Normal Human Lung Fibroblast Cells Research Articles

Antitumor activity of pyrrolizines and their Cu(II) complexes: Design, synthesis and cytotoxic screening with potential apoptosis-inducing activity

Two novel series including Schiff bases of the pyrrolizine-5-carboxamides and their Cu(II) complexes were designed, synthesized and analysed using spectral and analytical techniques. The analytical results indicated the formation of the complexes in 1:1 or 1:2 (Metal:Ligand) ratio. The geometry around the Cu centers was confirmed to be tetrahedral or octahedral. The cytotoxic activity of the new compounds was evaluated using MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), A2780 (human ovary adenocarcinoma) and HT29 (human colon adenocarcinoma), in addition to MRC5 (normal human fetal lung fibroblast) cells using the MTT cytotoxicity assay. The Schiff base 12c and the Cu complex 13b were the most active in the two series with IC50 values in the range of 0.14–2.54 μM against the three cell lines. Also, the Cu complex 13e showed excellent activity against HT29 with IC50 = 0.05μM. 7-Cyano-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-((3-phenylallylidene) amino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-carboxamide (12c) showed high selectivity (6–13 folds) for cancerous cells over normal cells; and it induced marginal increases in the G1 and S phases of MCF-7 cells during cell cycle analysis, while compound 13b increased the MCF-7 Sub-G1 proapoptotic population, and blocked cells in the G2-M phase in a dose dependent manner. The annexin V apoptosis assay revealed the ability of compounds 12c and 13b to increase the early apoptotic MCF-7 cell populations two and three fold, respectively. Furthermore, these findings were supported by data showing that the two compounds (12c and 13b) elicit cytotoxic activity. Taken together, the data presented in this study warrants further in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic properties of bismuth(III) chloride complexes with heterocyclic thioamides

Abstract Bismuth(III) complexes of the formulae [BiCl3(MBZT)2] ·H2O} (1), {[BiCl2(µ2-Cl)(MMI)2]2·(CH3)2CO} (2), {[BiCl3(µ2-S-PYT)(PYT)]2} (3) {([BiCl2(MBZIM)4]+)·2(Cl-)·(H3O+) ·2H2O} (4) and [BiCl3(tHPMT)3] (5) (where MBZT: 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, MMI: 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole, PYT: 2-mercaptopyridine, MBZIM: 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, tHPMT: 2-mercapto-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-pyrimidine) are reported. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, 1H-,13C-NMR spectroscopies, TG-DTA, e.a, molar conductivity and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. While 1, 4 and 5 are mononuclear compounds, 2 and 3 are dinuclear complexes in which the two Bi3+ ions are bridged through Cl- and SR groups respectively. Interestingly, 3 is the first example of dinuclear Bi3+ complex containing two Bi-(μ-SR)-Bi bridges between the two metal centers formed by covalent bonds. Compounds 1–5 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma cervix (HeLa) and breast (MCF-7) cells. The toxicity of 1–5 was evaluated on normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The influence of 1–5, on the catalytic peroxidation of the linoleic acid by the enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) was determined experimentally.

New metalo-therapeutics of NSAIDs against human breast cancer cells

The non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)-silver(I) metallodrugs of aspirin (aspH), salicylic acid (salH2), naproxen (napH) acid or p-hydrobenzoic acid (pHbzaH) and the mitochondriotropic triphenylarsine (tpAs) with the formulae [Ag(asp)(tpAs)3] (1), [Ag(salH)(tpAs)3] (2), [Ag(nap)(tpAs)3] (3) and {[Ag(pHbza)(tpAs)3]∙(dmf)} (4) and [Ag(tpAs)3(NO3)] (5) have been synthesized and characterized by m.p., FT-IR, UV-vis and 1H NMR, spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography.The in vitro cytotoxic activity of 1–5 against human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cells: MCF-7 (positive to estrogen receptors (ERs)) and MDA-MB-231 (negative to estrogen receptors (ERs)) was evaluated. Compound 4 exhibits the stronger activity against MCF-7 (2.5 ± 0.1 μΜ), while 1 the strongest one against MDA-MB-231 (3.2 ± 0.3 μΜ). The IC50 values against normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells lie between 3.0 and 3.7 μΜ. The toxic effect of 1–5 was evaluated against normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 cells). The IC50 values of 1–5 lie between 2.9 and 3.7 μΜ. The genotoxicity or not of 1–5 against MRC-5 cells was detected from the presence or absence of micronucleus using fluorescence microscopy. The presence of micronucleus in MRC-5 cells (3.0–3.7% in contrast to 1% of the untreated cells) confirms the in vitro toxic behaviour of the compounds. The apoptotic pathway, though the mitochondrion, was confirmed by cell cycle arrest (increasing of the apoptotic cells, in sub-G1 phase (3.5 (5) - 13.3% (4)) in contrast of 1.8% in the control group) and permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane test (MMP assay). Moreover, the ability of 1–5 to interact with Calf Thymus (CT)-DNA was also studied. Compound 4 exhibits the highest DNA binding constant (Kb= (25.0 ± 9.7) × 104 M−1). The inhibitory activity of 1–5 against the enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) is also investigated. The activity order is 1 > 4 > 3 > 2,5.

Chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) a forefront reagent in gold chemistry as apoptotic agent for cancer cells

The antiproliferative activity of the gold complex [Au(tpp)Cl] (1) (tpp=triphenyphosphine) against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) was investigated. The compound exhibits stronger activity against MCF-7 cells than cisplatin. The apoptotic pathway, especially though the mitochondrion damage was concluded by cell cycle arrest, flow cytometry using Annexin V-Fluorescein IsoThioCyanate (FITC) and Propidium Iodide (PI) as indicators, assays and permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane tests. The molecular mechanism of action of 1 was further studied by: (i) its catalytic activity on the oxidation of linoleic acid (an acid that partakes in membrane fluidity) to hyperoxolinoleic acid by oxygen and (ii) its binding affinity towards the calf thymus (CT) DNA. Since the deactivation of cisplatin by glutathione (GSH), is related with the development of cell resistance, the reaction of 1 with GSH was investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy. The absence of micronucleus in cells confirms that the complex has no in vitro toxicity. The in vivo genotoxicity caused by 1 was evaluated by Allium cepa test.

Induction of apoptosis in response to improved gedunin by liposomal nano-encapsulation in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NCI-H292) cell line

Purpose: To investigate the anti-proliferative activity of free and nanoencapsulated gedunin against human non-small-cell lung cancer (NCI-H292) cells. Methods: Gedunin-loaded nanoliposomes (LG) were prepared using thin-film hydration method. Antiproliferative effects of free and LD were evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Apoptotic effects of gedunin-loaded liposomes were assessed by evaluating expressions of p53, Bax and survivin genes, caspase 3/7 activities, DNA fragmentation and morphological changes after staining with Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB). Results: Cell proliferation data and microscopic visualization demonstrated a higher anti-proliferative activity for LG than the encapsulant (liposomes) alone. LG exhibited dose- and time-dependent 10-fold anti-proliferative activity compared to the free drug, while displaying tolerable belligerence towards normal human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. Apoptosis detection assays and gene expression analysis revealed the transcriptional modulation of the apoptosis-related genes (p53, survivin and Bax), increased activity of caspase 3/7 and the condensation of nuclear chromatin, implying the induction of apoptosis by the nano-formulation in NCI-H292 cells. Conclusion: LG may therefore be considered as a potential nano-formulation which can target nonsmall-cell lung cancer. Keywords: Lung cancer, Gedunin, Liposome, Nanoencapsulation, Apoptosis, Anti-proliferative activity, Nuclear chromatin

Multifunctional biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibiting excellent antimicrobial potential against multi-drug resistant microbes along with remarkable anticancerous properties

This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were biosynthesized using the extracts of Citrus maxima plant. Characterization through UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of AgNps in nano-size range. These nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antioxidative activity and showed commendable antimicrobial activity against wide range of microbes including multi-drug resistant bacteria that were later confirmed by TEM. These particles exhibited minimal toxicity when cytotoxicity study was performed on normal human lung fibroblast cell line as well as human red blood cells. It was quite noteworthy that these particles showed remarkable cytotoxicity on human fibrosarcoma and mouse melanoma cell line (B16-F10). Additionally, the apoptotic topographies of B16-F10 cells treated with AgNps were confirmed by using acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual dye staining, caspase-3 assay, DNA fragmentation assay followed by cell cycle analysis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Taken together, these results advocate promising potential of the biosynthesized AgNps for their use in therapeutic applications.

