Inorganic Anticancer Agents: Their Chemistry and Antitumor Properties

Dual role of Nrf2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: promoting development, immune evasion, and therapeutic challenges

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The liver performs a wide range of tasks and is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing harmful substances and foreign compounds. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in growth and improvement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (1)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an element that regulates transcription located in the cytoplasm. It controls the balance of redox reactions by stimulating the expression of many genes that depend on antioxidant response elements. Nrf2 has contrasting functions in the normal, healthy liver and HCC. In the normal liver, Nrf2 provides advantageous benefits, while in HCC it promotes harmful effects that support the growth and survival of HCC. Continuous activation of Nrf2 has been detected in HCC and promotes its advancement and aggressiveness. In addition, Activation of Nrf2 may lead to immune evasion, weakening the immune cells' ability to attack tumors and thereby promoting tumor development. Furthermore, chemoresistance in HCC, which is considered a form of stress response to chemotherapy medications, significantly impedes the effectiveness of HCC treatment. Stress management is typically accomplished by activating specific signal pathways and chemical variables. One important element in the creation of chemoresistance in HCC is nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates the activation and production of a group of genes that encode proteins responsible for protecting cells from damage. This occurs through the Nrf2/ARE pathway, which is a crucial mechanism for combating oxidative stress within cells.

Novel enantiopure cyclopentadienyl Ti(IV) oximato compounds as potential anticancer agents

The synthesis and characterization of new enantiopure cyclopentadienyl titanium oximato compounds (S,R)-[(η(5)-C5H5)Ti{к(2)NO,(R)NH·HCl}Cl2] (R=Ph (phenyl) 1a·HCl, Bn (benzyl) 1b·HCl, 2-pic (2-picolyl) 1c·HCl), (S,R)-[(η(5)-C5H5)TiCl2{к(2)NO,(Ph)NH}] (1a) and (S,R)-[(η(5)-C5H5)2TiCl{к(2)NO,(R)NH}] (R=Ph 2a, Bn 2b, 2-pic 2c), along with studies on their behavior in D2O at different pD values are reported. The structure of previously described ammonium-oxime (2S,5R)-{NOH,(Bn)NH·HCl} (b·HCl) and novel titanium derivative 1a have been determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The effect of the compounds on cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and migration of the androgen-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells has been assessed. Compounds 2b and 2c are more cytotoxic than additive doses of titanocene dichloride and free oxime proligand, probing the synergistic effect of these novel compounds. The cytotoxicity of 2b and 2c has been further evaluated against human renal Caki-1, colon DLD-1 and triple negative breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. The activity found for 2c on PC-3 and Caki-1 is higher than that of highly active Titanocene Y (bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl]titanium(IV) dichloride), while showing selectivity against renal cancer when compared to a non-tumorigenic human renal (HEK-293T) cell line. Compounds 2b and especially 2c are apoptotic in Caki-1 cancer cell lines. Cell adhesion and wound-healing assays confirmed that derivatives 1c·HCl, 2b and 2c affect the adhesion and migration patterns of the PC-3 cell line. Interactions of the novel compounds with plasmid (pBR322) DNA have also been studied, showing that the oximato Ti(IV) derivatives have a weak or no interaction with DNA at physiological pH.

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and catalytic applications of Ru(III) complexes

A new series of azodye ligands 5-chloro-3-hydroxy-4-(aryldiazenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one (HLn) were synthesized by coupling of 5-chloro-3-hydroxypyridin-2(1H)-one with aniline and its p-derivatives. These ligands and their Ru(III) complexes of the type trans-[Ru(Ln)2(AsPh3)2]Cl were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, (1)H NMR and UV-Visible spectra as well as magnetic and thermal measurements. The molar conductance measurements proved that all the complexes are electrolytes. IR spectra show that the ligands (HLn) acts as a monobasic bidentate ligand by coordinating via the nitrogen atom of the azo group (NN) and oxygen atom of the deprotonated phenolic OH group, thereby forming a six-membered chelating ring and concomitant formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The molecular and electronic structures of the investigated compounds (HLn) were also studied using quantum chemical calculations. The calf thymus DNA binding activity of the ligands (HLn) and their Ru(III) complexes were studied by absorption spectra and viscosity measurements. The mechanism and the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by trans-[Ru(Ln)2(AsPh3)2]Cl with hydrogen peroxide as co-oxidant were described.

DNA binding studies of new valine derived chiral complexes of tin(IV) and zirconium(IV)

Valine derived chiral complexes of SnCl4 (1) and ZrCl4 (2) were designed as potent antitumor agents. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 119Sn NMR and ESI mass spectroscopy. In vitro binding studies of complexes 1 and 2 under physiological conditions at room temperature with CT-DNA were carried out employing UV-vis absorption titration, fluorescence studies and viscosity measurements. The extent of binding was quantified by Kb values of complexes 1 and 2 which were found to be 1.97×10(4) and 1.17×10(3) M(-1), respectively, suggesting that complex 1 has significantly greater DNA binding propensity in contrast to the complex 2. The mode of action at the molecular level was ascertained by the interaction of complex 1 with 5'GMP and 5'TMP which revealed that complex 1 binds via electrostatic mode with the oxygen of the negatively charged surface phosphate group of the DNA helix. The supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA cleavage activity of complex 1 was ascertained by gel electrophoresis assay.

Live cell cytotoxicity studies: documentation of the interactions of antitumor active dirhodium compounds with nuclear DNA

The promising antitumor activity of dirhodium complexes has been known for over 30 years. There remains, however, a general lack of understanding of their activity in cellulo. In this study, we report the DNA interactions and activity in living cells of six monosubstituted dirhodium(II,II) complexes of general formula [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eta(1)-O(2)CCH(3))(L)(CH(3)OH)](+), where L = bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) (1), phen (1,10-phenanthroline) (2), dpq (dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline) (3), dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (4), dppn (benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (5), and dap (4,7-dihydrodibenzo[de,gh][1,10]phenanthroline) (6). DNA interactions were investigated by UV/visible spectroscopy, relative viscosity measurements, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These measurements indicate that compound 5 exhibits the strongest interaction with DNA. Compound 5 also causes the most damage to DNA after cellular internalization, as evaluated by the alkaline comet assay. Compound 5, however, is not the most effective at inhibiting cell viability of the human cancer cells HeLa and COLO-316. The greater hydrophobicity of 5 as compared to that of 4, which is the most effective compound in the series, hinders its ability to reach its cellular target(s). Data from modulation studies of glutathione using N-acetylcysteine and L-buthionine-sulfoximine indicate that changes in glutathione levels do not affect the activity of these particular dirhodium complexes. These results suggest that glutathione is not the only agent involved in the deactivation of these dirhodium complexes.

Anticancer activity of heteroleptic diimine complexes of dirhodium: a study of intercalating properties, hydrophobicity and in cellulo activity

The series of complexes cis-[Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(dppn)(L)](2+), where dppn = benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine, and L = bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) (1), phen (1,10-phenanthroline) (2), dpq (dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline) (3), dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (4), and dppn (5) were synthesized and their effect on the human cancer cells HeLa and COLO-316 was monitored. Complexes 1 and 2 interact with DNA through intercalation, whereas compounds 3-5 bind only electrostatically. It was found that the dirhodium complex 4 is the most effective compound at inhibiting cell viability of the human cancer cells HeLa and COLO-316. A general conclusion is that the hydrophobicity of the compounds correlates with their in cellulo activity in both cell lines. The ability of the compounds to reach nuclear DNA and form adducts was explored using the comet assay. The results indicate that compounds 1-5 either do not form adducts with DNA that are detrimental to the cell or that they are successfully repaired by the cellular machinery. The results of an annexin V assay indicate that compounds 1-4 trigger apoptosis, whereas compound 5 clearly does not. These findings are significant because they support the contention that dirhodium complexes can be tuned to direct their effect to cellular targets other than nuclear DNA.

KP1019, a new redox-active anticancer agent--preclinical development and results of a clinical phase I study in tumor patients

The promising drug candidate indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) is the second Ru-based anticancer agent to enter clinical trials. In this review, which is an update of a paper from 2006 (Hartinger et al., J. Inorg. Biochem. 2006, 100, 891-904), the experimental evidence for the proposed mode of action of this coordination compound is discussed, including transport into the cell via the transferrin cycle and activation by reduction. The results of the early clinical development of KP1019 are summarized in which five out of six evaluated patients experienced disease stabilization with no severe side effects.

Synthesis, Molecular Structure (X-ray and DFT), and Solution Behavior of Titanium 4-Acyl-5-pyrazolonates. Correlations with Related Antitumor β-Diketonato Derivatives

Previously reported structure-activity relationships have shown two features for effective antitumor activity of titanium beta-diketone complexes: (a) ligand asymmetry and (b) the presence of planar substitutents on the ligand. Mono- and dinuclear derivatives, studied with diffraction and DFT methods show that (a) is consistent with different Ti-O(beta-diketonato) bond lengths, which are longer than Ti-O(oxo) and Ti-O(alkoxy) ones. pi-pi features observed in dinuclear derivatives correlate with strong reactivity of related complexes with DNA and support DNA intercalation by such planar groups, in agreement with (b). Large variation for Ti-O bond lengths and Ti-O-C bond angles in the ethoxy moiety is associated with the titanium withdrawing effect and oxygen bonding s character; it is confirmed through exploration of the Cambridge crystallographic database. This ethoxy geometrical flexibility also suggests versatile accommodation in protein pockets and/or other biological targets. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectra show formation of di- and trinuclear Ti-4-acyl-5-pyrazolonato cationic oligomers. Hydrolysis/oligomerization is also described by NMR results.

From bench to bedside--preclinical and early clinical development of the anticancer agent indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019 or FFC14A)

Indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019 or FFC14A) is just the second ruthenium-based anticancer agent after NAMI-A which was developed to the stage of clinical trials. Important steps in the mode of action of KP1019 are thought to be the binding to the serum protein transferrin and the transport into the cell via the transferrin pathway. Additionally, the selective activation by reduction in the tumor might contribute to the low side effects observed in in vivo studies. Apoptosis is induced at non-toxic levels via the mitochondrial pathway. These features distinguish it from the established platinum anticancer drugs and suggest that different types of cancer might be treatable with this drug. Indeed, promising activity against certain types of tumors, which are not successfully treatable with cisplatin, and only a very low incidence of acquired resistance has been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, a clinical phase I trial was finished in which none of the treated patients experienced serious side effects, while disease stabilization in five of six evaluable patients was achieved. In this review, the preclinical and early clinical development of KP1019 - from bench to bedside - is recapitulated.

Isomer abundance of bis(beta-diketonato) complexes of titanium(IV). Crystal structures of the antitumor compound budotitane [Ti(IV)(bzac)(2)(OEt)(2)] and of its dichloro-derivative [Ti(IV)(bzac)(2)Cl(2)] (bzac=1-phenylbutane-1,3-dionate)

The molecular tumor inhibiting titanium compound budotitane [Ti(IV)(bzac)(2)(OEt)(2)] (1) and its dichloro-derivative [Ti(IV)(bzac)(2)Cl(2)] (2) (bzac=1-phenylbutane-1,3-dionate) have been crystallized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and further physical methods. Budotitane (1) crystallizes in the tetragonal, non-centrosymmetric space group P4(1) with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules adopt the cis-cis-trans configuration with the acetyl ends of the benzoylacetonate ligands in the trans position. The dichloro-derivative of budotitane, [Ti(IV)(bzac)(2)Cl(2)] (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic, centrosymmetric space group P2(1)/n with one molecule only in the asymmetric unit. In contrast to budotitane (1), (2) shows a cis-trans-cis arrangement with the benzoyl groups in the trans position. In both complexes there are equal numbers of Delta and Lambda enantiomers within the unit cell. The phenyl groups in (1) as well as in (2) are in approximately coplanar conjugation to the metal enolate rings. The thermal degradation of budotitane (1) was investigated in the temperature range from 25 degrees C up to 800 degrees C and reveals the formation of Ti(IV)O(bzac(2-)) as an intermediate and of the rutile phase of TiO(2) as a final product. It may be worthwhile to introduce budotitane in the form of isomerically pure crystals in the preparation of the drug used for future tests.

Rhodium and its compounds as potential agents in cancer treatment

The antitumor activity of the inorganic complex cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) led to the development of other types of non-organic cytostatic drugs. Numerous platinum other platinum and non-platinum metal compounds were shown to be effective against animal model tumors as well as tumors in man. However, the introduction of novel transition metal agents in clinical treatment is exceptionally slow. So far, Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes have shown very promising properties while the Ru(III) compound, [ImH][trans-Cl4(Me2SO)(Im)Ru(III)] (Im=imidazole, NAMI-A), is the first ruthenium compound that successfully entered phase I clinical trials. Rhodium belongs to the same group as platinum and ruthenium. However, rhodium compounds, analogues to the corresponding platinum and ruthenium compounds that possess significant antitumor properties, were found to be less effective as anticancer agents mainly due to their toxic effects. Dimeric mu-Acetato dimers of Rh(II) as well as monomeric square planar Rh(I) and octahedral Rh(III) complexes have shown interesting antitumor properties.

Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of oligonucleotide-tethered and related platinum complexes

Three classes of hydroxy-tethered platinum(II) complexes have been synthesized from K(2)PtCl(4) and appropriate amino alcohols. A sequence of selective oxidation and hydrolysis has been developed to prepare hydroxy-tethered platinum(IV) complexes. A novel procedure for the synthesis of amminetrichloroplatinate(II) anion has been generated and used to synthesize a number of monohydroxy-tethered nonchelating platinum complexes. These tethered platinum complexes, including hydroxy-tethered, phosphoramidite-tethered, and monodeoxyribonucleotide-tethered platinum(II) and -(IV) complexes, have been examined in vitro for antitumor activity in both leukemia and ovarian cancer cell lines. Activity of some of these complexes was similar to cis-platin, and most of them showed much better potency than carboplatin. We observed an interesting structure-activity correlation for platinum(II) complexes for both PA-1 and SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines. However, platinum(IV) complexes showed much more diversified response among cancer cell lines studied. We observed enhanced selectivity among different cancer cell lines for some agents. The most promising is the monodeoxyribonucleotide-tethered platinum(IV) complex, which is the first analogue of the conjugates between a platinum fragment and monodeoxyribonucleotides, showing antitumor activity and selectivity among the cell lines. Finally, the p53 status of the cells appears to contribute to the effectiveness of these agents in that cells harboring wild-type p53 appear to be more sensitive to these agents.

