Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to identify the anti-proliferative potential of Cu(L)(2imi) complex L = 2-(((5-chloro-2-oxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenolato) and 2imi = 2-methyl imidazole against HepG2 cells as an in vitro model of human hepatocellular carcinoma and normal mouse fibroblast L929 cells. Methods: The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Cu(L)(2imi) complex on HepG2 cells and normal fibroblasts (L929) were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: Cytotoxicity induced by Cu(L)(2imi) complex was time dependent. Also, there was a positive correlation between cytotoxicity and an increase in Cu complex concentration. For HepG2 cells, the cell viability percentage was 50% at 58 μg/mL after 24 h treatment, whereas in the same concentration and conditions, the viability percentage was surprisingly higher (about 100%) for L929 cells. Also, after 48 h treatment, the viability percentage of HepG2 cells at 55 μg/mL concentration was 50% in contrast with 89.3% for L929 cells in the same conditions. Flow cytometry findings suggest that Cu(L)(2imi) complex is capable of decreasing cancer cell viability through apoptosis and did not efficiently activate the necrosis process. Conclusions: Finally, we found that Cu(L)(2imi) complex possess the potential for development as an anti-cancer drug for human hepatocellular carcinoma. © 2018, Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention.