Tumor inhibiting properties of stereoisomeric [1,2-bis(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II)-compl exe s, Part I: Synthesis

The synthesis of the stereoisomeric 1,2-bis(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamines (1-4) from meso-1,2-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine and 3-methoxybenzaldehyde by a diaza-Cope-rearrangement and subsequent ether cleavage with BBr3 and their conversion into the [1,2-bis(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II)-complexes with K2PtCl4 (1-PtCl2 - 4-PtCl2) is described.     

The antineoplastic action of o-substituted [1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum (II) complexes and their methylethers

Antitumor Activity of o-Substituted [1,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II)-Complexes and their Methyl ethers The synthesis of [1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II)-complexes with CH₃-, CF₃-, F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, and OCH₃-substituents in o-positions of both benzene rings 1a-PtCl ₂ to 7a-PtCl ₂ is described. Their effect on the human, hormone-independent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line and on the lymphocytic leukemia P 388 of the mouse is compared with that of the analogously o-substituted [1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II)-complexes 1b-PtCl ₂ to 7b-PtCl ₂. The OH-substituted platinum complexes 1b-PtCl ₂ to 7b-PtCl ₂ are more active on both tumor models than the corresponding 4-OCH₃-substituted platinum complexes 1a-PtCl ₂ to 7a-PtCl ₂, but are less active than cisplatin.     

Tumor inhibiting [1,2-bis(fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes. Part II: Biological evaluation-in vitro studies on the P 388 D1 leukemia cell line

Experiments on the P 388 D1 cell line (48 h exposure) demonstrate that [1,2-bis-(fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes are comparably active on the cell number and 3H-thymidine incorporation, irrespective of the position of the fluorine atom (ortho, meta, or para) and the nature of the "leaving group" (Cl- or H2O). However, the compounds of the R,R/S,S series are more active than those of the R,S series and comparable to cisplatin. In the "tumor colony forming assay" the R,R/S,S configurated compounds are about ten times as active as cisplatin. The R,R/S,S configurated diaqua[1,2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) salts reach their half maximum effect more readily (t1/2 approximately equal to 1.6 h) than their R,S configurated analogues (t1/2 approximately equal to 20 h). A time limited contact of the cells with R,R/S,S configurated diaqua[1,2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) salts (-1h) leads to a similar inhibition like a permanent drug exposure indicating a fast uptake of the complex by the tumor cell. In experiments on the Ehrlich ascites tumor of the mouse and on the L 1210 leukemia cell line R,R/S,S-[1,2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) turns out to be equipotent with cisplatin.     

Ring-substituted [1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum (II) complexes: compounds with a selective effect on the hormone-dependent mammary carcinoma

[1,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum (II) complexes with one substituent in the 2-position (CH3, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I: meso- and d,l-1-PtCl2, meso-(3-5)-PtCl2, meso-(7 and 8)-PtCl2) or two substituents in the 2,6-positions (CH3, Cl: meso-2-PtCl2, meso- and d,l-6-PtCl2) in both benzene rings were synthesized and tested for estrogenic and cytotoxic activities. Two complexes (meso-6-PtCl2 and meso-7-PtCl2) possess both effects. In comparative tests on estrogen receptor positive and negative mammary tumors in cell culture (MCF 7, ER+ and MDA-MB 231, ER-) and in animals (MXT, ER+ and MXT, ER-, mouse), meso-6-PtCl2 shows a selective effect on the estrogen receptor positive mammary carcinoma. A further increase of efficacy was achieved with the water-soluble (sulfato)platinum(II) derivative (meso-6-PtSO4). On the DMBA-induced hormone dependent mammary carcinoma of the SD rat, meso-6-PtSO4 is significantly more active than its ligand (meso-6) and cisplatin.     

Mammary tumor inhibiting properties of the (S,S)-configurated [1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) complex

[(S,S)-1,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) shows a strong and dose-dependent effect on the hormone-dependent MXT mammary carcinoma of the mouse. The R,R/S,S-configurated compound is markedly less active.     

Dichloro-[1-(hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes: testing on the human ovarian cancer cell lines NIH: OVCAR3 and SK OV 3.

The diastereoisomeric dichloro-[1-(2-, 3- and 4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes were tested on two human ovarian cancer cell lines NIH: OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3, both resistant against cisplatin. Dichloro-[threo-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine]platinum(II) (threo-5-PtCl2) proved to be the most active representative of the new series, producing cytocidal effects at a concentration range of 2.5 to 5.0 microM on the NIH: OVCAR-3 cell line. On the more resistant SK-OV-3 cell line, threo-5-PtCl2 was only moderately active, while in combination with BSO, a GSH level lowering compound, threo-5-PtCl2 showed a strong synergistic effect.     

meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II), a compound with a specific activity on hormone-sensitive breast cancers--evidence for a diethylstilbestrol-like mode of action

[meso-1,2-Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]- dichloroplatinum(II) (meso-1-PtCl2), an estrogenic and cytotoxic platinum complex, shows activity against ER+ but not against ER- breast cancers in vivo (ER: estrogen receptor; ER+ and ER- indicate the presence or absence of the ER). To clarify whether its estrogenic or its cytotoxic potency or both properties are the cause of this specific inhibitory effect, we tested meso-1-PtCl2 comparatively in vivo on an ER+ and an ER- murine breast cancer (MXT-M-3.2 MC and MXT-M-3.2(ovex) MC, respectively), and in vitro on two cell lines derived from the former in vivo models (MXT+ and MXT-, respectively). The estrogens diethylstilbestrol (DES) and the ligand of meso-1-PtCl2 (meso-1), responsible for the hormonal effect of meso-1-PtCl2, and the cytotoxic drug cisplatin (cDDP) were used as comparative substances. Meso-1-PtCl2. DES and cDDP showed a strong and comparable activity on the ER+ MXT-M-3.2 MC in vivo, meso-1 being somewhat less inhibitory. In experiments on the murine, ER- MXT-M-3.2(ovex) MC only cDDP caused a marked inhibitory effect. The other compounds were inactive or only marginally active. In accordance with the in vivo results cDDP was also very active on the MXT+ and MXT- breast cancer cell line. In contrast to this meso-1-PtCl2, meso-1, and DES proved to be only weakly active or inactive on both cell lines. From these results it can be concluded that there is only little if any contribution of the cytotoxic PtCl2 moiety of meso-1-PtCl2 to the anti-breast cancer activity in vivo. On the ER+ MXT-M-3.2 MC transplanted into ovariectomized mice meso-1-PtCl2 yielded a biphasic dose activity curve, i.e. an increase of the tumor growth at low doses followed by a decrease at high doses, identical with those of the estrogens DES and meso-1. These results indicate that meso-1-PtCl2 inhibits ER+ breast cancers by its estrogenicity in the same manner as meso-1 and DES. The complex mechanism of anti-breast cancer active estrogens involves presumably the endocrine and/or the immune system. Its investigation is the subject of further studies.     

Tumor inhibiting [1,2-bis(difluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum (II) complexes, I: Synthesis.

The synthesis of the diastereomeric 1,2-bis(2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, 3,5-difluorophenyl)ethylenediamine (meso, D/L 8-13) from meso 1,2-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine and the respective difluorobenzaldehyde by a diaza-Cope-rearrangement and their conversion into the [1,2-bis(2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, 3,5-difluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]dihaloplatinum(II)- complexes (meso, D/L 8-13 PtCl2; meso D/L 9- and 11-PtI2) with K2PtHal4 (Hal = Cl, I) is described. From the diiodoplatinum(II)-complexes (meso D/L 9- and 11-PtI2) the better water soluble diaqua[1,2-bis(2,4- and 2,6-difluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) sulfates (meso, D/L 9- and 11-PtSO4) are obtained by reaction with Ag2SO4.     

Structure activity studies on leaving group derivatives of [meso-1,2-bis-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] platinum(II).

The spatial structures of leaving group derivatives of [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) (meso-1-PtL2; L2 = SO4, Cl2, I2, CBDC (cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate)) were investigated by NMR methods and correlated with their reactivity against nucleophiles, their estrogenic potency, and their activity on the hormone dependent MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cell line. It was demonstrated that beside the non-leaving group meso-1 the PtL2 moiety of meso-PtL2 complexes is important for the estrogen receptor binding. Among the tested complexes meso-1-PtI2 possesses the highest affinity for the estrogen receptor (RBA = 2.6) and represents a strong estrogen on the MCF-7-2a cell line. The use of CBDC as leaving group decreases the effects. Meso-1-PtCBDC shows an RBA of 0.06 and has only half of the estrogenic activity. Both complexes are sufficiently stable under physiological conditions, so a transformation into the dichloroplatinum(II) complex prior to the binding to the estrogen receptor can be excluded. Due to their high stability meso-1-PtI2 and meso-1-PtCBDC were only marginally active on the human estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cell line, while meso-1-PtSO4 and meso-1-PtCl2 reduced the cell growth to T/Cmax = 45% and 25%, respectively.     

New synthetic route to [bis-1,2-(aminomethyl)benzene]dichloroplatinum(II) complexes, screening for cytotoxic activity in cisplatin-sensitive and resistant human cancer cell lines, and reaction with glutathione.

A new synthetic route to [bis-1,2-(aminomethyl)benzene]dichloroplatinum(II) complexes is described. o-Xylene and the 4-methoxy substituted derivative were used as starting points for the synthesis: benzylic bromination with N-bromosuccinamide/benzoylperoxide followed by the substitution of the benzyl bromides for azide and finally a catalytic hydrogenation with Pd/C of the diazides gave the desired diamines ligands. An attempt to synthesize the 4,6-dimethoxy derivative was unsuccessful due to the bromination of the aromatic ring. The diamines were complexed with K2PtCl4 to give the target Pt(II) complexes: [1,2-bis(aminomethyl)benzene]dichloroplatinum(II) (4a) and [1,2-bis(aminomethyl)-4-methoxy-benzene]dichloroplatinum(II) (4b). Screening for cytotoxic activity was done in comparison to cisplatin in a panel of eight human cancer cell lines; in all cases, the 4-methoxy derivative 4b was less active than the unsubstituted analog, 4a. In four cell lines 4a was as potent as cisplatin, while in the other four lines cisplatin was considerably more potent then 4a. The 5637 bladder cancer cell line was made 4-5 fold resistant to either cisplatin or [d,l-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane]dichloroplatinum(II); 4a showed some cross resistance (2-3 fold) to both resistant cell lines. The reactivity of 4a towards substitutions with glutathione (GSH), a biological thiol involved in intrinsic and acquired resistance to Pt-complexes, was measured by a RP-HPLC method. It was found that the second-order rate constant for the reaction of 4a with GSH was similar to that that reported for CDDP, indicating that reactivity towards GSH does not explain the different levels of cross resistance.     

Tumor inhibiting [1,2-bis(fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes, III: Evaluation of the mammary tumor inhibiting properties

Diastereomeric diaqua[1,2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) sulfates and nitrates produce a strong inhibition of the hormone-dependent MXT-M 3.2 mammary carcinoma of the B6D2F1 mouse. Besides an interference in the DNA synthesis in analogy to cisplatin a lowering of the estrogen level due to an interference in steroid biosynthesis is suggested as the mode of action. In contrast to the R,R/S,S configurated diaqua[1,2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) salts the corresponding R,S configurated compounds are also markedly active on the hormone-independent MXT-Ovex mammary carcinoma of the B6D2F1 mouse.     

Investigation of the Conformational Influences on the Estrogenic Activity of 1,2-Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylenediamines and of their Platinum(II) Complexes,II: Synthesis and Studies on the Estrogenic Activity of cis- and trans[Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzylamine)]dihaloplatinum(II)-Complexes

2,6-Dichloro-4-hydroxybenzylamine ( 1 ) and its N-methyl ( 2 ) and N-ethyl ( 3 ) derivatives were synthesized and tested for estrogen receptor affinity as well as for estrogenic activity. In contrast to their related highly active 1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamines (meso- 4 - meso- 6 ) none of the benzylamines showed hormonal activity. The coordination of the benzylamine 1 to platinum did not lead to an estrogenic compound. The reasons for the different activity of [meso-1,2(bis-2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]dichloroplatium(II) (meso- 4 -PtCl₂) and cis[bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzylamine)]dichloroplatinum(II) (cis-1-PtCl₂), the latter of which can be considered as a ring-opened counterpart of the highly active meso- 4 -PtCl₂, are thoroughly discussed under inclusion of conformational facts. The results of this and the preceding work show, that the pharmacophore meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine (meso- 4 ) which is exclusively responsible for the estrogenic activity of meso- 4 -PtCl₂ causes comparable hormonal effects in two different conformations with O-O distances of about 8 Å (complex) and of about 12 Å (diamine). Therefore, we discuss two binding sites for estrogens in their receptor.     

Synthesis and antitumor activity of enantiomerically pure [1,2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)propane]dichloroplatinum(II) complexes

Enantiomerically pure 1, 2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)propanes were synthesized by stereospecific and stereoselective procedures by use of the (1R, 2S)- and (1S, 2R)-2-amino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)propanols (12a) as intermediates. The enantiomeric purity was determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy after conversion of the propanolamines and the diamines with (1R)-myrtenal into mono- and diimines. For the coordination to platinum the diamines were reacted with K(2)PtCl(4). The resulting dichloroplatinum(II) complexes 4F-Ph/Me-PtCl(2) were tested for antiproliferative activity on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. (SS)- and (RR)-4F-Ph/Me-PtCl(2) produced the strongest inhibitory effect. Both complexes showed cytocidal effects, (SS)-4F-Ph/Me-PtCl(2) even in a concentration of 1 microM. The (1S, 2R)- and (1R, 2S)-configurated complexes were far less active (SS > RR > RS = SR) and comparable in this respect with the standard cisplatin.     