Abstract 1103: Novel theranostic strategy against scirrhous gastric cancer; combination of chemotherapy and fluorescence oncolytic adenovirus

Abstract Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, especially in Eastern Asia. Scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC), which is characterized by poorly differentiated tumor cells that diffusely infiltrate the gastric wall, accounts for 10% of all gastric cancers, and often causes peritoneal metastasis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis shows the worst prognosis among various metastatic patterns. Since it is difficult to detect peritoneal micrometastasis preoperatively or intraoperatively, SGC patients with peritoneal micrometastasis show the recurrence and refractory to conventional systemic chemotherapy after surgery. In recent year, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of paclitaxel (PTX) has been shown to have therapeutic effects against ovarian cancer with peritoneal metastasis. However, the effective treatment option to overcome peritoneal metastasis of SGC has not been developed yet, although i.p. administration of some chemotherapeutic agents has been attempted to SGC. Therefore, a novel therapeutic strategy is required for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis of SGC. Methods: We previously developed a telomerase-dependent replication-selective adenovirus OBP-401 (TelomeScan), which can replicate within the tumor cells selectively and express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Moreover, OBP-401 infection also induces tumor-specific cell death in monotherapy or combination therapy with chemotherapy. In this study, we assessed synergistic effects in combination with novel theranostic agent OBP-401 and chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) using human SGC cell lines (GCIY and KATO III). In vitro experiment, SGC cells and normal human lung fibroblast (NHLF) cells were infected with OBP-401 at various doses. PTX was administrated after 48 hours of virus infection. Twenty-four hours after PTX administration, we evaluated the anti-tumor effect by XTT assay, and analyzed the synergistic effect by CalcuSyn Software. Results: SGC cells were visualized as GFP-positive cells selectively by the infection of OBP-401, whereas NHLF cells were not visualized with OBP-401. In both SGC cell lines, the suppression of cell viability dose-dependently by administration of OBP-401 or PTX alone was confirmed. OBP-401 synergistically suppressed the viability of SGC cells in combination with PTX as compared to monotherapy. Conclusions: These results suggest that OBP-401 has a promising potential to detect peritoneal micrometastasis of SGC intraoperatively and combination of OBP-401 and PTX would be a novel theranostic strategy for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis of SGC. Citation Format: Wataru Ishikawa, Satoru Kikuchi, Hiroshi Tazawa, Shinji Kuroda, Kazuhiro Noma, Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Takeshi Nagasaka, Masahiko Nishizaki, Shunsuke Kagawa, Toshiyoshi Fujiwara. Novel theranostic strategy against scirrhous gastric cancer; combination of chemotherapy and fluorescence oncolytic adenovirus [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1103. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1103

Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of copper(II) complex of 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea and the nitrate salt of 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea

The synthesis of the complex {[Cu(BZIMU)2](NO3)2} (1) (BZIMU = 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea) is reported here. The complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance measurements. The crystal structures of 1 and of the nitrate salt of [(BZIMUH+)(NO3)-] (2) were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.The copper complex 1 and [(BZIMUH+)(NO3)-] (2) were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity (cell viability) against human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line and normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) with SRB assay.

New insights regarding the selectivity and the uptake potential of nanoceria by human cells

Lately, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs, nanoceria) have gained a great interest for applications in diagnose and treatment of many diseases, including cancer. Herein, we have synthesized CeO2-NPs and performed in vitro studies on HeLa (human cervical cancer) and HFL-1 (normal human fetal lung fibroblast) cell lines. The nanosized CeO2-NPs, 6–16nm in diameter, were obtained by a simple, precipitation method. In order to identify the crystalline phases and to estimate the average particle sizes, an X-ray diffraction investigation was performed. The structural and morphological characterization of the nanoceria was assessed by Raman Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, and Zeta potential analysis. The in vitro tests were aimed at studying the CeO2-NPs cellular cytotoxicity, uptake, and ability to induce generation of reactive oxygen species on the HeLa and HFL-1 cells. The results obtained demonstrate a selective behaviour of the CeO2-NP towards both cell lines. The nanoparticles are, to a large extent, internalized in the HeLa cells, while very little nanoceria internalization is observed on the HFL-1 cells. Also, the CeO2-NPs are more cytotoxic to HeLa cells compared to HFL-1. Moreover, the level of reactive oxygen species upon exposure to CeO2-NPs is significantly higher on the HeLa cells. Such findings might have implications in targeted cancer therapies. The more nanoceria exhibit selective properties toward tumor cells and avoid interaction with non-tumor cells, the more potential they have to become an efficient system for targeted drug delivery.

7-O-geranylquercetin-induced autophagy contributes to apoptosis via ROS generation in human non-small cell lung cancer cells

AimsTo investigate the antitumor effects of 7-O-geranylquercetin (GQ), a novel O-alkylated derivative of quercetin, against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines A549 and NCI-H1975 and the corresponding mechanisms. Main methodsCell viability was assessed using MTT assay. The expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and autophagy was measured using western blotting. Besides, apoptosis was determined with DAPI staining, Annexin V-PI staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assay, and autophagy was observed with TEM assay. Cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected using flow cytometry. Key findingsGQ inhibited viability of A549 and NCI-H1975 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity to normal human lung fibroblast cells. GQ down-regulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins pro-caspase 3 and Bcl-2, and up-regulated the expression of cleaved-PARP and Bax in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells. Meanwhile, GQ-induced cell apoptosis could be attenuated by caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Besides, GQ induced autophagosome formation in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells, promoted the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II and Beclin 1, and suppressed the expression of p62. Autophagy inhibition with chloroquine or Beclin 1 siRNA could effectively inhibit GQ-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, GQ treatment increased the generation of ROS, and ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine could reverse GQ-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Taken together, GQ could induce apoptosis and autophagy via ROS generation in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells, and GQ-induced autophagy contributed to apoptosis. SignificanceOur findings highlight that GQ is a promising anticancer agent for the treatment of lung cancer.

Synthesis of isoflavene-thiosemicarbazone hybrids and evaluation of their anti-tumor activity

Phenoxodiol is an isoflavene with potent anti-tumor activity. In this study, a series of novel mono- and di-substituted phenoxodiol-thiosemicarbazone hybrids were synthesized via the condensation reaction between phenoxodiol with thiosemicarbazides. The in vitro anti-proliferative activities of the hybrids were evaluated against the neuroblastoma SKN-BE(2)C, the triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, and the glioblastoma U87 cancer cell lines. The mono-substituted hybrids exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity against all three cancer cell lines, while the di-substituted hybrids were less active. Selected mono-substituted hybrids were further investigated for their cytotoxicity against normal MRC-5 human lung fibroblast cells, which identified two hybrids with superior selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells as compared to phenoxodiol. This suggests that mono-substituted phenoxodiol-thiosemicarbazone hybrids have promising potential for further development as anti-cancer agents.

Synthesis characterization and biological activity of mixed ligand silver(I) complex of 2-benzimidazolylurea and triphenylphosphine

The treatment with triphenylphosphine (TPP) in DMF solution of the white precipitation derived from the reaction of silver(I) nitrate with 2-benzimidazolylurea (BZIMU) results in the [Ag(TPP)2(BZIMU)NO3] (1) complex. The product was characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and 1H, 13C NMR). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 have been carried out at 293K. Mixed ligand complexes of silver(I) nitrate with urea derivatives and phosphines which exhibits significant biological effects are rare in the literature.Complex 1 was evaluated for its in vitro cytotoxic activity (cell viability) against: (i) human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (MCF-7) and (ii) normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) with SRB assay. The results showed that 1 mediates a strong cytotoxic response to the tested normal (MRC-5) and cancer cell lines (MCF-7). It is also exhibits four time stronger activity against cancer cells (MCF-7) than cisplatin while it is less toxic against normal cells (MRC-5). The therapeutic potency index (TPI) which is define as the IC50 value of 1 against normal cells divided by its IC50 value against cancerous cells is 0.9 in contrast to the 0.2 of cisplatin. The influence of the complex 1, upon the catalytic peroxidation of linoleic acid to hydroperoxylinoleic acid by the enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) was kinetically and theoretically studied.

