Interaction of the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib with the organic cation transporter 2

Oxaliplatin (OHP) is effective in colorectal cancer treatment but induces peripheral neurotoxicity (OHP-induced peripheral neurotoxicity, OIPN), diminishing survivor quality of life. Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) is a key OHP uptake pathway in dorsal root ganglia. Competing for OCT2-mediated OHP uptake, such as with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib, may mitigate OHP side effects. We investigated OHP and dasatinib interaction with OCT2 in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells expressing OCT2 within a 10-3 to 10-7 M concentration range. Uptake competition experiments using fluorescent organic cation 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium (ASP+, 1 µM) and mass spectrometry (MS) to determine cellular platinum content indicated that OHP (100 µM) is an OCT2 substrate, mediating OHP cellular toxicity. ASP+ and MS analysis revealed dasatinib as a non-transported inhibitor of hOCT2 (IC50 = 5.9 µM) and as a regulator of OCT2 activity. Dasatinib reduced transporter Vmax, potentially via Y544 phosphorylation suppression. MS analysis showed cellular dasatinib accumulation independent of hOCT2. Although 3 µM dasatinib reduced 100 µM OHP accumulation in hOCT2-HEK293 cells, co-incubation with dasatinib and OHP did not prevent OHP toxicity, possibly due to dasatinib-induced cell viability reduction. In summary, this study demonstrates OHP as an OCT2 substrate and dasatinib as a non-transported inhibitor and regulator of OCT2, offering potential for OIPN mitigation.

Binding Motifs of Carboplatin and Oxaliplatin with Guanine: A Combined MS/MS, IRMPD, and Theoretical Study

Complexes generated in the gas phase involving the purine nucleobase guanine bound to second and third generation platinum drugs, namely, carboplatin (CarboPt) and oxaliplatin (OxaliPt), were investigated by combining tandem mass spectrometry, collision-induced dissociation (CID), infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy (IRMPD), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. As the first step, a spectroscopic characterization of the protonated platinum drugs was accomplished. Protonation of both CarboPt and OxaliPt in the gas phase occurs on one of the two carbonyl groups of the cyclobutanedicarboxylate and oxalate ligand, respectively. Such protonation has been postulated by several theoretical studies as a key preliminary step in the hydrolysis of Pt drugs under acidic conditions. Subsequently, the protonated drugs react with guanine in solution to generate a complex of general formula [Pt drug + H + guanine]+, which was then mass-selected. CID experiments provided evidence of the presence of strong binding between guanine and platinum-based drugs within the complexes. The structures of the two complexes have also been examined by comparing the experimental IRMPD spectra recorded in two spectral regions with DFT-computed IR spectra. For each system, the IRMPD spectra agree with the vibrational spectra calculated for the global minimum structures, which present a monodentate complexation of Pt at the N7 position of canonical guanine. This binding scheme is therefore akin to that observed for cisplatin, while other coordination sites yield substantially less stable species. Interestingly, in the case of oxaliplatin, the IRMPD spectra are consistent with the presence of two isomeric forms very close in energy.

Synthesis and characterization of thiocarbonato-linked platinum(IV) complexes

Herein we show the formation of new oxaliplatin-based platinum(IV) complexes by reaction with DSC-activated thiols via thiocarbonate linkage. Three model complexes based on aliphatic and aromatic thiols, as well as one complex with N-acetylcysteine as biologically active thiol were synthesized. This synthetic strategy affords the expansion of biologically active compounds other than those containing carboxylic, amine or hydroxy groups for coupling to the platinum(IV) center. The complexes were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹⁵Pt) and elemental analysis. Their biological behavior was evaluated against two ovarian carcinoma cell lines and their cisplatin-resistant analogues. Remarkably, the platinum(IV) samples show modest in vitro cytotoxicity against A2780 cells and comparable effects against A2780cis cells. Two complexes in particular demonstrate improved activity against SKOV3cis cells. The reduction experiment of complex 8, investigated by UHPLC-HRMS, provides evidence of interesting platinum-species formed during reaction with ascorbic acid.

