A series of DNA targeted Cu (II) complexes containing 1,8-naphthalimide ligands: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer activity

Copper(II) complexes are very promising candidates for platinum-based anticancer agents. Herein, three Cu (II) complexes (1-3) containing 1,8-naphthalimide ligands were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction (complex 3). In addition, a control compound (complex 4) without 1,8-naphthalimide ligand was synthesized and characterized. The in vitro anticancer activity of the synthesized complexes against five cancer cell lines and one normal cell line was evaluated by MTS assay. The results displayed the antitumor activity of complexes 1-3 was controlled by the aliphatic chain length of ligands, their cytotoxicity was in the order 3 > 2 > 1, giving the IC50 values ranging from 2.874 ± 0.155 μM to 31.47 ± 0.29 μM against five cancer cell lines. Complex 4 showed less activity in comparison with complex 1-3. Notably, complexes 1-3 displayed much higher selectivity (SI = 2.65 to 10.16) compared to complex 4 (SI = 1.0), indicated that the introduction of 1,8-naphthalimide group not only increased the activity of this series of compounds but also enhanced their specific selectivity to cancer cells. Compound 3 induced apoptosis in cancer cells and blocked the S-phase and G2/M of cancer cells. The interaction with DNA of complexes 3 and 4 was studied by UV/Vis spectroscopic titrations, competitive DNA-binding experiment, viscometry and CD spectra. The results showed that complex 3 interacted with DNA in an intercalating mode, but the interaction mode of compound 4 with DNA was electrostatic interaction.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DFT and Fluorescence Quenching Study of Novel syringe aldehyde-derived hydrazinyl-imidazole Based Schiff base Chemosensor

In this study, we report a new syringe aldehyde-derived hydrazinyl-imidazole based fluorescent sensor (L) for sensitive detection of different inorganic quenchers (halide ions, bicarbonate ion, sulphide ion and transition metal ions). The chromophore (L) was obtained in good yield by the 1:1 condensation reaction of 2-hydrazino-4,5-dihydroimidazole hydrobromide and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy benzaldehyde. L exhibited strong fluorescence in the visible region (around 380 nm) and its interaction with different quenchers was studied in details via fluorescence technique. For the halide ions series, its sensitivity is higher for NaF (Climit = 4 × 10- 4 M) than for NaCl while the fluorescence quenching occurred mainly through a dynamic process. Similar considerations were observed for HCO3- and S2- quencher too, when static and dynamic quenching take place simultaneously. Regarding transition metal ions, at a fixed ion concentration (4 × 10- 6 M), best performance was achieved for Cu2+ and Fe2+ (fluorescence intensity was reduced by 79% and 84.9% respectively), while for other metal ions, the sensor performance was evaluated and found to be very less (< 40%). Thus, minimum detection limits (10- 6 - 10- 5 M range) recommended the use of such derivatives as highly sensitive sensors capable to monitor delicate changes in varied environments.

Green and rapid and instrumental one-pot method for the synthesis of imidazolines having potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 main protease activity

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for ongoing epidemics in humans and some other mammals and has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. In this project, several small non-peptide molecules were synthesized to inhibit the major proteinase (M^pro) of SARS-CoV-2 using rational strategies of drug design and medicinal chemistry. M^pro is a key enzyme of coronaviruses and plays an essential role in mediating viral replication and transcription in human lung epithelial and stem cells, making it an attractive drug target for SARS-CoV. The antiviral potential of imidazoline derivatives as inhibitors of (SARS-CoV-2) M^pro was evaluated using in-silico techniques such as molecular docking simulation, molecular dynamics (MD), and ADMET prediction. The docking scores of these imidazoline derivatives were compared to that of the N3 crystal inhibitor and showed that most of these compounds, particularly compound E07, interacted satisfactorily in the active site of the coronavirus and strongly interacted with the residues (Met 165, Gln 166, Met 165, His 41, and Gln 189). Furthermore, the results were confirmed by MD simulations after exposure to long-term MD simulations and ADMET predictions.

Research Progress on the Biological Activities of Metal Complexes Bearing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrazones

Due to the abundant and promising biological activities of aromatic hydrazones, it is of great significance to study the biological activities of their metal complexes for the research and development of metal-based drugs. In this review, we focus on the metal complexes of polycyclic aromatic hydrazones, which still do not receive much attention, and summarize the studies related to their biological activities. Although the large number of metal complexes in phenylhydrazone prevent them all from being summarized, the significant value of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons themselves (such as naphthalene and anthracene) as pharmacophores are also considered. Therefore, the bioactivities of the metal complexes of naphthylhydrazone and anthrahydrazone are focused on, and the recent research progress on the metal complexes of anthrahydrazone by the authors is also included. In terms of biological activities, these complexes mainly show antibacterial and anticancer activities, along with less bioactivities. The present review demonstrates that the structural design and bioactivities of these complexes are fundamental, which also indicates a certain structure-activity relationship (SAR) in some substructural areas. However, a systematic and comprehensive conclusion of the SAR is still not available, which suggests that more attention should be paid to the bioactivities of the metal complexes of polycyclic aromatic hydrazones since their potential in structural design and biological activity remains to be explored. We hope that this review will attract more researchers to devote their interest and energy into this promising area.

Controlling of Photophysical Behavior of Rhenium(I) Complexes with 2,6-Di(thiazol-2-yl)pyridine-Based Ligands by Pendant π-Conjugated Aryl Groups

The structure-property correlations and control of electronic excited states in transition metal complexes (TMCs) are of high significance for TMC-based functional material development. Within these studies, a series of Re(I) carbonyl complexes with aryl-substituted 2,6-di(thiazol-2-yl)pyridines (Arn-dtpy) was synthesized, and their ground- and excited-state properties were investigated. A number of condensed aromatic rings, which function as the linking mode of the aryl substituent, play a fundamental role in controlling photophysics of the resulting [ReCl(CO)3(Arn-dtpy-κ2N)]. Photoexcitation of [ReCl(CO)3(Arn-dtpy-κ2N)] with 1-naphthyl-, 2-naphthyl-, 9-phenanthrenyl leads to the population of 3MLCT. The lowest triplet state of Re(I) chromophores bearing 9-anthryl, 2-anthryl, 1-pyrenyl groups is ligand localized. The rhenium(I) complex with appended 1-pyrenyl group features long-lived room temperature emission attributed to the equilibrium between 3MLCT and 3IL/3ILCT. The excited-state dynamics in complexes [ReCl(CO)3(9-anthryl-dtpy-κ2N)] and [ReCl(CO)3(2-anthryl-dtpy-κ2N)] is strongly dependent on the electronic coupling between anthracene and {ReCl(CO)3(dtpy-κ2N)}. Less steric hindrance between the chromophores in [ReCl(CO)3(2-anthryl-dtpy-κ2N)] is responsible for the faster formation of 3IL/3ILCT and larger contribution of 3ILCTanthracene→dtpy in relation to the isomeric complex [ReCl(CO)3(9-anthryl-dtpy-κ2N)]. In agreement with stronger electronic communication between the aryl and Re(I) coordination centre, [ReCl(CO)3(2-anthryl-dtpy-κ2N)] displays room-temperature emission contributed to by 3MLCT and 3ILanthracene/3ILCTanthracene→dtpy phosphorescence. The latter presents rarely observed phenomena in luminescent metal complexes.

Cu(I) and Cu(II) Complexes Based on Lonidamine-Conjugated Ligands Designed to Promote Synergistic Antitumor Effects

Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-acetates were conjugated with the 2-hydroxyethylester and 2-aminoethylamide derivatives of the antineoplastic drug lonidamine to prepare Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes that might act through synergistic mechanisms of action due to the presence of lonidamine and copper in the same chemical entity. Synchrotron radiation-based complementary techniques [X-ray photorlectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS)] were used to characterize the electronic and molecular structures of the complexes and the local structure around the copper ion (XAFS) in selected complexes. All complexes showed significant antitumor activity, proving to be more effective than the reference drug cisplatin in a panel of human tumor cell lines, and were able to overcome oxaliplatin and multidrug resistance. Noticeably, these Cu complexes appeared much more effective than cisplatin against 3D spheroids of pancreatic PSN-1 cancer cells; among these, PPh₃-containing Cu(I) complex 15 appeared to be the most promising derivative. Mechanistic studies revealed that 15 induced cancer cell death by means of an apoptosis-alternative cell death.

