MTT Dye Reduction Assay Research Articles

Self-Assembled Molecular Complexes of 1,10-Phenanthroline and 2-Aminobenzimidazoles: Synthesis, Structure Investigations, and Cytotoxic Properties.

Three new molecular complexes (phen)3(2-amino-Bz)2(H+)(BF4-)·3H2O 5, (phen)3(2-amino-5(6)-methyl-Bz)2(H+)(BF4-)·H2O 6, and (phen)(1-methyl-2-amino-Bz)(H+)(BF4-) 7, were prepared by self-assembly of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and various substituted 2-aminobenzimidazoles. Confirmation of their structures was established through spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystal structure of 7 is stabilized by the formation of hydrogen bonds and short contacts. In addition, the molecular geometry and electron structure of molecules 5 and 6 were theoretically evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) methods. According to the DFT B3LYP/6-311+G* calculations, the protonated benzimidazole (Bz) units act as NH hydrogen bond donors, binding two phenanthrolines and a BF4- ion. Non-protonated Bz unit form hydrogen bonds with the N-atoms of a third molecule phen. The molecular assembly is held together by π-π stacking between benzimidazole and phenanthroline rings, allowing for N-atoms to associate with water molecules. The complexes were tested in vitro for their tumor cell growth inhibitory effects on prostate (PC3), breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines using MTT-dye reduction assay. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis and spectrophotometric investigation in the presence of ct-DNA, showed that self-assembled molecules 5-7 are promising DNA-binding anticancer agents warranting further in-depth exploration.

Aqueous distillate of mature leaves of Vernonia zeylanica (L.) Less. and Mallotus repandus (Rottler) Müll. Arg. cued from traditional medicine exhibits rapid wound healing properties

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSri Lankan traditional medicine uses Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus broadly for the treatment of a multitude of disease conditions, including wound healing. Aim of the studyWe aimed to scientifically validate the safety and efficacy of wound healing of an aqueous distillate of Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus (ADVM) mature leaves, tested on primary human dermal fibroblasts. Materials and methodsHuman dermal fibroblasts isolated from clinical waste from circumcision surgery were characterized by flowcytometry and trilineage differentiation. The MTT dye reduction assay, and the ex vivo wound healing scratch assay established wound healing properties of ADVM using the primary human dermal fibroblast cell line. Upregulation of genes associated with wound healing (MMP3, COL3A1, TGFB1, FGF2) were confirmed by RT qPCR. GC-MS chromatography evaluated the phytochemical composition of ADVM. ResultsCompared to the synthetic stimulant, β fibroblast growth factor, ADVM at 0.25% concentration on the primary dermal fibroblast cell line exhibited significant ex vivo, (i) 1.7-fold % cell viability (178.7% vs 304.3 %, p < 0.001), (ii) twofold greater % wound closure (%WC) potential (47.74% vs 80.11%, p < 0.001), and (iii) higher rate of % WC (3.251 vs 3.456 % WC/h, p < 0.05), sans cyto-genotoxicity. Up regulated expression of FGF2, TGFB1, COL3A1 and MMP3, genes associated with wound healing, confirmed effective stimulation of pathways of the three overlapping phases of wound healing (P < 0.05). GC-MS profile of ADVM characterized four methyl esters, which may be posited as wound healing phytochemicals. ConclusionsExceeding traditional medicine claims, the exvivo demonstration of rapid skin regeneration, reiterated by upregulated expression of genes related to wound healing pathways, sans cytotoxicity, propounds ADVM, cued from traditional medicine, as a potential safe and effective natural stimulant for rapid wound-healing. Additionally, it may serve as an effective proliferative stimulant of dermal fibroblasts for cell therapy, with potential in reparative and regenerative therapy of skin disorders.

Abstract B105: Antineoplastic effects and expression modulations in proliferation/apoptosis related genes by riproximin in breast cancer cells

Abstract Background: Ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIPs) target the ribosomal machinery of target cells and stop the translational machinery irreversibly. Riproximin is a plant-based RIP which was extracted and purified from the plant “Ximenia americana”. Riproximin has demonstrated its anticancer effects against various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. In this study, the focus was to evaluate the effects of riproximin on proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells at functional and molecular levels. Methods: MTT dye reduction assay and DAPI nuclear staining methodologies were used to highlight the riproximin mediated effects on proliferation and apoptosis in primary (MCF-7) and metastatic (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines. Afterwards, the two cell lines were used to investigate the expression modulations in genes related to PIK3/Akt and apoptosis pathways (84 genes/pathway) via real-time PCR methodology. The expression modulations were used to build the signalling pathways via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis supported by Qiagen software system. Results: Riproximin successfully halted the proliferation of the breast cancer cells with an average 50% inhibitory concentrations of 1.2 and 2.9 ng/ml after 72 hours exposure interval in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. The protein also induced apoptotic effects in the two cell lines as reflected by shrinkage, blebbing and fragmentation of the nucleus/DNA content in a concentration dependant format. Substantial alterations (≥2fold) were observed in PIK3/Akt pathway genes (MCF-7: 49/84, MDA-MB-231: 28/84) in response to riproximin exposure. Similarly, the protein induced de-regulation (≥2fold) of apoptosis related 44/84 and 34/84 genes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed involvement of these genes at distinct positions in cell survival and death mechanisms. Conclusion: Riproximin demonstrated the substantial potential to induce the cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells. The protein also de-regulated a significant number of proliferation and apoptosis related genes in breast cancer primary and metastatic cells. Further in vitro investigations are required to understand the fine molecular tuning being operated by this natural plant protein in cancer cells. Citation Format: Asim Pervaiz, Asma Khan, Kiran Umer, Martin R. Berger. Antineoplastic effects and expression modulations in proliferation/apoptosis related genes by riproximin in breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B105.

Abstract A025: Cytostatic effects and expression modulations in cell cycle genes by a 3rd generation alkyl-phospholipid (erufosine) in liver and lung cancer cells

Abstract Introduction: Alkyl-phospholipids (ALPs) are a family of compounds that have affinity to cell membranes and have demonstrated antineoplastic potential. Erufosine is a 3rd generation ALP that can be injected intravenously for its long (22-carbon) chain with a cis-13,14 double bond. Erufosine, like other ALPs, causes changes in the lipid rafts of the cell membrane and exerts its anticancer effects through cytotoxic and cytostatic mechanisms. In this study, intentions were to investigate erufosine mediated cytostatic effects in liver and lung cancer cells at functional and molecular levels. Materials and Methods: Liver (HepG2) and lung (H1299) cancer cell lines were exposed to various concentrations of erufosine (1.56-50µM) and resulting anti-proliferative effects were monitored via MTT dye reduction assay. Cytostatic effects of erufosine on the two cancer cell lines were investigated via propidium iodide-based DNA staining and FACS analysis. A real time PCR based panel was used to decipher the impact of erufosine exposure on 84 cell cycle related genes in the two cancer cell lines. Fold changes were identified via the Livak method while untreated cells were used as controls. Results: Erufosine induced the anti-proliferative effects in both cancer cell lines, however, lung cancer cells were more sensitive (IC50: 6.25µM) as compared to liver cancer cells (IC50: 33µM). The compound induced a comparable cell cycle arrest in S phase in the cancer cell lines as reflected by more accumulation of the cells in this particular phase. Exposure with erufosine (IC50/48 hours) de-regulated the cell cycle related genes in both cancer cell lines. Again, the lung cancer cells were more responsive in comparison to liver cancer cells as reflected by a substantial de-regulation (≥2fold) of 35/84 (42%) and 13/84 (15%) genes, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed erufosine mediated anti-proliferative and cytostatic effects in the liver and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, the compound induced substantial alterations in cell cycle related genes in the two cancer cell lines. Present findings foster further research to investigate the antineoplastic effects induced by erufosine in liver and lung cancer cells to support its clinical utilization. Citation Format: Asim Pervaiz, Marriyam Nasim, Nazakat Shafiq, Martin R. Berger. Cytostatic effects and expression modulations in cell cycle genes by a 3rd generation alkyl-phospholipid (erufosine) in liver and lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A025.

Antiproliferative effect of methanolic extract of Allophylus cobbe in C127I cell lines

Scientific world is in search of newer and effective therapies against cancer and nature form a good source of drugs. The present study was undertaken to assess the antiproliferative potential of methanolic extract of A. cobbe in C127I cell lines. The leaves of A. cobbe were shade dried and was extracted using methanol and qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed. The extract was assessed for its cytotoxicity by MTT dye reduction assay in C127 I cells maintained using DMEM and 10 per cent foetal bovine serum at concentrations of 320, 160, 80, 40, 20, 20 and 5 µg/mL and the percent cell inhibition and IC50 were calculated. Acridine Orange/Ethidium bromide staining was used to detect the possible mechanism of cytotoxicity. From the results of MTT assay, it could be seen that there was a dose dependent inhibition of cell proliferation of C127I which was maximum at a concentration of 320 µg/mL. The IC50 value of the methanolic extracts was found to be 64.63 µg/mL respectively. The effect was comparable to doxorubicin. The extract and positive control treated cells showed orange to red fluorescence when stained with Acrdine Orange/ Ethidium bromide compared to greenish fluorescence in the control cells indicating apoptosis in the treated cells. The study concluded that methanolic extract of A. cobbe induced cytotoxicity by apoptosis of cancer cells.

