Biomolecular Interactions of Cytotoxic Ruthenium Compounds with Thiosemicarbazone or Benzothiazole Schiff Base Chelates

Herein we illustrate the formation and characterization of new paramagnetic ruthenium compounds, trans-P-[RuCl(PPh₃ )₂ (pmt)]Cl (1) (Hpmt=1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide), trans-P-[RuCl(PPh₃ )₂ (tmc)]Cl (2) (Htmc=1-((thiophen-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide) and a diamagnetic ruthenium complex, cis-Cl, trans-P-[RuCl₂ (PPh₃ )₂ (btm)] (3) (btm=2-((5-hydroxypentylimino)methyl)benzothiazole). Agarose gel electrophoresis experiments of the metal compounds illustrated dose-dependent binding to gDNA by 1-3, while methylene blue competition assays suggested that 1 and 2 are also DNA intercalators. Assessment of the effects of the compounds on topoisomerase function indicated that 1-3 are capable of inhibiting topoisomerase I activity in terms of the ability to nick supercoiled plasmid DNA. The cytotoxic activities of the metal complexes were determined against a range of cancer cell lines versus a non-tumorigenic control cell line, and the complexes were, in general, more cytotoxic towards the cancer cells, displaying IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. Time-dependent stability studies showed that in the presence of strong nucleophilic species (such as DMSO), the chloride co-ligands of 1-3 are rapidly substituted by the former as proven by the suppression of the substitution reactions in the presence of an excess amount of chloride ions. The metal complexes are significantly stable in both DCM and an aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2 % DMSO.

Palladium-mediated C–O bond activation of benzopyrone in 4-oxo-4H-chromone-3-carbaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazone: synthesis, structure, nucleic acid/albumin interaction, DNA cleavage, antioxidant and cytotoxic studies

Palladium ion-mediated C–O activation at the C2 carbon of the benzopyrone moiety of 3-formylchromone-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazone (HL1–4) has been observed in square-planar palladium(ii) complexes.

Stabilization of a potential anticancer thiosemicarbazone derivative in Sudlow site I of human serum albumin: In vitro spectroscopy coupled with molecular dynamics simulation

Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is the most important protein in human blood plasma and can acts as a major transporting agent for various drug molecules with flexible binding interaction. To elucidate the interaction of a newly designed potential anticancer thiosemicarbazone based luminophore (E)-1-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4,4-dimethyl-thiosemicarbazide (DAHTS) with HSA under physiological condition, in vitro optical spectroscopic experiments viz UV-Vis absorption, steady state fluorescence, fluroscence anisotropy, time resolved fluorscence (TRF) and cicular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy have been scrutinised. The experimental findings have been corroborated with in silico molecular docking analysis and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. The spectroscopic results demonstrated that the conventionally anion-favouring Sudlow site I of HSA copiously adapt neutral DAHTS molecule with moderate binding affinity. The mean fluorescence lifetime of the sole tryptophan (Trp-214) present in the macromolecule experiences an appreciable diminution with an increase in concentration of the synthesized molecule. DAHTS localize itself close to Trp-214 within subdomain IIA (Sudlow site I) and surrounded by multiple hydrophobic amino acid residues (Val-235, Val-231, Ala-229, Phe-228, Val-325, Phe-326, Leu-327, Met-329, Phe-330, Leu-331, Tyr-332, Leu-346, Leu-347, Val-482, Leu-349, Ala-350, Ala-210, Trp-214, Ala- 213 and Val-216) in HSA. The distinct fluorescence lifetime, diverse pathways and changing rate of population indicates that the rotamerisation of Trp-214 residue is controlled by the guest molecule. Sudlow site I of HSA behaves flexibly and induces an allosteric modulation in the macromolecule resulting a minor deformation in the protein secondary structure as observed in CD (observed 11% change of α-helix content) as well as in MD simulation. The integrated multi-spectroscopic research described herein provides several important information about the binding interaction of a thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with HSA, which can be very significant for thiosemicarbazone based drug designing for academia as well as industry.