The first copper(I) complex of anthrahydrazone with potential ROS scavenging activity showed significant in vitro anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and autophagy

Based on the anticancer pharmacophore of anthrahydrazone and quinoline, a new quinolylanthrahydrazone ligand, 9-AQH (anthracene-9-quinolylhydrazone), was synthesized to further afford four metal complexes, [Co^II(9-AQH)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)] (1), [Ni^II(9-AQH)₂(H₂O)₂]·2NO₃ (2), [Cu^I(9-AQH)₂]·NO₃ (3), [Zn^II(9-AQH)₂(NO₃)]·NO₃ (4), determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ with 9-AQH formed the stable and repeatable copper(I) complex 3. In vitro screening demonstrated only 3 showed significant and broad-spectrum anticancer activity, indicating that Cu(I) played a key role in exerting the anticancer activity. In solution, Cu(I) was not naturally oxidized to Cu(II) suggested by ¹H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) analysis. The presence of 3 could also catalyze the H₂O₂ system to give hydroxyl free radicals, suggested by further EPR and electrophoresis assay. At the cellular level, although no obvious Cu(II) signals were detected and the total ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenging in the tumor cells treated with 3, the potential redox property between Cu(I)/Cu(II), as a key role, should not be denied for the significant anticancer activity of 3, considering the much complicated circumstance and other reductive substances in cells. The anticancer mechanism of 3 on the most sensitive MGC-803 cells pointed to significant cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway, rather than cell cycle arrest. While the autophagy observed in tumor cells treated by 3 suggested its complicated anticancer mechanism, and whether there was an intrinsic correlation still needed to be further investigated.

Synthesis and antitumor activities of transition metal complexes of a bis-Schiff base of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenecarboxaldehyde

The complexes of Schiff base have attracted much attention for their potential biological activities. In this research, five transition metal complexes TM₃L₂(OAc)₂ (TM = Cu, 1; Ni, 2; Co, 3; Mn, 4; Fe, 5) were prepared using a bis-Schiff base of N,N'-bis[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)methylene]-propane-1,3-diamine (H₂L), which present similar linear trinuclear structures with their three metal ions consolidated by two bis-Schiff base ligands and two acetate ligands. Their antitumor activities in vitro were screened through seven human cancer cell lines by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It revealed that complexes 1, 2 and 5 show much higher antitumor activities than the bis-Schiff base ligand and complexes 3 and 4, and even than cisplatin. Among them, complex 1 has the highest inhibitory effects on tumor cells with its IC₅₀ value (half-inhibitory concentration) being less than 0.5 μM for human bladder cancer cell line T-24, at which concentration complex 1 shows nearly no toxicity to the normal cell HL-7702 as revealed by flow cytometry. All of these demonstrate a potential anti-cancer candidate for complex 1, which induces tumor cell apoptosis by blocking T-24 tumor cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing the concentration of reactive oxygen species and Ca²⁺ in the cell, and changing the expression of proteins.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of New Cu(I) Complexes of Bis(pyrazol-1-yl) Acetate Ligands Functionalized with an NMDA Receptor Antagonist

In the present article, copper(I) complexes of bis(pyrazol-1-yl) carboxylic acid (LH), bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) carboxylic acid (L²H), and bis(pyrazol-1-yl) acetates conjugated with an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (L^NMDA or L^2NMDA) and phosphane ligands (triphenylphosphine or 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) were synthesized. The selection of an NMDA antagonist for the coupling with LH and L²H was suggested by the observation that NMDA receptors are expressed and play a role in different types of cancer models. All the new complexes showed a significant antitumor activity on a panel of human tumor cell lines of different histology, with cisplatin-sensitive, cisplatin-resistant, or multi-drug-resistant phenotype. Their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were in the low- and sub-micromolar range and, in general, significantly lower than that of cisplatin. Interestingly, the fact that all the complexes proved to be significantly more active than cisplatin even in three-dimensional (3D) spheroids of H157 and BxPC3 cancer cells increased the relevance of the in vitro results. Finally, morphological analysis revealed that the most representative complex 8 induced a massive swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, which is a clear sign of ER stress.

Structural characterization and pharmacological assessment in vitro/in vivo of a new copper(II)-based derivative of enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin (EFX) was selected as the medicinal ligand to afford a new copper(ii)-based complex, EFX-Cu, which was structurally characterized by spectroscopic analyses including X-ray single crystal diffraction. It was also stable and could retain the coordination state in aqueous solution. The in vitro antibacterial activity of EFX-Cu against a panel of pathogenic bacteria was about the same as that of EFX, except that it was twice as active against E. coli. The in vivo test on mice gave a LD50 value of 8148 mg kg-1 for EFX-Cu, which was much lower than those for EFX (LD50, 5312 mg kg-1) and its clinically used sodium salt, EFX-Na (LD50, 1421 mg kg-1). In addition, no obvious lesions in the organs of the dead mice were found by histopathological examination. Pharmacokinetic studies on rats suggested similar pharmacokinetics between EFX-Cu and EFX. On the other hand, EFX-Cu showed higher acute toxicity than EFX-Na in zebrafish, which was inconsistent with that in mice. The ROS-related inflammation and anti-inflammatory assay of EFX-Cu, respectively, in normal cells and zebrafish could be ascribed to its ROS-related redox property. Unfortunately, the final in vivo therapeutic assay in the E. coli-infected mouse model indicated that the therapeutic effect of EFX-Cu, mainly in terms of mortality in mice, was found to be lower than that of EFX-Na at the same dosage (800 mg kg-1, continuous gavage), although the contradictory factors between toxicity and antibacterial activity could not be excluded in this trial.

