Reaction of mer-trichloro (diethylenetriamine)platmum(IV) chloride, (mer-[Pt(dien)Cl3]Cl), with purine nucleosides and nucleotides results in formation of platinum(II) as well as platinum(IV) complexes

Rapid DNA interstrand cross-linking of Pt(IV) compound

Pt(IV) anticancer compounds have been developed for several decades to overcome the drawbacks of their Pt(II) congeners, and the reduction of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) has been commonly regarded as a necessary step in the activation of Pt(IV) compounds prior to targeting DNA. However, blockage of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis resulted in a slight effect on the cytotoxicity of oxoplatin in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, urging us to reconsider the mechanism of actions for the "inert" Pt(IV) complexes. Using X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), our data demonstrated that Pt(IV) complex oxoplatin could bind to DNA in a tetravalent state. Both alkaline denaturing agarose electrophoresis and thermal denaturation-renaturation assay revealed that oxoplatin could rapidly produce stable interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), which can further translate into a fast cell-killing process in cancer cells. Using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence analysis, we also proved that Pt(IV) complex oxoplatin could induce a quick intracellular response of the FA/BRCA pathway in cancer cells that involves the DNA interstrand crosslinking repair system, and this quick response to ICLs was independent with the intracellular GSH levels. Cell cycle analysis showed that short incubation with oxoplatin can induce a strong S phase arrest in HeLa cells, indicating that the rapid interstrand crosslinks produced by oxoplatin might stall the replication fork, result in the double-strand breaks, and eventually induce cell death. Our results implied that, besides the reduction mechanism to release the Pt(II) congeners, direct and rapid interstrand cross-linking with DNA by Pt(IV) compounds might be a unique mechanism for Pt(IV) compounds, which may provide new insight for the development of next-generation platinum-based drugs.

Diazido platinum(iv) complexes for photoactivated anticancer chemotherapy

Diazido Pt(iv) complexes with a general formula [Pt(N₃)₂(L)(L′)(OR)(OR′)] are a new generation of anticancer prodrugs designed for use in photoactivated chemotherapy.

Photoactivatable Cell-Selective Dinuclear trans-Diazidoplatinum(IV) Anticancer Prodrugs

A series of dinuclear octahedral Pt^IV complexes trans,trans,trans-[{Pt(N₃)₂(py)₂(OH)(OC(O)CH₂CH₂C(O)NH)}₂R] containing pyridine (py) and bridging dicarboxylate [R = −CH₂CH₂– (1), trans-1,2-C₆H₁₀– (2), p-C₆H₄– (3), −CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂– (4)] ligands have been synthesized and characterized, including the X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1·2MeOH and 4, the first photoactivatable dinuclear Pt^IV complexes with azido ligands. The complexes are highly stable in the dark, but upon photoactivation with blue light (420 nm), they release the bridging ligand and mononuclear photoproducts. Upon irradiation with blue light (465 nm), they generate azidyl and hydroxyl radicals, detected using a 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide electron paramagnetic resonance spin trap, accompanied by the disappearance of the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (N₃ → Pt) band at ca. 300 nm. The dinuclear complexes are photocytotoxic to human cancer cells (465 nm, 4.8 mW/cm², 1 h), including A2780 human ovarian and esophageal OE19 cells with IC₅₀ values of 8.8–78.3 μM, whereas cisplatin is inactive under these conditions. Complexes 1, 3, and 4 are notably more photoactive toward cisplatin-resistant ovarian A2780cis compared to A2780 cells. Remarkably, all of the complexes were relatively nontoxic toward normal cells (MRC5 lung fibroblasts), with IC₅₀ values >100 μM, even after irradiation. The introduction of an aromatic bridging ligand (3) significantly enhanced cellular uptake. The populations in the stages of the cell cycle remained unchanged upon treatment with complexes in the dark, while the population of the G2/M phase increased upon irradiation, suggesting that DNA is a target for these photoactivated dinuclear Pt^IV complexes. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry data show that the photodecomposition pathway of the dinuclear complexes results in the release of two molecules of mononuclear platinum(II) species. As a consequence, DNA binding of the dinuclear complexes after photoactivation in cell-free media is, in several respects, qualitatively similar to that of the photoactivated mononuclear complex FM-190. After photoactivation, they were 2-fold more effective in quenching the fluorescence of EtBr bound to DNA, forming DNA interstrand cross-links and unwinding DNA compared to the photoactivated FM-190.

Novel all-trans dinuclear Pt^IV complexes bridged by a dicarboxylate linker, highly stable in the dark, generate azidyl and hydroxyl radicals upon irradiation with blue light. They are photocytotoxic to human cancer cells, whereas cisplatin was inactive under these conditions and more photoactive toward cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells compared to wild-type cells. Remarkably, the dinuclear complexes were relatively nontoxic toward normal human cells. Cell cycle and DNA binding experiments suggested that DNA is a target.

Anticancer activity of a chelating nitrogen mustard bearing tetrachloridoplatinum(iv) complex: better stability yet equipotent to the Pt(ii) analogue

Two Pt(iv) complexes cis,cis,trans-[Pt(IV)(L1)Cl4] (1a) & cis,cis,trans-[Pt(IV)(L2)Cl4] (2a) containing the nitrogen mustard moieties -N(CH2CH2Cl)2 & -NHCH2CH2Cl, were prepared in a single step from the Pt(ii) complexes containing -N(CH2CH2OH)2 (1) & -NHCH2CH2OH (2) moieties respectively using only thionyl chloride. The characterization of both the Pt(iv) complexes was performed by NMR, IR, UV and elemental analysis. Complex 1a was also characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a crystallized in the I2/a space group. 1a exhibited much higher solution stability than 2a in kinetic studies by (1)H NMR. 1a shows a prodrug like activity as it converts to its Pt(ii) congener, [Pt(II)(L1)Cl2] (3) after 2 days in buffered solution. The binding experiment of 1a with model nucleobase 9-ethylguanine (9-EtG), showed that 1a converts to 3 and forms mono-adducts with 9-EtG. In the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), the formation of 3 from 1a is quicker and upon the formation of 3 it binds almost instantaneously to GSH to form cis-[PtCl(L1)SG] (3c). Complex 3c transformed within a day to give a free aziridinium ion of L1 (3b) by dissociation. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes and the clinical anticancer drug cisplatin show that 1a is potent against MCF-7, A549, HepG2 and MIA PaCa-2. The potency is highest against MIA PaCa-2 exhibiting an IC50 value of 4.4 ± 0.5 μM. The in vitro cytotoxicity data also showed that between the two complexes only 1a is active against MCF-7, A549 and MIA PaCa-2 in normoxia and hypoxia, both in the presence and absence of added GSH. Even in the presence of excess GSH in hypoxia, 1a exhibits significant cytotoxicity against MIA PaCa-2 and MCF-7 with IC50 values of 4.5 ± 0.3 and 11.2 ± 1.8 μM respectively. Platinum accumulation studies by ICP-MS display greater internalization of 1a, than 2a, 3 and cisplatin inside MCF-7 cells. 1a arrests cell cycle at the G2/M phase in MCF-7, exhibits capability to inhibit metastasis, induces apoptotic cell death and displays blood compatibility with human blood.

Photoinduced reduction of Pt(IV) within an anti-proliferative Pt(IV)-texaphyrin conjugate

In an effort to increase the stability and control the platinum reactivity of platinum-texaphyrin conjugates, two Pt(IV) conjugates were designed, synthesized, and studied for their ability to form DNA adducts. They were also tested for their anti-proliferative effects using wild-type and platinum-resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and 2780CP, respectively). In comparison to an analogous first-generation Pt(II) chimera, one of the new conjugates provided increased stability in aqueous environments. Using a combination of (1) H NMR spectroscopy and FAAS (flameless atomic-absorption spectrometry), it was found that the Pt(IV) center within this conjugate undergoes photoinduced reduction to Pt(II) upon exposure to glass-filtered daylight, resulting in an entity that binds DNA in a controlled manner. Under conditions in which the Pt(IV) complex is reduced to the corresponding Pt(II) species, these new conjugates demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity in both test ovarian cancer cell lines.

Metal-based drugs

Metals have been considered for millennia to have medicinal values. With the advent of modern medicine, many metal-based drugs have proven to be highly effective in the clinic. Many different metal ions have shown activity against a range of diseases. The unique electronic structure of transition metals offers great versatility, not always seen in organic drugs, in terms of the ability to tune the properties of a given molecule. This review gives a brief overview of the most established therapeutic metals, and their more common applications, such as platinum-based anticancer drugs. New developments within the field of metallodrugs and novel strategies being employed to improve methods of delivery, are also discussed.

