A Macroergic Compound Adenosine Triphosphoric Acid in Biomedical Research (A Review)

The dual role of the ATP molecule, a macroergic compound and a neurotransmitter, is considered. As a signaling molecule, ATP is involved in the formation of the visual system and the development of the inner ear of the embryo; it is involved in the mediation of pain and taste sensations. In cardiovascular diseases, the release of ATP into the intercellular medium serves as a signal for the body to activate repair mechanisms. ATP is involved in maintaining the normal functioning of many organs and tissues. This suggests the possibility of its use for the treatment of a number of disorders: diseases of the kidneys, bones, bladder, skin, neurological and mental pathologies, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Some new trends in the creation of new drugs have been identified, based on the growing knowledge about the functions of ATP in the body. Tetranitrosyl iron complexes, NO donors, are a new class of potential anticancer and cardioprotective drugs. Their reaction rates with ATP and products formed are considered in detail. It is concluded that the interaction of these NO donor iron complexes with the glycolytic ATP and/or the neurotransmitter ATP makes a significant contribution to the therapeutic effects of these compounds.