Crystal and Molecular Structures of Asymmetric cis- and trans-Platinum(II/IV) Compounds and Their Reactions with DNA Fragments

Structure-activity relationship of new trans-platinum(II) and (IV) complexes with cyclohexylamine. Interference with cell cycle progression and induction of cell death

The new trans-Pt complexes, derived from trans-[PtCl2(amine)(dimethylamine)] and trans-[PtCl2(OH)2(amine)(dimethylamine)], were synthesized and characterized studying the structure-activity relationship and testing their antiproliferative activity. Their evaluation as cytotoxic agents towards different cancer and normal cell lines is presented. These compounds are active in a panel of tumor cell lines at low micromolar range. Compounds seems to be more active in tumoral than in normal primary human cell lines. Cytotoxic activity is closely related to the amine ligand. Cyclohexylamine ligand was the most active among the amine-ligands tested. Cytotoxic activity correlates with an increase in annexin V positive cells indicating an apoptotic effect of the compounds. Mechanistically, the antitumor activity correlates with a blockade of the cell cycle in S phase and a complete abolishment of G2/M checkpoint arrest suggesting physical interaction of compound with DNA inhibiting S phase transition.

Platinum(IV) Analogues of AMD473 (cis-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-picoline)]): Preparative, Structural, and Electrochemical Studies

The preparation and oxidation of the anticancer drug AMD473, cis-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-pic)] (2-pic = 2-methylpyridine), has been investigated. cis-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-pic)] is readily oxidized with peroxide to give the trans-dihydroxoplatinum(IV) complex cis,trans,cis-[PtCl2(OH)2(NH3)(2-pic)]. The crystal structure of this complex reveals that it is highly strained as a result of a steric clash between the methyl group of the 2-picoline ligand and an axial hydroxo ligand, with the Pt-N-C angle adjacent to this clash opened up to an unprecedented 138.6(6) degrees . Attempts at converting the dihydroxoplatinum(IV) complex to dichloro and diacetato analogues were unsuccessful with reaction with HCl leading to loss and protonation of the 2-picoline ligand to form the salt (2-picH)[PtCl5(NH3)] and the platinum(II) complex cis-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-pic)], both confirmed by crystallography. Electrochemical studies revealed that cis,trans,cis-[PtCl2(OH)2(NH3)(2-pic)] is reduced more readily (-714 mV vs Ag/AgCl) than its pyridine analogue cis,trans,cis-[PtCl2(OH)2(NH3)(pyridine)] (-770 mV vs Ag/AgCl) consistent with the steric clash in the former complex destabilizing the platinum(IV) oxidation state.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of trans-platinum(II) and trans-platinum(IV) complexes with 4-hydroxymethylpyridine

The synthesis and chemical characterization of two new trans platinum complexes, trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (1) and trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (2) are described. Their ability to interact with 5'-GMP by themselves and in the presence of reducing agents in the case of trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] were tested. Circular dichroism, electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel, and atomic force microscopy studies showed that the interaction of complex 1 with DNA is stronger than that of complex 2. Cytotoxicity tests against HL-60 tumor cells also showed higher activity for trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] than for trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)]. Complex 1 presents similar behavior to cisplatin, but with a lower IC(50) at 24 h. Complex 1 also showed high apoptosis induction.

Platinum(II)-Mediated Coupling Reactions of Acetonitrile with the Exocyclic Nitrogen of 9-Methyladenine and 1-Methylcytosine. Synthesis, NMR Characterization, and X-ray Structures of New Azametallacycle Complexes

The hydroxo complex cis-[L2Pt(mu-OH)]2(NO3)2, (L = PMePh2, 1a), in CH3CN solution, deprotonates the NH2 group of 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd) to give the cyclic trinuclear species cis-[L2Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]]3(NO3)3, (L = PMePh2, 2a), in which the nucleobase binds the metal centers through the N(1), N(6) atoms. In solution at room temperature, 2a slowly reacts with the solvent to form quantitatively the mononuclear azametallacycle cis-[L2PtNH=C(Me)[9-MeAd(-2H)]]NO3 (L = PMePh2, 3a), containing as anionic ligand the deprotonated form of molecule N-(9-methyl-1,9-dihydro-purin-6-ylidene)-acetamidine. In the same experimental conditions, the hydroxo complex with PPh3 (1b) forms immediately the insertion product 3b. Single-crystal X-ray analyses of 3a and 3b show the coordination of the platinum cation at the N(1) site of the purine moiety and to the N atom of the inserted acetonitrile, whereas the exocyclic amino nitrogen binds the carbon atom of the same CN group. The resulting six-membered ring is slightly distorted from planarity, with carbon-nitrogen bond distances for the inserted nitrile typical of a double bond [C(3)-N(2) = 1.292(7) Angstroms in 3a and 1.279(11) Angstroms in 3b], while the remaining CN bonds of the metallocycle are in the range of 1.335(8)-1.397(10) Angstroms. A detailed multinuclear 1H, 31P, 13C, and 15N NMR study shows that the nitrogen atom of the inserted acetonitrile molecule binds a proton suggesting for 3a,b an imino structure in solution. In DMSO and chlorinated solvents, 3a slowly releases the nitrile reforming the trinuclear species 2a, whereas 3b forms the mononuclear derivative cis-[L2Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]]NO3 (L = PPh3, 4b), in which the adeninate ion chelates the metal center through the N(6) and N(7) atoms. Complex 4b is quantitatively obtained when 1b reacts with 9-MeAd in DMSO and can be easily isolated if the reaction is carried out in CH(2)Cl(2). In CH(3)CN solution, at room temperature, 4b slowly converts into 3b indicating that the insertion of acetonitrile is a reversible process. A similar metal-mediated coupling reaction occurs when 1a,b react with 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCy) in CH(3)CN. The resulting complexes, cis-[L(2)PtNH=C(Me)[1-MeCy(-2H)]]NO3, (L = PMePh2, 5a and PPh3, 5b), contain the deprotonated form of the ligand N-(1-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrimidin-4-ylidene)-acetamidine. The X-ray analysis of 5a shows the coordination of the metal at the N(3) site of the pyrimidine cycle and to the nitrogen atom of the acetonitrile, with features of the six-membered metallocycle only slightly different from those found in 3a and 3b. In CD3CN/CH3(13)CN solution complexes 5a,b undergo exchange of the inserted nitrile, while in DMSO or chlorinated solvents they irreversibly release CH3CN to form species not yet fully characterized. No insertion of CH3CN occurs when the hydroxo complexes are stabilized by PMe3 and PMe2Ph.

Oxidation of guanosine derivatives by a platinum(IV) complex: internal electron transfer through cyclization

Many transition-metal complexes mediate DNA oxidation in the presence of oxidizing radiation, photosensitizers, or oxidants. The DNA oxidation products depend on the nature of the metal complex and the structure of the DNA. Earlier we reported trans-d,l-1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetrachloroplatinum (trans-Pt(d,l)(1,2-(NH(2))(2)C(6)H(10))Cl(4), [Pt(IV)Cl(4)(dach)]; dach = diaminocyclohexane) oxidizes 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-dGMP) to 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (8-oxo-5'-dGMP) stoichiometrically. In this paper we report that [Pt(IV)Cl(4)(dach)] also oxidizes 2'-deoxyguanosine 3'-monophosphate (3'-dGMP) stoichiometrically. The final oxidation product is not 8-oxo-3'-dGMP, but cyclic (5'-O-C8)-3'-dGMP. The reaction was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography, (1)H and (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The proposed mechanism involves Pt(IV) binding to N7 of 3'-dGMP followed by nucleophilic attack of a 5'-hydroxyl oxygen to C8 of G and an inner-sphere, 2e(-) transfer to produce cyclic (5'-O-C8)-3'-dGMP and [Pt(II)Cl(2)(dach)]. The same mechanism applies to 5'-d[GTTTT]-3', where the 5'-dG is oxidized to cyclic (5'-O-C8)-dG. The Pt(IV) complex binds to N7 of guanine in cGMP, 9-Mxan, 5'-d[TTGTT]-3', and 5'-d[TTTTG]-3', but no subsequent transfer of electrons occurs in these. The results indicate that a good nucleophilic group at the 5' position is required for the redox reaction between guanosine and the Pt(IV) complex.

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.

Cationic tetrakis(nucleobase)complexes of PtII as metalloligands and potential building blocks for molecular architectures

Three cationic tetrakis(nucleobase) complexes of Pt(II) have been synthesized: [Pt(Hmhyp-N7)4](NO3)2.H2O 1, [Pt(Hegua-N7)4](NO3)2.2KNO(3).5H2O and trans-[Pt(Hmcyt-N3)2(Hegua-N7)2](NO3)2 3 (Hmhyp = 9-methylhypoxanthine, Hegua = 9-ethylguanine, Hmcyt = 1-methylcytosine). The X-ray crystal structure of has been determined. All three cationic compounds rapidly react with Hg(II), but gel formation prevented an adequate characterization of the products formed. However, a Cu(II) adduct of was isolated in crystalline form and characterized crystallographically. [{(H2O)Cu(Hmhyp)4Pt}2Cu(ClO4)4)](ClO4)2(NO3)4.6H2O crystallizes in a centrosymmetric Cu-Pt-Cu-Pt-Cu chain structure with Cu-Pt separations of 2.791(1)A(outside) and 3.8980(9)A(inside). Two of the three Cu(II) ions are bound via exocyclic O(6) sites of the Hmhyp nucleobases. At neutral and moderate alkaline pH both and form virtually insoluble precipitates, which redissolve at strongly alkaline pH to give eventually anionic [Pt(L)4]2- species (L = mhyp, egua). Finally, interacts with complementary Hmcyt to give Watson-Crick associates, as demonstrated by 1H NMR spectroscopy in DMSO-d(6).

