Investigations of the possible pharmacological effects of organotin(II) complexes

Antitumour, antifertility and histopathological investigations were carried out on male rats by the use of organotin complexes. The organotin complexes were synthesized by the alkylation of [Sn(TAML(n))Cl(2)] (n=1-4 and TAML(n) represents the tetraazamacrocyclic ligands) in the presence of CH(3)I or C(2)H(5)Br. The structures of all the complexes have been established on the basis of elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (119)Sn NMR and X-ray spectral data. The antitumour effect of the compounds was examined on swiss mice. The results obtained clearly indicated that the compounds, [C(2)H(5)Sn(TAML(3))C(5)H(5)N] and [C(2)H(5)Sn(TAML(4))C(5)H(5)N] display effective antitumour activity. The emphasis has been given on in vivo study on male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) by performing serum analyses, blood analyses and fertility test.     

Synthesis,structural characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of organotin(IV) derivatives of heterocyclic thioamides, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 5-chloro-2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 3-methyl-2-mercaptobenzothiazole and 2-mercaptonicotinic acid

Five new organotin(IV) molecules with the heterocyclic thioamides; 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (Hmbzt), 5-chloro-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (Hcmbzt), 3-methyl-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (mmbzt) and 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (H(2)mna) of formulae [(n-C(4)H(9))(2)Sn(mbzt)(2)] (1), [(C(6)H(5))(2)Sn(mbzt)(2)] (2), [(CH(3))(2)Sn(cmbzt)(2)].1.7(H(2)O)] (3), [(n-C(4)H(9))(2)SnCl(2)(mmbzt)(2).(CH(2)Cl(2))] (4) and [[(C(6)H(5))(3)Sn](2)(mna).[(CH(3))(2)CO]] (5) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H-, 13C-NMR, FT-IR and M?ssbauer spectroscopic techniques. Crystal structures of molecules 1, 3 and 5 have been determined by X-ray diffraction at 173(1) K (1 and 5) and 293(2) K (3). Compound 1 C(22)H(26)N(2)S(4)Sn, is monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=44.018(2), b=8.8864(5), c=12.8633(7) A, beta=104.195(5) degrees, Z=8. Compound 3 is also monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c and a=17.128(2) A, b=17.919(2) A, c=7.3580(10) A, beta=98.290(10) degrees, Z=4. In both molecules 1 and 3, two carbon atoms from aryl groups, two sulfur and two nitrogen atoms from thione ligands form a distorted octahedral geometry around tin(IV) with trans-C(2), cis-N(2), cis-S(2) configurations. Compound 5 C(45)H(39)NO(3)SSn(2) is monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a=9.1148(2) A, b=29.2819(6), c=15.5556(4) A, beta=106.2851(9) degrees, Z=4. Complex 5 contains two [(C(6)H(5))(3)Sn(IV)] moieties linked by a double deprotonated 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (H(2)mna). Both tin(IV) ions are five coordinated. This complex is the an example of a pentacoordinated Ph(3)SnXY system with an axial-equatorial arrangement of the phenyl groups at Sn(1) atom. Compounds 1, 3 and 5 were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity against the cancer cell line of sarcoma cells (mesenchymal tissue) from the Wistar rat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene) carcinogenesis. Compound 5 exhibits strong cytotoxic activity, while complexes 1 and 3 show less cytotoxic activity.     

Diiron models for the active site of Fe-only hydrogenase with terminal organosulfur ligation: synthesis, structures and electrochemistry

Diiron model complexes (micro-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)S)Fe(2)(CO)(5)L with thioether-substitution, L=S(CH(2)CH(3))(2) (2), S(CH(2)CH(3))(CH(2)CH(2)Cl) (3), S(CH(2)CH(3))(C(6)H(5)) (4), or sulfoxide-substitution, L=SO(CH(2)CH(2)CH(3))(2) (5), SO(CH(3))(2) (6), were synthesized as active site analogues of Fe-only hydrogenase. The organosulfur ligands were introduced into the diiron centers via moderately stable intermediates following two routes. The X-ray crystallographic structures of complexes 2-6 show the apical positions of terminal organosulfur ligands. The electrochemical behaviors of the model complexes were investigated, especially for the interesting properties of the derivative of 6 which is proposed to be the first model with weak donor ligand similar to CO.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and biological study of new organotin(IV), silver(I) and antimony(III) complexes with thioamides

