Biological evaluation of dimethylpyridine-platinum complexes with potent antiproliferative activity

The activity of pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine and pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulphonamide derivatives in monolayer and spheroid breast cancer cell cultures

In the last decade, an increasing interest in compounds containing pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine moiety is observed. Therefore, the aim of the research was to synthesise a novel sulphonyl pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazines (2a, 2b) and pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulphonamide derivatives (3a, 3b) to assess their anticancer activity. The MTT assay showed that 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b have stronger cytotoxic activity than cisplatin in both breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and exhibited weaker effect on normal breast cells (MCF-10A). The obtained results showed that the most active compound 3b increased apoptosis via caspase 9, caspase 8, and caspase 3/7. It is worth to note that compound 3b suppressed NF-κB expression and promoted p53, Bax, and ROS which play important role in activation of apoptosis. Moreover, our results confirmed that compound 3b triggers autophagy through increased formation of autophagosomes, expression of beclin-1 and mTOR inhibition. Thus, our study defines a possible mechanism underlying 3b-induced anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cell lines.

Novel tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl-phenethyl ureas: synthesis and dual antibacterial-anticancer activities

Cancer and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are significant global health challenges. The resistance developed in cancer treatments intensifies therapeutic difficulties. In addressing these challenges, this study synthesised a series of N,N'-dialkyl urea derivatives containing methoxy substituents on phenethylamines. Using isocyanate for the efficient synthesis yielded target products 14-18 in 73-76% returns. Subsequently, their antibacterial and anticancer potentials were assessed. Cytotoxicity tests on cancer cell lines, bacterial strains, and a healthy fibroblast line revealed promising outcomes. All derivatives demonstrated robust antibacterial activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.97 to 15.82 µM. Notably, compounds 14 and 16 were particularly effective against the HeLa cell line, while compounds 14, 15, and 17 showed significant activity against the SH-SY5Y cell line. Importantly, these compounds had reduced toxicity to healthy fibroblast cells than to cancer cells, suggesting their potential as dual-functioning agents targeting both cancer and bacterial infections.

Computational Study of Bis-(1-(Benzoyl)-3-Methyl Thiourea) Platinum (II) Complex Derivatives as Anticancer Candidates

Background

The increasing incidence of cancer every year has resulted in cancer becoming one of the most common causes of death in the world. The most common types of cancer are breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. Thiourea is one of the compounds that have anticancer effects, and its activity can be increased by structural modifications, one of which involves making a Bis-(1-(benzoyl)-3-methyl thiourea) platinum (II) metal complex.

Purpose

This study aims to obtain platinum (II)-thiourea complex compounds that have a more stable interaction as an anticancer agent compared to cisplatin.

Methods

The methods used are computational studies with molecular docking, simulation of molecular dynamics, and prediction of pharmacokinetics and toxicity.

Results

Based on the molecular docking of the platinum (II)-thiourea complex which has the most stable interaction with lower binding energy than the native ligand and the cisplatin, namely Bis-(3-methyl-1-(naphthalene-2-carbonyl)thiourea)) Platinum (II) against breast cancer receptors (3ERT) and lung cancer (2ITO) and compounds Bis-(1-(3-chlorobenzoyl)-3-methylthiourea) Platinum (II) against prostate cancer receptors (1Z95). The evaluation results of the stability of the interaction using a 50 ns molecular dynamic simulation showed that the Bis-(1-benzoyl-3-methylthiourea) Platinum (II) which binds to the prostate cancer receptor (1Z95) has the most stable interaction. Pharmacokinetic prediction results show that the platinum (II)-thiourea complex has a good pharmacokinetic profile, but there are several compounds that are mutagenic and hepatotoxic.

Conclusion

The Bis-(1-(3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-3-methyl thiourea) platinum (II) compounds could be a suitable anticancer agent for the lungs.

Vitamin B6 based Pt(II) complexes: Biomolecule derived potential cytotoxic agents for thyroid cancer

Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that serves as a co-enzyme in a number of enzymatic reactions in metabolism of lipids, amino acids and glucose. In the current study, we synthesized vitamin B6 derived ligand (L) and its complex Pt(L)Cl (C1). The ancillary chloride ligand of C1 was exchanged with pyridine co-ligand and another complex Pt(L)(py).BF4 (C2) was obtained. Both these complexes were obtained in excellent isolated yields and characterized thoroughly by different analytical methods. Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the endocrine system, we studied the in vitro anticancer activity and mechanism of these vitamin B6 derived L and Pt(II) complexes in thyroid cancer cell line (FTC). Based on MTT assay, cell proliferation rate was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. According to apoptosis analysis, vitamin B6 based Pt(II) complexes treated cells depicted necrotic effect and TUNEL based apoptosis was observed in cancer cells. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses of cancer cells treated with C1 and/or C2 showed regulated expression of anti-apoptotic, pro-apoptosis and autophagy related genes. Western blot results demonstrated that C1 and C2 induced the activation of p53 and the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results suggest that these complexes inhibit the growth of FTC cells and induce apoptosis through p53 signaling. Thus, vitamin B6 derived Pt(II) complexes C1 and C2 may be potential cytotoxic agents for the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, DNA and HSA Interactions, and Anticancer Activity of a Mononuclear Cu(II) Complex with a Schiff Base Ligand Containing a Thiadiazoline Moiety

A mononuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu(HL)(o-phen)]·H₂O (1) [H₃L =, o-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] was isolated from methanol, and its X-ray single-crystal structure was determined. Frozen glass X-band EPR of 1 in dimethylformamide (DMF) at LNT showed a spectrum that is characteristic of a monomeric tetragonal character with g _∥ = 2.164, g _⊥ = 2.087, A _∥ = 19.08 mT, and A _⊥ ≤ 4 mT. Electronic spectroscopic studies using calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) showed strong binding affinity of 1 as reflected from its intrinsic binding constant (K _b) value of 2.85 × 10⁵ M^-1. Competitive behavior of 1 with ethidium bromide (EB) displayed intercalative binding of DNA (K _app = 1.3 × 10⁶ M^-1). The compound displayed significant oxidative cleavage of pUC19 DNA. The interaction between HSA and complex 1 was examined by employing fluorescence and electronic absorption spectroscopic experiments. The secondary and tertiary structures of HSA were found to be altered as suggested by three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence experiments. The affinity of 1 to bind to HSA was found to be strong as indicated from its value of the binding constant (K _a = 2.89 × 10⁵ M^-1). Intrinsic fluorescence of the protein was found to be reduced through a mechanism of static quenching as suggested from the k _q (2.01 × 10¹³ M^-1 s^-1) value, the bimolecular quenching constant. The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process may also be accounted for such a high k _q value. The r value (2.85 nm) calculated from FRET theory suggested that the distance between complex 1 (acceptor) and HSA (donor) is quite close. Complex 1 primarily bound to HSA in subdomain IIA as suggested by molecular docking studies. IC₅₀ values (0.80 and 0.43 μM, respectively) obtained from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with HeLa and MCF7 cells suggested remarkable in vitro anticancer activity of 1. Nuclear dual staining assays revealed that cell death occurred via apoptosis in HeLa cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation caused apoptosis induction. On treatment with a 5 μM dose of 1 in HeLa cells, the cell population significantly increased in the G2/M phase, while it was decreased in G0/G1 and S phases as compared to the control, clearly indicating G2/M phase arrest.

Mucin 1 as a Molecular Target of a Novel Diisoquinoline Derivative Combined with Anti-MUC1 Antibody in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to examine the molecular mechanism of the anticancer action of a monoclonal antibody against MUC1 and a diisoquinoline derivative (OM-86II) in human gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

The cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. The disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and activity of caspase-8 and caspase-9 was performed by flow cytometry. Fluorescent microscopy was used to confirm the proapoptotic effect of compounds. LC3A, LC3B and Beclin-1 concentrations were analyzed to check the influence of the compounds on induction of autophagy. ELISA assessments were performed to measure the concentration of mTOR, sICAM1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and pro-apoptotic Bax.

RESULTS

The anti-MUC1 antibody with the diisoquinoline derivative (OM-86II) significantly reduced gastric cancer cells' viability. This was accompanied by an increase in caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity as well as high concentrations of pro-apoptotic Bax. We also proved that the anti-MUC1 antibody with OM-86II decreased the concentrations of MMP-9, sICAM1 and mTOR in gastric cancer cells. After 48 h of incubation with such a combination, we observed higher levels of the crucial component of autophagosomes (LC3) and Beclin-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study proved that the anti-MUC1 antibody sensitizes human gastric cancer cells to the novel diisoquinoline derivative (OM-86II) via induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of selected proteins such as mTOR, sICAM1 and MMP-9.

Apoptotic mechanisms of myricitrin isolated from Madhuca longifolia leaves in HL-60 leukemia cells

Myricitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in Madhuca longifolia, possesses several medicinal properties. Even though our earlier work revealed its role against the proliferation of acute myelogenous leukemia cells (HL-60), its molecular mechanisms have not yet been revealed. The current study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of myricitrin (isolated from an ethnomedicinal drug Madhuca longifolia) to induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Treatment with IC-50 dose of myricitrin (353 µM) caused cellular shrinkage and cell wall damage in HL-60 cells compared to untreated control cells. Myricitrin treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (22.95%), increased DNA fragmentation (90.4%), inhibited the cell survival proteins (RAS, B-RAF, & BCL-2) and also induced pro-apoptotic proteins (p38, pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9 and caspase-3) in the HL-60 cells. The present study provides scientific evidence for the apoptosis caused by myricitrin in HL-60 leukemia cells. Hence, the phytochemical myricitrin could be considered as a potential candidate to develop an anticancer drug after checking its efficacy through suitable pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Vitexin isolated from Prosopis cineraria leaves induce apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cells via inhibition of the BCR-ABL-Ras-Raf pathway

OBJECTIVES

Leukemia is one of the severe cancer types all around the globe. Even though some chemotherapeutic drugs are available for treating leukemia, they have various side effects. As an alternative approach, herbal drugs are focused on current research to overcome leukemia. The present work was conducted to investigate the antileukemic mechanism of active phytochemical vitexin, which was isolated from ethno-medicine (Prosopis cineraria leaf) used by traditional healers of West Bengal, India.

METHODS

Antiproliferative mechanisms of selected phyto-compound against K-562 cells were evaluated using cellular uptake, morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and signaling pathways analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Vitexin exhibited cytotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (32.40%) and causing DNA fragmentation (84.15%). The western blotting study indicated inhibition of cell survival proteins (BCR, ABL, H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS and RAF) and expression of apoptotic proteins (p38, BAX and caspase-9) in leukemia cells upon treatment with vitexin.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, presently investigated phyto-compound vitexin could be considered for developing safe and natural drugs to treat leukemia after conducting suitable preclinical and clinical trials.

Mechanism of Anticancer Action of Novel Imidazole Platinum(II) Complex Conjugated with G2 PAMAM-OH Dendrimer in Breast Cancer Cells

Transition metal coordination compounds play an important role in the treatment of neoplastic diseases. However, due to their low selectivity and bioavailability, as well as the frequently occurring phenomenon of drug resistance, new chemical compounds that could overcome these phenomena are still being sought. The solution seems to be the synthesis of new metal complexes conjugated with drug carriers, e.g., dendrimers. Numerous literature data have shown that dendrimers improve the bioavailability of the obtained metal complexes, solving the problem of their poor solubility and stability in an aqueous environment and also breaking down inborn and acquired drug resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize a novel imidazole platinum(II) complex conjugated with and without the second-generation PAMAM dendrimer (PtMet2-PAMAM and PtMet2, respectively) and to evaluate its antitumor activity. Cell viability studies indicated that PtMet2-PAMAM exhibited higher cytotoxic activity than PtMet2 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells at relatively low concentrations. Moreover, our results indicated that PtMet2-PAMAM exerted antiproliferative effects in a zebrafish embryo model. Treatment with PtMet2-PAMAM substantially increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner via caspase-9 (intrinsic pathway) and caspase-8 (extrinsic pathway) activation along with pro-apoptotic protein expression modulation. Additionally, we showed that apoptosis can be induced by activating POX, which induces ROS production. Furthermore, our results also clearly showed that the tested compounds trigger autophagy through p38 pathway activation and increase Beclin-1, LC3, AMPK, and mTOR inhibition. The high pro-apoptotic activity and the ability to activate autophagy by the imidazole platinum(II) complex conjugated with a dendrimer may be due to its demonstrated ability to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) and thereby increase cellular accumulation in breast cancer cells.

Exploration of nutritional, antioxidative, antibacterial and anticancer status of Russula alatoreticula: towards valorization of a traditionally preferred unique myco-food

Healthy food trend is becoming popular these days fueling search for ingredients empowered by pharma-nutritional benefits. In contrast, numerous wild-growing mushrooms are traditionally cherished as health promoting gastronomies in India; although credibility of their effects has so far been limited. Hence the present study aimed to unveil a unique tribal cuisine, Russula alatoreticula, with nutritional, chemical and pharmacological relevance. The outcome demonstrated an excellent alimentary composition with carbohydrate and protein as prominent macronutrients in contrast to fat providing oleic acid (36.66%), linoleic acid (16.84%), palmitic acid (16.01%) and stearic acid (15.31%) indicative of profitable nutritive account. Conversely, ethanolic fraction enriched with phenolics (pyrogallol > cinnamic acid) presented effective antioxidant property in terms of radical scavenging, Fe²⁺ chelating and reducing power with EC₅₀ ranging from 785 to 2500 μg/ml. Remarkable antibacterial activity was also noted against the tested microorganisms (MIC of 72.5-1560 μg/ml) preferentially targeting Gram-positive one. Besides treatment of the preparation rendered Hep3B proliferation as evident by phenotypic changes, cell cycle interference, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, DNA fragmentation, change in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and activation of caspase9 signifying induction of intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Thus the study represents R. alatoreticula as a value-added bio-resource that could be featured in food and pharmaceutical industries for betterment of humankind.

Anticancer Activity Assessment and DNA Binding Properties of Two Binuclear Platinum (II) Complexes using Spectroscopic and Molecular Simulation Approaches

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, the biological properties and anticancer activities of platinum-based drugs and metal coordination complexes have been receiving particular attention. These compounds have revealed clinical potential in cancer chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this research, two binuclear platinum complexes including [Pt2Cl2(bhq)2(μ-dppm)] (1) and [(p- MeC6H4)(bhq) Pt(μ-dppm)Pt(bhq)(CF3CO2)] (2) with bhq: benzo[h] quinolone and dppm: bis(diphenylphosphino) methane have been synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against A2780 and A2780/RCIS cancer cell lines.

METHODS

The DNA binding and interaction of AMP/GMP nucleotide with these complexes were explored by several experimental and theoretical methods, including UV-Visible, fluorescence spectroscopic techniques and docking analysis. These complexes have demonstrated significant anticancer properties against cisplatinsensitive (A2780) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780/RCIS) human ovarian cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The obtained results indicated that these complexes interact with DNA. Additionally, the fluorescence emission measurements indicated that the platinum complexes binding with DNA structure occurs through nonintercalative interaction. The molecular docking assessments have also revealed the binding of these platinum complexes through DNA grooves. Moreover, the results have indicated that complex 1 exhibited more anticancer activity than complex 2.

CONCLUSION

The results of the DNA binding with these platinum complexes confirmed their potential antitumor properties. The substitution of -C6H4CH3 and -CO2CF3 groups in complex 2 with two chlorine atoms in complex 1 acquired the significant improvement of the anticancer activity against the cancer cell.

Three Pt-Pt Complexes with Donor-acceptor Feature: Anticancer Activity, DNA Binding Studies and Molecular Docking Simulation

BACKGROUND

Due to their unique properties and potential applications in variety of areas, recently, a special attention is given to the binuclear platinum (II) complexes. They reveal a highly tunable features upon the modification of their cyclometallating and bridging ligands.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity and DNA binding affinity of three binuclear platinum (II) complexes, including ht-[(p-FC₆H₄)Pt(µ-PN)(µ-NP)PtMe₂](CF₃CO₂)(1), ht-[(p- MeC₆H₄)Pt(µ-PN)(μ-NP)Pt(p MeC₆H₄) Me] (CF₃CO₂)(2) and ht-[Pt₂Me₃(µ-PN)2](CF₃CO₂) (3).

METHODS

MTT assay was performed to study the cell viability of Jurkat and MCF-7 lines against synthesized complexes, followed by apoptosis detection experiments. Several spectroscopic methods with molecular docking simulation were also used to investigate the detail of interaction of these platinum complexes with DNA.

RESULTS

Cell viability assay demonstrated a notable level of cytotoxicity for the synthetic platinum complexes. Further studies proved that a pathway of cell signaling initiating the apoptosis might be activated by these complexes, particularly in the case of complexes 1 and 2. The results of both UV-visible and CD measurements showed the significant ability of these complexes to interact with DNA. While fluorescence data revealed that these complexes cannot enter DNA structure by intercalation, molecular docking assessment proved their DNA groove binding ability.

CONCLUSION

The remarkable apoptosis inducing activity of the binuclear platinum complexes 1 and 2 and their considerable interaction with DNA suggest them as the potential antitumor medicines.

Light-stable polypyridine silver(i) complexes of 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane-7-sulfide (PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S): significant antiproliferative activity of representative examples in aqueous media

A series of novel silver(i) 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (tpy), 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6':2''-terpyridine (tpy-Ph-Me) and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (dione) derivatives containing PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) or 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane-7-sulfide (PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Two types of complexes have been obtained, monocationic [Ag(tpy)(PTA)](NO₃) (1), [Ag(tpy-Ph-Me)(PTA)](NO₃) (2), [Ag(dione)(PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S)](BF₄) (4) and [Ag(dione)₂](PF₆) (5) and neutral [Ag(dione)(PTA[double bond, length as m-dash]S)(NO₃)] (3). The solid-state structures of four complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are luminescent at room temperature and 77 K while 5 shows emission only at 77 K. Compounds 3 and 4 are not emissive. Furthermore, representative light-stable and water-soluble 1 and 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities on the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell line and their antitumor activity using the human lung carcinoma (A549), epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. Interactions between the complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) using UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) were also investigated.

