Anticancer activity of a series of copper(II) complexes with tripodal ligands

Optimization of Antiproliferative Properties of Triimine Copper(II) Complexes

Cu(II) complexes with 2,2':6',2″-terpyridines (terpy) and 2,6-bis(thiazol-2-yl)pyridines (dtpy) with 1- or 2-naphtyl and methoxy-naphtyl were synthesized to elucidate the impact of the triimine core, naphtyl linking mode, and presence of methoxy groups on the antiproliferative activity of [CuCl2(Ln)]. Their antiproliferative effect was analyzed in ovarian (A2780) and colorectal (HCT116) carcinomas and colorectal carcinoma resistant to doxorubicin (HCT116-DoxR) cell lines and in normal human fibroblasts. Among all complexes, the 1- and 2-naphtyl substituted terpy Cu(II) complexes (Cu1a and Cu1b) showed the strongest cytotoxicity, namely, in HCT116-DoxR 2Dcells and were also capable of inducing the loss of cell viability in 3D HCT116-DoxR spheroids. Their intracellular localization, capability to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interaction with DNA (nonintercalative mode) trigger oxidative DNA cleavage leading to cell death by apoptosis and autophagy. Cu1a and Cu1b do not show in vivo toxicity in a chicken embryo and can interact with bovine serum albumin (BSA).

64Cu2+ Complexes of Tripodal Amine Ligands' In Vivo Tumor and Liver Uptakes and Intracellular Cu Distribution in the Extrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinoma Cell Line TFK-1: A Basic Comparative Study

Copper (Cu) is a critical element for cancer cell proliferation and considerably accumulates in the nucleus. 64Cu2+ is an anticancer radiopharmaceutical that targets the copper requirement of cancer cells. However, intravenously injected 64Cu2+ ions primarily accumulate in the liver. Ligand complexation of 64Cu2+ may be a promising method for increasing tumor delivery by reducing liver uptake. In this study, we used three tripodal amine ligands [tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (Tren), diethylenetriamine (Dien), and tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA)] to enclose 64Cu2+ ions and compared their in vivo tumor and liver uptakes using a tumor-bearing xenograft mouse model of the extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma cell line TFK-1. We examined intracellular Cu distribution using microparticle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) analysis of these compounds. 64Cu2+-Tren and 64Cu2+-Dien showed higher tumor uptake than 64Cu2+-TPMA and 64Cu2+ ions in TFK-1 tumors. Among the three 64Cu2+ complexes and 64Cu2+ ions, liver uptake was inversely correlated with tumor uptake. Micro-PIXE analysis showed that in vitro cellular uptake was similar to in vivo tumor uptake, and nuclear delivery was the highest for 64Cu2+-Tren. Conclusively, an inverse correlation between tumor and liver uptake was observed using three 64Cu2+ complexes of tripodal amine ligands and 64Cu2+ ions. These results provide useful information for the future development of anticancer 64Cu radiopharmaceuticals.

Quest for a stable Cu-ligand complex with a high catalytic activity to produce reactive oxygen species

Metal ion-catalyzed overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to contribute significantly to oxidative stress and be involved in several biological processes, from immune defense to development of diseases. Among the essential metal ions, copper is one of the most efficient catalysts in ROS production in the presence of O2 and a physiological reducing agent such as ascorbate. To control this chemistry, Cu ions are tightly coordinated to biomolecules. Free or loosely bound Cu ions are generally avoided to prevent their toxicity. In the present report, we aim to find stable Cu-ligand complexes (Cu-L) that can efficiently catalyze the production of ROS in the presence of ascorbate under aerobic conditions. Thermodynamic stability would be needed to avoid dissociation in the biological environment, and high ROS catalysis is of interest for applications as antimicrobial or anticancer agents. A series of Cu complexes with the well-known tripodal and tetradentate ligands containing a central amine linked to three pyridyl-alkyl arms of different lengths were investigated. Two of them with mixed arm length showed a higher catalytic activity in the oxidation of ascorbate and subsequent ROS production than Cu salts in buffer, which is an unprecedented result. Despite these high catalytic activities, no increased antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli or cytotoxicity against eukaryotic AGS cells in culture related to Cu-L-based ROS production could be observed. The potential reasons for discrepancy between in vitro and in cell data are discussed.

8-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide copper(II)- and zinc(II)-phenanthroline and bipyridine coordination compounds: Design, synthesis, structures, and antitumor evaluation