Mitochondrial Dynamics Mediated by DRP1 and MFN2 Contributes to Cisplatin Chemoresistance in Human Ovarian Cancer SKOV3 cells

Cisplatin (DDP) is the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. However, the development of DDP resistance seriously influences the chemotherapeutic effect and prognosis of ovarian cancer. It was reported that DDP can directly impinge on the mitochondria and activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Herein, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in DDP chemoresistance in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells was investigated. In DDP-resistant SKOV3/DDP cells, mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 was down-regulated, while mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2 was up-regulated. In accordance with the expression of DRP1 and MFN2, the average mitochondrial length was significantly increased in SKOV3/DDP cells. In DDP-sensitive parental SKOV3 cells, downregulation of DRP1 and upregulation of mitochondrial fusion proteins including MFN1,2 and OPA1 occurred at day 2~6 under cisplatin stress. Knockdown of DRP1 or overexpression of MFN2 promoted the resistance of SKOV3 cells to cisplatin. Intriguingly, weaker migration capability and lower ATP level were detected in SKOV3/DDP cells. Respective knockdown of DRP1 in parental SKOV3 cells or MFN2 in SKOV3/DDP cells using siRNA efficiently reversed mitochondrial dynamics, migration capability and ATP level. Moreover, MFN2 siRNA significantly aggravated the DDP-induced ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3/9 in SKOV3/DDP cells. In contrast, DRP1 siRNA alleviated DDP-induced ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3/9 in SKOV3 cells. Thus, these results indicate that mitochondrial dynamics mediated by DRP1 and MFN2 contributes to the development of DDP resistance in ovarian cancer cells, and will also provide a new strategy to prevent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by targeting mitochondrial dynamics.

Oxaliplatin derived monofunctional triazole-containing platinum(II) complex counteracts oxaliplatin-induced drug resistance in colorectal cancer

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is the current standard of care in adjuvant therapy for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). But acquired resistance to oxaliplatin eventually occurs and becoming a major cause of treatment failure. Thus, there is an unmet need for developing new chemical entities (NCE) as new therapeutic candidates to target chemotherapy-resistant CRC. Novel Pt(II) complexes were designed and synthesized as cationic monofunctional oxaliplatin derivatives for DNA platination-mediated tumor targeting. The complex Ph-glu-Oxa sharing the same chelating ligand of diaminocyclohexane (DACH) with oxaliplatin but is equally potent in inhibiting the proliferation of HT29 colon cancer cells and its oxaliplatin-resistant phenotype of HT29/Oxa. The in vivo therapeutic potential of Ph-glu-Oxa was confirmed in oxaliplatin-resistant xenograft model demonstrating the reversibility of the drug resistance by the new complex and the efficacy was associated with the unimpaired high intracellular drug accumulation in HT29/Oxa. Guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) reactivity, double-strand plasmid DNA cleavage, DNA-intercalated ethidium bromide (EB) fluorescence quenching and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-mediated DNA denaturing studies revealed that Ph-glu-Oxa was intrinsically active as DNA-targeting agent. The diminished susceptibility of the complex to glutathione (GSH)-mediated detoxification, which confers high intracellular accumulation of the drug molecule may play a key role in maintaining cytotoxicity and counteracting oxaliplatin drug resistance.

Is GSH Chelated Pt Molecule Inactive in Anti-Cancer Treatment? A Case Study of Pt6 GS4

Platinum (Pt) drugs are widely used in anti-cancer treatment although many reports advocated that tumor cells could inactivate Pt drugs via glutathione-Pt (GSH-Pt) adducts formation. To date, GSH chelated Pt molecules have not been assessed in cancer treatment because GSH-Pt adducts are not capable of killing cancer cells, which is widely accepted and well followed. In this report, endogenous biothiol is utilized to precisely synthesize a GSH chelated Pt molecule (Pt₆ GS₄ ). This Pt₆ GS₄ molecule can be well taken up by aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Subsequently, its metabolites could enter nuclei to interact with DNA, finally the DNA-Pt complex triggers TNBC cell apoptosis via the p53 pathway. Impressively, high efficacy for anti-cancer treatment is achieved by Pt₆ GS₄ both in vitro and in vivo when compared with traditional first-line carboplatin in the same dosage. Compared with carboplatin, Pt₆ GS₄ keeps tumor bearing mice alive for a longer time and is non-toxic for the liver and kidneys. This work opens a route to explore polynuclear Pt compound with accurate architecture for enhancing therapeutic effects and reducing systemic toxicity.

