Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 17, Issue 1, 2017

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent important targets for drug discovery because they participate in a wide range of cellular signalling pathways that play a role in a variety of pathological conditions. The characterization of the patho-physiological profile and functional roles of new receptors is highly dependent on the availability of potent and selective ligands and new screening assays. The study of the pharmacolo Read More

Glycine is the smallest non-essential, neutral and metabolically inert amino acid, with a carbon atom bound to two hydrogen atoms, and to an amino and a carboxyl group. This amino acid is an essential substrate for the synthesis of several biologically important biomolecules and compounds. It participates in the synthesis of proteins, of the tripeptide glutathione and in detoxification reactions. It has a broad spectr Read More

Cinnamaldehyde analogues are a class of chemical substances originated from derivatization of cinnamaldehyde, and are structurally characterized by the presence of cinnamoyl moiety. Due to the presence of highly reactive α,α-unsaturated carbonyl pharmacophore (Michael acceptor) in their structures, these molecules are apt to react with some enzymes and/or receptors as electrophiles, and consequently p Read More

Introduction: The anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX) has proved to be one of the most widely used and most effective antitumor drugs since its emergence in the 1960s. However, the utility of DOX is compromised by its potential lethal cardiotoxicity. In this review we summarize development in prevention and management of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity comprehensively. Background: Strategies to enhance DOX efficacy in can Read More

Obesity is growing at an alarming rate with huge consequences on health and economy. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled in less than 35 years. Obesity causes many physiological dysfunctions that affect nearly every organ producing multiple morbidities. Despite these facts, there is still no clear, well-defined solution. Notwithstanding the devastating prevalence and consequences of obesity, today only fi Read More

Gentiopicroside is a secoiridoid compound isolated from Gentiana lutea which is called Qin Jiao in Chinese. It is one of the most common herbal medicines used in China. In this article, we review the pharmacological and biological activity (antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesia, antihepatotoxic and choleretic), as well as biotransformation of the gentiopicroside. In addition, attempt towards the total synthesis of g Read More

Background: Phencyclidine (PCP) as well as the analogues has indicated several pharmacological behaviors like analgesic, anticonvulsant, antianxiety, antidepressant depending on the dose and species examined. They interact with some neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system like particular affinity for PCP sites in NMDA receptors or dopamine uptake blocking or both. Objective: Due to analgesic properti Read More