Fused Triazinobenzimidazoles Bearing Heterocyclic Moiety: Synthesis, Structure Investigations, and In Silico and In Vitro Biological Activity.

[1,3,5]Triazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole-2-amines bearing heterocyclic moiety in 4-position were synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS spectroscopy. The molecular geometry and electron structure of these molecules were theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The molecular structure of the synthesized fused triazinobenzimidazole was confirmed to correspond to the 3,4-dihydrotriazinobenzimidazole structure through the analysis of spectroscopic NMR data and DFT calculations. The antinematodic activity was evaluated in vitro on isolated encapsulated muscle larvae (ML) of Trichinella spiralis. The results showed that the tested triazinobenzimidazoles exhibit significantly higher efficiency than the conventional drug used to treat trichinosis, albendazole, at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. The compound 3c substituted with a thiophen-2-yl moiety exhibited the highest anthelmintic activity, with a larvicidal effect of 58.41% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL after 24 h of incubation. Following closely behind, the pyrrole analog 3f demonstrated 49.90% effectiveness at the same concentration. The preliminary structure-anti-T. spiralis activity relationship (SAR) of the analogues in the series was discussed. The cytotoxicity of the benzimidazole derivatives against two normal fibroblast cells (3T3 and CCL-1) and two cancer human cell lines (MCF-7 breast cancer cells and chronic myeloid leukemia cells AR-230) was evaluated using the MTT-dye reduction assay. The screening results indicated that the compounds showed no cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. An in silico study of the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the novel synthesized fused triazinobenzimidazoles showed that they were characterized by a significant degree of drug-likeness and optimal properties for anthelmintic agents.

Synthesis, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 analogue containing nor-Leu and its conjugates with a second pharmacophore

Peptides are a promising alternative of conventional medical drugs for the treatment of different diseases because they have no or have very few side effects owing to the natural mechanisms for their elimination. There are a lot of examples of drugs on the pharmaceutical market based on modified amino acids and peptides. Herein, we report the synthesis and studies on the antimicrobial peptide (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 where Leu is replaced by the unnatural amino acid nor-Leu. In addition, a second pharmacophore with well proven anticancer properties is introduced to the peptide moiety. All structures were synthesized by conventional solid phase peptide synthesis. The antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities were studied using MTT-dye reduction assay and disk-diffusion test, respectively. Biological activity assays showed that the introduction of nor-Leu in the primary structure of the parent compound does not lead to an increase in the antiproliferative activity. However, the combination with the second pharmacophore 1,8-naphtalimide in a hybrid structure 1,8-NphtG-(KNleAKNleAK)2-NH2 leads to a significant increase in the antiproliferative properties. The antimicrobial tests showed that all tested compounds exhibit antimicrobial activity. The peptide and the second pharmacophore had a synergistic effect. In combination with complete hydrolytic stability for 72 h in model systems, the compound 1,8-NphtG-(KNleAKNleAK)2-NH2 is the best candidate for a medical drug in the treatment of mammary gland type A adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) in combination with antimicrobial properties.

Apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of silk protein sericin conjugated-AgNO3 nanoparticles in human breast cancer cells

Bombyx mori silk sericin is a globular-like protein that is used as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor agent. In this current research, we isolated sericin by degumming process and formation of sericin-AgNO3 NPs confirmed by UV–vis spectra, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD patterns. The sericin and sericin-AgNO3 NPs mediated changes in human breast cancer cells were determined. The antiproliferative activity of sericin-AgNO3 NPs was analyzed by MTT dye reduction assay. Alterations at molecular levels were investigated by qRT-PCR, while apoptotic effects were studied by nuclear DNA staining. After 72 h treatment, sericin and sericin-AgNO3 NPs showed significant antiproliferative effects in MDA-MB-231 (26 %) and MCF-7 (41 %) cells. Expression modification showed prominent stimulation of cell cycle arrest and stress related genes such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN1A, CDKN1B), and GADD family genes. RT-PCR results of the GADD family include GADD45A, B, G, 34, 153 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN1A, 1B) showed pronounced induction of 3.1 to 19.8-folds in MCF-7 cell line while induction in MDA-MB-231 cell line was 2.5 to 34.3-folds. Nuclear DAPI staining showed significant induction of apoptosis and nuclear fragmentation in MDA-MB-231 cells at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for both sericin and sericin-AgNO3 NPs. Meanwhile, in case of MCF-7 cells, after treatment with sericin and sericin-AgNO3 NPs (1 mg/mL), the cells changed into a round shape and lost their original spindle outlook in dose-dependent manners. We concluded that sericin-AgNO3 NPs have significant antiproliferative, apoptosis, and genetic profiling effects in both breast cancer cell lines at the highest concentration.

Gallium (III) Complexes with 5-Bromosalicylaldehyde Benzoylhydrazones: In Silico Studies and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity.

Gallium (III) complexes with the ligands 5-bromosalicylaldehyde-4-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone and 5-bromosalicylaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone were synthesized to receive compounds with improved antiproliferative action. Compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations with Becke’s 3-parameter hybrid functional and 6-31+G(d,p) basis set were carried out to investigate the structural features of the ligands and Ga(III) complexes. Cytotoxic screening by MTT-dye reduction assay was carried out using cisplatin and melphalan as reference cytotoxic agents. A general formula [Ga(HL)2]NO3 for the complexes obtained was suggested. The complexes are mononuclear with the Ga(III) ions being surrounded by two ligands. The ligands acted as monoanionic tridentate (ONO) donor molecules. The analysis revealed coordination binding through deprotonated phenolic-oxygen, azomethine-nitrogen, and amide-oxygen atoms. The bioassay demonstrated that all compounds exhibited concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity at low micromolar concentrations against the acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 and T-cell leukemia SKW-3 cell lines. IC50 values of 5-bromo-derivative ligands and gallium (III) complexes are lower than those of cisplatin and much lower than these of melphalan. The coordination to gallium (III) additionally increased the cytotoxicity compared to the metal-free hydrazones.

