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

Bis- and Tetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes with mixed axial ligands - synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity

A series of twelve novel diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) and 18 novel bis(carboxylato)dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(IV) complexes with mixed axial carboxylato ligands was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear (1) H-, (13) C-, (15) N-, and (195) Pt-NMR spectroscopy. Their cytotoxic potential was evaluated (by MTT assay) against three human cancer cell lines derived from ovarian teratocarcinoma (CH1/PA-1), lung (A549), and colon carcinoma (SW480). In the cisplatin-sensitive CH1/PA-1 cancer cell line, diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes showed IC50 values in the low micromolar range, whereas, for the most lipophilic compounds of the bis(carboxylato)dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(IV) series, IC50 values in the nanomolar range were found.

Multi-scale imaging of anticancer platinum(iv) compounds in murine tumor and kidney

Nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) enables trace element and isotope analyses with high spatial resolution. This unique capability has recently been exploited in several studies analyzing the subcellular distribution of Au and Pt anticancer compounds. However, these studies were restricted to cell culture systems. To explore the applicability to the in vivo setting, we developed a combined imaging approach consisting of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), NanoSIMS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suitable for multi-scale detection of the platinum distribution in tissues. Applying this approach to kidney and tumor samples upon administration of selected platinum(iv) anticancer prodrugs revealed uneven platinum distributions on both the organ and subcellular scales. Spatial platinum accumulation patterns were quantitatively assessed by LA-ICP-MS in histologically heterogeneous organs (e.g., higher platinum accumulation in kidney cortex than in medulla) and used to select regions of interest for subcellular-scale imaging with NanoSIMS. These analyses revealed cytoplasmic sulfur-rich organelles accumulating platinum in both kidney and malignant cells. Those in the tumor were subsequently identified as organelles of lysosomal origin, demonstrating the potential of the combinatorial approach for investigating therapeutically relevant drug concentrations on a submicrometer scale.

Influence of reducing agents on the cytotoxic activity of platinum(IV) complexes: induction of G2/M arrest, apoptosis and oxidative stress in A2780 and cisplatin resistant A2780cis cell lines

The concept of Pt(IV) prodrug design is one advanced strategy to increase the selectivity for cancer cells and to reduce systemic toxicity in comparison to established platinum-based chemotherapy. Pt(IV) complexes are thought to be activated by reduction via physiological reductants, such as ascorbic acid or glutathione. Nevertheless, only few investigations on the link between the reduction rate, which is influenced by the reductant, and the ligand sphere of the Pt(IV) metal centre have been performed so far. Herein, we investigated a set of Pt(IV) compounds with varying rates of reduction with respect to their cytotoxicity and drug accumulation in A2780 and A2780cis ovarian cancer cell lines, their influence on the cell cycle, efficiency of triggering apoptosis, and ability to interfere with plasmid DNA (pUC19). The effects caused by Pt(IV) compounds were compared without or with extracellularly added ascorbic acid and glutathione (or its precursor N-acetylcysteine) to gain understanding of the impact of increased levels of the reductant on the activity of such complexes. Our results demonstrate that reduction is required prior to plasmid interaction. Furthermore, the rate of reduction is crucial for the efficiency of this set of Pt(IV) compounds. The substances that are reduced least likely showed similar performances, whereas the fastest reducing substance was negatively affected by an increased extracellular level of reducing agents, with reduced cytotoxicity and lower efficiency in inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest. These results confirm the connection between reduction and activity, and prove the strong impact of the reduction site on the activity of Pt(IV) complexes.

Prediction of logP for Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes: Comparison of statistical and quantum-chemistry based approaches

The octanol/water partition coefficient, logP, is one of the most important physico-chemical parameters for the development of new metal-based anticancer drugs with improved pharmacokinetic properties. This study addresses an issue with the absence of publicly available models to predict logP of Pt(IV) complexes. Following data collection and subsequent development of models based on 187 complexes from literature, we validate new and previously published models on a new set of 11 Pt(II) and 35 Pt(IV) complexes, which were kept blind during the model development step. The error of the consensus model, 0.65 for Pt(IV) and 0.37 for Pt(II) complexes, indicates its good accuracy of predictions. The lower accuracy for Pt(IV) complexes was attributed to experimental difficulties with logP measurements for some poorly-soluble compounds. This model was developed using general-purpose descriptors such as extended functional groups, molecular fragments and E-state indices. Surprisingly, models based on quantum-chemistry calculations provided lower prediction accuracy. We also found that all the developed models strongly overestimate logP values for the three complexes measured in the presence of DMSO. Considering that DMSO is frequently used as a solvent to store chemicals, its effect should not be overlooked when logP measurements by means of the shake flask method are performed. The final models are freely available at http://ochem.eu/article/76903.

