Copper(II)–Girard's T complex as a promising anti‐tumor agent

Abstract

AbstractA copper(II) complex was evaluated for its anti‐tumor activity. Firstly, electrophoretic studies were applied on the complex. These studies revealed the binding of the complex to calf thymus DNA, leading to a delay in electrophoretic mobility of the DNA molecule. Secondly, spectroscopic data pointed out that the λmax of DNA was shifted to a longer wavelength, which was accompanid by a hyperchromic shift. Moreover, the λmax of copper(II) complex was shifted to a shorter wavelength. The favorable reaction conditions between the DNA molecule and the copper(II) complex were studied. Thirdly, The effects of the ligand and the Cu(II) ion were tested separately on the DNA molecule by electrophoresis technique. Furthermore, the fluorescence quenching of DNA bound ethidium ion by Cu(II)‐Girard's T complex was noticed. The IR spectral data of DNA before and after the reaction with the copper(II) complex indicated that the interaction takes place through the carbonyl group of DNA nucleobases. Finally, a significant increase in the mean survival of EAC (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) tumor‐bearing mice was observed when treated with the copper(II) complex. The tumor volume was also significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Electrophoretic studies showed that the DNA pattern extracted from EAC cells of tumor‐bearing mice was affected after treatment with the copper(II) complex. Flow cytometric studies showed that this complex may be taken into consideration in seeking novel anti‐tumor agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.