Considerations in Platinum and Gold Drug Design and the Synthesis of Chloro(2,3-Diphenyl-1,3,4-Thiadiazolium-5-Thiolato-S(exo))Gold(I): The First Gold Meso-Ionic Complex of Its Kind

It is evident that the chemistry of platinum is in a more advanced state than that of gold, mainly due to the success of the former in several anti-cancer drugs. With a view to finding possible, new candidates with chemotherapeutic potential, the use of sulphur-donor ligands bonded to platinum and gold is discussed herein in an attempt to promote the need to investigate similar ligands. Chloro(2,3-diphenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-5-thiolato-S(exo))gold(I) has been synthesised using a standard reaction, whereby Au(III) is initially reduced to Au(I) then reacted with the ligand, 2,3-diphenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-5-thiolate.hydrochloride, isolated and finally characterised by elemental analyses and infrared spectroscopy. The compound is the first example of gold attached to a meso-ionic compound. It has also been tested for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity and shown to possess moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria, although is inactive against, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.     

Preparation of Titanocene–Gold Compounds Based on Highly Active Gold(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Anticancer Agents: Preliminary in vitro Studies in Renal and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Heterometallic titanocene-based compounds containing gold(I)-phosphane fragments have been extremely successful against renal cancer in vitro and in vivo. The exchange of phosphane by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands to improve or modulate their pharmacological profile afforded bimetallic complexes effective against prostate cancer, but less effective against renal cancer in vitro. Herein we report the synthesis of new bimetallic Ti–Au compounds by the incorporation of two previously reported highly active gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene fragments derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles. The two new compounds [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂TiMe(μ-mba)Au(NHC)] (where NHC=1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene, NHC-Bn 2 a ; or 1,3-diethyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene, NHC-Et 2 b ) with the dual linker (-OC(O)-p-C₆H₄-S-) containing both a carboxylate and a thiolate group were evaluated in vitro against renal and prostate cancer cell lines. The compounds were found to be more cytotoxic than previously described Ti–Au compounds containing non-optimized gold(I)-N-heterocyclic fragments. We present studies to evaluate their effects on cell death pathways, migration, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. The results show that the incorporation of a second metallic fragment such as titanocene into biologically active gold(I) compounds improves their pharmacological profile.     

An Organogold Compound as Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Initial Mechanistic Insights

The rise of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated novel strategies to efficiently combat pathogenic bacteria. Metal-based compounds have been proven as a possible alternative to classical organic drugs. Here, we have assessed the antibacterial activity of seven gold complexes of different families. One compound, a cyclometalated Au(III) C^N complex, showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including multi-drug resistant clinical strains. The mechanism of action of this compound was studied in Bacillus subtilis. Overall, the studies point towards a complex mode of antibacterial action, which does not include induction of oxidative stress or cell membrane damage. A number of genes related to metal transport and homeostasis were upregulated upon short treatment of the cells with gold compound. Toxicity tests conducted on precision-cut mouse tissue slices ex vivo revealed that the organogold compound is poorly toxic to mouse liver and kidney tissues, and may thus, be treated as an antibacterial drug candidate.     

Effect of Amino Acid Substitutions on 70S Ribosomal Binding,Cellular Uptake,and Antimicrobial Activity of Oncocin Onc112

Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) are promising candidates for the treatment of infections caused by high-priority human pathogens. Their mode of action consists of (I) passive diffusion across the outer membrane, (II) active transport through the inner membrane, and (III) inhibition of protein biosynthesis by blocking the exit tunnel of the 70S ribosome. We tested whether in vitro data on ribosomal binding and bacterial uptake could predict the antibacterial activity of PrAMPs against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Ribosomal binding and bacterial uptake rates were measured for 47 derivatives of PrAMP Onc112 and compared to the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of each peptide. Ribosomal binding was evaluated for ribosome extracts from four Gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial uptake was assessed by quantifying each peptide in the supernatants of bacterial cultures. Oncocin analogues with a higher net positive charge appeared to be more active, although their ribosome binding and uptake rates were not necessarily better than for Onc112. The data suggest a complex mode of action influenced by further factors improving or reducing the antibacterial activity, including diffusion through membranes, transport mechanism, secondary targets, off-target binding, intracellular distribution, and membrane effects. Relying only on in vitro binding and uptake data may not be sufficient for the rational development of more active analogues.     