Chalcoplatin, a dual-targeting and p53 activator-containing anticancer platinum(IV) prodrug with unique mode of action

Complexation of cisplatin with a p53 activator as a single anticancer agent resulted in synergistically improved cytotoxicity in p53 wild-type but not p53 null human cancer cells. Mechanistic investigation was carried out on this dual-targeting Pt(IV) prodrug, chalcoplatin. The prodrug effectively entered cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle at the S and G2/M phases, distinctive of that from cisplatin. Chalcoplatin significantly induced p53 activation as well as the subsequent apoptosis pathways. This unique mode of action renders chalcoplatin remarkably cytotoxic and makes this compound among the first examples of a Pt(IV) prodrug that directly interacts with the downstream pathway after the formation of Pt-DNA lesions.

Tetracarboxylatoplatinum(IV) complexes featuring monodentate leaving groups - A rational approach toward exploiting the platinum(IV) prodrug strategy

A series of novel symmetrically and unsymmetrically coordinated platinum(IV) complexes with monodentate carboxylato ligands was synthesized. The compounds exhibit a general coordination sphere of [Pt(en)(OCOR)2(OCOR')(OCOR″)], where the carboxylato ligands are represented by acetato and succinic acid monoester ligands. Dicarboxylatoplatinum(II) complexes were synthesized and oxidized symmetrically or unsymmetrically to obtain platinum(IV) complexes, which were subsequently carboxylated with noncyclic anhydrides. The compounds were investigated in detail by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared and multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (15)N, (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray diffraction in some cases. The reduction behavior was followed by NMR spectroscopy, while stability and lipophilicity were examined by analytical reversed phase HPLC measurements. Cytotoxic properties were studied in three human cancer cell lines derived from cisplatin sensitive ovarian teratocarcinoma (CH1/PA-1), cisplatin insensitive colon carcinoma (SW480) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549). Thereby, the most lipophilic (yet water soluble) platinum(IV) complexes showed promising IC50 values in the low micromolar and even nanomolar range, demonstrating the significant advantage of using equatorially coordinated monodentate carboxylato ligands.

Synthesis and Analysis of the Structure, Diffusion and Cytotoxicity of Heterocyclic Platinum(IV) Complexes

We have developed six dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) compounds with cytotoxic potential. Each derived from active platinum(II) species, these complexes consist of a heterocyclic ligand (HL) and ancillary ligand (AL) in the form [Pt(HL)(AL)(OH)2](2+), where HL is a methyl-functionalised variant of 1,10-phenanthroline and AL is the S,S or R,R isomer of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane. NMR characterisation and X-ray diffraction studies clearly confirmed the coordination geometry of the octahedral platinum(IV) complexes. The self-stacking of these complexes was determined using pulsed gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance. The self-association behaviour of square planar platinum(II) complexes is largely dependent on concentration, whereas platinum(IV) complexes do not aggregate under the same conditions, possibly due to the presence of axial ligands. The cytotoxicity of the most active complex, exhibited in several cell lines, has been retained in the platinum(IV) form.

Recent Advances in Platinum (IV) Complex-Based Delivery Systems to Improve Platinum (II) Anticancer Therapy

Cisplatin and its platinum (Pt) (II) derivatives play a key role in the fight against various human cancers such as testicular, ovarian, head and neck, lung tumors. However, their application in clinic is limited due to dose- dependent toxicities and acquired drug resistances, which have prompted extensive research effort toward the development of more effective Pt (II) delivery strategies. The synthesis of Pt (IV) complex is one such an area of intense research fields, which involves their in vivo conversion into active Pt (II) molecules under the reducing intracellular environment, and has demonstrated encouraging preclinical and clinical outcomes. Compared with Pt (II) complexes, Pt (IV) complexes not only exhibit an increased stability and reduced side effects, but also facilitate the intravenous-to-oral switch in cancer chemotherapy. The overview briefly analyzes statuses of Pt (II) complex that are in clinical use, and then focuses on the development of Pt (IV) complexes. Finally, recent advances in Pt (IV) complexes in combination with nanocarriers are highlighted, addressing the shortcomings of Pt (IV) complexes, such as their instability in blood and irreversibly binding to plasma proteins and nonspecific distribution, and taking advantage of passive and active targeting effect to improve Pt (II) anticancer therapy.

Necroptosis-inducing rhenium(V) oxo complexes

Rhenium(V) oxo complexes of general formula [ReO(OMe)(N^N)Cl2], where N^N = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 1, or 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2, effectively kill cancer cells by triggering necroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death. Both complexes evoke necrosome (RIP1-RIP3)-dependent intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and propidium iodide uptake. The complexes also induce mitochondrial membrane potential depletion, a possible downstream effect of ROS production. Apparently, 1 and 2 are the first rhenium complexes to evoke cellular events consistent with programmed necrosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, 1 and 2 display low acute toxicity in C57BL/6 mice and reasonable stability in fresh human blood.

