Hybrid anticancer agents: isothiocyanate-progesterone conjugates as chemotherapeutic agents and insights into their cytotoxicities.

New hybrid molecules of isothiocyanate and progesterone and their metal complexes were synthesized exhibiting promising anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against breast and prostate cancer cells. These metal complex compounds exploited an existing cellular transport pathway for delivery of cytotoxic isothiocyanate moiety across cell membrane resulting in the inhibition of cell viability and inducing apoptosis. The highest apoptotic action was shown by the copper complex, which was mediated through the inhibition of Akt signaling similar to the one shown by isothiocyanate compounds. Our results underscore the possible role of metal redox cycling, and thus it is likely will open newer avenues for further optimization for the synthesis of novel active compounds through appropriate isothiocyanate pharmacophores. Published by Elsevier Ltd.