Systematic coordination chemistry and cytotoxicity of copper(II) complexes with methyl substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides.

Three new nitrato copper(II) complexes of dimethyl substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxide were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic, spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray methods, respectively. They were isolated as trans isomers, mononuclear (µ=1.70-1.88 BM), five (1-2) and four (3) coordinate species of general formula [Cu(NO3)2(H2O)L2] where L=2,3-dimethyl-, 2,5-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide and [Cu (NO3)2L2], L=3,5-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide, respectively. The X-ray crystal structure of (1) (L=2,3-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide) was determined. The organic ligands, the complexes and copper hexaqua ion as a reference were tested in vitro on the cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast), SW-707 (colon) and P-388 (murine leukemia). The complexes are relatively strong cytotoxic agents towards P-388 cell line. Comparative analysis was performed for all known copper(II) complexes containing methyl derivatives of the 4-nitropyridine N-oxide on the basis of their composition, structure and cytotoxic activities. To obtain the typical structure for these species (i.e., 4-coordinate mononuclear of the type trans-[Cu(inorganic anion)2L2]), two methyl groups must be situated on both sides of nitrogen atom(s) (i.e., NO and NO2) in the ligand. The biological activity was found to be strongly dependent upon the number of the methyl groups and the type of cell line. The best cytotoxic results were found for the complexes without substituents or with one methyl group. Generally, for all cell lines, the complexation increased cytotoxicity when compared with the free ligands.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity in vitro of new pyrido[1,4-b]diazepine derivatives and imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine.

A novel series of esters 8-10 and hydrazones 4-6 was synthesized from 4-aryl-2-phenacylidene-1,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-b][1,4]diazepine (1-3). Subsequent treatment of hydrazone 4 with p-chlorbenzaldehyde furnished azine 7. Long-standing heating of ester 8 with hydrazine hydrate afforded 3-[1-(p-chlorophenylene)-2-(5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-ethyl]-1,3-dihydroimidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one (11). The structures of 4-6 and 8-10 were identified by the results of elemental analysis and their IR, 1H-NMR and MS spectra. Additionally, the structure of 11 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction method. Compounds 8-10 and 11 were examined for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against the cells of 5 human cancer cell lines, using SRB or MTT technique. Among tested compounds, only 11 revealed cytotoxic activity in vitro against all cell lines applied with ID50 (inhibitory dose 50%) values lower than 4 microg/mL, which is an international activity criterion for synthetic compounds. All compounds inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cell line.

Mononuclear copper(II) nitrato complexes with methyl-substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxide. Physicochemical and cytotoxic characteristics.

Three new complexes, products of the interaction of Cu(NO(3))(2) and methyl-substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic, spectroscopic (IR, FIR and EPR), thermal and X-ray methods. The complexes (magnetic moments 1.70-1.81 BM at 300K) of general formula [Cu(H(2)O)(NO(3))(2)L(2)], L=2-methyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide and [Cu(NO(3))(2) L'(2)], where L'=2,6-dimethyl- and 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide were obtained. The compounds were unstable upon dissolution. The X-ray single crystal structure of Cu(II) complex with 2,6-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide was determined and analysed. The compounds and free ligands were tested in vitro on the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and SW-707 human cancer cell lines. The complexes with 4-nitropyridine N-oxide (a reference) and 2-methyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide show a significant anti-proliferative activity against studied cell lines. A reciprocal relationship between the activity and the number of methyl groups was observed. Both ligands and complexes are cytotoxic active but to the different cell lines.

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 NO(2) group with two CH(3) groups rendered the complex completely inactive.

Antiproliferative activity of vitamin D compounds in combination with cytostatics.

Calcitriol is a potent antiproliferative agent against various tumour cells in vitro. Here, the results of a study on vitamin D compounds (calcitriol's analogues PRI-1906 and PRI-2191) as potential agents in combined antitumour therapy in vitro are presented. Applying antiproliferative SRB and MTT assays, the growth inhibitory effects of the vitamin D compounds, applied alone or in combination with either cisplatin or doxorubicin, were measured. The following cancer cell lines were employed: A549 (human non-small cell lung carcinoma), B16 (murine melanoma), CCRF, HL-60 (human leukaemia), SW707 (human colon cancer), MCF-7, T47D (human breast cancer), WEHI-3 (mouse leukaemia) and normal cells: BALB 3T3 (normal murine fibroblast cell line). It was shown that the treatment of tumour cells, which are sensitive to vitamin D compounds, with the combination of vitamin D compounds and cytostatics decreased the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values compared with the effects of the cytostatics applied alone.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of some 5-substituted 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles.