Comparative in vitro and in vivo pharmacological investigation of platinum(IV) complexes as novel anticancer drug candidates for oral application

Platinum(IV) complexes are promising candidates as prodrugs for oral application in anticancer chemotherapy. However, only a few Pt(IV) compounds entered (pre)clinical trials, e.g. satraplatin, while most of the others were only tested in vitro. Aim of the study was investigation of the in vivo pharmacological behavior as well as the anticancer activity of two novel platinum(IV) complexes vs. satraplatin. The drugs were selected due to significantly different in vitro cytotoxicity while sharing some physicochemical properties (e.g. lipophilicity). Initial experiments indicated that the highly in vitro cytotoxic compound 1 ((OC-6-33)-dichloridobis((4-ethoxy)-4-oxobutanoato)-bis(ethylamine)platinum(IV)) was also characterized by high drug absorption and tissue platinum levels after oral application. Interestingly, analysis of serum samples using SEC-ICP-MS revealed that the administered drugs have completely been metabolized and/or bound to proteins in serum within 2 h after treatment. With regard to the activity in vivo, the outcomes were rather unexpected: although potent anticancer effect of 1 was observed in cell culture, the effects in vivo were rather minor. Nevertheless, 1 was superior to 2 ((OC-6-33)-diammine(cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylato)-bis((4-cyclopentylamino)-4-oxobutanoato)platinum(IV)) after i.p. administration, which was, at least to some extent, in accordance to the cell culture experiments. After oral gavage, both compounds exhibited comparable activity. This is remarkable considering the distinctly lower activity of 2 in cell culture as well as the low platinum levels detected both in serum and tissues after oral application. Consequently, our data indicate that the prediction of in vivo anticancer activity by cell culture experiments is not trivial, especially for orally applied drugs.

On the stability of Pt(IV) pro-drugs with haloacetato ligands in the axial positions

The design of Pt(IV) pro-drugs as anticancer agents is predicated on the assumption that they will not undergo substitution reactions before entering the cancer cell. Attempts to improve the cytotoxic properties of Pt(IV) pro-drugs included the use of haloacetato axial ligands. Herein, we demonstrate that Pt(IV) complexes with trifluoroacetato (TFA) or dichloroacetato (DCA) ligands can be unstable under biologically relevant conditions and readily undergo hydrolysis, which results in the loss of the axial TFA or DCA ligands. The half-lives for Pt(IV) complexes with two TFA or DCA ligands at pH 7 and 37 °C range from 6 to 800 min, which is short relative to the duration of cytotoxicity experiments that last 24-96 h. However, complexes with two monochloroacetato (MCA) or acetato axial ligands are stable under biologically relevant conditions. The loss of the axial ligands depends primarily on the electron-withdrawing strength of the axial ligands, but also upon the nature of the equatorial ligands. We were unable to find obvious correlations between the structures of the Pt(IV) complexes and the rates of decay of the parent compounds. The X-ray crystal structures of the bis-DCA and bis-MCA Pt(IV) derivatives of oxaliplatin did not reveal any significant structural differences that could explain the observed differences in stability.

Conjugation of cisplatin analogues and cyclooxygenase inhibitors to overcome cisplatin resistance

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme involved in tumorigenesis and is associated with tumor cell resistance against platinum-based antitumor drugs. Cisplatin analogues were conjugated with COX inhibitors (indomethacin, ibuprofen) to study the synergistic effects that were previously observed in combination treatments. The conjugates ensure concerted transport of both drugs into cells, and subsequent intracellular cleavage enables a dual-action mode. Whereas the platinum(II) complexes showed cytotoxicities similar to those of cisplatin, the platinum(IV) conjugates revealed highly increased cytotoxic activities and were able to completely overcome cisplatin-related resistance. Although some of the complexes are potent COX inhibitors, the conjugates appear to execute their cytotoxic action via COX-independent mechanisms. Instead, the increased lipophilicity and kinetic inertness of the conjugates seem to facilitate cellular accumulation of the platinum drugs and thus improve the efficacy of the antitumor agents. These conjugates are important tools for the elucidation of the direct influence of COX inhibitors on platinum-based anticancer drugs in tumor cells.

A novel class of bis- and tris-chelate diam(m)inebis(dicarboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes as potential anticancer prodrugs

A novel class of platinum(IV) complexes of the type [Pt(Am)(R(COO)2)2], where Am is a chelating diamine or two monodentate am(m)ine ligands and R(COO)2 is a chelating dicarboxylato moiety, was synthesized. For this purpose, the reaction between the corresponding tetrahydroxidoplatinum(IV) precursors and various dicarboxylic acids, such as oxalic, malonic, 3-methylmalonic, and cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid, was utilized. All new compounds were characterized in detail, using 1D and 2D NMR techniques, ESI-MS, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, TGA, and X-ray diffraction. Their in vitro cytotoxicity was determined in a panel of human tumor cell lines (CH1, SW480 and A549) by means of the MTT colorimetric assay. Furthermore, the lipophilicity and redox properties of the novel complexes were evaluated in order to better understand their pharmacological behavior. The most promising drug candidate, 4b (Pt(DACH)(mal)2), demonstrated low in vivo toxicity but profound anticancer activity against both the L1210 leukemia and CT-26 colon carcinoma models.