Organoruthenium(II) complexes attenuate stress in Caenorhabditis elegans through regulating antioxidant machinery

The 1:1 stoichiometric reactions of 3-methoxy salicylaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazones (H₂L^1-4) with [RuCpCl(PPh₃)₂] was carried out in methanol. The obtained complexes (1-4) were characterized by analytical, IR, absorption and ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies. The structures of ligand [H₂-3MSal-etsc] (H₂L³) and complex [RuCp(Msal-etsc) (PPh₃)] (3), were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The interaction of the ruthenium(II) complexes (1-4) with calfthymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration methods. Based on the observations, an intercalative binding mode of DNA has been proposed. The protein binding abilities of the new complexes were monitored by quenching the tryptophan and tyrosine residues of BSA, as model protein. From the studies, it was found that the new ruthenium metallacycles exhibited better affinity than their precursors. The free radical scavenging assay suggests that all complexes effectively scavenged the DPPH radicals as compared to that of standard control ascorbic acid and scavenging activities of complexes are in the order of 4 > 2 > 3 > 1. In addition, ruthenium(II) complexes (2-4) also exhibited an excellent in vivo antioxidant activity as it was able to increase the survival of worms exposed to lethal oxidative and thermal stresses possibly through reducing the intracellular ROS levels. It was interesting to note that complexes 2-4 failed to increase the lifespan of mev-1 mutant worms having shortened lifespan due to the over production of free radicals. This data confirmed that complexes 2-4 conferred stress resistance in C. elegans, but they also require an endogenous detoxification mechanism for doing so. The genetic and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that complexes 2-4 maintained the intracellular redox status and offered stress protection through transactivation of antioxidant defence machinery genes gst-4 and sod-3 which are directly regulated by SKN-1 and DAF-16 transcription factors, respectively. Altogether, our results suggested that complexes 2-4 might play a crucial role in stress modulation and they perhaps exert almost similar effects in higher models, which is an important issue to be validated in future.

Organoruthenium(II) Complexes Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Impedes the Age Associated Deterioration in Caenorhabditis elegans through JNK-1/DAF-16 Signalling

New ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesised and characterized by various spectro analytical techniques. The structure of the complexes 3 and 4 has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The complexes were subjected to study their anti-oxidant profile and were exhibited significantly greater in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity than vitamin C. We found that complexes 1–4 confered tolerance to oxidative stress and extend the mean lifespan of mev-1 mutant worms and wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. Further, mechanistic study and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that Ru(ƞ⁶-p-cymene) complexes maintained the intracellular redox status and offers stress resistance through activating JNK-1/DAF-16 signaling axis and possibly by other antioxidant response pathway. Notably, complex 3 and 4 ameliorates the polyQ (a Huntington’s disease associated protein) mediated proteotoxicity and related behavioural deficits in Huntington’s disease models of C. elegans. From these observations, we hope that new Ru(ƞ⁶-p-cymene) complexes could be further considered as a potential drug to retard aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

An investigation on 3-acetyl-7-methoxy-coumarin Schiff bases and their Ru(ii) metallates with potent antiproliferative activity and enhanced LDH and NO release

New cyclometallated ruthenium(ii) complexes of 3-acetyl-7-methoxycoumarin-4N-substituted thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral techniques.

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes with Knoevenagel Schiff base condensate as impending chemotherapeutic agents: Synthesis, characterization, biological screening and anti-proliferative assay

Two novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes [VOL1]SO₄(1) and [VOL2]SO₄(2) containing Knoevenagel condensate Schiff base ligand (L1/L2) have been synthesized and characterized by physical, spectral and analytical methods. These complexes are reported as ionic in nature on the basis of elemental composition and molar conductance, and possess square pyramidal geometry around the central metal ions. The binding interactions of (1) and (2) with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) were explored by absorption spectrophotometric titration, cyclic voltammetry data and viscosity measurements. The calculated intrinsic binding constant values (K_b) for (1) and (2) obtained from UV-Vis absorption studies are 0.4×10⁵ and 5.6×10⁵ (M^-1) respectively. These experimental results indicate that (1) and (2) are intercalative binders and avid binder to CT DNA with different affinities. These complexes exhibit significant oxidative cleavage of supercoiled plasmid (pUC18) DNA in the presence of activators. In particular, the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of oxovanadium(IV) complexes reveal that they are more active than free ligands. Besides, the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the titled complexes were examined on a bundle of human tumor cell lines such as MCF-7 and HeLa cancerous cell lines by the MTT method. Interestingly, complex (2) exhibits more potent cytotoxic activity than the other complex and standard drug (cisplatin). The mode of cell death was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining morphological studies.