Theoretical investigation into the mechanism of 3'-dGMP oxidation by [Pt(IV)Cl4(dach)]

The mechanism for the oxidation of 3'-dGMP by [PtCl(4)(dach)] (dach = diaminocyclohexane) in the presence of [PtCl(2)(dach)] has been investigated using density functional theory. We find that the initial complexation, i.e., the formation of [PtCl(3)(dach)(3'-dGMP)], is greatly assisted by the reaction of the encounter pair [PtCl(2)(dach)···3'-dGMP] with [PtCl(4)(dach)], leading to migration of an axial chlorine ligand from platinum(IV) to platinum(II). A dinuclear platinum(II)/platinum(IV) intermediate could not be found, but the reaction is predicted to pass through a platinum(III)/platinum(III) transition structure. A cyclization process, i.e., C8-O bond formation, from [PtCl(3)(dach)(3'-dGMP)] occurs through an intriguing phosphate-water-assisted deprotonation reaction, analogous to the opposite of a proton shuttle mechanism. Followed by this, the guanine moiety is oxidized via dissociation of the Pt(IV)-Cl(ax) bond, and the cyclic ether product is finally formed after deprotonation. We have provided rationalizations, including molecular orbital explanations, for the key steps in the process. Our results help to explain the effect of [PtCl(4)(dach)] on the complexation step and the effect of a strong hydroxide base on the cyclization reaction. The overall reaction cycle is intricate and involves autocatalysis by a platinum(II) species.

Redox activation of metal-based prodrugs as a strategy for drug delivery

This review provides an overview of metal-based anticancer drugs and drug candidates. In particular, we focus on metal complexes that can be activated in the reducing environment of cancer cells, thus serving as prodrugs. There are many reports of Pt and Ru complexes as redox-activatable drug candidates, but other d-block elements with variable oxidation states have a similar potential to serve as prodrugs in this manner. In this context are compounds based on Fe, Co, or Cu chemistry, which are also covered. A trend in the field of medicinal inorganic chemistry has been toward molecularly targeted, metal-based drugs obtained by functionalizing complexes with biologically active ligands. Another recent activity is the use of nanomaterials for drug delivery, exploiting passive targeting of tumors with nano-sized constructs made from Au, Fe, carbon, or organic polymers. Although complexes of all of the above mentioned metals will be described, this review focuses primarily on Pt compounds, including constructs containing nanomaterials.

Density functional theory studies on the oxidation of 5'-dGMP and 5'-dAMP by a platinum(IV) complex

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the oxidation of a guanine nucleotide by platinum(IV), a process that can be important in the degradation of DNA. For the first time, we have provided a comprehensive mechanism for all of the steps in this process. A number of intermediates are predicted to occur but with short lifetimes that would make them difficult to observe experimentally. A key step in the mechanism is electron transfer from guanine to platinum(IV), and we show that this is driven by the loss of a chloride ligand from the platinum complex after nucleophilic attack of 5'-phosphate to C8 of guanine. We have investigated several different initial platinum(IV) guanine adducts and shown that the adduct formed from replacement of an axial chlorine ligand in the platinum(IV) complex undergoes oxidation more easily. We have studied adenine versus guanine adducts, and our results show that oxidation of the former is more difficult because of disruption of the aromatic π system that occurs during the process. Finally, our results show that the acidic hydrolysis step to form the final oxidized product occurs readily via an initial protonation of N7 of the guanine.

Different rotamer states of cytosine nucleobases in heteronuclear PtPd-, PtPd2, and Pt2Pd2Ag complexes derived from [Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC-N3)2]2+ (1-MeC = 1-methylcytosine): first examples of species with head-head oriented 1-MeC(-) ligands

[Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC-N3)(2)](NO(3))(2) (1) (2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; 1-MeC = 1-methylcytosine) exists in water in an equilibrium of head-tail and head-head rotamers, with the former exceeding the latter by a factor of ca. 20 at room temperature. Nevertheless, 1 reacts with (en)Pd(II) (en = ethylenediamine) to give preferentially the dinuclear complex [Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC(-)-N3,N4)(2)Pd(en)](NO(3))(2)·5H(2)O (2) with head-head arranged 1-methylctosinato (1-MeC(-)) ligands and Pd being coordinated to two exocyclic N4H(-) positions. Addition of AgNO(3) to a solution of 2 leads to formation of a pentanuclear chain compound [{Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC(-))(2)Pd(en)}(2)Ag](NO(3))(5)·14H(2)O (5) in which Ag(+) cross-links two cations of 2 via the four available O2 sites of the 1-MeC(-) ligands. 2 and 5 appear to be the first X-ray structurally characterized examples of di- and multinuclear complexes derived from a Pt(II) species with two cis-positioned cytosinato ligands adopting a head-head arrangement. (tmeda)Pd(II) (tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) and (2,2'-bpy)Pd(II) behave differently toward 1 in that in their derivatives the head-tail orientation of the 1-MeC(-) nucleobases is retained. In [Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC(-))(2){Pd(2,2'-bpy)}(2)](NO(3))(4)·10H(2)O (4), both (2,2'-bpy)Pd(II) entities are pairwise bonded to N4H(-) and O2 sites of the two 1-MeC(-) rings, whereas in [Pt(2,2'-bpy)(1-MeC(-))(2){Pd(tmeda)}(2)(NO(3))](NO(3))(3)·5H(2)O (3) only one of the two (tmeda)Pd(II) units is chelated to N4H(-) and O2. The second (tmeda)Pd(II) is monofunctionally attached to a single N4H(-) site. On the basis of these established binding patterns, ways to the formation of mixed Pt/Pd complexes and possible intermediates are proposed. The methylene protons of the en ligand in 2 are special in that they display two multiplets separated by 0.64 ppm in the (1)H NMR spectrum.

In Vitro Evaluation of Oxoplatin: An Oral Platinum(IV) Anticancer Agent

Platinum(IV) compounds like oxoplatin (cis, cis, trans-diammine-dichlorido-dihydroxido-platinum(IV)) show increased stability and therefore can be applied orally. In a panel of 38 human cancer cell lines this drug induced S-phase arrest and cell death with IC₅₀ values 2.5-fold higher than cisplatin. Oxoplatin may be converted to cisplatin by intracellular reducing agents, however, exposure to 0.1 M HCl mimicking gastric acid yielded cis-diammine-tetrachlorido-platinum(IV) exhibiting twofold increased activity. Similar results were obtained for another platinum(IV) compound, JM 149 (ammine-dichlorido-(cyclohexylamine)-dihydroxido-platinum(IV)), but not for its parent drug JM 216/satraplatin. Genome-wide expression profiling of H526 small cell lung cancer cells treated with these platinum species revealed clear differences in the expression pattern of affected genes between oxoplatin and cisplatin. In conclusion, oxoplatin constitutes a potent oral agent that is either reduced or converted to distinct active compounds, for example, by gastric acid or acidic areas prevailing in solid tumors, in dependence of the respective pharmaceutical formulation.

Importance of platinum(II)-assisted platinum(IV) substitution for the oxidation of guanosine derivatives by platinum(IV) complexes

