SOD mimetic activity and antiproliferative properties of a novel tetra nuclear copper (II) complex

Abstract

The search for novel anticancer therapeutic agents is an urgent and important issue in medicinal chemistry. Here, we report on the biological activity of the copper-based bioinorganic complex Cu4 (2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(1H-imidazo- [1, 10] phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol)4]·10 CH3CN (2), which was tested in rat L6 myotubes, mouse NSC-34 motor neurone-like cells, and HepG-2 human liver carcinoma. Upon 96 h incubation, 2 exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect on all three types of cells via activation of two cell death mechanisms (apoptosis and necrosis). Complex 2 exhibited better potency and efficacy than the canonical cytotoxic drug cisplatin. Moreover, during shorter incubations, complex 2 demonstrated a significant SOD mimetic activity, and it was more effective and more potent than the well-known SOD mimetic TEMPOL. In addition, complex 2 was able to interact with DNA and, cleave DNA in the presence of sodium ascorbate. This study shows the potential of using polynuclear redox active compounds for developing novel anticancer drugs through SOD-mimetic redox pathways.

The protective effect of betanin and copper on heart and lung in end‑organ ischemia reperfusion injury

“…Furthermore, they can reduce oxidative stress, infl ammation and reduce associated disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and cancer in addition to I/R injury (13-15). In addition to betanin, a low-dose copper sulfate administration has been proposed to have potential anti-infl ammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties (16,17). Therefore, this compound may also present with some cardioprotective qualities (18).…”

The protective effect of betanin and copper on spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury

“…Also both betanin and copper have been shown to have anti-neoplastic effects. [6][7][8][9][10] Their neuroprotective effects in an I/R setting is poorly understood, but both agents are promising in terms of clinical use with a good safety profile.…”

Synthesis and preliminary therapeutic evaluation of copper nanoparticles against diabetes mellitus and -induced micro- (renal) and macro-vascular (vascular endothelial and cardiovascular) abnormalities in rats

“…[20][21][22][23] Furthermore, scientic literature has revealed the protective potential of copper to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and cardiac injury. [24][25][26] Since the previous reports reveal the anti-platelet effect of copper, 27,28 it also has additional benecial effects including anti-inammatory, [29][30][31] anti-proliferative 32,33 and antioxidant potential. 23,34 In addition, copper could potentiate NO by managing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity.…”