The cytotoxicity and mechanisms of 1,2-naphthoquinone thiosemicarbazone and its metal derivatives against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Abstract

We have investigated the antitumor functions and mechanisms of 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-thiosemicarbazone (NQTS) and its metal complexes (Cu(2+), Pd(2+), and Ni(2+)) against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The cells were dosed with these complexes at varying concentrations, and cell viability was measured by a sulforhodamine B (SRB) method. To study mechanisms of action, the complexes were incubated with topoisomerase II (topo II) and supercoiled DNA, linear DNA, nicked open DNA, and relaxed DNA were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results revealed that these complexes are effective antitumor chemicals in inhibiting MCF-7 cell growth, with Ni-NQTS being the most effective among the complexes studied. Our data also indicated that Ni-NQTS is more effective than the commercial antitumor drug, etoposide, based on IC(50) values. The mechanistic study of action showed that metal complexes of NQTS, NQ, and NQTS can only stabilize the single-strand nicked DNA, but not double-strand breakage intermediates. In addition, metal derivatives of these ligands, but not the parent NQ and NQTS, exerted an antagonizing effect on topoisomerase II activity. In summary, chemicals with or without metal derivatives might possess different chemical-topoisomerase II-DNA interactions.

• Authors: Junnan Chen, Yue-wern Huang, Guanshu Liu, Zahra Afrasiabi, Ekkehard Sinn, Subhash Padhye, Yinfa Ma
• Journal: Toxicology and applied pharmacology (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol) Vol. 197 Issue 1 Pg. 40-8 (May 15 2004) ISSN: 0041-008X [Print] United States
• PMID: 15126073 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• DNA, Neoplasm
• Indicators and Reagents
• Metals
• Naphthoquinones
• Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
• naftazone

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• DNA, Neoplasm (metabolism)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Humans
• In Situ Nick-End Labeling
• Indicators and Reagents
• Metals (pharmacology)
• Naphthoquinones (pharmacology)
• Topoisomerase II Inhibitors