     

Anti-oxidant, in vitro, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and antiproliferative activity of mefenamic acid and its metal complexes with manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II)

Some new complexes of mefenamic acid with potentially interesting biological activity are described. The complexes of mefenamic acid [Mn(mef)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], 1, [Co(mef)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], 2, [Ni(mef)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], 3, [Cu(mef)(2)(H(2)O)](2), 4 and [Zn(mef)(2)], 5, were prepared by the reaction of mefenamic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory drug with metal salts. Optical and infrared spectral data of these new complexes are reported. Monomeric six-coordinated species were isolated in the solid state for Mn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II), dimeric five-coordinated for Cu(II) and monomeric four-coordinated for Zn(II). In DMF or CHCl(3) solution the coordination number is retained and the coordinated molecules of water are replaced by solvent molecules. The anti-oxidant properties of the complexes were evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH, free radical scavenging assay. The scavenging activities of the complexes were measured and compared with those of the free drug and vitamin C. We have explored their ability to inhibit soybean lipoxygenase, beta-glucuronidase and trypsin- induced proteolysis. The complex [Mn(mef)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] exhibits the highest antioxidant activity and the highest inhibitory effect against the soybean lipogygenase (LOX), properties that are not demonstrated by mefenamic acid. Their inhibitory effects on rat paw edema induced by Carrageenan was studied and compared with those of mefenamic acid. The complex [Zn(mef)(2)] exhibited a strong inhibitory effect at 0.1 mmol/Kg B.W. (81.5 +/- 1.3% inhibition), superior to the inhibition induced by mefenamic acid at the same dose (61.5 +/- 2.3% inhibition). Mefenamic acid and its metal complexes have been evaluated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against the cells of three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line), T24 (bladder cancer cell line), A-549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and a mouse fibroblast L-929 cell line. The copper(II) complex displays against T24, MCF-7 and L-929 cancer cell lines, IC(50) values in a microM range similar to that of the antitumor drug cis-platin and they are considered for further stages of screening in vitro and/or in vivo as agents with potential antitumor activity.     

Influence of the position of substituents in the cytotoxic activity of trans platinum complexes with hydroxymethyl pyridines

The synthesis and chemical characterization of two trans platinum complexes, (1) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(2-hydroxymethylpyridine)] and (2) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(3-hydroxymethylpyridine)], are described. The structures and chemical behaviour of these compounds have been compared to those of their isomer (3) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] previously studied. X-ray structures of all of them were solved and some interesting differences were found. The values of the dihedral angle (85 degrees , 57 degrees and 42 degrees for 1, 2 and 3, respectively) demonstrate how important is the position of substituent from a structural point of view. Studies of circular dichroism (CD), electrophoretic mobility (EM) in agarose gel and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed differences in the modifications caused by the three complexes on DNA. Studies of antiproliferative activity of complexes 1 and 2 against cell tumour lines (HL-60) and apoptosis assays have also been carried out, showing that 1 as well as 2 are far less active than the previously described complex 3 (IC(50)=19; 19 and 3 microM, respectively). This fact probes that slight modifications on the drug's design may generate significant differences in the final antitumour activity by modifying the DNA-drug adducts, performance of resistance mechanisms and all the factors that play a fundamental role in Pt complexes' cytotoxicity.