Analysis of platinum adducts with DNA nucleotides and nucleosides by capillary electrophoresis coupled to ESI-MS: indications of guanosine 5'-monophosphate O6-N7 chelation

DNA is the ultimate target of platinum-based anticancer therapy. Since the N7 of guanine is known to be the major binding site of cisplatin and its analogues, adduct formation with model nucleotides, especially 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP), has been studied in detail. During the last few years a coupled capillary eletrophoresis/electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (CE/ESI-MS) method has been advantageously used in order to separate and identify platinum adducts with nucleotides in submillimolar concentrations in aqueous solutions. Beside the bisadduct, [Pt(NH(3))(2)(dNMP)(2)](2-) (NMP=2'-deoxynucleoside 5'-monophosphate), and the well-known monochloro and monohydroxo adducts, [Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl(dNMP)](-) and [Pt(NH(3))(2)(dNMP)OH](-), respectively, a third kind of monoadduct species with a composition of [Pt(NH(3))(2)(dNMP)](-) can be separated by CE and detected through the m/z values measured with ESI-MS. Different experimental setups indicate the existence of an O(6)-N7 chelate, whereas the formation of N7-alphaPO(4) macrochelates or dinuclear species is unlikely. Additionally, offline MS experiments with 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) and stabilization of the controversially discussed O(6)-N7 chelate by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide support the assumption of the existence of O(6)-N7 chelation.     

Steric Determinants of Pt/DNA Interactions and Anticancer Activity

Studies directed at establishing the structural features that control Pt/DNA interactions and the anticancer activity of Pt drugs are described. [(1)H, (15)N]-HSQC 2D NMR spectroscopic studies of the reactions of cisplatin with oligonucleotides containing ApG and GpA binding sites reveal dramatic differences in the rates of formation of monofunctional adducts at the two sites. When the reactant is cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](2+) no such differences are observed suggesting that outer-sphere interactions between the reactant and the oligonucleotide may play a substantial role in determining the rates. Rates of closure to the bifunctional adducts are similar to those observed for cisplatin. Studies of the adduct profiles formed by sterically bulky and/or optically active complexes reveal that steric interactions play a major role in mediating the binding of Pt(ll) to DNA but that hydrogen bonds play less of a role. In vitro cytotoxic activities for these complexes do not always follow the trends that would be expected on the basis of the adduct profiles.     

Chiral platinum(II) metallointercalators with potent in vitro cytotoxic activity

Four platinum(II) metallointercalating complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) with the chiral ancillary ligands trans-R,R- and trans-S,S-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (R,R- and S,S-dach, respectively), and N,N'-dimethyl-R,R- and N,N'-dimethyl-S,S-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (Me(2)-R,R-dach and Me(2)-S,S-dach, respectively) have been synthesised and characterised. The crystal structure of [Pt(Me(2)-S,S-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2)1.5 H(2)O (C(20)H(26)Cl(2)N(4)O(9.5)Pt) has been determined; orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1)(No. 19), a=23.194(8), b=25.131(9), c=8.522(3) A. In vitro cytotoxic assays (IC(50)) in the human bladder cancer cell line 5637 and in the murine leukemia L1210 cell line revealed that [Pt(S,S-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) (0.091 and 0.13 microM, respectively) and [Pt(R,R-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) (0.54 and 1.50 microM, respectively) were more cytotoxic than cisplatin (0.31 and 0.50 microM, respectively) and considerably more cytotoxic than their methylated counterparts, [Pt(Me(2)-R,R-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) and [Pt(Me(2)-S,S-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) (both>23 microM). Chiral discrimination for [Pt(S,S-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) over its R,R-enantiomer was observed in all 13 cancer cell lines investigated. Moreover, [Pt(S,S-dach)(phen)](ClO(4))(2) was more active than cisplatin in all cell lines tested and shows only partial cross-resistance to cisplatin in two cisplatin resistant cell lines.     

