Evaluation of anticancer role of a novel ruthenium(II)-based compound compared with NAMI-A and cisplatin in impairing mitochondrial functionality and promoting oxidative stress in triple negative breast cancer models.

Platinum-based compounds are the most widely used anticancer drugs but, their elevated toxicity and chemoresistance has stimulated the study of others, such as ruthenium-based compounds. NAMI-A and UNICAM-1 were tested in vitro, comparing the mechanisms of toxicity, in terms of mitochondrial functionality and cellular oxidative stress. UNICAM-1, showed a clear mitochondrial target and a cytotoxic dose-dependent response thanks to its ability to promote an imbalance of cellular redox status. It impaired directly mitochondrial respiratory chain, promoting mitochondrial superoxide anion production, leading to mitochondrial membrane depolarization. All these aspects, could make UNICAM-1 a valid alternative for chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer.