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derivatives of adriamycin which have less toxic effects and higher antitumor potential
(Muggia and Green 1991) as well as understanding the basis of adriamycin-induced
cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. The latter has been the focus of the research
in Dr. Singal's laboratory and particularly of my thesis research.
I.a.2.Chemical structure: Adriamycin ) as a member of the anthracycline family, is a
tetracyclic aglycone with a glycosidic bond attached amino sugar (Fig.l). Adriamycin
(1984) can also be synthesized from daunomycin using the method first described by
Arcamone (Quigley et al. 1980).
Figure 1: Chemical structure of adriamycin
I.b. Mechanisms of action
Several processes are thought to be involved in the antineoplastic activity of
adriamycin such as;
Intercalation with DNA causing intemrption
of transcription and protein
synthesis
Free radical generation causing the formation of
lipid peroxides and irreversible
cell damage