Copper(II) complexes with different diamines as inhibitors of bacterial quorum sensing activity

Three copper(II) complexes, trans-[Cu(1,3-pd)2Cl2]?H2O (Cu1; 1,3-pd is 1,3-propanediamine), trans-[Cu(2,2-diMe-1,3-pd)2Cl2] (Cu2; 2,2-diMe- -1,3-pd is 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine) and trans-[Cu(1,3-pnd)2Cl2]?H2O (Cu3; 1,3-pnd is (?)-1,3-pentanediamine), were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental microanalyses, IR, electronic absorption and reflectance spectroscopy and molar conductivity measurements. The antimicrobial efficiency of the complexes against four clinically relevant microorganisms and their antiproliferative effect on the normal human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 were evaluated. Since in many bacteria, pathogenicity is regulated by an intercellular communication process called quorum sensing (QS), the effect of the copper(II) complexes Cu1?3 on bacterial QS was examined. The obtained results showed that these complexes inhibited violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, indicating their anti-QS activity via the homoserine lactone (HSL) pathway. Two biosensor strains were used to determine which pathway, C4-HSL (N-butanoylhomoserine lactone) or 3OC12-HSL (N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone), was affected by the copper(II) complexes. The biological activities of the copper(II) complexes were compared with those for the nickel(II) complexes of the general formula trans- -[Ni(L)2(H2O)2]Cl2 (L = 1,3-pd, 2,2-diMe-1,3-pd and 1,3-pnd).

Mononuclear gold(iii) complexes with l-histidine-containing dipeptides: tuning the structural and biological properties by variation of the N-terminal amino acid and counter anion.

Gold(iii) complexes with different l-histidine-containing dipeptides, [Au(Gly-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl]Cl·3H2O (1a), [Au(Gly-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl]NO3·1.25H2O (1b), [Au(l-Ala-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl][AuCl4]·H2O (2a), [Au(l-Ala-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl]NO3·2.5H2O (2b), [Au(l-Val-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl]Cl·2H2O (3), [Au(l-Leu-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl]Cl (4a) and [Au(l-Leu-l-His-NA,NP,N3)Cl][AuCl4]·H2O (4b), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by spectroscopic (1H NMR, IR and UV-vis) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The antimicrobial efficiency of these gold(iii) complexes, along with K[AuCl4] and the corresponding dipeptides, was evaluated against the broad panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, displaying their moderate inhibiting activity. Moreover, the cytotoxic properties of the investigated complexes were assessed against the normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5) and two human cancer, cervix (HeLa) and lung (A549) cell lines. None of the complexes exerted significant cytotoxic activity; nevertheless complexes that did show selectivity in terms of cancer vs. normal cell lines (2a/b and 4a/b) have been evaluated using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos for toxicity and antiangiogenic potential. Although the gold(iii) complexes achieved an antiangiogenic effect comparable to the known angiogenic inhibitors auranofin and sunitinib malate at 30-fold higher concentrations, they had no cardiovascular side effects, which commonly accompany auranofin and sunitinib malate treatment. Finally, binding of the gold(iii) complexes to the active sites of both human and bacterial (Escherichia coli) thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) was demonstrated by conducting a molecular docking study, suggesting that the mechanism of biological action of these complexes can be associated with their interaction with the TrxR active site.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of nickel(II) complexes with different diamine ligands

Three diamines, 1,3-propanediamine (1,3-pd), 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (2,2-diMe-1,3-pd) and (?)-1,3-pentanediamine (1,3-pnd), were used for the synthesis of nickel(II) complexes 1?3, respectively, of the general formula [Ni(L)2(H2O)2]Cl2. The stoichiometries of the complexes were confirmed by elemental microanalysis, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic (UV?Vis and IR) and molar conductivity measurements. The complexes 1?3, along with NiCl2?6H2O and the diamine ligands, were evaluated against a panel of microbial strains that are associated with skin, wound, urinary tract and nosocomial infections. The obtained results revealed no significant activity of 1?3 against the investigated bacterial strains. On the other hand, they showed good antifungal activity against pathogenic Candida strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range from 15.6 to 62.5 ?g mL-1. The best anti-Candida activity was observed for complex 2 against C. parapsilosis, while the least susceptible to the effect of the complexes was C. krusei. The antiproliferative effect on normal human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 was also evaluated in order to determine the therapeutic potential of nickel(II) complexes 1?3. These complexes showed lower negative effects on the viability of the MRC-5 cell line than the clinically used nystatin and comparable selectivity indexes to that of this antifungal drug.

