Biological activity of 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one derivatives having interesting antiproliferative activity on human breast cancer cell lines

Resveratrol (3,4',5 tri-hydroxystilbene), a natural plant polyphenol, has gained interest as a non-toxic agent capable of inducing tumor cell death in a variety of Cancer types. However, therapeutic application of these beneficial effects remains very limited due to its short biological half-life, labile properties, rapid metabolism and elimination. Different studies were undertaken to obtain synthetic analogs of resveratrol with major bioavailability and Anticancer activity. We have synthesized a series 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one derivatives, in which an azetidinone nucleus connects two aromatic rings. Aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of these new 3-chloro-azetidin-2-one resveratrol derivatives on human breast Cancer cell lines proliferation. Our results indicate that some azetidin-based resveratrol derivatives may become new potent alternative tools for the treatment of human breast Cancer.