Alkylphospholipids – A Promising Class of Chemotherapeutic Agents with a Broad Pharmacological Spectrum

Authors

  • Juliana de Almeida Pachioni Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Juliana Gallottini Magalhães Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Elys Juliane Cardoso Lima Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Luciana de Moura Bueno Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Joyce Ferreira Barbosa Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Matheus Malta de Sá Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
  • Carlota Oliveira Rangel-Yagui Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, Bl.13, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3CW23

Abstract

PURPOSE: Since when alkylphospholipds (ALPs) were discovered and, even further after miltefosine’s approval for the treatment of cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer and leishmaniasis, their activity against many other diseases have been extensively studied. This review aims to provide a summary of the alkylphospholipids’ applications investigated so far. RESULTS: The mechanism of action of ALPs is not fully understood, however it is believed that they interfere with lipid homeostasis leading to cell apoptosis. Due to ALPs cytotoxic activity, this class of molecules has shown to be effective against many diseases and conditions. Besides the approval of miltefosine for application in cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer and visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, several other analogs have proved efficacy and are promising as less toxic alternatives. ALPs have also shown in vitro and in vivo activity against Trypanosoma spp., amoebae, Tricomonas vaginalis, Schistosoma mansoni, HIV, and some fungi and bacteria species. The use of ALPs for intraocular lens coating is also under investigation. In addition, a clinical trial comparing miltefosine with usual treatments to spontaneous urticaria is also being conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Alkylphospholipids present such a broad pharmacological spectrum that justifies the need for further investigations of the drug class mechanisms of action, as well as the search for new analogs with improved activity and toxicological profiles.

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Published

2013-12-20

How to Cite

Almeida Pachioni, J. de, Magalhães, J. G., Cardoso Lima, E. J., Moura Bueno, L. de, Barbosa, J. F., Malta de Sá, M., & Rangel-Yagui, C. O. (2013). Alkylphospholipids – A Promising Class of Chemotherapeutic Agents with a Broad Pharmacological Spectrum. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16(5), 742–759. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3CW23

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 5 (2013)

Section

Review Articles

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