Syntheses and Biological Studies of Cu(II) Complexes Bearing Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and Bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetato Heteroscorpionate Ligands

Copper(II) complexes of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetate heteroscorpionate ligands have been synthesized. The copper(II) complexes [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄, [HC(COOH)(pz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂ (pz^Me2 = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; pz = pyrazole) were prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂) and bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz)₂) ligands in ethanol solution. The copper(II) complex [HC(COOH)(tz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂·CH₃OH (tz = 1,2,4-triazole) was prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(tz)₂) ligand in methanol solution. The synthesized Cu(II) complexes, as well as the corresponding uncoordinated ligands, were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in monolayer and 3D spheroid cancer cell cultures with different Pt(II)-sensitivity. The results showed that [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄ was active against cancer cell lines derived from solid tumors at low IC₅₀ and this effect was retained in the spheroid model. Structure and ultra-structure changes of treated cancer cells analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) highlighted the induction of a cytoplasmic vacuolization, thus suggesting paraptotic-like cancer cell death triggering.

New anthrahydrazone derivatives and their cisplatin-like complexes: synthesis, antitumor activity and structure–activity relationship

Two new cisplatin-like platinum(ii) complexes of new anthrahydrazones showed significant in vitro antitumor efficacies, which were totally different from that of cisplatin.

Structure and anticancer activities of four Cu(ii) complexes bearing tropolone

The title Cu(ii) complexes of tropolone induce the apoptosis of MGC80-3 through a caspase-dependent mitochondrion pathway and can also induce autophagy.

Ubidecarenone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (UB-NLC): Percutaneous Penetration and Protective Effects Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress on HaCaT Cells

The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the percutaneous penetration of a ubidecarenone-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (UB-NLC) and to illuminate the protective effects of UB-NLC for amelioration of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage on HaCaT cells. Ubidecarenone (UB) was encapsulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), which was manufactured by homogenization. The morphological and dimensional properties of the prepared UB-NLC were studied by freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Percutaneous penetration of UB-NLC was carried out by the Franz diffusion cells method. The change of cellular morphology was identified through a non-invasive time-lapse imaging system. The assessment was achieved via the evaluation of the levels of oxidative stress markers: reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Percutaneous penetration of UB loaded in NLC formulation was enhanced in comparison to free UB. Preincubation of HaCaT cells with UB-NLC attenuated the level of intracellular generation of ROS. Lipid peroxidation was diminished by UB-NLC via inhibition of MDA formation. Pretreatment of cells with UB-NLC reestablished the activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-PX). On the basis of the investigation conducted, results suggest that formulating UB as NLC is advantageous for topical delivery and treatment of oxidative stress-induced human diseases.

A vanillin-based copper(ii) metal complex with a DNA-mediated apoptotic activity

Vanillin (vanH) is the major component of vanilla and one of the most widely used flavoring agents. In this work the complex [Cu(phen)(van)2] was prepared and characterized by structural (X-ray), spectroscopic (IR, UV-Vis, EPR) and electrochemical techniques. This compound showed an octahedral geometry with an unusual arrangement of the vanillin ligands, where the methoxy groups of the vanillinate ions are coordinated opposite to each other. The compound promoted DNA cleavage in the presence of glutathione (GSH) and H2O2. At 40 μmol L-1 of complex with GSH (10 mmol L-1), there is a complete cleavage of DNA to nicked form II, while only at 10 μmol L-1 of this complex with H2O2 (1 mmol L-1) an extensive cleavage leading to form III took place. Additionally, we have evidences of superoxide generation upon reaction with GSH. Therefore, DNA fragmentation occurs likely through an oxidative pathway. MTT assays indicated that the complex is highly cytotoxic against three distinct cell lines: B16-F10 (IC50 = 3.39 ± 0.61 μmol L-1), HUH-7 (IC50 = 4.22 ± 0.31 μmol L-1) and 786-0 (IC50 = 10.38 ± 0.91 μmol L-1). Flow cytometry studies conducted with 786-0 cell line indicated cell death might occur by apoptosis. Cell cycle progression evaluated at 5 and 10 μmol L-1 resulted in a clear increase of 786-0 cells at G1 phase and depletion of G2/M, while higher doses showed an expressive increase of sub-G1 phase. Altogether, these results pointed out to a promising biological activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent.

