Structure-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity of the isomeric complexes [Ru(L)2Cl2] (L=o-tolylazopyridine and 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine) in comparison to [Ru(azpy)2Cl2]

The dichlorobis(2-phenylazopyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(azpy)(2)Cl(2)], are under renewed investigation due to their potential anticancer activity. The three most common isomers alpha-, beta- and gamma-[RuL(2)Cl(2)] with L= o-tolylazopyridine (tazpy) and 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine (mazpy) (alpha indicating the coordinating Cl, N(pyridine) and Nazo atoms in mutual cis, trans, cis positions, beta indicating the coordinating Cl, N(pyridine) and Nazo atoms in mutual cis, cis, cis positions, and gamma indicating the coordinating Cl, N(pyridine) and Nazo atoms in mutual trans, cis, cis positions) are synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of gamma-[Ru(tazpy)(2)Cl(2)] and alpha-[Ru(mazpy)(2)Cl(2)] are determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The IC(50) values of the geometrically isomeric [Ru(tazpy)(2)Cl(2)] and [Ru(mazpy)(2)Cl(2)] complexes compared with those of the parent [Ru(azpy)(2)Cl(2)] complexes are determined in a series of human tumour cell lines (MCF-7, EVSA-T, WIDR, IGROV, M19, A498 and H266). These data unambiguously show for all complexes the following trend: the alpha isomer shows a very high cytotoxicity, whereas the beta isomer is a factor 10 less cytotoxic. The gamma isomers of [Ru(tazpy)(2)Cl(2)] and [Ru(mazpy)(2)Cl(2)] display a very high cytotoxicity comparable to that of the gamma isomer of the parent compound [Ru(azpy)(2)Cl(2)] and to that of the alpha isomer. These biological data are of the utmost importance for a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships for the isomeric [RuL(2)Cl(2)] complexes.     

Platinum(II) complexes with l-methionylglycine and l-methionyl-l-leucine ligands: synthesis, characterization and in vitro antitumoral activity

Four dipeptide complexes of the type [PtX(2)(dipeptide)] x H(2)O (X=Cl, I, dipeptide=l-methionylglycine, l-methionyl-l-leucine) were prepared. The complexes were characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (195)Pt NMR and infrared spectroscopy, DTG and elemental analysis. From the infrared, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy it was concluded that dipeptides coordinate bidentately via sulfur and amine nitrogen donor atoms. Confirmed with (13)C and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopy, each of the complexes exists in two diastereoisomeric forms, which are related by inversion of configuration at the sulfur atom. The (1)H NMR spectrum for the platinum(II) complex with l-methionylglycine and chloro ligands exhibited reversible, intramolecular inversion of configuration at the S atom; DeltaG( not equal)=72 kJ mol(-1) at coalescence temperature 349 K was calculated. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using the human tumor cell lines liposarcoma, lung carcinoma A549 and melanoma 518A2 revealed considerable activity of the platinum(II) complex with l-methionylglycine and chloro ligands. Further in vitro cytotoxic evaluation using human testicular germ cell tumor cell lines 1411HP and H12.1 and colon carcinoma cell line DLD-1 showed moderate cytotoxic activity for all platinum(II) complexes only in the cisplatin-sensitive cell line H12.1. Platinum uptake studies using atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated no relationship between uptake and activity. Potential antitumoral activity of this class of platinum(II) complexes is dependent on the kind of ligands as well as on tumor cell type.     

Electrochemical characterization and DNA-binding property of dipyridophenazine complexes of osmium (II).

Novel dipyridophenazine (DPPZ) complexes of osmium (II), [Os(L)2(DPPZ)]2+ [L = 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy)(1), 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-bipyridyl (DA-bpy)(2), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl(DM-bpy)(3), and 4,4'-dicarboxyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (DC-bpy)(4)] have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding properties of the complexes were studied by electrochemical methods. As the results, complex 2 shows higher affinity to DNA than other osmium complexes. The binding constant, K of complex 2 to calf thymus DNA has been determined to be 2.3 x 10(7) M-1 by normal pulse voltammetry (NPV).     

