An investigation on new ruthenium(II) hydrazone complexes as anticancer agents and their interaction with biomolecules

Ternary Cobalt (II)-Metformin-Glycine/Histidine/Proline Complexes: Multispectroscopic DNA, HSA, and BSA Interaction and Cytotoxicity Studies

The synthesized water-soluble ternary complexes [Co(met)(gly)(Cl)2] (1), [Co(met)(hist)(Cl)2] (2), and [Co(met)(pro)(Cl)2] (3), (met = metformin, gly = glycine, hist = histidine, and pro = proline) were evaluated using spectro-analytical techniques, and the stereochemistry of the complexes was determined to be octahedral. UV-Vis absorption, competitive DNA-binding experiments using ethidium bromide (EB) by fluorescence, fluorescence emission studies, viscosity studies, and gel electrophoresis techniques were all employed to explore the binding characteristics of the cobalt (II) complexes with CT-DNA and groove-binding mechanism established. The salt-dependent association of the complexes to CT-DNA was investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. The association of the cobalt (II) complexes with BSA and HSA was explored by utilizing UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy approaches. The findings show that the complexes exhibit adequate capacity to quench BSA and HSA fluorescence and that the binding response is mostly a static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxicity of the complexes has also been appraised with the human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) and (MDA-MB-231) by utilizing the MTT assay. For each cell line, the IC50 values were computed. In both cell lines, all the complexes were active.

Trinuclear Organometallic Pt-Ir-Pt Complexes: Insights into Photophysical Properties, Amino Acid Binding and Protein Sensing

The rational synthesis of trinuclear emissive organometallic complexes with two equivalent platinum(II) centres appended to the ancillary substituted 2,2'-bipyridyl ligand of the cyclometalated iridium(III) centre is reported here. The alkynyl-platinum moiety and cyclometalated iridium(III) centres have been separated through a non-conjugated CH₂ -O-CH₂ linkage. The emission titration with amino acids reveals that the complexes sense free amino acids. The luminescence sensing of BSA is thus attributed to the amino acid sensing ability of the complexes and confirmed by emission anisotropy and Far-UV CD spectral study. The decrease in α-helix in the CD spectra signifies the changes in the secondary structure of protein in presence of the complexes.

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of Fe(II) and Fe(III) complexes containing N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine Schiff base ligands

A series of Fe(II) complexes (1-4) and Fe(III) complexes (5-8) from Fe(II)/(III) chloride and N-(8-quinolyl)-X-salicylaldimine Schiff base ligands (Hqsal-X2/X: X = Br, Cl) were successfully synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (FT-IR, 1H-NMR), mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and single crystal X-ray crystallographic techniques. The interaction of complexes 1-8 with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was determined by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The complexes exhibited good DNA-binding activity via intercalation. The molecular docking between a selected complex and DNA was also investigated. The in vitro anticancer activity of the Schiff base ligands and their complexes were screened against the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The complexes showed anticancer activity toward A549 cancer cells while the free ligands and iron chloride salts showed no inhibitory effects at 100 µM. In this series, complex [Fe(qsal-Cl2)2]Cl 6 showed the highest anticancer activity aginst A549 cells (IC50 = 10 µM). This is better than two well-known anticancer agents (Etoposide and Cisplatin). Furthermore, the possible mechanism for complexes 1-8 penetrating A549 cells through intracellular ROS generation was investigated. The complexes containing dihalogen substituents 1, 2, 5, and 6 can increase ROS in A549 cells, leading to DNA or macromolecular damage and cell-death induction.

Ruthenium(II)/(III) DMSO-Based Complexes of 2-Aminophenyl Benzimidazole with In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity

New anticancer ruthenium(II/III) complexes [RuCl₂(DMSO)₂(Hapbim)] (1) and [RuCl₃(DMSO) (Hapbim)] (2) (Hapbim = 2-aminophenyl benzimidazole) have been synthesized and characterized, and their chemotherapeutic potential evaluated. The interaction of the compounds with DNA was studied by both UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopies, revealing intercalation of both the Hapbim ligand and the Ru complexes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was tested on human breast cancer (MCF7), human colorectal cancer (Caco2), and normal human liver cell lines (THLE-2), with compound (2) the most potent against cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of (2) is shown to correlate with the ability of the Ru(III) complex to induce apoptosis and to cause cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Notably, both compounds were inactive in the noncancerous cell line. The anticancer effect of (2) has also been studied in an EAC (Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma) mouse model. Significantly, the activity of the complex was more pronounced in vivo, with removal of the cancer burden at doses that resulted in only low levels of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. An apoptosis mechanism was determined by the observation of increased Bax and caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2 expression. Furthermore, (2) decreased oxidative stress and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, especially SOD, suggesting the enhancement of normal cell repair. Overall, compound (2) shows great potential as a chemotherapeutic candidate, with promising activity and low levels of side effects.

Crystal structure of N'-[4-(di-methyl-amino)-benzyl-idene]furan-2-carbohydrazide monohydrate

The condensation of 2-furoic hydrazide and 4-dimethyl amino-benzaldehyde in ethanol yielded a yellow solid formulated as the title compound, C14H15N3O2·H2O. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular O(water)-H⋯O,N(carbohydrazide) and N-H⋯O(water) hydrogen bonds, which form a two-dimensional network along the bc plane. Additional C-H⋯O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene and the furan ring is 34.47 (6)°. The carbohydrazide moiety, i.e., the C=N-N-C=O fragment and the benzene ring are almost coplanar, with an angle of 6.75 (9)° between their mean planes.

Ruthenocycles of benzothiazolyl and pyridyl hydrazones with ancillary PAHs: synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and antimicrobial activity

The antimicrobial activity of ruthenocycles of pyridyl and benzothiazolyl hydrazones has been investigated. The study established that such activity is comparatively higher for the complex containing benzothiazolyl hydrazone.

A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of ruthenium(II)-hydrazone complex with DNA: Spectroscopic, nuclease activity, topoisomerase inhibition and molecular docking

A new Dichlorotetra(4-hydroxy-N'-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)benzohydrazone)Ru(II) complex 1 has been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques. The structure of complex 1 has been optimized through ORCA computational programme package using B3LYP functionals. The complex binds efficiently with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) as monitored by UV-visible titrations (K_b = 4.8 × 10⁵), ethidium bromide displacement studies (K_sv = 1.39) as well as Circular Dichroism (CD) titrations. The complex intercalates with DNA base pairs. It shows cleavage of supercoiled (SC) DNA into nicked circular (NC) DNA efficiently via oxidative pathway. Complex 1 also inhibits Topoisomerase I (Topo I) relaxation activity at concentration < 20 μM. The molecular docking studies support that Topo I inhibition occur via blocking religation of G11 hydroxyl group.

Design and synthesis of a DNA intercalative half-sandwich organoruthenium(ii)–chromone complex: cytotoxicity evaluation and topoisomerase Iα inhibition assay

A half-sandwich organoruthenium(ii)–chromone complex acts as a potential topoisomerase I inhibitor.

A novel ruthenium complex with xanthoxylin induces S-phase arrest and causes ERK1/2-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells through a p53-independent pathway

Ruthenium-based compounds have gained great interest due to their potent cytotoxicity in cancer cells; however, much of their potential applications remain unexplored. In this paper, we report the synthesis of a novel ruthenium complex with xanthoxylin (RCX) and the investigation of its cellular and molecular action in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. We found that RCX exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect in a panel of cancer cell lines in monolayer cultures and in a 3D model of multicellular cancer spheroids formed from HepG2 cells. This compound is detected at a high concentration in the cell nuclei, induces DNA intercalation and inhibits DNA synthesis, arresting the cell cycle in the S-phase, which is followed by the activation of the caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway in HepG2 cells. Gene expression analysis revealed changes in the expression of genes related to cell cycle control, apoptosis and the MAPK pathway. In addition, RCX induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and pretreatment with U-0126, an MEK inhibitor known to inhibit the activation of ERK1/2, prevented RCX-induced apoptosis. In contrast, pretreatment with a p53 inhibitor (cyclic pifithrin-α) did not prevent RCX-induced apoptosis, indicating the activation of a p53-independent apoptosis pathway. RCX also presented a potent in vivo antitumor effect in C.B-17 SCID mice engrafted with HepG2 cells. Altogether, these results indicate that RCX is a novel anticancer drug candidate.

Pyrazole appended quinoline-BODIPY based arene ruthenium complexes: their anticancer activity and potential applications in cellular imaging

Synthesis of four arene ruthenium complexes [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)(L1)Cl]PF₆, (1), [Ru(η⁶-C₁₀H₁₄)(L1)Cl]PF₆ (2), [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)(L2)Cl]PF₆ (3) and [Ru(η⁶-C₁₀H₁₄)(L2)Cl]PF₆ (4) based on quinoline-BODIPY were described and their photocytotoxicity was evaluated.

Studies on the structures, cytotoxicity and apoptosis mechanism of 8-hydroxylquinoline rhodium(iii) complexes in T-24 cells

Two rhodium(iii) complexes showed good cytotoxicity. The underlying investigation of the apoptosis mechanism suggested that the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was involved.