Gold(I) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes with Naphthalimide Ligands as Combined Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitors and DNA Intercalators

Organometallic conjugates consisting of a gold(I) N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) moiety and a naphthalimide were prepared and investigated as cytotoxic agents that interact with both DNA and the disulfide reductase enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The complexes were potent DNA intercalators related to their naphthalimide partial structure, inhibited TrxR as a consequence of the incorporation of the gold(I) moiety, and triggered efficient cytotoxic effects in MCF‐7 breast and HT‐29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. Strong effects on tumor cell metabolism were noted for the most cytotoxic complex, chlorido[1‐(3′‐(4′′‐ethylthio‐1′′,8′′‐naphthalimid‐N′′‐yl))‐propyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene]gold(I) ( 4 d ). In conclusion, the conjugation of naphthalimides with gold(I) NHC moieties provided a useful strategy for the design of bioorganometallic anticancer agents with multiple modes of action.     

Cationic and Neutral N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Gold(I) Complexes: Cytotoxicity,NCI‐60 Screening,Cellular Uptake,Inhibition of Mammalian Thioredoxin Reductase,and Reactive Oxygen Species Formation

A structurally diverse library of 14 gold(I) cationic bis(NHC) and neutral mono(NHC) complexes (NHC: N‐heterocyclic carbene) was synthesized and characterized in this work. Four of them were new cationic gold(I) complexes containing functionalized NHCs, and their X‐ray crystal structures are presented herein. All of the complexes were investigated for their anticancer activities in four cancer cell lines, including a cisplatin‐resistant variant, and a noncancerous cell line. Seven of the cationic gold(I) complexes were found to display high and specific cytotoxic activities toward cancer cells. Two of them were even able to overcome cisplatin resistance. Two highly potent cationic complexes ( 11 and 15 ) were also submitted to the NCI‐60 cancer panel for further cytotoxicity evaluation. Complex 15 showed a surprisingly high potency toward leukemia among the nine examined cancer subtypes, particularly toward the CCRF‐CEM leukemia cell line with a concentration for 50 % inhibition of growth down to 79.4 nm . In addition, cationic complex 13 , which demonstrated a remarkable cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma, was selected to obtain insight into the mechanistic aspects in HepG2 cells. Cellular uptake measurements were indicative of good bioavailability. By various biochemical assays, this complex was found to effectively inhibit thioredoxin reductase and its cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells was found to be reactive oxygen species dependent.     

Supramolecular Polymers and Chiral Phosphine Oxides by Oxidation of Gold(I) Complexes

The chiral diphosphine ligand R,R-cyclo-C₆H₁₀-trans-1,2-{NHC(=O)C₆H₄-2-PPh₂}₂, 1, forms complexes with gold(I) of formula [Au(1)]Cl, 2, and [(ClAu)₂(µ-1)], 3, in which the diphosphine acts as a trans-chelate and bridging ligand, respectively. Oxidation of these gold(I) complexes leads to dissociation and oxidation of the diphosphine ligand to form the corresponding diphosphine dioxide R,R-cyclo-C₆H₁₀-1,2-{NHC(=O)C₆H₄-2-P(=O)Ph₂}₂, which has been crystallized in its protonated form and as complexes with Na⁺ and Fe²⁺, with [AuBr₂]^? or [AuBr₄]^? anions. Some of these compounds form supramolecular polymers by intermolecular hydrogen bonding.     

Deubiquitinases as Anticancer Targets of Gold Complexes

Metal-based anticancer agents with non-DNA targets are anticipated for overcoming cisplatin resistance problems. Gold complexes are generally known to undergo ligand exchange or redox reactions with thiols, and hence, are potentially useful agents that could target thiol-containing enzymes, but not DNA. Recent studies have shown that deubiquitinases (DUBs), key enzymes regulating proteasome-related protein homeostasis, are potential anticancer targets of both gold(I) and gold(III) complexes. In this review, the current status of gold complexes as DUB inhibitors is discussed. In particular, auranofin and cyclometalated gold(III) complexes containing dithiocarbamate ligands (e.g., [(Au^III(C N)(DEDT)]⁺, HC N=2-phenylpyridine, DEDT=diethyldithiocarbamate) are highlighted as examples of DUB inhibitors. The mechanisms of their anticancer action, together with in vitro and/or in vivo antitumor potencies, are also explored.     