Apoptotic Mechanism of Human Leukemia K562/A02 Cells Induced by Magnetic Ferroferric Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Wogonin.

Background:Traditional Chinese medicine wogonin plays an important role in the treatment of leukemia. Recently, the application of drug-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to increase water solubility of the drug and to enhance its chemotherapeutic efficiency has attracted much attention. Drugs coated with MNPs are becoming a promising way for better leukemia treatment. This study aimed to assess the possible molecular mechanisms of wogonin-coated MNP-Fe3O4 (Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4) as an antileukemia agent.Methods:After incubated for 48 h, the antiproliferative effects of MNPs, wogonin, or Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 on K562/A02 cells were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The apoptotic rates of K562/A02 cells treated with either wogonin or Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 were determined by flow cytometer (FCM) assay. The cell cycle arrest in K562/A02 cells was determined by FCM assay. The elementary molecular mechanisms of these phenomena were explored by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results:With cell viabilities ranging from 98.76% to 101.43%, MNP-Fe3O4 was nontoxic to the cell line. Meanwhile, the wogonin and Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 had little effects on normal human embryonic lung fibroblast cells. The cell viabilities of the Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 group (28.64–68.36%) were significantly lower than those of the wogonin group (35.53–97.28%) in a dose-dependent manner in 48 h (P < 0.001). The apoptotic rate of K562/A02 cells was significantly improved in 50 μmol/L Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 group (34.28%) compared with that in 50 μmol/L wogonin group (23.46%; P < 0.001). Compared with those of the 25 and 50 μmol/L wogonin groups, the ratios of G0/G1-phase K562/A02 cells were significantly higher in the 25 and 50 μmol/L Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 groups (all P < 0.001). The mRNA and protein expression levels of the p21 and p27 in the K562/A02 cells were also significantly higher in the Wog-MNPs-Fe3O4 group compared with those of the wogonin group (all P < 0.001).Conclusions:This study demonstrated that MNPs were the effective drug delivery vehicles to deliver wogonin to the leukemia cells. Through increasing cells arrested at G0/G1-phase and inducing apoptosis of K562/A02 cells, MNPs could enhance the therapeutic effects of wogonin on leukemia cells. These findings indicated that MNPs loaded with wogonin could provide a promising way for better leukemia treatment.

MicroRNA-7 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion in human non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting FAK through ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of microRNA-7 (miR-7) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC) cells by targeting FAK through ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.MethodsNSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 160 NSCLC patients after operation. NSCLC cell lines (A549, H1299 and H1355) and a normal human fetal lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) were obtained. NSCLC cells were assigned into miR-7 inhibitors, miR-7 mimics, blank, miR-7 mimics control, miR-7 inhibitors control, FAK siRNA and miR-7 inhibitors + FAK siRNA groups. The expressions of miR-7 and FAK mRNA in tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western-Blotting. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by MTT assay, wound scratch assay and Transwell assay.ResultsCompared with adjacent normal tissues, miR-7 expression was down-regulated, but the mRNA and protein expressions of FAK, ERK and MAPK were up-regulated. Compared with the blank and mimics control groups, miR-7 significantly increased but FAK, ERK and MAPK expressions decreased in miR-7 mimics and FAK siRNA groups. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited in the miR-7 mimics and FAK siRNA groups, while opposite regarding miR-7 inhibitors group.ConclusionThe miR-7 can inhibit the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway by down-regulating FAK expression, thereby suppressing the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. The miR-7 and its target gene FAK may be novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

Platinum(II)-thiosemicarbazone drugs override the cell resistance due to glutathione; assessment of their activity against human adenocarcinoma cells

New platinum(II) compounds of the thiosemicarbazone 1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)ethan-1-one thiosemicarbazone (BzimetTSCH), [Pt(BzimetTSCH)Cl]·2H2O (1) and [Pt(BzimetTSCH)(tpp)]Cl·H2O·MeCN (2) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination around platinum is square planar in both complexes. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma breast (MCF-7) and cervix (HeLa) cells. The apoptotic pathway of cell death was confirmed by cell cycle arrest test. Since deactivation of cisplatin caused by glutathione (GSH) seems to be an important determinant of its cytotoxic effects, the reactions of 1 and 2 with GSH were investigated by UV-absorption spectroscopy. The genotoxicities on normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) caused by 1 and 2 were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. The absence of micronucleus in MRC-5 cells confirms the in vitro non toxic behavior of the compounds. Moreover, the in vivo genotoxicities of 1 and 2 were evaluated by the Allium cepa test. Due to negligible genototoxic effect and high antitumor activity which is similar to that of cisplatin, 2 could be a candidate for further study as potential drug since the mitotic index is unchanged.

