In vivo Anti-Cancer Activity of N-halamines

Purpose: N-halamines were known for their antimicrobial action due to the presence of halogen in their structure. In our search for new anti-cancer agents, we have evaluated the anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties of some synthetic N-Halamines with high and low molecular weight in comparison with their non-halogenated forms. Urea epichlorohydrin copolymer (1), 4(1H, 3H-2, 6-dioxo-1, 3, 5-trizenyl)-O-iminomethylpolyethylene (3) and cynuric acid (5) in addition to their halogenated forms 2, 4 and 6 were selected for this study. Methodology: the toxicity for the synthesized compounds was determined. The anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activities were studied by evaluation the viability of tumor cells, life span prolongation, and estimation of antioxidants, and effects of these compounds on liver histology. Findings: Doses up to 2000 mg/kg indicated good safety in all investigated compounds. In Vivo antitumor activity results against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells for the investigated compounds revealed that, the volume of ascites was significantly decreased in compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 treated groups. EAC cell count was significantly reduced for similar groups, respectively, compared to the positive control group. Malonadildehyde, and nitric oxide showed a significant reduction in their levels in the treated groups, while catalase showed a significant elevation in its activity in the same groups compared to positive control group. Conclusion: Halogenated compounds showed good anti-oxidant behavior while compound 6 showed the best anti-tumor effect.