Guanosine derivatives with a nucleophilic group at the 5' position (G-5') are oxidized by the Pt (IV) complex Pt( d, l)(1,2-(NH 2) 2C 6H 10)Cl 4 ([Pt (IV)(dach)Cl 4]). The overall redox reaction is autocatalytic, consisting of the Pt (II)-catalyzed Pt (IV) substitution and two-electron transfer between Pt (IV) and the bound G-5'. In this paper, we extend the study to improve understanding of the redox reaction, particularly the substitution step. The [Pt (II)(NH 3) 2(CBDCA-O,O')] (CBDCA = cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate) complex effectively accelerates the reactions of [Pt (IV)(dach)Cl 4] with 5'-dGMP and with cGMP, indicating that the Pt (II) complex does not need to be a Pt (IV) analogue to accelerate the substitution. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) analysis showed that the [Pt (IV)(dach)Cl 4]/[Pt (II)(NH 3) 2(CBDCA-O,O')]/cGMP reaction mixture contained two Pt (IV)cGMP adducts, [Pt (IV)(NH 3) 2(cGMP)(Cl)(CBDCA-O,O')] and [Pt (IV)(dach)(cGMP)Cl 3]. The LC/MS studies also indicated that the trans, cis-[Pt (IV)(dach)( (37)Cl) 2( (35)Cl) 2]/[Pt (II)(en)( (35)Cl) 2]/9-EtG mixture contained two Pt (IV)-9-EtG adducts, [Pt (IV)(en)(9-EtG)( (37)Cl)( (35)Cl) 2] and [Pt (IV)(dach)(9-EtG)( (37)Cl)( (35)Cl) 2]. These Pt (IV)G products are predicted by the Basolo-Pearson (BP) Pt (II)-catalyzed Pt (IV)-substitution scheme. The substitution can be envisioned as an oxidative addition reaction of the planar Pt (II) complex where the entering ligand G and the chloro ligand from the axial position of the Pt (IV) complex are added to Pt (II) in the axial positions. From the point of view of reactant Pt (IV), an axial chloro ligand is thought to be substituted by the entering ligand G. The Pt (IV) complexes without halo axial ligands such as trans, cis-[Pt(en)(OH) 2Cl 2], trans, cis-[Pt(en)(OCOCF 3) 2Cl 2], and cis, trans, cis-[Pt(NH 3)(C 6H 11NH 2)(OCOCH 3) 2Cl 2] ([Pt (IV)(a,cha)(OCOCH 3) 2Cl 2], satraplatin) did not react with 5'-dGMP. The bromo complex, [Pt (IV)(en)Br 4], showed a significantly faster substitution rate than the chloro complexes, [Pt (IV)(en)Cl 4] and [Pt (IV)(dach)Cl 4]. The results indicate that the axial halo ligands are essential for substitution and the Pt (IV) complexes with larger axial halo ligands have faster rates. When the Pt (IV) complexes with different carrier ligands were compared, the substitution rates increased in the order [Pt (IV)(dach)Cl 4] < [Pt (IV)(en)Cl 4] < [Pt (IV)(NH 3) 2Cl 4], which is in reverse order to the carrier ligand size. These axial and carrier ligand effects on the substitution rates are consistent with the BP mechanism. Larger axial halo ligands can form a better bridging ligand, which facilitates the electron-transfer process from the Pt (II) to Pt (IV) center. Smaller carrier ligands exert less steric hindrance for the bridge formation.

Spontaneous Reduction of Mixed 2,2′-Bipyridine/Methylamine/Chloro Complexes of PtIV in Water in the Presence of Light Is Accompanied by Complex Isomerization, Loss of Methylamine, and Formation of a Strong Oxidant, Presumably HOCl

Three 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bpy) complexes of Pt(IV) have been synthesized, characterized by X-ray crystallography, and their solution behavior in D(2)O studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopic analysis: mer-[PtCl(3)(2,2'-bpy)(MeNH(2))]ClH(2)O (4), trans-[PtCl(2)(2,2'-bpy)(MeNH(2))(2)]Cl(2) (5), and trans-[Pt (2,2'-bpy)(MeNH(2))(2)(OH)(2)]Cl(2) (6; MeNH(2)=methylamine). Complexes 4 and 5 undergo hydrolysis of the Cl(-) ions, both in the dark and daylight, as evident from a drop in the pH value. Two solvolysis products were detected in the case of 4, which is indicative of species with equatorial and axial OH(-) groups. The hydrolysis reaction of 5 implies that an axial Cl(-) group is replaced by an OH(-) moiety; in contrast, 6 remains virtually unaffected. Ordinary daylight, in particular irradiation with a 50-W halogen lamp, initially causes ligand-isomerization processes, which are followed by the reduction of 4 and 5 to Pt(II) species. This reduction of 4 and 5 is accompanied by the formation of hypochlorous acid, as demonstrated qualitatively in the decoloration test of indigo, and loss of MeNH(2), which is particularly pronounced in the case of 5. The formation of Pt(II) compounds is established on the basis of the J coupling constants of (195)Pt with selected (1)H NMR resonances. The results obtained herein are possibly also relevant to the chemistry of Cl-containing Pt(IV) antitumor agents and their reactions with DNA.

Interactions of platinum(II)-derivatized triplex-forming oligonucleotides with DNA

