German chemists from Ruhr University have for the first time synthesized a cobalt-containing complex that triggers a self-destruction reaction in cancer cells. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Angewandte Chemie International Edition (ACIE).
The substance created activates a process called ferroptosis, a recently discovered mechanism for the destruction of tumors due to the accumulation of lipid peroxides in them. This reaction is usually catalyzed by iron (ferrum in Latin), which gives its name to the method.
The new substance accumulates in cellular mitochondria and produces reactive oxygen species, hydroxide radicals. These radicals attack polyunsaturated fatty acids, which leads to the formation of large amounts of lipid pyroxides and, as a result, ferroptosis.
The team tested the complex on a variety of cancer cells and found that the compound slowed the development of artificially grown microtumors.
Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, the cobalt-based drug needs further development, as the substance so far acts indiscriminately, attacking healthy tissue.
According to the scientists, their discovery, once developed, could become an alternative to existing chemotherapy compounds.
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Source: Gazeta
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