Ternary copper(II) complex: NCI60 screening, toxicity studies, and evaluation of efficacy in xenograft models of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Copper(II) ternary complex, [Cu(phen)(C-dmg)(H₂O)]NO₃ was evaluated against a panel of cell lines, tested for in vivo efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft models as well as for toxicity in NOD scid gamma mice. The Cu(II) complex displayed broad spectrum cytotoxicity against multiple cancer types, including lung, colon, central nervous system, melanoma, ovarian, and prostate cancer cell lines in the NCI-60 panel. The Cu(II) complex did not cause significant induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and 1A enzymes but moderately inhibited CYP isoforms 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2B6, 2C8 and 3A4. The complex significantly inhibited tumor growth in nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft bearing mice models at doses which were well tolerated without causing significant or permanent toxic side effects. However, higher doses which resulted in better inhibition of tumor growth also resulted in toxicity.

Novel antitumor copper(ii) complexes designed to act through synergistic mechanisms of action, due to the presence of an NMDA receptor ligand and copper in the same chemical entity

An NMDA receptor ligand was linked to bifunctionalizable species to form copper(ii) complexes, showing antitumor activity through synergistic action mechanisms.

Facile total synthesis of lysicamine and the anticancer activities of the RuII, RhIII, MnII and ZnII complexes of lysicamine

Lysicamine is a natural oxoaporphine alkaloid, which isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs and has been shown to possess cytotoxicity to hepatocarcinoma cell lines. Reports on its antitumor activity are scarce because lysicamine occurs in plants at a low content. In this work, we demonstrate a facile concise total synthesis of lysicamine from simple raw materials under mild reaction conditions, and the preparation of the Ru(II), Rh(III), Mn(II) and Zn(II) complexes 1–4 of lysicamine (LY). All the compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compared with the free ligand LY, complexes 2 and 3 exhibited superior in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG2 and NCI-H460. Mechanistic studies indicated that 2 and 3 blocked the cell cycle in the S phase by decreasing of cyclins A2/B1/D1/E1, CDK 2/6, and PCNA levels and increasing levels of p21, p27, p53 and CDC25A proteins. In addition, 2 and 3 induced cell apoptosis via both the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway and the death receptor pathway. in vivo study showed that 2 inhibited HepG2 tumor growth at 1/3 maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and had a better safety profile than cisplatin.

Oxoaporphine Metal Complexes (CoII, NiII, ZnII) with High Antitumor Activity by Inducing Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and S-phase Arrest in HepG2

Three new oxoaporphine Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes 1–3 have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1–3 have similar mononuclear structures with the metal and ligand ratio of 1:2. 1–3 exhibited higher cytotoxicity than the OD ligand and cisplatin against HepG2, T-24, BEL-7404, MGC80–3 and SK-OV-3/DDP cells, with IC₅₀ value of 0.23−4.31 μM. Interestingly, 0.5 μM 1–3 significantly caused HepG2 arrest at S-phase, which was associated with the up-regulation of p53, p21, p27, Chk1 and Chk2 proteins, and decrease in cyclin A, CDK2, Cdc25A, PCNA proteins. In addition, 1–3 induced HepG2 apoptosis via a caspase-dependent mitochondrion pathway as evidenced by p53 activation, ROS production, Bax up-regulation and Bcl-2 down-regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytochrome c release, caspase activation and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, 3 inhibited tumor growth in HepG2 xenograft model, and displayed more safety profile in vivo than cisplatin.

Three novel transition metal complexes of 6-methyl-2-oxo-quinoline-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone: synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action

Complex 1 was more selective for MGC80-3 tumor cells versus normal cells (HL-7702). Importantly, 1 triggered MGC80-3 cells apoptosis via a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

Cadmium(ii) complexes with a 4-acyl pyrazolone derivative and co-ligands: crystal structures and antitumor activity

The antitumor activity of three mononuclear cadmium(ii) complexes and an apoptosis assay of complex 3 were investigated.

Antiproliferative activity of cationic and neutral thiosemicarbazone copper(ii) complexes

Three new copper(ii) thiosemicarbazone complexes were synthesized and characterized. The DNA/protein binding and antiproliferative activity of the complexes have been described.