Copper(II)-fluoroquinolone complexes with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity and DNA binding ability

Copper(II) complexes of fluoroquinolone antibacterial agents levofloxacin (LEV) and sparfloxacin (SPAR), containing or not a nitrogen donor heterocyclic ligand, 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenathroline (phen), were prepared and characterized. The complexes are of the type [CuCl(2)(H(2)O)(L)], [CuCl(bipy)(L)]Cl and [CuCl(2)(phen)(L)], where L?=?LEV or SPAR. The data suggest that LEV and SPAR act as zwitterionic bidentade ligands coordinated to Cu(II) through the carboxylate and ketone oxygen atoms. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the [CuCl(bipy)(L)]Cl and [CuCl(2)(phen)(L)] complexes (L?=?LEV and SPAR) in aqueous and DMSO solutions indicate mixture of mononuclear and binuclear forms. The Cu(II) complexes, together with the corresponding ligands, were evaluated for their trypanocidal activity in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The assays performed against bloodstream trypomastigotes showed that all complexes were more active than their corresponding ligands. Complexes [CuCl(2)(phen)(LEV)] and [CuCl(2)(phen)(SPAR)] were revealed, among all studied compounds, to be the most active with IC(50)?=?1.6 and 4.7?μM, respectively, both presenting a superior effect than benznidazole. The interactions of fluoroquinolones and their Cu(II) complexes with calf-thymus DNA were investigated. These compounds showed binding properties towards DNA, with moderated binding constants values, suggesting that this structure may represent a parasite target.     

DNA conformational changes and cleavage by ruthenium(II) nitrofurylsemicarbazone complexes

Metal complexes that establish interactions with DNA are being studied not only because of their potential use as therapeutic agents but also as tools for biochemistry and molecular biology. Searching for drugs with anti-trypanosome activity, we previously synthesized a series of ruthenium mixed ligand dimethyl sulfoxide complexes of the type [Ru(II)Cl(2)(DMSO)(2)L], where L is 5-nitrofurylsemicarbazone derivatives and DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide. Though they present the ability to bind DNA, no activity against parasites in cell culture was observed. Considering their potential application as molecular tools we further analyzed the interactions with DNA through an electrophoretic approach. Non covalent withdrawal of superhelicity and a rapid nicking activity upon covalent interaction was observed. Inhibition of both effects was observed in the presence of distamycin suggesting the involvement of the DNA minor groove in the interaction with the nitrofurylsemicarbazone ruthenium complexes. In addition cleavage inhibition by dimethyl sulfoxide suggests an oxidative mechanism of action.     

Molecular structure,solution chemistry and biological properties of the novel [ImH][trans-IrCl(4)(Im)(DMSO)], (I) and of the orange form of [(DMSO)(2)H][trans-IrCl(4)(DMSO)(2)], (II), complexes

The new iridium(III) complex, imidazolium[trans(DMSO,imidazole)tetrachloroiridate(III)], (I) (DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide), and the orange form of [(DMSO)(2)H][trans(DMSO)(2)tetrachloroiridate(III)], (II) have been prepared and characterized, both in the solid state and in solution, by X-ray diffraction and by various physicochemical techniques. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies point out that complex (II) is isomorphous to the ruthenium(III) analogue, [(DMSO)(2)H][trans-RuCl(4)(DMSO)(2)], (III). Crystallographic data are the following: a=16.028(2) A, b=24.699(3) A, c=8.262(1) A, in space group Pbca (Z=8) for (imidazolium)[trans(DMSO,imidazole)tetrachloroiridate(III)], (I); and a=9.189(2) A, b=16.511(4) A, c=14.028(3) A, beta=100.82(2) degrees in space group P2/n (Z=4) for [(DMSO)(2)H][trans(DMSO)(2)tetrachloroiridate(III)], (II). Visible absorption spectra show that both complexes are stable for several days, at pH 7.4, at room temperature. No significant chloride hydrolysis is observed, even at high temperature (70 degrees C), over 24 h. The extreme stability of these iridium(III) complexes within a physiological buffer was further assessed by (1)H NMR; in addition, cyclic voltammetry measurements evidenced a high stability of the oxidation state +3. Preliminary biological studies show that both complexes do not bind appreciably bovine serum albumin nor inhibit significantly the proliferation of representative human tumor cell lines, suggesting that hydrolysis of coordinated chlorides is a crucial feature for the biological properties and the antitumor activity of the parent ruthenium(III) complexes.     

Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and antitumor activity of novel platinum(II) complexes with 5,7-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines

Novel platinum(II) complexes with 5,7-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines have been synthesized and characterized by infrared and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques (1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt). The complexes are of two types: [PtCl2(L)2] and [PtCl2(NH3)(L)], where L=5,7-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dptp) and 5,7-ditertbutyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dbtp). Significant 15N NMR upfield shifts (92-95 ppm) were observed for N(3) atom indicating this nitrogen atom as a coordination site. The molecular structure suggest that Pt(II) ion has the square planar geometry with N(3) bonded 5,7-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, N-bonded second ligand (NH3 for cis-[PtCl2(NH3)(L)] or, respectively, 5,7-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines for cis-[PtCl2L2]) and two cis chloride anions. The antiproliferative activity in vitro of complexes (1-4) have been tested against the cells of four human cell lines: SW707 rectal adenocarcinoma, A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma, T47D breast cancer and HCV29T bladder cancer. The results indicate a moderate antiproliferative activity of (4) against the cells of rectal, breast and bladder cancer and a marked and selective cytotoxic effect of (1-3) against the cells of all studied human cancer lines.     

Mechanistic information on the reaction of cis- and trans-[RuCl2(DMSO)4] with d(T2GGT2) derived from MALDI-TOF and HPLC studies

Reactions of trans and cis isomers of the Ru(II) complex [RuCl(2)(DMSO)(4)] with single-stranded hexanucleotide d(T(2)GGT(2)) were studied in aqueous solutions in the absence and presence of excess chloride by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Despite the different reactive species formed from the two isomers in aqueous solution, similar reaction products are obtained in their interaction with d(T(2)GGT(2)). Both [RuCl(2)(DMSO)(4)] isomers bind to the oligonucleotide in the bidentate mode to form thermodynamically stable bis-guanosine adducts, Ru(G-N7)(2). Significant differences were observed in the reaction rates, however the reaction with trans- [RuCl(2)(DMSO)(4)] is ca. 5-10 times faster in comparison to that observed for the cis analogue. This difference is interpreted in terms of different rate-limiting steps for the trans and cis complexes, respectively. It is suggested that the rate of the reaction with the trans isomer is controlled by dissociation of a Cl(-) ligand from the initially formed trans,cis,cis-[RuCl(2)(DMSO)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]. In the contrast, release of a dimethyl sulfoxide molecule from the reactive species cis,fac-[RuCl(2)(DMSO)(3)(H(2)O)] is likely to be rate limiting for the cis analogue. Significant influence of electrostatic interactions on the reaction rate was observed for the trans isomer. Mechanistic interpretation of the observed reactivity trends based on data obtained from UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS studies is presented and discussed within the paper.     

Mono- and polynuclear complexes of Pt(II) with polypyridyl ligands. Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization and cytotoxic activity

An array of poly- and mononuclear complexes of Pt(II) with polypyridyl ligands is reported. The framework complexes [(PtCl(2))(2)(bpp)(2)(micro-PtCl(2))](H(2)O)(2) [bpp=2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine], [PtCl(2)(micro-tptz)PtClNCPh]Cl [tptz=2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine], and mononuclear PtCl(2)(NH(2)dpt) [NH(2)dpt=4-amino-3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole] have been prepared and structurally characterized. Both neutral and ionic complexes are present, with bifunctional and monofunctional Pt(II) moieties, whose size and shape enable them to behave as novel scaffolds for DNA binding. Pt(II) complexes were tested for their biological activity. Cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that these complexes, particularly [PtCl(2)(micro-tptz)PtClNCPh]Cl, were effective death inducers in human colon rectal carcinoma HT29 cells and their cytotoxic activity was higher than that exerted by cisplatin. Morphological analysis of treated HT29 cells, performed by fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33258 staining, showed the appearance of the typical features of apoptosis. Moreover, our results suggested that mitochondria are involved in apoptosis induced by Pt(II) complexes in HT29 cells as demonstrated by dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential.     