Extent of the Acidification by N7-Coordinated cis-Diammine-Platinum(II) on the Acidic Sites of Guanine Derivatives

Coordination of two monoprotonated 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate species, H(dGMP)(-), via N7 to cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(2+) gives the complex cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(H.dGMP)(2) which is a four-protonic acid. The corresponding acidity constants were measured by potentiometric pH titrations (25; I = 0.1 M, NaNO(3)). The first two protons are released from the two -P(O)(2)(OH)(-) groups (PK(a/1)= 5.57; PK(a/2) = 6.29) and the next two protons are from the H(N1) sites of the guanine residues (PK(a/3) = 8.73; PK(a/4) = 9.48). The micro acidity constants of the various sites are also evaluated. Comparison of these data with those determined for the three-protonic H(2)(dGMP)(+/-) (PK(a/1) = 2.69 for the H(+)(N7) site; PK(a/2) = 6.29 for -P(O)(2)(OH)(-) ;PK(a/3) = 9.56 for H(N1)) shows that on average the N-7-coordinated Pt(2+) acidifies the phosphate protons by Delta pK(a) = 0.36 and the H(N1) sites by Delta pK(a) = 0.46. These results are further compared with those obtained previously for cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(L)(2), where L = 9-ethylguanine or monoprotonated 2'-deoxycytidine 5'-monophosphate. Conclusions regarding platinated DNA are also presented.     

Growth Effects of Some Platinum(II) Complexes with Sulfur-Containing Carrier Ligands on MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line upon Simultaneous Administration with Taxol

The platinum (II)complexes, cis-[PtCl(2)(CH(3)SCH(2)CH(2)SCH(3))] (Pt1), cis-[PtCl(2)(dmso)(2)] (dmso is dimethylsulfoxide; Pt2) and cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)] (cisplatin), and taxol (T) have been tested at different equimolar concentrations. Cells were exposed to complexes for 2 h and left to recover in fresh medium for 24, 48 or 72 h. Growth inhibition was measured by tetrazolium WST1 assay Analyses of the cell cycle, and apoptosis were performed by flow cytometry, at the same exposure times. The IC50 value of each platinum(II) complex as well as combination index (CI; platinum(II) complex + taxol) for various cytotoxicity levels were determined by median effects analysis.MCF7 cells were found to be sensitive to both Pt1 and Pt2 complexe These cisplatin analogues influenced the cell growth more effectively as compared to cisplatin. Cytotoxic effect was concentration and time-dependent. Profound growth inhibitory effect was observed for Pt1 complex, across all its concentrations at all recovery periods. A plateau effect was achieved three days after treatment at Pt1 concentrations 相似文献   

Ternary Complexes of cis-(NH(3))(2)PtCl(2) (cis-DDP) With Guanosine (guo), Cytidine (cyd) and the Aminoacids Glycine (gly), L-Alanine (ala), L-2-Aminobutyric Acid (2-aba), L-Norvaline (nval) and L-Norleucine (nleu)

The ternary complexes of formulae cis-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(nucl)(amac)]NO(3), where nucl = guo and cyd (guanosine and cytidine) and amac = the deprotonated aminoacids glycine (gly), L-alanine (ala), L-2-aminobutyric acid (2-aba), L-norvaline (nval) and L-norleucine (nleu), were prepared from the reactions of the binary chelated ones cis-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(nucl)(amac)]NO(3) with the nucleosides.They were characterized by (1)H, (13)C and (195)Pt NMR and IR spectra, together with elemental analysis and conductivity measurements. The aminoacids coordinate with Pt(II) in the ternary complexes with their terminal -NH(2) groups, guo through N(7) and cyd through N(3). Ligand-ligand hydrophobic interactions were also observed in the ternary complexes and were stronger with longer aliphatic chains of the aminoacids. The (3)E sugar conformation increased by 5-7% in the ternary systems, as compared to the free nucleosides, while the percentage of the gg conformation remained almost constant and the one of the anti conformation of the sugar increased also slightly. Finally, the h conformer around the C(alpha)-C(beta) bonds of the aminoacids reached a maximum in the binary systems and decreased again considerably in the ternary ones.     

Interaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)] and [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(OH)Ph)(2)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](O(2)C-CH(OH)Ph)(2) With Sulfhydryl Compounds and Ceruloplasmin

The interaction of binuclear rhodium(II) complexes [Rh(2)(OOCCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)], [Rh(2){OOCCH(OH)Ph}(2)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] {OOCCH(OH)Ph}(2), [Rh(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](OOCCH(3))(2) and [Rh(2)Cl(2)(OOCMe)(2)(bpy)(2)](3H(2)O) with ceruloplasmin, cysteine, glutathione and coenzyme A have been investigated using. UV-Vis and CD spectroscopies. The complexes containing phen or bpy at pH = 7.4 and 4.0 are readily reduced with sulfhydryl compounds, while rhodium(II) acetate is relatively stable in these conditions. Complex [Rh(2){OOCCH(OH)Ph}(2)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] strongly changes structure of ceruloplasmin leading to the decrease of of alpha-helix content and loss of oxidase activity.     