An overview of our work on the synthesis and biological activity of a series of tin(IV), silver(I) and antimony(III) complexes with thioamides is reported. Organotin(IV) complexes of formulae (n-Bu)2Sn(MBZT)2 (1), Me2Sn(CMBZT)(2) (2), {(Ph3Sn)2(MNA) (Me2CO)} (3), Ph3Sn(MBZT) (4), Ph3Sn(MBZO) (5), Ph3Sn(CMBZT) (6), Ph2Sn(CMBZT)2 (7) and (n-Bu)2Sn(CMBZT)2 (8), Me2Sn(PMT)2 (9), (n-Bu)2Sn(PMT)2 (10), Ph2Sn(PMT)2 (11), Ph3Sn(PMT) (12) {where MBZT=2-mercapto-benzothiazole, CMBZT=5-chloro-2-mercapto-benzothiazole, H2MNA=2-mercapto-nicotinic acid, MBZO=2-mercapto-benzoxazole and PMTH=2-mercapto-pyrimidine} were characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, IR, Mossbauer, etc.) and X-ray diffraction techniques and their influence on the peroxidation of oleic acid was studied. They were found to inhibit strongly the peroxidation of linoleic acid by the enzyme lipoxygenase. In addition, organotin(IV) complexes were found to exhibit stronger cytotoxic activity in vitro, against leiomyosarcoma cells, than cisplatin. The antiproliferative activity of the organotin complexes studied, against leiomyosarcoma cells follow the same order of LOX activity inhibition. This is, 3>12>7>6 approximately 8 approximately 10>5 approximately 4>2>9. Thus, among organotin(IV)-CMBZT complexes, 7 exhibits higher activity than the others and this is explained by a free radical mechanism, as it is revealed by an EPR study. The results are compared with the corresponding ones found for the silver(I) complexes of formulae complexes {[Ag6(mu3-HMNA)4(mu3-MNA)2](2-).[(Et(3)NH)+]2.(DMSO)2.(H2O)} (13), {[Ag4Cl4(mu3-STHPMH2)4]n} (14), {[Ag6(mu2-Br)6(mu2-STHPMH2)4(mu3-STHPMH2)2]n} (15), {[Ag4(mu2STHPMH2)6](NO3)4}(n) (16), {[AgCl(TPTP)]4} (17), [AgX(TPTP)3] with X=Cl (18), Br (19), I (20) (where STHPMH2=2-mercapto-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-pyrimidine, TPTP=tri(p-toly)phosphine) and those of antimony(III) complexes {[SbCl2(MBZIM)4](+).Cl(-).2H2O.(CH3OH)} (21), {[SbCl2(MBZIM)4]+.Cl(-).3H2O.(CH3CN)} (22), [SbCl3(MBZIM)2] (23), [SbCl3(EMBZIM)2] (24), [SbCl3(MTZD)2] (25), {[SbCl3(THPMT)2]} (26) and {[Sb(PMT)3].0.5(CH3OH)} (27) (where MBZIM is 2-mercapto-benzimidazole, EMBZIM=5-ethoxy-2-mercapto-benzimidazole and MTZD is 2-mercapto-thiazolidine), which they have characterized with similar techniques as in case of organotin(IV) complexes. Silver(I) and antimony(III) complexes were found to be cytotoxic against various cancer cell lines.     

