Methoxy-enriched cationic stilbenes as anticancer therapeutics

Stilbene-based compounds are largely described for their antioxidant activity. But their use as anticancer chemotherapeutics is hampered by poor pharmacokinetic properties and non-selectivity towards cancer and non-cancer potency. To overcome these drawbacks, twin chain cationic lipid conjugated, methoxy-enriched stilbene derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potency. Our findings reveal that HMSC16, a molecule with the highest number of methoxy groups and with C16-twin chain lipid, is the most potent as well as the most selective anticancer agent when compared to the other synthesized derivatives and commercially available stilbene-based drug, tamoxifen, and resveratrol. To justify these results, we have conducted a series of mechanistic experiments where we found that HMSC16 induced ROS generation, apoptosis, and autophagy by affecting the mitochondrial, lysosomal and nuclear pathways. Further cell cycle analysis data reveals that HMSC16 not only induces cell death but is also involved in the arrest of the cell cycle at the sub-G1 phase. Moreover, HMSC16 showed self-aggregation property owing to a possibly favorable hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The self-aggregation property of HMSC16 allowed it to entrap hydrophobic drugs, withaferin. With entrapped withaferin, HMSC16 showed additive if not synergistic cell killing effect in HeLa cells. From the above results, we concluded that HMSC16 can be used not just as a drug but also as a drug delivery agent.