Synthesis, structure and cytotoxicity of triphenylphosphinegold(I) sulfanylpropenoates

Gold(I/III)-Phosphine Complexes as Potent Antiproliferative Agents

The reaction of gold reagents [HAuCl₄•3H₂O], [AuCl(tht)], or cyclometalated gold(III) precursor, [C^NAuCl₂] with chiral ((R,R)-(-)-2,3-bis(t-butylmethylphosphino) quinoxaline) and non-chiral phosphine (1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppe) ligands lead to distorted Au(I), (1, 2, 4, 5) and novel cyclometalated Au(III) complexes (3, 6). These gold compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR, microanalysis, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The inherent electrochemical properties of the gold complexes were also studied by cyclic voltammetry and theoretical insight of the complexes was gained by density functional theory and TD-DFT calculations. The complexes effectively kill cancer cells with IC₅₀ in the range of ~0.10–2.53 μΜ across K562, H460, and OVCAR8 cell lines. In addition, the retinal pigment epithelial cell line, RPE-Neo was used as a healthy cell line for comparison. Differential cellular uptake in cancer cells was observed for the compounds by measuring the intracellular accumulation of gold using ICP-OES. Furthermore, the compounds trigger early – late stage apoptosis through potential disruption of redox homeostasis. Complexes 1 and 3 induce predominant G1 cell cycle arrest. Results presented in this report suggest that stable gold-phosphine complexes with variable oxidation states hold promise in anticancer drug discovery and need further development.

In Vitro Antitumor Active Gold(I) Triphenylphosphane Complexes Containing 7-Azaindoles

A series of gold(I) complexes of the general composition [Au(naza)(PPh₃)] (1–8) was prepared and thoroughly characterized (e.g., electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry and multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy). The N1-deprotonated anions of 7-azaindole or its derivatives (naza) are coordinated to the metal centre through the N1 atom of their pyrrole ring, as proved by a single crystal X-ray analysis of the complexes [Au(3I5Braza)(PPh₃)] (7) and [Au(2Me4Claza)(PPh₃)]·½H₂O (8′). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes 1–8 was studied against both the cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant variants of the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line, as well as against the MRC-5 human normal fibroblast cell line. The complexes 4, 5, and 8, containing deprotonated 3-iodo-7-azaindole, 5-bromo-7-azaindole, and 2-methyl-4-chloro-7-azaindole (2Me4Claza), respectively, showed significantly higher potency (IC₅₀ = 2.8–3.5 µM) than cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 20.3 µM) against the A2780 cells and markedly lower effect towards the MRC-5 non-cancerous cells (IC₅₀ = 26.0–29.2 µM), as compared with the mentioned A2780 cancer cells. The results of the flow cytometric studies of the A2780 cell cycle perturbations revealed a G₂-cell cycle phase arrest of the cells treated by the representative complexes 1 and 5, which is indicative of a different mechanism of action from cisplatin (induced S-cell cycle phase arrest). The stability of the representative complex 8 in the water-containing solution as well as its ability to interact with the reduced glutathione, cysteine and bovine serum albumin was also studied using ¹H and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy (studied in the 50% DMF-d₇/50% D₂O mixture) and ESI+ mass spectrometry (studied in the 50% DMF/50% H₂O mixture); DMF = dimethylformamide. The obtained results are indicative for the release of the N-donor azaindole-based ligand in the presence of the used biomolecules.

Heterometallic titanium-gold complexes inhibit renal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Following recent work on heterometallic titanocene-gold complexes as potential chemotherapeutics for renal cancer, we report here on the synthesis, characterization and stability studies of new titanocene complexes containing a methyl group and a carboxylate ligand (mba = S-C6H4-COO-) bound to gold(I)-phosphane fragments through a thiolate group ([(η-C5H5)2TiMe(μ-mba)Au(PR3)]. The compounds are more stable in physiological media than those previously reported and are highly cytotoxic against human cancer renal cell lines. We describe here preliminary mechanistic data involving studies on the interaction of selected compounds with plasmid (pBR322) DNA used as a model nucleic acid, and with selected protein kinases from a panel of 35 protein kinases having oncological interest. Preliminary mechanistic studies in Caki-1 renal cells indicate that the cytotoxic and anti-migration effects of the most active compound 5 ([(η-C5H5)2TiMe(μ-mba)Au(PPh3)] involve inhibition of thioredoxin reductase and loss of expression of protein kinases that drive cell migration (AKT, p90-RSK, and MAPKAPK3). The co-localization of both titanium and gold metals (1:1 ratio) in Caki-1 renal cells was demonstrated for 5 indicating the robustness of the heterometallic compound in vitro. Two compounds were selected for further in vivo studies on mice based on their selectivity in vitro against renal cancer cell lines when compared to non-tumorigenic human kidney cell lines (HEK-293T and RPTC) and the favourable preliminary toxicity profile in C57BL/6 mice. Evaluation of Caki-1 xenografts in NOD.CB17-Prkdc SCID/J mice showed an impressive tumor reduction (67%) after treatment for 28 days (3 mg/kg/every other day) with heterometallic compound 5 as compared with the previously described [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)-4-C6H4-P(Ph2)AuCI}2] 3 which was non-inhibitory. These findings indicate that structural modifications on the ligand scaffold affect the in vivo efficacy of this class of compounds.