MP40-09 MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF RESISTANCE TO CISPLATIN AND OSIMERTINIB IN PENILE CANCER

You have accessJournal of UrologyPenile & Testicular Cancer I (MP40)1 Sep 2021MP40-09 MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF RESISTANCE TO CISPLATIN AND OSIMERTINIB IN PENILE CANCER Anita Thomas, Olesya Vakhrusheva, Martin MIchaelis, Jindrich Cinatl, Florian Rothweiler, Maarten Albersen, Axel Haferkamp, Eva Jüngel, and Igor Tsaur Anita ThomasAnita Thomas More articles by this author , Olesya VakhrushevaOlesya Vakhrusheva More articles by this author , Martin MIchaelisMartin MIchaelis More articles by this author , Jindrich CinatlJindrich Cinatl More articles by this author , Florian RothweilerFlorian Rothweiler More articles by this author , Maarten AlbersenMaarten Albersen More articles by this author , Axel HaferkampAxel Haferkamp More articles by this author , Eva JüngelEva Jüngel More articles by this author , and Igor TsaurIgor Tsaur More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002055.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Metastatic penile cancer (PeCa) is hallmarked by rapidly evolving resistance to chemotherapy worsening prognosis. Since PeCa is a rare disease, translational research aimed at identifying novel options of counteracting resistance is limited by a scarcity of biomaterials, tumor models as well as funding. In the current project, PeCa cell lines resistant to cisplatin and osimertinib were successfully established. Moreover, molecular mechanisms of resistance as well as efficacy of drug treatment were analyzed. METHODS: Therapy-naïve UKF-PeC3 cells were adapted to growth in the presence of 2 μg/ml cisplatin (UKF-PeC3rCIS2) or 2 μM osimertinib (UKF-PeC3rOSI2). Tumor cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle phases and regulating proteins as well as akt/mTOR signaling pathway proteins were investigated in therapy-naïve and cisplatin- and in osimertinib resistant cell lines by the MTT dye reduction assay, BrdU assay, flow cytometry and western blot. Finally, effects of the drug treatment with the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus on PeCa cancer growth were determined in both cell lines. RESULTS: The IC50 (half-maximal effective dose) value for cisplatin (5.48 μg/ml vs. 61.76 μg/ml) and osimertinib (5.04 μM vs. 17.02 μM) was increased significantly in resistant cells compared to treatment-naïve cells confirming acquired resistance in UKF-PeC3rCIS2 and UKF-PeC3rOSI2. Accordingly, both resistant cell lines showed a significantly weaker response in viability and proliferation assays. Flow cytometry detected a modulation of cell cycle phases in the state of resistance. Furthermore, protein expression profiles of selected proteins of the akt/mTOR signaling pathway demonstrated an upregulation of pAKT, p4EBP1 and pmTOR in both resistant cell lines compared to therapy-naïve cells. Therapeutic potential of this pathway was further corroborated by efficacy testing of everolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance patterns and mechanisms were identified, emphasizing the involvement of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and paving the way for development of novel treatment strategies in PeCa. Targeting this pathway might prolong efficacy of therapeutic regimens or induce a re-sensitization of treatment-resistant PeCa cells. Source of Funding: Brigitte- und Dr. Konstanze Wegener-Stiftung © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e717-e718 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Anita Thomas More articles by this author Olesya Vakhrusheva More articles by this author Martin MIchaelis More articles by this author Jindrich Cinatl More articles by this author Florian Rothweiler More articles by this author Maarten Albersen More articles by this author Axel Haferkamp More articles by this author Eva Jüngel More articles by this author Igor Tsaur More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Phytochemical characterization and biological activity of apricot kernels’ extract in yeast-cell based tests and hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBitter apricot kernels’ extract contains a broad spectrum of biologically active substances with a lot of attention to amygdalin – cyanogenic glycoside. The extract has been used in the pharmaceutical industry for years as an ingredient of different pharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or regenerative properties. In traditional medicine, the bitter apricot kernels are known as a remedy for respiratory disorders and skin diseases. The apricot kernels and amygdalin are often prescribed by practitioners for the prevention and treatment of various medical conditions, including colorectal cancer. The present study aimsto evaluate the phytochemical composition and the potential antimutagenic, antirecombinogenic, and antitumor effect of apricot kernels’ extract at very low concentrations in yeast cell-based tests and mammalian hepatocellular and colon carcinoma cell lines. Materials and methodsPhytochemical analysis was performed by LC-MS profiling. Reverse-phase HPLC and UV detection were applied for the determination of amygdalin quantity in the extract. Biological activity was evaluated by Zimmermann's mutagenicity and Ty1 retrotransposition test. Cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity of apricot kernels' extract was performed on four types of cell lines – HepG2, HT-29, BALB/3T3, clone A31, and BJ using the standard MTT-dye reduction assay. ResultsData revealed the presence of more than 1000 compounds and 4 cyanogenic glycosides among them – Amygdalin, Deidaclin, Linamarin and Prulaurasin. The Amygdalin concentration was measured to be 57.8 μg/ml. All extract concentrations demonstrated a strong antigenotoxic, antirecombinogenic, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic effect in the yeast cell-based tests. High selectivity of the extract action is established among different mammalian cell lines. Normal cell line BJ is found to be resistant to the extract action. HepG2 was found to be the most sensitive to apricot kernels’ action. ConclusionThe present study provides the first phytochemical analysis of Bulgarian bitter apricot kernels. Three new cyanogenic glycosides were reported. Evidence is obtained that the apricot kernels’ extract at low concentrations is not able to induce some of the events related to the initial steps of tumorigenesis. Additionally, a high selectivity of the extract action is established among different cell lines. The most sensitive cell line was found to be HepG2.

Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in Human Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Cell Lines Is Enhanced by the CDK4/6 Inhibitor Palbociclib.

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the mainstay of pharmacological treatment of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) that, together with early diagnosis, surgery, and/or radiotherapy, has dramatically improved the prognosis. However, under the pressure of such pharmacological therapy (both classical cytotoxic drugs and targeted therapy), cancer cells may develop resistance. Thus, combination therapy that may include cytotoxic drugs and targeted therapy could offer an advantage to curing cancers. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of cisplatin, as a single-agent or in combination with palbociclib. The cell viability of Ntera-2/cl.D1 (NT2/D1) and 833K after exposure to palbociclib and/or cisplatin was evaluated by MTT dye reduction assay and by ATPLite Luminescence Assay. Gene and protein expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and by western blot. Flow cytometric cell-cycle analysis was performed, as well. The in vivo experiments were conducted on NT2/D1 xenografts in AB zebrafish embryos exposed to the drugs. Palbociclib and cisplatin decreased TGCT cell viability both in vitro and in vivo. This effect was additive when cells were exposed to the drug combination. In the NT2/D1 cell lines, the drug combination also exerted a positive effect with regard to delaying cell recovery after the toxic insult. In the combination experiments, cisplatin-induced cell accumulation in G2/M was predominant compared with the palbociclib effect. These results could provide the rationale for developing further studies to improve the pharmacological treatment of TGCTs, but they must be demonstrated in a dedicated clinical trial.

