Isoquinoline derivatives Zn(II)/Ni(II) complexes: Crystal structures, cytotoxicity, and their action mechanism.

Three transition metal complexes with isoquinoline derivatives: [(MPDQ)2Zn(C2H5OH)ClO4]ClO4 (1) (MPDQ = 4,5-methylenedioxy-1-pyridinedihydroisoquinoline), [(PYP)2Zn(H2O)](ClO4)2 (2) (PYP = 5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline) and [(MPDQ)2Ni(CH3OH)ClO4]ClO4 (3) were synthesized and fully characterized. All complexes exhibited strong proliferation inhibition activity against various tested cancer cells with high selectivity to tumour and normal cells. BEL-7404 cells were found most sensitive to complex 2 by inducing apoptosis.