Synthesis and biological evaluation of vanadium complexes as novel anti-tumor agents

Bioreactivity of divalent bimetallic vanadyl and zinc complexes bis-oxalyldihydrazone ligand against microbial and human cancer series. ctDNA interaction mode

Two novel divalent bimetallic complexes were constructed from the complexation of O=V4+ and Zn2+ ions (VOL and ZnL), respectively, with diisatin oxalyldihydrazone ligand (H2L). Various spectroscopic tools were used to confirm their chemical structures (FT-IR, NMR, EI-Mass, and electronic spectra), besides, elemental analyses and conductivity features. To estimate the role of divalent metal ions in their coordination compound for developing their bio-reactivity, the free ligand H2Lox, and its complexes (VOL and ZnL) were employed spectroscopic investigations against the growth of some microbial series (fungi and bacteria) and also against three human cancer/normal cells. Furthermore, their interaction behavior against calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was studied through viscometric and spectrophotometric studies to discover the role of O=V4+ and Zn2+ ions to determine the mode of binding with ctDNA. The inhibiting effect of H2L, VOL, and ZnL versus the titled microbial (bacterial and fungal) was built upon their inhibited zone areas in mm and the MIC concentrations in μM. Their action against the three human cancer cells' growth was evaluated by IC50 values in μM and the selectivity index in percentage. Both VOL and ZnL complexes exhibited an amazing series with three human cancer cell growth (according to the zone values in mm of inhibition, MIC in μM, and IC50 values in μM) compared to those of their uncoordinated H2L ligand. VOL demonstrated a distinguished interacting behavior with ctDNA more than that interaction of ZnL depending on the variation of the central metal ion chemical features. Within the covalent and non-covalent interaction modes, the interaction binding between H2L, VOL, and ZnL with ctDNA was discussed based on the electronic spectroscopic observation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activities of Dipicolinate Oxovanadium(IV) Complexes

The work is focused on anticancer properties of dipicolinate (dipic)-based vanadium(IV) complexes [VO(dipic)(N^∩N)] bearing different diimines (2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine, 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2'-bipyridine), as well as differently 4,7-substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines. The antiproliferative effect of V(IV) systems was analyzed in different tumors (A2780, HCT116, and HCT116-DoxR) and normal (primary human dermal fibroblasts) cell lines, revealing a high cytotoxic effect of [VO(dipic)(N^∩N)] with 4,7-dimethoxy-phen (5), 4,7-diphenyl-phen (6), and 1,10-phenanthroline (8) against HCT116-DoxR cells. The cytotoxicity differences between these complexes can be correlated with their different internalization by HCT116-DoxR cells. Worthy of note, these three complexes were found to (i) induce cell death through apoptosis and autophagy pathways, namely, through ROS production; (ii) not to be cytostatic; (iii) to interact with the BSA protein; (iv) do not promote tumor cell migration or a pro-angiogenic capability; (v) show a slight in vivo anti-angiogenic capability, and (vi) do not show in vivo toxicity in a chicken embryo.

Synthesis, spectral characterization of pyrazole derived Schiff base analogs: molecular dynamic simulation, antibacterial and DNA binding studies

We have synthesized the pyrazole-bearing Schiff base derivatives (5a-5e) and (6a-6h) then the structural confirmation was supported by various spectral analyses. The antibacterial activity of all analogs was screened against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonieae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In comparison to the reference drug ciprofloxacin, the lead analogs 5c and 6c showed potent activity, with MIC values of 64 µg/mL against E. coli and B. subtilis. Compound 5c showed a moderate effect with a MIC value of 128 µg/mL against B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumonieae, while compound 6c was against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, the compounds 5c and 6c displayed groove binding mode towards CT-DNA by absorption, emission, competitive fluorescence studies using EtBr, CD and time-resolved fluorescence studies. Thermodynamic parameters of analogs 5c and 6c with CT-DNA were also calculated at 298, 303 and 308K temperatures by UV-visible spectroscopy. The molecular docking studies give the docking score for all compounds with PDB codes: 1BNA and 2XCT. The MD simulation study of analogs 5c and 6c was also carried out. The pharmacokinetic and ADME properties were calculated for all of the synthesized analogs (5a-5e) and (6a-6h).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In Vitro Studies Demonstrate Antitumor Activity of Vanadium Ions from a CaO-P2O5-CaF2:V2O5 Glass System in Human Cancer Cell Lines A375, A2780, and Caco-2

In this research, we investigated the structural and biological properties of phosphate glasses (PGs) after the addition of V2O5. A xV2O5∙(100 − x)[CaF2∙3P2O5∙CaO] glass system with 0 ≤ x ≤ 16 mol% was synthesized via a conventional melt-quenching technique. Several analysis techniques (dissolution tests, pH, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, and EPR) were used to obtain new experimental data regarding the structural behavior of the system. In vitro tests were conducted to assess the antitumor character of V2O5-doped glass (x = 16 mol%) compared to the matrix (x = 0 mol%) and control (CTRL-) using several tumoral cell lines (A375, A2780, and Caco-2). The characterization of PGs showed an overall dissolution rate of over 90% for all vitreous samples (M and V1−V7) and the high reactivity of this system. EPR revealed a well-resolved hyperfine structure (hfs) typical of vanadyl ions in a C4v symmetry. FT-IR spectra showed the presence of all structural units expected for P2O5, as well as very clear depolymerization of the vitreous network induced by V2O5. The MTT assay indicated that the viability of tumor cells treated with V7-glass extract was reduced to 50% when the highest concentration was used (10 µg/mL) compared to the matrix treatment (which showed no cytotoxic effect at any concentration). Moreover, the matrix treatment (without V2O5) provided an optimal environment for tumor cell attachment and proliferation. In conclusion, the two types of treatment investigated herein were proven to be very different from a statistical point of view (p < 0.01), and the in vitro studies clearly underline the cytotoxic potential of vanadium ions from phosphate glass (V7) as an antitumor agent.

Toxicity of Nanocomplexes Containing Gadolinium Orthovanadate Nanoparticles and Cholesterol

Previous studies have shown the ability of nanocomplexes (NCs), which consist of nanoparticles (NPs) of orthovanadates of rare earth metals (GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺) and cholesterol, to inhibit the growth of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC). However, the biosafety of these NCs remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the acute and subchronic toxicity of NCs. NCs were administered to BALB/c mice in NPs concentration of 5.9; 29.5; 59.1; and 118.2 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was induced by a single administration of NCs, subchronic-by repeated daily administration of NCs for 14 days. On day 15 and on day 31 for acute and subchronic toxicity, respectively, the percentage of animal survival, body weight, condition of visceral organs, and activities of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were determined. It was found that administration of NCs in the concentration of 5.9 mg/kg and 29.5 mg/kg of NPs did not influence on survival of animals or have a negative impact on their performance status, morphological and quantitative characteristics of visceral organs, and activities of the GGT and G-6-PDH in the liver. For acute toxicity, the semi-lethal dose (LD₅₀) of nanocomplexes was determined (118.2 mg/kg of NPs). As to subchronic toxicity, it was found that repeated (for 14 days) administration of NCs containing 59.1 mg/kg of NPs decrease survival of animals to 50%. The coefficient of accumulation (C_acum = 7) indicates the low accumulative ability of NCs upon long-term use. Thus, from the LD₅₀ and accumulation coefficient, NCs can be referred to as low-toxic substances and used in conditionally therapeutic doses in oncological practice to develop nanostructured formulations of drugs.

Antitumor Properties of a New Macrocyclic Tetranuclear Oxidovanadium(V) Complex with 3-Methoxysalicylidenvaline Ligand

