Apoptotic cell death of stomach cancer lines (AGS) induced by Co-NTB complex through cellular organelles and DNA...

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Cancer Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Stomach cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Metal-based coordination compounds and benzimidazole derivatives show promise as anticancer agents.
• The development of effective drugs targeting stomach cancer remains a critical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anticancer potential of a novel benzimidazole-based cobalt(II) complex, designated Co-NTB.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Co-NTB against human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell lines.
• To elucidate the mechanism of action of Co-NTB in inducing cancer cell death.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the cobalt(II)-benzimidazole complex (Co-NTB).
• MTT assays to determine the IC50 values and compare with cisplatin.
• Microscopy techniques (light, fluorescence) and DNA staining (Hoechst/propidium iodide) to assess DNA damage and cell death.
• Organelle-specific staining (Lysotracker, Mitotracker) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate cellular damage.

Main Results:

• The Co-NTB complex exhibited a significantly lower IC50 value (4.25 μg mL⁻¹) compared to cisplatin (7.5 μg mL⁻¹) against AGS cells.
• Evidence of DNA damage and induction of apoptotic cell death pathways was observed.
• TEM and organelle staining confirmed Co-NTB's ability to target and damage cellular organelles, contributing to apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• The Co-NTB complex demonstrates potent anticancer activity against AGS stomach cancer cell lines.
• Co-NTB induces cancer cell death primarily through apoptosis, mediated by DNA damage and cellular organelle targeting.
• This study highlights the therapeutic potential of benzimidazole-cobalt complexes as novel anticancer agents for stomach cancer treatment.