Characterization of diorganotin(IV) complexes with captopril. The first crystallographically authenticated metal complex of this anti-hypertensive agent

Diorganotin(IV) complexes R(2)Sn(cap) (capH(2)=N-[(S)-3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-proline; R=Me, Et, n-Bu and t-Bu) were prepared and characterised. The FTIR and Raman spectra demonstrated that the organotin(IV) moieties interact with the [S] atom of the ligand, while the other coordination sites are the carboxylate and the amide -CO groups. M?ssbauer Delta data showed that the diorganotin(IV) compounds adopt slightly distorted trigonal-bipyramidal (tbp) geometry. A single-crystal X-ray study was performed on the compound Me(2)Sn(cap): the Sn atom is five-coordinated in a distorted tbp environment, with two [O] atoms in the axial positions and the [S] and two [C] atoms in the equatorial (eq) plane. Each cap ligand coordinates to two different Sn atoms, and infinite zigzag chains are formed, directed parallel to each other and to the b axis of the unit cell. NMR (CDCl(3)) of the Me(2)Sn(IV) and n-Bu(2)Sn(IV) complexes indicated the presence of different oligomeric species.     

Organometallic complexes with biological molecules. XVIII. Alkyltin(IV) cephalexinate complexes: synthesis, solid state and solution phase investigations

Dialkyltin(IV) and trialkyltin(IV) complexes of the deacetoxycephalo-sporin-antibiotic cephalexin [7-(d-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid] (Hceph) have been synthesized and investigated both in solid and solution phase. Analytical and thermogravimetric data supported the general formula Alk(2)SnOHceph(.)H(2)O and Alk(3)Snceph(.)H(2)O (Alk=Me, n-Bu), while structural information has been gained by FT-IR, (119)Sn M?ssbauer and (1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn NMR data. In particular, IR results suggested polymeric structures both for Alk(2)SnOHceph(.)H(2)O and Alk(3)Snceph(.)H(2)O. Moreover, cephalexin appears to behave as monoanionic tridentate ligand coordinating the tin(IV) atom through ester-type carboxylate, as well as through beta-lactam carbonyl oxygen atoms and the amino nitrogen donor atoms in Alk(2)SnOHceph(.)H(2)O complexes. On the basis of (119)Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy it could be inferred that tin(IV) was hexacoordinated in such complexes in the solid state, showing skew trapezoidal configuration. As far as Alk(3)Sn(IV)ceph(.)H(2)O derivatives are concerned, cephalexin coordinated the Alk(3)Sn moiety through the carboxylate acting as a bridging bidentate monoanionic group. Again, (119)Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy led us to propose a trigonal configuration around the tin(IV) atom, with R(3)Sn equatorial disposition and bridging carboxylate oxygen atoms in the axial positions. The nature of the complexes in solution state was investigated by using (1)H, (13)C and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the cytotoxic activity of organotin(IV) cephalexinate derivatives has been tested using two different chromosome-staining techniques Giemsa and CMA(3), towards spermatocyte chromosomes of the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca: Bivalvia). Colchicinized-like mitoses (c-mitoses) on slides obtained from animals exposed to organotin(IV) cephalexinate compounds, demonstrated the high mitotic spindle-inhibiting potentiality of these chemicals. Moreover, structural damages such as "chromosome achromatic lesions", "chromosome breakages" and "chromosome fragments" have been identified through a comparative analysis of spermatocyte chromosomes from untreated specimens (negative controls) and specimens treated with the organotin(IV) complexes.     

High-valent transition metal centers versus noninnocent ligands in metallocorroles: insights from electrochemistry and implications for high-valent heme protein intermediates

For relatively electron-rich corrole ligands, the halfwave potentials for oxidation of Cu(III), Sn(IV)Ph, Fe(IV)Ph, and Fe(IV)-O-Fe(IV) complexes are significantly lower than those of Sn(IV)Cl, Fe(IV)Cl, Mn(IV)Cl, and Cr(V)(O) complexes, suggesting that the corrole ligand is relatively electron-rich or 'innocent' in the former group of complexes and that it is relatively electron-deficient or 'noninnocent' in the latter group. Both the formal charge of the central metal ion and the nature of the axial ligand, if any, appear to be key determinants of the electronic character of the corrole ligand in metallocorrole complexes, a theme that has interesting resonances with recent findings on high-valent heme protein intermediates. However, for very strongly electron-deficient ligands such as meso-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole (TPFPC) and beta-octabromo-meso-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole (Br(8)TPFPC), which cannot sustain significant radical character, the various metal complexes all exhibit comparable halfwave potentials for oxidation and the ligand may be considered to be relatively innocent.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of Ni, Cu and Zn complexes of isatin hydrazones

Nickel, copper, and zinc complexes of isatin (H(2)L(1)) and N-methylisatin 3-picolinoyl hydrazone (HL(2)), were synthesized and characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques. H(2)L(1) and a nickel complex [Ni(L(2))(2)].2C(6)H(14) were also characterized by X-ray diffractometry. Biological studies, carried out in vitro on human leukemic cell lines TOM 1 and NB4, have shown that both ligands and some copper and nickel complexes are active in inhibiting cell proliferation. Compounds H(2)L(1), Cu(HL(1))(2).2H(2)O, Zn(HL(1))(2).2H(2)O inhibit DNA synthesis and act constantly with time between 0 and 72 h. The cell cycle analysis has highlighted a reduction in the number of cells in phase S of about 40%. The same compounds present only a precocious action on cell line NB4 and therefore their activity is cell target specific.     

Synthesis, structure, antimicrobial, and genotoxic activities of organotin compounds with 2,6-diacetylpyridine nicotinoyl- and isonicotinoylhydrazones.

A series of organotin compounds obtained from the reaction of 2,6-diacetylpyridine nicotinoyl- and isonicotinoylhydrazones with tri- and diorganotin chlorides was investigated. The IR and 119Sn NMR spectroscopic characterization of all the compounds is reported, together with the x-ray crystal structure of [SnEt2(H2dapin')]2[SnEt2Cl3]Cl3.2H2O (H2dapin' = 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(isonicotinoylhydrazone)). The main feature in this compound is the presence of a tin atom in both the complex ionic units. The coordination polyhedron is a pentagonal bipyramid in the cation and a trigonal bipyramid in the anion. Results are discussed concerning the in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial properties and genotoxic potential of the compounds described. In all cases the complexes show a reduced antimicrobial activity as compared to that of the corresponding organotin compound. Genotoxic properties of the ligands, detected in the Ames test, disappear in the complexes.     

Speciation of phytate ion in aqueous solution. Dimethyltin(IV) interactions in NaCl(aq) at different ionic strengths

As the introduction of a systematic study on the sequestering ability of phytate (Phy) towards heavy metal and organometal cations, this paper describes the results of an investigation (at t=25 degrees C by potentiometry, ISE-H(+) glass electrode) of its interactions with dimethyltin(IV) cation [(CH(3))(2)Sn(2+), DMT] in NaCl aqueous solutions at different ionic strengths (0.1< or =I (mol L(-1))< or =1), in the pH range 2.5< or =pH< or =8.5 and considering metal to ligand ratios 1:1< or =DMT:Phy< or =4:1. We observed the formation of 18 DMT(i)H(j)Phy((12-2i-j)-) species: with i=1 and 0< or =j< or =7; i=2 and 0< or =j< or =5; i=3 and 0< or =j< or =3. Their complex formation constant values are fairly dependent on ionic strength and this dependence was modeled by a Debye-Hückel type equation. The speciation of phytic acid and dimethyltin(IV) is also dependent on the metal to ligand ratio; the dependence of the stability of phytate-dimethyltin(IV) species on both the phytate protonation step and the number of cations bound to the ligand has been modeled and an empirical predictive relationship is also proposed. From the results obtained it emerged that phytate has very good sequestering ability towards (CH(3))(2)Sn(2+). Comparisons are made with other ligands, such as ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and phosphate.     

