Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry
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Since the introduction of (+)-tubocurarine into anaesthetic and surgical practice (1942), a number of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) with improved pharmacological properties have been developed during the last sixty years. However, after withdrawal of rapacuronium from clinical use, there is still a need for an ultra-short acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant with rapid onset as substitution for the polarizing suxamethonium, which has several undesirable side-effects. In this paper, structure-activity relationships within four different series of NMBs (tetrahydroisoquinolinium, bistropinyl diester, aminosteroid, and amino peptide analogues) published in this millennium have been reviewed. The NMB properties of the most promising drug candidates from each series were discussed and compared to those of the already existing muscle relaxants.
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The aim of the present review is to summarize recent progress in identifying substrate binding domains of P-glycoprotein by photoaffinity labeling. Preferred substrate binding regions have been identified using a number of photoaffinity ligands, including anthracyclines, the quinazoline iodoarylazidoprazosine (IAAP), dihydropyridines, taxanes and propafenones. These studies allowed identification of protein regions, which are involved in ligand interaction.
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We review the present knowledge on the biological mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics. They include direct effects in the intestinal lumen or on intestinal or immune cells, and indirect mechanisms through modulation of the endogenous microflora (composition or functions such as butyrate production) or of the immune system.
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Following the paradigm set by STI571, protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors are emerging as a promising class of drugs, capable of modulating intracellular signaling and demonstrating therapeutic potential for the treatment of proliferative diseases. Although the majority of chronic phase CML patients treated with STI571 respond, some patients, especially those with more advanced disease, relapse. ⋯ Arguments are based upon the structure of the STI571-Abl complex, which is compared to the crystal structures of PD173955-Abl and PD180970-Abl, which bind to the kinase differently. Strategies to potentially circumvent or overcome resistance are discussed.