Cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, pro-oxidant, and non-genotoxic activities of a novel copper(II) complex against human cervical cancer

- LQM402 is cytotoxic against the cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and Ca Ski.
- LQM402 points to induce apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells.
- LQM402 is not mutagenic in Ames test and micronucleus assays.
- LQM402 is both inductor and inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.

Cisplatin remains one of the most effective current chemotherapeutic agents; however, metal complexes synthesis has increased in order to produce new anti-neoplastic drugs with DNA binding and apoptotic activities in tumor cells and less toxicity for patients. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of a novel copper(II) complex (LQM402) against cervical cancer cell lines and found that LQM402 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against HeLa and Ca Ski cells. FITC-annexin assay and DNA fragmentation indicated that apoptosis could be involved in HeLa cell death. Caspase 3/7 and cytochrome c analysis by immunoblotting suggest the intrinsic pathway. LQM402 is a lipid peroxidation inductor according to TBARS production. Additionally, the Ames and micronucleus tests demonstrated non-genotoxic activity for this compound in Salmonella typhimurium and CD1 mice, respectively. Therefore, LQM402 may be a promising and safe anti-cervical cancer compound.