# Ru-Based NSAIDs as Potential Anticancer Therapeutics.
> ルテニウム系NSAIDs錯体の抗がん活性に関する研究


## Abstract

This study examined the synthesis and biological properties of ruthenium complexes in which five common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) serve as ligands, replacing both triphenylphosphine and hydride groups in [Ru(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃]. The substitution reaction proceeds with release of molecular hydrogen (H₂), selectively yielding neutral κ-(O,O)-chelate complexes in acceptable yields. Crystal structures of the diclofenac- and aspirin-coordinated complexes were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Preliminary biological evaluation revealed that the ruthenium–salicylic acid complex exhibited notable antiproliferative activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells, while the ibuprofen analog was also assessed. These findings are consistent with the recognized potential of NSAID–ruthenium(II) platforms in anticancer metallodrug development.

### Mechanism

NSAIDs coordinate to ruthenium(II) as κ-(O,O)-chelate ligands following molecular hydrogen release, and the resulting metal complexes exhibit antiproliferative activity against cancer cells, likely through mechanisms associated with NSAID–ruthenium(II) metallodrug platforms.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Bordoni S, Monari M, Boga C, Moro F, Drius G
- **Journal**: Molecules
- **Year**: 2026 (2026-02-09)
- **PMID**: [41752368](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41752368/)
- **DOI**: [10.3390/molecules31040589](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040589)
- **PMC**: [PMC12942786](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12942786/)
- **Study type**: in vitro study
- **Delivery route**: in vitro
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

---

> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 41752368. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/41752368
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [41752368](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41752368/)