Chronic effects of platinum(IV) complex and its diamine ligand on rat heart function: comparison with cisplatin.

The aim of the present study was to compare the cardiodynamic parameters in the isolated rat heart in animals chronically treated with cisplatin, platinum(IV) complex and its diamine ligand. Sixty Wistar albino rats (8 weeks old) were divided into five groups: three experimental and two control groups. Animals in all groups were treated with a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight once a week for 4 weeks with different substances; experimental groups received cisplatin, ligand and octahedral platinum(IV) complex, and control groups received saline and dimethyl sulfoxide. After sacrificing the animals, hearts were isolated and perfused according to the Langendorff technique at gradually increased coronary perfusion pressures (40-120 cmH2O). The following parameters of cardiac function were continuously recorded: maximum and minimum rate of change of pressure in the left ventricle, systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure, heart rate and coronary flow. The results showed statistically significant differences between all experimental groups in maximum and minimum rate of pressure development as well as in systolic pressure of the left ventricle, whereas cisplatin, ligand and the platinum(IV) complex had effects on heart contractility without significant influences on coronary circulation. The findings of the present study could be important for a better understanding of anticancer drug cardiac side effects. Our results indicate that compared to cisplatin as a "gold standard", novel platinum complexes and ligands do not possess fewer negative effects on the heart, indicating insufficient safety for their usage in terms of affecting cardiac function, a result that can be of great interest for further investigations.

Prediction of in vivo Bioavailibility by in vitro Characterization of Ethylenediamine Dipropanoic Acid Derivatives with Cytotoxic Activity.

O,O'-diethyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoate (DE-EDCP) is novel substance with cytotoxic activity in human leukemic cells. The aim of this study has been to predict in vivo bioavailability of the DE-EDCP and its potential metabolite (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid (EDCP) by in vitro characterization which includes determination of lipophilicity and passive membrane permeability. There has also been evaluated inter-laboratory reproducibility of the bio-analytical method which was previously developed and validated for non-clinical study of the DE-EDCP and EDCP. Distribution coefficient n-octanol/water was 1.68 and 0.03, and apparent permeability coefficient was 4 × 10-4 cm/s and 20 × 10-4 cm/s, for the DE-EDCP and EDCP, respectively. Observed results have shown that the DE-EDCP is more lipophilic with better membrane retention, but the EDCP has better pass through the membrane. Also, there has been demonstrated a reproducibility and robustness of the proposed bio-analytical method.

Reactions of cytotoxic metallodrugs with lysozyme in pure DMSO explored through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and ESI MS.

The reactions of four representative metallodrugs with the model protein HEWL were investigated within a non-aqueous environment-i.e. in pure DMSO- through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and ESI MS analysis. Notably, formation of a variety of metallodrug-protein adducts was clearly documented. This is the first example for this kind of protein metalation reactions carried out within a pure organic solvent. It is shown that the applied solution conditions greatly affect the nature of the formed adducts, this being well accounted for by the fact that the overall protein conformation is greatly perturbed within pure DMSO; in addition, the activation profiles of the studied metallodrugs are also highly dependent on the nature of the solvent. The implications of these results are discussed.

Synthesis, characterization and ROS-mediated cytotoxic action of novel (S,S)-1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid and corresponding esters.

This study involves the synthesis and characterization of novel cyclohexyl 1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-diacetate molecules as well as investigation of their cytotoxic action. New acid 1a was synthesized by reaction between (S)-2-amino-3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid and 1,3-dibromopropane, while the esters (1b-1e) derived from this acid were obtained by reaction of the corresponding absolute alcohol, thionyl chloride and synthesized acid. All compounds were characterized by IR, ESI-MS, ((1)H, (13)C and HSQC) NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The cytotoxic activity of all compounds was tested on several tumour cell lines: human (U251) and rat (C6) glioma, human promyelocytic leukaemia (HL-60), human neuroblastoma (SHSY-5Y) and mouse fibrosarcoma (L929) as well as primary rat astrocytes. The present study reveals potent antitumour activity of novel purely organic compounds (1a-1e), which was most pronounced in human glioma (U251) cells. The esterification is required for the novel compounds' cytotoxic action since the n-butyl ester 1e was the most efficient compound. Importantly, n-butyl ester 1e was more toxic to glioma cells in comparison to rat astrocytes, with 24-h IC50 values lower than those for cisplatin. n-Butyl ester 1e induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused an oxidative-stress-derived accumulation of glioma cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, as well as caspase activation and DNA fragmentation, suggesting that apoptosis induction plays an important role in the novel compounds' antiglioma action.