Structurally different mono-, bi- and trinuclear Pd(ii) complexes and their DNA/protein interaction, DNA cleavage, and anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and cytotoxic studies

A series of new structurally different Pd(ii) complexes was obtained by the reactions between K₂[PdCl₄], 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazone [H₂L1–H₂L4] and bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane [dppe].

Substitutional impact on biological activity of new water soluble Ni(II) complexes: Preparation, spectral characterization, X-ray crystallography, DNA/protein binding, antibacterial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity

A series of new water soluble nickel(II) complexes containing triphenylphosphine and 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and characterized. Crystallographic investigations confirmed the structure of the complexes (1-4) having the general structure [Ni(4-Msal-Rtsc)(PPh₃)] (Where R=H (1); CH₃ (2); C₂H₅ (3); C₆H₅ (4)) which showed that thiosemicarbazone ligands coordinated to nickel(II) ion as ONS tridentate bibasic donor. DNA/BSA protein binding ability of the ligands and their new complexes were studied by taking calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) through absorption and emission titrations. Ethidium bromide (EB) displacement study showed the intercalative binding trend of the complexes to DNA. From the albumin binding studies, the mechanism of quenching was found as static and the alterations in the secondary structure of BSA by the compounds were confirmed with synchronous spectral studies. The binding affinity of the complexes to CT-DNA and BSA has the order of [Ni(4-Msal-etsc)(PPh₃)] (3) >[Ni(4-Msal-mtsc)(PPh₃)] (2) >[Ni(4-Msal-tsc)(PPh₃)] (1) >[Ni(4-Msal-ptsc)(PPh₃)] (4). In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested on human lung cancer cells (A549), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2). All the complexes exhibited significant activity against three cancer cells. Among them, complex 4 exhibited almost 2.5 fold activity than cisplatin in A549 and HepG2 cell lines. In HeLa cell line, the complexes exhibited significant activity which is less than cisplatin. While comparing the activity of the complexes in A549 and HepG2 cell lines it falls in the order 4>1>2>3>cisplatin. The results obtained from DNA, protein binding and cytotoxicity studies, it is concluded that the cytotoxicity of the complexes as determined by MTT assay were not unduly influenced by the complexes having different binding efficiency with DNA and protein. The complexes exhibited good spectrum of antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria such as E. faecalis (gram +ve), S. aureus (gram +ve), E. coli (gram -ve) and P. aeruginosa (gram -ve).

Solvent assisted formation of ruthenium(III) and ruthenium(II) hydrazone complexes in one-pot with potential in vitro cytotoxicity and enhanced LDH, NO and ROS release

A set each of new bivalent and trivalent ruthenium complexes, [Ru(III)(HL)Cl2(EPh3)2] and [Ru(II)(L)(CO)(EPh3)2] (E = P (complexes and ) or As (complexes and )) were synthesised from the reactions of [Ru(III)Cl3(EPh3)3] with 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde benzoic acid hydrazone (H2L) in methanol-chloroform and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral data and XRD study. A suitable mechanism to account for the formation of bivalent ruthenium carbonyl complexes from the corresponding trivalent precursors is provided by considering the role of added base in the reaction. Interaction of complexes with CT-DNA/bovine serum albumin was analysed with absorption and emission spectral titration studies. In vitro cytotoxic potential of the above ruthenium hydrazone complexes assayed against the A549 cell line revealed a significant growth inhibition. The test complexes added in IC50 concentration into the cell culture medium enhanced the release of lactate dehydrogenase, NO and reactive oxygen species in comparison with the control. Cell death induced by the complexes was studied using a propidium iodide staining assay and showed noticeable changes in the cell morphology which resembled apoptosis.

Synthesis, X-ray characterization, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of thiosemicarbazone complexes of Mn+ ions (n = 2, 3; M = Ni, Cd, Mn, Co and Cu)

Herein we report the synthesis, X-ray characterization, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of seven complexes of transition metal ions with pyridine-based thiosemicarbazone ligands.

Evaluation of DNA-binding, DNA cleavage, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of mononuclear ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of benzaldehyde 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazones

Two 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone ligands, (E)-2-(2-chlorobenzylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (HL(1)) and (E)-2-(2-nitrobenzylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (HL(2)), and its ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The Schiff bases act as bidentate, monobasic chelating ligands with S and N as the donor sites and are preferably found in the thiol form in all the complexes studied. The molecular structure of HL(1) and HL(2) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. DNA binding of the compounds was investigated by absorption spectroscopy which indicated that the compounds bind to DNA via intercalation. The oxidative cleavage of the complexes with CT-DNA inferred that the effects of cleavage are dose dependent. Antioxidant study of the ligands and complexes showed significant antioxidant activity against DPPH radical. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the ligands and complexes assayed against HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines showed higher cytotoxic activity with the lower IC50 values indicating their efficiency in killing the cancer cells even at low concentrations.

Mixed ligand palladium(II) complexes of 6-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde 4N-substituted thiosemicarbazones with triphenylphosphine co-ligand: synthesis, crystal structure and biological properties

A series of new 6-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde 4N-substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands (H2L1–H2L5) and their corresponding palladium(II) complexes [Pd(L1)(PPh3)] (1), [Pd(L2)(PPh3)] (2), [Pd(HL3)(PPh3)]Cl (3), [Pd(L4)(PPh3)] (4) and [Pd(L5)(PPh3)] (5), have been synthesized in order to evaluate the effect of terminal N-substitution in thiosemicarbazone moiety on coordination behaviour and biological activity. The new ligands and their corresponding complexes were characterized by analytical and various spectral techniques. The molecular structure of the complexes 2–5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies which revealed that the ligands H2L2, H2L4 and H2L5 are coordinated to palladium(II) as binegative tridentate (ONS2−) by forming six and five member rings whereas, the ligand H2L3 coordinated to Pd(II) as uninegative tridentate (ONS−). The interactions of the new complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been evaluated by absorption and ethidium bromide (EB) competitive studies which revealed that complexes 1–5 could interact with CT-DNA through intercalation. Further, the interactions of the complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were also investigated using UV-visible, fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic methods, which showed that the new complexes could bind strongly with BSA. Antioxidant studies showed that all the complexes have a strong antioxidant activity against 2-2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and 2,2′-azino-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) cation radical. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes against human lung cancer (A549) cell line was assayed which showed that 4 has higher cytotoxic activity than the rest of the complexes and cisplatin.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro pharmacological evaluation of new water soluble Ni(II) complexes of 4N-substituted thiosemicarbazones of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde

Four new Ni(II) complexes of general formula [Ni(H2-Qtsc-R)2](NO3)2 (H2-Qtsc-R = 4N-substituted thiosemicarbazones of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde, where R = H (1), Me (2), Et (3), or Ph (4)) have been synthesized and characterized. The geometry of the complexes was confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography for one of the complexes (3). The binding affinity of the complexes with DNA and protein have been studied which indicate that they could interact with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin protein. Investigations of antioxidative properties showed that all the complexes have strong radical scavenging properties. Cytotoxic studies showed that the complexes exhibited effective cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cells without affecting the normal cells much.