Pt(IV) prodrugs designed to bind non-covalently to human serum albumin for drug delivery

Albumin is the most abundant protein in human serum and drugs that are administered intravenously inevitably interact with it. We present here a series of platinum(IV) prodrugs designed specifically to enhance interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) for drug delivery. This goal is achieved by asymmetrically functionalizing the axial ligands of the prodrug so as to mimic the overall features of a fatty acid. Systematic variation of the length of the aliphatic tail tunes the cellular uptake and, consequently, the cytotoxicity of cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2COOH)(OCONHR)], 4, where R is a linear alkyl group. Investigation of an analogue bearing a fluorophore conjugated to the succinate ligand confirmed that these compounds are reduced by biological reductants with loss of the axial ligands. Intracellular release of cisplatin from 4 was further confirmed by observing the characteristic effects of cisplatin on the cell cycle and morphology following treatment with the prodrug. The most potent member of series 4, for which R is a hexadecyl chain, interacts with HSA in a 1:1 stoichiometry to form the platinum-protein complex 7. The interaction is non-covalent and extraction with octanol completely removes the prodrug from an aqueous solution of HSA. Construct 7 is robust and can be isolated following fast protein liquid chromatography. The nature of the tight interaction was investigated computationally, and these studies suggest that the prodrug is buried below the surface of the protein. Consequently, complexation to HSA is able to reduce the rate of reduction of the prodrug by ascorbate. The lead compound from series 4 also exhibited significant stability in whole human blood, attributed to its interaction with HSA. This favorable redox profile, in conjunction with the established nonimmunogenicity, biocompatibility, and enhanced tumor accumulation of HSA, produces a system that holds significant therapeutic potential.

Understanding intrinsically irreversible, non-Nernstian, two-electron redox processes: a combined experimental and computational study of the electrochemical activation of platinum(IV) antitumor prodrugs

Six-coordinate Pt(IV)-complexes are prominent prodrug candidates for the treatment of various cancers where, upon two-electron reduction and loss of two axial ligands, they form more familiar, pharmacologically active four-coordinate Pt(II) drugs. A series of electrochemical experiments coupled with extensive density functional calculations has been employed to elucidate the mechanism for the two-electron reduction of Pt(IV)(NH3)2Cl2L2 to Pt(II)(NH3)2Cl2 (L = CH3COO(-), 1; L = CHCl2COO(-), 2; L = Cl(-), 3). A reliable estimate for the normal reduction potential E(o) is derived for the electrochemically irreversible Pt(IV) reduction and is compared directly to the quantum chemically calculated reduction potentials. The process of electron transfer and Pt-L bond cleavage is found to occur in a stepwise fashion, suggesting that a metastable six-coordinate Pt(III) intermediate is formed upon addition of a single electron, and the loss of both axial ligands is associated with the second electron transfer. The quantum chemically calculated reduction potentials are in excellent agreement with experimentally determined values that are notably more positive than peak potentials reported previously for 1-3.

Pros and cons of bifunctional platinum(IV) antitumor prodrugs: two are (not always) better than one

This article evaluates the efficacy and applicability of bifunctional prodrugs consisting of a six-coordinate Pt(iv) octahedral core and one or more bioactive molecules. The platinum(iv) complexes release upon reduction the corresponding cytotoxic Pt(ii) agents and the bioactive molecules, able to inhibit some biochemical mechanisms of cancer growth and/or prevent the deactivation of the Pt(ii) metabolites.

Neuropilin-1-targeted gold nanoparticles enhance therapeutic efficacy of platinum(IV) drug for prostate cancer treatment

Platinum-based anticancer drugs such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and carboplatin are some of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents but have limited applications due to severe dose-limiting side effects and a tendency for cancer cells to rapidly develop resistance. The therapeutic index can be improved through use of nanocarrier systems to target cancer cells efficiently. We developed a unique strategy to deliver a platinum(IV) drug to prostate cancer cells by constructing glutathione-stabilized (Au@GSH) gold nanoparticles. Glutathione (GSH) has well-known antioxidant properties, which lead to cancer regression. Here, we exploit the advantages of both the antioxidant properties and high surface-area-to-volume ratio of Au@GSH NPs to demonstrate their potential for delivery of a platinum(IV) drug by targeting the neuropilin-1 receptor (Nrp-1). A lethal dose of a platinum(IV) drug functionalized with the Nrp-1-targeting peptide (CRGDK) was delivered specifically to prostate cancer cells in vitro. Targeted peptide ensures specific binding to the Nrp-1 receptor, leading to enhanced cellular uptake level and cell toxicity. The nanocarriers were themselves nontoxic, but exhibited high cytotoxicity and increased efficacy when functionalized with the targeting peptide and drug. The uptake of drug-loaded nanocarriers is dependent on the interaction with Nrp-1 in cell lines expressing high (PC-3) and low (DU-145) levels of Nrp-1, as confirmed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy. The nanocarriers have effective anticancer activity, through upregulation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein (p50 and p65) expression and activation of NF-κB-DNA-binding activity. Our preliminary investigations with platinum(IV)-functionalized gold nanoparticles along with a targeting peptide hold significant promise for future cancer treatment.

Conjugates of cisplatin and cyclooxygenase inhibitors as potent antitumor agents overcoming cisplatin resistance

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme involved in tumorigenesis, and inhibitors of the enzyme are increasingly used as adjuvant modulators in anticancer therapies due to their synergistic effects with traditional chemotherapeutics. COX-2 is also reported to cause resistance towards antitumor agents, such as cisplatin. Here, the first covalently linked conjugates of cisplatin and COX inhibitors are reported. These conjugates exhibit concerted transport of both drugs into tumor cells and simultaneous action upon intracellular cleavage. These platinum(IV) complexes show highly increased cytotoxicity compared with cisplatin and are even able to overcome cisplatin-related resistance of tumor cells. While the results reported show that COX-2 inhibition is not directly responsible for the potent activities of these conjugates, they do represent useful tool compounds for the elucidation of the influence of COX inhibitors on the efficacy of antitumor agents.

Oxidative Reactivity and Cytotoxic Properties of a Platinum(II) Complex Prepared by Outer-Sphere Amide Bond Coupling

Benzyl amine was coupled to the dangling carboxylic acid groups of the platinum(II) complex [Pt(edda)Cl₂], where edda = ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, to give the diamidetethered complex [Pt(L)Cl₂] (1), where L = ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(N-benzylacetamide). Complex 1 was oxidized with both PhICl₂ and Br₂. Oxidation with PhICl₂ cleanly afforded the tetrachloride complex, [Pt(L)Cl₄] (2), whereas oxidation with Br₂ gave rise to several mixed halide complexes of the general formula, [Pt(L)Cl_xBr_4-x], where x = 1, 2, or 3. Complexes 1 and 2 were fully characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy, as well as by ESI-MS. These compounds exist as a mixture of diastereomers that arise from the chirality of the two coordinated nitrogen atoms. Crystal structures of 1, 2, and [Pt(L)Cl_xBr_y] (3) are reported. Although refined as the tetrabromide complex [Pt(L)Br₄], the crystal structure of 3 is a mixture of species with site-occupancy disorder of chloride and bromide ligands. DFT calculations indicate that the two sets of diastereomers of 1 and 2 are effectively thermoneutral, a conclusion that is also supported by the observation of both members of each pair by NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 was measured by the MTT assay in HeLa cells and compared to that of cisplatin. Both exhibit IC₅₀ values close to 50 μM and are therefore substantially less toxic than cisplatin, for which the IC₅₀ is 1 μM.

Platinum(IV) prodrugs with haloacetato ligands in the axial positions can undergo hydrolysis under biologically relevant conditions

Losing ligands rapidly: Pt(IV) complexes with haloacetato ligands can hydrolyze rapidly under biological conditions (pH 7 and 37 °C, see scheme) and the rate increases with increasing pH value. Possible mechanisms for this hydrolysis are examined using H2(18)O and ESI-MS analysis.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Interaction with Biomolecules of Platinum(II) Complexes with Shikimic Acid-Based Ligands

Starting from the active ingredient shikimic acid (SA) of traditional Chinese medicine and NH₂(CH₂)_nOH, (n = 2–6), we have synthesized a series of new water-soluble Pt(II) complexes PtL^a–eCl₂, where L^a–e are chelating diamine ligands with carbon chain covalently attached to SA (L^a–e = SA-NH(CH₂)_nNHCH₂CH₂NH₂; L^a, n = 2; L^b, n = 3; L^c, n = 4; L^d, n = 5; L^e, n = 6). The results of the elemental analysis, LC-MS, capillary electrophoresis, and ¹H, ¹³C NMR indicated that there was only one product (isomer) formed under the present experimental conditions, in which the coordinate mode of PtL^a–eCl₂ was two-amine bidentate. Their in vitro cytotoxic activities were evaluated by MTT method, where these compounds only exhibited low cytotoxicity towards BEL7404, which should correlate their low lipophilicity. The interactions of the five Pt(II) complexes with DNA were investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis, which suggests that the Pt(II) complexes could induce DNA alteration. We also studied the interactions of the Pt(II) complexes with 5′-GMP with ESI-MS and ¹H NMR and found that PtL^bCl₂, PtL^cCl₂, and PtL^dCl₂ could react with 5′-GMP to form mono-GMP and bis-GMP adducts. Furthermore, the cell-cycle analysis revealed that PtL^bCl₂, PtL^cCl₂ cause cell G₂-phase arrest after incubation for 72 h. Overall, these water-soluble Pt(II) complexes interact with DNA mainly through covalent binding, which blocks the DNA synthesis and replication and thus induces cytotoxicity that weakens as the length of carbon chain increases.

Diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes--synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity

A series of eight novel diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear ¹H-, ¹³C-, ¹⁵N-, and ¹⁹⁵Pt-NMR spectroscopy. Their antiproliferative potency was evaluated in three human cancer cell lines representing ovarian (CH1), lung (A549), and colon carcinoma (SW480). In cisplatin-sensitive CH1 cancer cells, cytotoxicity was found in the low micromolar range, whereas, in inherently cisplatin-resistant A549 and SW480 cells, the activity was very low or negligible. Astonishingly, raise in lipophilicity of the complexes, as found in the case of cisplatin analogs, did not result in a significant enhancement of the cytotoxic effect.

Theoretical investigations and density functional theory based quantitative structure-activity relationships model for novel cytotoxic platinum(IV) complexes

Octahedral platinum(IV) complexes are promising candidates in the fight against cancer. In order to rationalize the further development of this class of compounds, detailed studies on their mechanisms of action, toxicity, and resistance must be provided and structure-activity relationships must be drawn. Herein, we report on theoretical and QSAR investigations of a series of 53 novel bis-, tris-, and tetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes, synthesized and tested for cytotoxicity in our laboratories. The hybrid DFT functional wb97x was used for optimization of the structure geometry and calculation of the descriptors. Reliable and robust QSAR models with good explanatory and predictive properties were obtained for both the cisplatin sensitive cell line CH1 and the intrinsically cisplatin resistant cell line SW480, with a set of four descriptors.

Unsymmetric mono- and dinuclear platinum(IV) complexes featuring an ethylene glycol moiety: synthesis, characterization, and biological activity

Eight novel mononuclear and two dinuclear platinum(IV) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and reversed-phase HPLC (log k(w)) and in one case by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was studied in three human cancer cell lines (CH1, SW480, and A549) by means of the MTT assay, featuring IC(50) values to the low micromolar range. Furthermore a selected set of compounds was investigated in additional cancer cell lines (P31 and P31/cis, A2780 and A2780/cis, SW1573, 2R120, and 2R160) with regard to their resistance patterns, offering a distinctly different scheme compared to cisplatin. To gain further insights into the mode of action, drug uptake, DNA synthesis inhibition, cell cycle effects, and induction of apoptosis were determined for two characteristic substances.

DEVELOPMENT OF PLATINUM(IV) COMPLEXES AS ANTICANCER PRODRUGS: THE STORY SO FAR

The serendipitous discovery of the antitumor properties of cisplatin by Barnett Rosenberg some forty years ago brought about a paradigm shift in the field of medicinal chemistry and challenged conventional thinking regarding the role of potentially toxic heavy metals in drugs. Platinum(II)-based anticancer drugs have since become some of the most effective and widely-used drugs in a clinician's arsenal and have saved countless lives. However, they are limited by high toxicity, severe side-effects and the incidence of drug resistance. In recent years, attention has shifted to stable platinum(IV) complexes as anticancer prodrugs. By exploiting the unique chemical and structural attributes of their scaffolds, these platinum(IV) prodrugs offer new strategies of targeting and killing cancer cells. This review summarizes the development of anticancer platinum(IV) prodrugs to date and some of the exciting strategies that utilise the platinum(IV) construct as targeted chemotherapeutic agents against cancer.

Dinuclear Pt(II)-bisphosphonate complexes: a scaffold for multinuclear or different oxidation state platinum drugs

