Comparison of the Antiproliferative Activity of Two Antitumour Ruthenium(III) Complexes With Their Apotransferrin and Transferrin-Bound Forms in a Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

Two ruthenium(III) complexes, namely trans-indazolium[tetrachlorobis(indazole)- ruthenate(III)], HInd[RuInd(2)Cl(4)] and trans-imidazolium[tetrachlorobis(imidazole)- ruthenate(III)], HIm[RuIm(2)Cl(4)] exhibit high anticancer activity in an autochthonous colorectal carcinoma model in rats. Recently, it has been shown that both complexes bind specifically to human serum apotransferrin and the resulting adducts have been studied through spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques with the ultimate goal of preparing adducts with good selectivity for cancer cells due to the fact that tumour cells express high amounts of transferrin receptors on their cell surface.In order to investigate whether the cellular uptake of the complexes was mediated by apotransferrin or transferrin, we compared the antiproliferative efficacy of HInd[RuInd(2)Cl(4)] and HIm[RuIm(2)Cl(4)] with its apotransferrin- and transferrin-bound form in the human colon cancer cell line SW707 using the microculture tetrazolium test (MTT).Our results show that especially the transferrin-bound forms exhibit high antiproliferative activity, which exceeds that of the free complex, indicating that this protein can act as a carrier of the ruthenium complexes into the tumor cell.     

Ru(III) Complexes with Lonidamine-Modified Ligands

A series of bifunctional Ru(III) complexes with lonidamine-modified ligands (lonidamine is a selective inhibitor of aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells) was described. Redox properties of Ru(III) complexes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry. An easy reduction suggested a perspective for these agents as their whole mechanism of action seems to be based on activation by metal atom reduction. New compounds demonstrated a more pronounced antiproliferative potency than the parental drug; individual new agents were more cytotoxic than cisplatin. Stability studies showed an increase in the stability of complexes along with the linker length. A similar trend was noted for antiproliferative activity, cellular uptake, apoptosis induction, and thioredoxin reductase inhibition. Finally, at concentrations that did not alter water solubility, the selected new complex evoked no acute toxicity in Balb/c mice.     

Novel Unsymmetrical Ru(III) and Mixed-valence Ru(III)/Ru(II) Dinuclear Compounds Related to the Antimetastatic Ru(III) Drug NAMI-A

In this paper we report the stepwise preparation and the characterization of new unsymmetrical monoanionic Ru(III) dinuclear compounds, [NH(4)][{trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)}(mu-L){mer-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)(Me(2)SO-O)}] (L = pyz (1), pym (2)). By a similar synthetic approach we also prepared new mixed-valence Ru(III)/Ru(II) dinuclear compounds of formula [NH(4)][{trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)}(mu-pyz){cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO-S)(2)(CO)}] (L = pyrazine (pyz, 3), pyrimidine (pym, 4)). Moreover, we describe the chemical behavior of compounds 1-4 in physiological solution, also after complete reduction (with ascorbic acid) to the corresponding Ru(II)/Ru(II) species. Overall, the chemical behavior of 1 and 2 after reduction resembles that of the corresponding dianionic and neutral dinuclear species, [{trans-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)}(2)(mu-L)](2-)and [{mer-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)(Me(2)SO-O)}(2) (mu-L)]. On the other hand, the mixed-valence dinuclear compounds 3 and 4, owing to the great inertness of the cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO-S)(2)(CO)(1/2mu-L) fragment, behave substantially like the mononuclear species [trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)(L)](-) in which the terminally bonded L ligand can be considered as bearing a bulky substituent on the other N atom.     

Synthesis, Structure and Antitumour Properties of a New 1,2-Propylenediaminetetraacetate-Ruthenium(III) Compound

A novel complex formed by ruthenium (III) and the sequestering ligand 1,2-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA) has been synthetized and characterized. The structure of the monomeric compound, studied by X-ray diffraction , shows an almost symmetric octahedral geometry around the metal ion, with two chlorine atoms in a cis conformation. The antitumour activity against a variety of murine and human cancers is reported.     

Antitumour and Immunomodulatory Effects of Cu(II) Complexes of Thiobenzyhdrazide

Thiiobenzyhdrazide (Htbh) and its Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical studies. In vivo and in vitro antitumour activity of Htbh, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] has been tested. LD50 values were calculated for all the three compounds. It was observed that the antitumour effect of [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] is maximum. Light microscopic study of the treated tumour mass demonstrated that certain cellular degradation, such as disappearance of mitotic figures, loss in cellular compactness, distortion of nucleus and disruption of cytoplasmic boundaries, takes place in the tumour region of complex treated mice. Further, tumour bearing mice administered with Cu(II) complexes showed reversal of tumour growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes.     

Platinum(II)-Acyclovir Complexes: Synthesis, Antiviral and Antitumour Activity

A platinum(II) complex with the antiviral drug acyclovir was synthesized and its antiviral and anticancer properties were investigated in comparison to those of acyclovir and cisplatin. The platinum-acyclovir complex maintained the antiviral activity of the parent drug acyclovir, though showing a minor efficacy on a molar basis (ID(50) = 7.85 and 1.02 muMu for platinum-acyclovir and cisplatin, respectively). As anticancer agent, the platinum-acyclovir complex was markedly less potent than cisplatin on a mole-equivalent basis, but it was as effective as cisplatin when equitoxic dosages were administered in vivo to P388 leukaemia-bearing mice (%T/C = 209 and 211 for platinum-acyclovir and cisplatin, respectively). The platinum-acyclovir complex was also active against a cisplatin-resistant subline of the P388 leukaemia (%T/C = 140), thus suggesting a different mechanism of action. The DNA interaction properties (sequence specificity and interstrand cross-linking ability) of platinum-acyclovir were also investigated in comparison to those of cisplatin and [Pt(dien)Cl](+), an antitumour-inactive platinum-triamine compound. The results of this study point to a potential new drug endowed, at the same time, with antiviral and anticancer activity and characterized by DNA interaction properties different from those of cisplatin.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Fluorescence Properties of Poly(styrene-co-n-caprylamide maleic acid) and Its Europium(III) and Terbium(III) Complexes

Copolymer of poly(styrene-co-n-caprylamide maleic acid) (PSCMA, defined as HL) and its lanthanide complexes Ln(L)₃·6H₂O (Ln = Eu and Tb) had been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV-spectrophotometer and thermal analysis (TG–DTA). The fluorescence properties of the HL ligand and the Ln(L)₃·6H₂O complexes in the solid state were investigated. At room temperature, the HL ligand had a strong broad emission band at 410–575 nm (λmax = 458 nm) under excitation at 380 nm, while the respective characteristic emission of Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions was observed in Ln(L)₃·6H₂O complexes. This demonstrated that the HL ligand in the extra-framework channels succeeded in sensitizing Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions emission. Compared with the Eu(L)₃·6H₂O complex, the fluorescence intensity of the Tb(L)₃·6H₂O complex was much stronger. This indicated that the lowest excited triplet state energy level of HL matched well with the excited state energy level of Tb(III). With the increase of the Ln(III) ions content below 15 wt%, the fluorescence intensity increased monotonically. All the Ln(L)₃·6H₂O complexes exhibited high quantum yield, long fluorescence lifetime and good thermal stability.     

Biologically-Active Gold(III) Complexes

A review is given of the background to and results of the succesful pharmacological testing of [AuX(2)(damp)] (X = Cl, OAc; damp = 2-Me(2) NCH(2)C(6) H(4)) against a range of microbes, fungi and tumouts, culminating in in vivo xenografts of ZR-1-75. These are the first fully evaluated gold(III) complexes. The activity and reactions of the diacetato-complex bear a resemblance to cisplatin, and some of the relevant chemistry is discussed. Preliminary screening data for C,P-chelated tertiary phosphine derivatives of gold(III) are presented.     

Activity of Pt(II) and Ru(III) Triazolopyrimidine Complexes Against Parasites of the Genus Leishmania, Trypanosomas and Phytomonas

The synthesis and characterization of two Pt(II) Complexes with the isomeric ligands 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo- [1,2,4]triazolo-[ 1,5-a]pyrimidine (5HtpO) and 4,7-dihydro-7-oxo-[ 1,2,4]-triazolo-[ 1,5-a]pyrimidine (7HtpO) are described, as well as a Ru(III) complex with 7HtpO. The crystal structure of cis-[PtCl(2)(7HtpO)(2)].2H(2)O has been solved by X-ray diffraction analysis. In vitro activity of the new isolated complexes against the epimastigote form of T. cruzi, procyclic form of T. b. brucei and promastigote form of L. donnovani and P. characias has also been studied. The three complexes markedly affect the growth of the parasites and none of them shows cytotoxicity against macrophage of the J774.2 line at the heaviest dosages used.     