Silver(I) complexes of methyl xanthate against human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells

The sodium salt of methyl xanthate derives from the reaction of carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide (1:1) in methanol. Addition of an acetonitrile solution of silver nitrate and tri-aryl-phosphine in 1:2 molar ratio, form the complexes with general formula [Ag(CH3OCS2)(Ar3P)2] (Ar3P=triphenylphosphine (tpp, 1), tri(p-tolyl)phosphine (tptp, 2) and tri(m-tolyl)phosphine (tmtp, 3)). The complexes have been characterized by melting point, FT-IR, UV–Vis, 1H, 31P NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. The stability of the Ag–P bond in solution was determined by 31P NMR resonances signals. The photosensitivity of 1–3 against UVB radiation is studied by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy. The stronger photosensitivity is exhibited by 1. The LogP was calculated in order to correlate the influence of lipophilicity on biological activity. The steric demands of arylphosphine were assessed through determination of the cone angles, volumes and H-all atom contacts. Complex of tri(m-tolyl)phosphine exert the greatest steric repulsion (higher cone angle). Hirshfeld surface volumes (2 occupied the greatest space) were analyzed to clarify the nature of the intermolecular interactions. Complexes 1–3 were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast, estrogen receptor (ER) positive), MDA-MB-231 (breast, estrogen receptor (ER) negative) and MRC-5 (normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells) with sulforhodamine B (SRB) colorimetric assay. Molecule 3 with the lower H-all atoms inter-molecular interactions exhibits the higher activity against MCF-7 cells. The results are correlated with those obtained from heteroleptic silver complexes of tri-aryl-phosphines and carboxylates analogs to 1–3 where the xanthate is replaced by carboxylates. The structure activity relationships (SAR) study underlines the significance of the ligand type on the bioactivity of these compounds.

Structural, photolysis and biological studies of novel mixed metal Cu(I)-Sb(III) mixed ligand complexes

Direct reaction of copper(I) halides with triphenylstibine (tpSb) and 2-mercapto-thiazolidine (tzdtH) in 1:1:1 molar ratio, results in the formation of the [CuX(μ2-S)-tzdtH)(tpSb)]2 (X=Cl (1), Br (2) and I (3)) complexes. The complexes have been characterized by melting point, FT-IR, UV–vis, 1H NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1–3 are di-nuclear and they are the first examples of mixed metals (CuSb), mixed ligand (thioamide, stibine and halogen) containing complexes. Two μ2-S (1–3) atoms bridge the two copper(I) ions with tetrahedral geometry. The coordination sphere around copper atoms is completed by one Sb from tpSb and one halogen (chlorine, bromine or iodine) atom. Intermolecular via N-H⋯X (Cl (1) and Br (2)) interactions stabilized the assembly. The short coppercopper bond distances of 3.103 (1), 3.061 (2) and 3.110, 3.108 (3) Ǻ found in 1–3 indicates d10-d10 interaction between metal centers. The complexes exhibit high photo-sensitivity to UVB light.The complexes 1–3 and the already known [Cu(μ2-I)(tpSb)2]2 (4) were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast, estrogen receptor (ER) positive), MDA-MB-231 (breast, estrogen receptor (ER) negative) and MRC-5 (normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells) with sulforhodamine B (SRB) colorimetric assay. Since estrogen receptors (ERs) are located in MCF-7, in contrast to MDA-MB-231 cells, the estrogenic effect of 1–4 on MCF-7 cells was studied by the mean of methylene blue assay. Compound 4 exhibits the highest estrogenic effect. None of 1–4 exceeds the activity of cisplatin against MCF-7 cells, but they are more active than cisplatin towards MDA-MB-231 cells. UVB light increases the effectiveness of complexes on MCF-7 cells which in the case of 4 is up to 28% higher than the corresponding initial complex (without irradiation).