Geminal bisphosphonates (BPs), used in the clinic for the treatment of hypercalcaemia and skeletal metastases, have been also exploited for promoting the specific accumulation of platinum antitumor drugs in bone tissue. In this work, the platinum dinuclear complex [{Pt(en)}(2)(μ-AHBP-H(2))](+) (1) (the carbon atom bridging the two phosphorous atoms carrying a 2-ammonioethyl and a hydroxyl group, AHBP-H(2)) has been used as scaffold for the synthesis of a Pt(II) trinuclear complex, [{Pt(en)}(3)(μ-AHBP)](+) (2), and a Pt(IV) adamantane-shaped dinuclear complex featuring an oxo-bridge, [{Pt(IV)(en)Cl}(2)(μ-O)(μ-AHBP-H(2))](+) (3) (X-ray structure). Compound 2 undergoes a reversible, pH dependent, rearrangement with a neat switch point around pH = 5.4. Compound 3 undergoes a one-step electrochemical reduction at E(pc) = -0.84 V affording compound 1. Such a potential is far lower than that of glutathione (-0.24 V), nevertheless compound 3 can undergo chemical reduction to 1 by GSH, most probably through a different (inner-sphere) mechanism. In vitro cytotoxicity of the new compounds, tested against murine glioma (C6) and human cervix (HeLa) and hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines, has shown that, while the Pt(IV) dimer 3 is inactive up to a concentration of 50 μM, the two Pt(II) polynuclear compounds 1 and 2 have a cytotoxicity comparable to that of cisplatin with the trinuclear complex 2 generally more active than the dinuclear complex 1.

Capillary electrophoretic methods in the development of metal-based therapeutics and diagnostics: new methodology and applications

In recent years, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has matured to a standard method in medicinal inorganic chemistry. More and more steps of the drug discovery process are followed by CE. However, not only the number of applications has steadily increased but also the variety of used methodology has significantly broadened and, as compared to a few years ago, a wider scope of separation modes and hyphenated systems has been used. Herein, a summary of the newly utilized CE methods and their applications in metallodrug research in the timeframe 2006-2011 is presented, following related reviews from 2003 and 2007 (Electrophoresis, 2003, 24, 2023-2037; Electrophoresis 2007, 28, 3436-3446). Areas covered include impurity profiling, quality control of pharmaceutical formulations, lipophilicity estimation, interactions between metallodrugs and proteins or nucleotides, and characterization and also quantification of metabolites in biological matrices and real-world samples.

α(V)β(3) integrin-targeted PLGA-PEG nanoparticles for enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of a Pt(IV) prodrug

Targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumor neovasculature is potentially a powerful approach for selective cancer treatment. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins involved in cell adhesion and cell signaling, and their expression is commonly upregulated in cancers and inflammatory diseases. The α(v)β(3) integrin is differentially upregulated on angiogenic endothelial cells as well as on many cancer cells. Here we demonstrate the differential targeting of cisplatin prodrug-encapsulated poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) to the α(v)β(3) integrin on cancer cells using the cyclic pentapeptide c(RGDfK). Cisplatin is one of the most widely used anticancer drugs, and approaches that can improve its therapeutic index are of broad importance. The RGD-targeted Pt(IV)-encapsulated NPs displayed enhanced cytotoxicity as compared to cisplatin administered in its conventional dosage form in model prostate and breast cancer epithelial cells in vitro. Cytotoxicities were also elevated in comparison to those of previously reported systems, a small molecule Pt(IV)-RGD conjugate and a Pt(IV) nanoscale coordination polymer carrying RGD moieties. This result encouraged us also to evaluate the anticancer effect of the new construct in an animal model. The RGD-targeted PLGA-PEG NPs were more efficacious and better tolerated by comparison to cisplatin in an orthotopic human breast cancer xenograft model in vivo.

Effect of reactivity on cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin analogues

The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the relationships between reactivity, cellular accumulation, and cytotoxicity of a panel of oxaliplatin analogues with different leaving groups in human carcinoma cells. The reactivity of the complexes towards the nucleotides 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate and 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate was studied using capillary electrophoresis. Cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity were measured in an oxaliplatin-sensitive and oxaliplatin-resistant ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line pair (HCT-8/HCT-8ox). Platinum concentrations were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cytotoxicity. Early cellular platinum accumulation was predominantly affected by lipophilicity. A relationship between reactivity and cellular accumulation was observed for three of four platinum complexes investigated, whereas the most lipophilic oxaliplatin analogue was an exception. Increased reactivity and reduced lipophilicity were associated with high cytotoxic activity. Resistance was influenced by lipophilicity but not by reactivity. The observed relationships may help in the design of analogues with high antitumoral activity in oxaliplatin-sensitive as well as oxaliplatin-resistant cells.

Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activity on mesothelioma cell lines of bis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes based on picoplatin

The synthesis and characterization of a series of picoplatin-based (picoplatin = [PtCl(2)(mpy)(NH(3))], mpy = 2-methylpyridine), Pt(iv) complexes with axial carboxylato ligands of increasing length are reported. The synthesis is based on the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide of picoplatin to give the cis,cis,trans-[PtCl(2)(mpy)(NH(3))(OH)(2)] intermediate and then its transformation into the dicarboxylato complexes cis,cis,trans-[PtCl(2)(mpy)(NH(3))(RCOO)(2)] (R = CH(3)(CH(2))(n), n = 0-4) with the corresponding anhydride. Pt(iv) complexes with n = 0-2 were selected to be tested on four malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cell lines, on human mesothelial cells (HMC), and on the cisplatin-sensitive ovarian A2780 cell line along with cisplatin as a metallo-drug reference. In general, the longer the axial chain, the more cytotoxic and selective the Pt(IV) complex is. Pt(IV) analogs show good activity on the MPM cell lines, approaching or in some case bypassing that of cisplatin and represent quite promising drug candidates for the treatment of tumors whose chemoresistance is mainly based on glutathione overexpression, such as MPM.

Solid-phase synthesis of oxaliplatin-TAT peptide bioconjugates

Platinum-based drugs play a crucial role in the fight against cancer. Oxaliplatin, which is used in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma, was the last platinum-based agent to be approved worldwide. However, the efficiency of the therapy is limited for example by a low accumulation of the drug in cancer cells. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are known to ease the cellular membrane transport and are used as vectors for low-molecular-weight drugs and drug carriers; of them, TAT peptides are the best-studied group. In this work, a TAT-peptide fragment (YGRKKRRQRRR) was for the first time conjugated to a platinum(IV) analog of oxaliplatin as a vehicle for membrane penetration. Solid-phase peptide synthesis and subsequent coupling with the platinum complex afforded mono- and difunctionalized conjugates, which were separated by preparative HPLC and characterized by analytical HPLC, ESI-MS, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Both conjugates are active in the low micromolar range in CH1 and SW480 human cancer cells, requiring much lower concentrations than the untargeted analogs for equal effects.

Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic activity of novel potentially pH-sensitive nonclassical platinum(II) complexes featuring 1,3-dihydroxyacetone oxime ligands

The reaction of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone oxime with diam(m)minediaquaplatinum(II) under basic conditions produced zwitterionic diam(m)mine(3-hydroxy-2-(oxidoimino)propan-1-olato-κ(2)N,O)platinum(II) complexes featuring the N,O-chelating ligand. Upon reaction with hydrochloric acid, it was possible to isolate either the singly protonated species still exhibiting the intact N,O-chelate or the open-chain chlorido complex. All complexes were characterized in detail with multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, and in one case X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity was investigated in three human cancer cell lines (CH1, SW480, and A549). The obtained IC(50) values are in the medium or even low micromolar range, remarkable for platinum complexes having N(3)O or N(3)Cl coordination spheres. To study the solution behavior of the prepared complexes at physiologically relevant proton concentrations, time-dependent (1)H NMR measurements were performed for the ethane-1,2-diamine-containing series at pH values of 7.4, 6.0, and exemplarily 5.0. While the zwitterionic complex proved to be stable at both pH 7.4 and 6.0, the protonated species were deprotonated at pH 7.4, tending toward ring opening in slightly acidic environments, as characteristic for many solid tumors. Finally, the open-chain form stayed intact at pH 6.0, being completely converted into its chelated analogue at pH 7.4. A pH-dependent evaluation of antiproliferative effects of the two latter complexes at pH 7.4 and pH 6.0 revealed an activation under slightly acidic conditions, which might be of interest for further in vivo studies.

Synthesis and characterization of novel bis(carboxylato)dichloridobis(ethylamine)platinum(IV) complexes with higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin

A series of six novel bis(carboxylato)dichloridobis(ethylamine)platinum(IV) complexes was synthesized and characterized in detail by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, HPLC, multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁹⁵Pt) NMR spectroscopy and in one case by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxic properties of the complexes were evaluated in four human tumor cell lines originating from ovarian carcinoma (CH1 and SK-OV-3), colon carcinoma (SW480) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549) by means of the MTT colorimetrical assay. In addition, their octanol/water partition coefficients (log P values) were determined. Remarkably the most active (and also most lipophilic) compounds, having 4-propyloxy-4-oxobutanoato and 4-(2-propyloxy)-4-oxobutanoato axial ligands, showed IC₅₀ values down to the low nanomolar range.

Mono-carboxylated diaminedichloridoplatinum(IV) complexes--selective synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity

(OC-6-43)-Dichlorido(N,N-dimethyl-ethane-1,2-diamine)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) could selectively be mono-carboxylated with succinic anhydride based on the steric hindrance caused by the two methyl groups of the equatorial ligand. Subsequent esterification of the uncoordinated carboxylic acid with alcohols of different lengths (methanol, butanol, hexanol and octanol) afforded the corresponding esters. The synthesized complexes were characterized in detail by elemental analysis, ESI-MS, multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (15)N and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy and in two cases by X-ray crystallography. Cytotoxicity of novel platinum(IV) compounds was investigated in four human cancer cell lines (CH1, A549, SW480 and SK-OV-3). Remarkably, the most lipophilic complexes showed IC(50) values down to the low micromolar or even nanomolar range.