Novel Boron–Arginine Derivatives Induce Apoptosis and Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities in B16-F10 Melanoma Cells

Koldemir-Gündüz M., Esenjanaova A., AYDIN E., KAYMAK G., Koçak-Sezgin A., Köse D. A.

Biological Trace Element Research, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12011-026-05172-9
  • Journal Name: Biological Trace Element Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
  • Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Apoptosis, Boron arginine diester, Boron arginine monoester, Melanoma, New synthesis
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer characterized by rapid progression and resistance to conventional therapies, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic agents with low toxicity and multifunctional activity. This study evaluated the potential effects of newly synthesized boron arginine monoester (BAM) and boron arginine diester (BAD) in B16-F10 melanoma cell line. Following 48 h of incubation, the IC₅₀ values of BAM and BAD were 5.97 mM and 51.9 µM, respectively, suggesting relatively low cytotoxic effects under the tested conditions. Both compounds were associated with changes in apoptosis-related markers, such as an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and upregulation of p53 expression, suggesting a possible involvement of apoptosis-related processes. In addition, they exhibited modulatory effects on cytokine levels, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, depending on the treatment conditions. BAM and BAD exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC: 3.12–12.5 µg/mL; MBC: 12.5–50 µg/mL). These findings are presented for completeness, while the primary focus of this study remains on the compounds’ effects on melanoma cells, apoptosis, and cytokine modulation. Overall, these findings indicate that BAM and BAD possess apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, suggesting their potential as multifunctional agents in melanoma treatment. Further studies are required to elucidate their mechanisms of action in different models and to evaluate their long-term therapeutic efficacy.