Novel 1,8-Naphthalimide Derivatives Inhibit Growth and Induce Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma

Given the rapid advancement of functional 1,8-Naphthalimide derivatives in anticancer research, we synthesized these two novel naphthalimide derivatives with diverse substituents and investigated the effect on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, topoisomerase II and Western blotting assays were evaluated for these compounds against GBM in vitro. A human GBM xenograft mouse model established by subcutaneously injecting U87-MG cells and the treatment responses were assessed. Both compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant antiproliferative activities, inducing apoptosis and cell death. Only compound 3 notably induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in the U87-MG GBM cells. Both compounds inhibited DNA topoisomerase II activity, resulting in DNA damage. The in vivo antiproliferative potential of compound 3 was further validated in a U87-MG GBM xenograft mouse model, without any discernible loss of body weight or kidney toxicity noted. This study presents novel findings demonstrating that 1,8-Naphthalimide derivatives exhibited significant GBM cell suppression in vitro and in vivo without causing adverse effects on body weight or kidney function. Further experiments, including investigations into mechanisms and pathways, as well as preclinical studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, may be instrumental to the development of a new anti-GBM compound.