Antitumor Activity of Symmetrical Selenoesters in Doxorubicin Resistant Breast Cancer

Background/Aim: Previously, selenocompounds (Se-compounds) and in particular selenoesters have shown promising anticancer activities. Since molecular symmetry can enhance the anticancer activity, nine symmetrical selenoesters (Se-esters) have been designed as novel, potentially active anticancer agents against doxorubicin resistant breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: To assess the biological effects of the symmetrical Se-esters, the antiproliferative activity was determined on sensitive MCF-7 and doxorubicin resistant KCR breast cancer cell lines. The interaction of the derivatives with doxorubicin was evaluated by checkerboard combination assay on KCR cells. Furthermore, apoptosis induction and ATPase activity in the presence of Se-esters were also determined on KCR cells. Results: The symmetrical derivatives showed a noteworthy antiproliferative activity, with two of them showing IC values in submicromolar concentration on MCF-7 cells. In addition, some derivatives showed selectivity towards the resistant KCR cells. The combination of most of them with doxorubicin resulted in synergistic interaction, and all Se-esters could induce early and late apoptosis in KCR cells. Finally, the compounds affected the ATPase activity of ABCB1 (P-gp). Conclusion: The symmetrical Se-esters showed potent anticancer activity, according to in vitro tests. Further research needs to be performed to obtain similar derivatives with a better activity and selectivity, and to ascertain the potential application of these Se-containing compounds using in vivo systems.