New salen-type manganese(III) Schiff base complexes derived from meso-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethylenediamine: In vitro anticancer activity, mechanism of action, and molecular docking studies

Abstract

Four new manganese(III) Schiff base complexes (1–4) were synthesized and characterized. The complexes have general formula [MnClL^x] in which L represents a Schiff base ligand derived from condensation of meso-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethylenediamine with salicylaldehyde or its 3-OMe-, 5-Br-, or 5-OMe-derivatives (x = 1–4, respectively). The crystal structure of [MnClL¹] (1) was characterized by X-ray crystallography. The in vitro anticancer activity of these complexes was evaluated by MTT and apoptosis assays against human breast (MCF-7) and liver (Hep G2) cancer cells. The complexes exhibited considerable antiproliferative activity against both cell lines (IC₅₀ = 10.8–21.02 μM) comparable to cis-platin, except 4 (MCF-7). The highest activity was found for 1 with IC₅₀ values of 13.62 μM (MCF-7) and 10.8 μM (Hep G2). Flow cytometry experiments showed that 1 induced apoptosis on MCF-7 tumor cell line. Docking simulations using AUTODOCK were also carried out. The results showed that all complexes fitted into the minor groove region of DNA.

A series of new Mn(III) Schiff base complexes of a salen type ligand with general formula MnClL^x were synthesized, characterized and tested for anticancer activity. The complexes showed considerable activity against the studied cell lines.

Keywords:

• Schiff base
• Mn(III)
• Anti-cancer
• Molecular docking

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.