In Vitro Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Potential of Thiosemicarbazide Coordinating Compounds in Hepatocyte Cell Culture

Abstract

Cancer is a global medical problem and, despite research efforts in the field of tumor treatment, there is currently a shortage of specific anticancer drugs. Most anticancer drugs show significant side effects. The liver is the organ that has central functions in drug metabolism, being a major target of the harmful action of anticancer compounds. In this context, it is essential to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of potential anticancer substances. Therefore, hepatotoxicity and hepatocyte viability were determined in vitro to evaluate the action of seven new local thiosemicarbazide coordination compounds (CCT) on normal liver cells. Doxorubicin was used as a reference substance. The control group consisted of hepatocytes not exposed to CCT action. The cell viability of hepatocytes treated with CCT decreased significantly by 5–12% compared to the control, but was statistically significantly higher by 5–14% compared to doxorubicin, except after CMD-8 and CMT-67 influence, when it does not change. Thus, new local CCT had a selective effect on hepatocytes in vitro and were less hepatotoxic compared to doxorubicin, which may be the basis for further study of its potential in anticancer drugs.