Review: Mechanisms of action of gold

Abstract

Since the successful introduction of injectable gold compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over 50 years ago, numerous studies on the possible mechanism of action have been performed. This heavy metal has been show to possess a bewildering array of biological effects. Studies using gold performed both in vitro and in vivo can be grouped into anti-microbial, anti-immunologic, anti-inflammatory, anti-enzymatic and other effects. In this survey, we have analyzed these multiple approaches to the study of the mechanism of action of injectable gold preparations and apply the findings to rheumatoid arthritis.

Therapeutic gold. Is it due for a come-back?

“…For further background on gold pharmacology, the following reviews are recommended: they do provide differing viewpoints and valuable bibliographies: Brown and Smith, 1980;Leibfarth and Persellin, 1981;Lewis and Walz, 1982;Kean, Forester et al, 1985;Haynes and Whitehouse, 1989;Kean et al, 1991;Wigley and Brooks, 1992;Graham et al, 1993;Merchant, 1998;Shaw, 1999;Eisler, 2003;Messori and Marcon, 2004).…”

Medical uses of gold compounds: Past, present and future

“…The early work by Robert Koch demonstrated that gold compounds were active against the tubercle bacillus. Subsequent extensive work in the 1930's and 1940's demonstrated that a variety of gold compounds were active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms (24). Activity in in.uitro test systems was demonstrated against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria, a number of strains of mycoplasma, and the protozoan Leishmania.…”

Medicinal chemistry and pharmacology of gold compounds

“…The early work by Robert Koch demonstrated that gold compounds were active against the tubercle bacillus (6). Subsequent extensive work in the 1930s and 1940s demonstrated that a variety of gold compounds were active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms (22). However, there has been very little recent work on the antimicrobial activity of gold complexes 9 There are indications that the anti-arthritic gold complexes may suppress H. pylori infections in the gastric mucosa, a causative agent for peptic ulcers (4a), and that gold phosphine complexes in vitro are cytocidal towards Pseudomonas…”