Cytotoxicity and DNA damage induced by a new platinum(II) complex with pyridine and dithiocarbamate

A new platinum(II) complex containing a pyridine nucleus and a dithiocarbamate moiety as ligands ([Pt(ESDT)(Py)Cl]) was evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity in the cisplatin-sensitive human ovarian 2008 and in the isogenic-resistant C13* cell lines. In both cell types, a tumor cell growth inhibition greater than cisplatin and a complete lack of cross-resistance in C13* cells were found. Despite its molecular size, [Pt(ESDT)(Py)Cl] accumulation was much higher than cisplatin both in parent and resistant cells. Studying the mechanism of action in cell-free media, we established that [Pt(ESDT)(Py)Cl] more efficiently interacts with DNA in vitro compared to cisplatin maintaining a binding preference for GG rich sequences of DNA. On the contrary, DNA platination in vivo by [Pt(ESDT)(Py)Cl] was found lower than cisplatin. An analysis of the type of DNA lesions induced by [Pt(ESDT)(Py)Cl] suggests that the cytotoxic efficacy and the ability to overcome cisplatin resistance seem to be related to a different mechanism of interaction with DNA and/or with other key cellular components. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.