Differences in structure, physiological stability, electrochemistry, cytotoxicity, DNA and protein binding properties between two Ru(III) complexes

A novel Ru(III) complex, mer-[RuCl(3)(CH(3)CN)(dpq)] (1), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, where dpq=dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline. Its chemical and biological properties have been intensively compared with those of mer-[RuCl(3)(DMSO)(dpq)] (DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide) (2). It has been found that the stability in buffered solutions and the reduction potential for the Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple can be modulated by changing the small molecule bonded to the Ru(III) center. Interactions of 1 with DNA have been investigated by DNA melting experiments, DNA competitive binding with EB (ethidium bromide), plasmid DNA cleavage experiments and viscosity measurements. The interaction of 1 and 2 with BSA (bovine serum albumin) has also been studied using fluorescent quenching method. The experimental results show that 1 exerts higher affinity towards DNA and BSA than 2 does. The cytotoxicity of 1 has been evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method, and 2 shows slightly higher anticancer potency than 1 does against all the cell lines screened. Attempts are made to clarify the possible antitumor mechanisms of these two complexes by analyzing the experimental results presented.     

Photophysical properties, X-ray structures, electrochemistry, and DFT computational chemistry of osmium complexes

We report the synthesis of phosphorescent divalent osmium complexes of the form [Os(N-N)₂(L-L) or Os(L-L)₂(N-N)]²⁺ (PF₆)₂ where N-N is a derivative of 1,10-phenanthroline, and L-L is a diarsine or diphosphine ligand: 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, or 1,2-bis(dimethylarseno)benzene. X-ray structures have been determined, luminescent and electrochemical properties have been measured and DFT calculations have been performed on the complexes. The emission lifetime of complexes of structure Os(II)(L-L)₂(N-N) are longer than the those of Os(II)(N-N)₂(L-L). The DFT calculations show that there is significant mixing of the π−π^∗ into the dπ−π^∗ charge-transfer state for the complexes of the form Os(II)(L-L)₂(N-N) resulting in a longer lived excited state. Through DFT calculations we were able to conclude that the HOMO of the complexes is a d orbital on the osmium while the LUMO is the b₁(ψ) π^∗ system of the phenanthroline. However, we found that the HOMO did not have the correct symmetry to enable strong charge transfer to the phenanthroline to be observed, and the strong MLCT transition observed in the spectra is the metal d HOMO(−1) to the b1 π^∗ LUMO of the phenanthroline.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,solution equilibrium,and antiproliferative activity of thioxotriazoline and thioxotriazole complexes of copper II and palladium II

Preparations of copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 4-amino-5-methylthio-3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (L(1)) and the copper(II) complex of 1,4-dihydro-4-amino-3-(2-pyridyl)-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazole (HL) are described. These complexes have been characterized by means of spectroscopy and microanalysis. Molecular structures of HL (1), [CuCl(2)(H(2)L)]Cl.2H(2)O (2a), cis-[CuCl(2)(L(1))] (3), and cis-[PdCl(2)(L(1))] (4) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The HL ligand acts as a N,S bidentate through the thioxo moiety and the exo-amino group whilst the ligand L(1) forms N,N coordination complexes through the pyridine and triazole nitrogen atoms. Speciation in solution of the systems Cu/HL and Cu/L(1) have been determined by means of potentiometry and spectrophotometry as well as for the Cu/L(1)/A (HA=glycine) system in order to determine species present at physiological pH. Antiproliferative activity of these complexes and their ligands was evaluated, using the AlamarBlue Assay, on normal human fibroblasts (HF) and human fibrosarcoma tumor (HT1080) cells. The copper compounds cis-[CuCl(2)(H(2)L)]Cl and cis-[CuCl(2)(L(1))] exerted significant antiproliferative activity of both normal and neoplastic cells; although dose-response experiments revealed that the HT1080 cell line was more sensitive to the tested drugs than normal fibroblasts.     

