Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of glycosylated platinum(IV) complexes as antitumor agents

A new series of glycosylated Pt(IV) complexes were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. The incorporation of glycosyl groups to the Pt(IV) system has much influence on the antitumor abilities. Four lead compounds with activities comparable or even superior to cisplatin and oxaliplatin are screened out. These Pt(IV) complexes could be reduced to release Pt(II) complexes and cause the death of tumour cells. The apoptosis-inducing properties of these compounds are similar to cisplatin. The accumulation of the glycosylated Pt(IV) complexes in cells and DNA is higher than cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The in vivo assay demonstrates that the tested compounds inhibit the growth of HepG2 tumors with low toxicity.