trans-Dichloridopalladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine and 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine: Synthesis, structural characterization, DNA binding and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

Co-targeting CDK 4/6 and C-MYC/STAT3/CCND1 axis and inhibition of tumorigenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition in triple negative breast cancer by Pt(II) complexes bearing NH3 as trans-co-ligand

In search of potential anticancer agents, we synthesized SNO-donor salicylaldimine main ligand-based Pt(II) complexes bearing NH3 as co-ligand at trans-position (C1-C6). These complexes showed similarity in structure with transplatin as the two N donor atoms of the main ligand and NH3 co-ligand were coordinated to Pt in trans position to each other. Each complex with different substituents on the main ligand was characterized thoroughly by detailed spectroscopic and spectrophotometric methods. Four of these complexes were studied in solid state by single crystal X-ray analysis. The stability of reference complex C1 was measured in solution state in DMSO‑d6 or its mixture with D2O using 1H NMR methods. These complexes were further investigated for their anticancer activity in triple-negative-breast (TNBC) cells including MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-436 cells. All these complexes showed satisfactory cytotoxic effect as revealed by the MTT results. Importantly, the highly active complex C4 anticancer effect was compared to the standard chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Functionally, C4 suppressed invasion, spheroids formation ability and clonogenic potential of cancer cells. C4 showed synergistic anticancer effect when used in combination with palbociclib, JQ1 and paclitaxel in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, C4 inhibited cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 pathway and targeted the expressions of MYC/STAT3/CCND1/CNNE1 axis. Furthermore, C4 suppressed the EMT signaling pathway that suggested a role of C4 in the inhibition of TNBC metastasis. Our findings may pave further in detailed mechanistic study on these complexes as potential chemotherapeutic agents in different types of human cancers.

The application of ferritin in transporting and binding diverse metal ions

The ferritin cage can not only load iron ions in its inner cavity, but also has the capacity to carry other metal ions, thus constructing a new biological nano-transport system. The nanoparticles formed by ferritin and minerals can be used as ingredients of mineral supplements, which overcome the shortcomings of traditional mineral ingredients such as low bioavailability. Moreover, ferritin can be used to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated food. Silver and palladium nanoparticles formed by ferritin are also applied as anticancer agents. Ferritin combined with metal ions can be also used to detect harmful substances. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ferritin's function in transporting and binding metal ions, and discusses the limitations and future prospects, which offers valuable insights for the application of ferritin in mineral supplements, food detoxifiers, anticancer agents, and food detections.

Brief Research on the Biophysical Study and Anticancer Behavior of Pt(II) Complexes: Their DNA/BSA Binding, Molecular Docking, and Cytotoxic Property

The potent bidentate carrier ligand 2-picolylamine (pic) has been used to synthesize Pt(II) complexes to know their bioactivity and anticancer property as reflected by PASS prediction software. The dichloro Pt(II) complex [Pt(pic)Cl₂], Pt-1, and its hydrolyzed diaqua complex [Pt(pic)(OH₂)₂]²⁺, Pt-2, were synthesized. The thiol-containing Pt(II) complexes [Pt(pic)(l-cys)]⁺, Pt-3, and [Pt(pic)(L-ac-l-cy)]⁺, Pt-4, were synthesized from Pt-2, which was obtained from hydrolysis of Pt-1. Their biomolecular interactions with BSA and DNA were executed by spectroscopic methods, and their cytototoxic property was tested by the MTT assay. In vitro biomolecular interactions of Pt(II) complexes with BSA and DNA were investigated by different spectroscopic and viscosity measurement methods for their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic importance. The conformational change of BSA in the presence of a drug candidate was studied by Förster resonance energy transfer calculation and synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopic studies. A theoretical approach on optimization structures, highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, global reactivity parameters, time-dependent density functional theory, and molecular docking with BSA and DNA was executed to strengthen and support the experimental observations. In vitro cytotoxic profiles of the complexes like the anticancer activity and their level of reactive oxygen species production were brought under consideration on A549 cancer cells and the normal human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293. The cytotoxic property was compared with that of the recognized anticancer drug cisplatin.

Copper(ii) complexes with 2-ethylpyridine and related hydroxyl pyridine derivatives: structural, spectroscopic, magnetic and anticancer in vitro studies

Copper(ii) complexes with 2-ethylpyridine (1 and 2), 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (3) and 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (4) have been synthesized and characterized. All inorganic compounds have been studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, vibrational and EPR spectroscopy as well as theoretical methods. The geometry of the complexes 1, 3 and 4 adopts nearly perfect geometry close to square planar (1, 4) or square pyramid (3) stereochemistry, respectively. The distortion of five coordinated copper(ii) ions in complex 2 indicates intermediate geometry between square pyramidal and trigonal pyramidal geometry. Further, the magnetic measurements have shown antiferromagnetic behaviour of the prepared complexes in a wide range of temperatures. The antiferromagnetic behaviour of 2 should originate from the superexchange interactions between each copper(ii) ion by the mixed chloride and μ4-O ion pathways. Besides, the weak antiferromagnetic character of 2 can be also attributed to the presence of intrachain exchange between dimeric units through double oxide ion. In complex 3, strong antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(ii) centres in the Cu2O2Cl2 moiety is found. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in vitro against various cancer cell lines: human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), human prostate carcinoma; derived from metastatic site: brain (DU-145) and two normal cell lines: human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) and human keratinocyte (HaCat). Furthermore, Pluronic P-123 micelles loaded with selected complexes (1 and 3) were proposed to overcome low solubility and to minimize systemic side effects. More detailed study revealed that complex 3 loaded inside micelles causes DU-145 cells' death with simultaneous decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and a high level of reactive oxygen species generation. The stability of the compounds 1-4 in DMSO was confirmed by UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra studies.

Ultrasonic Clusterization Process to Prepare [(NNCO)6Co4Cl2] as a Novel Double-Open-Co4O6 Cubane Cluster: SXRD Interactions, DFT, Physicochemical, Thermal Behaviors, and Biomimicking of Catecholase Activity

A novel double-open-cubane (NNCO)₆Co₄Cl₂ cluster with a Co₄O₆ core was made available under aqua-ultrasonic open atmosphere conditions for the first time. The ultrasonic clusterization of the (3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methanol (NNCOH) ligand with CoCl₂·6H₂O salts in ethanol yielded a high-purity and high-yield cluster product. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible techniques were used to elucidate the clusterization process. The double-open-Co₄O₆ cubane structure of the (NNCO)₆Co₄Cl₂ cluster was solved by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and supported by density functional theory (DFT) optimization and thermogravimetric/differential TG (TG/DTG) measurements; moreover, the DFT structural parameters correlated with the ones determined by SXRD. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), Mulliken atomic charge/natural population analysis (MAC/NPA), highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO), density of states (DOS), and GRD quantum analyses were computed at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) theory level. The thermal behavior of the cluster was characterized to support the formation of the Co₄O₆ core as a stable final product. The catalytic property of the (NNCO)₆Co₄Cl₂ cluster was predestined for the oxidation process of 3,5-DTBC diol (3,5-di-tert-butylbenzene-1,2-diol) to 3,5-DTBQ dione (3,5-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-dione).

Metal complexes against breast cancer stem cells

With the highest incidence, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the world. Tumor metastasis is the major contributor of high mortality in breast cancer, and the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been proven to be the cause of tumor metastasis. CSCs are a small proportion of tumor cells, and they are associated with self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. Given the significance of CSCs in tumor initiation, expansion, relapse, resistance, and metastasis, studies should investigate and discover effective anticancer agents that can not only inhibit the proliferation of differentiated tumor cells but also reduce the tumorigenic capability of CSCs. Thus, new therapies must be discovered to treat and prevent this severely hazardous disease of human beings. The success of platinum complexes in cancer treatment has laid the basic foundation for the utilization of metal complexes in the treatment of malignant cancers, in particular the highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Importantly, metal complexes currently have diverse and versatile competences in the therapeutic targeting of CSCs. The anti-CSC properties provide a strong impetus for the development of novel metal-based compounds for the targeting of CSCs and treatment of chemotherapy-resistant and relapsed tumors. In this review, we provide the latest advances in metal complexes including platinum, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, and tin complexes against breast CSCs obtained over the past decade, with pertinent literature including those published until 2021.

