Synthesis and characterization of complexes of p-isopropyl benzaldehyde and methyl 2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazones with Zn(II) and Cd(II) metallic centers. Cytotoxic activity and induction of apoptosis in Pam-ras cells.

It is known that metallic complexes of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (HL1) and p-isopropyl benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (HL2) may have potential antitumor activity. We have prepared complexes of HL1 and HL2 with Zn(II) and Cd(II). The cytotoxic activity shown by these compounds against cell lines sensitive and resistant to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) indicates that coupling of HL1 and HL2 to Zn(II) and Cd(II) centers may result in metallic complexes with important biological properties since they display IC50 values in a microM range similar to that of the antitumor drug cis-DDP.