Ruthenium (II) Complexes Based on Phenanthroline-Tetrazole as Possible Anticancer Agents

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Platinum-based chemotherapy faces limitations due to toxicity and drug resistance.
• Development of alternative metal complexes for oncology is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cytotoxic activity and apoptosis-inducing potential of novel Ruthenium(II) complexes.
• To evaluate these complexes as potential anticancer agents against the B16F10 cell line.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of five Ruthenium(II) complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline ligands containing tetrazole.
• In vitro assessment of cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis (Annexin V/PI staining), autophagy, and cellular uptake.
• Comparison of activity against cisplatin in the B16F10 melanoma model.

Main Results:

• Ruthenium complexes demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity to cisplatin against B16F10 cells.
• Complexes induced increased intracellular ROS levels.
• The S5 complex showed the highest apoptotic percentage (14.9%).
• S4 and S5 complexes exhibited higher cell adsorption and internalization.

Conclusions:

• Novel Ruthenium(II) complexes possess significant anticancer properties.
• These findings offer guidance for designing Ru complexes for cancer therapy.
• Ruthenium complexes represent a promising avenue for overcoming platinum drug resistance.