Cyclic Trinuclear Diorganotin(IV) Complexes - The First Tin Compounds Bearing Oximehydroxamate Ligands: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and High In Vitro Cytotoxicity

Anti-proliferative and antitumor activity of organotin(IV) compounds. An overview of the last decade and future perspectives

Organotins(IV) exhibit significant in vitro anti-proliferative activity, while the in vivo tests are encouraging. The recent reports on the anti-proliferative activity of organotin(IV) compounds are summarized in this review. The period covered by this work goes back to 2009 until late 2018, while the earlier ones, are included over the previous review of our group published by S.K. Hadjikakou, N. Hadjiliadis, in Coord Chem Rev, 253 (2009) 235-249. During the last decade (2009-2018), >300 organotin(IV) derivatives with oxygen-donor ligands, such as carboxylic acids, amino-acids, Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), biological active derivatives or natural products, organotins(IV) with sulfur containing ligands such as thiones, thiosemicarbazones, dithiocarbamates, organotin(IV) compounds of oximes and organotins(IV) with amines or semicarbazones were screened for their anti-proliferative effect against various cancer cell lines and their results are included in numerous reports over this period. Although much work has been carried out on organotin(IV) derivatives with O-donor ligands, however significant fewer reports are found on organotins(IV) with oximes as ligands.

In vitro and in vivo biological characterization of the anti-proliferative potential of a cyclic trinuclear organotin(iv) complex

Identification of novel molecules that can selectively inhibit the growth of tumor cells, avoid causing side effects to patients and/or intrinsic or acquired resistance, usually associated with common chemotherapeutic agents, is of utmost importance. Organometallic compounds have gained importance in oncologic chemotherapy, such as organotin(iv) complexes. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of the cyclic trinuclear organotin(iv) complex with an aromatic oximehydroxamic acid group [nBu2Sn(L)]3(H2L = N,2-dihydroxy-5-[N-hydroxyethanimidoyl]benzamide) - MG85 - and provided further characterization of its biological targets. We have previously shown the high anti-proliferative activity of this complex against human colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and lower cytotoxicity in neonatal non-tumor fibroblasts. MG85 induces tumor cell apoptosis and down-regulation of proteins related to tubulin dynamics (TCTP and COF1). Further characterization included the: (i) evaluation of interference in the cell cycle progression, including the expression of critical genes; (ii) affinity to DNA and the corresponding mode of binding; (iii) genotoxic potential in cells with deficient DNA repair pathways; and (iv) in vivo tumor reduction efficiency using mouse colorectal carcinoma xenografts.

Sulfonated Schiff base Sn(IV) complexes as potential anticancer agents

Syntheses, crystal structures and biological activities of the diphenoxo-bridged diorgano dinuclear Sn(IV) compounds [Sn(Et)₂(HL)(H₂O)]₂ (1) and [Sn(n-Bu)₂(HL)(H₂O)]₂ (2) derived from the Schiff base 2-[(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)methylideneamino]benzenesulfonic acid trihydrate (H₃L·3H₂O) are described. The monoprotonated form (HL^2-) of the Schiff base behaves as O,O'-bidentate ligand, chelating the metal by the two phenoxo oxygen atoms. The hexacoordinated metal centres in 1 and 2 are bridged by a phenoxo oxygen and the remaining coordination positions are fulfilled by the other phenoxo oxygen, two organic groups (ethyl for 1 and n-butyl for 2) and a water molecule. A two dimensional zigzag sheet in 1 and three dimensional polymeric networks in H₃L·3H₂O and 2 are stabilized by a number of non-covalent, H-bonding and π⋯π stacking interactions. The DNA binding activities of these complexes have been studied by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. Their antiproliferative efficacies have been evaluated on A-549, HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. IC₅₀ values (1.35±0.23, 2.43±0.54 and 1.74±0.04μM for 2) are indicative of a substantial cytotoxicity of 2, mainly towards the A-549 lung cancer cell line. The greater antiproliferative efficacy of 2has further been studied by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and nuclear morphology by Hoechst/propidium iodide (PI) double staining method. The possible mode of the apoptotic pathway for 2has been substantiated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation studies.

Liposomes as Delivery System of a Sn(IV) Complex for Cancer Therapy

PROPOSE

Tin complexes demonstrate antiproliferative activities in some case higher than cisplatin, with IC50 at the low micromolar range. We have previously showed that the cyclic trinuclear complex of Sn(IV) bearing an aromatic oximehydroxamic acid group [nBu2Sn(L)]3 (L=N,2-dihydroxy-5-[N-hydroxyethanimidoyl]benzamide) (MG85) shows high anti-proliferative activity, induces apoptosis and oxidative stress, and causes destabilization of tubulin microtubules, particularly in colorectal carcinoma cells. Despite the great efficacy towards cancer cells, this complex still shows some cytotoxicity to healthy cells. Targeted delivery of this complex specifically towards cancer cells might foster cancer treatment.

METHODS

MG85 complex was encapsulated into liposomal formulation with and without an active targeting moiety and cancer and healthy cells cytotoxicity was evaluated.

RESULTS

Encapsulation of MG85 complex in targeting PEGylated liposomes enhanced colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) cancer cell death when compared to free complex, whilst decreasing cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells. Labeling of liposomes with Rhodamine allowed assessing internalization in cells, which showed significant cell uptake after 6 h of incubation. Cetuximab was used as targeting moiety in the PEGylated liposomes that displayed higher internalization rate in HCT116 cells when compared with non-targeted liposomes, which seems to internalize via active binding of Cetuximab to cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed formulation open new avenues in the design of innovative transition metal-based vectorization systems that may be further extended to other novel metal complexes towards the improvement of their anti-cancer efficacy, which is usually hampered by solubility issues and/or toxicity to healthy tissues.

