Quinacrine and copper, compounds with anticonceptive and antineoplastic activity

Beyond DNA binding - a review of the potential mechanisms mediating quinacrine's therapeutic activities in parasitic infections, inflammation, and cancers

This is an in-depth review of the history of quinacrine as well as its pharmacokinetic properties and established record of safety as an FDA-approved drug. The potential uses of quinacrine as an anti-cancer agent are discussed with particular attention to its actions on nuclear proteins, the arachidonic acid pathway, and multi-drug resistance, as well as its actions on signaling proteins in the cytoplasm. In particular, quinacrine's role on the NF-κB, p53, and AKT pathways are summarized.

Rasagenthi lehyam (RL) a novel complementary and alternative medicine for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer has been increasing. The therapeutic modalities which originated from India, viz., Ayurveda and Siddha, have phytotherapy as their fundamental basis and, therefore, produce few side effects. They are among the most ancient medicinal systems and are still being practiced in India and elsewhere, to cure cancer and other diseases. Many Siddha practitioners in the southern parts of India prescribe rasagenthi lehyam (RL) as a drug for cancer. RL contains 38 different botanicals, many of which have been shown to possess therapeutic efficacy, and 8 inorganic compounds, all prepared into a paste in a palm sugar and hen's egg base. The efficacy of RL in killing prostate cancer cells in vitro was investigated in this study to determine whether RL could be recommended as a CAM for prostate cancer.

METHODS

In order to scientifically validate the anticancer activity of RL on prostate cancer, a methanolic extract of RL was serially extracted with four organic solvents, and the extracts were tested for clonogenic inhibition and induction of apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells, with and without irradiation. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of RL effectively killed PC-3 cells.

RESULTS

The IC(50) values of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of RL were 3.84 microg/ml, 3.68 microg/ml and 75 ng/ml, respectively. All three extracts induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Further, all the three extracts when combined with radiation, caused enhanced effect on killing of PC-3 cells. Among the three extracts, the chloroform extract showed the most significant radiation-sensitizing effect.

CONCLUSION

RL, either in its original formulation prepared under strict quality control or its chloroform extract, could potentially be an alternative medicine for prostate cancer, and also a sensitizing agent in the context of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, as a complementary medicine. A more directed study could lead to the identification of the active principle(s) in the chloroform extract of RL for use in prostate cancer therapy.

100,000 quinacrine sterilizations

100000 quinacrine nonsurgical female sterilizations have been completed over the past decade involving transcervical insertion of quinacrine (252 mg) as pellets by one, two or three monthly insertions. No deaths have been reported and serious complications are far fewer than for surgical sterilization. Side-effects are mild and transient. Efficacy has improved from 3 pregnancy failures per 100 women at one year to approximately 1 by improved insertion technique and use of adjuvants. Long-term follow-up of early cases in Chile shows no increased risk of cancer for this method. The main advantage of quinacrine sterilization is its ability to raise contraceptive prevalence and thereby reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, especially in rural and urban slum areas of developing countries. It should be made available as an option to well informed women everywhere as an economical and safe permanent family planning method.

Quinacrine: sclerosing agent of the utero-tubal junction in women, with anticarcinogenic actions in transplanted tumors in mice

Quinacrine, an acridine derivative that was in widespread use as an anti-malarial, has been shown to have both sclerosant and anticarcinogenic actions. The sclerosant action of quinacrine has been used to produce occlusion of Fallopian tube in both experimental animals and women, and several clinical studies are reviewed. Both actions of quinacrine are potentiated by steroidal and non-steroidal antiprostaglandins as well as by ionic copper. Combinations of quinacrine with antiprostaglandin drugs, and also with copper, improved the efficacy of quinacrine when used for female sterilization and reduced side effects. A review of the experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that quinacrine has no carcinogenic effects.

Transcervical quinacrine sterilization: clinical experience

OBJECTIVE

To review the use of quinacrine pellets for non-surgical female sterilization.

BACKGROUND

The transcervical insertion of quinacrine pellets has been under study for over 15 years. It could potentially expand access to sterilization services, because it is relatively simple to administer, with the use of a modified IUD inserter, and is inexpensive.

METHODS

Published and unpublished data are reviewed.

RESULTS

The short-term safety of transcervical quinacrine appears to be better than surgical sterilization, but it is less effective, especially among women under 35, and there are virtually no data on its reversibility. Thus, it is probably most appropriate for older women, aged 35 and over, but it could be an option for others where access to surgical sterilization is limited.

CONCLUSION

The use of quinacrine pellets for female sterilization needs to be reviewed by appropriate regulatory authorities, especially with regard to long-term safety issues, and additional clinical studies are needed to better define a standardized regimen.