Determination of oxaliplatin enantiomers at attomolar levels by capillary electrophoresis connected with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The aim of this study was to develop a method for the separation of oxaliplatin enantiomers at attomolar concentration levels. A combination of capillary electrophoresis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was chosen due to their unique characteristics, including fast and easy modification of separation selectivity, and significant limits of detection and linearity. In the first step, we optimized conditions for the separation of oxaliplatin enantiomers including background electrolyte composition and concentration, pH, and type and concentration of the chiral selector. Under optimal conditions, sodium borate buffer pH 9.5, ionic strength 40 mmol L^-1, with 60 mg mL^-1 sulfated β-cyclodextrin, separation was obtained with a resolution of 2.0. This electrolyte system was then used in the 'in-house' connection of capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. In this instance, separation lasted for 9.5 min. Calibrations were linear in the range of 0.1-500 μg mL^-1 with R² of 0.9999. LOD and LOQ values were of 64 ng mL^-1 and 116 ng mL^-1 of oxaliplatin, respectively. This represents detection of 49 fg or 125 attomol of oxaliplatin enantiomers in the capillary electrophoresis injected sample zone. Finally, the method was successfully applied for detection of oxaliplatin enantiomers in spiked urine samples.

Rapid screening of photoactivatable metallodrugs: photonic crystal fibre microflow reactor coupled to ESI mass spectrometry

We explore the efficacy of a hyphenated photonic crystal fibre microflow reactor – high-resolution mass spectrometer system as a method for screening the activity of potential new photoactivatable drugs.

We explore the efficacy of a hyphenated photonic crystal fibre microflow reactor – high-resolution mass spectrometer system as a method for screening the activity of potential new photoactivatable drugs. The use of light to activate drugs is an area of current development as it offers the possibility of reduced side effects due to improved spatial and temporal targeting and novel mechanisms of anticancer activity. The di-nuclear ruthenium complex [{(η⁶-indan)RuCl}₂(μ-2,3-dpp)](PF₆)₂, previously studied by Magennis et al. (Inorg. Chem., 2007, 46, 5059) is used as a model drug to compare the system to standard irradiation techniques. The photodecomposition pathways using blue light radiation are the same for PCF and conventional cuvette methods. Reactions in the presence of small biomolecules 5′-guanosine monophosphate (5′-GMP), 5′-adenosine monophosphate (5′-AMP), l-cysteine (l-Cys) and glutathione (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) were studied. The complex was found to bind to nucleobases in the dark and this binding increased upon irradiation with 488 nm light, forming the adducts [(η⁶-indan)Ru₂(μ-2,3-dpp) + 5′-GMP]²⁺ and [(η⁶-indan)Ru + (5′-AMP)]⁺. These findings are consistent with studies using conventional methods. The dinuclear complex also binds strongly to GSH after irradiation, a possible explanation for its lack of potency in cell line testing. The use of the PCF-MS system dramatically reduced the sample volume required and reduced the irradiation time by four orders of magnitude from 14 hours to 12 seconds. However, the reduced sample volume also results in a reduced MS signal intensity. The dead time of the combined system is 15 min, limited by the intrinsic dead volume of the HR-MS.

An experimental and theoretical approach on the kinetics and mechanism for the formation of a four-membered (S, S) chelated Pt(ii) complex

A biomolecular substitution reaction on a Pt(ii) complex by a dithiocarbamate derivative has been studied experimentally and theoretically, and the resultant product complex is a four-membered (S, S) chelate possessing cytotoxic properties.

