Abstract:
Objective To investigate the effects of Mor-platin, a novel mitochondrial platinum complex, on proliferation and migration of human hepatoma carcinoma HepG2 cells.
Methods Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to analyze cell proliferation of Morplatin and classic anticancer drugs, particularly cisplatin, in HepG2 cells. A laser confocal microscope was used to observe whether Mor-platin can target mitochondria. The morphological changes in cellular mitochondria after treatment with Mor-platin were observed on a transmission electron microscope. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and cell invasion was evaluated by three-dimensional tumor spheroid model.
Results Mor-platin can inhibit cell proliferation and is dose dependent. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Mor-platin is lower than that of cisplatin. Laser confocal images showed that Mor-platin can target cell mitochondria and enrich cell mitochondria. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that cell mitochondrial morphology changed after Mor-platin treatment. Furthermore, cell mitochondrial membrane is incomplete and mitochondrial cristae are reduced. Cell apoptosis caused by Mor-platin is dose dependent. The three-dimensional tumor spheroid model showed that the cell areas of the group subjected to Mor-platin treatment are smaller than those of the control group.
Conclusion Mor-platin can target cell mitochondria, change the cell mitochondrial morphology, inhibit cell proliferation, and thus promote cell apoptosis. It also showed better anticancer effects than cisplatin. Furthermore, Mor-platin can inhibit three-dimensional tumor spheroid invasion. These results suggest that Mor-platin is a potential antitumor drug.