Synthesis, structural characterization, docking simulation and in vitro antiproliferative activity of the new gold(III) complex with 2-pyridineethanol

Gold(III) complex containing 2-pyridineethanol has been synthesized and characterized structurally by single crystal X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, electrochemical study, and DFT calculations. The Au(III) ion is four coordinated with one N-donor ligand (L) and three Cl anions. The Okuniewski's (τ'₄₌0.018) has been used to estimate the angular distortion from ideal square planar geometry. The vibrational spectroscopy studies, in the solid state and DMSO solution and cyclic voltammetry, have been performed to determine its stability and redox activity, respectively. A complete assignment of the IR and Raman spectra has been made based on the calculated potential energy distribution (PED). The theoretical calculations have been made for two functionals and several basis sets. The compound has been evaluated for its antiproliferative properties in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549), mouse colon carcinoma (CT26), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human prostate carcinoma derived from the metastatic site in the brain (DU-145), and PANC-1 human pancreas/duct carcinoma cell line and non-tumorigenic cell lines: HaCat (human keratinocyte), and HEK293T (human embryonic kidney). Au(III) complex cytotoxicity is significantly against A549 and MCF-7 cells as in the reference drug: cisplatin. Studies of the interactions of Au(III) complex with DNA, HSA (human serum albumin) have been performed. The results from modeling docking simulations indicate that the title complex exerts anticancer effects in vitro based on different mechanisms of action to compare with cisplatin.

Unfolded Protein Response is Involved in Trans-Platinum (II) Complex-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells via ROS Accumulation

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer types and it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Even though novel treatment modalities have been developed, it still a lifethreatening disease. Therefore novel compounds are needed to improve the overall survival.

METHODS

In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of newly synthesized Platinum (II) [Pt(II)] complex on DU145, LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of Pt(II) complex was tested by SRB and ATP cell viability assays. To detect the mode of cell death; fluorescent staining, flow cytometry and western blot analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The Pt(II) complex treatment resulted in a decrease in cell viability and increasing levels of apoptotic markers (pyknotic nuclei, annexin-V, caspase 3/7 activity) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose dependent manner. Among cell types, tested PC-3 cells were found to be more sensitive to Pt(II) complex, demonstrating elevation of DNA damage in this cell line. In addition, Pt(II) complex induced Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress by triggering ROS generation. More importantly, pre-treatment with NAC alleviated Pt(II) complex-mediated ER stress and cell death in PC-3.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest an upstream role of ROS production in Pt(II) complex-induced ER stressmediated apoptotic cell death. Considering the ROS-mediated apoptosis inducing the effect of Pt(II) complex, it warrants further evaluation as a novel metal-containing anticancer drug candidate.

Lysozyme and DNA binding affinity of Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes bearing charged N,N-pyridylbenzimidazole bidentate ligands

The 2-pyridylbenzimidazole Pt(ii) complex functionalized with triphenylphosphonium interacts covalently with lysozyme via the loss of labile ligands and the departure of the TPP⁺ part.

In Vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Electrochemotherapy with trans-platinum Analogue trans-[PtCl2(3-Hmpy)2]

Background

Cisplatin is used in cancer therapy, but its side effects and acquired resistance to cisplatin have led to the synthesis and evaluation of new platinum compounds. Recently, the synthesized platinum compound trans-[PtCl₂(3-Hmpy)₂] (3-Hmpy = 3-hydroxymethylpyridine) (compound 2) showed a considerable cytotoxic and antitumour effectiveness. To improve compound 2 cytotoxicity in vitro and antitumour effectiveness in vivo, electroporation was used as drug delivery approach to increase membrane permeability (electrochemotherapy).

Materials and methods

In vitro, survival of sarcoma cells with different intrinsic sensitivity to cisplatin (TBLCl2 sensitive, TBLCl2Pt resistant and SA-1 moderately sensitive) was determined using a clonogenic assay after treatment with compound 2 or cisplatin electrochemotherapy. In vivo, the antitumour effectiveness of electrochemotherapy with compound 2 or cisplatin was evaluated using a tumour growth delay assay. In addition, platinum in the serum, tumours and platinum bound to the DNA in the cells were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

In vitro, cell survival after treatment with compound 2 electrochemotherapy was significantly decreased in all tested sarcoma cells with different intrinsic sensitivity to cisplatin (TBLCl2 sensitive, TBLCl2Pt resistant and SA-1 moderately sensitive). However, this effect was less pronounced compared to cisplatin. Interestingly, the enhancement factor (5-fold) of compound 2 cytotoxicity was equal in cisplatin-sensitive TBLCl2 and cisplatin-resistant TBLCl2Pt cells. In vivo, the growth delay of subcutaneous tumours after treatment with compound 2 electrochemotherapy was lower compared to cisplatin. The highest antitumour effectiveness after cisplatin or compound 2 electrochemotherapy was obtained in TBLCl2 tumours, resulting in 67% and 11% of tumour cures, respectively. Compound 2 induced significantly smaller loss of animal body weight compared to cisplatin. Furthermore, platinum amounts in tumours after compound 2 or cisplatin electrochemotherapy were approximately 2-fold higher compared to the drug treatment only, and the same increase of platinum bound to DNA was observed.