Anticancer Profile of a Series of Gold(III) (2‐phenyl)pyridine Complexes

Six phosphorescent (2‐phenyl)pyridine (ppy) gold(III) 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (FMes) complexes were synthesized and investigated for their anticancer potential. The compounds demonstrated strong antiproliferative activity, with EC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range, along with significant accumulation in HeLa cancer cells after treatment for only 6 h (up to 119 ng gold per milligram of protein as measured by high‐resolution continuum source atomic spectroscopy). Enzyme inhibition studies showed interaction of the gold(III) complexes with thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a key homeostasis‐regulation flavoprotein. TrxR was inhibited with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range. Furthermore, five of the complexes displayed selectivity toward TrxR against glutathione reductase (GR, a disulfide reductase structurally related to TrxR) by up to >49‐fold. Because no major differences in bioactivity were observed across the series, [(ppy)Au(FMes)(PPh₃)OTf] (complex 4 ) was chosen for further in‐depth biological characterization. Complex 4 was also found to interact with guanosine monophosphate in ¹H NMR studies under long incubation times. Interestingly, 4 induced a significant increase in intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, which led to late apoptotic events and cytocidal effects.     

Interaction between gold (III) chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate (II/III)—Does it lead to gold analogue of Prussian blue?

Prussian blue analogues are a class of compounds formed by the reaction between metal salt and potassium hexacyanoferrate (II/III). In our earlier report, the formation of Au@Prussian blue nano-composite was noticed on potential cycling the glassy carbon electrode in a medium containing gold (III) chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III). Hence in this work, the formation of gold hexacyanoferrate was attempted by a simple chemical reaction. The reaction of gold (III) chloride with potassium hexacyanoferrate (II/III) was examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy and found that there is no redox reaction between gold (III) chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III). However, the redox reaction occurs between gold (III) chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) leading to the formation of charge transfer band and the conversion of hexacyanoferrate (II) to hexacyanoferrate (III) was evidenced by the emergence of new absorption peaks in UV–Vis spectra. The oxidation state of gold in Au–Fe complex was found to be +1 from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The stability of the Au–Fe complex was also studied by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetric results indicated the presence of high spin iron in Au–Fe complex. Hence ‘as formed’ Au complex may be KFe_x[Au(CN)₂]_y. The results revealed that the formation of gold hexacyanoferrate was not feasible by simple chemical or electrochemical reaction in contrast to other Prussian blue analogues.     

The Uptake of Gold(I) from Ammonia Leaching Solution by Imidazole Containing Polymeric Resins

Abstract

The polymeric resins containing guanylthiourea, 1-methylimidazole, 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole ligands have been synthesized from vinylbenzyl chloride-divinylbenzene copolymers and used in the removal of Au(I) from ammonium buffer and ammoniacal thiosulphate solutions. The best gold sorption from ammonium buffer that contains 100 g/dm³ NH₃ · H₂O and 5 g/dm³ (NH₄)₂SO₄, is reached in the case of 1-methylimidazole resin (2) (27.9 mg/g) and all three resins do not have a measurable sorption of copper(II) ammine complexes. The resins display a higher affinity towards gold(I) from ammoniacal thiosulphate solutions than from the ammonium buffer solution. The XPS analysis of gold loaded resins suggests the presence of gold at Au(I) oxidation state, most likely in the form of ionic pair Au(NH₃)₂ ⁺OH^? or neutral complex AuNH₃OH and as highly-dispersed metallic gold. The degree of gold desorption is about 50% using 1% potassium cyanide solution in 0.3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Resins retain their capacity towards gold in five consecutive sorption/desorption cycles.     

Formation of first gold(III) complex of an N(4)-disubstituted thiosemicarbazone derived from 2-benzoylpyridine: structural and spectral studies

The reaction between gold(III) chloride(AuCl₃) and 2-benzoylpyridine N(4), N(4)-(butane-1,4-diyl) thiosemicarbazone (HBpypTsc) leads to an unexpected formation of a first gold(III) complex from an N(4)-disubstituted thiosemicarbazone derived from 2-benzoylpyridine. The crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization, and preliminary biological activity of [Au(III)(Cl)(BpypTsc)][Au(I)Cl₂] complex are discussed herein.     