Reactions of Potent Antitumor Complex trans-[RuIIICl4(indazole)2]- with a DNA-Relevant Nucleobase and Thioethers: Insight into Biological Action

Reactions of the complex trans-[RuCl(4)(Hind)(2)](-) (Hind = indazole), which is of clinical relevance today, with both the DNA model nucleobase 9-methyladenine (made) and the thioethers R(2)S (R = Me, Et), as models of the methionine residue in biological molecules possibly acting as nitrogen-competing sulfur-donor ligands for ruthenium atom, have been investigated to get insight into details of mechanism leading to antitumor activity. Three novel ruthenium complexes, viz., [Ru(III)Cl(3)(Hind)(2)(made)], 1, [Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hind)(2)(Me(2)S)(2)], 2, and [Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hind)(2)(Et(2)S)(2)], 3, have been isolated as solids. Oxidation of 2 and 3 with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of 12 M HCl in chloroform afforded the monothioether adducts, viz., [Ru(III)Cl(3)(Hind)(2)(Me(2)S)], 4, and [Ru(III)Cl(3)(Hind)(2)(Et(2)S)], 5. By dissolution of 2 or 3 in DMSO, replacement of both R(2)S ligands by DMSO molecules occurred with isolation of trans,trans,trans-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hind)(2)(DMSO)(2)], 6. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, electrospray mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography (1.CH(2)Cl(2).CH(3)OH and 1.1.1H(2)O.0.9CH(3)OH, 2, and 5). The first crystallographic evidence for the monofunctional coordination of the 9-methyladenine ligand to ruthenium via N7 and the self-pairing of the complex molecules via H-bonding, using the usual Watson-Crick pairing donor and acceptor sites of two adjacent 9-methyladenine ligands, is reported. The electrochemical behavior of 1-5 has been studied in DMF and DMSO by cyclic voltammetry. The redox potential values have been interpreted on the basis of the Lever's parametrization method. The E(L) parameter was estimated for 9-methyladenine at 0.18 V, showing that this ligand behaves as a weaker net electron donor than imidazole (E(L) = 0.12 V). The kinetics of the reductively induced stepwise replacement of chlorides by DMF in 4 and 5 were studied by digital simulation of the cyclic voltammograms. The rate constant k(1) has been determined as 0.9 +/- 0.1 s(-)(1), which obeys the first-order rate law, while k(2) is concentration dependent (0.2 +/- 0.1 M(1)(-)(n)().s(-)(1) with n > 1 for 4 mM solutions of 4 and 5), indicating higher-order reactions mechanism.

The hydrolysis of the anti-cancer ruthenium complex NAMI-A affects its DNA binding and antimetastatic activity: an NMR evaluation

The coordination of the antimetastatic agent NAMI-A, [H(2)im][trans-RuCl(4)(dmso-S)(Him)], (Him=imidazole; dmso=dimethyl sulfoxide), to the DNA model base 9-methyladenine (9-MeAde) was investigated in water. NMR spectroscopy was first applied for the study of the molecular stability and hydrolysis of NAMI-A in aqueous solution over a range of pH (3.0-7.4) and chloride ion concentrations (0-1 M) at 37.0 degrees C. In physiological conditions (phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) NAMI-A disappears from the solution in 15 min due to chloride and dmso hydrolysis, leading to uncharacterised poly-oxo Ru species. Conversely, at lower pH (3.0-6.0) and in water (pH approximately 5.5), only a partial dmso hydrolysis occurs, slowly forming the [trans-RuCl(4)(H(2)O)(Him)](-) complex. This latter species coordinates to 9-MeAde (via the N7 of 9-MeAde), forming the [trans-RuCl(4)(9-MeAde)(Him)](-) complex. NAMI-A and [trans-RuCl(4)(H(2)O)(Him)](-) give comparable intracellular ruthenium concentrations and accumulate in KB cells (human mouth carcinoma) and accumulate these at the G(2)/M phase, while poly-oxo Ru species do not, and their cell uptake is reduced to 50%. On the contrary, G(2)/M arrest and protein content in the murine metastatic cell line metGM, are not influenced by NAMI-A hydrolysis. Hydrolysed NAMI-A species apparently are easier taken up by the metGM cells, showing intracellular ruthenium concentrations one order of magnitude greater than those of intact NAMI-A. Therefore, it is proposed that the selective antimetastatic activity of NAMI-A during in vivo experiments can be attributed to its hydrolysed species.