Polypyrimidine oligonucleotides can bind to tracts of contiguous purines in double-stranded DNA to form triple-stranded complexes. The stability of the triplex is reduced significantly if the target purine tract is interrupted by a single pyrimidine. Previous studies have shown that incorporation of an N4-aminoalkylcytosine into the triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO), opposite a single CG interruption, facilitates triplex formation. Examination of molecular models suggested that further modification of the amino group of the aminoalkyl arm might enable adduct formation with the N7 of the guanine of the CG interruption. To test this, we prepared 2′-deoxyribo-and 2′-O-methylribo-TFOs that contained cytosine (C), N4-(2-aminoethyl)cytosine (ae-C), or diethylenetriamineplatinum(II) (DPt-C) or cis-aquodiammineplatinum(II) (cPt-C) derivatives of N4-(2-aminoethyl)cytosine, positioned opposite a CG interruption of a polypurine tract found in the pol gene of HIV-1 proviral DNA. Although the C- and ae-C-derivatized deoxyribo-TFOs formed triplexes of modest stability and the DPt-C-modified TFO failed to form a triplex, the C- and ae-C-derivatized 2′-O-methylribo-TFOs formed remarkably stable triplexes (Tm = 57 °C). The DPt-C- and cPt-C-modified 2′-O-methylribo-TFOs also formed triplexes, although their stabilities were reduced (Tm = 33 °C), suggesting that the tethered platinum group may interfere sterically with TFO binding. Consistent with this hypothesis was the observation that triplex stability was restored (Tm = 57 °C) when the diethylenetriamineplatinum(II) group was tethered to the 5′-end of the 2′-O-methylribo-TFO via a 2-aminoethylcarbamate linkage. Taken together, these results suggest that 2′-O-methylribo-TFOs may be particularly useful in targeting purine tracts in DNA that have CG interruptions, and that further modification with platinum derivatives could lead to the design of TFOs that are capable of covalent binding to their target, thus increasing the effectiveness of the TFO.Key words: triplex-forming oligonucleotide, TFO, cisplatin, interrupted polypurine tract.

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.

DNA modifications by antitumor platinum and ruthenium compounds: their recognition and repair

The development of metal-based antitumor drugs has been stimulated by the clinical success of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) and its analogs and by the clinical trials of other platinum and ruthenium complexes with activity against resistant tumors and reduced toxicity including orally available platinum drugs. Broadening the spectrum of antitumor drugs depends on understanding existing agents with a view toward developing new modes of attack. It is therefore of great interest to understand the details of molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the biological efficacy of platinum and other transition-metal compounds. There is a large body of experimental evidence that the success of platinum complexes in killing tumor cells results from their ability to form various types of covalent adducts on DNA; thus, the research of DNA interactions of metal-based antitumor drugs has predominated. The present review summarizes current knowledge on DNA modifications by platinum and ruthenium complexes, their recognition by specific proteins, and repair. It also provides strong support for the view that either platinum or ruthenium drugs, which bind to DNA in a fundamentally different manner from that of 'classical' cisplatin, have altered pharmacological properties. The present article also demonstrates that this concept has already led to the synthesis of several new unconventional platinum or ruthenium antitumor compounds that violate the original structure-activity relationships.

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.

Studies of the binding of a series of platinum(IV) complexes to plasma proteins

The platinum(IV) complexes: [PtCl(4)(en)], cis,trans-[PtCl(2)(OAc)(2)(en)], cis,trans-[PtCl(2)(OH)(2)(en)] and trans-[Pt(OH)(2)(ethmal)(en)], encompassing a range of reduction potentials and their platinum(II) analogue [PtCl(2)(en)], have been assayed for their protein binding ability in the presence of albumin, albumin and L-cysteine and RPMI 1640 tissue culture medium supplemented with foetal calf serum (RPMI/FCS). cis,trans-[PtCl(4)(en)] exhibited significant protein binding in all three experiments, in a similar fashion to the platinum(II) complex, presumably as a consequence of its rapid reduction. The remaining three platinum(IV) complexes displayed little if any protein binding, with the greatest amount of binding observed in the RPMI/FCS experiment. The extent of binding in the RPMI/FCS correlated with the reduction potentials of the complexes, with the most readily reduced species binding to the greatest extent.

Platinum(IV) complexes with dipeptide. X-ray crystal structure, 195Pt NMR spectra, and their inhibitory glucose metabolism activity in Candida albicans

Three dipeptide complexes of the form K[Pt(IV)(dipep)Cl3] and two complexes of the form K[Pt(IV)(Hdipep)Cl4] were newly prepared and isolated. The platinum(IV) complexes containing the dipeptide were obtained directly by adding KI to H2[PtCl6] solution. The reaction using KI was rapidly completed and provided analytically pure yellow products in the form of K[Pt(dipeptide)Cl3] for H2digly, H2gly(alpha)-ala, H2alpha-alagly and H2di(alpha)-ala. The K[Pt(IV)(digly)Cl3] complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with unit cell dimensions a = 10.540(3) A, b = 13.835(3) A, c = 8.123(3) A, beta = 97.01(2) degrees, Z = 4. The crystal data represented the first report of a Pt(IV) complex with a deprotonated peptide, and this complex has the rare iminol type diglycine(2-) coordinating to Pt(IV) with the bond lengths of the C2-N1 (amide) bond (1.285(13) A). The 195Pt NMR peaks of the K[Pt(IV)(dipep)Cl3] and the K[Pt(IV)(Hdipep)Cl4] complexes appeared at about 270 ppm and at about -130 ppm, respectively, and were predicted for a given set of ligand atoms. While the K[Pt(IV)(x-gly)Cl3] complexes, where x denotes the glycine or alpha-alanine moieties, were easily reduced to the corresponding platinum(II) complexes, the K[Pt(IV)(x-alpha-ala)Cl3] complexes were not reduced, but the Cl- ion was substituted for OH- ion in the reaction solution. The K[Pt(digly)Cl3] and K[Pt(gly-L-alpha-ala)Cl3] complexes inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, and the antifungal activities were 3- to 4-fold higher than those of cisplatin. The metabolism of glucose in C. albicans was strongly inhibited by K[Pt(digly)Cl3] and K[Pt(gly-L-alpha-ala)Cl3] but not by the antifungal agent fluconazole.

DNA damage and repair in human lymphocytes exposed to three anticancer platinum drugs

Cisplatin is a widely used anticancer drug, but its application is limited due to severe side effects. To reduce these effects, many other platinum drugs have been synthesized. In the present work comparative analysis of the toxicity of cisplatin, oxoplatin, and a conjugate (NH(3))(2)Pt(SeO(3)) (Se-Pt) in terms of cell viability, DNA binding, and DNA damage and repair in human lymphocytes was performed using the Trypan blue exclusion test, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the comet assay, respectively. Cisplatin and oxoplatin did not cause a significant change in the viability of the lymphocytes even at the highest used concentration (750 microM), but the conjugate dramatically diminished viability at 100 microM only about 60% of the lymphocytes were viable (P < 0.05), and at 750 microM, less than 20% (P < 0.001). Se-Pt bound to isolated DNA was about 100 times weaker than the remaining two compounds; the binding of cisplatin was about 30% stronger than oxoplatin. Cisplatin and oxoplatin formed crosslinks with DNA in lymphocytes, whereas the conjugate induced DNA strand breaks. The lesions evoked by cisplatin and oxoplatin were slowly removed, but damage induced by Se-Pt was not repaired after 5 h even at a drug concentration of 10 microM. Severe cytotoxic and genotoxic effects exerted by Se-Pt in normal human lymphocytes preclude its intravenous application in cancer therapy. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 20:119-131, 2000.

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.

Modifying the properties of platinum (IV) complexes in order to increase biological effectiveness

The preparation of a series of novel Pt(IV) complexes containing the anionic polyfluoroaryl ligands, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl (p-HC6F4), 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-methoxyphenyl (p-MeOC6F4) and pentafluorophenyl (C6F5) are described. The crystal structure of a representative complex, [Pt(p-MeOC6F4)2(O2CEt)2(en)] (en = ethane-1,2-diamine) was determined and confirms the trans arrangement of the carboxylato ligands. Reduction potentials of the series of complexes reveal that replacement of equatorial chloro ligands by polyfluoroaryl ligands makes reduction substantially more difficult. They also confirm previously reported trends in that complexes having axial carboxylato ligands are more readily reduced than those having axial hydroxo ligands. Reduction potentials and in vitro activities showed no obvious correlations. Moderate to high activity was observed for many complexes in the series, including some of those that were very difficult to reduce.

Cytotoxicity, DNA binding, and reactivity against nucleosides of platinum (II) and (IV) spermine compounds

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a [sperH4][PtCl4]2 salt and of five binuclear platinum (II) and (IV)-spermine compounds of formula [(PtCl2)2(sper)], cis-[(Pt(CH2(COO)2)2(sper)], cis-[(PtCBDCA)2(sper)], (CBDCA = 1,1'-cyclobutanedicarboxylate), cis-trans-cis[(PtCl2(OH)2)2(sper)], and cis-[(PtCl4)2(sper)], respectively. The 1H and 195Pt-NMR analysis of the complexes formed between these compounds and nucleosides indicated that the Pt centers show preferential binding to the N(7) of guanosine and adenosine residues, also being capable of forming bridged structures through the N(7) and N(1). The synthesized Pt-spermine compounds do not form complexes with cytidine residues at 37 degrees C. The circular dichroism, melting, and electrophoretic data of the compounds-DNA complexes show that the Pt(IV)-spermine complexes induce lower DNA conformational changes than their Pt(II) analogs. These results correlate with the IC50 values obtained against MDA-MB 468 and HL-60 human cancer cells which are higher than those of cis-DDP. The [sperH4][PtCl4]2 salt produces a high level of DNA modification and exhibits IC50 values lower than those of cis-DDP.

