In vivo and in vitro evaluation of highly specific thiolate carrier group copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor model

A new series of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes have been designed and synthesized using a new type of Schiff bases derived from the reaction of 3-(3-phenyl-allylidene)-pentane-2,4-dione with para substituted aniline and benzene-1,2-dithiol. Their structures have been established by analytical and spectral data. The higher ε and low A values together with positive reduction potentials for these copper complexes suggest that they can mimic the functional properties of naturally occurring proteins. In vivo and in vitro antitumor functions of the complexes against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor model have been investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the complexes has also been investigated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv. These complexes exhibit significant antitumor, cytotoxic and antituberculosis activity. © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.