Chelate therapy is used to treat problems caused by toxic metal proportions in biological systems. D-penicillamine and desferrioxime B remove excess copper and iron, respectively, through the formation of coordination compounds. EDTA is employed in treating lead poisoning.
In medicinal chemistry, how is chelate therapy applied, and provide examples of chelating ligands used for the removal of excess copper, iron, and lead?
Share
Chelation therapy is applied in medicinal chemistry to treat metal intoxication by using chelating agents that form stable complexes with toxic metal ions, aiding their removal from the body. For excess copper removal, penicillamine is used. Deferoxamine is a chelating ligand for iron overload therapy, forming a stable complex with iron. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is employed to chelate lead ions. These ligands coordinate to the metal ions, enhancing their excretion through urine or feces. Chelation therapy helps mitigate metal toxicity by facilitating the elimination of excessive metal ions from the body and preventing further damage.