Synthesis and structural features of complexes [(P∩P)2Rh][hfacac] containing hexafluoroacetyl- acetonate as a noncoordinating anion

The synthesis and characterization of complexes [(P∩P)2Rh][hfacac] (P∩P = chelating bidentate phosphine ligand R2P(CH2)nPR2 (2a-g), hfacac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion) (4) is reported. The molecular structures of 4a (R = Ph, n = 1) and 4f (R = Cy, n = 2) in the solid state were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes crystallize in the monoclinic space groups C2/c (No. 15) and P21/n (No. 14), respectively. No coordinative interaction between the rhodium center of the cation [(P∩P)2Rh]+ (4a+, 4f+) and the hfacac anion is evident in either cases. In the crystal structure of 4a, hydrogen bonds between the oxygen atoms of the hfacac anion and methylene protons of the CH2 bridges of the phosphine ligand lead to highly symmetric chains of regularly alternating cations and anions. The coordination geometry around the rhodium center in 4a+ is ideally square-planar, whereas 4f+ is significantly distorted towards a tetrahedron with an angle between the two P2Rh moieties of 18.6°. The cation 4b+ (R = Cy, n = 1) was investigated in form of the tetrafluoroborate salt for comparison. The compound [{Cy2P(CH2)PCy2}2Rh][BF4] crystallizes as a THF solvate (4b′) in the triclinic space group P[Formula: see text] (No. 2) containing ideally square-planar [(P∩P)2Rh]+ cations. Key words: rhodium, chelating ligands, coordination modes, 1,3-diketonates, phosphorus ligands.

Complexes of gallium(III) and other metal ions and their potential in the treatment of neoplasia

The metal complexes of a variety of ligands show diverse pharmacological properties. The potential of these compounds as antineoplastic agents is underlined by the success of the clinically used platinum complex cisplatin (cis-[(NH(3))(2)PtCl(2)]). In the current review, specific examples of gallium, copper, ruthenium and titanium complexes are discussed with special relevance to their use in the treatment of cancer. Some of these complexes have demonstrated marked activity in a number of animal models and for some compounds, clinical trials are anticipated or have already begun. Collectively, the results in the literature indicate that the study of metal complexes as antineoplastic agents deserves continued intensive investigation.

DNA as a possible target for antitumor ruthenium(III) complexes

The interaction of two experimental ruthenium(III)-containing antitumor complexes-Na[trans-RuCl(4)(DMSO)(Im)] (NAMI) and dichloro(1,2-propylendiaminetetraacetate)ruthenium(III) (RAP)-with DNA was investigated through a number of spectroscopic and molecular biology techniques, including spectrophotometry, circular dichroism, gel shift analysis, and restriction enzyme inhibition. It was found that both complexes slightly alter DNA conformation, modify its electrophoretic mobility, and inhibit DNA recognition and cleavage by some restriction enzymes, though they were less effective than cisplatin in producing such effects. Notably, the effects produced by NAMI on DNA were much larger than those induced by RAP. Implications of these results for the mechanism of action of ruthenium(III) antitumor complexes are discussed.

Solution studies of the antitumor complex dichloro 1,2-propylendiaminetetraacetate ruthenium (III) and of its interactions with proteins

A mixed complex of ruthenium (III) with 1,2-propylendiaminetetraacetate (PDTA) and chloride--RAP hereafter--has been found to exhibit favorable anticancer properties in vivo. To get some insight into the possible mechanism of action of this ruthenium (III) complex, its solution behavior and reactivity with proteins were investigated through absorption, circular dichroism and 1H NMR spectroscopies. Under physiological conditions RAP slowly looses the two coordinated chlorine atoms to produce a number of ruthenium (III) reactive species; a description of the distribution of these species on the dependence of pH has been obtained through 1H NMR studies of the hyperfine shifted signals. Remarkably, through the different solution conditions employed in this study, the ruthenium ion always remains in the 3+ oxidation state and the PDTA ligand is always bound to the metal. Upon reaction with albumin, apotransferrin or diferric transferrin, at a 1:1 ratio, RAP rapidly binds to these proteins to produce substantially equivalent and relatively stable adducts. This behavior is tentatively interpreted in terms of a tight interaction between RAP and surface residues of these proteins. The implications of these findings for the biological action of this novel ruthenium (III) compound are discussed.