Tuning Anti-Biofilm Activity of Manganese(II) Complexes: Linking Biological Effectiveness of Heteroaromatic Complexes of Alcohol,Aldehyde, Ketone,and Carboxylic Acid with Structural Effects and Redox Activity

The constantly growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and other antibacterial substances has led us to an era in which alternative antimicrobial therapies are urgently required. One promising approach is to target bacterial pathogens using metal complexes. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of utilizing series of manganese(II) complexes with heteroaromatic ligands: Alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, and carboxylic acid as inhibitors for biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To complete the series mentioned above, Mn-dipyCO-NO₃ with dipyridin-2-ylmethanone (dipyCO) was isolated, and then structurally (single-crystal X-ray analysis) and physicochemically characterized (FT-IR, TG, CV, magnetic susceptibility). The antibacterial activity of the compounds against representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was also evaluated. It is worth highlighting that the results of the cytotoxicity assays performed (MTT, DHI HoloMonitorM4) indicate high cell viability of the human fibroblast (VH10) in the presence of the Mn(II) complexes. Additionally, the inhibition effect of catalase activity by the complexes was studied. This paper focused on such aspects as studying different types of intermolecular interactions in the crystals of the Mn(II) complexes as well as their possible effect on anti-biofilm activity, the structure–activity relationship of the Mn(II) complexes, and regularity between the electrochemical properties of the Mn(II) complexes and anti-biofilm activity.     

New coordination compounds of some rare-earth metal complexes with sulfur and nitrogen Schiff bases and their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties

A series of rare-earth metal complexes with Schiff bases have been prepared by the interactions of hydrated lanthanide(III) chloride with the sodium salts of 1-(2-thienyl)ethanone hydrazinecarbothioamide (L¹H) and 1-(2-thienyl)ethanonehydrazinecarboxamide (L²H) in 1:3 molar ratios and characterized by their elemental analyses, molar conductance and IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C) electronic and EPR spectral studies. The spectral data suggested that the complexes have a hexa-coordinated environment around the central metal atoms. Elemental analyses and NMR spectral data of the ligands and their metal(III) complexes agree with their proposed structures. The synthesized Schiff bases and their new metal complexes have been screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Pseudomonas cepacicola) bacterial strains and for in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina. All compounds showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against microbial species.     

Formation of Gold Clusters on TiO2 from Adsorbed Au(CH3)2(C5H7O2): Characterization by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Gold nanoclusters on TiO₂ powder were prepared from adsorbed Au^III(CH₃)₂(C₅H₇O₂) (dimethyl acetylacetonate gold(III)) and characterized by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopies. The samples were tested as catalysts for CO oxidation at 298 K and atmospheric pressure and characterized by EXAFS and XANES with the catalysts in the working state. The XANES results identify Au(III) in the initially prepared sample, and the EXAFS data indicate mononuclear gold complexes as the predominant surface gold species in this sample, consistent with the lack of Au–Au contributions in the EXAFS spectrum. The mononuclear gold complex is bonded to two oxygen atoms of the TiO₂ surface at an Au–O distance of 2.16 Å. Treatment of this complex in He or in H₂ at increasing temperatures led to formation of metallic gold clusters of increasing size, ultimately those with an average diameter of about 15 Å. The data demonstrate the presence of metallic gold clusters in the working catalysts and also show these clusters alone are not responsible for the catalytic activity.     

Gold Drugs with {Au(PPh3)}+ Moiety: Advantages and Medicinal Applications

Following the success of Auranofin as an anti-arthritic drug, search for novel gold drugs has afforded a large number of [L−Au(PPh₃)] complexes that exhibit notable salutary effects. Unlike Au(III)-containing species, these gold complexes with {Au(PPh₃)}⁺ moiety are stable in biological media and readily exchange L with S- and Se-containing enzymes or proteins. Such exchange leads to rapid reduction of microbial loads or induction of apoptotic cell death at malignant sites. In many cases the lipophilic {Au(PPh₃)}⁺ moiety delivers a desirable toxic L to the specific cellular target in addition to exhibiting its own beneficial activity. Further research and utilization of this synthon in drug design could lead to novel chemotherapeutics for treatment of drug-resistant pathogens and cancers.     

Cyclometallated Gold(III) Complexes as Effective Catalysts for Synthesis of Propargylic Amines,Chiral Allenes and Isoxazoles

A series of cyclometallated gold(III) complexes [Au( )Cl₂] 1a – l (H =arylpyridines) and a PEG‐linked complex 1m were synthesized. Complexes 1a – m are effective in catalyzing the synthesis of propargylic amines, chiral allenes and isoxazoles. Six‐membered ring cyclometallated gold(III) complexes 1f – l exhibited higher catalytic activity than five‐membered ring cyclometallated gold(III) complexes 1a – e . The diastereoselectivity of propargylic amines could be tuned by using chiral aldehyde and/or amine substrates. Excellent enantioselectivities (90–98% ee) were achieved in chiral allene synthesis. Chiral allene racemization could be minimized by using 1f as catalyst. The PEG‐linked catalyst 1m is the most catalytically active towards synthesis of propargylic amines, in which case a product turnover of 900 was achieved. Moreover, 1m could be repeatedly used for 12 reaction cycles, leading to an overall turnover number of 872.     

Investigation of antibacterial activity and related mechanism of a ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex

Metal based drug represents a novel group of antimicrobial agents with potential application for the control of bacterial and fungal infections. In this study, we fabricate ruthenium(II) complex containing the polypyridyl ligands, namely [Ru(phen)₂(tip)] (ClO₄)₂ (RuTh) and carefully investigate its antibacterial activities against both the Gram-negative (G −) bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the Gram-positive (G +) bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The RuTh is more toxic to S. aureus than that to E. coli. The antibacterial effects of RuTh are further investigated, revealing specific mechanisms. The results demonstrate that RuTh functions as a bactericide against the E. coli and S. aureus through disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity and its cellular components.     

The Antirheumatic Drug Gold, a Coin With Two Faces: AU(I) and AU(III). Desired and Undesired Effects on the Immune System

Three new findings are reviewed that help to understand the mechanisms of action of antirheumatic Au(I) drugs, such as disodium aurothiomalate (Na(2)Au(I)TM): (i) We found that Na(2)Au(I)TM selectively inhibits T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated antigen recognition by murine CD(4+) T cell hybridomas specific for antigenic peptides containing at least two cysteine residues. Presumably, Au(I) acts as a chelating agent forming linear complexes (Cys-Au(I)-Cys) which prevent correct antigen-processing and/or peptide recognition by the TCR. (ii) We were able to show that Au(I) is oxidized to Au(III) in phagocytic cells, such as macrophages. Because Au(III) is re-reduced to Au(I) this may introduce an Au(I)/Au(III) redox system into phagocytes which scavenges reactive oxygen species, such as OCl(-) and inactivates lysosomal enzymes. (iii) Pretreatment with Au(III) of a model protein antigen, bovine ribonuclease A (RNase A), induced novel antigenic determinants recognized by CD(4+) T lymphocytes. Analysis of the fine specificity of these 'Au(III)-specific' T cells revealed that they react to RNase peptides that are not presented to T cells when the native protein, i.e., not treated with Au(III), is used as antigen. The T cell recognition of these cryptic peptides did not require the presence of gold. This finding has important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of allergic and autoimmune responses induced by Au(I) drugs. Taken together, our findings indicate that Au(I) and Au(III) each exert specific effects on several distinct components of macrophages and the subsequent activation of T cells; these effects may explain both the desired anti-inflammatory and the adverse effects of antirheumatic gold drugs.     

Redox Chemistry and [Au(CN)(2)] in the Formation of Gold Metabolites

The role of hypochlorite ion, which can be generated by the enzyme myleoperoxidase, in the biochemistry of gold(I) anti-arthritic drugs was investigated. Sodium hypochlorite (OCl(-)) directly and rapidly oxidizes AuSTm, Au(CN)(2) (-), AuSTg (gold thioglucose) and auranofin (Et(3)PAuSATg). The resulting gold(III) species were detected by an Ion Chromotography Ion-Pairing technique that was developed to distinguish gold(I) and gold(III). Formation of Au(III) was also demonstrated spectrophotometrically after the conversion to AuCl(4) (-). The reactions of AuSTm, AuSTg, and auranofin are complex and gold(III) appears only after the initial oxidation of the thiolate (and phosphine) ligands.The enzymatic reaction, using MPO with H(2)O(2) and Cl(-) as substrates, leads to slow oxidation of Au(CN)(2) (-), AuSTm or AuSTg. The extent and rate of reaction depend on the concentrations of MPO, H(2)O(2), and Au(I). The continued presence of Au(I) during the initial stages of reaction (oxidation of the thiolates in AuSTm and AuSTg) and the conversion to Au(III) in the latter stages of the reaction were demonstrated. Au(CN)(2) (-), a gold metabolite, binds tightly to serum albumin. Unlike other gold(I) complexes, aurocyanide reacts almost negligibly at Cys-34 via ligand exchange. Instead, there is a strong association (K(1) = 5.5 x 10(4) and K(2) = 7.0 x 10(3); n(1) = 0.8 and n(2) = 3) of intact Au(CN)(2) (-). The full extent of binding is revealed only by equilibrium methods such as NMR or ultrafiltration; the bound gold dissociates extensively on conventional gel-exclusion columns and partially on Penefesky spun columns.The immunological and pharmacological significance of these results are discussed.