Fine tuning through valence bond tautomerization of ancillary ligands in ruthenium(ii) arene complexes for better anticancer activity and enzyme inhibition properties

Novel valence tautomerized ancillary ligand induce antiproliferative activity in ruthenium complex.

Editorial of Special Issue Ruthenium Complex: The Expanding Chemistry of the Ruthenium Complexes

Recent trends in Ru complex chemistry are surveyed with emphasis on the development of anticancer drugs and applications in catalysis, polymers, materials science and nanotechnology.

Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of group 12 acetates of di-2-pyridylketone thiophene-2-carboxylic acid hydrazone (dpktch-H) complexes. The structure of [Cd(η³-N,N,O-dpktch-H)₂]

The reaction between [dpktch] and [M(OAc)2] (M=group 12 metal atom) in refluxing CH3CN gave [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O (n=0 or 1). The infrared and (1)H NMR spectra are consistent with the coordination of [η(2)-O,O-OAc] and [η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H](-) and the proposed formulations. The electronic absorption spectra of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O measured in non-aqueous solvents revealed a highly intense intra-ligand-charge transfer (ILCT) transition due to π-π∗ of dpk followed by dpk→thiophene charge transfer. The electronic transitions of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O are solvent and concentration dependent. Spectrophotometric titrations of dmso solutions of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O with benzoic acid revealed irreversible inter-conversion between [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O and it conjugate acid [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch)]·nH2O pointing to ligand exchange between the acetate and benzoate anions. When CH2Cl2 solutions of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O were titrated with dmso, changes appeared pointing to solvolysis or ligand exchange reactions. Electrochemical measurements on dmso solutions of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O divulged irreversible redox transformations consistent with electrochemical decomposition of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O. The solid state structure of a single crystal of [Cd(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)2] obtained from a dmso solution of [Cd(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O confirmed the ligand scrambling of [M(η(2)-O,O-OAc)(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)]·nH2O. The extended structure of [Cd(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)2] revealed stacks of [Cd(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)2] locked via a network of hydrogen bonds. A significant amount of empty space (35.5%) was observed in the solid state structure of [Cd(η(3)-N,N,O-dpktch-H)2].

DMSO containing ruthenium(ii) hydrazone complexes: in vitro evaluation of biomolecular interaction and anticancer activity

Synthesis, spectral, electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction data of a new series of DMSO containing bivalent ruthenium hydrazone complexes are presented. XRD data of two of the new complexes revealed an octahedral coordination around the ruthenium ion satisfied by NOS2Cl2 atoms. Electrochemical studies showed the metal centred, quasi-reversible, one-electron redox behaviour of the new complexes. The binding of these complexes with biomolecules such as calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein investigated by different spectrophotometric methods revealed an intercalative mode of interaction. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these complexes evaluated by the MTT assay on a panel of cancer and normal cell lines indicated that the above complexes are more toxic to cancer cells with a few micromolar concentrations as the IC50 value, but are significantly less toxic to normal cell lines. The observed variations in the binding interactions and cytotoxicity of the complexes were attributed to the nature of the hydrazide moiety of the hydrazones that influences their biological activities.

Spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of ruthenium complexes with tumor specific lectin, jacalin

Several ruthenium complexes are regarded as anticancer agents and considered as an alternative to the widely used platinum complexes. Owing to the preferential interaction of jacalin with tumor-associated T-antigen, we report the interaction of jacalin with four ruthenium complex namely, tris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)chloride, bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(N-[1,10]phenanthrolin-5-yl-pyrenylmethanimine)ruthenium(II)chloride, bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]-phenazine)ruthenium(II)chloride, bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(11-(9-acridinyl)dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)ruthenium(II) chloride. Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis revealed that the ruthenium complexes strongly quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of jacalin through a static quenching procedure, and a non-radiative energy transfer occurred within the molecules. Association constants obtained for the interaction of different ruthenium complexes with jacalin are in the order of 10(5) M(-1), which is in the same range as those obtained for the interaction of lectin with carbohydrate and hydrophobic ligand. Each subunit of the tetrameric jacalin binds one ruthenium complex, and the stoichiometry is found to be unaffected by the presence of the specific sugar, galactose. In addition, agglutination activity of jacalin is largely unaffected by the presence of the ruthenium complexes, indicating that the binding sites for the carbohydrate and the ruthenium complexes are different. These results suggest that the development of lectin-ruthenium complex conjugate would be feasible to target malignant cells in chemo-therapeutics.