title: Fundamental, electron transfer mechanism by pyrylium-type ions for the anticancer drugs 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and flavone-8-acetic acid (FAA).
abstract: Pyrylium-type salts derived from DMXAA and FAA are proposed to play an important mechanistic role in anticancer action. Electron transfer (ET) processes apparently initiate cell signaling cascades that lead to the observed effects, such as, antivascular influences, cytokine induction, and apoptosis. Possible participation of nitric oxide and serotonin is discussed. Structure-activity relationships involving DMXAA, FAA, acridines, and quinolines support the hypothetical framework, as well as electrochemistry and photochemistry. Similarity is pointed out to the action of plant hormones, e.g. ethylene. Involvement of ET pathways places the cationic salts within the general mechanistic framework for other anticancer agents. Other drug activities of xanthenones are in accord with the ET approach. Insight into fundamental mechanistic aspects should aid in development of improved drugs in this class through rational design.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego CA 92182, USA. pkovacic@sundown.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kovacic
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D004579:Electron Transport; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011714:Pyrans / Q000737:chemistry*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D044004:Xanthones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005419:Flavonoids; D011714:Pyrans; D044004:Xanthones; C066668:vadimezan; C049328:flavone acetic acid