Biological characterization of the antiproliferative potential of Co(II) and Sn(IV) coordination compounds in human cancer cell lines: a comparative proteomic approach

BACKGROUND

The discovery of cisplatin's antitumor activity led to a great interest in the potential application of coordination compounds as chemotherapeutic agents. It is essential to identify new compounds that selectively inhibit tumor proliferation, evading secondary effects and resistance associated with chemotherapeutics.

METHODS

The in vitro antiproliferative potential of an organotin(IV) compound was evaluated using colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma, mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines, and human fibroblasts. Tumor cell death was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for the Sn(IV) compound and also for a Co(II) compound bearing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione as ligand. Comparative proteomic analysis for both compounds was assessed in the colorectal cancer cell line.

RESULTS

The Sn(IV) compound presented a high cytotoxic effect in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (IC50 of 0.238 ± 0.011 μM, 0.199 ± 0.003 μM, respectively), and a lower cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts. Both compounds induced cell apoptosis and promoted the overexpression of oxidative stress-related enzyme superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SODC). The Co(II) compound induced a decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (translationally-controlled tumor protein and endoplasmin), and the Sn(IV) compound decreased expression of proteins involved in microtubule stabilization, TCTP, and cofilin-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveals a high in vitro antiproliferative potential against cancer cell lines and a moderate selectivity promoted by the Sn(IV) compound. Proteomic analysis of Sn(IV) and Co(II) compounds in the colorectal cancer cell line allowed an insight to their mechanisms of action, particularly by affecting the expression of proteins typically deregulated in cancer, and also suggesting a promising therapeutic potential for both compounds.

Novel mixed ligand di-n-butyltin(IV) complexes derived from acylpyrazolones and fluorinated benzoic acids: synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and the induction of apoptosis in Hela cancer cells

Twenty one novel mixed ligand di-n-butyltin(IV) complexes [(n)Bu2SnAL] (A = substituted 4-acyl-5-pyrazolone, and L = fluorinated benzoic acid) were prepared by condensation of di-n-butyltin(IV) oxide with HL and HA in 1:1:1 molar ratio in refluxing methanol. All of the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn) and in four cases by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was studied against two human cancer cell lines (KB and Hela) by means of the MTT assay compared to cisplatin, featuring IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. Hela cancer cell apoptosis-induced by 2 was examined by flow cytometry analysis, and preliminary results showed that 2 at concentrations of more than 1.0 μM can induce apoptosis.

Butyltin(IV) 2-sulfobenzoates: synthesis, structural characterization and their cytostatic and antibacterial activities

Three butyltin complexes with 2-sulfobenzoic acid [Sn(C(4)H(9))(2){O(3)SC(6)H(4)COO-2}(H(2)O)]·(C(2)H(5)OH) (1), [Sn(C(4)H(9))(3){O(3)SC(6)H(4)COOH-2}] (2) and [Sn(2)(C(4)H(9))(6){μ-O(3)SC(6)H(4)COO-2}] (3) have been synthesized and characterized by IR and (1)H, (13)C and (119)Sn NMR spectra. They show interesting properties in solid state and solutions because there are many modes of coordination of the Sbz ligand. The structure of complex 1 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. It is a chain compound with 2-sulfonatobenzoate coordinated to Sn atoms as a bridging and chelate ligand via O atoms of COO and SO(3) groups. In solutions the chains dissociate giving mainly mononuclear complexes. The NMR spectra and calculation at the DFT B3LYP/3-21G** level indicate that in solutions of compounds 1, 2 and 3 in polar solvents, many complexes showing dynamic properties are formed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that many five- and six-coordinate isomers and conformers can exist in equilibrium. All compounds effectively interact with AMP and ATP. The NMR spectra showed that nucleotides are coordinated to Sn atoms via PO(4) groups. The complexes are very active cytostatic agents against tumor strains. They are more effective than cisplatin. It is interesting that activity of 3 against non-tumor cell NHDF is lower than against tumor cells. Antibacterial activity of 1 and 2 has been investigated. Compound 2 is a very effective agent against Gram-positive bacteria. Antibacterial activity of 1 is lower than that of 2. Activity of 1 both against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is similar.

Synthesis of carbohydrate-conjugate heterobimetallic Cu(II)-Sn(2)(IV) and Zn(II)-Sn(2)(IV) complexes; their interactions with CT DNA and nucleotides; DNA cleavage, in-vitro cytotoxicity

The new heterobimetallic Ni(II)-Sn(2)(IV) (1), Cu(II)-Sn(2)(IV) (2) and Zn(II)-Sn(2)(IV) (3) complexes, containing D-glucosamine, 1,8-diamino-3,6-diazaoctane and imidazole were isolated and characterized by spectral and analytical methods. The proposed geometry of Ni(II) and Cu(II) in 1 and 2 was square pyramidal, Zn(II) in 3 exhibited tetrahedral while Sn(IV) exhibits hexacoordinate environment, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) confirmed the amorphous nature of all the complexes. The interaction studies of 2 and 3 with CT DNA were carried out by various biophysical techniques to show the mode of binding. The interaction of 2 and 3 with nucleotides viz 5'-GMP and 5'-TMP, respectively were further confirmed by (1)H, (31)P and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopy. The complex 2 exhibited effective cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of 2 was examined on a panel of human tumor cell lines of different histological origins and showed good activity against Colo205 and A2780 (GI50 < 10 μg/ml).