Nonsteroidal estrogens: synthesis and estrogen receptor binding affinity of derivatives of (3R*,4S*)-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexane (hexestrol) and (2R*,3S*)-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane (norhexestrol) functionalized on the side chain

A series of nonsteroidal, side-chain functionalized estrogens based on (3R*,4S*)-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexane (hexestrol) and (2R*,3S*)-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane (norhexestrol) has been prepared; these include amide, diazo ketone, ester, alcohol, ketone, fluoro, bromo, iodo, and saturated hydrocarbon derivatives. Analysis of the binding affinity of these compounds to the uterine estrogen receptor, measured by competitive binding assay, reveals trends that can be related to the steric size, the hydrophobicity, and the hydrogen bond accepting character of the side-chain substituents. Comparison of binding affinities between norhexestrol and hexestrol derivatives indicates that, in general, the norhexestrols show significantly higher receptor binding affinities, making this series of compounds ideally suited as functional probes for the estrogen receptor.     

Does [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] dichloroplatinum(II) act as an immune response modifier? IV. Inhibition of the proliferation-increasing effect of progressively growing MXT-M-3,2 breast cancer on phagocytes by the title compound.

In female B6D2F1 mice bearing an MXT-M-3,2 breast cancer graft the level of the phagocytic cells (e.g. of granulocytes and macrophages in the spleen and of granulocytes and monocytes in the blood) is significantly elevated. The positive correlation between the number of the phagocytic cells and the weight of the tumor indicates that the MXT-M-3,2 breast cancer promotes myelopoiesis, presumably by secretion of hematopoietic growth factors like GM-CSF. This process can be described for each phagocyte type by a regression equation. Due to its hormonal potency [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] dichloroplatinum(II) (meso-1-PtCl2) can reduce the excessive numbers of the granulocytes and macrophages, which seem to be responsible for the progressive growth of the MXT-M-3,2 breast cancer. This process leads to an interruption of the vicious circle of mutual growth stimulation of breast cancer cells and these phagocytes. The target of meso-1-PtCl2 is the estrogen receptor (ER) of the breast cancer cell. The interaction between meso-1-PtCl2 and the ER presumably results in a diminished secretion of hematopoietic growth factors and hence in a decline of the number of phagocytic cells. Meso-1-PtCl2 does not inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells by direct interaction with their DNA, as is described for platinum complexes like cDDP. In its mode of action the equipotent, breast cancer inhibiting drug cDDP differs from meso-1-PtCl2. This is obvious from the fact that in cDDP--but not in meso-1-PtCl2-treated, tumor bearing mice the number of granulocytes and macrophages does not markedly deviate from that in untreated control mice with tumors of the same weight. The drug cDDP probably does not interfere with the mechanism of the secretion of hematopoietic growth factors. The reduction of the number of tumor cells by cDDP leads to a decline of the number of phagocytic cells in accordance with the respective regression equations. In contrast to meso-1-PtCl2 and cDDP, ovariectomy causes elevated phagocyte numbers, probably due to the strongly reduced estrogen level. The studies described in this publication indicate that the anti-breast cancer activity of meso-1-PtCl2 is caused by a decimation of phagocytes and with this by an abolition of the tumor promoting effect. Furthermore, a restoration of the natural immunosurveillance seems to be of importance.     

Synthesis, conformational studies, and investigations on the estrogen receptor binding of [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes

The syntheses, conformational studies, and investigations on the estrogen receptor binding of [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes (1-PtL2, 2L = leaving groups) are described. A Strecker synthesis using the 2,6-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, NaCN, and NH4Cl afforded the cyanoamine 1b, which was subsequently reduced with LiAlH4 to give the R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)ethylenediamine 1a. Ether cleavage with BBr3 yielded R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine 1 which was coordinated to platinum(II) by use of K2PtCl4 (1-PtCl2) and K2PtI4 (1-PtI2), respectively. Reaction of 1-PtI2 with Ag2SO4 and coordination of tartronic acid led to the [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4- hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine][hydroxymalonato]platinum(II) complex (1-Pt(MalOH)). The spatial structure of 1 and its complexes was evaluated by spectroscopic and molecular modeling methods. In solution the complexes adopt a structure very similar to estradiol. However, the in vitro and in vivo tests for the compounds indicated neither affinity to the estrogen receptor nor estrogenic properties.     

