Study on the Interaction of 4'-Hydroxychalcones and their Mannich Derivatives with Calf Thymus DNA by TLC and Spectroscopic Methods, a DNA Cleavage Study

Abstract

Background: Phenolic Mannich bases derived from hydroxychalcones show remarkable cytotoxic potencies towards cancer cell lines. However, the exact mechanism of action is still partially uncleared. Objective: Interaction of two hydroxychalcones and their Mannich derivatives with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) has been investigated. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography and UV-Vis spectroscopic method were used for studying the interaction. The binding constant has been determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometric titration. The DNA cleavage activity of the compounds was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: Interaction of the compounds with ctDNA exhibited relatively high intrinsic binding constant (4-5x104 M-1). The results indicate existence of weak, non-covalent interactions between the investigated derivatives with ctDNA. Some compounds showed a slight DNA cleavage activity with pBR322. Conclusion: The obtained results provide additional knowledge on the previously documented cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines of the hydroxychalcones and their Mannich-derivatives.