A novel series of pyrazole-platinum(II) complexes as potential anti-cancer agents that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Six novel compounds of platinum(II) with pyrazole derivatives PtPz1-PtPz6 were synthesised and characterised (PtPz1 - [Pt₂N-hydroksymethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄; PtPz2 - [Pt₂3,5-dimethylpyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄; PtPz3 - [Pt₂3,4-dimethylpyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄; PtPz4 - [Pt₂pyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄; PtPz5- [Pt₂5-methylpyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄; PtPz6 - [Pt₂N-ethylpyrazole₄(berenil)₂]Cl₄). The cytotoxic activity of these complexes against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines was determined using the MTT assay. Evaluation of apoptosis induction was done with the Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. In addition, using a flow cytometer, we determined the influence of test compounds on the cell cycle and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activity. The obtained results of caspase activity were confirmed by cell imaging. Moreover, using the flow cytometer, the effects of the test compounds on mitochondrial potential change were assessed. The test results showed that novel pyrazole-platinum(II) complexes exhibited stronger anti-proliferative activity against two breast cancer cell lines than reference cisplatin. Compounds PtPz1, PtPz2, and PtPz3 with methyl substituents at the pyrazole ring showed stronger activity than pyrazole or ethylpyrazole containing complexes. Studies have shown that inhibition of cell survival occurs by arresting the G1 cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. Our analysis associated with the response of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to treatment with PtPz1-PtPz6 showed that it leads the cells through the external and intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway via indirect DNA damage.

Mechanism of anticancer action of novel berenil complex of platinum(II) combined with anti-MUC1 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a high molecular weight transmembrane glycoprotein, that is overexpressed in >90% of breast cancers. It serves a crucial role in anti-apoptosis and tumor progression. MUC1 interacts with proteins in the extracellular matrix, at the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of anticancer action induced by novel berenil complex of platinum(II) (Pt12) together with a monoclonal antibody against MUC1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The effect of combined treatment on the concentration of selected markers of apoptosis including proapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein (Bax), caspase-8, cytochrome c and caspase-9, as well as selected proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction pathways including p53, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) were analyzed. The results of the present study demonstrated that combined treatment may be a promising strategy in anticancer treatment and represents an alternative to monotherapy. All compounds used alone (Pt12, cisplatin and the anti-MUC1 antibody) increased the concentration of proapoptotic Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-9 in comparison with control, thus suggesting that they activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Pt12 alone significantly increased the concentration of caspase-8, which is responsible for the initiation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. However, the strongest effect was observed following Pt12 (20 µM) treatment combined with the anti-MUC1 antibody (10 µg/ml). These two compounds together strongly induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via the external and internal apoptotic pathways. It was also demonstrated that combined treatment based on Pt12 and the anti-MUC1 antibody significantly reduced p-Akt concentration.

Synergistic action of cisplatin and echistatin in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

The aim of our study was to determine whether the use of cisplatin in the presence echistatin in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells leads to a reduction of toxic effects associated with the use of cisplatin. The expression of β₁-integrin and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), signaling pathway protein expression: protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/ERK2), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and caspase-3 and -9 activity was measured after 24 h of incubation with tested compounds to explain detailed molecular mechanism of induction of apoptosis. The viability of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining assay was performed to detect the induction of apoptosis. Inhibition DNA biosynthesis was determined by [³H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. The expression of of β₁-integrin, IGF-IR, AKT, ERK1/ERK2, NFκB, caspase-3 and -9 was evaluated using Western blot. The results suggest that treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24 h cisplatin plus echistatin severely inhibits cell growth and activates apoptosis by upregulation of caspase-3 and -9 expressions. The effect was stronger than treatment cisplatin and echistatin alone. In this study, we have found that cisplatin plus echistatin treatment decreases collagen biosynthesis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells stronger than the individual compounds. The inhibition was found to be dependent on the β₁-integrin and IGF receptor activation. A significant reduction of ERK1/ERK2, AKT expression in cancer cells after cisplatin plus echistatin treatment was also found. The cancer cells treated by echistatin, cisplatin, and in particular the combination of both compounds drastically increased expression of NFκB transcription factor. Our results suggest that combined therapy cisplatin plus echistatin is a possible way to improve selectiveness of cisplatin. This mechanism probably is due to downregulation of expression of β₁-integrin and IGF-IR receptors, and the signaling pathway proteins induced by these receptors. Our results suggest that therapy cisplatin plus echistatin is a possible way to improve selectiveness of cisplatin.