Synthesis, Characterization, and in vitro Antiproliferative Activity of [Salophene]platinum(II) Complexes

Anticancer activity of Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes based on new unsymmetrical salophen-type ligands: synthesis, characterization and single-crystal X-ray diffraction

The discovery of new coordination compounds with anticancer properties is an active field of research due to the severe side effects of platinum-based compounds currently used in chemotherapy. In the search for new agents for the treatment of cancer, unsymmetrical N2O2-tetradentate ligand (H2L1 and H2L2) and their Ni(II) and Zn(II) asymmetric complexes (NiII-L1-2 and ZnII-L1-2) have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1H NMR studies revealed that the ligands and complexes were stable in mixtures of DMSO : D2O (9 : 1). Complementary UV-Vis studies confirmed that ZnII derivatives also exhibit high stability in mixtures DMSO : buffer (6 : 4) after 24 h. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the molecular structures of H2L1, H2L2, NiII-L1, and NiII-L2. At the molecular level, complexes were completely planar without significant distortions of the square-planar geometry according to τ4 parameter. Furthermore, the crystalline structures revealed non-classical intermolecular interactions of the C-H⋯O and the Ni⋯Ni type. The ligands and complexes were screened against the human osteosarcoma (MG-63), human colon cancer (HCT-116), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, and non-cancerous cells (L929). H2L1 and H2L2 ligands not caused cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 100 μM, while NiII-L2, ZnII-L1, and ZnII-L2 complexes induce cytotoxic effects in all cell lines. NiII-L2 was a more active complex against MG-63 (3.9 ± 1.5) and HCT-116 (3.4 ± 1.7) cell lines with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. In addition, this compound was 10-, 5-, and 11-fold more potent than cisplatin in MG-63 (39 ± 1.8), HCT-116 (17.2), and MDA-MB-231 (131 ± 18), respectively. Three complexes exhibited great selectivity for tumoral cells with SI values ranging from 1.6 to 7.4.

Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes containing Schiff-base ligands: A promising source for antitumor treatment

The effective application of cisplatin in the clinic as an antitumor treatment has stimulated widespread interest in inorganic metal drugs. In particular, complexes containing the transition metals platinum and gold have attracted considerable attention due to their antitumor effects. The Pt(II) and Au(III) Schiff-base complexes are potential antitumor agents because of their remarkable biological activities and good stability, lipophilicity, and electroluminescent properties. These complexes act via various antitumor mechanisms that are unlike those of the classic platinum drugs, providing a feasible solution for improving the serious side effects caused by metal chemotherapy. In this review, promising antitumor agents based on Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes containing Schiff-base ligands, and their biological targets, including G-quadruplex DNA and thioredoxin reductase, are comprehensively summarized.

A New Approach in Cancer Treatment: Discovery of Chlorido[N,N'-disalicylidene-1,2-phenylenediamine]iron(III) Complexes as Ferroptosis Inducers

Chlorido[N,N'-disalicylidene-1,2-phenylenediamine]iron(III) complexes generate lipid-based ROS and induce ferroptosis in leukemia and neuroblastoma cell lines. The extent of ferroptosis on the mode of action is regulated by simple modifications of the substituents at the 1,2-phenylenediamine moiety. In HL-60 cells, the unsubstituted lead exclusively caused ferroptosis. For instance, a 4-F substituent shifted the mode of action toward both ferroptosis and necroptosis, while the analogously chlorinated derivative exerted only necroptosis. Remarkably, cell-death in NB1 neuroblastoma cells was solely induced by ferroptosis, independent of the used substituents. The effects were higher than that of the therapeutically applied drug cisplatin. These data clearly demonstrate for the first time that not only iron ions but also iron salophene complexes are potent ferroptosis inducers, which can be optimized as antitumor agents.

Novel Pt(ii) complexes with modified aroyl-hydrazone Schiff-base ligands: synthesis, cytotoxicity and action mechanism

The complex-induced apoptosis of cancer cells via: (1) the mitochondrial pathway; (2) inserting into and cleaving DNA; and (3) inhibiting telomerase.

Cellular Delivery of Nanoparticles Revealed with Combined Optical and Isotopic Nanoscopy

Direct polymerization of an oxaliplatin analogue was used to reproducibly generate amphiphiles in one pot, which consistently and spontaneously self-assemble into well-defined nanoparticles (NPs). Despite inefficient drug leakage in cell-free assays, the NPs were observed to be as cytotoxic as free oxaliplatin in cell culture experiments. We investigated this phenomenon by super-resolution fluorescence structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). In combination, these techniques revealed NPs are taken up via endocytic pathways before intracellular release of their cytotoxic cargo. As with other drug-carrying nanomaterials, these systems have potential as cellular delivery vehicles. However, high-resolution methods to track nanocarriers and their cargo at the micro- and nanoscale have been underutilized in general, limiting our understanding of their interactions with cells and tissues. We contend this type of combined optical and isotopic imaging strategy represents a powerful and potentially generalizable methodology for cellular tracking of nanocarriers and their cargo.