In vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of singly protonated dehydronorcantharidin silver coordination polymer in CT-26 murine colon carcinoma model

Silver complexes are active constituents of the metal-based compounds; several studies suggest that silver complexes possess antimicrobial and anticancer properties. We have recently reported that Ag-SP-DNC, a novel silver and singly protonated dehydronorcantharidin complex, triggers oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis of lung cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of Ag-SP-DNC in CT-26 murine colon carcinoma model. Ag-SP-DNC induced apoptosis of CT-26 cells, together with inhibition of cell proliferation; treatment of CT-26 tumor-bearing mice with Ag-SP-DNC delayed tumor growth. We also explored the mechanism of action of Ag-SP-DNC and found that Ag-SP-DNC treatment of CT-26 cells was associated with high levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The further experiments revealed that Ag-SP-DNC-treated cells underwent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential concomitant with intracellular calcium overload and caspase-3 activation. Taken together, our study demonstrates the potent anticancer effects of Ag-SP-DNC to colorectal cancer.