Showing papers in "Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry in 2009"

Distribution and biological activities of the flavonoid luteolin.

Abstract: Epidemiological evidence suggests that flavonoids may play an important role in the decreased risk of chronic diseases associated with a diet rich in plant-derived foods. Flavonoids are also common constituents of plants used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of diseases. The purpose of this article is to summarize the distribution and biological activities of one of the most common flavonoids: luteolin. This flavonoid and its glycosides are widely distributed in the plant kingdom; they are present in many plant families and have been identified in Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta. Dietary sources of luteolin include, for instance, carrots, peppers, celery, olive oil, peppermint, thyme, rosemary and oregano. Preclinical studies have shown that this flavone possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The ability of luteolin to inhibit angiogenesis, to induce apoptosis, to prevent carcinogenesis in animal models, to reduce tumor growth in vivo and to sensitize tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of some anticancer drugs suggests that this flavonoid has cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential. Modulation of ROS levels, inhibition of topoisomerases I and II, reduction of NF-kappaB and AP-1 activity, stabilization of p53, and inhibition of PI3K, STAT3, IGF1R and HER2 are possible mechanisms involved in the biological activities of luteolin.

From nature to drug discovery: the indole scaffold as a 'privileged structure'.

Abstract: The indole scaffold probably represents one of the most important structural subunits for the discovery of new drug candidates. The demonstration that many alkaloids contain the indole nucleus, the recognition of the importance of essential amino acid tryptophan in human nutrition and the discovery of plant hormones served to bring about a massive search on indole chemistry, giving rise to a vast number of biologically active natural and synthetic products, with a wide range of therapeutic targets, such as anti-inflammatories, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists and antagonists, cannabinoid receptors agonists and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Many of these target-receptors belong to the class of GPCRs (integral membrane G-protein coupled receptors) and possess a conserved binding pocket that is recognized by the indole scaffold in a "common" complementary binding domain, explaining the great number of drugs that contain the indole substructure, such as indomethacin, ergotamine, frovatriptan, ondansetron, tadalafil, among many others.

HIF-1α Modulates Energy Metabolism in Cancer Cells by Inducing Over-Expression of Specific Glycolytic Isoforms

Abstract: To develop new and more efficient anti-cancer strategies it will be important to characterize the products of transcription factor activity essential for tumorigenesis. One such factor is hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), a transcription factor induced by low oxygen conditions and found in high levels in malignant solid tumors, but not in normal tissues or slow-growing tumors. In fast-growing tumors, HIF-1alpha is involved in the activation of numerous cellular processes including resistance against apoptosis, over-expression of drug efflux membrane pumps, vascular remodeling and angiogenesis as well as metastasis. In cancer cells, HIF-1alpha induces over-expression and increased activity of several glycolytic protein isoforms that differ from those found in non-malignant cells, including transporters (GLUT1, GLUT3) and enzymes (HKI, HKII, PFK-L, ALD-A, ALD-C, PGK1, ENO-alpha, PYK-M2, LDH-A, PFKFB-3). The enhanced tumor glycolytic flux triggered by HIF-1alpha also involves changes in the kinetic patterns of expressed isoforms of key glycolytic enzymes. The HIF-1alpha induced isoforms provide cancer cells with reduced sensitivity to physiological inhibitors, lower affinity for products and higher catalytic capacity (Vmax(f)) in forward reactions because of marked over-expression compared to those isoforms expressed in normal tissues. Some of the HIF1alpha-induced glycolytic isoforms also participate in survival pathways, including transcriptional activation of H2B histone (by LDH-A), inhibition of apoptosis (by HKII) and promotion of cell migration (by ENO-alpha). HIF-1alpha action may also modulate mitochondrial function and oxygen consumption by inactivating the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in some tumor types, or by modulating cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 expression to increase oxidative phosphorylation in other cancer cell lines. In this review, the roles of HIF-1alpha and HIF1alpha-induced glycolytic enzymes are examined and it is concluded that targeting the HIF1alpha-induced glucose transporter and hexokinase, important to glycolytic flux control, might provide better therapeutic targets for inhibiting tumor growth and progression than targeting HIF1alpha itself.