A wide variety of metal-based compounds have been obtained and studied for their antitumor activity since the intensely used cytostatic drugs (e.g., cisplatin) failed to accomplish their expected pharmacological properties. Thus, we aimed to develop a new vanadium-based drug and assess its antitumor properties using the human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell line. The compound was synthesized from vanadyl sulfate, DL-valine, and o-vanillin and was spectrally and structurally characterized (UV-Vis, IR, CD, and single-crystal/powder-XRD). Compound stability in biological media, cell uptake, and the interaction with albumin were assessed. The mechanisms of its antitumor activity were determined compared to cisplatin by performing cytotoxicity, oxidative and mitochondrial status, DNA fragmentation, β-Tubulin synthesis investigation, and cell cycle studies. Herein, we developed a macrocyclic tetranuclear oxidovanadium(V) compound, [(V^VO)(L)(CH₃O)]₄, having coordinated four Schiff base (H₂L) ligands, 3-methoxysalicylidenvaline. We showed that [(V^VO)(L)(CH₃O)]₄: (i) has pH-dependent stability in biological media, (ii) binds to albumin in a dose-dependent manner, (iii) is taken up by cells in a time-dependent way, (iv) has a higher capacity to induce cell death compared to cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 6 μM vs. 10 μM), by altering the oxidative and mitochondrial status in HepG2 cells. Unlike cisplatin, which blocks the cell cycle in the S-phase, the new vanadium-based compound arrests it in S and G2/M-phase, whereas no differences in the induction of DNA fragmentation and reduction of β-Tubulin synthesis between the two were determined. Thus, the [(V^VO)(L)(CH₃O)]₄ antitumor mechanism involved corroboration between the generation of oxidative species, mitochondrial dysfunction, degradation of DNA, cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M-phase, and β-Tubulin synthesis reduction. Our studies demonstrate the potent antitumor activity of [(V^VO)(L)(CH₃O)]₄ and propose it as an attractive candidate for anticancer therapy.

Overview of Research on Vanadium-Quercetin Complexes with a Historical Outline

The present review was conducted to gather the available literature on some issues related to vanadium-quercetin (V-QUE) complexes. It was aimed at collecting data from in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological activity, behavior, antioxidant properties, and radical scavenging power of V-QUE complexes. The analysis of relevant findings allowed summarizing the evidence for the antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic potential of V-QUE complexes and suggested that they could serve as pharmacological agents for diabetes and cancer. These data together with other well-documented biological properties of V and QUE (common for both), which are briefly summarized in this review as well, may lay the groundwork for new therapeutic treatments and further research on a novel class of pharmaceutical molecules with better therapeutic performance. Simultaneously, the results compiled in this report point to the need for further studies on complexation of V with flavonoids to gain further insight into their behavior, identify species responsible for their physiological activity, and fully understand their mechanism of action.

Structural derivatization strategies of natural phenols by semi-synthesis and total-synthesis

Structural derivatization of natural products has been a continuing and irreplaceable source of novel drug leads. Natural phenols are a broad category of natural products with wide pharmacological activity and have offered plenty of clinical drugs. However, the structural complexity and wide variety of natural phenols leads to the difficulty of structural derivatization. Skeleton analysis indicated most types of natural phenols can be structured by the combination and extension of three common fragments containing phenol, phenylpropanoid and benzoyl. Based on these fragments, the derivatization strategies of natural phenols were unified and comprehensively analyzed in this review. In addition to classical methods, advanced strategies with high selectivity, efficiency and practicality were emphasized. Total synthesis strategies of typical fragments such as stilbenes, chalcones and flavonoids were also covered and analyzed as the supplementary for supporting the diversity-oriented derivatization of natural phenols.

Exploring Anticancer Activities and Structure-Activity Relationships of Binuclear Oxidovanadium(IV) Complexes

Dimeric mixed-ligand oxidovanadium complexes [V₂O₂(1,3-pdta)(bpy)₂]·9H₂O (1) and [V₂O₂(1,3-pdta)(phen)₂]·6H₂O (2) feature a symmetric binuclear structure bridged by 1,3-pdta, which is different from our previous reported asymmetric binuclear complex [V₂O₂(edta)(phen)₂]·11H₂O (3).In this study, a wide range of analytical techniques were carried out to fully characterize the complexes 1 and 2 and further investigate their structural stabilities. Density functional theory calculations of 1 and 2 also suggest that they might have good reactivity with biomolecules as anticancer agents. To assess and screen the antitumor activities of compounds 1-3 together with their four corresponding monomeric complexes [VO(ida)(phen)], [VO(ida)(bpy)], [VO(OH)(phen)₂]Cl, and [VO(Hedta)]^-, we have performed in vitro experiments with hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines by MTT analyses. Complex 2 was found to have the highest inhibitory potency against the growth of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells (IC₅₀ = 2.07 ± 0.72 μM for HepG2; 13.00 ± 3.06 μM for SMMC-7721) compared to other compounds. The structure-activity relationship studies showed that the antitumor effect of compound 2 is higher than that of other compounds. After studying the monomeric compounds of 1-3, their effects were also ranked. Moreover, complex 2 displayed stronger binding affinity toward calf thymus DNA (K_b = 5.71 × 10⁴ M^-1) and cleavage activities than the other complexes (K_b = 1.34 × 10⁴ M^-1 for 1 and 5.22 × 10⁴ M^-1 for 3, respectively). We further extended the cellular mechanisms of drug action and found that 2 could block DNA synthesis and cell division of HepG2 and 7721 cells and further induce apoptosis by flow cytometry assays. In short, these results indicate that binuclear oxidovanadium compounds could have potential as simple, effective, and safe antitumor agents.

The Effect of Vanadium Inhalation on the Tumor Progression of Urethane-Induced Lung Adenomas in a Mice Model

Lung cancer has the highest death rates. Aerosol drug delivery has been used for other lung diseases. The use of inhaled vanadium (V) as an option for lung cancer treatment is explored. Four groups of mice were studied: (1) Saline inhalation alone, (2) Single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of urethane, (3) V nebulization twice a week (Wk) for 8 Wk, and (4) A single dose of urethane and V nebulization for 8 Wk. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Number and size of tumors, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl tranferase dUTP nick-end labeling) immunohistochemistry were evaluated and compared within groups. Results: The size and number of tumors decreased in mice exposed to V-urethane and the TUNEL increased in this group; differences in the PCNA were not observed. Conclusions: Aerosol V delivery increased apoptosis and possibly the growth arrest of the tumors with no respiratory clinical changes in the mice.

The synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor and antibacterial activity of two novel oxovanadium complexes

Two novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes ([VO(hntdtsc)(BPIP)] and [VO(hntdtsc)(MOPIP)] (hntdtsc = 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydethiosemicarbazone, BPIP = 2-(4-bromophenyl)-imidazo[4,5- f]-1,10-phenanthroline, MOPIP = 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazo[4,5- f]1,10-phenanthroline), are synthesized and characterized. Subsequently, the Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay is used to investigate the antitumor activity of the ligand and two complexes in vitro.The results indicate that both complexes could significantly inhibit selected tumor cells (SH-SY5Y, MCF-7, and SK-N-SH). In addition, the antibacterial activity of VO(hntdtsc)(BPIP) against Staphylococcus aureus is further investigated. Interestingly, VO(hntdtsc)(BPIP) can efficiently attenuate S. aureus growth and abrogate α-hemolysin secretion and biofilm formation. The plasmid DNA cleavage activity of both complexes is also investigated. The results suggest that supercoiled plasmid DNA is efficiently cleaved after treatment with each complex, which might contribute to the biological activity of these oxovanadium(IV) complexes.

Ternary Copper Complex of L-Glutamine and Phenanthroline as Counterions of Cyclo-Tetravanadate Anion: Experimental–Theoretical Characterization and Potential Antineoplastic Activity

Over the last decade, therapeutic metallodrugs have become substantially effective in the treatment of cancer. Thus, developing new effective anticancer drugs is a significant research area against the continuing increase in cancers worldwide. In the search for heterobimetallic prodrugs containing V/Cu, a new cyclo-tetravanadate was synthesized and characterized by UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. L-Glutamine and 1,10-phenanthroline allow the crystallization of [Cu(L-Gln)(phen)(H2O)]4[V4O12]∙8(H2O) (1), in which the cyclo-tetravanadate acts as a free anion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to characterize the frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential. Global reactivity indexes were calculated and analyzed to give insight into the cyclo-tetravanadate anion and complex counterions interactions. Also, using Bader’s theory of atoms in molecules (AIM), non-covalent interactions were analyzed. Docking analysis with the Casiopeina-like complex resulting from the hydrolysis of compound 1 provided insights into these complex potential anticancer activities by interacting with DNA/tRNA via H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The release of both components could act together or separately, acting as prodrugs with potential dual antineoplastic activities.

