In Vitro Assessment of Novel Ciprofloxacin Derivative Effects on Cell Proliferation, Cell Cycle and Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cell Line.

Ciprofloxacin (CP) is an antibiotic that exhibits notable antiproliferative effects on various types of cancer cells. This study evaluated the effects of a new synthetic derivative of CP on proliferation, viability, and apoptosis induction in human leukemia K562 cells. To this end, K562 cells were exposed to different concentrations (5-50 μM) of the new compound for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability, cell growth, cell apoptosis induction, cell cycle, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using the MTT method, Hoechst 33258 staining, Annexin V/PI double-staining flow cytometry, and DCFH-DA staining, respectively. Moreover, real-time PCR technique was employed to investigate the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes. Results revealed that the new compound inhibited cell viability and growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 10 μM for 72 h. The 4-IPMCP treatment induced apoptosis in K562 cells by down-regulating Bcl-2, overexpressing Bax, and increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. This treatment also stimulated cellular ROS generation and induced cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase. This study demonstrated the effects of 4-IPMCP on cell cycle arrest, anticancer properties, and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells. Since this agent has the potential to inactivate cancer cells and treat patients, it can be considered a viable candidate for further drug studies in cancer treatment.