title: Reductive activation of nitroheterocyclic compounds.
abstract: 1. Nitroaromatic compounds are important chemotherapy agents. 2. Their selective toxicity is determined by reduction to the biologically active form in the absence of oxygen. 3. Nitroaromatics are extensively used in the treatment of anaerobic infections and to target hypoxic tumor cells in cancer therapy. 4. Possible mutagenic action is related to the relative ease of nitro group reduction. 5. The mode of action and clinical application of nitroaromatic compounds is summarized.
authors.affiliation: Chemotherapy Research Unit, University of East London, UK.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Tocher
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D001711:Biotransformation; D006801:Humans; D009153:Mutagens / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009581:Nitrofurans / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009153:Mutagens; D009581:Nitrofurans; D009593:Nitroimidazoles