Cyclohexyl analogues of ethylenediamine dipropanoic acid induce caspase-independent mitochondrial apoptosis in human leukemic cells.

We investigated the cytotoxicity of recently synthesized (S,S)-ethylendiamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid esters toward human leukemic cell lines and healthy blood mononuclear cells. Cell viability was assessed by acid phosphatase assay, apoptosis, and differentiation were analyzed by flow cytometry and electron microscopy, while intracellular localization of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was determined by immunoblotting. It was demonstrated that methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl esters were toxic to HL-60, REH, MOLT-4, KG-1, JVM-2, and K-562 leukemic cell lines, while the nonesterified parental compound and n-butyl ester were devoid of cytotoxic action. The ethyl ester exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity (IC50 10.7 µM-45.4 µM), which was comparable to that of the prototypical anticancer drug cisplatin. The observed cytotoxic effect in HL-60 cells was associated with an increase in superoxide production and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, leading to apoptotic cell death characterized by phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation in the absence of autophagic response. DNA fragmentation preceded caspase activation and followed AIF translocation from mitochondria to nucleus, which was indicative of caspase-independent apoptotic cell death. HL-60 cells treated with subtoxic concentration of the compound displayed morphological signs of granulocytic differentiation (nuclear indentations and presence of cytoplasmic primary granules), as well as an increased expression of differentiation markers CD11b and CD15. The cyclohexyl analogues of ethylenediamine dipropanoic acid were also toxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells of both healthy controls and leukemic patients, the latter being more sensitive. Our data demonstrate that the toxicity of the investigated cyclohexyl compounds against leukemic cell lines is mediated by caspase-independent apoptosis associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and AIF translocation.

Estimation of passive gastrointestinal absorption and membrane retention using PAMPA test, quantitative structure-permeability and quantitative structure-retention relationship analyses of ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid and 1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid derivatives.

Passive gastrointestinal absorption and membrane retention of twelve esters of (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid (EDCP) and (S,S)-1,3-propanediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid (PDCP), as well as of these two non-esterified acids were estimated using PAMPA test. Artificial PAMPA membrane used in this study for the simulation of gastrointestinal barrier was solution of egg lecithin in dodecane (1 % w/v). All tested compounds belong to class III (high membrane retention and low permeation), whereas EDCP, dipentyl ester of PDCP (DPE-PDCP) and diisopentyl ester of PDCP (DIPE-PDCP) belong to class I (negligible membrane retention and low permeation). Finally, quantitative structure - permeability and structure - retention relationships models were created in order to find quantitative relationships between physico-chemical properties of tested compounds and PAMPA membrane permeability/membrane retention parameters. Statistically the most reliable models were analysed and used for the design of new compounds for which favourable membrane permeability and retention can be expected.