Biological activities of quinoline derivatives.

Abstract: Quinoline and its fused heterocyclic derivatives tested with diverse pharmacological activity functional groups constitute an important class of compounds for new drug development. Therefore, many researchers have synthesized these compounds as target structures and evaluated their biological activities. The present review provides an in depth view of work done so far on quinolines and its biological activities covering anticancer, antimycobacterial, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antiinflamatory and cardiovascular activities.

A New Strategy to Destroy Antibiotic Resistant Microorganisms: Antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment

Abstract: Photodynamic activity of chemical compounds towards microorganisms was first published at the turn of 20th century and it is based on the concept that a chemical compound, known as the photosensitizer, is localized preferentially in the microorganism and subsequently activated by low doses of visible light of an appropriate wavelength to generate reactive oxygen species that are toxic to the target microorganisms. Processes, in which absorption of light by a photosensitizer induces chemical changes in another molecule, are defined as photosensitizing reactions. Since the middle of the last century, antibacterial photosensitizing reactions were forgotten because of the discovery and the beginning of the Golden Age of antibiotics. Certainly, in the last decades the worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance has driven research to the development of new anti-microbial strategies. Different classes of molecules including phenothiazine, porphyrines, phthalocyanines, and fullerenes have demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistant microorganisms upon illumination. Due to their extended pi-conjugated system these molecules absorb visible light, have a high triplet quantum yield and can generate reactive oxygen species upon illumination. This mini-review will focus on some major advances regarding physical and chemical properties of photosensitizers and light sources that appear to be suitable in the field of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Currently, topical application of a photosensitizer on infected tissues and subsequent illumination seems to be the most promising feature of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, thereby not harming the surrounding tissue or disturbing the residual bacteria-flora of the tissue.

Potential Health Benefits of Broccoli- A Chemico-Biological Overview

Abstract: The concept that bioactive components in functional foods are efficacious for the improvement of health, has recently gained much importance. The cruciferous vegetables which include broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are excellent source of phytochemicals including glucosinolates and their byproducts, phenolics and antioxidant vitamins as well as dietary minerals. Broccoli consumption mediates a variety of functions including providing antioxidants, regulating enzymes and controlling apoptosis and cell cycle. The organosulfur chemicals namely glucosinolates and the S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide found in broccoli in concert with other constituents such as vitamins E, C, K and the minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium and the polyphenols namely kaempferol, quercetin glucosides and isorhamnetin are presumably responsible for various health benefits of broccoli. There exists no comprehensive review on the health promoting effects of phytochemical compounds present in broccoli so far. This review compiles the evidence for the beneficial role of glucosinolates in conjugation with the other phytoconstituents for human health. It also gives an overview on the chemical and biological characterization of potential bioactive compounds of broccoli including the interaction of phytoconstituents on its bioactivity. Further, the molecular basis of the biological activities of the chemicals present in broccoli potentially responsible for health promotion, from chemoprevention to cardio protection, are outlined based on in vitro and in vivo studies with a note on the structure activity relationship of sulforaphane and a few other isothiocyanates.

Fighting against Leishmaniasis: search of alkaloids as future true potential anti-Leishmanial agents.

Abstract: Leishmaniasis, a group of tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites of genus Leishmania, is a major health problem worldwide that affects millions of people especially in the developing nations. Generic pentavalent antimonials have been the mainstay for therapy in the endemic regions due to efficacy and cost effectiveness, but the growing incidence of their resistance has seriously hampered their use. In many cases the drugs employed for the treatment are toxic, marginally effective, given by injection and, compromised by the development of resistance. Therefore, the development of new mechanism based safe, effective and affordable chemotherapeutic agents to fight leishmaniasis would be an urgent priority research. The recent researches focused on natural products have shown a wise way to get a true and potentially rich source of drug candidates against leishmaniasis, where alkaloids have been found more effective. The present review briefly illustrates an account on current status of leishmaniasis, life cycle of parasites and biology, synergy of the disease with HIV, therapeutic options available to cure this disease and, highlights why natural products especially alkaloids as folk medicines are so important? Additionally, the outlines for the leishmanicidal activities of various alkaloids including indole, quinoline, isoquinoline, pyrimidine-beta-carboline, steroidal and diterpene alkaloids from various plants as well as alkaloids from marine sources have been provided with their mechanistic studies.

