Synthesis of novel 1,8-acridinediones derivatives: Investigation of MDR reversibility on breast cancer cell lines T47D and tamoxifen-resistant T47D

Multi drug resistance (MDR) is a serious obstacle in the management of breast cancer. Therefore, overcoming MDR using novel anticancer agents is a top priority for medicinal chemists. It was found that dihydropyridines lacking calcium antagonistic activity (e.g acridinediones) possess MDR modifier potency. In this study, the capability of four novel acridine-1,8-diones derivatives 3a-d were evaluated as MDR reversing agents. In addition, the relationship between structural properties and biological effects of synthesized compounds was discussed. In vitro cytotoxicity of acridine-1,8-diones 3a-d derivatives in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) on T47D and tomoxifen-resistant T47D (TAMR-6) breast cancer cell lines were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Drug resistant index (DRI), which is equal to the ratio of IC50 in drug-resistant cells over IC50 in drug-sensitive cells, was calculated for each substance. Flowcytometry experiments were also implemented to distinguish cells undergoing apoptosis from those undergoing necrosis. The results from MTT and flowcytometry experiments indicated that 1 nM 3c derivative along with DOX significantly (P<0.05) increased the DOX cytotoxicity in T47D and TAMR-6 breast cancer cell lines. Synthesized compounds 3a and 3b also at concentrations of 1 nM with DOX significantly increased the cytotoxicity of DOX on T47D and TAMR-6 breast cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, 3d derivative with DOX did not exhibit good synergistic effect on cytotoxic activity of DOX, and slightly increased DOX cytotoxicity in both cell lines. Our results proposed that 3c may be an attractive lead compound for further development as a chemotherapeutic agent for MDR breast cancer therapy in combination with routine chemotherapeutic agents such as DOX.