Evaluation of the Toxicity of Two Electron-Deficient Half-Sandwich Complexes Against Human Lymphocytes from Healthy Individuals

Electron-deficient half-sandwich complexes are a class of under-studied organometallics with demonstrated potential as metallodrug candidates. This study investigates the effect of two 16-electron organoruthenium complexes ([(p-cym)Ru(benzene-1,2-dithiolato)] (1) and [(p-cym)Ru(maleonitriledithiolate)] (2)) on the cell viability of non-immortalised human lymphocytes from healthy individuals. The genotoxic effects of 1 and 2 in lymphocytes are also investigated by using the Comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays. Gene expression studies were carried out on a panel of genes involved in apoptosis and the DNA damage-repair response. Results show that the two 16-electron complexes do not have significant effect on the cell viability of human lymphocytes from healthy individuals. However, an increase in DNA damage is induced by both compounds, presumably through oxidative stress production.