DNA binding, antioxidant, cytotoxicity (MTT, lactate dehydrogenase, NO), and cellular uptake studies of structurally different nickel(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes: synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and X-ray crystallography

Three new nickel(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes have been synthesized and characterized by analytical, spectral, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In complex 1, the ligand 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydethiosemicarbazone coordinated as a monobasic tridentate donor, whereas in complexes 2 and 3, the ligands salicylaldehyde-4(N)-ethylthiosemicarbazone and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde-4(N)-ethylthiosemicarbazone coordinated as a dibasic tridentate donor. The DNA binding ability of the complexes in calf thymus DNA was explored by absorption and emission titration experiments. The antioxidant property of the new complexes was evaluated to test their free-radical scavenging ability. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed for the new complexes in A549 and HepG2 cell lines. The new compounds overcome cisplatin resistance in the A549 cell line and they were also active in the HepG2 cell line. The cellular uptake study showed the accumulation of the complexes in tumor cells depended on the nature of the ligand attached to the nickel ion.

Role of substitution at terminal nitrogen of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazones on the coordination behavior and structure and biological properties of their palladium(II) complexes

A series of four new palladium(II) complexes of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazones with triphenylphosphine as coligand have been synthesized and characterized by the aid of various spectral techniques. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the unsubstituted thiosemicarbazone ligand acted as monobasic tridentate (ONS(-)) in the cationic [Pd(H-Qtsc-H)(PPh(3))]Cl complex, whereas the monosubstituted thiosemicarbazone ligands acted as monobasic bidentate (NS(-)) in their respective complexes, [PdCl(H-Qtsc-R)(PPh(3))] (R = Me (2), Et (3), Ph (4)). To ascertain the potentials of the above Pd(II) complexes toward biomolecular interactions, additional experiments involving interaction with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin were carried out. Moreover, all the palladium(II) complexes have been screened for their radical scavenging activity toward DPPH, O(2)(-), OH, and NO radicals. The efficiency of the complexes in arresting the growth of human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma cells (HEp-2), human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2), and human skin cancer cells (A431) has also been studied along with the cell viability test against the noncancerous NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell lines under in vitro conditions. All the in vitro pharmacological evaluation results clearly revealed the relationship between the structure and the activity of the new Pd(II) complexes.

Evaluation of DNA binding, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of mononuclear Co(III) complexes of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazones

Four new 2-oxo-1,2-dihydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbaldehyde N-substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands (H(2)-LR, where R = H, Me, Et or Ph) and their corresponding new cobalt(III) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of the complexes 2 and 3 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The interactions of the new complexes with DNA were investigated by absorption, emission and viscosity studies which indicated that the complexes bind to DNA via intercalation. Antioxidant studies of the new complexes showed that the significant antioxidant activity against DPPH radical. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of complexes 1-4 against A549 cell line was assayed which showed higher cytotoxic activity with lower IC(50) values indicating their efficiency in killing the cancer cells even at very low concentrations.

Influence of terminal substitution on structural, DNA, protein binding, anticancer and antibacterial activities of palladium(II) complexes containing 3-methoxy salicylaldehyde-4(N) substituted thiosemicarbazones

The variable chelating behavior of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazones was observed in equimolar reactions with [PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)]. The new complexes were characterized by various analytical, spectroscopic techniques (mass, (1)H-NMR, absorption, IR). All the new complexes were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic results showed that the ligands H(2)L(1) and H(2)L(4) are coordinated as binegative tridentate ONS donor ligands in the complexes 1 and 4 by forming six and five member rings. However, the ligands H(2)L(2) and H(2)L(3) bound to palladium in 2 and 3 as uninegative bidentate NS donors by forming a five member chelate ring. From this study, it was found that the substitution on terminal 4(N)-nitrogen may have an influence on the chelating ability of thiosemicarbazone. The presence of hydrogen bonding in 2 and 3 might be responsible for preventing the coordination of phenolic oxygen to the metal ion. The interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration methods. Based on the observations, an electrostatic binding mode of DNA has been proposed. The protein binding studies were monitored by quenching of tryptophan and tyrosine residues in the presence of complexes using Lysozyme as model protein. Antibacterial activity studies of the complexes have been screened against pathogenic bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MIC50 values of the complexes showed that they exhibited significant activity against the pathogens and among them, 3 exhibited higher activity. Further, anticancer activity of the complexes on the lung cancer cell line A549 has also been studied.