New Pt(II) complexes with 3’-methyl tetrahydro-4H-thiopyranspiro-5’-hydantoin: synthesis, theoretical and cytotoxic investigation

Three new platinum complexes with chemical formulas cis-[PtL2Cl2], cis-[PtL2I2] and cis-[PtL(NH3)Cl2], where L is 3’-methyl-4-thio-1H-tetrahydropyranspiro-5’-hydantoin were synthesized and studied. The spectral and theoretical investigations proved that ligand coordinates through sulfur atom from tetrahydrothiopyrane fragment by monodentate manner with platinum ion. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity in vitro against four human tumor cell lines using MTT dye-reduction assay for cell viability. The tested compounds displayed cytotoxic effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Complex 2 as well as complex 3 have similar cytotoxicity to that of the prototype drug cisplatin on colon adenocarcinoma model HT-29.

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of New Mannich Bases of 6-[3-(3,4,5-Trimetoxyphenyl)-2- propenoyl]-2(3H)-Benzoxazolone

Background: Chemotherapy is one of the mainstays of cancer treatment, despite the serious side effects of the clinically available anticancer drugs. In recent years increasing attention has been directed towards novel agents with improved efficacy and selectivity. Compounds with chalcone backbone have been reported to possess various biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, etc. It was reported that aminomethylation of hydroxy chalcones to the corresponding Mannich bases increased their cytotoxicity. In this context, our interest has been focused on the design and synthesis of the so-called multi-target molecules, containing two or more pharmacophore fragments. Methods: A series of Mannich bases were synthesized by the reaction between 6-[3-(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2(3Н)-benzoxazolone, formaldehyde, and a secondary amine. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectra. The new Mannich bases were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of human tumor cell lines, including BV-173, SKW-3, K-562, HL-60, HD-MY-Z and MDA-MB-231. The effects of selected compounds on the cellular levels of glutathione (GSH) were determined. Results: The new compounds 4a-e exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects at micromolar concentrations in MTT-dye reduction assay against a panel of human tumor cell lines, similar to those of starting chalcone 3. The tested agents led to concentration - dependent depletion of cellular GSH levels, whereby the effects of the chalcone prototype 3 and its Mannich base-derivatives were comparable. Conclusion: The highest chemosensitivity to the tested compounds was observed in BV- 173followed by SKW-3 and HL-60 cell lines.

Synthesis, Characterization, Quantum-Chemical Calculations and Cytotoxic Activity of 1,8-Naphthalimide Derivatives with Non-Protein Amino Acids.

The 1,8-Naphthalimides constitute an important class of biologically active, DNAbinding compounds. There are no available data on the synthesis of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives with nonprotein amino acids and their biological activity. The aim of this paper was to determine the synthesis, structural characterization and cytotoxic activity of new 1-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)cycloalkane-1- carboxylic acids with 5-, 6-, 7-, 8- and 12-membered rings as well as 2-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)- yl)adamantane-2-carboxylic acid and 1-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene- 1-carboxylic acid. The target compounds were obtained by an interaction of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride with a series of non-protein amino acids. The optimized geometry and harmonic vibrational frequencies have been calculated by DFT employing B3LYP functional using 6-31G(d,p) basis set. An ab initio (MP2 and Hartee-Fock) and DFT (different functionals) using several basis sets have been applied for NMR calculations. The cytotoxic effects of the synthesized compounds are assessed against two human tumor cell lines, namely K-562 (chronic myeloid leukemia) and HUT-78 (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) after 72 h exposure, using the MTT-dye reduction assay. The apoptogenic effects and the ability to modulate the NFκB-signaling pathways were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. All compounds inhibited the growth of malignant cells at micromolar concentrations whereby compound 4b (1-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid) demonstrated superior activity in both cell lines with IC50 values comparable to those of the reference anticancer drug melphalan. New 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives with non-protein amino acids were successfully synthesized. Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to elucidate the structure of the newly synthesized compounds. There is a proper alignment between theoretical and experimental results. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized products against two human tumor cell lines, namely K-562 and HUT-78 was evaluated. All compounds inhibited the growth of malignant cells at micromolar concentrations. The pharmacodynamics evaluation of compound 4b showed that its cytotoxicity is mediated by induction of apoptosis and inhibition of NFκB-signaling.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Properties, Crystal Structure And Biological Evaluation of New Platinum Complexes with 5-methyl-5-(2-thiomethyl)ethyl Hydantoin.