Current Development of Metal Complexes with Diamine Ligands as Potential Anticancer Agents.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of cisplatin and the subsequent research revealed the importance of dinitrogen-containing moiety for the anticancer action of metal complexes. Moreover, certain diamine ligands alone display cytotoxicity that contributes to the overall activity of corresponding complexes. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current knowledge on the anticancer efficacy, selectivity, and the mechanisms of action of metal complexes with various types of diamine ligands. METHODS: The contribution of aliphatic acyclic, aliphatic cyclic, and aromatic diamine ligands to the anticancer activity and selectivity/toxicity of metal complexes with different metal ions were analyzed by comparison with organic ligand alone and/or conventional platinum-based chemotherapeutics. RESULTS: The aliphatic acyclic diamine ligands are present mostly in complexes with platinum. Aliphatic cyclic diamines are part of Pt(II), Ru(II) and Au(III) complexes, while aromatic diamine ligands are found in Pt(II), Ru(II), Pd(II) and Ir(III) complexes. The type and oxidation state of metal ions greatly influences the cytotoxicity of metal complexes with aliphatic acyclic diamine ligands. Lipophilicity of organic ligands, dependent on alkyl-side chain length and structure, determines their cellular uptake, with edda and eddp/eddip ligands being most useful in this regard. Aliphatic cyclic diamine ligands improved the activity/toxicity ratio of oxaliplatin-type complexes. The complexes with aromatic diamine ligands remain unexplored regarding their anticancer mechanism. The investigated complexes mainly caused apoptotic or necrotic cell death. CONCLUSION: Metal complexes with diamine ligands are promising candidates for efficient and more selective alternatives to conventional platinum-based chemotherapeutics. Further research is required to reveal the chemico-physical properties and molecular mechanisms underlying their biological activity.

(S,S)-N,N'-Bis(1-carb-oxy-2-methyl-prop-yl)ethyl-enediammonium dihalide cyclo-penta-nol tetra-solvate (halide = bromide/chloride ≃ 1:12).

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(12)H(26)N(2)O(4) (2+)·2(Br(0.085)Cl(0.915))(-)·4C(5)H(9)OH, the complete cation is generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry. Contamination of the chloride counter-anion with bromide occured during the preparation, due to the use of 1,2-dibromo-ethane. One of the solvent mol-ecules is disordered, with occupancies 0.53 (3):0.47 (3). The crystal packing is stabilized by an infinite two dimensional ⋯X⋯H-N-H⋯X⋯ hydrogen-bonding network (X: Br(-)/Cl(-) ≃ 1:12). In addition, O-H⋯X and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving solvent mol-ecules are observed.

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.

N,N'-Bis[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl]ethane-1,2-diammonium dichloride.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(10)H(22)N(2)O(4) (2+)·2Cl(-) or (H(2)Me(2)eddp)Cl(2) (H(2)Me(2)eddp(2+) is the dimethyl N,N'-di-3-propane-carboxylato-ethane-1,2-diyldiimin-ium cation), the packing is stabilized by an infinite two-dimensional ⋯Cl⋯H-N-H⋯Cl⋯ hydrogen-bonding network. In addition, short C-H⋯Cl contacts are observed.

The organic ester O,O'-diethyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoate dihydrochloride attenuates murine breast cancer growth and metastasis.

Pharmacological treatment of cancer is mostly limited by drug-toxicity and resistance. It has been noticed that new organic ester ligand, O,O'-diethyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoate dihydrochloride (named DE-EDCP) showed effective cytotoxic capacities against several human and mouse cancer cell lines. However, its effects on tumor growth and metastasis are unexplored. The aim of present study was to examine the ability of DE-EDCP to inhibit 4T1 murine breast cancer growth and progression and to explore possible molecular mechanisms. DE-EDCP exhibited significant tumoricidal activity on human and murine breast cancer cell lines. Further, marked reduction of murine breast cancer growth and progression by DE-EDCP was shown. DE-EDCP exhibits fewer side-effects compared to cisplatin as a conventional chemotherapeutic. Results obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments indicate that DE-EDCP induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of 4T1 cells. DE-EDCP increases percentage of 4T1 cells in late apoptosis, expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3, while decreases expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. DE-EDCP treatment increased the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei and reduced Ki-67 expression in breast cancer tissue. DE-EDCP decreased expression of cyclin D3 and Ki-67, increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16, p21 and p27 and arrested 4T1 cells in G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Expression of STAT3 and downstream regulated molecules, NANOG and SOX2, was reduced in 4T1 cells after DE-EDCP treatment. In conclusion, DE-EDCP impairs breast cancer growth and progression by triggering cancer cell death and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. DE-EDCP might be of interest in the development of the new anticancer agent.

In vitro and in vivo antimelanoma effect of ethyl ester cyclohexyl analog of ethylenediamine dipropanoic acid.

