Mechanism of Action and Use of Radiomimetic Compounds

Radiomimetic substances are drugs producing similar symptoms in living organisms as ionising radiation does. They constitute a special subgroup of carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen compounds; their common characteristic is to cause DNA breaks and/or inhibit repair. Mustard gas and its derivatives – alkylating agents were the first known group radiomimetic substances, later, it was observed, that some purine pyrimidine analogues playing an antimetabolic role show resembling outcome. Initially mustards used warfare, but now usage for military purpose prohibited by Chemical Weapons Convention. Other have also become important tools medicine, they been shown be useful against certain pathogens tumours. This review brief summary about mechanism action most applications antimetabolites. In coming second part, bacterial origin reviewed from perspectives.