Elsevier, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, (64), p. 260-272, 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.03.067
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The synthesis and molecular and supramolecular structures of the compound (6-amino-1-methyl-5-nitrosouracilato-N3)-triphenylphosphine-gold(I) with interesting abilities to inhibit tumor growth in an animal model of experimental glioma are reported. Thus, its antitumor properties, effects on both enzyme and non-enzyme antioxidant defense systems and the response of several biochemical biomarkers have been analyzed. After seven days of treatment, the gold compound decreased the tumor growth to ca. one-tenth and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein oxidation levels) compared to animals treated with the vehicle. Also, gold compound maintained non-enzyme antioxidant defense systems as in non-tumor animals and increased enzyme antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and decreased catalase activity. Analysis of serum levels of electrolytes, nitrogenous compounds, glucose, lipids, total protein, albumin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase indicated that gold compound treatment showed few adverse effects, while effectively inhibiting tumor growth through mechanisms that involved endogenous antioxidant defenses.