Melanoma, an aggressive skin tumor with high metastatic potential, is associated with high mortality and increasing morbidity. Multiple available chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic modalities failed to improve survival in advanced disease, and the search for new agents is ongoing. The aim of this study was to investigate antimelanoma effects of O,O-diethyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'di-2-(3-cyclohexyl) propanoate dihydrochloride (EE), a previously synthesized and characterized organic compound. Mouse melanoma B16 cell viability was assessed using acid phosphatase, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, sulforhodamine B, and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Apoptosis and autophagy were investigated using flow cytometry, fluorescence and electron microscopy, and western blotting. In vivo antitumor potential was assessed in subcutaneous mouse melanoma model after 14 days of treatment with EE. Tumor mass and volume were measured, and RT-PCR was used for investigating the expression of autophagy-related, proapoptotic, and antiapoptotic molecules in tumor tissue. Investigated organic compound exerts significant cytotoxic effect against B16 cells. EE induced apoptosis, as confirmed by phosphatidyl serine externalisation, caspase activation, and ultrastructural features typical for apoptosis seen on fluorescence and electron microscopes. The apoptotic mechanism included prompt disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress. No autophagy was observed. Antimelanoma action and apoptosis induction were confirmed in vivo, as EE decreased mass and volume of tumors, and increased expression of several proapoptotic genes. EE possesses significant antimelanoma action and causes caspase-dependent apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species production. Decrease in tumor growth and increase in expression of proapoptotic genes in tumor tissue suggest that EE warrants further investigation as a candidate agent in treating melanoma.

In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Platinum(II/IV) Complexes with Diisoamyl Ester of (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoic Acid.

AIMS: Platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes [PtCln{(S,S)-(i-Am)2eddip}] (n = 2, 4: 1, 2, respectively; (S,S)-(i-Am)2eddip = O,O'-diisoamyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoate) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. METHOD: Quantum chemical calculations were used to predict formed isomers of 1 and 2. Furthermore, reduction of 2 with ascorbic acid was followed by time-dependant 13C NMR spectroscopy in order to enable assignation of the formed isomers for complex 1. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined for 1 and 2 on a panel of five human tumor cell lines derived from cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), alveolar basal adenocarcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-453), colorectal cancer (LS 174), erythromyeloblastoid leukemia (K562), as well as one non-malignant human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5), using MTT assay. RESULT: Both complexes exhibited high (2 against K562: IC50 = 5.4 µM), more active than cisplatin, to moderate activity (1). Both complexes caused considerable decrease of cell number in K562 cells in G1, S and G2 phases, concordantly increasing subpopulation in sub-G1 fraction. Morphological analysis of K562 cell death induced by platinum(II/IV) complexes indicate apoptosis.

Antileukemic action of novel diamine Pt(II) halogenido complexes: Comparison of the representative novel Pt(II) with corresponding Pt(IV) complex.

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and antitumor action of five new Pt(II) halogenido, chlorido, and iodido complexes with edda type of ligands. (S,S)-Ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl)propanoic acid dihydrochloride and its methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl esters were prepared according to the previously reported procedure. All investigated complexes were characterized by IR, ESI-MS (1 H, 13 C, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Their cytotoxic action was investigated in four human tumor cell lines: promyelocytic (HL-60) and lymphocytic (REH) leukemia, glioma (U251), and lung carcinoma (H460). Cell viability was assessed by acid phosphatase and LDH assay, while oxidative stress and cell death parameters were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that novel Pt(II) complexes exhibited antitumor action superior to precursor ligands, with iodido complexes being more efficient than corresponding chlorido complexes. Human promyelocytic cell line (HL-60) was the most sensitive to antitumor action of all investigated substances and was used for investigation of the underlying mode of antileukemic action. The investigated Pt(II) complexes showed more potent antileukemic action than corresponding Pt(IV) complex, through induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis, evidenced by caspase (8, 9, and 3) activation and phosphatidylserine externalization.

In vitro antitumor activity, metal uptake and reactivity with ascorbic acid and BSA of some gold(III) complexes with N,N'-ethylenediamine bidentate ester ligands.

Four novel gold(III) complexes of general formulae [AuCl2{(S,S)-R2eddl}]PF6 (R2eddl=O,O'-dialkyl-(S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-(4-methyl)pentanoate, R=n-Pr, n-Bu, n-Pe, i-Bu; 1-4, respectively), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, as well as high resolution mass spectrometry. Density functional theory calculations pointed out that (R,R)-N,N'-configuration diastereoisomers were energetically the most favorable. Duo to high cytotoxic activity complex 3 was chosen for stability study in DMSO, no decomposition occurs within 24h, and for the reaction with ascorbic acid in which was reduced immediately. Additionally, 3 interacts with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as proven by UV/Vis spectroscopy. In vitro antitumor activity was determined against human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human myelogenous leukemia (K562), and human melanoma (Fem-x) cancer cell lines, as well as against non-cancerous human embryonic lung fibroblast cells MRC-5. The highest activity was observed against K562 cells (IC50: 5.04-6.51µM). Selectivity indices showed that these complexes are less toxic than cisplatin. 3 had a similar viability kinetics on HeLa cells as cisplatin. Drug accumulation studies in HeLa cells showed that the total gold uptake increased much faster than that of cisplatin pointing out that 3 more efficiently enters the cells than cisplatin. Furthermore, morphological and cell cycle analysis reveal that gold(III) complexes induced apoptosis in time- and dose-dependent manner.

[Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)], a novel platinum(IV) compound with anticancer properties.

There has been a continuing effort for the discovery of novel platinum(IV)-based antitumor compounds with better therapeutic performances than cisplatin. In the present work, the anticancer action of recently synthesized Pt(IV)-based complex [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)] was investigated using rat and human astrocytoma cell lines C6 and U251. [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)] markedly reduced the number of cultured astrocytoma cells (IC(50), 80 microM), as determined by crystal violet assay. The Pt(IV) complex induced apoptotic death of tumor cells, as flow cytometry analysis of the propidium iodide-stained cellular DNA revealed approx. 30% of hypodiploid cells in [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)]-treated astrocytoma cell cultures. On the other hand, [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)] at 200 microM did not affect the viability of rat primary astrocytes, unlike the established anticancer drug cisplatin, which displayed high toxicity toward both astrocytoma cells (IC(50), 15 microM) and primary astrocytes (IC(50), 20 microM). Moreover, [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)] at 100 microM did not interfere with the ability of rat peritoneal macrophages to produce important antitumor molecules nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Finally, we assessed the ability of [Pt(HPxSC)Cl(3)] to restrain growth of some bacterial and yeast strains, but it showed rather limited antimicrobial activity.

Activity of some platinum(II/IV) complexes with O,O-n-butyl-and O,O-n-pentyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate and halogeno ligands against HeLa and K562 cell lines and human PBMC.

This paper reports on syntheses and characterization of chlorotribromo(O,O-n-butyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate)platinum(IV) [II], dichlorodiiodo(O,O-n-butyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate)platinum(IV) [III], and dichloro(O,O-n-butyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate)platinum(II) [V] complexes, with the formulae [Pt(dbeddp)Br(3)Cl], [Pt(dbeddp)Cl(2)I(2)] and [Pt(dbeddp)Cl(2)], respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. In the aim to assess the selectivity in the antitumor action of these complexes, as well, as tetrachloro(O,O-n-butyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate)platinum(IV) [I] and tetrachloro(O,O-n-pentyl-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propanoate)platinum(IV) [IV], the antiproliferative action of these compounds was determined to human adenocarcinoma HeLa cells, to human myelogenous leukemia K562 cells and to normal immunocompetent cells, i.e., on human peripheral blood mononuclear PBMC cells.

In vitro anticancer activity of gold(III) complexes with some esters of (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoic acid.

