Exploring Etofenamate Hydrazide-Hydrazone/Copper(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, Carbonic Anhydrase IX Inhibition and Docking Studies

Hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives have garnered significant interest from researchers globally due to their wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, a novel series of etofenamate hydrazide-hydrazone compounds (2a-2s) and their Cu(II) complexes (3a-3s) were designed and synthesized. The compounds were characterized using various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Additionally, the compound 2c and Cu(II) hydrazone complex 3a were further characterized using single X-ray crystallography. The anti-proliferative activity of the compounds was evaluated against Ishikawa human endometrial cancer cell line and non-tumour L929 cells using MTT assay. Additionally, the apoptotic potential of the compounds was investigated through caspase-3 activity, Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression analysis, and annexin-V binding. Furthermore, carbonic anhydrase IX activity and in silico studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action. Overall, compound 3s demonstrated significant antiproliferative effects with an IC50 value of 0.27±0.01 µM against Ishikawa cells.