Properties of Binuclear Rhodium(II) Complexes and Their Antibacterial Activity

Binuclear rhodium(II) complexes [Rh(2)Cl(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)], [Rh(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](RCOO)(2) and [Rh(2)Cl(2)(mu-OOCCH(3))(terpy)(2)](H(3)O)Cl(2).9H(2)O (R = H, Me, Bu(n), ph, PhCHOH; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp) and 6,7-dimethyl-2,3- di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline (dmpq); terpy 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) have been synthesized and their structure and properties have been studied by electronic, IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of these complexes against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli has been investigated. The most active antibacterial agents against S. aureus were [Rh(2)(OOCPh)(2)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), [Rh(2)(OOCPh)(2)(dmpq)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), [Rh(2)(OOCBu)(2)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) and [Rh(2)-(OOCBu)(2)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) which were considerably more active than the appropriate nitrogen ligands. The complexes show rather low activity against E. coli.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor activity of a series of polypyridyl complexes

A series of polypyridyl complexes have been synthesized. All polypyridyl complexes and some of the soluble ligands have been assayed for antitumor activity in vitro against the HL-60 (the human leucocytoma) cells, BEL-7402 (the human liver carcinoma) cells, KB (the human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) cells and HELA (the human adenocarcinoma of cervix) cells. The results indicate that several complexes have relative activity against different cell lines. Especially, the complexes [Co(bpy)(2)(pip)](3+), [Co(phen)(2)(pip)](3+), [Ru(bpy)(2)(pztp)](2+) and [Ru(pztp)(2)(bpy)](2+) show relative high activity against four tumor cell lines. Moreover, they are slightly more effective than cisplatin. At the concentration of 100 mug/mL, the complexes show inhibitory rate of 72 approximately 86% for the cancer cells and have no toxicity for MDCK and Vero cells. It is indicated that these complexes can inhibit cancer cells selectively.     

Synthesis, Characterisation and Antifungal Activities of Some New Copper(II) Complexes of Isomeric 3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-Octamethyl-1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecanes

Three isomeric Me(8)[14]anes, L(A), L(B) and L(C), undergo complexation with copper(II) salts to form a series of [CuLX(n)(H(2)O)(x)]X(y).(H(2)O)(z) complexes where L = L(A), L(B) and L(C); X = Cl, Br, NO(3); n, x, y and z may have values of 0, 1 or 2. The complexes have been characterised on the basis of analytical, spectroscopic, magnetic and conductance data. Further, the X-ray crystal structure of one complex, [CuL(B)(OH(2))(2)](NO(3))(2), has been determined. The antifungal activity of all three isomeric ligands and their complexes has been investigated against a range of phytopathogenic fungi.     

Surface decorated platinum carbonyl clusters

Four molecular Pt-carbonyl clusters decorated by Cd-Br fragments, i.e., [Pt(13)(CO)(12){Cd(5)(μ-Br)(5)Br(2)(dmf)(3)}(2)](2-) (1), [Pt(19)(CO)(17){Cd(5)(μ-Br)(5)Br(3)(Me(2)CO)(2)}{Cd(5)(μ-Br)(5)Br(Me(2)CO)(4)}](2-) (2), [H(2)Pt(26)(CO)(20)(CdBr)(12)](8-) (3) and [H(4)Pt(26)(CO)(20)(CdBr)(12)(PtBr)(x)](6-) (4) (x = 0-2), have been obtained from the reactions between [Pt(3n)(CO)(6n)](2-) (n = 2-6) and CdBr(2)·H(2)O in dmf at 120 °C. The structures of these molecular clusters with diameters of 1.5-2 nm have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Both 1 and 2 are composed of icosahedral or bis-icosahedral Pt-CO cores decorated on the surface by Cd-Br motifs, whereas 3 and 4 display a cubic close packed Pt(26)Cd(12) metal frame decorated by CO and Br ligands. An oversimplified and unifying approach to interpret the electron count of these surface decorated platinum carbonyl clusters is suggested, and extended to other low-valent organometallic clusters and Au-thiolate nanoclusters.     

Synthesis and Anti-Candida Activity of Cobalt(II) Complexes of Benzene-1,2-Dioxyacetic Acid (bdoaH(2)). X-Ray Crystal Structures of [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)] 3.5H(2)O and {[CO(phen)(3)](bdoa)}(2)24H(2)O (phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline)

Co(CH(3)CO(2))(2)4H(2)O reacts with benzene-1,2-dioxyacetic acid (bdoaH(2)) to give the Co(2+) complexes [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)]H(2)O (1a) and [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)] 3.5H(2)O (1b). Subsequent reaction of 1a with 1,10- phenanthroline produces [CO(phen)(3)] bdoa10H(2)O (2a) and {[CO(phen)(3)](bdoa)}(2)24H(2)O (2b). Molecular structures of 1b and 2b were determined crystallographically. In 1b the bdoa(2-)- ligates the metal by two carboxylate oxygens and two ethereal oxygens, whereas in 2b the bdoa(2-) is uncoordinated. The Mn(2+) and Cu(2+) complexes [Mn(bdoa)(phen)(2)]H(2)O (3) and [Cu(pdoa)(imid)(2)] (4) were also synthesised, 1a-4 and other metal complexes of bdoa H(2) (metal = Mn(2+), Co(2+) ,Cu(2+), Cu(+) ) were screened for their ability to inhibit the growth ofhe yeast Candida albicans. Complexes incorporating the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand were the most active.     

Reactions of Pd(II) and Pt(II) Complexes With Tetraethylthiouram Disulfide

The reactions of tetraethylthiouram disulfide (DTS), an inhibitor of the nephrotoxicity of Pt(II) drugs, an efficient agent in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, in the treatment of HIV infections, AIDS and heavy metal toxicity, and a fungicide and herbicide, with K(2)[PtCl(4)], in ratio 1:1 and 1:2, gave the compounds [PtCl(2)DTS] and [Pt(S(2)CNEt(2))(2)] respectively. The reaction of the complexes K(2)[PdCl(4)], Pd(AcO)(2) and [PdCl(2)(PhCN)(2)], where PhCN = Benzonitrile, with tetraethylthiouram disulfide in ratio 1:1 or 1:2, yielded orange crystals identified as [Pd(S(2)CNEt(2))(2)]. The crystals were suitable for study by X-ray diffraction. The -S-S- bridge in the tetraethylthiouram disulfude molecule was broken and the two molecules of the thiocarbamate derivative were bound to the Pd(II) by the equivalents sulfur atoms. All the compounds were characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopies.     

Effects of hypoxia and transferrin on toxicity and DNA binding of ruthenium antitumor agents in hela cells

Nuclear DNA binding and inhibition of growth of HeLa cells in culture were determined after 24 h incubation with the ruthenium anticancer agents cis-[Cl(2)(NH(3))(4)Ru]Cl (CCR) and (ImH)trans-[(Im)(2)Cl(4)Ru] (ICR) as a function of [Ru], Po(2), and added transferrin. Consistent with the "activation-by-reduction" hypothesis, cytotoxicity and DNA binding for both complexes increased under reduced oxygen conditions. Consistent with the "transferrin- transport" hypothesis, inhibition of cell growth also increased with added transferrin for both complexes. Despite their differences in charge, reduction potentials and substitution rates, both complexes behaved remarkably similarly indicating a common mechanism of action for both. Under atmospheric Conditions (Po(2) = 159 torr), CCR inhibited HeLa cell growth with IC(50) = 3.5 muM, while that for ICR was 2.0 muM. The binding of both complexes to DNA (Ru(DNA)/P(DNA)) correlated with toxicity and was approximately linear in the concentration of the ruthenium complex in the culture medium, [Ru]. For both complexes, IC(50) values decrease and DNA binding increases with decreasing log(Po(2)). In general, DNA binding at all oxygen pressures for both complexes is in the range of one Ru per 1000-2000 DNA base pairs at [Ru] = IC(50).     

