Induction of cancer cell death by apoptosis and slow release of 5-fluoracil from metal-organic frameworks Cu-BTC.

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism associated with cytotoxic activity displayed by the drug 5-fluorouracil incorporated in Cu-BTC MOF and its slow delivery from the Cu-BTC MOF. Structural characterization encompasses elemental analysis (CHNS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), Fournier transform infrared (FIT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to verify the process of association between the drug 5-FU and Cu-BTC MOF. Flow cytometry was done to indicate that apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the cell death.

Toxicological assessment of beta-lapachone on organs from pregnant and non-pregnant rats.

Naphthoquinones have been studied extensively due to their activity as topoisomerase inhibitors. These enzymes are critical to DNA replication in cells. beta-Lapachone (beta-lap) is an o-naphthoquinone chemically obtained from lapachol.