In vitro cytotoxic potential and mechanism of action of selected coumarins, using human renal cell lines.

This study determined the selective cytotoxicity of eight coumarin compounds to human renal carcinoma cells, relative to non-carcinoma proximal tubular cells. Selectivity cytotoxicity was observed following exposure to 6-nitro-7-hydroxycoumarin (6-NO(2)-7-OHC) and 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin (7,8-OHC). 6-NO(2)-7-OHC induced cytotoxicity was irreversible in both cell lines, unlike 7,8-OHC, which was reversible in the carcinoma cells only.