Fourteen novel tumor-targeting copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes, [Cu(ONQ)(QD1)(NO3)]·CH3OH (NQ3), [Cu(ONQ)(QD2)(NO3)] (NQ2), [Cu(NQ)(QD2)Cl] (NQ3), [Cu(ONQ)(QD1)Cl] (NQ4), [Cu(ONQ)(QD3)](NO3) (NQ5), [Cu(ONQ)(QD3)Cl] (NQ6), [Zn(ONQ)(QD4)Cl] (NQ7), [Zn(ONQ)(QD1)Cl] (NQ8), [Zn(ONQ)(QD5)Cl] (NQ9), [Zn(ONQ)(QD2)Cl] (NQ10), [Zn(ONQ)(QD6)Cl] (NQ11), [Zn(ONQ)(QD7)Cl] (NQ12), and [Zn(ONQ)(QD3)Cl] (NQ13) supported on 8-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (H-ONQ), 2,2'-dipyridyl (QD1), 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (QD2), 1,10-phenanthroline (QD3), 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridyl (QD4), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (QD5), 5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline (QD6), and bathophenanthroline (QD7), were first synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, NQ1-NQ13 exhibited higher antiproliferative activity and selectivity for cisplatin-resistant SK-OV-3/DDP tumor cells (CiSK3) compared to normal HL-7702 cells based on results obtained from the cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The complexation of copper(II) ion with QD2 and ONQ ligands resulted in an evident increase in the antiproliferation of NQ1-NQ6, with NQ6 exhibiting the highest antitumor potency against CiSK3 cells compared to NQ1-NQ5, H-ONQ, QD1-QD7, and NQ7-NQ13 as well as the reference cisplatin drug with an IC50 value of 0.17 ± 0.05 μM. Mechanistic studies revealed that NQ4 and NQ6 induced apoptosis of CiSK3 cells via mitophagy pathway regulation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion. Further, the differential induction of mitophagy decreased in the order of NQ6 > NQ4, which can be attributed to the major impact of the QD3 ligand with a large planar geometry and the Cl leaving group within the NQ6 complex. In summary, these results confirmed that the newly synthesized H-ONQ copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination metal compounds NQ1-NQ13 exhibit potential as anticancer drugs for cisplatin-resistant ovarian CiSK3 cancer treatment.

Ligand-Copper(I) Primary O2-Adducts: Design, Characterization, and Biological Significance of Cupric-Superoxides

In this Account, we overview and highlight synthetic bioinorganic chemistry focused on initial adducts formed from the reaction of reduced ligand-copper(I) coordination complexes with molecular oxygen, reactions that produce ligand-CuII(O2•-) complexes (O2•- ≡ superoxide anion). We provide mostly a historical perspective, starting in the Karlin research group in the 1980s, emphasizing the ligand design and ligand effects, structure, and spectroscopy of these O2 adducts and subsequent further reactivity with substrates, including the interaction with a second ligand-CuI complex to form binuclear species. The Account emphasizes the approach, evolution, and results obtained in the Karlin group, a synthetic bioinorganic research program inspired by the state of knowledge and insights obtained on enzymes possessing copper ion active sites which process molecular oxygen. These constitute an important biochemistry for all levels/types of organisms, bacteria, fungi, insects, and mammals, including humans.Copper is earth abundant, and its redox properties in complexes allow for facile CuII/CuI interconversions. Simple salts or coordination complexes have been well known to serve as oxidants for the stoichiometric or catalytic oxidation or oxygenation (i.e., O-atom insertion) of organic substrates. Thus, copper dioxygen- or peroxide-centered synthetic bioinorganic studies provide strong relevance and potential application to synthesis or even the development of cathodic catalysts for dioxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide or water, as in fuel cells. The Karlin group's focus however was primarily oriented toward bioinorganic chemistry with the goal to provide fundamental insights into the nature of copper-dioxygen adducts and further reduced and/or protonated derivatives, species likely occurring in enzyme turnover or related in one or more aspects of formation, structure, spectroscopic properties, and scope of reactivity toward organic/biochemical substrates.Prior to this time, the 1980s, O2 adducts of redox-active first-row transition-metal ions focused on iron, such as the porphyrinate-Fe centers occurring in the oxygen carrier proteins myoglobin and hemoglobin and that determined to occur in cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase turnover. Deoxy (i.e., reduced Fe(II)) heme proteins react with O2, giving FeIII-superoxo complexes (preferably referred to by traditional biochemists as ferrous-oxy species). And, it was in the 1970s that great strides were made by synthetic chemists in generating hemes capable of forming O2 adducts, their physiochemical characterization providing critical insights to enzyme (bio)chemistry and providing ideas and important goals leading to countless person years of future research.

Structural Speciation of Ti(IV)-(α-Hydroxycarboxylic Acid) Complexes in Metabolism-Related (Patho)Physiology-In Vitro Approaches to (Pre)Adipocyte Differentiation and Mineralization

The prospect of developing soluble and bioavailable Ti(IV) complex forms with physiological substrates, capable of influencing (patho)physiological aberrations, emerges as a challenge in the case of metabolism-related pathologies (e.g., diabetes mellitus 1 and 2). To that end, pH-specific synthetic efforts on binary Ti(IV)-(α-hydroxycarboxylic acid) systems, involving natural physiological chelator ligands (α-hydroxy isobutyric acid, D-quinic acid, 2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid) in aqueous media, led to the successful isolation of binary crystalline Ti(IV)-containing products. The new materials were physicochemically characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TGA, and X-ray crystallography, revealing in all cases the presence of mononuclear Ti(IV) complexes bearing a TiO₆ core, with three bound ligands of variable deprotonation state. Solution studies through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) revealed the nature of species arising upon dissolution of the title compounds in water, thereby formulating a solid-state-solution correlation profile necessary for further employment in biological experiments. The ensuing cytotoxicity profile (pre-adipocytes and osteoblasts) of the new materials supported their use in cell differentiation experiments, thereby unraveling their structure-specific favorable effect toward adipogenesis and mineralization through an arsenal of in vitro biological assays. Collectively, well-defined atoxic binary Ti(IV)-hydroxycaboxylato complexes, bearing bound physiological substrates, emerge as competent inducers of cell differentiation, intimately associated with cell maturation, thereby (a) associating the adipogenic (insulin mimetic properties) and osteogenic potential (mineralization) of titanium and (b) justifying further investigation into the development of a new class of multipotent titanodrugs.

Dinuclear doubly bridged phenoxido copper(II) complexes as efficient anticancer agents

Two cationic [Cu₂(L^1-2)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1, 2), and four neutral doubly bridged-phenoxido-copper(II) complexes [Cu₂(L^3-4)₂] (3, 4) and [Cu₂(L^5-6)₂(H₂O)]‧2H₂O (5, 6) as well as 1D polymeric catena-[Cu(L⁷)] (7), where HL^1-2 and H₂L^3-7 represent tripodal tetradentate pyridyl or aliphatic-amino groups based 2,4-disubstituted phenolates, were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by various spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray analysis. The molecular structures of the complexes exhibited diverse geometrical environments around the central Cu(II) atoms. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the isolated complexes and selected parent free ligands were screened against some human cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780R, PC-3, 22Rv1, MCF-7). The most promising cytotoxicity against cancer cells were obtained for 1-6, while complex 6 was found as the best performing as compared to the reference drug cisplatin. The cytotoxicity study of complex 6 was therefore extended to wider variety of cancer cell lines (HOS, A549, PANC-1, CaCo2, HeLa) and results revealed its significant cytotoxicity on all investigated human cancer cells. The cell uptake study showed that cytotoxicity of 6 (3 μM concentration and 24 h of incubation) against A2780 cells was almost independent from the intracellular levels of copper. The effect of complexes 4, 6 and 7 on cell cycle of A2780 cells indicates that the mechanism of action in these complexes is not only different from that of cisplatin but also different among them. Complex 7 was able to induce apoptosis in A2780 cells, while complexes 4 and 6 did not and on the other hand, they showed considerable effect on autophagy induction and there are some clues that these complexes were able to induce cuproptosis in A2780 cells.

Copper-Curcumin-Bipyridine Dicarboxylate Complexes as Anticancer Candidates

In this study, copper complexes with Curcumin (Cur) and 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid (BPYD) were synthesized and their cytotoxicity on the MDA-MB-231 cell lines was evaluated. The resulting complex was characterized using FTIR, UV/VIS, CHNS, TGA, ICP-MS, and Mass spectroscopy techniques. The in-vitro cytotoxicity was studied on the MDA-MB-231 as a cancerous cell line and the HUVEC as a normal cell line. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) test in the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. The in-vitro assays revealed that all synthesized copper complexes exhibited a higher cytotoxicity effect than carboplatin as a positive control on the MDA-MB-231 cells. While the synthesized complexes exhibited cytotoxic effects on cancerous cell lines, they are practically safe on normal cells. The Cu-Cur-BPYD complexes (a5 & b5) exhibited higher cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells with IC₅₀ s around 4.9 and 2.3 mM, respectively. It can be concluded that the synthesized Cu-Cur-BPYD complexes (a5 & b5) could be considered effective anticancer candidates in complementary studies.

Tetramethyl-phenanthroline copper complexes in the development of drugs to treat cancer: synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies of a series of copper(II)-L-dipeptide-3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-phenanthroline complexes

New compounds to fight cancer are needed due to cancer high incidence and lack of curative treatments for several classes of this disease. Metal-based coordination compounds offer a variety of molecules that can turn into drugs. Among them, coordination copper complexes are emerging as an attractive class of compounds for cancer treatment. A series of [Cu(L-dipeptide)(tmp)] (tmp = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) complexes were synthesized and characterized in the solid state, including the determination of the crystalline structure of [Cu(Gly-Gly)(tmp)]·3.5 H₂O and [Cu₂Cl₄(tmp)₂]. The complexes were studied in solution, where the major species are also ternary ones. The lipophilicity of the complexes was determined and the binding to the DNA was evaluated, suggesting that it occurs in the DNA's major groove. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated on different cancer cell lines: human metastatic breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 (triple negative, ATCC: HTB-26), MCF-7 (ATCC: HTB-22), SK-BR-3 (ATCC: HTB-30), human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 (ATCC: CCL-185), cisplatin resistant-human ovarian carcinoma A2780cis (SIGMA) and nontumoral cell lines: MRC-5 (lung; ATCC: CCL-171) and MCF-10A (breast, ATCC: CRL-10317). [Cu(L-dipeptide)(tmp)] complexes are highly cytotoxic as compared to [Cu(L-dipeptide)(phenanthroline)] and cisplatin. Therefore, [Cu(L-dipeptide)(tmp)] complexes are promising candidates to have their in vivo activity further studied toward new treatments for triple negative breast cancer and other aggressive tumors for which there is no curative pharmacological treatment to the date.

Mapping the DNA Damaging Effects of Polypyridyl Copper Complexes with DNA Electrochemical Biosensors