Binuclear Rhodium(II) Complexes With Selective Antibacterial Activity

Binuclear rhodium(II) complexes [Rh(2)Cl(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)] {R = H, Me; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)} and [Rh(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](RCOO)(2) (R = Me, Et;) have been synthesized and their structure and properties have been studied by electronic, IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of these complexes against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus has been investigated. The most active antibacterial agents against E. coli were [Rh(2)Cl(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)] and [Rh(2)(mu-OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](RCOO)(2) {R = H and Me} which were considerably more active than the appropriate nitrogen ligands. The complexes show low activity against S. aureus. The activity of the complexes [Rh(2)(OOCR)(2)(N-N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](OOCR)(2) against E. coli decreases in the series: R=H congruent withCH(3)>C(2)H(5)>C(3)H(7) congruent withC(4)H(9). The reverse order was found in the case of S. aureus.     

Fertility Inhibitor Heterobimetallic Complexes of Platinum(II) and Palladium(II): Synthetic, Spectroscopic and Antimicrobial Aspects

Synthetic, spectroscopic and antimicrobial aspects of some fertility inhibitor heterobimetallic complexes have been carried out. These heterobimetallic chelates [M(C(5)H(5)N(3))(2)M(2)'(R)(4)]Cl(2) (M = Pd or Pt and M' = Si, Sn, Ti and Zr) have been successfully synthesinzed via the reaction of M(C(5)H(7)N(3))(2)Cl(2) with group four or fourteen dichlorides in 1:2 stoichiometric proportions. The products were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations, magnetic susceptibility measurements, conductance, and IR multinuclear NMR and electronic spectral studies. A square planar geometry has been suggested for all the complexes with the help of spectral data. Conductivity data strongly suggest that chlorine atoms are ionic in nature due to which complexes behave as electrolytes. All the complexes have been evaluated for their antmicrobial effects on different species of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The testicular sperm density, testicular sperm morphology, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and fertility in mating trails and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs have been examined and discussed.     

Effect of Copper Acyclovir Complexes on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) Infection in Cultured Cells

We have found that when copper, zinc or cobalt is bound to a suitable ligand, the appropriate complex exhibited a significant anti-HSV effect (Varadinova et al., 1993; 1996). Recently published data by Sagripanti et al. (1997) also show that the inhibition of HSV by copper was enhanced by reducing agents and that mechanism of the inactivation is similar as for copper-mediated DNA damage (Aruoma, et al. 1991; Dizdaroglu, et al., 1991; Toyokuni and Sagripanti, 1994). Therefore it was interesting to study the efect of Cu(ll) coordination compounds with acyclovir (ACV) on the replication of HSV in cultured cells. The experiments on cytotoxicity as well as on the activity of three different Cu-ACV complexes [Cu(ACV)(2)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] = (A); [Cu(ACV)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](NO(3))(2).H(2)O = (B) and [Cu(ACV)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2)] = (C) towards virus replication, with special attention on the growth of ACV-resistant strain R-100 were performed on MDBK cells. ACV was used as a reference compound. The following results were obtained: 1) Increased cell's viability in the presence of 20-40(g/ml ACV and decreased one in the presence of Cu-ACV complexes with relative level (A) > (B) > (C); 2) Cu-ACV complexes are more cytotoxic than the ligand - ACV and the relative level is (C)>(B)>(A); 3) The anti-HSV effect of ACV can be modulated by copper at levels depending on the specificity of the particular virus strain: (i) for the ACV sensitive strain DA (HSV-1) - ACV ((A) > (C) > (B); (ii) for the ACV sensitive strain Bja (HSV-2) (A) > ACV > (C) > (B); (iii) for strain R-100 (ACV(R), TK(a)) - (A) > ACV > (C) > (B). This findings are consistent with previously published data and undoubtedly show that Cu-ACV complexes could be useful in the treatment of HSV infections, especially when the causative agent is a resistant to ACV mutant.     

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of trans-platinum(II) and trans-platinum(IV) complexes with 4-hydroxymethylpyridine

The synthesis and chemical characterization of two new trans platinum complexes, trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (1) and trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (2) are described. Their ability to interact with 5'-GMP by themselves and in the presence of reducing agents in the case of trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] were tested. Circular dichroism, electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel, and atomic force microscopy studies showed that the interaction of complex 1 with DNA is stronger than that of complex 2. Cytotoxicity tests against HL-60 tumor cells also showed higher activity for trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] than for trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)]. Complex 1 presents similar behavior to cisplatin, but with a lower IC(50) at 24 h. Complex 1 also showed high apoptosis induction.     

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.