Antiproliferative activity of Pt(IV) complexes with lonidamine and bexarotene ligands attached via succinate-ethylenediamine linker

We present the synthesis and cytotoxic potencies of new Pt(IV) complexes with lonidamine and bexarotene ligand tethered to Pt-center via a succinate-ethylenediamine linker. The in vitro results for a series of complexes with cisplatin, dichloride(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(II), or oxaliplatin core indicate that the addition to the structure lonidamine or bexarotene moiety can confer activity or selectivity of Pt(IV) complexes. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

New derivatives of bacteriopurpurin with thiolated au (I) complexes: Dual dark-and light activated antitumor potency

Background: Conventional antitumor Photosensitizers (PS) are normally low toxic in the dark whereas light activation triggers massive cell death (photodynamic therapy, PDT). Objective: To expand the therapeutic potential of PS to dual potency cytocidal agents, taking advantage of the use of bacteriopurpurin for a deeper tissue penetration of light, and suitability of the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle for chemical modifications at its periphery. Methods: Conjugation of a pro-oxidant thiolate Au (I) moiety to the bacteriopurpurin core and evaluation of cytotoxicity in cell culture and in vivo. Results: New water-soluble derivatives showed micromolar cytotoxicity for cultured human tumor cell lines in the dark, including the subline with an altered drug response due to p53 inactivation. Cellular PDT with the selected conjugate, thiolate Au (I)-dipropoxybacteriopurpurinimide (compound 6) with two triphenylphosphine Au fragments, triggered rapid (within minutes) cell death. Damage to the plasma membrane (necrosis) was a hallmark of cell death by compound 6 both in the dark and upon light activation. Furthermore, one single i.v. injection of compound 6 caused retardation of transplanted syngeneic tumors at the tolerable dose. Illumination of tumors that accumulated compound 6 significantly synergized with the effect of 6 in the dark. Conclusion: Complexes of virtually non-toxic, photoactivatable bacteriopurpurin with the gold-containing organic moiety are considered the dual potency antitumor agents, tentatively applicable for intractable tumors. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers

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. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland