Reactivity-based drug discovery using vitamin B(6)-derived pharmacophores

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2008 May;8(5):519-28. doi: 10.2174/138955708784223468.

Abstract

Endogenous reactive intermediates including photoexcited states of tissue chromophores, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive carbonyl species (RCS), transition metal ions, and Schiff bases have been implicated in the initiation and progression of diverse human pathologies including tumorigenesis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease. In contrast to structure-based approaches that target macromolecules by selective ligands, reactivity-based drug discovery uses chemical reagents as therapeutics that target reactive chemical species involved in human pathology. Reactivity-based design of prototype agents that effectively antagonize, modulate, and potentially even reverse the chemistry underlying tissue damage from oxidative and carbonyl stress therefore holds great promise in delivering significant therapeutic benefit. Apart from its established role as an essential cofactor for numerous enzymes, a large body of evidence suggests that B(6)-vitamers contain reactive pharmacophores that mediate therapeutically useful non-vitamin drug actions as potent antioxidants, metal chelators, carbonyl scavengers, Schiff base forming agents, and photosensitizers. Based on the fascinating chemical versatility of B(6)-derived pharmacophores, B(6)-vitamers are therefore promising lead compounds for reactivity-based drug design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Chelating Agents / chemistry
  • Chelating Agents / pharmacology
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Design*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • Free Radical Scavengers / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Schiff Bases / chemistry
  • Schiff Bases / pharmacology
  • Schiff Bases / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 6 / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin B 6 / chemistry
  • Vitamin B 6 / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Chelating Agents
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Schiff Bases
  • Vitamin B 6