Several classes of copper complexes are known to induce oxidative DNA damage that mediates cell death. These compounds are potentially useful anticancer agents and detailed investigation can reveal the mode of DNA interaction, binding strength, and type of oxidative lesion formed. We recently reported the development of a DNA electrochemical biosensor employed to quantify the DNA cleavage activity of the well-studied [Cu(phen)₂]²⁺ chemical nuclease. However, to validate the broader compatibility of this sensor for use with more diverse—and biologically compatible—copper complexes, and to probe its use from a drug discovery perspective, analysis involving new compound libraries is required. Here, we report on the DNA binding and quantitative cleavage activity of the [Cu(TPMA)(N,N)]²⁺ class (where TPMA = tris-2-pyridylmethylamine) using a DNA electrochemical biosensor. TPMA is a tripodal copper caging ligand, while N,N represents a bidentate planar phenanthrene ligand capable of enhancing DNA interactions through intercalation. All complexes exhibited electroactivity and interact with DNA through partial (or semi-) intercalation but predominantly through electrostatic attraction. Although TPMA provides excellent solution stability, the bulky ligand enforces a non-planar geometry on the complex, which sterically impedes full interaction. [Cu(TPMA)(phen)]²⁺ and [Cu(TPMA)(DPQ)]²⁺ cleaved 39% and 48% of the DNA strands from the biosensor surface, respectively, while complexes [Cu(TPMA)(bipy)]²⁺ and [Cu(TPMA)(PD)]²⁺ exhibit comparatively moderate nuclease efficacy (ca. 26%). Comparing the nuclease activities of [Cu(TPMA)(phen)] ²⁺ and [Cu(phen)₂]²⁺ (ca. 23%) confirms the presence of TPMA significantly enhances chemical nuclease activity. Therefore, the use of this DNA electrochemical biosensor is compatible with copper(II) polypyridyl complexes and reveals TPMA complexes as a promising class of DNA damaging agent with tuneable activity due to coordinated ancillary phenanthrene ligands.

Identification of potent anticancer copper(ii) complexes containing tripodal bis[2-ethyl-di(3,5-dialkyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)]amine moiety

A series of heteroleptic copper(ii) complexes of the composition [Cu(L^1-5)Cl]X, where X = ClO₄ and/or PF₆ and [bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl))-(6-methyl-(2-pyridylmethyl))]amine (L¹), [bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl))-(3,4-dimethoxy-(2-pyridylmethyl))]amine (L²), [bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-(2-quinolymethyl)]amine (L³), [bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolyl)-(di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-methyl))]amine (L⁴) and [bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-methyl)]amine (L⁵), were prepared and thoroughly characterized including single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The in vitro cytotoxicity of complexes against A2780, A2780R, HOS and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines was evaluated using the MTT test. The results revealed that complexes [Cu(L¹)Cl]PF₆ (1-PF₆), [Cu(L²)Cl]ClO₄ (2-ClO₄) and [Cu(L³)Cl]PF₆ (3-PF₆) are the most effective, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.4 to 6.3 μM, thus exceeding the cytotoxic potential of metallodrug cisplatin (IC₅₀ values ranging from 29.9 to 82.0 μM). The complexes [Cu(L⁴)Cl]PF₆ (4-PF₆) and [Cu(L⁵)Cl]PF₆ (5-PF₆) showed only moderate cytotoxicity against A2780, with IC₅₀ = 53.6 μM, and 33.8 μM, respectively. The cell cycle profile, time-resolved cellular uptake, interactions with small sulfur-containing biomolecules (cysteine and glutathione), intracellular ROS production, induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases 3/7 were also evaluated in the case of the selected complexes. It has been found that the best performing complexes 1 and 2 cause cell arrest in the G2/M phase and induce apoptosis via the increase in production of ROS, dominantly due to the overproduction of superoxide.

The radioenhancement potential of Schiff base derived copper (II) compounds against lung carcinoma in vitro

For the last years, copper complexes have been intensively implicated in biomedical research as components of cancer treatment. Herewith, we provide highlights of the synthesis, physical measurements, structural characterization of the newly developed Cu(II) chelates of Schiff Bases, Cu(Picolinyl-L-Tryptopahanate)2, Cu(Picolinyl-L-Tyrosinate)2, Cu(Isonicotinyl-L-Tyrosinate)2, Cu(Picolinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2, Cu(Nicotinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2, Cu(Isonicotinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2, and their radioenhancement capacity at kV and MV ranges of irradiation of human lung carcinoma epithelial cells in vitro. The methods of cell growth, viability and proliferation were used. All compounds exerted very potent radioenhancer capacities in the irradiated lung carcinoma cells at both kV and MV ranges in a 100 μM concentration. At a concentration of 10 μM, only Cu(Picolinyl-L-Tyrosinate)2, Cu(Isonicotinyl-L-Tyrosinate)2, Cu(Picolinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2 possessed radioenhancer properties at kV and MV ranges. Cu(Picolinyl-L-Tryptophanate)2 showed radioenhancer properties only at kV range. Cu(Nicotinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2 and Cu(Isonicotinyl-L-Phenylalaninate)2 showed remarkable radioenhancer activity only at MV range. All compounds acted in dose-dependent manner at both tested energy ranges. These copper (II) compounds, in combination with 1 Gy irradiation at either 120 kV or 6 MV, are more efficient at delaying cell growth of lung cancer cells and at reducing cell viability in vitro than the irradiation administered alone. Thus, we have demonstrated that the studied copper compounds have a good potential for radioenhancement.