Mechanism of two-electron oxidation of deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate by a platinum(IV) complex

Many transition metal complexes mediate DNA oxidation in the presence of oxidizing radiation, photosensitizers, or oxidants. The final DNA oxidation products vary depending on the nature of metal complexes and the structure of DNA. Here we propose a mechanism of oxidation of a nucleotide, deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP) by trans-d,l-1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetrachloroplatinum (trans-Pt(d,l)(1,2-(NH(2))(2)C(6)H(10))Cl(4), [Pt(IV)Cl(4)(dach)]; dach = diaminocyclohexane) to produce 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (8-oxo-dGMP) stoichiometrically. The reaction was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), (1)H and (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The proposed mechanism involves Pt(IV) binding to N7 of dGMP followed by cyclization via nucleophilic attack of a phosphate oxygen at C8 of dGMP. The next step is an inner-sphere, two-electron transfer to produce a cyclic phosphodiester intermediate, 8-hydroxyguanosine cyclic 5',8-(hydrogen phosphate). This intermediate slowly converts to 8-oxo-dGMP by reacting with solvent H(2)O.

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.

Platinum(ii)-bis(9-methyladenine) complexes; N1→N6 migration of Pt(ii) vs deamination of coordinated methyladenine

Stepwise migration of coordinated Pt(II) from the endocyclic N1 site to the exocyclic amino group occurs in the bis(9-methyladenine-N1) complex of cis-Pt(II)(NH(3))(2) in basic solution, whereafter deamination of the 9-methyladenine still coordinated at N-1 competes with a second migration step.

Platinum complexes of diaminocarboxylic acids and their ethyl ester derivatives: the effect of the chelate ring size on antitumor activity and interactions with GMP and DNA

A number of new Pt(II) complexes is described having the general formula PtCl(2)(LL), where LL is a chelating diamine ligand. Ligands LL were chosen as D,L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid and its ethyl ester, and D,L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid and its ethyl ester. The compounds were characterized using analytical and spectroscopic methods. The influence of the size of the chelate ring and its functionalization on the biological properties was studied. It was demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) that the effects on the secondary structure of DNA induced by the four complexes are different. The interaction takes place at the N7 position of the purine bases, as shown by NMR studies. The platinum complexes of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid are able to form intrastrand adducts with DNA and to distort the double helix by changing the base stacking. The ethyl ester derivatives uncoil the DNA from the B form to the C form. The interactions with 5'-GMP and DNA were compared with their antitumor activity. The platinum complexes of diaminocarboxylic acids exhibit cytotoxic activity in the A431, HeLa, and HL-60 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

Complexes of Platinum(II) Containing Neutral and Deprotonated 9-Methyladenine. Synthesis, X-ray Structures, and NMR Studies on the Cyclic Trimer cis-[L2Pt{9-MeAd(−H)}]3(NO3)3 and the Dinuclear cis-[L2Pt(ONO2){9-MeAd(−H)}PtL2](NO3)2 (L = PMePh2)

The dinuclear hydroxo complex cis-[L(2)Pt(mu-OH)](2)(NO(3))(2) (L = PMePh(2), 1), in CH(2)Cl(2), CH(3)CN, or DMF solution, deprotonates the NH(2) group of 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd) to give the complex cis-[L(2)Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]](3)(NO(3))(3), 2, which was isolated in good yield. The X-ray structure shows that the nucleobase binds symmetrically the metal centers through the N(1),N(6) atoms forming a cyclic trimer with Pt...Pt distances in the range 5.202(1)-5.382(1) A. Dissolution of 2 in DMSO or DMF determines the partial (or total) dissociation of the cyclic structure to form several fragments. A multinuclear NMR analysis of the resulting mixture supports the presence of the mononuclear species cis-[L(2)Pt[9-MeAd(-H)]](+), 3, in which the deprotonated nucleobase chelates the metal center with the N(6),N(7) atoms. Addition of a stoichiometric amount of the nitrato complex cis-[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))(2)] (L = PMePh(2), 4) to a DMSO or DMF solution of 2 affords quantitatively the diplatinated compound cis-[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))[9-MeAd(-H)]PtL(2)](NO(3))(2), 5. The single-crystal X-ray analysis shows that the adenine behaves as a tridentate ligand bridging two cis-L(2)Pt units at the N(1) and N(6),N(7) sites, respectively [Pt(1)-N(1) = 2.109(5) A, Pt(2)-N(6) = 2.095(7) A, Pt(2)-N(7) = 2.126(7) A]. The N(1)-bonded metal center completes the coordination sphere through an oxygen atom of a nitrate group, and its coordination plane is arranged orthogonally with respect the second one. The Pt-O distance [2.109(5) A] is similar to those found in the nitrato complex 4 [2.110 A, average]. The related complex cis-[[L(2)Pt(ONO(2))](2)(9-MeAd)](NO(3))(2), 6, containing the neutral adenine platinated at the N(1),N(7) atoms, was isolated and its stability in solution investigated by NMR spectroscopy. In DMSO, 6 undergoes decomposition forming a mixture of the species 4, 5, and the adenine mono- and bis-adducts cis-[L(2)Pt(9-MeAd)(DMSO)](2+), 7, and cis-[L(2)Pt(9-MeAd)(2)](2+), 8, respectively. This last complex, quantitatively formed upon addition of 9-MeAd (Pt/adenine = 1:2) to the mixture, was also isolated and characterized.

New organotropic compounds. Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes with bile acids: DNA interactions and 'in vitro' anticancer activity

Based on the ability of bile acids to vectorialize the cytostatic activity of other agents, we have designed and synthesized a new series of platinum and gold complexes. These compounds were studied and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, FAB(+)/MS, 1H, 13C and 195Pt NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and conductivity measurements in solution, among other techniques. Kinetic studies carried out in aqueous solution and in the presence of different NaCl concentrations: 4 mM (similar to cytoplasmic concentration), 150 mM (similar to plasmatic concentration). The effects on the electrophoretic mobility of the pUC18 plasmid, the DNA denaturation temperature, and ethidium bromide (EtBr) binding to DNA were studied. The complexes are able to inter-react with DNA to inhibit DNA synthesis and hence, to reduce cell proliferation. The complexes were evaluated for in vitro cytostatic activity against human colon adenocarcinoma, mouse hepatoma, human hepatoma, mouse leukemia, etc. The antitumor effect of some of the compounds prepared was similar to that of cisplatin. However, other compounds had lower cytostatic activity. This different behavior can be accounted for by the structure/activity relationship (SAR), although other factors, such as uptake and the different kinetic behavior in solution, may be responsible for these differences.

Platinum(II) catalysis and radical intervention in reductions of platinum(IV) antitumor drugs by ascorbic acid

Reductions of four platinum(IV) amine complexes, cis-diamminetetrachloroplatinum(IV), tetraammine-cis-dichloroplatinum(IV), cis,cis,trans-diamminedichlorodihydroxoplatinum(IV), and cis,trans,cis-dichloro-dihydroxo-bis(isopropylamine)platinum(IV) by ascorbic acid were catalyzed by platinum(II) at pH 7.3 and 22 degrees C. Except for the first mentioned compound, initial slow uncatalyzed reductions yielded platinum(II) products which served as catalyst as revealed by the presence of induction periods and their disappearance by the addition of the platinum(II) products. The platinum(II) catalysis generated ascorbate bound platinum(IV) intermediates. An internal electron transfer process within these intermediates led to the formation of platinum(II) complexes. Although the rate constants for the uncatalyzed reductions vary greatly depending on the nature of the ligands and their spatial arrangements, the magnitudes of the platinum(II) catalyzed rate constants fall in the narrow range, 100 to 300 M(-2) s(-1). The values of the uncatalyzed reductions lie in the range 5 x 10(-2) to 15 M(-1) s(-1), the tetrachloroplatinum(IV) complex suffered the faster reduction. The reduction of iproplatin with two hydroxide ligands in trans configuration was the slowest. The internal electron transfer rate constants span two orders of magnitude, from 0.15 to 4 x 10(-3) s(-1). These reactions were accompanied by the formation of the ascorbate radical which persists throughout the entire reaction. Although the tetrachloro species exhibited simple second order reduction, first order in each of the reactants, the rate of reduction was also accelerated by the addition of cis-diamminedichoroplatinum(II) indicating the presence of catalysis in this reaction as well.

Tumour-inhibiting platinum complexes--state of the art and future perspectives

Thirty years after the onset of the first clinical studies with cisplatin, the development of antineoplastic platinum drugs continues to be a productive field of research. This article reviews the current preclinical and clinical status, including a discussion of the molecular basis for the activity of the parent drug cisplatin and platinum drugs of the second and third generation, in particular their interaction with DNA. Further emphasis is laid on the development of third generation platinum drugs with activity in cisplatin-resistant tumours, particularly on chelates containing 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) and on the promising and more recently evolving field of non-classic ( trans- and multinuclear) platinum complexes. The development of oral platinum drugs and drug targeting strategies using liposomes, polymers or low-molecular-weight carriers in order to improve the therapeutic index of platinum chemotherapy are also covered.

Reactions of a ruthenium(II) arene antitumor complex with cysteine and methionine