Microwave assisted synthesis: a new technology in drug discovery.

Abstract: The interest in the microwave assisted organic synthesis has been growing during the recent years. It results from an increasing knowledge of fundamentals of the dielectric heating theory, availability of an equipment designed especially for the laboratory use as well as the discovery of the special techniques of the microwave syntheses. The efficiency of microwave flash-heating chemistry in dramatically reducing reaction times (reduced from days and hours to minutes and seconds) has recently been proven in several different fields of organic chemistry and this aspect is of great importance in high-speed combinatorial and medicinal chemistry. In this contribution, the current state of the art is summarized providing examples of the most recent applications in the field of microwave assisted synthesis of biologically active compounds both in heterocyclic and in peptide and peptidomimetic optimization.

Natural products and their analogues as efficient anticancer drugs.

Abstract: Every year about 7 million people die from of various types of cancer, making this disease responsible for 12.5% of deaths worldwide. Consequently, there is an overwhelming demand to develop new, more potent and effective, anticancer drugs. Natural products represent the most valuable source with inexhaustible reserves, in which the researchers work could identify novel active agents that may serve as the leads and scaffolds for transformation into desperately needed efficacious drugs. This paper is devoted to reviewing some of the most outstanding achievements in the application of natural products as models and precursors for anticancer agents published in the post 2000 literature. Particular emphasis is placed on the chemical modification of active principles isolated from natural products, in hope of obtaining the desirable derivatives for the treatment of different types of cancer, including pancreatic, gastric, breast, colon cancers and leukemia.

Anti-Candida activity of essential oils.

Abstract: Anti-Candida activity of essential oils has been widely studied and as a consequence they are being investigated as possible alternatives or complementary therapeutic agents for candidosis. We reviewed the most studied essential oils concerning chemical composition and in vitro/in vivo studies under the perspective of their possible clinical use.

Endocannabinoid system: emerging role from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration.

Abstract: The endocannabinoid system, including endogenous ligands ('endocannabinoids' ECs), their receptors, synthesizing and degrading enzymes, as well as transporter molecules, has been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development and throughout pre- and postnatal development. ECs are bioactive lipids, which comprise amides, esters and ethers of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the best studied ECs, and act as agonists of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, AEA and 2-AG mimic several pharmacological effects of the exogenous cannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis sativa preparations like hashish and marijuana. Recently, however, several lines of evidence have suggested that the EC system may play an important role in early neuronal development as well as a widespread role in neurodegeneration disorders. Many of the effects of cannabinoids and ECs are mediated by two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CB1 and CB2, although additional receptors may be implicated. Both CB1 and CB2 couple primarily to inhibitory G proteins and are subject to the same pharmacological influences as other GPCRs. This new system is briefly presented in this review, in order to put in a better perspective the role of the EC pathway from neurodevelopment to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, the potential exploitation of antagonists of CB1 receptors, or of inhibitors of EC metabolism, as next-generation therapeutics is discussed.

Chitosan micro- and nanospheres: fabrication and applications for drug and DNA delivery.

Abstract: Polysaccharides and other cationic polymers have been recently used in pharmaceutical research and industry for their properties to control the release of antibiotics, DNA, proteins, peptide drugs or vaccines. They have been also extensively studied as non viral DNA carriers for gene delivery and therapy. Chitosan is one of the most used since it can promote long-term release of incorporated drugs. Here, we reviewed the recent literature on the preparation of chitosan micro- and nanospheres using different manufacturing processes (nanofabrication). Moreover, the preparation of chitosan and chitosan/DNA nanospheres using a novel and simple osmosis-based method has been recently reported. This novel nanofabrication method may be a useful alternative to obtain small DNA-containing nanospheres (38+/-4 nm) for biomedical applications. The reported method has general applicability to various synthetic or natural biopolymers. Solvent, temperature and membrane cut-off are the physicochemical parameters able to control the overall osmotic process leading to obtain several nanostructured systems with different size and shape that may be used in several biotechnological applications.