Copper(II) Complexes with Tetradentate Piperazine-Based Ligands: DNA Cleavage and Cytotoxicity

Five-coordinate Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(Ln)X]ClO4/PF6, where Ln = piperazine ligands bearing two pyridyl arms and X = ClO4− for Ln = L1 (1-ClO4), L2 (2-ClO4), L3 (3-ClO4), and L6 (6-ClO4) as well as [Cu(Ln)Cl]PF6 for Ln = L1 (1-Cl), L4 (4-Cl), and L5 (5-Cl) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of the last two complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. In aqueous acetonitrile solutions, molar conductivity measurements and UV-VIS spectrophotometric titrations of the complexes revealed the hydrolysis of the complexes to [Cu(Ln)(H2O)]2+ species. The biological activity of the Cu(II) complexes with respect to DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity was investigated. At micromolar concentration within 2 h and pH 7.4, DNA cleavage rate decreased in the order: 1-Cl ≈ 1-ClO4 > 3-ClO4 ≥ 2-ClO4 with cleavage enhancements of up to 23 million. Complexes 4-Cl, 5-Cl, and 6-ClO4 were inactive. In order to elucidate the cleavage mechanism, the cleavage of bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenching studies were conducted. The mechanistic pathway of DNA cleavage depends on the ligand’s skeleton: while an oxidative pathway was preferable for 1-Cl/1-ClO4, DNA cleavage by 2-ClO4 and 3-ClO4 predominantly proceeds via a hydrolytic mechanism. Complexes 1-ClO4, 3-ClO4, and 5-Cl were found to be cytotoxic against A2780 cells (IC50 30–40 µM). In fibroblasts, the IC50 value was much higher for 3-ClO4 with no toxic effect.

Biologically relevant unusual cooperative assemblies and fascinating infinite crown-like supramolecular nitrate–water hosts involving guest complex cations in bipyridine and phenanthroline-based Cu(ii) coordination compounds: antiproliferative evaluation and theoretical studies

Cytotoxicity in cancer cells with structure activity relationship has been explored in Cu(ii) compounds involving biologically relevant cooperative assemblies and fascinating crown-like nitrate–water hosts with guest complex cations.

Zinc Complexes with Nitrogen Donor Ligands as Anticancer Agents

The search for anticancer metal-based drugs alternative to platinum derivatives could not exclude zinc derivatives due to the importance of this metal for the correct functioning of the human body. Zinc, the second most abundant trace element in the human body, is one of the most important micro-elements essential for human physiology. Its ubiquity in thousands of proteins and enzymes is related to its chemical features, in particular its lack of redox activity and its ability to support different coordination geometries and to promote fast ligands exchange. Analogously to other trace elements, the impairment of its homeostasis can lead to various diseases and in some cases can be also related to cancer development. However, in addition to its physiological role, zinc can have beneficial therapeutic and preventive effects on infectious diseases and, compared to other metal-based drugs, Zn(II) complexes generally exert lower toxicity and offer few side effects. Zinc derivatives have been proposed as antitumor agents and, among the great number of zinc coordination complexes which have been described so far, this review focuses on the design, synthesis and biological studies of zinc complexes comprising N-donor ligands and that have been reported within the last five years.

Stronger Cytotoxicity for Cancer Cells Than for Fast Proliferating Human Stem Cells by Rationally Designed Dinuclear Complexes

Cytostatic metallo-drugs mostly bind to the nucleobases of DNA. A new family of dinuclear transition metal complexes was rationally designed to selectively target the phosphate diesters of the DNA backbone by covalent bonding. The synthesis and characterization of the first dinuclear Ni^II₂ complex of this family are presented, and its DNA binding and interference with DNA synthesis in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are investigated and compared to those of the analogous Cu^II₂ complex. The Ni^II₂ complex also binds to DNA but forms fewer intermolecular DNA cross-links, while it interferes with DNA synthesis in PCR at lower concentrations than Cu^II₂. To simulate possible competing phosphate-based ligands in vivo, these effects have been studied for both complexes with 100-200-fold excesses of phosphate and ATP, which provided no disturbance. The cytotoxicity of both complexes has been studied for human cancer cells and human stem cells with similar rates of proliferation. Cu^II₂ shows the lowest IC₅₀ values and a remarkable preference for killing the cancer cells. Three different assays show that the Cu^II₂ complex induces apoptosis in cancer cells. These results are discussed to gain insight into the mechanisms of action and demonstrate the potential of this family of dinuclear complexes as anticancer drugs acting by a new binding target.

Copper (II) Metallodendrimers Combined with Pro-Apoptotic siRNAs as a Promising Strategy Against Breast Cancer Cells

Cancer treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) is one of the most promising new strategies; however, transfection systems that increase its bioavailability and ensure its delivery to the target cell are necessary. Transfection systems may be just vehicular or could contain fragments with anticancer activity that achieves a synergistic effect with siRNA. Cationic carbosilane dendrimers have proved to be powerful tools as non-viral vectors for siRNA in cancer treatment, and their activity might be potentiated by the inclusion of metallic complexes in its dendritic structure. We have herein explored the interaction between Schiff-base carbosilane copper (II) metallodendrimers, and pro-apoptotic siRNAs. The nanocomplexes formed by metallodendrimers and different siRNA have been examined for their zeta potential and size, and by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence polarisation, circular dichroism, and electrophoresis. The internalisation of dendriplexes has been estimated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), following the ability of these metallodendrimers to deliver the siRNA into the cell. Finally, in vitro cell viability experiments have indicated effective interactions between Cu (II) dendrimers and pro-apoptotic siRNAs: Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells. Combination of the first-generation derivatives with chloride counterions and with siRNA increases the anticancer activity of the dendriplex constructs and makes them a promising non-viral vector.

Five-Coordinated Geometries from Molecular Structures to Solutions in Copper(II) Complexes Generated from Polydentate-N-Donor Ligands and Pseudohalides

A novel series of mononuclear five-coordinated pseudohalido-Cu(II) complexes displaying distorted square bipyramidal: [Cu(L¹)(NCS)₂] (1), [Cu(L²)(NCS)₂] (2) and [Cu(L³)(NCS)]ClO₄ (5) as well as distorted trigonal bipyramidal: [Cu(isp₃tren)(N₃)]ClO₄ (3), [Cu(isp₃tren)(dca)]ClO₄ (4) and [Cu(tedmpza)(dca)]ClO₄·0.67H₂O (6) geometries had been synthesized and structurally characterized using X-ray single crystal crystallography, elemental microanalysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and molar conductivity measurements. Different N-donor amine skeletons including tridentate: L¹ = [(2-pyridyl)-2-ethyl)-(3,4-dimethoxy)-2-methylpyridyl]methylamine and L² = [(2-pyridyl)-2-ethyl)-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy)-2-methyl-pyridyl]methylamine, and tetradentate: L³ = bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-pyridylmethyl)]amine, tedmpza = tris[(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]amine and isp₃tren = tris[(2-isopropylamino)ethyl)]amine ligands were employed. Molecular structural parameters such as nature of coligand, its chelate ring size and steric environment incorporated into its skeleton, which lead to adopting one of the two limiting geometries in these complexes and other reported compounds are analyzed and correlated to their assigned geometries in solutions. Similar analysis were extended to other five-coordinated halido-Cu(II) complexes.

Antiviral effect of copper chloride on feline calicivirus and synergy with ribavirin in vitro

Background

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common and highly prevalent pathogen causing upper respiratory diseases in kittens and felines in recent years. Due to the substantial genetic variability of the viral genes, existing vaccines cannot provide complete protection. Therefore, research on FCV antiviral drugs has received much attention.

Results

In this study, we found that copper chloride had dose-dependent antiviral effects on FCV in F81 cells. We also found that the combination of copper chloride and ribavirin had a synergistic protective effect against FCV in F81 cells. In contrast, the combination of copper chloride and horse anti-FCV immunoglobulin F (ab’)₂ showed an antagonistic effect, likely because copper chloride has an effect on F (ab’)₂ immunoglobulin; however, further research is needed to clarify this supposition.

Conclusions

In summary, we found that copper chloride had low cytotoxicity and significant antiviral effects on FCV in F81 cells, providing a new drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of FCV infection.

Development of four ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as antitumor agents: Design, biological evaluation and mechanism investigation

Ruthenium complexes are expected to be new opportunities for the development of antitumor agents. Herein, four ruthenium polypyridyl complexes ([Ru(bpy)₂(CAPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (Ru(II)-1, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; CAPIP = (E)-2-(2-(furan-2-yl)vinyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), [Ru(phen)₂(CA-PIP)](ClO₄)₂ (Ru(II)-2, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), [Ru(dmb)₂(CAPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (Ru(II)-3, dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), [Ru(dmb)₂(ETPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (Ru(II)-4, ETPIP = 2-(4-(thiophen-2-ylethynyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phen-anthroline)) have been investigated as mitochondria-targeted antitumor metallodrugs. DNA binding studies indicated that target Ru(II) complexes interacts with CT DNA (calf thymus DNA) by an intercalative mode. Cytotoxicity assay results demonstrate that Ru(II) complexes show high cytotoxicity against A549 cells with low IC₅₀ value of 23.6 ± 2.3, 20.1 ± 1.9, 22.7 ± 1.8 and 18.4 ± 2.3 μM, respectively. Flow cytometry and morphological analysis revealed that these Ru(II) complexes can induce apoptosis in A549 cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were also investigated by ImageXpress Micro XLS system. The experimental results indicate that the reactive oxygen species in A549 cells increased significantly and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased obviously. In addition, colocalization studies shown these complexes could get to the cytoplasm through the cell membrane and accumulate in the mitochondria. Furthermore, Ru(II) complexes can effectively induces cell cycle arrest at the S phase in A549 cells. Finally, cell invasion assay and quantitative studies were also performed to investigate the mechanism of this process. All in together, this study suggested that these Ru(II) complexes could induce apoptosis in A549 cells through cell cycle arrest and ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

Isoxazole-Derived Aroylhydrazones and Their Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes Show Antiproliferative Activity on Breast Cancer Cells with a Potentially Alternative Mechanism Of Action

This paper reports the design, synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of two new isoxazole-derived aroylhydrazone ligands and their dinuclear copper(II) complexes. Compounds were fully characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The molecular structures of four derivatives were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The stability of the ligands and the complexes in aqueous medium was monitored spectroscopically. Both the ligands and the complexes were shown to interact with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). Additionally, structures containing a phenol pendant arm were significantly more cytotoxic than those carrying a pendant pyridine substituent, reaching sub-micromolar IC₅₀ values on the triple-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The metal chelation and transchelation ability of the compounds towards Fe^II , Fe^III and Zn^II ions was explored as a possible mechanism of action of these compounds.

Synthesis, X-ray structure, antiproliferative activity, interaction with HSA and docking studies of three novel mono and binuclear copper complexes containing the maltol ligand

The present study aims at synthesizing three new copper(ii) complexes of maltol in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline-, 2,2′-bipyridine- and 4,4-dibromo-2,2′-bipyridine ligands.

Charge-assisted hydrogen bond and nitrile⋯nitrile interaction directed supramolecular associations in Cu(ii) and Mn(ii) coordination complexes: anticancer, hematotoxicity and theoretical studies

Charge-assisted H-bonds and nitrile⋯nitrile interactions directed assemblies in Cu(ii) and Mn(ii) complexes have been analyzed by MEP surface and NCI plot index. Anticancer activities and hematotoxictiy have been investigated.

Copper(ii) complexes with alloferon analogues containing phenylalanine H6F and H12F stability and biological activity lower stabilization of complexes compared to analogues containing tryptophan

Copper(ii) complex formation processes between alloferon 1 (Allo1) (H1 GVSGH6 GQH9 GVH12G) analogues where the phenylalanine residue is introduced in the place of His residue H6F and H12F have been studied by potentiometric, UV-visible, CD and EPR spectroscopic, and MS methods. For the phenylalanine analogues of alloferon 1, complex speciation has been obtained for a 1 : 1, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 metal-to-ligand molar ratio. At physiological pH and in 1 : 1 metal-to-ligand molar ratio the phenylalanine analogues of alloferon 1 form a CuL complex similar to that of alanine analogues with the 4N{NH2,N1Im,2NIm} coordination mode. The stability of the complexes of the phenylalanine analogues is higher in comparison to those of alanine analogues, but lower in comparison to those containing tryptophan. Injection of Allo12F into insects induced prominent apoptotic changes in all hemocytes. The presence of apoptotic bodies only in the insect hemolymph testifies to the fact that Allo12F is an extremely pro-apoptotic peptide.

Green synthesis and characterization of novel 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives with eco-friendly red brick clay as efficacious catalyst

Use of cheaper and recyclable materials contributes positively to economic growth with environmental sustainability. We report the prospect of utilizing red brick clay as catalyst, which exhibited excellent activity in rapid one-pot four-component condensation of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles with high conversion and yields (91-96%) in aqueous medium at 60 °C in short reaction times (25-40 min). The red brick clay material was fully characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX and BET analyses. Red brick clay consisted of oxides of Si (20.38%), Fe (19.55%), Al (14.30%) and minor amounts of Ca (3.60%) and Mg (1.68%). The slate-like-shaped structure morphology and flaky appearance of inexpensive solid clay material proved competent material for the synthesis of 15 novel 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives. In addition, the advantages of the eco-friendly method are non-toxicity and re-usability of the catalyst. Reaction offers 78% atom economy and 84% carbon capture.

Coordination of a triazine ligand with CuII and AgI investigated by spectral, structural, theoretical and docking studies

Two complexes of 5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine (PPTA), namely (ethanol-κO)bis(nitrato-κO)[5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1,2,4-triazine-κN²]copper(II), [Cu(NO₃)₂(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)(C₂H₆O)] or [Cu(NO₃)₂(PPTA)(EtOH)] (1), and bis[μ-5-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine]-κ³N¹:N²,N³;κ³N²,N³:N¹-bis[(nitrato-κO)silver(I)], [Ag₂(NO₃)₂(C₁₄H₁₀N₄)₂] or [Ag₂(NO₃)₂(μ-PPTA)₂] (2), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray structure analysis of 1 revealed a copper complex with square-pyramdial geometry containing two O-donor nitrate ligands along with an N,N'-donor PPTA ligand and one O-donor ethanol ligand. In the binuclear structure of 2, formed by the bridging of two PPTA ligands, each Ag atom has an AgN₃O environment and square-planar geometry. In addition to the four dative interactions, each Ag atom interacts with two O atoms of two nitrate ligands on adjacent complexes to complete a pseudo-octahedral geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the geometry around the Cu and Ag atoms in 1^opt and 2^opt (opt is optimized) for an isolated molecule is the same as the experimental results. In 1, O-H...O hydrogen bonds form R₁²(4) motifs. In the crystal network of the complexes, in addition to the hydrogen bonds, there are π-π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings (phenyl, pyridine and triazine) of the ligands on adjacent complexes. The ability of the ligand and complexes 1 and 2 to interact with ten selected biomacromolecules (BRAF kinase, CatB, DNA gyrase, HDAC7, rHA, RNR, TrxR, TS, Top II and B-DNA) was investigated by docking studies. The results show that the studied compounds can interact with proteins better than doxorubicin (except for TrxR and Top II).

A novel ligand transfer reaction: Transferring an N3-donor amine ligand from Ni(II) to Cu(II)—structural, spectral, theoretical, and docking studies

Two complexes of N1-(2-aminoethyl)propane-1,3-diamine (AEPD), [Ni(AEPD)2](NO3)2 (1) and [Cu2( μ-Cl)2(AEPD)2](NO3)2·2H2O (2), are prepared and identified by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 2). Spectral and structural data reveal that the AEPD ligand transfers from nickel to copper in the reaction between 1 and copper chloride. All coordination modes of the AEPD-based ligands are studied by analysis of the Cambridge Structural Database. The nickel atom in 1 has octahedral geometry (NiN6) while X-ray structure analysis revealed that the copper atom in the binuclear structure of 2 has an elongated square-pyramidal geometry with a CuN3OCl2 environment. In the crystal network of 2, water molecules and cationic complex units along with the nitrate ions form different hydrogen bond motifs. The thermodynamic stability of the compounds and their charge distribution patterns is studied by density functional theory and natural bond orbital analysis. The ability of AEPD and its complexes to interact with 10 selected biomacromolecules is investigated by docking calculations.