Conclusions

The obtained results in vitro and in vivo suggest compound 2 as a potential antitumour agent in electrochemotherapy.

Platinum, palladium, gold and ruthenium complexes as anticancer agents: Current clinical uses, cytotoxicity studies and future perspectives

Metallodrugs offer potential for unique mechanism of drug action based on the choice of the metal, its oxidation state, the types and number of coordinated ligands and the coordination geometry. This review illustrates notable recent progress in the field of medicinal bioinorganic chemistry as many new approaches to the design of innovative metal-based anticancer drugs are emerging. Current research addressing the problems associated with platinum drugs has focused on other metal-based therapeutics that have different modes of action and on prodrug and targeting strategies in an effort to diminish the side-effects of cisplatin chemotherapy. Examples of metal compounds and chelating agents currently in clinical use, clinical trials or preclinical development are highlighted.

Decomposition of Intermolecular Interactions in the Crystal Structure of Some Diacetyl Platinum(II) Complexes: Combined Hirshfeld, AIM, and NBO Analyses

Intermolecular interactions play a vital role in crystal structures. Therefore, we conducted a topological study, using Hirshfeld surfaces and atom in molecules (AIM) analysis, to decompose and analyze, respectively, the different intermolecular interactions in six hydrazone-diacetyl platinum(II) complexes. Using AIM and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses, we determined the type, nature, and strength of the interactions. All the studied complexes contain C-H⋯O interactions, and the presence of bond critical points along the intermolecular paths underlines their significance. The electron densities (ρ(r)) at the bond critical points (0.0031–0.0156 e/a₀³) fall within the typical range for H-bonding interactions. Also, the positive values of the Laplacian of the electron density (∇²ρ(r)) revealed the depletion of electronic charge on the interatomic path, another characteristic feature of closed-shell interactions. The ratios of the absolute potential energy density to the kinetic energy density (|V(r)|/G(r)) and ρ(r) are highest for the O2⋯H15-N3 interaction in [Pt(COMe)₂(2-pyCMe=NNH₂)] (1); hence, this interaction has the highest covalent character of all the O⋯H intermolecular interactions. Interestingly, in [Pt(COMe)₂(H₂NN=CMe-CMe=NNH₂)] (3), there are significant N-H⋯Pt interactions. Using the NBO method, the second-order interaction energies, E⁽²⁾, of these interactions range from 3.894 to 4.061 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the hybrid Pt orbitals involved in these interactions are comprised of d_xy, d_xz, and s atomic orbitals.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and design strategies of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic moieties for their anticancer activities

The present review article offers a detailed account of the design strategies employed for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing anticancer agents. The results of different studies describe the N-heterocyclic ring system is a core structure in many synthetic compounds exhibiting a broad range of biological activities. Benzimidazole, benzothiazole, indole, acridine, oxadiazole, imidazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, triazoles, quinolines and quinazolines including others drugs containing pyridazine, pyridine and pyrimidines are covered. The following studies of these compounds suggested that these compounds showed their antitumor activities through multiple mechanisms including inhibiting protein kinase (CDK, MK-2, PLK1, kinesin-like protein Eg5 and IKK), topoisomerase I and II, microtubule inhibition, and many others. Our concise representation exploits the design and anticancer potency of these compounds. The direct comparison of anticancer activities with the standard enables a systematic analysis of the structure-activity relationship among the series.

Cytotoxic trans-platinum(II) complex with 3-hydroxymethylpyridine: Synthesis, X-ray structure and biological activity evaluation

To assess the potential cytostatic properties of Pt(II) complexes with 3-hydroxymethylpyridine (3-hmpy) as the only carrier ligand, novel cis-[PtCl2(3-hmpy)2] (1) and trans-[PtCl2(3-hmpy)2] (2) have been prepared. Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography were used to determine their structures. Based on the results obtained with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and clonogenic assay on T24 human bladder carcinoma cells (T24), the most potent compound 2 was further tested for cytotoxicity in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines - cisplatin sensitive (IGROV 1) and its resistant subclone (IGROV 1/RDDP). The cytotoxicity of compound 2 in IGROV 1/RDDP is comparable to cisplatin. Furthermore, compound 2 induced severe conformational changes in plasmid DNA, which resulted in a delayed onset of apoptosis in T24 cells, and higher amounts of Pt in tumours and serum compared to cisplatin. In addition, in vivo antitumour effectiveness was comparable to that of cisplatin with a smaller reduction of animals' body weight, thus demonstrating that it is a promising transplatin analogue which deserves further studies.

The promoting effect of pyridine ligands in the Pd-catalysed Heck–Matsuda reaction

Simple and cheap pyridine-type ligands promote good to excellent yields for poorly efficient Pd-catalyzed Heck–Matsuda arylations in less than 1 h.

A water-soluble Pd(ii) complex with a terpyridine ligand: experimental and molecular modeling studies of the interaction with DNA and BSA; and in vitro cytotoxicity investigations against five human cancer cell lines

[Pd(4-OHPh-tpy)Cl]Cl was prepared. The complex interacts with DNA via a combination of covalent, intercalation, and hydrogen bonding interactions.

Investigation of the interaction between human serum albumin and antitumor palladium(II) complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline and dithiocarbamate ligands

The interaction between [Pd(But-dtc)(phen)]NO3 (where But-dtc = butyldithiocarbamate and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with HSA (Human Serum Albumin) was investigated by applying fluorescence, UV-Vis and circular dichroism techniques under physiological conditions. The results of fluorescence spectra indicated that the Pd(II) complex could effectively quench the fluorescence intensity of HSA molecules via static mechanism. The number of binding sites and binding constant of HSA-Pd(II) complex were calculated. Analysis of absorption titration data on the interaction between Pd(II) complex and HSA revealed the formation of HSA-Pd(II) complex with high-binding affinity. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrophobic forces play a major role in this interaction. Furthermore, CD measurements were taken to explore changes in HSA secondary structure induced by the Pd(II) complex.

DNA binding, photo-induced DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity studies of lomefloxacin and its transition metal complexes

This work was focused on a study of the DNA binding and cleavage properties of lomefloxacin (LMF) and its ternary transition metal complexes with glycine. The nature of the binding interactions between compounds and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was studied by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and thermal denaturation experiments. The obtained results revealed that LMF and its complexes could interact with CT-DNA via partial/moderate intercalative mode. Furthermore, the DNA cleavage activities of the compounds were investigated by gel electrophoresis. Mechanistic studies of DNA cleavage suggest that singlet oxygen ((1)O2) is likely to be the cleaving agent via an oxidative pathway, except for Cu(II) complex which proceeds via both oxidative and hydrolytic pathways. Antimicrobial and antitumor activities of the compounds were also studied against some kinds of bacteria, fungi and human cell lines.

Assessment of new DFT methods for predicting vibrational spectra and structure of cisplatin: which density functional should we choose for studying platinum(II) complexes?

Ten different DFT methods, including several recently developed functionals have been tested for their performances in prediction of infrared and Raman spectra and molecular structure of cisplatin. The assessed DFT methods cover the range from meta-GGA to hybrid, double hybrid and long-range corrected hybrid models (M06-L, M06, M06-2X, PBE0, mPW1PW, B3LYP, B2PLYP, CAM-B3LYP, ωB97XD and LC-ωPBE). The calculated structural parameters and theoretical spectra have been compared to the corresponding experimental data. It is shown that the LC-ωPBE scheme is superior to other DFT methods in predicting the geometry of cisplatin. Unfortunately, the M06-L, M06-2X and B3LYP functionals are deficient in the evaluation of the strength of two Pt←NH3 coordination bonds in cisplatin (the calculated bond lengths are too long and the Pt-N stretching frequencies are underestimated). Both the PBE0 and mPW1PW functionals, in conjunction with the LanL2TZ(f) basis set for Pt give very similar theoretical results and seem to be the best methods for predicting the IR and Raman spectra of cisplatin. The long-range corrected functionals (LC-ωPBE, ωB97XD and CAM-B3LYP) have shown good performances in predicting the frequencies of Pt-ligand vibrations and are promising new tools for theoretical study of novel platinum(II) compounds.