Evaluation of Apoptosis-Induction by Newly Synthesized Phthalazine Derivatives in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Newly synthesized phthalazine derivatives including copper and platinum complexes were evaluated forcytotoxicity in human breast cancer cell lines. The cells were incubated with the compounds (100 μM) for 72 h andcytotoxicity, apoptosis and DNA content were measured by flow cytometery. Our results suggest that the parent (H1-2), copper (C1-2)- and platinum (P1-2)-derivatized compounds were relatively more active in inducing apoptosisand cell killing in both human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 cells being the more sensitive. Other compoundsshowed weak or no response towards these parameters except H-5 causing 40% apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.Addition of copper or platinum in the structures generally reduced the apoptotic potential. Possible roles for structure activity relationships are discussed.