Water-Soluble Ruthenium(III)-Dimethyl Sulfoxide Complexes: Chemical Behaviour and Pharmaceutical Properties

In this paper we report a review of the results obtained in the last few years by our group in the development of ruthenium(III) complexes characterized by the presence of sulfoxide ligands and endowed with antitumor properties. In particular, we will focus on ruthenates of general formula Na[trans-RuCl(4)(R(1)R(2)SO)(L)], where R(1)R(2)SO = dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or tetramethylenesulfoxide (TMSO) and L = nitrogen donor ligand. The chemical behavior of these complexes has been studied by means of spectroscopic techniques both in slightly acidic distilled water and in phosphate buffered solution at physiological pH. The influence of biological reductants on the chemical behavior is also described. The antitumor properties have been investigated on a number of experimental tumors. Out of the effects observed, notheworthy appears the capability of the tested ruthenates to control the metastatic dissemination of solid metastasizing tumors. The analysis of the antimetastatic action, made in particular on the MCa mammary carcinoma of CBA mouse, has demonstrated a therapeutic value for these complexes which are able to significantly prolong the survival time of the treated animals. The antimetastatic effect is not attributable to a specific cytotoxicity for metastatic tumor cells although in vitro experiments on pBR322 double stranded DNA has shown that the test ruthenates bind to the macromolecule, causing breaks corresponding to almost all bases, except than thymine, and are able to cause interstrand bonds, depending on the nature of the complex being tested, some of which results active as cisplatin itself.     

Antitumour Activity of a pt(III) Derivative of 2-Mercaptopyrimidine

The complex [Pt(2)Cl(2)(Spym)(4)], where Spym = 2-mercaptopyrimidine, was synthesized and analyzed spectroscopically. The presence in the (195)Pt NMR spectrum, of only one signal for the Pt(III) indicates the symmetrical arrangement of the ligands and the identical setting of N, S and Cl atoms, PtS(2)ClN(2), for the two Pt atoms being different to other compounds described in the literature. The interaction of this complex with DNA was studied by several techniques, including circular dichroism, melting temperature determination, electron microscopy (EM) and atomic force microscopy (TMAFM). Preliminary results show a high activity against HL-60 and HeLa tumour lines for the Pt-2-mercaptopyrimidine complex in comparison with cisplatin activity. Higher values for IC(50) were obtained, while the values of LD(50) were lower than those for cisplatin.     

Ir(III) and Ru(II) Complexes in Photoredox Catalysis and Photodynamic Therapy: A New Paradigm towards Anticancer Applications

Individually, photoredox catalysis (PC) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are well-established concepts that have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, leading to significant progress in organic synthesis for PC and clinical approval of anticancer drugs for PDT. But, very recently, new photoredox catalyst systems based on Ir(III) and Ru(II) complexes have garnered significant interest because they can simultaneously be used as PDT agents apart from their demonstrated PC activity. This highlight discusses the unique PC behavior of emerging Ir(III)- and Ru(II)-based systems while also examining their potential PDT activity in cancer treatment.     

Solvolysis of the Tumor-Inhibiting Ru(III)-Complex trans-Tetrachlorobis(Indazole)Ruthenate(III)

The ruthenium(III) complex Hlnd trans-[RuCl(4),(ind)(2)], with two trans-standing indazole (ind) ligands bound to ruthenium via nitrogen, shows remarkable activity in different tumor models in vitro and in vivo. The solvolysis of the complex trans-[RuCl(4),(ind)(2)](-) has been investigated by means of spectroscopic techniques (UV/vis, NMR)in different solvents. We investigated the indazolium as well as the sodium salt, the latter showing improved solubility in water. In aqueous acetonitrile and ethanol the solvolysis results in one main solvento complex. The hydrolysis of the complex is more complicated and depends on the pH of the solution as well as on the buffer system.     

Binding of Antitumor Ruthenium(III) Complexes to Plasma Proteins

Presently, there is large interest in analysing the interactions in vitro with plasma proteins of some novel antitumor ruthenium(III) complexes that are in preclinical or clinical phase. The joint application of separation and spectroscopic techniques provides valuable information on the nature and the properties of the resulting ruthenium/protein adducts. Recent work carried out in our laboratory points out that, under physiological conditions, some selected ruthenium(III) complexes bind plasma proteins tightly with a marked preference for surface imidazole groups. Representative examples of interactions of antitumor ruthenium(III) complexes with plasma proteins such as albumin and transferrin are given. Notably the antitumor ruthenium(III) complexes considered here bind proteins much tighter than DNA; it is proposed that protein binding of ruthenium(III) complexes will have a large impact on the biodistribution, the pharmacokinetics and the mechanism of action of these experimental drugs.     

Stability and Thermodynamics of Glutamic Acid Complexes with Cerium(III) and Yttrium(III)

Stepwise stability constants of the complexes of glutamic acid with cerium(III) and yttrium (III) have been determined by the Calvin-Bjerrum pH titration technique as used by Irving and Rossotti in aqueous solution at 25° and 45°C. The values of log β₂ for cerium complexes are: 9.75 (μ = 0.1), 9.57 (μ = 0.2), 9.38 (μ = 0.3) at 25°C; and 10.90 (μ = 0.1), 10.74 (μ = 0.2), 10.64 (μ = 0.3) at 45°C. The log β₂ values for yttrium complexes at μ = 0.1 are 9.98 and 9.77 at 25° and 45°C respectively. The values of log β₂ (μ = 0.0) for cerium complexes are 10.21 and 11.24 at 25° and 45°C respectively. The increasing ionic strength of the medium decreases the stabilities of cerium complexes which are also more stable at 45° than 25°C whereas yttrium complexes are less stable at 45°C. The values of AH and ΔS are positive for cerium complexes whereas in the case of yttrium complexes, the values of ΔH are negative and those of ΔS are positive.     

Lanthanide(III) 1,4-Phenylenediacetate Complexes: The Relation Between the Structure and Thermal Properties

The series of isostructural lanthanide coordination polymers with the empirical formula [Ln₂(PDA)₃(H₂O)]·2H₂O, where PDA = 1,4-phenylenediacetate anion = [C₈H₈(COO)₂]^2?; Ln = La-Lu(III), and Y(III) were produced in the reaction of LnCl₃·nH₂O with ammonium salt of 1,4-phenylenediacetic acid in water solution. The compounds were characterised structurally using powder X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses as well as FT-IR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analyses show that in the range 60–170 °C the dehydration process occurs. The thermal stability of dehydrated compounds, Ln₂(PDA)₃ increased from about 200–350 °C in the whole series of complexes. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for the Gd(III) complex revealed that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with a = 21.863(2) Å, b = 10.035(1) Å, c = 13.854(1) Å, β = 91.53(1)° and V = 3,038.5(4) ų. The complex contains one-dimensional gadolinium-carboxylato chains, which are connected with the –CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂– spacers of PDA ligand to the three-dimensional metal–organic framework.     

Olefin-Copper(I) Complexes and their Properties

The synthesis, structure and the novel chemical and physical properties of olefin-copper(I) complexes are the focus of this review. Particular emphasis is placed on the molecular assembly of these compounds and their potential applications as homogeneous catalysts in solution and as solids possessing unusual physical functional properties.Xi-Sen Wang:Equally ContributedHong Zhao:Equally Contributed     

Cytotoxicity of Co(III) Complexes of Arginine

The cytotoxicity of four Co(III) complexes of arginine on nontumour MDBK cells and on two cell lines derived from transplantable tumors, LSCC-SF(Mc29) and LSR-SF (SR), was evaluated comparative!y. Based on the cytotoxic concentration required to inhibit cell surveillance by 50% cc(nabla') it was found that: (i) the cytotoxicity of complexes tested increases when the concentration decreased; (ii) the cell surveillance depends on both complex and cell specificities. The complex specificity was illustrated by the order 1 > 4 > 2 >/= 3 . The cell specific response was demonstrated by the fact that LSCC-SG (Mc29) cells were up to 60 times more sensitive to 1 while LSR-SF (SR) cells were up to 1000 times more sensitive to 2 as compared to MDBK cells. Furthermore, with the prolongation of action on nontumour cells the cytotoxicity of 4 decreased up to 300 times while for both tumour cells it was independent on the duration of action.