Oxidative Addition of the Dithiobis(formamidinium) Cation to Platinum(II) Chloro Am(m)ine Compounds: Studies on Structure, Spectroscopic Properties, Reactivity, and Cytotoxicity of a New Class of Platinum(IV) Complexes Exhibiting S-Thiourea Coordination

The oxidative addition of the salt [{SC(NMe(2))(2)}(2)]Cl(2).2H(2)O (1), the disulfide-like dimerized form of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylthiourea (tmtu), to Pt(II) chloro am(m)ine compounds is described. Oxidation of the [PtCl(3)(NH(3))](-) anion with 1 in methanol yields cis-[PtCl(4)(NH(3))L] (2; L = tmtu) as the result of the trans addition of one tmtu and one chloro ligand. The same mode of oxidation is found in reactions of 1 with [PtCl(dien)](+) (dien = diethylenetriamine) and trans-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)]. In these cases, however, the oxidation is followed by (light-independent) cis,trans isomerizations, giving trans,mer-[PtCl(2)(dien)L]Cl(2) (4) and fac-[PtCl(3)(NH(3))(2)L]Cl.0.5MeOH (6), respectively. The single-crystal X-ray structures of 2 and trans,mer-[PtCl(2)(dien)L](BF(4))(2) (4a) have been determined. 2: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 6.280(1) Å, b = 13.221(3) Å, c = 16.575(2) Å, beta = 96.45(1) degrees, Z = 4. 4a: monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 21.093(5) Å, b = 8.9411(9) Å, c = 14.208(2) Å, beta = 124.65(2) degrees, Z = 4. The tmtu ligands are S-bound. In 2 a pronounced trans influence of the S-donor ligand on the Pt-Cl bond (2.370(1) Å) trans to sulfur is observed. The unusual acidity of the Pt(IV) complexes exhibiting tmtu coordination trans to chloride is attributed to hydrolysis of the labilized Pt-Cl(trans) bond, which is supported by ion sensitive electrode measurements. An upfield shift of the (195)Pt resonances is found on changing the ligand combination from NCl(4)S (2) to N(3)Cl(2)S (4). This order correlates with the trans influences of the ligands: tmtu > am(m)ine > chloride. The cytotoxicity of 2 and 6 in L1210 cell lines is reported and discussed in terms of a possible mechanism of action of the compounds invivo. It is suggested that tmtu may act as a lipophilic carrier ligand and therefore enhance the cellular uptake of the new potential Pt(IV) drugs.

DNA interactions of antitumor platinum(IV) complexes

Modifications of natural DNA and synthetic double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides by cis-diamminedichloro-trans-dihydroxyplatinum(IV) (oxoplatin) were studied by means of ELISA, Maxam-Gilbert footprinting techniques, HPLC of enzymically digested DNA, and transcription assay. It was found that oxoplatin can bind DNA directly without addition of a reducing agent. In addition, the antibodies elicited against DNA modified by cisplatin were not competitively inhibited by DNA modified by oxoplatin. However, DNA containing the adducts of oxoplatin became a strong inhibitor of these antibodies, if it was subsequently treated with ascorbic acid, which is a reducing agent. These results were interpreted to mean that oxoplatin can form DNA adducts containing the platinum moiety in the quadrivalent state. The direct irreversible binding of the platinum(IV) drug is, however, slow as compared to the reaction of its platinum(II) counterpart. It was also found that oxoplatin preferentially binds to guanine residues and can form DNA intrastrand and interstrand cross-links containing platinum(IV). The DNA adducts containing platinum(IV) can inhibit in vitro transcription by a prokaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. We find that the platinum(IV) complex binds to DNA at similar sites as its platinum(II) counterpart. On the other hand, the DNA adducts containing the platinum(II) or platinum(IV) analogues differ in the number of ligands and the formal charge on their platinum center. We suggest that these differences could be responsible for distinct conformational features and stability of DNA modified by platinum(II) or platinum(IV) complexes.