Vanadium-Flavonoid Complexes: A Promising Class of Molecules for Therapeutic Applications

Several reports have revealed the superior biological activity of metal ion-flavonoid complexes when compared with the parent flavonoid. Among the different metal ions explored, vanadium and its compounds are in the forefront because of their anticancer and antidiabetic properties. However, the toxicity of vanadium-based ions and their inorganic derivatives limits their therapeutic applications. Complexation of vanadium with flavonoids not only reduces its adverse effects but also augments its biological activity. This Review discusses the nature of coordination in vanadium-flavonoid complexes, their structure-activity correlations, with special emphasis on their therapeutic activities. Several investigations suggest that the superior biological activity of vanadium complexes arise because of their ability to regulate metabolic pathways distinct from those acted upon by vanadium alone. These studies serve to decipher the underlying molecular mechanism of vanadium-flavonoid complexes that can be explored further for generating a series of novel compounds with improved pharmacological and therapeutic performance.

Studies of anticancer activity in vivo and in vitro behaviors of liposomes encapsulated iridium(III) complex

Iridium(III) complexes have gained great attention in cancer treatment in recent years. In this paper, we designed and synthesized a new iridium(III) complex [Ir(piq)₂(DQTT)](PF₆) Ir1 (piq = 1-phenylisoquinoline, DQTT = 12-(1,4-dihydroquinoxalin-6-yl)-4,5,9,14-tetraazabenzo[b]triphenylene). The Ir1-loaded PEGylated liposomes (Lipo-Ir1) were prepared using the ethanol injection method. The anticancer activity of the complex and Lipo-Ir1 against SGC-7901 (human gastric adenocarcinoma), A549 (human lung carcinoma), HeLa (human cervical carcinoma), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), BEL-7402 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), and normal NIH3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblasts) was tested by the MTT method. The complex Ir1 shows moderate or low cytotoxicity against the selected cancer cells, whereas the Lipo-Ir1 exhibits high anticancer activity toward the same cancer cells. The apoptosis induced by Lipo-Ir1 was assayed by flow cytometry and Lipo-Ir1 induced apoptosis through increasing intracellular reactive-oxygen species levels, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, further promoting cytochrome c release and causing the increase of level of intracellular Ca²⁺. Western blot was used to detect the changes in Bcl-2 family protein and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins. The cloning experiments demonstrated that the Lipo-Ir1 can effectively inhibit cell proliferation. In vivo experiments, Lipo-Ir1 inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice, and the percentage of tumor growth inhibition in vivo was 75.70%. Overall, the liposomes Lipo-Ir1 exhibits higher anticancer activity than Ir1 under the same conditions. These results indicated that Lipo-Ir1 may be a valuable resource for cancer therapy.

The release of contaminants from steel slags and natural aggregates: Evaluation of toxicity and genotoxicity

Steel slags (SS) are the major waste produced by iron and steel industry. Slags may be reused as recycled materials, instead of natural aggregates (NA), to reduce the final disposal in a landfill and the exploitation of raw materials. However, the reuse of SS may generate a potential release of toxic compounds for the environment and humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and genotoxicity of SS, in comparison with NA, by using an integrated chemical-biological approach to enable their safe reuse in engineering applications. Leaching solutions from samples were obtained by using short-term leaching tests (CEN EN 12457-2, 2004) usually adopted for the evaluation of waste recovery and final disposal. Chemical analyses of leachates were performed according to the Italian legislation on waste recovery (Ministerial Decree 186/2006). The leaching solutions were assayed by using toxicity test on Daphnia magna. Moreover, mutagenicity/genotoxicity tests on Salmonella typhimurium, Allium cepa, and human leucocytes and fibroblasts were carried out. The releases of pollutants from all samples were within the limits of the Italian legislation for waste recovery. Despite the effects that SS and NA could have on different cells, in terms of toxicity and genotoxicity, globally, SS do not seem to be any more hazardous than NA. This ecotoxicological assessment, never studied before, is important for promoting further studies that may support the decision-making process regarding the use of such types of materials.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel spiroketopyrazoles as acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors and potential antitumor agents