Peripheral chemo-cytokine profiles in alzheimer’s and parkinson’s diseases

Abstract: The identification of peripheral biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases is required to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and monitor both disease progression and response to treatments. The data reviewed in this paper suggest that, in neurodegenerative disease, cytokines are links between peripheral immune system and nervous system dysfunction.

Drug resistance in Plasmodium: natural products in the fight against malaria.

Abstract: Malaria, perhaps one of the most serious and widespread diseases encountered by mankind, continues to be a major threat to about 40 % of the world's population, especially in the developing world. As malaria vaccines remain problematic, chemotherapy still is the most important weapon in the fight against the disease. However, almost all available drugs have been compromised by the highly adaptable parasite, and the increasing drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum continues to be the main problem. Therefore, the limited clinical repertoire of effective drugs and the emergence of multi-resistant strains substantiate the need for new anti-malarials. Plant-derived artemisinin is currently the only available drug that is globally effective, but alarmingly, recent studies suggest that resistance already may be developing. Nevertheless, the success story of artemisinin from the herb Qing Hao (Artemisia annua L.), used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years, shows once again that natural products serve as an invaluable reservoir of lead compounds for sophisticated small molecules. This review outlines the major anti-malarials, summarizing recent knowledge about their mode of action and the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, the most promising and recently discovered natural products with anti-malarial potential will be introduced.

Recent development and SAR analysis of colchicine binding site inhibitors.

Abstract: Microtubules are cytoskeletal components that play important roles in a number of cellular processes. Colchicine binding site inhibitors (CSIs) is one major class of tubulin polymerization inhibitors, inhibiting microtubule polymerization and blocking cell proliferation at metaphase during mitosis. Many CSIs were discovered or designed and synthesized as anticancer agents in the past several years and great progress had been made. Here, we discuss the insights gained so far relevant to the mechanism of CSIs and their common pharmacophore. The recent development of CSIs with their biological activity and structure-activity relationship (SAR) are also reviewed.

Cannabinoid type 2 receptor as a target for chronic - pain.

Abstract: Availability of selective pharmacological tools enabled a great advance of our knowledge of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) role in pathophysiology. In particular CB2 emerged as an interesting target for chronic pain treatment as demonstrated by several studies on inflammatory and neuropathic preclinal pain models. The mechanisms at the basis of CB2-mediated analgesia are still controversial but data are pointing out in two main directions: an effect on inflammatory cells and/or an action on nociceptors and spinal cord relay centers. In this review will be described the second messenger pathways activated by CB2 agonists, the data underpinning the analgesic profile of CB2 selective agonists and the mechanisms invoked to explain their analgesic action. Finally the ongoing clinical trials and the potential issues for the development of a CB2 agonist drug will be examined.

Anticancer agents derived from natural products.

Abstract: Advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer require the continued development of novel and improved chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Throughout history, natural products have afforded a rich source of anticancer agents with diverse chemical structures and bioactivities. Recent technological and methodologic advances in structure elucidation, organic synthesis, and biological assay have resulted in the isolation and clinical evaluation of various novel anticancer agents. In this review, we will present the anticancer activities, mechanism of action, structure and activity relationships of six important anticancer agents from natural products, that is, taxol, betulinic acid, camptothecin, resveratrol, podophyllotoxin and curcumin.

Prodrug designing of NSAIDs.

Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases suffer from several undesired side effects, the most important being gastrointestinal (GI) irritation and ulceration. The prodrug designing is one of the several strategies used to overcome this drawback. The rationale behind the prodrug concept is to achieve temporary blockade of the free carboxylic group present in the NSAIDs till their systemic absorption. In this paper, a review on the concept of prodrugs designing of NSAIDs to improve their efficacy and reduce the toxicity is being presented.

Farnesyltransferase inhibitor as anticancer agent.

Abstract: Ras protein plays pivotal roles in control of normal and transformed cell growth. These ras genes are mutated in 30% of human cancer. For functioning of Ras protein its prenylation (farnesylation) is required. Therefore targeting Ras farnesylation is valuable approach for cancer treatment. Farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) has been developed as anticancer drug and is currently evaluated in clinical trials. Different types of FTI have been identified that inhibit Ras farnesylation. FTI in combination with some cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, exhibit additive effects.

The complexes of drugs with carbohydrate-containing plant metabolites as pharmacologically promising agents.

Abstract: Complexation of known drugs with carbohydrate-containing plant metabolites is a promising way to synthesize new drugs that does not only save pharmacological properties of initial agent but also acquire a number of advantageous features such as increased water solubility, bioavailability and decreased toxicity. This review reports on the development and pharmacological evaluation of novel complexes of various well-known drugs with vegetable coplexation agents: glycyrrhizic acid, Stevia glycosides, gypsogenin tetraoside, pectin, xyloglucan, arabinogalactan. The aim of this review is to describe advantages of the new approach, suggested by authors, in the development of low toxic and high-performance drugs.

Chitosan and its Role in Ocular Therapeutics

Abstract: From the past few decades, tremendous awareness has been laid on the use of natural polymers in ocular drug delivery. Chitosan, a modified natural carbohydrate polymer, has number of applications in the field of ophthalmics and attracted a great deal of attention of scientific community, academicians and environmentalists due to its unique features. Chitosan has been explored for the delivery of drugs, genes, biotechnological products, proteins and peptides to the target site within ocular tissues. Chitosan being a polycationic in nature interacts with the polyanionic surface of ocular mucosa through hydrogen bonding /ionic interactions and enhance the mucoadhesive effect of formulation. Sustained and controlled ocular delivery can be achieved with chitosan based formulations like chitosan gels, inserts, chitosan coated liposome/niosome and chitosan nanoparticles. This review discussed various aspects related to chitosan and chitosan based formulations particularly developed for ocular therapeutics. The fate and toxicological consideration related to chitosan, resulting with its interaction to ocular tissues, has also been summed up in addition.

New Insight in LPS Antagonist

Abstract: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin, the major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria, has been implicated as the bacterial product responsible for the clinical syndrome of sepsis. LPS binding to the host receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) triggers an inflammatory reaction characterised by the release of large number of inflammatory mediators that allow the host to respond to the invading pathogen. When this production becomes un-controlled and excessive, it leads to the development of septic shock. Despite decades of efforts in supporting therapies, sepsis remains the leading cause of death amongst critically ill patients. Unfortunately, the major factor contributing to the high morbidity and mortality of sepsis is the lack of the effective targeted treatment. Indeed, over 30 drugs for the treatment of sepsis have been developed: many of these target specific inflammatory mediators and have thus been, in general, unsuccessful since sepsis relies on the cross talk of several cytokines and the block of a single factor has been proven to be ineffective. More successful strategies include those modulating the early phase of LPS signalling such as the ones that prevent the binding of LPS to host cells and the subsequent cascade of detrimental events. In this light, effective LPS antagonists would represent invaluable tools to efficaciously manage sepsis. This review discusses the evolution of naturally occurring and synthetic LPS antagonists with emphasis on the development of several natural new molecules.

Natural Antioxidants: Therapeutic Prospects for Cancer and Neurological Diseases

Abstract: An all out war is continuously occurring between oxidants and antioxidants inside the cells. This mini-review will provide an updated revision of the function of some natural compounds having main roles in antioxidant function. We will point on some phytochemicals working at two outstanding targets, tumour cells and neurons.

α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone derivatives as potential antitumor agents: A structure-activity relationships approach

Abstract: The authors research work presented in this review was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI040354 and PI080525), Comunidad de Madrid (GR/SAL/0180/2004) and Universidad Autonoma de Madrid-Comunidad de Madrid (CCG08-UAM/SAL-4000) of Spain

Natural product inhibitors of Hsp90: potential leads for drug discovery.

Abstract: Heat shock protein 90 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes recent advancements towards the development of natural products as they pertain to the biological and chemical understanding of this molecular chaperone.

Small molecule integrin antagonists in cancer therapy.

Abstract: Integrins are a large family of dimeric receptors composed by α and β subunits that, once bound to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, regulate a variety of cellular processes such as cell motility, migration, and proliferation. The integrins transduce signals from inside-out and outside-in the cell, thus representing the cellular link to the external environment. For these properties, integrin activation has been involved in pathological processes like tumor growth and metastasis formation. Recent advances in the elucidation of the crystallographic structures of the αvβ3 and αIIβ3 integrins are promoting studies focused to the search of small molecule antagonists that can block the integrin binding to ECM and inhibit the biological effects exerted by these receptors. In this review we will focus on small molecule antagonists of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin as tools for cancer therapy while other integrins will only be briefly mentioned. Cilengitide (cyclic peptidic αvβ3 and αvβ5 antagonist) is currently in clinical trials for anti cancer therapy. Combination of integrin αvβ3 antagonists and other traditional therapeutic approaches may represent a future strategy to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis spreading.

Bacterial toxins: an overview on bacterial proteases and their action as virulence factors.

Abstract: Bacterial pathogenicity is a result of a combination of factors, including resistance to environmental threats and to the host's defenses, growth capability, localization in the host, tissue specificity, resource obtaining mechanisms and the bacterium's own defenses to aggression. A variety of bacterial components, often specific to each strain, are involved in the microorganism's survival, adhesion and growth in the host. Many of them are harmful and, therefore, are called virulence factors. The effects caused by the virulence factors determine the degree of aggressivity of the strain. In many cases the virulence factors are secreted proteins or enzymes, sometimes performing very specific functions. The enzymatic activity is directed to specific proteins from cell membranes, synaptic vesicle fusion proteins, among other important targets. One of the most toxic bacterial proteins is secreted by Clostridium botulinum, targeted to synaptic vesicle fusion proteins, cleaving them with a zinc-metalloprotease activity, which results in severe neurotoxic effects with a lethal dose as low as eight nanograms per kilogram of body weight. The tetanus neurotoxin acts in a similar way but is less active and Bacillus anthracis also presents a potent metalloprotease activity. In this work we describe a selection of these specially interesting and important bacterial proteins and proteases, stressing their relevance in the pathological process and in medical studies.

GSK3 inhibitors and disease.

Abstract: This review describes, briefly, the characteristics and regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) together with the role of GSK3 dysfunctions in different pathologies, and GSK3 as target for therapeutic treatment in different diseases. Several GSK3 inhibitors acting at different levels are described in this work, ranging from cations like lithium to small compounds developed by different pharmaceutical companies. Also, the use of specific interference RNA (iRNA) for the specific inhibition of the expression of the different GSK3 isoforms is discussed.

Lysophospholipids: their generation, physiological role and detection. Are they important disease markers?

Abstract: The concentration of lysophospholipids (LPL) increases under pathological conditions and, thus, LPL attract diagnostic and pharmacological interest. LPL are particularly interesting because they possess pro- and anti-inflammatory properties and can be generated by phospholipases and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which LPL are generated and how they can be determined. The effects of LPL as signaling molecules and their roles in different pathologies are discussed. The focus will be on lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC).

New platinum and ruthenium complexes--the latest class of potential chemotherapeutic drugs--a review of recent developments in the field.

Abstract: New Platinum and Ruthenium complexes display antitumour and antimetastatic potentials and lower host toxicities. This mini-review examines some the more recent developments in this field, and explores their interactions with biologically-relevant species. The article also refers to more recent work in the area of molybdenum and copper(II) chemistry.