Synthesis and reactivity of coordinatively unsaturated osmium and ruthenium stannyl complexes

Treatment of MHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ (M=Ru, Os) with (CH₂=CH)SnR₃ is a good general route to the coordinatively unsaturated osmium and ruthenium stannyl complexes M(SnR₃)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1: M=Ru, R=Me; 2: M=Ru, R = n-butyl; 3: M=Ru, R = p-tolyl; 4: M=Os, R=Me). These coordinatively unsaturated complexes readily add CO and CN-p-tolyl to form the coordinatively saturated compounds M(SnR₃)Cl(CO)L(PPh₃)₂ (5: M=Ru, R=Me, L=CO; 6: M=;Ru, R = n-butyl, L=CO; 7: M=Ru, R = p-tolyl, L=CO; 8: M=Os, R=Me, L=CO; 9: M=Ru, R=Me, L=CN-p-tolyl; 10: M=Ru, R = n-butyl, L=CN-p-tolyl; 11: M=Os, R=Me, L=CN-p-tolyl). In addition, the chloride ligand in Ru(SnR₃)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ proves to be labile and treatment with the potentially bidentate anionic ligands, dimethyldithiocarbamate or diethyldithiocarbamate, affords the coordinatively saturated compounds Ru(SnR₃)(η²-S₂CNR′₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (12: R=Me, R′ = Me; 13: R=Me, R′ = Et; 14: R = n-butyl, R′ = Me; 15: R = p-tolyl, R′ = Me; 16: R = p-tolyl, R′ = Et). Chloride is also displaced by carboxylates forming the six-coordinate compounds Ru(SnR₃)(η²-O₂CR′)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (17: R=Me, R′ = H; 18: R=Me, R′ = Me; 19: R=Me, R′ = Ph; 20: R = n-butyl, R′ = Me; 21: R = p-tolyl, R′ = Me). IR and ¹H NMR spectral data for all the new compounds and ³¹P and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectral data for selected compounds are reported.     

Structure–activity studies of Ti(IV) complexes: aqueous stability and cytotoxic properties in colon cancer HT-29 cells

As part of our research efforts in the area of titanium-based antitumor agents, we have investigated the cytotoxic activity of [Ti(4)(maltolato)(8)(mu-O)(4)], (Cp-R)(2)TiCl(2) and (Cp-R)CpTiCl(2) (R = CO(2)CH(3) and CO(2)CH(2)CH(3)), and three water-soluble titanocene-amino acid complexes-[Cp(2)Ti(aa)(2)]Cl(2) (aa = L: -cysteine, L: -methionine, and D: -penicillamine)-on the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29. The capacity of [Ti(4)(maltolato)(8)(mu-O)(4)] to donate Ti(IV) to human apo-transferrin and its hydrolytic stability have been investigated and compared to the previously reported data on modified titanocenes with either hydrophilic ancillary ligands or the functionalized cyclopentadienyl ligands. Notably, the titanium-maltolato complex does not transfer Ti(VI) to human apo-transferrin at any time within the first seven days of its interaction, demonstrating the inert character of this species. Stability studies on these complexes have shown that titanocene complexes decompose at physiological pH while the [Ti(4)(maltolato)(8)(mu-O)(4)] complex is stable at this pH without any notable decomposition for a period of ten days. The antitumor activity of these complexes against colon cancer HT-29 cells was determined using an MTT cell viability assay at 72 and 96 h. The titanocene-amino acid and the (Cp-R)(2)TiCl(2)/(Cp-R)CpTiCl(2) (R = CO(2)CH(3)) complexes were not biologically active when human transferrin was absent; they also were inactive when human transferrin was present at dose-equivalent concentrations. (Cp-R)(2)TiCl(2) and (Cp-R)CpTiCl(2) (R = CO(2)CH(2)CH(3)) showed cytotoxic activity in HT-29 cells comparable to that which is displayed by titanocene dichloride. The titanium-maltolato complex had higher levels of cytotoxic activity than any other titanocene complex investigated. Transferrin may be important in protecting the titanium center from hydrolysis, but this may be achieved by selecting ligands that could result in hydrolytically stable, yet active, complexes.     