Five novel gold(III) complexes of general formulas [AuCl2{(S,S)-R2eddip}]PF6, ((S,S)-eddip = (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-2-propanoate, R = n-Bu, n-Pe, i-Bu, i-Am, cPe; 1-5, respectively) were synthesized and characterized by UV/Vis, IR and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. DFT calculations indicated that (R,R)-N,N'-configuration diastereoisomers were the most stable for 1-5. 3 is stable in DMSO for at least 24 h, but immediate hydrolysis in PBS occurs. 3 is readily reduced with ascorbic acid and forms adducts with bovine serum albumin (BSA). In vitro anticancer activity of the gold(III) complexes against human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa, human myelogenous leukemia K562, human melanoma Fem-x tumor cell lines, as well as against non-cancerous human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 was determined using MTT assay. Complex 4 showed highest activity and selectivity (IC50(Fem-x) = 1.3 ± 0.2; IC50(MRC-5)/IC50(Fem-x) = 72.5 ± 12.4), 4 times more active and 28 times more selective than cisplatin. Complexes induced apoptotic mode of death in a time-dependent manner in HeLa cells.

Cytotoxicity of some platinum(IV) complexes with ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propionato ligand.

The cytotoxicities of two platinum(IV) complexes of formula [PtX2(eddp)].nH2O (eddp=ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-3-propionate, X=chloro [I] or bromo [II], n=1 or 1.24) are reported. The complexes have been obtained by direct reaction of potassium hexahaloplatinate(IV) with H2eddp.2HCl followed by addition of a base (LiOH). The crystal and molecular structure has confirmed that the complex with bromo ligands, similarly to the complex with chloro ligands previously reported, has trans configuration of the halogens. In both the chloro and bromo complexes there appear to be intramolecular N-H...X interactions which account for a narrowing of the corresponding X-Pt-N angles below 90degrees. The trans isomer (configuration index OC-6-13, two nitrogens and two oxygens of eddp bound in the equatorial plane) is the only one obtained in the reaction of hexahaloplatinate(IV) with the eddp ligand while a similar reaction performed with ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetate (edda) affords exclusively the symmetrical cis-isomer (configuration index OC-6-33, equatorial nitrogen and axial oxygen atoms of edda). The longer chain of the propionato groups (as compared to the acetato ones) is responsible for such a change in preferred configuration. NMR data have revealed a very large diastereotopic splitting of the propionato methylene protons to the nitrogens (0.88 ppm). The trans disposition of the halogen ligands in the compounds with eddp leads to deactivation of platinum(IV) complexes in comparison to those with edda having cis disposition of the leaving chlorides (human ovarian cancer cell line A2780, IC50 [muM] of 92.6 +/- 12 and 30.3 +/- 7.5 for [I] and [II], respectively).

Novel ruthenium complex K2[Ru(dmgly)Cl4].2H2O is toxic to C6 astrocytoma cell line, but not to primary rat astrocytes.

A novel class of ruthenium (III) complexes of formulas K[Ru(sar)2Cl2].12H2O and K2[Ru(dmgly)Cl4].2H2O, containing bidentate chelates N-methylglycine (sarcosine, sar) or N,N-dimethylglycine (dmgly) and additional chloro ligands were synthesized. The complexes have been obtained by direct reaction of ruthenium(III) chloride with corresponding bidentate ligand followed by addition of base (KOH). These new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. As astrocytomas, the most common of all brain tumors, are still very difficult to treat, we examined the influence of newly synthesized ruthenium-based complexes, as well as the earlier synthesized analogue platinum(IV) complexes [Pt(dmgly)2Cl2], [Pt(sar)2Br2] and [Pt(dmgly)2Br2], on rat astrocytoma C6 cells in vitro. Among these complexes only K2[Ru(dmgly)Cl4].2H2O and [Pt(dmgly)2Br2] markedly inhibited the viability of non-confluent C6 cells. Furthermore, only complex K2[Ru(dmgly)Cl4].2H2O was able to reduce viability in confluent C6 cultures. Importantly, this complex was not toxic to primary rat astrocytes or macrophages. Having in mind that appropriate chemotherapy should be effective against tumor cells without harming normal tissues, complex K2[Ru(dmgly)Cl4].2H2O could be a promising agent for developing therapeutics against astrocytomas.