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DNA is considered one of the most promising targets of molecules with anticancer activity potential. Its key role in various cell division mechanisms, which commands the intense multiplication of tumor cells, is considered in studies with compounds whose mechanisms of action suggest likeliness of interaction. In addition, inhibition of enzymes that actively participate in biological functions of cells such as Topoisomerase, is seen as a primary factor for conducting several events that result in cell death. Discovery of new anticancer chemotherapeutical capable of interacting with DNA and inhibiting Topoisomerase enzymes is highlighted in anticancer research. The present review aims at showing through distinct biological tests the performance of different candidates to anticancer drugs and their respective chemical modifications, which are crucial and/or determinant for DNA affinity and inhibition of important enzymes in cells' vital processe to either separately or synergistically optimize anticancer activity., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Praziquantel has been the drug most widely used therapy against different forms of schistosomiasis around the world. However, this treatment has shown ineffective in humans and in experimental models of Schistosoma mansoni. New therapeutic alternatives have been tested, including the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09, which has shown high therapeutic potential in vitro. In this work, we tested the schistosomal activity of this derivative in doses of 250mg/kg and 200mg/kg in mice experimentally infected with a high parasite load of S. mansoni. Parasitological evaluations related to the number of S. mansoni worms and their oviposition were performed during the acute phase of the disease and have demonstrated moderate effectiveness of 30-54,4%. However, LPSF/PT-09 did not influence oviposition of the parasites or the embryonic development of the eggs. The results obtained in this model showed that the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09 presented significant antischistosomal activity in vivo, posing as a potential candidate for this class of drugs. However, a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09 is needed., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The present study aimed to further investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of (E)-N-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-thiosemicarbazone (BTTSC) as well as its antinociceptive effects. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the model of ear edema induced by croton oil-induced and also evaluated in models of paw edema carrageenan-induced and by compound 48/80. Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect was performed through formalin test. In the nociception test induced by formalin the BTTSC showed activity in both phases of the pain, highlighting inflammatory pain, where it was able to reduce the time to paw lick 62.3, 84.30 and 100% at doses of 30, 100 and 300mgkg(-1). The anti-inflammatory activity was performed ear edema induced by croton oil, where none of the doses tested was capable of significantly regress edema. The paw edema carrageenan-induced showed activity compound, where the edema was reduced by 81.9 and 83.2% in the first two times of the experiment at the highest dose used. The paw edema assay induced by compound 48/80, showed that BTTSC after 15min of the inoculum phlogistic agent showed significant reduction of edema with values of 56.53% at a dose of 30mgkg(-1). Our results suggesting this compound exerts its antinociception effects connected with peripheral mechanisms. Furthermore, the compound was able to act in two phases of inflammation carrageenan-induced, highlighting the initial phase. This suggests an action on the early mediators of inflammation. The paw edema assay induced by compound 48/80 confirmed our hypothesis indicating action of the compound via histamine., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)