A series of new 5-substituted 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles has been synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of the sulphinylbis(2,4-dihydroxythiobenzoyl) (STB) wit hydrazides or carbazates. The panel substitution included alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heteroaryl derivatives. The structures of compounds were identified from the elemental, IR, (1)H NMR and MS spectra analysis. The highest antiproliferative activity against the cells of human cancer lines for 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)-1,3,4-thiadiazole was found with ID(50) values comparable (HCV29T and SW707) or significantly lower (T47D) than for cisplatin applied as the reference compound. The influence of 5-substiution type of 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles on antiproliferative activity is discussed.

Synthesis and in vitro antileukemic activity of some new 1,3-(oxytetraethylenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene derivatives.

A new series of 1,3-(oxytetraethylenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene derivatives bearing 2-chloroethylamine or salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) or its Schiff base (after condensation with 2-chloroethylamine) units and having also 2-naphthyl or anthraquinone groups as cosubstituents has been synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds against a panel of four cancer cell lines has been studied. Most of the compounds exhibited antiproliferative activity in the range of the international criterion for synthetic agents (4 microg/mL) against the MOLT4, L 1210, HL-60, and P388 cell lines chosen for testing.

Synthesis of 5,6-dimethyl-9-methoxy-1-phenyl-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole derivatives and their cytotoxic activity.

Starting from 2-(6-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-carbazol-2-yl)ethylamine 7 and mixed anhydrides of 4-nitrobenzoic acid or 4-methoxybenzoic acid, the corresponding 5,6-dimethyl-9-methoxy-1-(4-substituted phenyl)-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazoles 11a-b, 5,6-dimethyl-9-hydroxy-1-(4-substituted phenyl)-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazoles 12a, 12c, and their quaternary salts 13a-d were obtained. The four new pyridocarbazole derivatives 12a-c and 13d satisfy the international activity criterion for synthetic compounds, namely an ID(50) value lower then 4 microg/mL in preliminary in vitro cytotoxic activity screening against the A549 cell line (non-small cell lung cancer).

Correlation between VDR expression and antiproliferative activity of vitamin D3 compounds in combination with cytostatics.

Calcitriol is a potent antiproliferative agent against various tumour cells in vitro. Its biological activity is mediated by the vitamin D receptors (VDRs). Here, we present the results of a study on vitamin D3 compounds (calcitriol and its analogue PRI-2191) as potential agents in combined antitumour therapy in vitro. Applying antiproliferative SRB and MTT assays, we measured the growth inhibitory effects of vitamin D compounds applied alone or in combination with either cisplatin or doxorubicin. Next, we examined the correlation of this effect with the presence of nVDR (nuclear VDR). The following cancer cell lines were applied: HL-60 (human leukaemia), SW707 (human colon cancer), A549 (human lung cancer), WEHI-3 (mouse leukaemia). The treatment of tumour cells with the combination of vitamin D compounds and cytostatics decreased the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values compared with the effects of cytostatics applied alone. The synergistic effect was positively correlated with nVDR expression.

Synthesis and in vitro cytostatic activity of some new 1,3-(oxytetraethylenoxy)-cyclotriphosphazatriene derivatives.

A series of cyclophosphazene crown ether derivatives bearing aziridinyl (ethylene imine) units and also 2-naphthyl or anthraquinone groups as co-substituents has been synthesized and their cytostatic activity against the panel of eight cancer cells in vitro has been studied. The substituents used exhibit different activities: alkylation (aziridinyl groups) and intercalation (naphtyl, anthraquinone groups) against DNA. These both interactions are supposed to enhance the efficiency of the cyclophosphazene crown ether derivatives studied as cytotoxic agents.

Synthesis, structure, and cytostatic properties of new olivacine derivatives.

Starting from 2-(6-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-carbazol-2-yl)ethylamine and 6-methylpicolinic acid, 9-methoxy-5-methyl-1-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole 10 and its 6-alkylderivatives 12-17 were obtained. The newly obtained compounds showed significant cytostatic activity against cultured L1210 cells and high cytotoxicity towards various human tumor cell lines.

Toxicity and antineoplastic effect of (24R)-1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (PRI-2191).

Many efforts have been made to obtain active and less toxic Vitamin D analogs for new clinical applications. The results of previous studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of topical treatment of psoriasis with one of these analogs, 1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), tacalcitol (1,24-(OH)(2)D(3)). In the present study, we evaluated the toxicity and antitumor effect of this analog. Lethal toxicity of 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) after s.c. injection was significantly lower than that of calcitriol. No significant differences were observed in the toxicity of the analogs when administered p.o. Calcium levels in the serum of mice treated with calcitriol were significantly higher (111%) than those in mice treated with 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) (89%) at 5 day after the first s.c. (10 microg/kg/day) administration in comparison to the control (healthy, untreated animals). Oral administration increased the calcium level by 78% for calcitriol and only to 47% over the control for 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3). Parallel administration of clodronate prevented the calcitriol- and 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced lethal toxicity and also prevented increase in calcium levels. Single therapy with calcitriol did not affect tumor growth in the 16/C mouse mammary cancer model. In contrary, 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) alone reduced tumor volume to 41% of control. Cisplatin alone did not affect growth of 16/C tumor in these conditions. The growth of tumors in the presence of cisplatin was inhibited by 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) but not by calcitriol. Interestingly, the inhibition of tumor growth in cisplatin-treated mice by 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) was greater, than that observed in mice treated with this analog alone. In conclusion, 1,24-(OH)(2)D(3) revealed higher antitumor and lower calcemic activity and toxicity than calcitriol. Application of biphosphonates along with Vitamin D analogs is sufficient to overcome the calcemic and toxic side effects of the proposed treatment.

Synthesis, structural, physico-chemical and biological properties of new palladium(II) complexes with 2,6-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine.

This paper describes the synthesis and properties of two new palladium(II) complexes with 2,6-dimethyl-4-nitro-pyridine (dmnp): mononuclear [Pd(dmnp)2Cl2] and dinuclear [Pd2(dmnp)2Cl4]. Complexes were characterized on the basis of chemical and chromatographic analyses, MS and conductometric measurements, as well as by IR and NMR (1H and 13C) spectral studies. The crystal structures of ligand and mononuclear complex, trans-dichlorobis(2,6-dimethyl-4-nitro-pyridine)palladium(II), were determined by three-dimensional X-ray methods. The crystals of both compounds are monoclinic, space groups P21/c with a=19.075(4), b=5.419(1), c=15.045(3) A and beta=108.15(3)degrees for (dmnp), and a=7.544(2), b=14.509(3), c=8.032(2) A and beta=90.32(3)degrees for [Pd(dmnp)2Cl2]. In the (dmnp) there are two crystallographically independent molecules in the unit cell. The nitro groups and methyl C atoms are coplanar with the ring plane. The hydrogen bond of the type C-H...O links the molecules into pairs around center of symmetry. These dimers are held together by contacts of the van der Waals type. In the crystal structure of [Pd(dmnp)2Cl2] the Pd atom lies on an inversion center and is four-coordinated by two pyridine N atoms and by two Cl atoms in trans positions. The coordination geometry is square-planar, with Pd-N and Pd-Cl distances of 2.033(2) and 2.311(1) A, respectively. The two pyridine rings are mutually parallel, but they are twisted from the PdN2Cl2 coordination plane by about 88.5degrees. The preliminary assessments of anti-tumor properties of both complexes and ligand were evaluated as in vitro anti-proliferative activity in four human cancer cell lines: SW707 (adenocarcinoma of the rectum), T47D (breast cancer), HCV (bladder cancer) and A549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma). The [Pd(dmnp)2Cl2] exhibits strong cytotoxic activity against all cell lines whereas the free ligand and dinuclear [Pd2(dmnp)2Cl4] are only moderate active.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity in vitro of 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives.

A novel series of Schiff bases 1-11, the derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole and substituted aromatic aldehydes, has been synthesised. Compounds 1-11 reduced by NaBH(4) formed 2-benzylaminobenzimidazoles 12-21. 2-(o-Bromobenzylamino)benzimidazole (15) acylated by cinnamoyl chloride gave 2-(o-bromobenzylamino)-1-cinnamoylbenzimidazole (22). Long heating of 15 and 19 with p-nitrocinnamoyl or cinnamoyl chloride led to the formation of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazol-4-ones 23 and 24. The structures of 1-24 were identified by the results of elemental analysis and their IR, (1)H NMR and MS spectra. Among the compounds 1-24 evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro, 16, 19, 20 and 22 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the cells of human cancer cell lines, namely SW707 (rectal), HCV29T (bladder), A549 (lung) and T47D (breast cancer).

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.