De novo design and preparation of Copper(II)–based chemotherapeutic anticancer drug candidates with Boc–glycine and N,N–donor ligands: DNA binding, cleavage profile, and cytotoxic therapeutic response against MCF–7, PC–3, and HCT–116 cells

The outcast of medicine: metals in medicine--from traditional mineral medicine to metallodrugs

Metals have long held a significant role in the human body and have been utilized as mineral medicines for thousands of years. The modern advancement of metals in pharmacology, particularly as metallodrugs, has become crucial in disease treatment. As the machanism of metallodurgsare increasingly uncovered, some metallodrugs are already approved by FDA and widely used in treating antitumor, antidiabetes, and antibacterial. Therefore, a thorough understanding of metallodrug development is essential for advancing future study. This review offers an in-depth examination of the evolution of mineral medicines and the applications of metallodrugs within contemporary medicine. We specifically aim to summarize the historical trajectory of metals and mineral medicines in Traditional Chinese Mineral Medicine by analyzing key historical texts and representative mineral medicines. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements in understanding metallodrugs' mechanisms, such as protein interactions, enzyme inhibition, DNA interactions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cellular structure targeting. Furthermore, we address the challenges in metallodrug development and propose potential solutions. Lastly, we outline future directions for metallodrugs to enhance their efficacy and effectiveness. The progression of metallodrugs has broadened their applications and contributed significantly to patient health, creating good healthcare solutions for the global population.

Synthesis, characterization and comparative biological activity of a novel set of Cu(II) complexes containing azole-based ligand frames

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of three complexes containing a substituted 2-(2-pyridyl)benzothiazole (PyBTh) group in the ligand frame are reported along with the comparative biological activity. The ligands have been substituted at the 6-position with either a methoxy (Py(OMe)BTh) or a methyl group (Py(Me)BTh). Reaction of Py(OMe)BTh with either CuCl2 or Cu(NO3)2·2.5 H2O yielded the monomeric [Cu(Py(OMe)BTh))2(NO3)]NO3·1.5 MeOH, (1·1.5 MeOH) complex or the dimeric [Cu(Py(OMe)BTh)Cl2]2 (2), respectively, with the nuclearity of the complex dependent on the starting Cu(II) salt. Reaction between the methyl substituted ligand and Cu(NO3)2·2.5 H2O resulted in the isolation of Cu(Py(Me)BTh)(NO3)2·0.5 THF (3·0.5 THF). Complexes 1-3 were fully characterized. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed on all three complexes as well as on [Cu(PyBTh)2(H2O)](BF4)2 (4), a compound previously reported by us which contains the unsubstituted 2-(2-pyridyl)benzothiazole ligand. The biological activity was studied and included concentration dependent DNA binding and cleavage, antibacterial activity, and cancer cell toxicity. All complexes exhibited DNA cleavage activity, however 2 and 4 were found to be the most potent. Mechanistic studies revealed that the nuclease activity is dependent on an oxidative mechanism reliant principally on O2-. Antibacterial studies revealed complex 4 was more potent compared to 1-3. Cancer cell toxicity studies were carried out on HeLa, PC-3, and MCF7 cells with 1-4, Cu(QBTh)(NO3)2(H2O) and Cu(PyBIm)3(BF4)2. The differences in the observed toxicities suggests the importance of the ligand and its substituents in modulating cell death.