The accidental discovery of Cisplatin's growth-inhibiting properties a few decades ago led to the resurgence of interest in metal-based chemotherapeutics. A number of well-discussed factors such as severe systemic toxicity and unfavourable physicochemical properties further limit the clinical application of the platinating agents. Great efforts have been undertaken in the development of alternative platinum derivatives with an extended antitumor spectrum and amended toxicity profile as compared to the reference drug cisplatin. The rational design of conventional platinum analogues and the re-evaluation of the empirically derived "structure- activity" relationships allowed for the synthesis of platinum complexes with great diversity in structural characteristics, biochemical stability and antitumor properties. The new compounds have been studied by elemental analyses, IR, NMR and mass spectral analyses. The structures of the organic compound and one of the new mixed/ammine Pt(II) complexes were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxic effects of the compounds were studied vs. the referent antineoplastic agent cisplatin against four human tumour cell lines using the standard MTT-dye reduction assay for cell viability. The most promising complex 3 was investigated for acute toxicity in male and female H-albino-mice models. A new organic compound (5-methyl-5-(2-thiomethyl)ethyl hydantoin) L bearing both S- and Ncoordinating sites and three novel platinum complexes, 1, 2 and 3 were synthesized and studied. Spectral and structural characterization concluded monodentate S-driven coordination of the ligand L to the metal center in complexes 1 and 2, whereas the same was acted as a bidentate N,S-chelator in complex 3. Ligand L crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I41/a (No 88) with one molecule per asymmetric unit. While complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c (No 14) with one molecule per asymmetric unit. In the same complex 3, the platinum ion coordinates an L ligand, a chloride ion and an ammonia molecule. In the in vitro experiments, the tested L and complexes 1 and 2 exhibited negligible cytotoxic activity in all tumor models. Accordingly, complex 3 is twice as potent as cisplatin in the HT-29 cells and is at least as active as cisplatin on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. In the in vivo toxicity estimation of complex 3 no signs of common toxicity were observed. The Pt(II)-bidentate complex 3 exhibited significant cytotoxic potential equaling or surpassing that of the reference drug cisplatin in all the tested tumor models. Negligible anticancer activity on the screened tumor types has been shown by the ligand L and its Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes 1 and 2, respectively. Our study on the acute toxicity of the most active complex 3 proved it to be non-toxic in mice models.

Synthesis of New N1Arylpiperazine Substituted Xanthine Derivatives and Evaluation of their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases in 2012, with most of the clinically used drugs being ineffective. Methylxanthines have raised more interest in research on modifying their structure because of their diverse biological activity. In addition, the piperazine nucleus is one of the most important heterocycles exhibiting remarkable pharmacological activities. The structure of the obtained compounds was characterized and elucidated by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and LCMS spectral analysis. The purity of the substances was proven by corresponding melting points and elemental analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by four common methods - DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and lipid peroxidation assay. The cytotoxic effects of the tested series were evaluated using the standard MTT-dye reduction assay on three tumour cell lines. A series of new xanthine derivatives comprising an arylpiperazine moiety at N1 were synthesized. The cytotoxicity against human T-cell leukemia cell SKW-3, human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 and human Bcell precursor leukemia cell REH was evaluated. The relationship between the structure and citotoxicity of the compounds was investigated by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis and the important structural parameters were drawn. The highest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by compound 6c. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed for compound 6f. It was found that cytotoxicity against SKW-3 depends on the electron density distribution in the structures. Branching of the molecular skeleton and introduction of heteroatoms like fluorine and sulfur in the structures also significantly improved the antiproliferative activity of the compounds.

Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Effects of Lycium barbarum's (Goji berry) Fractions on Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Lycium barbarum has gained immense popularity over the past decade because of its antioxidant properties. There are many reports of observed health benefits of juice consumption, including prophylaxis in neoplastic disease and treatment of tumors. In this study, we isolated three fractions of Lycium barbarum fruits - total water, pectin-free and polysaccharide, and determined their antioxidant activity by ORAC and HORAC assays. We investigated the antiproliferative effects of Lycium barbarum's pectin-free and polysaccharide fraction on three different breast cell lines - MCF-10A (non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cell line), MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line, estrogen, progesterone receptors +, HER2-), and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer cell line, triple negative), by the MTT dye reduction assay. The Lycium barbarum's pectin-free fraction showed concentration-dependent growth inhibition on the three cell lines, moreover, on cancer cells (MCF- 7 and MDA-MB-231) it was significantly more pronounced. The polysaccharide fraction showed negligible activity on the three cell lines, only the highest concentration (1000 μg/mL), suppressed the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The combination of pectin-free and polysaccharide fraction on MCF-7 did not show the expected synergistic effect. We found a relative correlation between the polyphenolic content of the extracts and the observed effects. The pectin-free extract had the highest content of polyphenols with the best antioxidant and antineoplastic activity against breast cancer cells. Addition of polysaccharide to the pectin-free fraction contributes to its pharmacological activity.

