In vitro apoptotic effect of Zinc(II) complex with N-donor heterocyclic ligand on breast cancer cells

Abstract

Background The synthesis of new ligand and transition metal complexes have drawn great attention in cancer treatment due to excellent DNA cleavage activities and high antitumor activity. Objective The purpose of this study was to synthesize a new Zn(II) complex with 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) ligand, [Zn(bpy)2(H2O)]2(ClO4), and to investigate the potential therapeutic activity against breast cancer. Materials and methods Zn(II) complex was obtained and structurally characterized using crystallography and other spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Zn(II) complex on MCF7 breast cancer and HUVEC control cells were evaluated by WST-1, Annexin V and cell cycle analysis. Results The spectroscopic data demonstrated that Zn(II) complex was successfully synthesized. Furthermore, Zn(II) complex exhibited significant cytotoxic effect on MCF7 breast cancer and HUVEC cells (p < 0.01). MCF7 and HUVEC cells proliferation was reduced to 11.0% and 52.6%, respectively at 10 μM for 48 h. Additionally, Zn(II) complex significantly induced apoptotic cell death (84.87%) and caused S phase arrest (36.4%) in MCF7 cells at 10 μM (p < 0.01). Conclusions Zn(II) complex has great therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast cancer. However, further studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanisms of apoptotic cell death and to reduce the toxicity of Zn(II) complex on control cells.

The in vitro apoptotic effect of new zinc complex possessing folic acid and phenanthroline on cervix cancer cells

“…Redox inertness potential, low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, strengthening of the immune system, and increased expression of genes are good reasons for the synthesis of zinc‐based metal complexes. [ 8 ] On the other hand, metal complexes containing phenanthroline ligands and their derivatives could be the future drugs on the market, because they have been shown to be active against various pathological conditions including germs, fungal infections, and cancer. [ 33,34 ] In addition, metal complexes containing phenanthroline ligands have been shown to interact highly with DNA and induce cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines.…”

“…[ 7 ] Accordingly, Eskiler and Kani confirmed that Zn(II) complex containing bipyridine exhibited undesirable effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and may cause severe complications in patients. [ 8 ] That is why we synthesized a new complex with Phen and folic acid (FA) so that could control the dose of zinc through targeted drug delivery and reduce the risk of carcinogenesis in patients.…”

In VitroAnticancer Activity of the Light Stable Zinc Isotope (64Zn) Compounds

“…A study carried out by Eskiler and Kani demonstrated that Zn(II) complex can significantly suppress the viability of human breast cancer cells of the MCF-7 line by inducing apoptosis through multi-caspase activity in breast cancer cells (20).…”

Bifunctional tetrazole–carboxylate ligand based Zn(ii) complexes: synthesis and their excellent potential anticancer properties

“…In order to solve the shortcomings of the previous generation of platinum complexes, the design strategy of new platinum complexes has been deeply studied. 21 Therefore, it is urgent to develop more targeted antitumor candidates with fewer side effects.…”