The molecular mechanisms involved in the cytotoxicity of alkannin derivatives.

In order to better understand the molecular aspects of the cytotoxic action mechanisms, the cytotoxicity of alkannin derivatives, 1–10, on five human tumor cell lines were examined and their standard redox potentials in aprotic medium were tested by means of cyclic voltammetry. It was suggested that the oxidative potential is closely related to the cytotoxicity. The more negative the oxidative potential of the hydroquinones, the higher cytotoxicity of these derivatives. The results of the compounds 5, 7, 9 and 10 with bad leaving groups, have higher cytotoxic action is not agreed with the bioreductive alkylation mechanism of quinones. It indicates that the molecular mechanism involving cytotoxicity of alkannin derivatives may favor the mechanism of production of reactive oxygen.