Use of Novel Triphenyltin (IV) Dithiocarbamate Compounds in Assessing the Cytotoxicity and Mode of Cell Death of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines, CCRF CEM (CCL-119)

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). However, the resistance problem of treatment using the current drug in ALL patients has decreased the effectiveness of such therapy. Therefore, a study needs to be conducted to identify the potential of new anticancer agents. Organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate, an organometallic compound, causes toxic effects on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This study examines the cytotoxic effects and mode of cell death of novel organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds of triphenyltin (IV) diisopropyldithiocarbamate (compound 1), triphenyltin (IV) diallyldithiocarbamate (compound 2) and triphenyltin (IV) diethyldithiocarbamate (compound 3) on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, CCRF CEM (CCL-119). An MTT assay was used for the determination of the cytotoxicity of the compounds by treating cells with compounds 1-3 at the highest concentration of 10 µm for 24 h. The induction of the mode of cell death for compounds 1, 2, and 3 were identified using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. From the results, all triphenyltin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds have substantial cytotoxic effects with IC50 values between 0.18-0.20 μm. The chemicals induced apoptosis cell death in CCL-119 cells, based on the determination of cell death mode. However, statistical analysis showed that only apoptotic cell death for treatment with compounds 1-2 is significant compared to negative controls. In conclusion, all these compounds have a high cytotoxicity effect and are able to cause cell death via apoptosis in CCL-119 cells.