Gold(I) complexes of 9-deazahypoxanthine as selective antitumor and anti-inflammatory agents

The gold(I) mixed-ligand complexes involving O-substituted derivatives of 9-deazahypoxanthine (HL_n) and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) with the general formula [Au(L_n)(PPh₃)] (1–5) were prepared and thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI+ mass spectrometry, single crystal X-ray (HL₅ and complex 2) and TG/DTA analyses. Complexes 1–5 were evaluated for their in vitro antitumor activity against nine human cancer lines, i.e. MCF7 (breast carcinoma), HOS (osteosarcoma), A549 (adenocarcinoma), G361 (melanoma), HeLa (cervical cancer), A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), A2780R (ovarian carcinoma resistant to cisplatin), 22Rv1 (prostate cancer) and THP-1 (monocytic leukaemia), for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using a model of LPS-activated macrophages, and for their in vivo antiedematous activity by λ-carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model on rats. The results showed that the complexes 1–5 exhibit selective in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF7, HOS, 22Rv1, A2780 and A2780R, with submicromolar IC₅₀ values for 2 against the MCF7 (0.6 µM) and HOS (0.9 µM). The results of in vitro cytotoxicity screening on primary culture of human hepatocytes (HEP220) revealed up to 30-times lower toxicity of compounds against healthy cells as compared with cancer cells. Additionally, the complexes 1–5 significantly influence the secretion and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β by a similar manner as a commercially used anti-arthritic drug Auranofin. The tested complexes also significantly influence the rate and overall volume of the edema, caused by the intraplantar application of λ-carrageenan polysaccharide to rats. Based on these promising results, the presented compounds could qualify to become feasible candidates for advanced testing as potential antitumor and anti-inflammatory drug-like compounds.

Gold(I)-triphenylphosphine complexes with hypoxanthine-derived ligands: in vitro evaluations of anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities

A series of gold(I) complexes involving triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) and one N-donor ligand derived from deprotonated mono- or disubstituted hypoxanthine (HL_n) of the general composition [Au(L_n)(PPh₃)] (1–9) is reported. The complexes were thoroughly characterized, including multinuclear high resolution NMR spectroscopy as well as single crystal X-ray analysis (for complexes 1 and 3). The complexes were screened for their invitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines MCF7 (breast carcinoma), HOS (osteosarcoma) and THP-1 (monocytic leukaemia), which identified the complexes 4–6 as the most promising representatives, who antiproliferative activity was further tested against A549 (lung adenocarcinoma), G-361 (melanoma), HeLa (cervical cancer), A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), A2780R (ovarian carcinoma resistant to cisplatin), 22Rv1 (prostate cancer) cell lines. Complexes 4–6 showed a significantly higher invitro anticancer effect against the employed cancer cells, except for G-361, as compared with the commercially used anticancer drug cisplatin, with IC₅₀ ≈ 1–30 µM. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated invitro by the assessment of the ability of the complexes to modulate secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in the lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage-like THP-1 cell model. The results of this study identified the complexes as auspicious anti-inflammatory agents with similar or better activity as compared with the clinically applied gold-based antiarthritic drug Auranofin. In an effort to explore the possible mechanisms responsible for the biological effect, the products of interactions of selected complexes with sulfur-containing biomolecules (L-cysteine and reduced glutathione) were studied by means of the mass-spectrometry study.