Novel diarylheptanoids of Alpinia blepharocalyx

The seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae) is used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders. From the ether fraction of a 95% ethanolic extract, which showed hepatoprotective and antiproliferative activities, we isolated 16 novel diarylheptanoids bearing a chalcone or a flavanone moiety [calyxins A-H; epicalyxins B-D, G, and H; 6-hydroxycalyxin F; and blepharocalyxins A and B] together with seven known compounds, while the residual fraction of the ethanolic extract gave 32 novel diarylheptanoids namely, calyxins A, E-G, and I-M; epicalyxins B, F, I-K, and M; deoxycalyxin A; blepharocalyxins C-E; neocalyxins A and B; (3S,5S)- and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-7-phenyl-6E-heptene, (3S,5S)- and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-ethoxy-7-phenyl-6E-heptene, (3S)-3-methoxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6E-hepten-5-one, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one, (3S,7R)-5,6-dehydro-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-4"-de-O-methyl-centrolobine, (3S,5S,6S,7R)-5,6-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4"-de-O-me-thylcentrolobine, (3S,5R,6S,7R)- and (3S,5S,6R,7R)-5,6-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4"-de-O-methyl-centrolobine, 1,2- dihydro-bis(de-O-methyl)curcumin, and (3S,7S)-5,6-dehydro-4"-de-O-methylcentrolobine, and one known diarylheptanoid [(3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptane] together with 12 other known phenolic compounds. Moreover, in vitro NO inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds were also tested and the active constituents identified.     

Enantiomerically pure [1, 2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butane]platinum(II) complexes: synthesis and antitumor activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer and LnCaP/FGC prostate cancer cell lines

Enantiomerically pure 1, 2-diamino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)butanes were synthesized by stereoselective procedures. The enantiomeric purity was determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy after derivatization with (1R)-myrtenal. For the coordination to platinum, the diamines were reacted with K(2)PtI(4). Reaction with Ag(2)SO(4) yielded the respective sulfatoplatinum(II) complexes, which were converted into the dichloroplatinum(II) complexes by treatment with 2 N HCl. The influence of the configuration and the kind of leaving group on the antitumor activity was studied on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell lines, as well as on the LnCaP/FGC prostate cancer cell line. It was demonstrated that the dichloroplatinum(II) complexes were more active than the respective diiodoplatinum(II) derivatives. Conversion into the sulfatoplatinum(II) complexes further enhanced the antiproliferative effects. The configuration determined the antitumor effects, dependent on the cell line used: MCF-7: (R, R) > (S, S) > (R, S) > (S, R); MDA-MB 231: (S, S) > (R, R) > (R, S) = (S, R); LnCaP/FGC: (S, S) > (R, R) > (R, S) > (S, R).     

Effects of C2-alkylation, N-alkylation, and N,N'-dialkylation on the stability and estrogen receptor interaction of (4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazolines

(4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-4,5-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazolines bearing 2,2'-H (3a), 2,2'-Cl (3b), 2,2',6-Cl (3c), and 2,2'-F (3d) substituents in the aromatic rings were C2-alkylated (5a-i), N-alkylated (7, 7a-c), and N,N'-dialkylated (9a-c). The synthesis started from the diastereomerically pure (1R,2S)/(1S,2R)-1,2-diamino-1,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanes 1a-d, which were cyclized to the imidazolines 2a-d and 4a-i with triethylorthoesters or iminoethers. Ether cleavage with BBr(3) yielded the (4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazolines 3a-d and 5a-i. The N-alkylation and N,N'-dialkylation of 2b, employed for obtaining 7a-c and 9a-c, were performed prior to the ether cleavage with alkyl iodine in dry THF. By use of HPLC, the influence of the substitution patterns in the aromatic rings and alkyl chains at the C2- or N-atoms on the hydrolysis rate of the imidazolines was studied under in vitro conditions. It appeared that only imidazolines with C2- or N-alkyl substituents show sufficient stability to interact as heterocycles with the estrogen receptor (ER). The resulting gene activation was monitored in a luciferase assay using ERalpha-positive MCF-7-2a breast cancer cells stably transfected with the plasmid ERE(wtc)luc. It is interesting to note that C2-alkylation led to a strong reduction or even a complete loss of activity whereas N-alkylation improved the estrogenic profile. The (4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-N-ethyl-4,5-bis(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazoline 7b has proven to be the most active compound in this structure-activity relationship study (EC(50) = 0.015 microM).