Reaction of 2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethanol with pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and complexation of the products with CuII and CdII along with docking studies

The reaction between 2-[2-(aminoethyl)amino]ethanol and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde in a 1:2 molar ratio affords a mixture containing 2-({2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amino]ethyl}amino)ethanol (PMAE) and 2-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)oxazolidin-3-yl]-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)ethanamine (POPME). Treatment of this mixture with copper(II) chloride or cadmium(II) chloride gave trichlorido[(2-hydroxyethyl)({2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amino]ethyl})azanium]copper(II) monohydrate, [Cu(C10H16N3O)Cl3]·H2O or [Cu(HPMAE)Cl3]·H2O, 1, and dichlorido{2-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)oxazolidin-3-yl]-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)ethanamine}cadmium(II), [CdCl2(C16H18N4O)] or [CdCl2(POPME)], 2, which were characterized by elemental analysis, FT–IR, Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. PMAE is potentially a tetradentate N3O-donor ligand but coordinates to copper here as an N2 donor. In the structure of 1, the geometry around the Cu atom is distorted square pyramidal. In 2, the Cd atom has a distorted octahedral geometry. In addition to the hydrogen bonds, there are π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings in the crystal packing of 1 and 2. The ability of PMAE, POPME and 1 to interact with ten selected biomolecules (BRAF kinase, CatB, DNA gyrase, HDAC7, rHA, RNR, TrxR, TS, Top II and B-DNA) was investigated by docking studies and compared with doxorubicin.

Solvent-driven structural topology involving energetically significant intra- and intermolecular chelate ring contacts and anticancer activities of Cu(ii) phenanthroline complexes involving benzoates: experimental and theoretical studies

Two new coordination solids [Cu2(μ2-Bz)4(CH3OH)2][Cu2(η2-Bz)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·(NO3)2 (1) and [Cu(phen)(H2O)(Bz)(η2-Bz)] (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; Bz = benzoate) have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, TGA, spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis-NIR and ESR) and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Change of the solvent from methanol to DMF results in changes in the architectures that are triggered by a change from square pyramidal to octahedral coordination at the divalent metal centers for complexes 1 and 2 respectively. The structural topology of the complexes is established by the interplay of strong O-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯O, C-H⋯C, π-π stacking interactions. Unconventional parallel intramolecular and anti-parallel intermolecular contacts involving the chelate rings (CR) also stabilize the structures. The energetic analyses of the structures evidence that the parallel arrangement is energetically favoured which is likely due to the presence of the Cu⋯Cu cuprophilic interaction in 1 that is not established in 2. Compound 1 exhibits the highest antibacterial activity against Rhizobium leguminosarum among the tested cultures. In vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies were carried out for compounds 1 and 2 on malignant Dalton's lymphoma cell line (DL). Both compounds showed a significant effect on the decrease in cell viability as compared to a control, while compound 2 induced remarkable cytotoxicity towards DL cells. Treatment also showed the appearance of membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and fragmented nuclei which are typical characteristic features of apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, a docking study revealed that both compounds docked in the active sites of all the cancer target proteins under study. Moreover, SAR analysis revealed that oxygen and nitrogen atoms of compound 1 and the oxygen atoms of compound 2 are crucial for biological activities.

Copper(ii) complexes based on tripodal pyridyl amine derivatives as efficient anticancer agents

The in vitro cytotoxicity of a series of chlorido-Cu(ii) complexes based on tripod pyridyl N4-donor derivatives revealed significant-to-moderate cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines with the best results obtained for [Cu(BQPA)Cl]ClO₄/PF₆ (5-ClO4/PF6) with IC₅₀ values of 4.7–10.8 μM.

Evaluation of dicopper azacryptand complexes in aqueous CuAAC reactions and their tolerance toward biological thiols

The catalytic activity of dicopper azacryptands was evaluated in water and in the presence of biological thiols.

Designing anticancer copper(II) complexes by optimizing 2-pyridine-thiosemicarbazone ligands

To develop potential next-generation metal anticancer agents, we designed and synthesised five Cu(II) 2-pyridine-thiosemicarbazone complexes by modifying the hydrogen atom at the N-4 position of ligands, and then investigated their structure-activity relationships and anticancer mechanisms. Modification of the N-4 position with different groups caused significant differences in cellular uptake and produced superior antitumor activity. Cu complexes arrested the cell cycle at S phase, leading to down-regulation of levels of cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases and up-regulation of expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Cu complexes exerted chemotherapeutic effects via activating p53 and inducing production of reactive oxygen species to regulate expression of the B-cell lymphoma-2 family of proteins, causing a change in the mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c to form a dimer with apoptosis protease activating factor-1, resulting in activation of caspase-9/3 to induce apoptosis. In addition, Cu complexes inhibited telomerase by down-regulating the c-myc regulator gene and expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Unimetallic and Heterobimetallic Complexes of Bivalent Copper

We present an inclusive characterization of the unimetallic and heterobimetallic complexes of copper synthesized using CuCl₂ and diamine (4-fluoro 1,2-phenylenediamine) resulting in monometallic complex which further undergoes treatment with organometallic dichlorides of group 4 and 14 in 1 : 2 molar ratio resulting in heterobimetallic complexes. These complexes thoroughly characterized using various physical, analytical, and spectroscopic techniques indicate square planar and distorted octahedral geometry for the synthesized unimetallic and heterobimetallic complexes, respectively. These complexes were evaluated for their antimicrobial efficacy against various bacterial and fungal strains while hepatoprotective activity was also examined in male albino rats.