Phosphinogold(I) dithiocarbamate complexes: effect of the nature of phosphine ligand on anticancer properties

The reactions of potassium salts of the dithiocarbamates L {where L = pyrazolyldithiocarbamate (L1), 3,5-dimethylpyrazolyldithiocarbamate (L2), or indazolyldithiocarbamate (L3)} with the gold precursors [AuCl(PPh3)], [Au2Cl2(dppe)], [Au2Cl2(dppp)], or [Au2Cl2(dpph)] lead to the new gold(I) complexes [AuL(PPh3)] (1-3), [Au2L2(dppe)] (4-6), [(Au2L2)(dppp)] (7-9), and [Au2(L)2(dpph)] (10-12) {where dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, and dpph = 1,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)hexane}. These gold compounds were characterized by a combination of NMR and infrared spectroscopy, microanalysis, and mass spectrometry; and in selected cases by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compounds 4-6, which have dppe ligands, are unstable in solution for prolonged periods, with 4 readily transforming to the Au18 cluster [Au18S8(dppe)6]Cl2 (4a) in dichloromethane. Compounds 1-3 and 7-12 are all active against human cervical epithelioid carcinoma (HeLa) cells, but the most active compounds are 10 and 11, with IC50 values of 0.51 μM and 0.14 μM, respectively. Compounds 10 and 11 are more selective toward HeLa cells than they are toward normal cells, with selectivities of 25.0 and 70.5, respectively. Further tests, utilizing the 60-cell-line Developmental Therapeutics Program at the National Cancer Institute (U.S.A.), showed 10 and 11 to be active against nine other types of cancers.

Heteronuclear gold(I)-silver(I) sulfanylcarboxylates: Synthesis, structure and cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines

Heteronuclear complexes of the type [AgAu(PPh3)2(xspa)] [H2xspa=3-(aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoic acids; (x=3-phenyl-; 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-; 3-(o-methoxyphenyl)-; 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-; 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-; 3-(2-furyl)-; 3-(2-thienyl)-; spa=2-sulfanylpropenoate)] were prepared by reacting the appropriate [Au(PPh3)(Hxspa)] precursor with Ag(PPh3)NO3. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods, (IR; (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR) and mass spectrometry and the structures of the phenyl and p-methoxyphenyl derivatives were determined by X-ray diffraction. The in vitro antitumor activity against the HeLa-229, A2780 and A2780cis cell lines was determined and compared with that of cisplatin and the equivalent homonuclear gold(I) complexes.

Anti-inflammatory active gold(I) complexes involving 6-substituted-purine derivatives

The gold(I) complexes of the general formula [Au(L(n))(PPh(3))]·xH(2)O (1-8; n = 1-8 and x = 0-1.5), where L(n) stands for a deprotonated form of the benzyl-substituted derivatives of 6-benzylaminopurine, were prepared, thoroughly characterized (elemental analyses, FT-IR, Raman and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI+ mass spectrometry, conductivity, DFT calculations), and studied for their in vitro cytotoxicity and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-activated macrophages (derived from THP-1 cell line) and using the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model on rats. The obtained results indicate that the representative complexes (1, 3, 6) exhibit a strong ability to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 without influence on the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA in the LPS-activated macrophages. The complexes also significantly influence the formation of edema, caused by the intraplantar application of polysaccharide λ-carrageenan to rats in vivo. All the tested complexes showed similar or better biological effects as compared with Auranofin, but contrary to Auranofin they were found to be less cytotoxic in vitro. The obtained results clearly indicate that the gold(I) complexes behave as very effective anti-inflammatory agents and could prove to be useful for the treatment of difficult to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Water Soluble Phosphane-Gold(I) Complexes. Applications as Recyclable Catalysts in a Three-component Coupling Reaction and as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents

Water-soluble compounds of the type [AuCl(PR3)] with alkyl-bis-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na)2 and dialkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na) (R = nBu, Cp) phosphanes have been prepared. Dialkyl-phosphane compounds generate water-soluble nanoparticles of 10-15 nm radius when dissolved in water. These air-stable complexes have been evaluated as catalysts in the synthesis of propargylamines via a three-component coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines and alkynes in water. The antimicrobial activity of the new complexes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast has been evaluated. The new compounds display moderate to high antibacterial activity. The more lipophilic compounds are also potent against fungi. Their cytotoxic properties have been analyzed in vitro utilizing human Jurkat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Compounds with dialkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na) phosphanes displayed moderate to high cytotoxicity on this cell line. Death cell mechanism occurs mainly by early apoptosis. The catalytic/biological activity of the previously described compound with commercial m-trisulfonated-triphenylphosphine [AuCl(TPPTS)] (6) has been also evaluated to compare the effects of the higher basicity and lipophilicity of the alkyl- and di-alkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl) phosphanes on these new compounds.