Synthesis, solution equilibria and antiproliferative activity of copper(II) aminomethyltriazole and aminomethylthioxotriazoline complexes

The aim of the present study was the synthesis, the determination of formation constants, and the evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of two copper(II) complexes formed with triazole-type ligands. The synthesis of the unsymmetrical triazole ligand 4-amino-3-aminomethyl-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazole (L1), and its copper(II) complex is reported. The ligand was prepared by functionalization of the carboxylate function of tert-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC) protected glycine O-methyl ester. All intermediates and final products were isolated and characterized with IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. X-ray structures of the ligand as a sulfate salt ((H2L1)2SO4.H2O) and the copper(II) complex [CuCl2(L1)(2)] are described. The ligand forms a (N,N) bidentate chelate with the amino group and one triazole nitrogen atom. The tetragonally distorted octahedral coordination of Cu(II) results from two axially coordinated chloride ions. Protonation constants for L1 and speciation of the Cu(II)/L1 system were determined in 0.1 M aqueous KCl solution at 25 degrees C. Complexes formed in solution were also characterized by visible spectrophotometry. Ligand substitution competition between L1 and glycine has also been studied using potentiometric titrations. Antiproliferative activities of ([CuCl2(L1)2]) and [CuCl2(H2L2)]Cl, where HL2 is the 5-thioxo analog of L1, against human tumor cell lines HT1080 and HT29 as well as normal human fibroblasts (HF) are presented along with the antiproliferative activities of L1, CuCl2, and cisplatin. Activity of these two complexes are discussed and compared with the activity of analogous compounds reported in the literature which contain pyridyl groups in place of the aminomethyl group. In particular, it is suggested that a lypophilic residue such as a pyridyl group is important for antiproliferative activity of this class of compounds.     

In vitro and in vivo biological activity screening of Ru(III) complexes involving 6-benzylaminopurine derivatives with higher pro-apoptotic activity than NAMI-A

A series of novel octahedral ruthenium(III) complexes involving 6-benzylaminopurine (L) derivatives as N-donor ligands has been prepared by the reaction of [(DMSO)₂H][trans-RuCl₄(DMSO)₂] with the corresponding L derivative. The complexes 1-12 have the general compositions trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-Cl-LH)] ⋅ xSol (1-3), trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-Br-LH)] · xSol (4-6), trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-OMe-LH)] · xSol (7-9) and trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(n-OH-LH)] · xSol (10-12); n = 2, 3, and 4, x = 0-1.5; and Sol = H₂O, DMSO, EtOH and/or (Me)₂CO. The complexes have been thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, UV-visible, FTIR, Raman, and EPR spectroscopy, ES + (positive ionization electrospray) mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic and conductivity measurements. The X-ray molecular structure of trans-[RuCl₄(DMSO)(3-Br-LH)] ⋅ (Me)₂CO (5) revealed the distorted octahedral coordination in the vicinity of the central atom, and also confirmed that the 3-Br-L ligand is present as the N3-protonated N7-H tautomer and is coordinated to Ru(III) through the N9 atom of the purine moiety. The tested complexes have been found to be in vitro non-cytotoxic against K562, G361, HOS and MCF7 human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ > 100 μM in contrast to the moderate results regarding the antiradical activity with IC₅₀ ≈ 10^− 3 M. On the contrary, in vivo antitumor activity screening showed that the prepared Ru(III) complexes possess higher pro-apoptotic activity than NAMI-A. The reduction of Ru(III) to Ru(II) and Ru(II)-species formation in tumor tissues was confirmed by means of a simple method of detection and visualization of intracellular Ru(II) by fluorescence microscopy. The originality of this method is based on the preparation of a Ru(II)-bipyridine complex in situ.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and cytotoxicities of some transition metal complexes with N-[2-{(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amino}ethyl]acetamide

The synthesis and spectroscopic (IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR) characterization of new complexes of Pt(II), Pd(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) with the Schiff base ligand MeCONHCH(2)CH(2)N=CHPy (L) (Py=pyridine) are reported, together with studies on the cytotoxicities of these complexes, L and [ReBr(CO)(3)(L)] against human leukemia (MOLT-4), breast cancer (MCF-7) and Chang Liver (non-cancerous) cells. The crystal structures of [Pt(L)Cl(2)] (2), [Cu(L)Cl(2)] (4) and [Hg(L)Cl(2)](2) (5) are also reported. Of the complexes studied, [Cu(L)Cl(2)] (4) was identified as the most cytotoxic active derivative against cells of neoplastic origin (MOLT-4, and MCF-7), while having low toxicity on cells of benign origin (Chang Liver).     

Antiproliferative activity of Pt(II) and Pd(II) phosphine complexes with thymine and thymidine

Oxidative addition reactions between [M(PPh(3))(4)] (M=Pt and Pd) and N1-methylthymine (t)/3',5'-di-O-acetylthymidine (T) were carried out to give [M(II)(PPh(3))(2)Cl t (or T)] complexes, in which the metal is coordinated to the N3 of the base. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR) and Fast Atom Bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS); X-ray data for the thymine complexes and elemental analysis for the thymidine complexes are reported. The antiproliferative activity of the complexes was tested on human chronic myelogenous leukaemia K562 cells. Arrested polymerase-chain reaction analysis was carried on to correlate antiproliferative activity and inhibition of DNA replication. All Pd and Pt complexes exhibit antiproliferative activity, Pd complexes resulting always more active than Pt complexes. Arrested PCR data are strongly in agreement with the effects on cell growth, suggesting that inhibition of the DNA replication by the synthesized compounds is the major basis for their in vitro antiproliferative activity.     

Synthesis, characterization, interaction with DNA and cytotoxicity of the new potential antitumour drug cis-K[Ru(eddp)Cl(2)

The new potential antitumour soluble drug K[Ru(eddp)Cl(2)].3H(2)O, (eddp=ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propionate) has been isolated and characterized. The analysis of the interaction of this complex with pBR322 plasmid DNA by circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that the ruthenium complex initially induces alteration of both CD positive and negative features resembling those previously observed for monofunctional platinum complexes. Further addition of drug at r(i) higher than 0.50 suggests appreciable conformational alterations of typical secondary structure of B-type DNA, implying loss of DNA helicity and unwinding of the double helix. The results reported herein about the binding of K[Ru(eddp)Cl(2)] to the named plasmid performed by electrophoresis indicate that the Ru(III) center preferentially forms initial monofunctional adducts with this plasmid. In addition, the DNA binding data suggest that the plasmid is cleaved by K[Ru(eddp)Cl(2)] in the presence of physiological concentrations of ascorbate. These results support the hypothesis that reactive Ru(II) species may be formed from Ru(III) upon incubation with a reductant agent such as ascorbate. The testing of the cytotoxic activity of this complex against several human cancer cell lines evidenced that K[Ru(eddp)Cl(2)] complex had a remarkable and selective antiproliferative effect against the cervix carcinoma HeLa and colon adenocarcinoma HT-29, behaving in these two cases as an antineoplastic drug.     

Unusual reactivity of cytotoxic cis-dihydrazide Pt(II) complexes in aqueous solution

Complexes of the general structure cis-[PtX(2)(hydrazide)(2)] and cis-[PtX(2)NH(3)(hydrazide)], where X=Cl(-), Br(-) and I(-), and hydrazide=cyclohexylcarboxylic acid hydrazide (chcah), cyclopentylcarboxylic acid hydrazide (cpcah), 3-aminocyclohexanspiro-5-hydantoin (achsh) and 3-aminocyclopentanspiro-5-hydantoin (acpsh), were investigated with respect to aqueous stability, DNA platination rates and cytotoxic activity on a panel of seven human cancer cell lines as well as a cisplatin-resistant cell line. Stabilities in aqueous solution, determined by RP-HPLC and UV-Vis methods, were highly dependent on the type of halide ligand, with stability decreasing in the order I(-)>Cl(-)>Br(-). Added chloride (100 mM) only stabilized the dichloro-Pt(II) complexes containing the hydrazide as part of a hydantoin ring (i.e., achsh). Platination of calf thymus DNA determined by AAS was most rapid with dichloro-Pt(II) complexes containing achsh ligand. The mixed-amine dichloro-Pt(II) complexes with either chcah or cpcah ligands also platinated DNA >80%, but at a slower rate, while dihydrazide dichloro-Pt(II) complexes with either chcah or cpcah ligands resulted in <25% DNA platination at 24 h. cis-[PtX(2)(hydrazide)(2)], where hydrazide=chcah or cpcah, were the most potent compounds (chcah>cpcah), but activity was independent of the halide ligand (I(-)=Cl(-)=Br(-)). These complexes showed no cross-resistance with cisplatin, but they also showed little differentiation in potency over the seven cell lines. Complexes with the hydantoin ligands achsh and acpsh were inactive in all cell lines. Thus, neither stability in aqueous media nor covalent binding to DNA are correlated with biological activity, suggesting that cis-dihydrazide Pt(II) complexes act by a unique mechanism of action.