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Comparative Solution Equilibrium Studies on Anticancer Estradiol-Based Conjugates and Their Copper Complexes
oleh: Éva A. Enyedy, Anett Giricz, Tatsiana V. Petrasheuskaya, János P. Mészáros, Nóra V. May, Gabriella Spengler, Ferenc Kovács, Barnabás Molnár, Éva Frank
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2024-02-01 |
Deskripsi
Steroids are often considered valuable molecular tools for the development of anticancer agents with improved pharmacological properties. Conjugation of metal chelating moieties with a lipophilic sterane backbone is a viable option to obtain novel anticancer compounds. In this work, two estradiol-based hybrid molecules (PMA-E2 and DMA-E2) with an (<i>N</i>,<i>N</i>,<i>O</i>) binding motif and their Cu(II) complexes were developed. The lipophilicity, solubility, and acid-base properties of the novel ligands were determined by the combined use of UV-visible spectrophotometry, pH-potentiometry, and <sup>1</sup>H NMR spectroscopy. The solution speciation and redox activity of the Cu(II) complexes were also investigated by means of UV-visible and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Two structurally analogous ligands (PMAP and DMAP) were also included in the studies for better interpretation of the solution chemical data obtained. Three p<i>K</i><sub>a</sub> values were determined for all ligands, revealing the order of the deprotonation steps: pyridinium-NH<sup>+</sup> or NH(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub><sup>+</sup>, secondary NH<sub>2</sub><sup>+</sup>, and OH. The dimethylamine derivatives (DMA-E2, DMAP) are found in their H<sub>2</sub>L<sup>+</sup> forms in solution at pH 7.4, whereas the fraction of the neutral HL species is significant (34–37%) in the case of the pyridine nitrogen-containing derivatives (PMA-E2, PMAP). Both estradiol derivatives were moderately cytotoxic in human breast (MCF-7) and colon adenocarcinoma (Colo-205) cells (IC<sub>50</sub> = 30–63 μM). They form highly stable complexes with Cu(II) ions capable of oxidizing ascorbate and glutathione. These Cu(II) complexes are somewhat more cytotoxic (IC<sub>50</sub> = 15–45 μM) than their corresponding ligands and show a better selectivity profile.