Unlocking the potential of 1,4-naphthoquinones: A comprehensive review of their anticancer properties.

Cancer encompasses a group of pathologies with common characteristics, high incidence, and prevalence in all countries. Although there are treatments available for this disease, they are not always effective or safe, often failing to achieve the desired results. This is why it is necessary to continue the search for new therapies.

Exploring Novel Drug Combinations: The Therapeutic Potential of Selanyl Derivatives for Leishmania Treatment.

This work describes the design, synthesis, and biological activities of new selenoester derivatives and its homologs thioesters. Thirty-two compounds were developed following an economical synthetic route, achieving small molecules, with structural characteristics similar to those present in antileishmanial drugs such as miltefosine (MIL) and paromomycin (PMN). These compounds were tested in vitro against strains of () and ().

Next generation of selenocyanate and diselenides with upgraded leishmanicidal activity.

Nowadays, leishmaniasis is still treated with outdated drugs that present several obstacles related to their high toxicity, long duration, parenteral administration, high costs and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for safer and more effective novel drugs. Previous studies indicated that selenium compounds are promising derivatives for innovative therapy in leishmaniasis treatment.

Small molecules containing chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te) as new warhead to fight neglected tropical diseases.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of infectious diseases with a protozoan etiology, high incidence, and prevalence in developing countries. As a result, economic factors constitute one of the main obstacles to their management. Endemic countries have high levels of poverty, deprivation and marginalization which affect patients and limit their access to proper medical care.

Unveiling a New Selenocyanate as a Multitarget Candidate with Anticancer, Antileishmanial and Antibacterial Potential.

Currently, cancer, leishmaniasis and bacterial infections represent a serious public health burden worldwide. Six cinnamyl and benzodioxyl derivatives incorporating selenium (Se) as selenocyanate, diselenide, or selenide were designed and synthesized through a nucleophilic substitution and/or a reduction using hydrides. Ferrocene was also incorporated by a Friedel-Crafts acylation.

Seleno-Metabolites and Their Precursors: A New Dawn for Several Illnesses?

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human health as it is involved in different physiological functions. Moreover, a great number of Se compounds can be considered potential agents in the prevention and treatment of some diseases. It is widely recognized that Se activity is related to multiple factors, such as its chemical form, dose, and its metabolism.