Clioquinol: To harm or heal.


FULLTEXT
Published:
03.23.2019
|
Last Revised:
06.18.2019
PMID:
30898518
Pharmacology & therapeutics
Journal Article,Review

University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Electronic address: achigaev@salud.unm.edu.

Abstract

Clioquinol, one of the first mass-produced drugs, was considered safe and efficacious for many years. It was used as an antifungal and an antiprotozoal drug until it was linked to an outbreak of subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON), a debilitating disease almost exclusively confined to Japan. Today, new information regarding clioquinol targets and its mechanism of action, as well as genetic variation (SNPs) in efflux transporters in the Japanese population, provide a unique interpretation of the existing phenomena. Further understanding of clioquinol's role in the inhibition of cAMP efflux and promoting apoptosis might offer promise for the treatment of cancer and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we highlight recent developments in the field and discuss possible connections, hypotheses and perspectives in clioquinol-related research.

GrantID: P20 GM121176, Acronym: GM, Agency: NIGMS NIH HHS, Country: United States | GrantID: P30 CA118100, Acronym: CA, Agency: NCI NIH HHS, Country: United States | GrantID: T32 HL007736, Acronym: HL, Agency: NHLBI NIH HHS, Country: United States | GrantID: UL1 TR001449, Acronym: TR, Agency: NCATS NIH HHS, Country: United States