Novel platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors: synthesis, characterization and antitumour activity

The Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes of the types cis-[Pt(L(1))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (1), cis-[Pt(L(2))(2)Cl(2)].3H(2)O (2), trans-[Pd(L(1))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (3), trans-[Pd(L(2))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (4), trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (5) and trans-[Pd(L(4))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (6) (L(1)-L(4)=cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors derived from 6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine) have been prepared and characterized. The complexes have been studied by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, ES+ MS, FT-IR, (1)H, (13)C and (195)Pt NMR spectra, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The molecular structures of L(1), trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (5) and trans-[Pd(L(4))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (6) have been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The complexes have been tested in vitro due to their presumable anticancer activity against the following human cancer cell lines: K-562, MCF7, G-361 and HOS. Satisfying results were obtained for the complex 1 with IC(50) values of 6 microM acquired against G-361 as well as against HOS cell lines. The lowest values of IC(50) were achieved for the complexes 3 and 4 against MCF 7 cell line with IC(50) 3 microM(for 3) and also 3 microM (for 4).     

Synthesis, structural investigations on organotin(IV) chlorin-e6 complexes, their effect on sea urchin embryonic development and induced apoptosis

Four new organotin(IV) chlorin derivatives, [chlorin=chlorin-e(6)=21H,23H-porphine-2-propanoic acid, 18-carboxy-20-(carboxymethyl)-8-ethenyl-13-ethyl-2,3-di-hydro-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-(2S-trans)-], with formula (R(2)Sn)(3)(chlorin)(2).2H(2)O (R=Me, n-Bu) and (R(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O (R=Me, Ph) have been synthesized. The solid state and solution phase structures have been investigated by FT-IR, (119)Sn M?ssbauer, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. In the solid state, (R(2)Sn)(3)(chlorin)(2).2H(2)O complexes contain six coordinated Sn(IV), in a skew trapezoidal environment by forming trans-R(2)SnO(4) polymeric units. As far as (R(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O complexes are concerned, Sn(IV) is five coordinated in a polymeric (oligomeric) trigonal bipyramidal environment and eq-R(3)SnO(2) units, in the solid state. In saturated solutions, a polymeric structure comparable to the solid phase, with carboxylate groups of the ligand behaving in monoanionic bidentate fashion bridging Sn(IV) atoms, was detected for the (Me(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O complex, while in more diluted ones a tetrahedral configuration for the trimethyltin(IV) moieties was observed. Cytotoxic activity of the novel organotin(IV) chlorin was investigated in order to assay the effect on sea urchin embryonic development. The results obtained demonstrated that (n-Bu(2)Sn)(3)(chlorin)(2).2H(2)O and (Ph(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O exerted the antimitotic effect on the early stages of sea urchin development. In addition, the cytotoxic effect exerted by (n-Bu(2)Sn)(3)(chlorin)(2).2H(2)O appeared with necrosis of the blastomeres, which were clearly destroyed. After treatment with (Ph(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O, a programmed cell death was triggered, as shown by light microscope observations through morphological assays. The apoptotic events in 2-cell stage embryos revealed: (i) DNA fragmentation, with the TUNEL reaction (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling); (ii) phosphatidylserine translocation in the membrane, with Annexin-V assay and (iii) cytoplasm blebbing, with the TUNEL reaction. The results demonstrated that the novel compound (Ph(3)Sn)(3)chlorin.2H(2)O was the most toxic derivative, by exerting antimitotic effect very early and by triggering apoptosis in the 2-cell stage of sea urchin embryonic development.     

New mononuclear organotin(IV) 4-benzhydrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioates: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structures and in vitro antimicrobial activities

A new series of organotin(IV) complexes with 4-benzhydrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate (L) were synthesised by the metathesis reactions of the ligand-salt with triorganotin(IV) chlorides and diorganotin(IV) dichlorides in the appropriate molar ratio. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, Raman, IR, and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopy. Solid-state studies (Raman, IR and X-ray analysis) confirmed the bidentate coordination of the ligand in all cases. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy suggested that some tri- and diorganotin complexes reduce their geometry by one unit in solution. The τ values, 0.6 and 0.24 for chlorodibutyl- and chlorodiethyltin(IV) derivatives, respectively, authenticated the trigonal bipyramidal geometry for the first complex and distorted square-pyramidal geometry for the latter. The low τ value for the chlorodiethyltin(IV) complex is attributed to the additional Sn···Cl and Sn···S intermolecular interactions. The antimicrobial results indicated the compounds are active biologically.     

Interactions of two cytotoxic organotin(IV) compounds with calf thymus DNA

The reactions with DNA of two antitumor active organotin(IV) compounds, the dimer of bis[(di-n-butyl 3,6-dioxaheptanoato)tin] (C(52)H(108)Sn(4)O(1) x 2H(2)O), compound 1, and tri-n-butyltin 3,6,9-trioxodecanoate (C(19)H(40)SnO(5) x 1/2H(2)O), compound 2, were analysed by circular dichroism, DNA melting experiments and gel mobility shift assays. It is found that both complexes modify only slightly the B-type circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) spectrum of calf thymus DNA. On the other hand, both complexes were found to affect significantly the parameters of the thermally induced helix-to-coil transition. Addition of 1 or 2 to calf thymus DNA samples does not favor DNA renaturation after melting ruling out formation of interstrand crosslinks. Moreover, the effects of both compounds on plasmid DNA gel mobility were investigated. From the analysis of the present results it is inferred that both organotin(IV) compounds do interact with DNA, probably at the level of the phosphate groups.     

Polynuclear diorganotin(IV) complexes with arylhydroxamates: Syntheses, structures and in vitro cytotoxic activities

Series of polynuclear diorganotin(IV) complexes with di-halogenbenzohydroxamate ligands (substituents=2,4-Cl(2), 2,4-F(2), 3,4-F(2), 2,5-F(2), 2,6-F(2)), formulated as the polymeric [R(2)SnL](n)a (1:1) and the tetranuclear [R(4)Sn(2)(HL)(2)(L)](2)b (2:3) (HL=arylhydroxamate), were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, (1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn NMR spectroscopies, elemental analyses and melting point measurements. X-ray diffraction analyses were also carried out for the representative complexes [Me(2)Sn{2,4- F(2)C(6)H(3)C(O)NO}](n)2a and [n-Bu(4)Sn(2){2,4- F(2)C(6)H(3)C(O)NHO}(2) {2,4-F(2)C(6)H(3)C(O)NO}] (2)1b and show that the ligated mono- and di-basic forms, HL and L, of the arylhydroxamic acid (H(2)L) display the oxamic and oximic tautomeric forms, respectively. These compounds exhibit in vitro cytotoxicities toward human leukemic promyelocites HL-60, BGC-823, BEL-7402 and KB cell lines which, in some cases, are identical to, or even higher than, that of "cisplatin". The polymeric diorganotin/hydroxamato complexes a containing the long carbon chain butyl ligands are the most active ones, and the dependence of the antitumor activity of the complexes on various factors, namely the nuclearity, the organic ligand, the type, position and number of the X ring substituents, is also discussed.     

Organometallic complexes with biological molecules. XVII. Triorganotin(IV) complexes with amoxicillin and ampicillin

Novel triorganotin(IV) complexes of two beta-lactamic antibiotics, 6-[D-(-)-beta-amino-p-hydroxyphenyl-acetamido]penicillin (=amoxicillin) and 6-[D-(-)-alpha-aminobenzyl]penicillin (=ampicillin), have been synthesized and investigated both in solid and solution states. The complexes corresponded to the general formula R(3)Sn(IV)antib*H(2)O (R=Me, n-Bu, Ph; antib=amox=amoxicillinate or amp=ampicillinate). Structural investigations about configuration in the solid state have been carried out by interpreting experimental IR and 119Sn M?ssbauer data. In particular, IR results suggested polymeric structures both for R(3)Sn(IV)amox.H(2)O and R(3)Sn(IV)amp*H(2)O. Moreover, both antibiotics appear to behave as monoanionic bidentate ligands coordinating the tin(IV) atom through ester-type carboxylate, as well as through the beta-lactamic carbonyl. Evidence that in none of these compounds water molecules were involved in coordination, was provided by thermogravimetric investigations. On the basis of 119Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy it can be inferred that tin(IV) was pentacoordinate in all of the complexes in the solid state, showing an equatorial R(3)Sn(IV) trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) configuration. The nature of the complexes in solution state was investigated by using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while an 119Sn spectrum was obtained for n-Bu(3)Sn(IV)amp*H(2)O. Although 1H- and 13C-NMR measurements suggested that in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d(6) solution the polymeric structure collapsed, due to a solvolysis process of the beta-lactamic carbonyl bonding to the organometallic moiety, the complexes have been shown to maintain the same trigonal bipyramidal configuration at tin(IV) atom by the coordination of a DMSO molecule. Cytotoxic activity of these novel semisynthetic antibiotic derivatives has been tested towards spermatocyte chromosomes of the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) using two different chromosome-staining techniques such as Giemsa and CMA(3). The occurrence of typical colchicinized-like (c-like) mitoses on slides obtained from animals exposed to organotin compounds, directly confirmed the high mitotic spindle-inhibiting potency of these chemicals. In addition, by comparative analysis of spermatocyte chromosomes from untreated specimens (negative controls) and specimens treated with the triorganotin(IV) complexes, structural damages such as 'achromatic lesions' and 'chromosome breakages' have been identified.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and antimicrobial activities of 6-coordinate antimony(III) complexes with tridentate 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone, bis(thiosemicarbazone) and semicarbazone ligands

Five novel antimony(III) complexes with the mono- and bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands of 2N1S or 4N2S donor atoms, N'-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]morpholine-4-carbothiohydrazide (Hmtsc, L1) and bis[N'-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]]-1,4-piperazinedicarbothiohydrazide (H(2)ptsc, L7), and the tridentate semicarbazone ligand of 2N1O donor atoms, 2-acetylpyridine semicarbazone (Hasc, L2b), were prepared by reactions of SbCl(3) or SbBr(3), and characterized by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of five antimony(III) complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The neutral, 6-coordinate antimony(III) complexes ([Sb(mtsc)Cl(2)] 1, [Sb(mtsc)Br(2)] 2, [Sb(asc)Cl(2)] 3 and [Sb(asc)Br(2)] 4) are depicted with one electron pair (5s(2)) of the antimony(III) atom, deprotonated forms of multidentate thiosemicarbazone or semicarbazone ligands, and two monodentate halogen ligands, respectively. In the dimer complex 5 ([Sb(2)(ptsc)Cl(4)]) with the ligand in which two tridentate thiosemicarbazone moieties are connected by the piperazine moiety, each antimony(III) was also described as a neutral 6-coordinate structure. These antimony(III) complexes were thermally stable around 200 degrees C. Water-soluble antimony(III) complexes 1 and 2 showed moderate antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and -negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and molds (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum). Complex 5 showed moderate antimicrobial activities against four bacteria, and two molds, while the ligand itself showed only modest antimicrobial activities against selected bacteria (B. subtilis, E. coli and S. aureus). The molecular structures and antimicrobial activities of antimony(III) complexes were compared with those of bismuth(III) complexes in the same 15 group in the periodic table.     

Interaction of tributyltin(IV) chloride and a related complex [Bu(3)Sn(LSM)] with rat leukocytes and erythrocytes: Effect on DNA and on plasma membrane

The discovery of the antitumor activity of cisplatin led several research groups to investigate the possible therapeutic applications of other metal-based compounds. Organotin(IV) complexes have been developed from organotin compounds that were employed in industry and agriculture as stabilizers and pesticides, respectively. A careful choice of the ligand coordinated to an organotin(IV) fragment can modulate the activity of the organotin(IV) complex and minimize its drawbacks. With this aim, the tributyltin(IV) complex [Bu(3)Sn(LSM)] (LSM=bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acetate) was synthesized and its in vitro effects on rat blood cells were compared with those of the analogous tributyltin(IV) compound without the anionic ligand. Comet-assay results show that both the tributyltin(IV) chloride (TBTC) and the complex [Bu(3)Sn(LSM)] can induce DNA damage in leukocytes, but a stronger effect was observed in the presence of the organotin(IV) complex. Moreover, lipid-hydroperoxide formation in leukocyte plasma membranes increases more in the presence of [Bu(3)Sn(LSM)] compared with TBTC, while TBTC can change the lipid order and packing of leukocytes and, partially, erythrocyte plasma membranes. The treatment of whole blood with these two compounds shows a preferential oxidative effect of TBTC on erythrocyte plasma membranes and erythrocyte oxidative processes, which influence the induction of DNA damage in leukocytes. The different hydrophobic characters and the different extents of steric hindrance of TBTC and [Bu(3)Sn(LSM)] influence the capacity of the two compounds to cross the plasma membrane and affect the pathways that lead to DNA damage.     

Isatin-Schiff base copper(II) complexes and their influence on cellular viability

Some copper(II) complexes with isatin (isa) or imine ligands derived from isatin were prepared, characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques, and had their biological activity toward proliferation of two different cell types verified. These complexes exhibit keto-enolic equilibria in aqueous solution, very dependent of pH, although isolated in the solid state in one defined form, and this type of equilibrium was previously verified to be crucial for their catalytic activity in the oxidation of carbohydrates, through intermediary generation of reactive oxygen species. Herein, biological studies carried out with tumor cells of different origin such as human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and promonocytic (U937) cells showed that these compounds exert different toxicity. In particular, while compounds [Cu(isaen)(H(2)O)]ClO(4).2H(2)O 2, [Cu(isahist)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2)4 and [Cu(isa)(2)]ClO(4)6 are not toxic for both cell lines at the concentrations used in this study, compounds [Cu(isapn)](ClO(4))(2)1, [Cu(isaepy)(2)](ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O 3 and [Cu(isami)(H(2)O)]ClO(4)5 are cytotoxic, with the compound 3 being the most effective. In these compounds, isaen, isahist, isapn, isaepy and isami stand for imine ligands prepared by condensation of ethylenediamine (en), histamine (hist), 1,3-diaminopropane (pn), 2-aminoethylpyridine (epy), and 8-aminoquinoline (ami) with isatin (isa). Cells treated with these compounds were committed to the apoptotic program as evidenced by cytofluorimetric analyses of cell cycle. Moreover, the toxicity of compound 5 was equivalent for both cell lines while the compound 1 was almost not toxic at 24h for SH-SY5Y cells where only an arrest in G1 phase was observed. Compound 3 was more efficient in inducing cell death and also in this case a striking effect on U937 cells (apoptotic cells 68% compared with 11% of SH-SY5Y) was observed. Therefore, the results indicated that their activity seems to be cell type specific.     

Synthesis, physico-chemical studies of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with some p-substituted acetophenone benzoylhydrazones and their antimicrobial activity

Complexes of the type [M(pabh)(H2O)Cl], [M(pcbh)(H2O)Cl] and [M(Hpabh)(H2O)2 (SO4)] where, M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); Hpabh = p-amino acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone and Hpcbh = p-chloro acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone have been synthesized and characterized with the help of elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, ESR and IR spectra, thermal (TGA & DTA) and X-ray diffraction studies. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloride complexes are square planar, whereas their sulfate complexes have spin-free octahedral geometry. ESR spectra of Cu(II) complexes with Hpabh are axial and suggest d(x(2)-y(2) as the ground state. The ligand is bidentate bonding through > C = N--and deprotonated enolate group in all the chloro complexes, whereas, >C = N and >C = O groups in all the sulfato complexes. Thermal studies (TGA & DTA) on [Cu(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] indicate a multistep decomposition pattern, which are both exothermic and endothermic in nature. X-ray powder diffraction parameters for [Co(pabh)(H2O)Cl] and [Ni(Hpabh)(H2O)2(SO4)] correspond to tetragonal and orthorhombic crystal lattices, respectively. The ligands as well as their complexes show a significant antifungal and antibacterial activity. The metal complexes are more active than the ligand.