Two Cu(II) and Co(II)-based coordination polymers based on the N,S-mixed donor ligand: structural characterization and anti-endometrial cancer activity

In this study, two new coordination polymers based on Cu(II) and Co(II) ions as the metal nodes, {Cu(3-PPT)2]·H2O}n (1) and {[Co(3-PPT)2]·3CH3OH·H2O}n (2), have been successfully constructed from a pyridine-substituted N-heterocyclic thioamide ligand, namely 3-HPPT (3-HPPT = 4-(3-pyridinyl)-pyrimidine-2-thiol). Furthermore, the treatment activity of complexes 1–2 against HEC-1 endometrial cancer cells was evaluated. First, the CCK-8 assay was performed and the inhibitory effect of compounds 1–2 on HEC-1 cells were determined. Then, the Annexin V-FITC/PI method was performed and the induction activity of the compounds on the cancer cell apoptosis was evaluated. Finally, the PI3K/AKT pathway activation was also measured with western blot.