Synthesis, structural characterisation and biological studies of new mononuclear platinum(II) complexes with sterically hindered heterocyclic ligands

Three novel cisplatin analogues were synthesized, designed according to an approach which violates the “classical” structure-activity relationship, by replacing the diamine ligands with a planar N donor heterocycle giving a sterically hindered complex. Moreover, the sterical hindrance of antitumor drug candidates potentially makes them less susceptible to deactivation by sulphur-containing proteins and helping to overcome resistance mechanisms. The resulting mononuclear complexes of sterically hindered polidentate heterocyclic N ligands [PtCl(bbp)]Cl (1) [bbp = 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine], [PtCl₂(dptdn)](H₂O) (2) [dptdn = sodium 5,6-diphenyl-3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine-4″,4″′-disulfonate] and [(dptdn)(dpt)Pt]Cl₂(H₂O) (3) [dpt = 5,6-diphenyl-3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine] have been prepared and structurally characterised. Both neutral and ionic complexes are present, with monofunctional (1) and bifunctional Pt(II) moieties (2) and coordinatively saturated Pt(II) ions in the mixed ligand complex (3), whose size and shape enable them to behave as novel scaffolds for DNA binding. All complexes were tested “in vitro” for their biological activity on human HT29 colorectal carcinoma and HepG2 hepatoma cells. The complexes (1) and (3), endowed with a positive charge, showed a potent cytotoxic activity and reduced cell viability with an efficacy higher than that of cisplatin; whilst the neutral bifunctional compound (2) was inactive. IC50 values have been calculated for the active compounds. The cytotoxic effects were confirmed by the accumulation of treated cells in subG0/G1 phase of cell cycle, by the loss of mitochondrial potential (Δψ_m) and by the chromatin condensation or fragmentation observed by means of fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. A study on intracellular platinum uptake in HT29 cell line has been also performed and data obtained strongly suggest that the cytotoxicity of new tested complexes reported in this work is based on a different pharmacodynamic pattern with respect to cisplatin.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic properties and structural characterisation of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with 1,3,5-pyrazole derived ligands. Rotation around the metal-N bond

Reactions of ligands 1-ethyl-5-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (L¹) and 5-methyl-1-octyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (L²) with [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ and K₂PtCl₄ gave complexes trans-[MCl₂(L)₂] (L = L¹, L²). The new complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction. The NMR study of the complex [PdCl₂(L¹)₂], in CDCl₃ solution, is consistent with a very slow rotation of ligands around the Pd-N bond, so that two conformational isomers can be observed in solution (syn and anti). Different behaviour is observed for complexes [PdCl₂(L²)₂] and [PtCl₂(L)₂] (L = L¹, L²), which present an isomer in solution at room temperature (anti). The crystal structure of [PdCl₂(L¹)₂] complex is described, where the Pd(II) presents a square planar geometry with the ligands coordinated in a trans disposition.     

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.     

Hydrophilic ligands derived from glucose: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxic activity on cancer cells of Pt(II) complexes

Aiming to contribute to the design of new antitumoral drugs, we synthesized new hydrophilic Pt(II) complexes of general formula [PtCl₂(N,N′)] containing nitrogen bidentate amine-imine and di-imine ligands derived from glucose. Some chemical properties were discussed. The X-ray molecular structure of [PtCl₂(α-d-glucopyranoside-methyl-6-deoxy-6(2-(methylimino)methyl)pyridine) (D) was reported. [PtCl₂(β-d-glucopyranosylimine-N-(2-pyridinylmethyl))] (A), which is well-soluble both in organic solvents and in water, was tested for cytotoxicity.     

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity of gallium(III) complexes anchored by tridentate pyrazole-based ligands

Reactions of GaCl₃ with pyrazole-containing ligands of the pyrazole-imine-phenol (HL¹-HL³) or pyrazole-amine-phenol (HL⁴-HL⁶) types led to the synthesis of well-defined [GaL₂]⁺ homoleptic complexes (1-6). Complexes 1-6 were characterized by elemental analysis, ESI-MS (electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry), IR and NMR spectroscopies, and in the case of Complex 1 also by X-ray diffraction analysis. In complexes 1-3, the pyrazole-imine-phenolate ligands act as monoanionic chelators that coordinate to the metal in a meridional fashion, while 4-6 contain monoanionic and facially coordinated pyrazole-amine-phenolate ligands. Complexes 1-3 have a greater stability in solution compared to 4-6, which have shown a more pronounced tendency to release the respective ancillary ligands. The cytotoxicity of 1-6 and of the respective ligands (HL¹-HL⁶) was evaluated against human prostate cancer cells PC-3 and human breast cancer cells MCF-7. The substituents of the phenolate rings strongly influenced the cytotoxicity of the compounds. Complexes 3 and 6 that contain chloride substituents at the phenolate rings have shown the highest cytotoxicity, including in the cisplatin-resistant PC-3 cell line. The cytotoxic profile of 3 and 6 is very similar to the one displayed by the respective anchor ligands, respectively HL¹ and HL⁶. The cytotoxic activity of 3 and 6 is slightly increased by the presence of transferrin, and both complexes provoke cell death mainly by induction of apoptotic pathways.     

Synthesis, characterization, and aqueous chemistry of cytotoxic Au(III) polypyridyl complexes

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and aqueous chemistry of a series of cytotoxic [Au(polypyridyl)Cl₂]PF₆ complexes {(where polypyridyl = dipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h] quinoxaline (DPQ), dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c] phenazine (DPPZ) and dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c](6,7,8,9-tetrahydro) phenazine (DPQC))}. The crystal structure of [Au(DPQ)Cl₂]PF₆ was determined as example of the series and exhibits the anticipated square planar geometry common for d⁸ coordination complexes. The crystals of the complex belong to the space group P2₁/n with a = 7.624(2) Å, b = 18.274(5) Å, c = 14.411(14) Å, β = 98.03(3)°, and Z = 4. In ¹H NMR studies of these compounds in the presence of aqueous buffer, all four complexes rapidly converted to the dihydroxy species [Au(polypyridyl)(OH)₂] in a stepwise fashion. However, the [Au(polypyridyl)]³⁺ fragment believed to impart cytotoxicity in human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780) remained intact and appeared stable for days. It was also noted that these Au(III) complexes were readily reduced in the presence of the common biological reducing agents, reduced glutathione and sodium ascorbate. How solution and redox stability may affect the biological activity of these novel Au(III) complexes is discussed.     

New Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with N,S-chelated pyrazolonate ligands: molecular and supramolecular structure and preliminary study of their in vitro antitumoral activity

New Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes [ML2] (HL=a substituted 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1H-pyrazolone-1-carbothioamide) have been synthesized by reacting K2MCl4 (M=Pd, Pt) or Pd(OAc)2 with beta-ketoester thiosemicarbazones. The structures of seven of these complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. Although all exhibit a distorted square-planar coordination with trans- or (in one case) cis-[MN2S2] kernels, their supramolecular arrangements vary widely from isolated molecules to 3D-networks. The in vitro antitumoral assays performed with two HL ligands and their metal complexes showed significant cytostatic activity for the latter, with the most active [ML2] derivative (a palladium complex) being about sixteen times more active than cis-DDP against the cisplatinum-resistant cell line A2780cisR.     

Dinuclear Rh(II) complexes with one polypyridyl ligand, structure, properties and antitumor activity

Rhodium(II) complexes [Rh₂(μ-OAc)₂(OAc)(bpy)(H₂O)₂]PF₆ (1), [Rh₂(μ-OAc)₂(OAc)(phen)(H₂O)₂](PF₆)·H₂O (2), [Rh₂(μ-OOCCH₃)₃(OOCCH₃)(phen)] (3) and [Rh₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₃(O₂CCH₃)(Ph₂phen)] (4) (Ph₂phen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by means of NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. X-ray structure of complex 4·1.5(CH₃COCH₃) has been determined and its geometry and electronic structure has been elucidated using OPBE and B3LYP DFT methods. The compounds are active cytostatic agents against tumor cells.     

Synthesis and biological activity of cis-dichloro mono- and bis(platinum) complexes with N-alkyl-ethylenediamine ligands

Mono- and bis(platinum) complexes containing N-alkyl-ethylenediamine units of the type {cis-PtCl₂[H₂NCH₂CH₂NH(CH₂)_nCH₃]} (n=8, 9, 11, 15) and [{cis-PtCl₂(H₂NCH₂CH₂NH)}₂(CH₂)_n] (n=6, 8, 10, 12) and their corresponding dihydroxo-platinum(IV) complexes were synthesized. The structures of the metal chelates were derived from elemental analyses and their ¹H, ¹³C, IR spectra. The length of the aliphatic chains has been varied systematically, in order to increase the lipophilicity. Enlargement of the linker could also lead to more flexibility of one platinum sphere in reference to the attached DNA species. Using in vitro cytotoxicity tests it is shown that the biological activity of the bis(platinum) complexes increased, up to n=12, with the length of the linker. The longest linker in the ligands resulted in the most effective bis(platinum) complexes against L1210 murine leukemia cells.     

Novel endothall-containing platinum(IV) complexes: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic activity

Two platinum(IV) complexes (OC-6-33)-dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and (OC-6-33)-diammine(dichlorido)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) were carboxylated using demethylcantharidin as carboxylation agent. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and, in case of (OC-6-33)-diamminebis(3-carboxy-7exo-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylato)dichloridoplatinum(IV) via X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was studied in seven human cancer cell lines representing five tumor entities, i.e., ovarian carcinoma (CH1, SK-OV-3), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), colon carcinoma (SW480, HCT-116), osteosarcoma (U-2 OS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) by means of the MTT (=3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium hydrobromide) assay.     

Methyl-substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides as ligands: structural, spectroscopic, magnetic and cytotoxic characteristics of copper(II) complexes

Seven new mono- and dinuclear Cu(II) complexes containing various methyl substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides as ligands were isolated and characterized physicochemically and biologically. The characterization included elemental analysis, magnetic and spectroscopic methods (diffuse reflectance and UV-visible absorption, IR, FIR). A single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was performed for the complex with 2,5-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide. Trans- and cis-square planar configuration around Cu ion was established for mono- and dinuclear species, respectively. In methanolic solutions the dinuclear species decompose into mononuclear ones with increasing 4 → 6 coordination number with attachment of two solvent molecules.The IR spectra showed that the strength of the Cu-ligand bond gauged by the degree of N-O elongation changed irregularly with position and number of methyl groups. Cytotoxic studies on the MCF-7 human breast cancer line revealed a structure-activity relationship: double blocking of the NO₂ group with two CH₃ groups rendered the complex completely inactive.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of trans-platinum(II) complexes with chloroquine

Three platinum-chloroquine complexes, trans-Pt(CQDP)₂(I)₂ [1], trans-Pt(CQDP)₂(Cl)₂ [2] and trans-Pt(CQ)₂(Cl)₂ [3], were prepared and their most probable structure was established through a combination of spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Their interaction with DNA was studied and their activity against 6 tumor cell lines was evaluated. Compounds 1 and 2 interact with DNA primarily through electrostatic contacts and hydrogen bonding, with a minor contribution of a covalent interaction, while compound 3 binds to DNA predominantly in a covalent fashion, with weaker secondary electrostatic interactions and possibly hydrogen bonding, this complex also exerted greater cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell lines.     

Synthesis, characterisation, supramolecular aggregation and biological activity of phosphine gold(I) complexes with monoanionic thiourea ligands

A series of phosphine gold(I) complexes containing monoanionic thiourea ligands has been synthesised by reaction of the appropriate precursor chloro complex, Ph₃PAuCl, Cy₃PAuCl, dppf(AuCl)₂ [dppf = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄PPh₂)₂] or dppe(AuCl)₂ (dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) with the thiourea and Me₃N base in methanol solution. The complexes have been fully characterised by elemental analysis, NMR spectrometry, electrospray mass spectrometry, and in several cases, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The crystallographic studies show that the ligands coordinate as a thiolate in each case with systematic variations in geometric parameters being readily ascribed to the influence of the N-bound substituents. In four of the structures, discernable supramolecular aggregation patterns are evident, leading to loosely associated dimers or chain motifs, the latter mediated by either Au?S, N-H?N or C-H?O interactions. Cytotoxicity data, against the P388 leukemia cell line, and anti-microbial data are also reported.     

Synthesis and in vitro antitumoral activity of novel O,O'-di-2-alkyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoate ligands and corresponding platinum(II/IV) complexes

Syntheses of two novel ligand precursors O,O'-diisopropyl- (1a) and O,O'-diisobutyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoate dihydrochloride monohydrate (1b) and the corresponding dichloroplatinum(II) (2a and 2b) and tetrachloroplatinum(IV) complexes (3a and 3b) are described here. The substances were characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Crystal structures were determined for 1a and the corresponding platinum(IV) complex, 3a. In vitro antiproliferative activity was determined against tumor cell lines: human adenocarcinoma HeLa, human myelogenous leukemia K562, human malignant melanoma Fem-x, rested and stimulated normal immunocompetent cells (human peripheral blood mononuclear PBMC cells) using KBR test (Kenacid Blue Dye binding test). The IC(50)(microM) values for the most active compound 3a were: 30.48+/-2.54; 12.26+/-2.60; 13.68+/-3.22; 80.18+/-24.07 and 71.30+/-21.70, respectively.     

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of benzopyran-based platinum(II) complexes

A series of benzopyran-based platinum complexes of types 4 and 5 were synthesized as potential anticancer agents. The novel compounds were synthesized in several steps using simple and efficient chemistry. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their biological efficacy and showed significant in vitro cytotoxic activity in different hormone-dependent and -independent breast cancer cell lines. Docking and other molecular modeling experiments were also performed for one of the potent compounds, 5f, which showed that both the possible enantiomeric forms (5f with 3R,4R and 5f with 3S,4S) of the molecule have comparable lowest energy (for 5f with 3R,4R, −31.953 kcal/mol and for 5f with 3S,4S, −31.944 kcal/mol). The 3D QSAR was examined for the derivatives of both enantiomeric forms and a novel relationship for the 3S,4S derivatives is discussed.     

(Pyrazolylmethyl)pyridine platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes: Synthesis, structures and evaluation as anticancer agents

Reactions of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L1), 2-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L3) and 2-(3-p-tolylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L4) with K₂[PtCl₄] in a mixture of ethanol and water formed the dichloro platinum complexes [PtCl₂(L1)] (1), [PtCl₂(L2)] (2), [PtCl₂(L3)] (3) and [PtCl₂(L4)] (4). Complex 1, [PtCl₂(L1)], could also be prepared in a mixture of acetone and water. Performing the reactions of L2 and L3 in a mixture of acetone and water, however, led to C-H activation of acetone under mild conditions to form the neutral acetonyl complexes [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L2)] (2a) and [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L3)] (3a). The same ligands reacted with HAuCl₄ · 4H₂O in a mixture of ethanol and water to form the gold salts [AuCl₂(L1)][AuCl₄] (5) [AuCl₂(L2)][Cl] (6) [AuCl₂(L3)][Cl] (7) and [AuCl₂(L4)][AuCl₄] (8); however, with the pyrazolyl unit in the para position of the pyridinyl ring in 4-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L5), 4-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L6) neutral gold complexes [AuCl₃(L5)] (9) and [AuCl₂(L6)] (10) were formed; signifying the role the position of the pyrazolyl group plays in product formation in the gold reactions. X-ray crystallographic structural determination of L6, 2, 33a, 8 and 10 were very important in confirming the structures of these compounds; particularly for 3a and 8 where the presence of the acetonyl group confirmed C-H activation and for 8 where the counter ion is . Cytotoxicity studies of L2, L4 and complexes 1-10 against HeLa cells showed the Au complexes were much less active than the Pt complexes.     

Spectroelectrochemical studies of some ruthenium(II) complexes with polypyridyl bridging ligands

Ruthenium(II) bis(2,2″-pyridyl) complexes with bridging ligands: 6,7-dichloro-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline; 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)-quinoxaline; 5-methyl-2,3-di(2-pyridyl) quinoxaline; 6,7-dibenzo-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline have been prepared. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these complexes are reported. The resonance Raman spectroelectrochemical results indicate the presence of oxidation state sensitive marker bands in the resonance Raman spectra of the oxidized complexes. The spectroscopic data for the reduced complexes is similar for all four species. The resonance Raman data for the reduced species are dominated by 2,2″-bipyridyl vibrations.     

Structure and characterization of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes with protonated nucleobase ligands

The reaction of H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O (18C6 = 18-crown-6) with 9-methylguanine (MeGua) proceeded with the protonation of MeGua forming 9-methylguaninium hexachloroplatinate(IV) dihydrate (MeGuaH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (1).The same compound was obtained from the reaction of Na₂[PtCl₆] with (MeGuaH)Cl.On the other hand, the reaction of guanosine (Guo) with (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O in methanol at 60 °C proceeded with the cleavage of the glycosidic linkage and with ligand substitution to give a guaninium complex of platinum(IV), [PtCl₅(GuaH)] · 1.5(18C6) · H₂O (2).Within several weeks in aqueous solution a slow reduction took place yielding the analogous guaninium platinum(II) complex, [PtCl₃(GuaH)] · (18C6) · 2Me₂CO (3).H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and guanosine was found to react in water, yielding (GuoH)₂[PtCl₆] (4) and in ethanol at 50 °C, yielding [PtCl₅(GuoH)] · 3H₂O (5).Dissolution of complexes 2 and 5 in DMSO resulted in the substitution of the guaninium and guanosinium ligands, respectively, by DMSO forming [PtCl₅(DMSO)]⁻.Reactions of 1-methylcytosine (MeCyt) and cytidine (Cyd) with H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and(H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O resulted in the formation of hexachloroplatinates with N3 protonated pyrimidine bases as cation (MeCytH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (6) and (CydH)₂[PtCl₆] (7), respectively. Identities of all complexes were confirmed by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopic investigations, revealing coordination of GuoH⁺ in complex 5 through N7 whereas GuaH⁺ in complex 3 may be coordinated through N7 or through N9. Solid state structure of hexachloroplatinate 1 exhibited base pairing of the cations yielding (MeGuaH⁺)₂, whereas in complex 6 non-base-paired MeCytH⁺ cations were found. In both complexes, a network of hydrogen bonds including the water molecules was found. X-ray diffraction analysis of complex 3 exhibited a guaninium ligand that is coordinated through N9 to platinum and protonated at N1, N3 and N7. In the crystal, these NH groups form hydrogen bonds N–HO to oxygen atoms of crown ether molecules.     

Tuning of lipophilicity and cytotoxic potency by structural variation of anticancer platinum(IV) complexes

A series of bis(carboxylato)dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(IV) compounds with IC₅₀ values ranging between 142 μM and 18 nM was investigated with respect to their lipophilicity (by the shake flask method as well as microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography), reduction potential, as well as their cellular accumulation in cancer cells in vitro. In general, the antiproliferative properties of the complexes correlated with their lipophilicity as well as their accumulation, whereas differences in antiproliferative potency could not be explained by reduction potentials since they do not vary significantly within the investigated series of compounds. Only minor effects for complexes featuring polar end groups were detected.