Synthesis, in vitro cytotoxic and antiviral activity of cis-[Pt(R(-) and S(+)-2-alpha-hydroxybenzylbenzimidazole)2Cl2] complexes

A pair of enantiomeric platinum(II) complexes of cis-[Pt(R(-) and S(+)-HBB)2Cl2] (HBB=2-alpha-hydroxybenzylbenzimidazole) was synthesized and evaluated for its preliminary in vitro cytotoxic activity on the human MCF-7 breast cancer and HeLa cervix cancer cell lines and antiherpes virus activity against bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1). In general, it was found that Pt(II) complexes were less cytotoxic on both cell lines than cisplatin and were comparable to carboplatin. There was no significant difference in cytotoxicity between two enantiomers, and the antiviral test results showed that the Pt(II) complexes and their carrier ligands R(-) and S(+) HBB had no effects inhibiting replication of BHV-1.     

Cytotoxic activity and chemical reactivity of cis-platinum(II) and trans-palladium(II) complexes with diethyl (pyridinylmethyl)phosphates

A series of square-planar platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes of the formula cis-[PtCl2L2] and trans-[PdCl2L2] [L stands for diethyl (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate (2-pmOpe) or diethyl (pyridin-3-ylmethyl)phosphate (3-pmOpe) or diethyl (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)phosphate (4-pmOpe)] have been synthesized and tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity against mouse leukemia L1210 cells. The results indicated that the cis-platinum complexes showed superior activity than trans-palladium complexes, but lower in comparison to cisplatin. The chemical reactivity of the tested complexes has been determined in an in vitro NBP test. The platinum complexes exhibited very high chemical reactivity in NBP test, higher than cisplatin. The results showed no correlation between cytotoxicity and chemical reactivity for platinum complexes. Two platinum(II) complexes {cis-[PtCl2(2-pmOpe)2], cis-[PtCl2(3-pmOpe)2]} have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and elemental analysis.     

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of some new platinum(II) complexes of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinolines

Several new platinum(II) complexes of the general formulae cis-[PtCl(2)(DMSO)L], where L is a Schiff base or hydrazone derived from tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde as carrier ligands, have been synthesized and characterized physicochemically and spectroscopically. These platinum complexes which are structurally analogues to what so called cisplatin [cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]; the first generation anticancer agent] were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cells. Two of the platinum complexes were almost similar in their activity to cisplatin, while the remaining three complexes have demonstrated higher efficacy than that of cisplatin. Based on our findings, these novel platinum complexes appear to be valuable leading compounds with high efficacy.     

Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of some new platinum (IV) and palladium (II) complexes of thiodiamines

Some new platinum (IV) and palladium (II) thiodiamine complexes of type [Pt(L)2Cl2] and [Pd(L)Cl2], [where, L=(cyclohexyl-N-thio)-1,2-ethylenediamine (L(1)) and (cyclohexyl-N-thio)-1,3-propanediamine (L(2))] have been synthesized. The thiodiamines coordinate as a bidentate N-S ligand. The synthesized platinum (IV) and palladium (II) complexes of the thiodiamines were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, mass, electronic and (1)H NMR spectroscopic studies. These complexes were also screened for cytotoxicity, in vitro antifungal and in vitro antibacterial activities. Thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea), apparent activation entropy (S(#)) and enthalpy change (DeltaH) for the dehydration and decomposition reactions of one complex has also been evaluated.     

Synthetic, structural and biochemical studies of polynuclear platinum(II) complexes with heterocyclic ligands

"Non-classical" di- and trinuclear Pt(II) complexes with polydentate nitrogen ligands; ionic [(PtCl(2))(2)(tptz)(2)(mu-PtClNCPh)]Cl (1) [tptz =2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine], [(PtCl(2))(2)(bptz)(2)(mu-Pt)]Cl(2) (2) [bptz = 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine] and neutral [(PtCl(2))(2)(tptz)(2)(mu-PtCl(2))](H(2)O)(4) (3), [(PtCl(2))(2)(mu-tppz)](CHCl(3)) (4) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine] complexes, have been prepared and structurally characterized. The neutral tptz and tppz complexes present three and two separate PtCl(2) moieties, respectively, in a cis position, presumably acting in a bifunctional mode towards DNA; the cationic tptz and bptz complexes contain monofunctional and bifunctional bridging Pt(II) moieties, respectively, (other Pt(II) moieties in the complexes are bifunctional). All complexes were tested for their biological activity. Both tptz complexes, neutral and ionic, show a potent cytotoxic activity and reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner that was evaluated in a panel of different cancer cell lines: human HT29 colon-rectal carcinoma, HepG2 hepatoma, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and MG63 osteosarcoma cells; their activity was higher than cisplatin, IC50 values have been calculated for the active compounds and flow cytometric analysis for the tptz complexes performed. Therefore, these new platinum drugs warrant further investigation into their antitumor activity against different types of tumors.     

Structural studies and cytotoxic activity of N(4)-phenyl-2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone Sn(IV) complexes

Structural studies and an investigation of the cytotoxic activity of Sn(IV) complexes with N(4)-phenyl-2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4Ph) were carried out. The crystal and molecular structures of [Sn(2Bz4Ph)Cl3].CH3CH2OH (1) and [Sn(2Bz4Ph)BuCl2].H2O (Bu = butyl group) (2) were determined. Both compounds present octahedral coordination geometry with the 2Bz4Ph anionic ligand behaving as tridentate on the metal ion. A comparative study of the structures of these compounds along with that of [Sn(2Bz4Ph)Bu2Cl] (3) determined before is presented. The cytotoxicity of H2Bz4Ph and its Sn(IV) complexes was investigated against the MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 human tumor cell lines. Among the three complexes, 3 proved to be better as cytotoxic agent than the clinically used drug etoposide. H2Bz4Ph and all complexes were able to induce apoptosis in UACC-62 cells.     

Synthesis, physicochemical and in vitro pharmacological investigation of new platinum (II) complexes with some cycloalkanespiro-5'-hydantoins

Platinum (II) complexes with cyclobutanespiro-5'-hydantoin and cycloheptanespiro-5'-hydantoin were synthesized and evaluated by means of general physicochemical methods. The data from the elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectra suggested the formation of cis-[Pt(C6H8N2O2)2(NH3)2](NO3)2 x 4H2O (PtCBH), when cyclobutanespiro-5'-hydantoin was used as a ligand and cis-[Pt(C9H14N2O2)(NH3)2](NO3)2 x 4H2O (PtCHTH), when cycloheptanespiro-5'-hydantoin was used, respectively. The novel complexes exerted cytotoxic effects at micromolar concentrations against a panel of human tumor cell lines. They were found to trigger apoptosis in HL-60 and BV-173 cells as evidenced by DNA-laddering detection. The evaluation of the effects of PtCBH, PtCHTH and the antineoplastic drugs cisplatin and oxaliplatin against cultured murine kidney epithelial cells revealed that the hydantoin complexes were far less nephrotoxic in vitro.     

New transition metal ion complexes with benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrazides with antitumor activity

Metal complexes of 2-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrazide (4a; L(1)) and its Schiff base 2-methyl-N-(propan-2-ylidene)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbohydrazide (5a; L(2)) with transition metal ions e.g., copper, silver, nickel, iron and manganese were prepared. The complexes formed were 1:1 or 1:2 M:L complexes and have the structural formulae [Cu(L(1))Cl(H(2)O)]Cl x 3 H(2)O (6), [Ag(L(1))NO(3)(H(2)O)] (7), [Ni(L(1))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (8), [Fe(L(1))Cl(3)(H(2)O)] x 3 H(2)O (9) and [Mn(L(1))(2)Cl(H(2)O)]Cl x 3 H(2)O (10) for ligand L(1), and [Cu(L(2))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (11), [Ag(L(2))(2)]NO(3) x H(2)O (12), [Ni(L(2))(2)Cl(2)] x 5 H(2)O (13), [Fe(L(2))(2)Cl(2)]Cl x 2 H(2)O (14) and [Mn(L(2))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (15) for ligand L(2). The antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds has been studied. The silver complex 7 was found to display cytotoxicity (IC(50)=2 microM) against both human lung cancer cell line A549 and human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of platinum(II) complexes with thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-formyl and 2-acetyl pyridine and containing ring incorporated at N(4)-position: synthesis, spectroscopic study and crystal structure of platinum(II) complexes with thiosemicarbazones, potential anticancer agents

Reactions of thiosemicarbazones of 2-formyl and 2-acetyl pyridine and containing an azepane ring (hexamethyleneiminyl ring) incorporated at N(4)-position, HL(1) (1) and HL(2) (2) with platinum(II) afforded the complexes, [Pt(L(1))Cl] (3) and [Pt(L(2))Cl] (4). Characterization of the compounds was accomplished by means of elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques NMR, UV-vis and IR spectroscopy. The single-crystal X-ray structure of complex [Pt(L(2))Cl] (4) shows that the ligand monoanion coordinates in a planar conformation to the metal via the pyridyl N atom, the imine-N atom, and thiolato S-atom. Compounds 1-4 have been evaluated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line), T24 (bladder cancer cell line), A-549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and a mouse L-929 (a fibroblast-like cell line cloned from strain L). Ligand 2 exhibited high activity as anticancer agent against all four cancer cell lines, while ligand 1 exhibited selectivity against MCF-7, L-929 cell lines and complex 4 against A-549, T-24 cancer cell lines. Also, the acute toxicity and antitumor activity were evaluated on leukemia P388-bearing mice. Complex 3 afforded five to six cures against leukemia P388. The in vivo results of the antitumor activity show the two platinum complexes as very effective chemotherapeutic antileukemic agents.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of mono- and dialkyl-substituted oxaliplatin derivatives

In order to improve the pharmacological profile of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin, (trans-R,R-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine)oxalatoplatinum(II), and to explore activity-structure relationships, new mono- and dialkyl substituted oxaliplatin analogues have been synthesized. Following a new synthetic strategy, racemates with a defined stereochemistry at carbon atoms 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the cyclohexane ring could be prepared, which are the bases for reliable structure-activity relationships and the following enantiomer resolution. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in nine tumor cell lines, indicating that bulky substituents have a negative influence on the cytotoxic potency of the oxaliplatin derivatives. With respect to the antiproliferative properties, the 4-methyl-, cis-4,5-dimethyl-, and especially the 4,4-dimethyl-trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine(oxalato)platinum(II) complexes are the most promising candidates to be further evaluated.     

New cerium(III) complexes of coumarins - synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation

Complexes of cerium(III) with bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-pyridin-2-yl-methane, bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-pyridin-3-yl-methane and bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-pyridin-4-yl-methane were synthesized by reaction of cerium(III) salt and the ligands, in amounts equal to metal-ligand molar ratio of 1:2. The cerium(III) complexes with bis-coumarins were characterized by different physicochemical methods - elemental analysis, IR-, Raman-, (1)H NMR- and (13)C NMR-spectroscopy and mass-spectral data. The spectral data of cerium(III) complexes were interpreted on the basis of comparison with the spectra of the free ligands. This analysis showed that in the Ce(III) complexes the ligands coordinated to the metal ion through both deprotonated hydroxyl groups. On the basis of the nu(CO) red shift observed, participation of the carbonyl groups in the coordination to the metal ion was also suggested. Cytotoxic screening by MTT assay was carried out. In the present study we performed comparative evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of the three newly synthesized cerium complexes against the acute myeloid leukemia derived HL-60 and the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)-derived BV-173. In addition the cytotoxic effects of Ce(III) complex with bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-pyridin-2-yl-methane were evaluated on the SKW-3 cells. In order to elucidate some of the mechanistic aspects of the observed cytotoxic effects we evaluated the ability of this complex to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis by means of agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of DNA, isolated from the cytosolic fraction of treated SKW-3 cells). In addition, microscopic morphological evaluation of the treated cells was carried out in order to establish morphological features indicative of programmed cell death.     

Novel palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with 1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl-N-(4-bromo-phenyl)-amine: structural studies and anticancer activity

[MLCl(2)] (L?=?(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-N-(4-bromo-phenyl)-amine; M?=?Pd & Pt) and [PdL(OH(2))(2)]?2X?zH(2)O (X?=?Br, I, z?=?2; X?=?SCN, z?=?1; X?=?NO(3), z?=?0) complexes have been synthesized as potential anticancer compounds and their structures were elucidated using elemental analysis, spectral, thermal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. The benzimidazole (L) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c with a?=?8.6660(3) ?, b?=?16.6739(7) ?, c?=?9.8611(4) ? and β?=?113.505(3) ° and forms an infinite chain structure with a trans-zigzag type along the crystallographic axis "a", through the intermolecular H-bond. FT-IR and (1)H NMR studies revealed that the ligand L is coordinated to the metal ion via the pyridine-type nitrogen (N(py)) of the benzimidazole ring and secondary amino group (NH(sec)). Quantum mechanical calculations of energies, geometries, vibrational wavenumbers, and (1)H NMR of the benzimidazole L and its complexes were carried out by DFT/B3LYP method combined with 6-31G(d) and LANL2DZ basis sets. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) were performed at B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. The benzimidazole L, in comparison to its metal complexes was screened for its antibacterial activity. The complexes showed cyctotoxic effects against human breast cancer (MCF7), hepatocarcinoma (HepG(2)) and colon carcinoma cells (HCT). The platinum complex (6) exhibited a moderate antitumor activity against MCF7 with IC(50)?=?10.2?μM comparing to that reported for cis-platin 9.91?μM.     

Organotin(IV) complexes of 2-pyridineformamide-derived thiosemicarbazones: antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects

Reaction of n-butyltin trichloride [(n-Bu)SnCl(3)] with 2-pyridineformamide thiosemicarbazone (H2Am4DH) and its N(4)-methyl (H2Am4Me) and N(4)-ethyl (H2Am4Et) derivatives gave [(n-Bu)Sn(2Am4DH)Cl(2)] (1), [(n-Bu)Sn(2Am4Me)Cl(2)] (2), and [(n-Bu)Sn(2Am4Et)Cl(2)] (3). Thiosemicarbazones as well as their tin complexes are active as antimicrobials against the growth of Candida albicans and Salmonella typhimurium and were highly active against malignant glioblastoma. The cytotoxic activity of complexes 1-3 is similar. Among the studied compounds [(n-Bu)Sn(2Am4DH)Cl(2)] (1) was the most active as antiproliferative (cytostatic) agent. Thiosemicarbazones and their tin(IV) complexes proved to be more potent as cytotoxic agents than cisplatin. All the compounds were able to induce apoptosis.     

synthesis, characterization and in vitro antiamoebic activity of 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones and their Palladium (II) and Ruthenium (II) complexes

Synthesis of new Palladium(II) and Ruthenium(II) complexes of the type, [Pd(L)Cl(2)] and [Ru(eta(4)-C(8)H(12))(L)Cl(2)] [where, L = thiosemicarbazones derived from 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde and cycloalkylaminothiocarbonyl hydrazines] have been isolated by the reaction of [Pd(DMSO)(2)Cl(2)] and [Ru(eta(4)-C(8)H(12))(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl(2)] with 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones. The spectral data revealed that the thiosemicarbazones act as bidentate ligands, making use of thionic sulphur and the azomethine nitrogen atom for coordination to the central metal ion. Microdilution method was used for the assessment of antiamoebic activity of all the compounds against HK-9 strain of Entamoeba histolytica. Among all the thiosemicarbazones, 5-NT-4-BPTSCN (3) showed significant antiamoebic activity (IC(50) - 2.56 microM). Enhancement of antiamoebic activity resulted by introducing palladium and ruthenium metals in the thiosemicarbazone moiety. All the Pd(II) and Ru(II) complexes of 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones were found more active then their respective ligands. The complexes 1a-4a, 1b and 3b showed antiamoebic activity.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor activity of new type binuclear platinum(II) complexes

Five new type binuclear platinum(II) complexes (a-e) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, thermal analysis, IR, UV, (1)H NMR and mass spectral techniques. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. The acute toxicity and antitumor activity of complex ein vivo were also studied. The results indicate that complexes a-d have no activity against HL-60, MCF-7, BGC-823, EJ and HCT-8 cell lines, with a higher IC(50) value (>50 microM). Complex e confers substantially greater cytotoxicity against HL-60, MCF-7, BGC-823, EJ and HCT-8 cell lines with an IC(50) value of 0.02+/-0.009, 1.70+/-0.21, 4.00+/-0.35, 0.98+/-0.02 and 1.02+/-0.21 microM, respectively. LD(50) of complex e is 815.3mg/kg, it was significantly higher than that of cisplatin and carboplatin. Complex e at dose of 4, 12 and 20mg/kg has no activity against mouse hepatocarcinoma H22 and Lewis lung carcinoma in mice, but displays significant activity against human ovarian carcinoma A2780 and human colon carcinoma HCT-116 in nude mice at dose of 12 mg/kg, and activity is similar to that of cisplatin at dose of 4 mg/kg. Complex e at dose of 20mg/kg has no activity against human lung adenocarcinoma A549 in nude mice (P>0.05). The results suggest that the species of amine for the new type binuclear platinum complexes have important effect on their cytotoxicity, and they may be a new class platinum anticancer drugs.     

Synthesis, characterisation, activities, cell uptake and DNA binding of a trinuclear complex: [[trans-PtCl(NH3)]2mu-[trans-Pd(NH3)(2-hydroxypyridine)-(H2)N(CH2)6NH2)2]Cl4

The trinuclear complex: [[trans-PtCl(NH3)](2)mu-[trans-Pd(NH(3))(2-hydroxypyridine)-(H(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2))(2)]Cl(4) (code named CH25) has been synthesized and characterized. The activity of the compound against human ovarian cancer cell lines: A2780, A2780 cisR and A2780 ZD0473R, cell up take, level of binding with DNA and nature of its interaction with pBR322 plasmid DNA have been determined. The compound is found to exhibit significant anticancer activity against the cell lines-about 45 times as active as cisplatin against A2780 cell line, about 76 times as active as cisplatin against A2780(cisR) cell line and about seven times as active as cisplatin against A2780cell line. The higher activity of CH25 suggests that the compound is able to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance operating in A2780(cisR) and A2780(ZD0473R) cell lines. The compound is believed to form a range of interstrand GG adducts with duplex DNA that induces global changes in the DNA conformation, unlike cisplatin and ZD0473 [also known as AMD473 and JM473: cis-(2-methylpyridine)(ammine)dichloroplatinum(II)] that form mainly intrastrand adducts that induces a local kink in a DNA strand. The increasing prevention of BamH1 digestion of form I and form II pBR322 plasmid DNA with the increase in concentration of the compound is believed to be due to interstrand binding that brings about global changes in DNA conformation.     

Synthesis, cytotoxicity and DNA binding levels of tri-functional mononuclear platinum(II) complexes

Seven new tri-functional mononuclear platinum(II) complexes (a-g) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, thermal analysis, IR, UV and (1)H NMR spectral techniques. The cytotoxicity of these complexes was tested by MTT and SRB assays. The cell cycle analysis and the levels of total platinum bound to DNA were measured by flow cytometry and ICP-MS. The results indicate that the complexes (a-g) have selectivity against tested carcinoma cell lines; they have weaker cytotoxicity against HCT-8 and MCF-7. Complexes a, b, d and g also exert weaker cytotoxicity against BGC-823 and complexes a, b, e and f have better cytotoxicity against EJ, but their cytotoxicity is weaker than that of cisplatin. Complexes c, e and f, confer substantially greater cytotoxicity against HL-60 with an IC(50) value of 7.68+/-0.23, 3.87+/-0.19 and 2.41+/-0.18 microM, respectively, moreover, cytotoxicity of complex f is equal to that of cisplatin. Complexes c, e and f cause significant G(2)/M arrest and a concomitant decrease of cell population in G(1) and S phases. The total DNA-platination levels of them are higher than that of cisplatin under the same experimental conditions. It suggests that there is no correlation between total DNA-platination levels in HL-60 cells and cytotoxicity of complexes. When leaving groups are aromatic carboxylates, the complexes have better cytotoxicity, moreover, the substituent in benzene ring also influences cytotoxicity. In addition, when leaving groups are dicarboxylates, dicarboxylates coordinating with platinum through oxygen atoms form different chelate cycle and cycle size also affects their cytotoxicity.     

Synthesis, cytotoxicity and DNA-binding levels of ammine/propylamine platinum(II) complexes with carboxylates

Seven new mixed ammine/propylamine platinum(II) complexes with carboxylates (a-g) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, IR, UV, and (1)H NMR spectra techniques. The cytotoxicity of these complexes was tested by MTT assay. The levels of total platinum bound to DNA were measured by ICP-MS. The results indicate that the complexes (a-g) have better cytotoxicity against EJ and HL-60 than other carcinoma cell lines. The cytotoxicity increases in the sequence: g相似文献   

Cytotoxic activity of new lanthanum (III) complexes of bis-coumarins

Complexes of lanthanum (III) with bis-coumarins: bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-piridin-2-yl-methane; bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-piridin-3-yl-methane and bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-piridin-4-yl-methane were synthesized by reaction of lanthanum (III) salt and the ligands, in amounts equal to metal/ligand molar ratio of 1:2. The complexes were prepared by adding an aqueous solution of lanthanum (III) salt to an aqueous solution of the ligand subsequently raising the pH of the mixture gradually to ca. 5.0 by adding dilute solution of sodium hydroxide. The lanthanum (III) complexes with bis-coumarins were characterized by different physicochemical methods-elemental analysis, IR-, (1)H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopies and mass-spectral data. The spectral data of lanthanum (III) complexes were interpreted on the basis of comparison with the spectra of the free ligands. This analysis showed that in the La (III) complexes the ligands coordinated to the metal ion through both deprotonated hydroxyl groups. On the basis of the nu(C=O) red shift observed, participation of the carbonyl groups in the coordination to the metal ion was also suggested. Cytotoxic screening by MTT assay was carried out. In the present study, we performed comparative evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of the three newly synthesized lanthanum complexes against the acute myeloid leukemia derived HL-60 and the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)-derived BV-173. In addition the cytotoxic effects of La (III) complex with bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-piridin-2-yl-methane were evaluated on the SKW-3 cells. In order to elucidate some of the mechanistic aspects of the observed cytotoxic effects we evaluated the ability of this complex to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis by means of agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of DNA), isolated from the cytosolic fraction of treated SKW-3 cells. In addition, microscopic morphological evaluation of the treated cells was carried out in order to establish morphological features indicative for programmed cell death.     

Synthesis and leishmanicidal activities of 1-(4-X-phenyl)-N'-[(4-Y-phenyl)methylene]-1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazides

1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazides were synthesized and their leishmanicidal in vitro activities and cytotoxic effects were investigated. The drugs prototypes of these new compounds (ketoconazole, benznidazole, allopurinol and pentamidine) were also tested. It was found that among all the 1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazides derivatives examined, the most active compounds were those with X = Br, Y = NO2 (27) and X = NO2, Y = Cl (15) derivatives which showed to be most effective on promastigotes forms of L. amazonensis than on L. chagasi and L. braziliensis species. When tested against murine peritoneal macrophages as mammalian host cell controls of toxicity, 1-(4-Br-phenyl)-N'-[(4-NO(2)-phenyl)methylene]-1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazides (27) (EC50 = 50 microM l(-1)) and 1-(4-NO2-phenyl)-N'-[(4-Cl-phenyl)methylene]-1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazides (15) EC50 = 80 microM l(-1))] was reasonably toxic. However, both compounds were less toxic than pentamidine and ketoconazole. These results provide new perspectives on the development of drugs with activities against Leishmania parasite.