The Ru(II) organometallic antitumor complex [(eta(6)-biphenyl)RuCl(en)][PF(6)] (1) reacts slowly with the amino acid L-cysteine (L-CysH(2)) in aqueous solution at 310 K. Reactions were followed over periods of up to 48 h using HPLC, electronic absorption spectroscopy, LC-ESI-MS, and 1D or 2D (1)H and (15)N NMR spectroscopy. Reactions at a 1 mM/2 mM (Ru/L-CysH(2)) ratio were multiphasic in acidic solutions (pH 5.1) and appeared to involve aquation as the first step. Initially, 1:1 adducts involving substitution of Cl by S-bound or O-bound L-CysH(2), [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(S-L-CysH)(en)](+) (4a) and [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(O-L-CysH(2))(en)](2+) (4b) formed, followed by the cystine adduct [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(O-Cys(2)H(2))(en)](2+) (3), and two dinuclear complexes from which half or all of the chelated ethylenediamine had been displaced, [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(H(2)O)(microS,N-L-Cys)Ru(eta(6)-biphenyl)(en)](2+) (5) containing one bridging cysteine, and [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(O,N-L-Cys-S)(S-L-Cys-N)Ru(eta(6)-biphenyl)(H(2)O)] (6) containing two bridging cysteines. The unusual cluster species [(biphenyl)Ru](8) (7a) was also detected by MS and was more prevalent in reactions at higher L-CysH(2) concentrations. Complex 5 was the dominant product at pH 2-5, but overall, only ca. 50% of 1 reacted with L-CysH(2) in these conditions. The reaction between 1 and L-CysH(2) was suppressed in 50 mM triethylammonium acetate solution at pH > 5 or in 100 mM NaCl. Only 27% of complex 1 reacted with L-methionine (L-MetH) at an initial pH of 5.7 after 48 h at 310 K and gave rise to only one adduct [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Ru(S-L-MetH)(en)](2+) (8).

Examination of the effects of oxidation and ring closure on the cytotoxicities of the platinum complexes of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine and ethane-1,2-diamine-N,N'-diacetic acid

The crystal structures, electrochemical properties and cytotoxicities of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes of the multidentate ligands N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (NNOH) and ethane-1,2-diamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (H(2)enda) are reported. In the platinum(II) state the NNOH and H(2)enda ligands act as bidentate ligands, coordinating through the two amine groups with the hydroxyethyl and carboxylate groups remaining uncoordinated. Oxidation with hydrogen peroxide followed by refluxing yields the ring closed Pt(IV) complexes in which the NNOH and H(2)enda ligands are deprotonated and coordinate via the two amine groups and either the deprotonated alcohol group in the case of NNO or both carboxylato groups in the case of enda. The platinum(IV) complex of NNO is 2- to 5-fold more active against a panel of cisplatin sensitive and resistant human tumour cell lines than is the platinum(II) complex, whereas in the case of enda, the reverse is true. Ring closure to occupy both axial sites apparently leads to deactivation of platinum(IV) complexes, but a single closure does not necessarily do so.

Synthesis, characterization, and structure of [[PtMe(3)(9-MeA)](3)] (9-MeAH = 9-Methyladenine): a cyclic trimeric platinum(IV) complex with a nucleobase

Reaction of [[PtMe(3)I](4)] with AgOAc in acetone results in formation of trimethylplatinum(IV) acetate (1) that reacts with 9-methyladenine (9-MeAH) in ratio 1:1 with its deprotonation yielding a trimethyl(9-methyladeninato)platinum(IV) complex (2) that was obtained from acetone/diethyl ether as [[PtMe(3)(9-MeA)](3)] x Me(2)CO (2a) and from chloroform/diethyl ether as [[PtMe(3)(9-MeA)](3)] x 1.5Et(2)O x 2H(2)O (2b). Single-crystal X-ray investigations revealed that 2a and 2b in the solid state form cyclic trimeric molecules in which three PtMe(3) moieties are bridged by deprotonated 9-methyladenine ligands in mu-kappa N(1):kappa(2)N(6),N(7) coordination mode. The methyladeninato ligands include angles with the plane defined by the Pt(3) unit between 55.9(3) degrees and 66.6(3) degrees. Thus, the structures of the cyclic trimers resemble hollow truncated cones. Crystals of the acetone solvate 2a consist of stacks of unidirectional trimeric molecules; the solvate acetone molecules lie between the trimers. In the crystals of complex 2b, the trimeric molecules are arranged head-to-head, and the cavity between is filled with four water molecules. Complex 2 was also fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopies. The existence of the cyclic trimeric structure of complex 2 in acetone solution was confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry exhibiting the protonated trimeric complex [[tMe(3)(9-MeA)]3)H](+) [2 + H](+) (m/z 1165) as base peak. CID experiments of that parent ion showed as main fragmentation processes loss of two methyl ligands (probably as ethane) and cleavage of a methyladenine ligand.

Structural characterization and cytostatic activity of chlorobischolylglycinatogold(III)

Based on the ability of bile acids for vectorializing the cytostatic activity of other agents, we have designed and synthesized a new bile acid cholylglycinato Au(III) complex, named Bamet-A1. It has been characterized by means of EA (elemental analysis), FT-IR, NMR, FAB-MS (fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry) and Vis-UV techniques. This characterization allowed us to propose a structure of the type [Au CG(O) CG(N,O) Cl] for the neutral complex, which has the composition C522H84N2O12AuCl and is very soluble in water, methanol, ethanol and DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). The study in aqueous solution suggested a redox process for its transformation, which is accompanied by the appearance of colloidal gold phase. The behavior in 4 mM NaCl water (in order to mimic the cytoplasmatic fluid) was similar to that observed in water, while in a 150 mM NaCl (similar to extracellular fluid and serum), the apparition of a dark blue precipitate was observed. This complex displays fluorescence, which does not change when incubated with DNA obtained from E. coli. Bamet-A1 was found to inhibit the growth of a variety of cell lines. The cytostatic effect was mild against human hepatoma HepG2, mouse hepatoma Hepa 1-6, rat hepatoma McA RH-7777 and human colon adenocarcinoma LS-174T, and stronger against mouse sarcoma S180-II and mouse leukemia L-1210 cells. The appearance of colloidal Au during the process of hydrolysis under physiological conditions may explains the low cytostatic activity.

Cisplatin stops tubulin assembly into microtubules. A new insight into the mechanism of antitumor activity of platinum complexes

Despite numerous studies considering DNA as a primary target of cisplatin attack, this work is the first to show the pure effect of cisplatin on the process of tubulin assembly/disassembly in vitro. When platinated, tubulin does not assemble into microtubules (direct electron microscopic studies). In place of them, highly stable and inert circled rings arise. Such tubulin aggregates are unable to participate in the process of chromosome separation during the mitosis, thus blocking cell division in living cells, which is a direct evidence of cisplatin antitumor activity. Cisplatin attack on tubulin causing blockage of tubulin assembly occurs via a two-step binding to GTP in the GTP center of tubulin ((195)Pt, (31)P NMR studies). The calculated binding rates are close to those reported in cisplatin-DNA interactions. The mechanism of cisplatin attack on tubulin is proposed.

Kinetics and mechanism for reduction of anticancer-active tetrachloroam(m)ine platinum(IV) compounds by glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) reduction of the anticancer-active platinum(IV) compounds trans-[PtCl4(NH3)(thiazole)] (1), trans-[PtCl4(cha)(NH3)] (2), cis-[PtCl4(cha)(NH3)] (3) (cha=cyclohexylamine), and cis-[PtCl4(NH3)2] (4) has been investigated at 25 degrees C in a 1.0 M aqueous medium at pH 2.0-5.0 (1) and 4.5-6.8 (2-4) using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The redox reactions follow the second-order rate law d[Pt(IV)]/dt=k[GSH]tot[Pt(IV)], where k is a pH-dependent rate constant and [GSH]tot the total concentration of glutathione. The reduction takes place via parallel reactions between the platinum(IV) complexes and the various protolytic species of glutathione. The pH dependence of the redox kinetics is ascribed to displacement of these protolytic equilibria. The thiolate species GS is the major reductant under the reaction conditions used. The second-order rate constants for reduction of compounds 1-4 by GS- are (1.43 +/- 0.01) x 10(7), (3.86 +/- 0.03) x 10(6), (1.83 +/- 0.01) x 10(6), and (1.18 +/- 0.01) x 10(6) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. Rate constants for reduction of 1 by the protonated species GSH are more than five orders of magnitude smaller. The mechanism for the reductive elimination reactions of the Pt(IV) compounds is proposed to involve an attack by glutathione on one of the mutually trans coordinated chloride ligands, leading to two-electron transfer via a chloride-bridged activated complex. The kinetics results together with literature data indicate that platinum(IV) complexes with a trans Cl-Pt-Cl axis are reduced rapidly by glutathione as well as by ascorbate. In agreement with this observation, cytotoxicity profiles for such complexes are very similar to those for the corresponding platinum(II) product complexes. The rapid reduction within 1 s of the platinum(IV) compounds with a trans Cl-Pt-C1 axis to their platinum(II) analogs does not seem to support the strategy of using kinetic inertness as a parameter to increase anticancer activity, at least for this class of compounds.

Kinetics and mechanism for reduction of the anticancer prodrug trans,trans,trans-[PtCl2(OH)2(c-C6H11NH2)(NH3)] (JM335) by thiols

The reduction of the platinum(IV) prodrug trans,trans,trans-[PtCl2(OH)2(c-C6H11NH2)(NH3)] (JM335) by L-cysteine, DL-penicillamine, DL-homocysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, 2-mercaptopropanoic acid, 2-mercaptosuccinic acid, and glutathione has been investigated at 25 degrees C in a 1.0 M aqueous perchlorate medium with 6.8 < or = pH < or = 11.2 using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The stoichiometry of Pt(IV):thiol is 1:2, and the redox reactions follow the second-order rate law -d[Pt(IV)]/dt = k[Pt(IV)][RSH]tot, where k denotes the pH-dependent second-order rate constant and [RSH]tot the total concentration of thiol. The pH dependence of k is ascribed to parallel reductions of JM335 by the various protolytic species of the thiols, the relative contributions of which change with pH. Electron transfer from thiol (RSH) or thiolate (RS-) to JM335 is suggested to take place as a reductive elimination process through an attack by sulfur at one of the mutually trans chloride ligands, yielding trans-[Pt(OH)2(c-C6H11NH2)(NH3)] and RSSR as the reaction products, as confirmed by 1H NMR. Second-order rate constants for the reduction of JM335 by the various protolytic species of the thiols span more than 3 orders of magnitude. Reduction with RS- is approximately 30-2000 times faster than with RSH. The linear correlation log(kRS) = (0.52 +/- 0.06)-pKRSH--(2.8 +/- 0.5) is observed, where kRS denotes the second-order rate constant for reduction of JM335 by a particular thiolate RS- and KRSH is the acid dissociation constant for the corresponding thiol RSH. The slope of the linear correlation indicates that the reactivity of the various thiolate species is governed by their proton basicity, and no significant steric effects are observed. The half-life for reduction of JM335 by 6 mM glutathione (40-fold excess) at physiologically relevant conditions of 37 degrees C and pH 7.30 is 23 s. This implies that JM335, in clinical use, is likely to undergo in vivo reduction by intracellular reducing agents such as glutathione prior to binding to DNA. Reduction results in the immediate formation of a highly reactive platinum(II) species, i.e., the bishydroxo complex in rapid protolytic equilibrium with its aqua form.

The effect of the chain length of polynucleotides on their binding with platinum complexes

The effect of the length of polynucleotides on their binding with platinum complexes was studied. The highest reaction rate was observed in the reaction with guanosine-containing polynucleotides, whereas cytidine- and adenosine-containing polynucleotides were much less efficient. The monoaqua-forms of the platinum complexes exhibited the highest reactivity in the interaction with polynucleotides in solution. The mechanism implies the formation of the monodentate complex at the first stage which is transformed into the corresponding bidentate complex of chelate type at the second stage. Increase in the length of the polynucleotide chain was shown to enhance its interaction with the platinum complexes.

Substitution and Reduction of Platinum(IV) Complexes by a Nucleotide, Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate

A series of Pt(IV) anticancer complexes with different reduction potentials has been investigated for their reactivity toward 5'-guanosine monophosphate (5'-GMP). The Pt(IV) complexes studied were Pt(IV)(trans-d,l)(1,2-(NH(2))(2)C(6)H(10))Cl(4) (tetraplatin, Pt(IV)(dach)Cl(4); dach = diaminocyclohexane), cis,trans,cis-[Pt(IV)((CH(3))(2)CHNH(2))(2)(OH)(2)Cl(2)] (iproplatin, Pt(IV)(ipa)(2)(OH)(2)Cl(2); ipa = isopropylamine), cis,trans,cis-[Pt(IV)(en)(OH)(2)Cl(2)] (Pt(IV)(en)(OH)(2)Cl(2); en = ethylenediamine), Pt(IV)(en)Cl(4), and cis,trans,cis-[Pt(IV)(en)(OCOCH(3))(2)Cl(2)] (Pt(IV)(en)(OCOCH(3))(2)Cl(2)). The reactivity was monitored by the decreased (1)H NMR peak intensity at 8.2 ppm due to H8 of free 5'-GMP and the increased intensity of a new peak around 8.6 ppm due to H8 of 5'-GMP bound to Pt(II). The reactivity followed the order of cathodic reduction potentials of the Pt(IV) complexes: Pt(IV)(dach)Cl(4) (-90 mV) >> Pt(IV)(en)Cl(4) (-160 mV) > Pt(IV)(en)(OCOCH(3))(2)Cl(2) (-546 mV) > Pt(IV)(ipa)(2)(OH)(2)Cl(2) (-730 mV). The most reactive complex, Pt(IV)(dach)Cl(4), showed an additional weak peak at 9.2 ppm due to H8 of the 5'-GMP bound to the Pt(IV) complex, indicating the existence of a Pt(IV) intermediate. (1)H NMR, UV/visible absorption spectra, and high-performance liquid chromatograms suggest that the final product is Pt(II)(dach)(5'-GMP)(ox5'-GMP), where ox5'-GMP is oxidized 5'-GMP. A plausible mechanism is that there is an initial substitution of one Pt(IV)/ligand by a 5'-GMP molecule, followed by a two-electron reduction, and finally a second substitution by another 5'-GMP. In the presence of excess 5'-GMP (at least 20-fold), ox5'-GMP seems to be replaced by 5'-GMP to form Pt(II)(dach)(5'-GMP)(2). UV/visible absorption spectroscopy shows that the formation of the Pt(IV) intermediate by substitution is a very slow process followed by reduction. The reduction is characterized by a relatively fast exponential decay. The addition of a small amount of cis-[Pt(II)(NH(3))(2)Cl(2)] shortened the slow formation time of the intermediate, implicating the occurrence of a Pt(II)-assisted substitution reaction. These reactions may lead to a better understanding of the anticancer activity of Pt(IV) complexes.