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Dichlorophthalic Anhydride Derivatives as Anti-Apoptotic and Antiproliferative Agents by Multi-Targeted Mechanism:

Hatem A Abuelizz1, Maha M Soltan2, Mohamed Marzouk3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
|February 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

New antiproliferative agents derived from 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydrides show promise against breast cancer. Compounds 7 and 9 induced significant apoptosis and caspase activation, with potential for tubulin destabilization.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Cancer Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Phthalic anhydride derivatives are explored for therapeutic potential.
  • Novel antiproliferative agents are needed to combat cancer resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate twelve 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride derivatives as antiproliferative agents.
  • To investigate the mechanism of action of active compounds against breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro antiproliferative assays against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
  • Flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, and caspase-3/7 activation.
  • Fluorescence microscopy for DNA fragmentation assessment.
  • Tubulin destabilization assays and VEGFR-2 inhibition studies.

Main Results:

  • Compounds 1, 7, 9, and 11 demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity (low IC50 values).
  • Active compounds induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and/or S phases.
  • Compounds 7 and 9 showed highest apoptosis rates (38.81% and 33.35%) and caspase-3/7 activation (26.08% and 23.17%).
  • DNA fragmentation was observed with compounds 7, 9, and 11.
  • Active compounds destabilized tubulin; Compound 7 exhibited mild VEGFR-2 inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride derivatives possess significant antiproliferative potential against breast cancer.
  • Compounds 7 and 9 are promising candidates due to their potent apoptosis-inducing and cell cycle-disrupting effects.
  • The mechanism involves tubulin destabilization and DNA fragmentation, warranting further investigation.
Keywords:
4,5‐dichlorophthalic anhydridesVEGFR‐2apoptosishuman tubulinin‐silco

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