The clinical analysis of acute pancreatitis in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after operation

Acute pancreatitis is a rare complication in postoperative colorectal cancer patients after FOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin + calcium folinate +5-FU [5-fluorouracil]) chemotherapy. In this paper, a total of 62 patients with gastrointestinal cancer were observed after the burst of acute pancreatitis. Surgery of the 62 cases of colorectal cancer patients was completed successfully. But when they underwent FOLFOX6 chemotherapy, five patients got acute pancreatitis (8.06%), four (6.45%) had mild acute pancreatitis, and one (1.61%) had severe acute pancreatitis, of which two were males (3.23%) and three females (4.84%). No patients (0.00%) had acute pancreatitis on the 1st day after chemotherapy; one patient (1.61%) got it in the first 2 and 3 days after chemotherapy; and three others (4.83%) got it in the first 4 days after chemotherapy. In the 62 patients with malignant tumors, the body mass index (BMI) was less than 18 (underweight) in six of them, with two cases of acute pancreatitis (33.33%); the BMI was 18–25 (normal weight) in 34 cases, with one case (2.94%) of acute pancreatitis; the BMI was 25–30 (overweight) in 13 cases, with 0 cases (0.00%) of acute pancreatitis; and the BMI was ≥30 (obese) in nine patients, with two cases of acute pancreatitis (22.22%). After symptomatic treatment, four patients were cured and one died; the mortality rate was 1.61%. Most of them appeared in the first 4 days after chemotherapy; the probability of this complication is significantly higher in slim and obese patients than in normal weight patients. Postoperative colorectal cancer patients after FOLFOX6 chemotherapy have a sudden onset of acute pancreatitis occult, especially in patients with severe acute pancreatitis; the symptoms are difficult to control, there is high mortality and it is worthy of clinician’s attention.

Interactions of carboplatin and oxaliplatin with proteins: Insights from X-ray structures and mass spectrometry studies of their ribonuclease A adducts

Oxaliplatin and carboplatin are two platinum(II) drugs in widespread clinical use for the treatment of various types of cancers; yet, structural information on their interactions with proteins is scarce. Here, the X-ray structures of the adducts formed upon reaction of carboplatin and oxaliplatin with bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) are reported and compared with results obtained for the structure of the RNase A-cisplatin adduct derived from isomorphous crystals, under the same experimental conditions. Additional details on the binding mode of these metallodrugs toward RNase A are provided by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) measurements, thus offering insight on the occurring metal-protein interactions. Notably, while carboplatin and cisplatin mainly bind the side chain of Met29, oxaliplatin also binds the side chains of Asp14, of catalytically important His119 and, to a lesser extent, of His105. On the basis of the available data, a likely mechanism for oxaliplatin hydrolysis and binding to the protein is proposed. These results are potentially useful for a better understanding of the biological chemistry, toxicity and side effects of this important class of antitumor agents.

Fragmentation pathways analysis for the gas phase dissociation of protonated carnosine-oxaliplatin complexes

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments on the protonated carnosine-oxaliplatin complex were shown to yield nine different fragment ions. Density functional calculations were employed to probe the fragmentation mechanisms that account for all experimental data.

Biomarkers to assess the efficiency of treatment with platinum-based drugs: what can metallomics add?

Since the approval of cisplatin as an antineoplastic drug, the medical and the scientific communities have been concerned about the side effects of platinum-based drugs, and this has been the dose-limiting factor that leads to reduced treatment efficiency. Another important issue is the intrinsic or acquired resistance of some patients to treatment. Identifying proper biomarkers is crucial in evaluating the efficiency of a treatment, assisting physicians in determining, at early stages, whether or not the patient presents resistance to the drug, minimizing severe side effects, and allowing them to redirect the established course of chemotherapy. A great effort is being made to identify biomarkers that can be used to predict the outcome of the treatment of cancer patients with platinum-based drugs. In this context, the metallomic approach has not yet been used to its full potential. Since the basis of these drugs is platinum, the monitoring of biomarkers containing this metal should be the natural approach to evaluate treatment progress. This review intends to show where the research in this field stands and points out some gaps that can be filled by metallomics.