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is a rate-limiting enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis, which plays a critical role in the growth and survival of cancer cells. In this study, a series of spiroketopyrazole derivatives bearing quinoline moieties were synthesized, and in vitro anticancer activities of these compounds as ACC inhibitors were evaluated. The biological evaluation showed that compound 7j exhibited the strongest enzyme inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 1.29 nM), while compound 7m displayed the most potent anti-proliferative activity against A549, HepG2, and MDA-MB-231 cells with corresponding IC₅₀ values of 0.55, 0.38, and 1.65 μM, respectively. The preliminary pharmacological studies confirmed that compound 7m reduced the intracellular malonyl-CoA and TG levels in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, it could down-regulate cyclin D1 and CDK4 to disturb the cell cycle and up-regulate Bax, caspase-3, and PARP along with the suppression of Bcl-2 to induce apoptosis. Notably, the combination of 7m with doxorubicin synergistically decreased the HepG2 cell viability. These results indicated that compound 7m as a single agent, or in combination with other antitumor drugs, might be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cu-Catalyzed o-Amino Benzofuranthioether Formation from N-Tosylhydrazone-Bearing Thiocarbamates and Arylative Electrophiles

An important framework of o-amino benzofuranthioethers was constructed by Cu-catalyzed arylative cyclization of N-tosylhydrazone-bearing thiocarbamates with silylaryl triflates or ArI. This transformation provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of valuable arylative o-amino benzofuranthioethers in moderate yields which could not be obtained from known methods. The reaction features smart design, efficient construction, and mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Computational Methods of Vanadium and Copper Compounds as Potential Drugs for Cancer Treatment

Transition metal-based compounds have shown promising uses as therapeutic agents. Among their unique characteristics, these compounds are suitable for interaction with specific biological targets, making them important potential drugs to treat various diseases. Copper compounds, of which Casiopeinas® are an excellent example, have shown promising results as alternatives to current cancer therapies, in part because of their intercalative properties with DNA. Vanadium compounds have been extensively studied for their pharmacological properties and application, mostly in diabetes, although recently, there is a growing interest in testing their activity as anti-cancer agents. In the present work, two compounds, [Cu(Metf)(bipy)Cl]Cl·2H2O and [Cu(Impy)(Gly)(H2O)]VO3, were obtained and characterized by visible and FTIR spectroscopies, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and theoretical methods. The structural and electronic properties of the compounds were calculated through the density functional theory (DFT) using the Austin-Frisch-Petersson functional with dispersion APFD, and the 6-311 + G(2d,p) basis set. Non-covalent interactions were analyzed using Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) and atom in molecules analysis (AIM). Additionally, docking analysis to test DNA/RNA interactions with the Casiopeina-like complexes were carried out. The compounds provide metals that can interact with critical biological targets. In addition, they show interesting non-covalent interactions that are responsible for their supramolecular arrangements.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Cytotoxic Activity of Vanadium Compounds against Cancer Cells

Discovering that metals are essential for the structure and function of biomolecules has given a completely new perspective on the role of metal ions in living organisms. Nowadays, the design and synthesis of new metal-based compounds, as well as metal ion binding components, for the treatment of human diseases is one of the main aims of bioinorganic chemistry. One of the areas in vanadium-based compound research is their potential anticancer activity. In this review, we summarize recent molecular and cellular mechanisms in the cytotoxic activity of many different synthetic vanadium complexes as well as inorganic salts. Such mechanisms shall include DNA binding, oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation and programed cell death. We focus mainly on cellular studies involving many type of cancer cell lines trying to highlight some new significant advances.

Synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations and anticancer activity of a new oxidovanadium(iv) complex with a ligand derived from o-vanillin and thiophene

New vanadium complex was synthesized and fully characterized showing promising anticancer activity on triple negative breast cancer cells.