Gemcitabine-loaded Folic Acid Tagged Liposomes: Improved Pharmacokinetic and Biodistribution Profile.

Gemcitabine (GEM) is found effective in the treatment of many solid tumors. However, its use is restricted due to its small circulation half-life, fast metabolism and low capacity for selective tumor uptake. Folate receptors (FRs) have been recognized as cellular surface markers, which can be used for cancer targeting. PEGylated liposomes decorated with folic acid have been investigated for several anticancer agents not only to extend plasma half-life but also for tumor targeting via folic acid receptors which overexpressed on tumor cell surface. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to prepare GEM-loaded folic acid tagged liposomes to improve the pharmacokinetics and tumor distribution of GEM. The blank folate-targeted liposomes composed of HSPC/DSPE-mPEG2000/DSPE-mPEG-Folic acid were prepared first by thin film hydration technique. GEM was then loaded into liposomes by remote loading technique. The optimized liposomal formulations were evaluated in vitro for GEM release using dialysis technique, HeLa cell uptake using FACS technique, and cytotoxicity using MTT dye reduction assay. The comparative in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution characteristics of radiolabeled (99mTc-labeled) plain GEM solution, and all liposomal formulations (conventional:CLs; stealth: SLs; folate targeted: FTLs) were evaluated in mice model. GEM-loaded FTLs showed sustained release profile, efficient uptake by HeLa cells and greater cytotoxicity. Further, FTLs displayed significantly improved pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution profile of loaded GEM. In conclusion, the developed GEM-loaded folic acid receptor-targeted liposomal formulation could be a promising and potential alternative formulation for further development.

Intervention effect of Qi-Yu-San-Long Decoction on Lewis lung carcinoma in C57BL/6 mice: Insights from UPLC–QTOF/MS-based metabolic profiling

Qi-Yu-San-Long Decoction (QYSLD) has been used to treat lung carcinoma for over twenty years in clinical practices, and its curative effect is considered credible. However, the therapeutic mechanism of this effect has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this study, a MTT dye reduction assay and DAPI staining were first used to evaluate the cell viability and apoptosis of A549 cells with and without QYSLD-treatment, respectively. The weight/volume of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) sarcoma was used to assess the therapeutic effect of QYSLD on LLC mice. Second, an UPLC-QTOF/MS-based untargeted metabolomics method was employed to identify and relatively quantify functional metabolites that were responsible for the intervention effect of QYSLD on LLC. As a result, the MTT dye reduction assay and DAPI staining demonstrated that QYSLD could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of A549 cells. The weight/volume test of LLC sarcoma showed that QYSLD could restrain the development of LLC. Next, 21 potential biomarkers that could contribute to the curative mechanism of QYSLD on LLC were screened by the untargeted metabolomics method. The down-regulated metabolites induced by QYSLD included PC(16:0/22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)), PC(20:2(11Z,14Z)/16:0), PC(22:4(7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)/14:0), PC(22:5(7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)/14:0), arachidonic acid, gamma-glutamylisoleucine, cholesterol sulfate, CL (8:0/10:0/11:0/a-13:0) and CDP-DG (16:0/18:1(11Z)). The up-regulated metabolites were LysoPC(16:0), LysoPC(18:0), LysoPE(18:2(9Z,12Z)/0:0), LysoPE(22:0/0:0), LysoPE(22:1(13Z)/0:0), LysoPE(22:2(13Z,16Z)/0:0), triglylcarnitine, 1‑arachidonoylglycerophosphoinositol, 1‑palmitoylglycerophosphoinositol, 2‑stearoylglycerophosphoinositol, sphingosine 1‑phosphate(d19:1-P) and SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z)). The metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the potential biomarkers were primarily involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study demonstrated that QYSLD has a good antitumor effect and that a UPLC-QTOF/MS-based untargeted metabolomics method is a promising means of elucidating the intervention mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.