Mechanism of Antifungal Triazoles and Related Drugs: Electron Transfer, Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Stress

Aromatic triazoles are known to be effective antifungal agents. The generally accepted mode of action entails inhibition of ergosterol in the membrane. A hypothesis is presented herein based on Electron Transfer (ET), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Oxidative Stress (OS) which may be a unifying mechanism. Many substances in vivo are known to operate in a multifaceted manner. A prior article provides evidence for involvement of ET-ROS-OS for a variety of antifungal agents. In the present case, the active entity appears to be a highly conjugated imine. For drugs containing alcohol substituents, dehydration would provide the requisite conjugation. A few related aromatic nitrogen heterocycles are also addressed.