Dietary factors and their influence on immunotherapy strategies in oncology: a comprehensive review

Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising avenue in oncology, gaining increasing importance and offering substantial advantages when compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, in the context of immunotherapy, there is the potential for the immune system to either support or hinder the administered treatment. This review encompasses recent and pivotal studies that assess the influence of dietary elements, including vitamins, fatty acids, nutrients, small dietary molecules, dietary patterns, and caloric restriction, on the ability to modulate immune responses. Furthermore, the article underscores how these dietary factors have the potential to modify and enhance the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapy. It emphasizes the necessity for additional research to comprehend the underlying mechanisms for optimizing the efficacy of anticancer therapy and defining dietary strategies that may reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Persistent investigation in this field holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes and maximizing the benefits of immunotherapy.

"Good Fashion is Evolution, Not Revolution" - Methods to Enhance Existing Anticancer Medicines, Primarily with the Use of Transition Metal

The constant search for successful cancer therapies lasts for decades. Apart from the huge scientific effort and enormous sum of spent money, only a small amount of newly developed medicines move into clinical use (only 94 registered anticancer drugs in the last 12 years). Anticancer regimes are still overcome by drugs invented over 50 years ago such as cisplatin and doxorubicin. Significant progress in the development of improved anticancer drugs was made due to multiple studies on the relationship between the molecular structure of chemical compounds and their cytostatic activity. A number of ligands (mainly organic) with quite effective anticancer properties are known, but they show insufficient activity, selectivity and multidrug resistance. Formation of transition metal - ligand complexes (with proven anticancer effect) changes the properties of the latter. The factors that affect the cytotoxic properties of metal complexes are: the type of ligand and metal, the nature of the connection between metal and ligand, and the distribution of electronic charge density in the formed complexes. Here, we report the recent efforts to improve existing compounds with confirmed anticancer activity. They seem to be unappreciated as their effects appear to be less spectacular than that of targeted anticancer drugs (i.e. based on antibodies or small RNAs).

Another look at phenolic compounds in cancer therapy the effect of polyphenols on ubiquitin-proteasome system

Inhibitors of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) have been the object of research interests for many years because of their potential as anti-cancer agents. Research in this field is aimed at improving the specificity and safety of known proteasome inhibitors. Unfortunately, in vitro conditions do not reflect the processes taking place in the human body. Recent reports indicate that the components of human plasma affect the course of many signaling pathways, proteasome activity and the effectiveness of synthetic cytostatic drugs. Therefore, it is believed that the key issue is to determine the effects of components of the human diet, including effects of chemically active polyphenols on the ubiquitin-proteasome system activity in both physiological and pathological (cancerous) states. The following article summarizes the current knowledge on the direct and indirect synergistic and antagonistic effects between polyphenolic compounds present in the human diet and the efficiency of protein degradation via the UPS.

CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC STUDIES OF QUERCETIN, QUERCETIN SODIUM SALT AND QUERCETIN COMPLEXES WITH NICKEL (II) AND ZINC (II)

The aim of this study was to compare the cyto- and genotoxic effects of quercetin, quercetin sodium salt as well as its complexes with nickel (II) and zinc (II) with the use of Escheiichia coli K-12 recA::gfp microbial biosensor strain containing transcriptional fusion between DNA-damage genotoxin-inducible recA promoter involved in the SOS regulon response and fast folding GFP (green fluorescent protein) variant reporter gene - gfpnmt2. Obtained results indicate that recA::gfpmut2 genetic system was a sensitive biosensor to the most of tested chemicals. The complex of quercetin with sodium, nickel and zinc increased (and in some cases modulated) the reactivity of ircA promoter in relation to control sample. The results indicated that E. coli K-12 iecA::gfp mut2 strain could be potentially useful for monitoring of cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of some biological natural compounds, potentially used in anticancer chemoprevention and therapy.

Reversible switching of structural and plasmonic properties of liquid-crystalline gold nanoparticle assemblies

Hybrid materials built of spherical gold nanoparticles with three different sizes covered with (pro)mesogenic molecules have been prepared. Small-angle X-ray diffraction studies showed that after thermal annealing most of the obtained materials formed long-range ordered assemblies. Variation of the (pro)mesogenic ligand architecture enabled us to achieve a switchable material, which could be reversibly reconfigured between 3D long-range ordered structures with tetragonal and face centred cubic symmetries. This structural reconfiguration induces changes to the plasmonic response of the material. This work demonstrates that it is possible to use LC-based self-assembling phenomena to prepare dynamic materials with structural properties important for the development of active plasmonic metamaterials.

Alkali metal salts of rutin - Synthesis, spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-VIS), antioxidant and antimicrobial studies

In this work several metal salts of rutin with lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium were synthesized. Their molecular structures were discussed on the basis of spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-VIS) studies. Optimized geometrical structure of rutin was calculated by B3LYP/6-311++G(∗∗) method and sodium salt of rutin were calculated by B3LYP/LanL2DZ method. Metal chelation change the biological properties of ligand therefore the antioxidant (FRAP and DPPH) and antimicrobial activities (toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) of alkali metal salts were evaluated and compared with the biological properties of rutin.

Theoretical (in B3LYP/6-3111++G** level), spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman) and thermogravimetric studies of gentisic acid and sodium, copper(II) and cadmium(II) gentisates

The DFT calculations (B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) mixed with LanL2DZ for transition metals basis sets) for different conformers of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid), sodium 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (gentisate) and copper(II) and cadmium(II) gentisates were done. The proposed hydrated structures of transition metal complexes were based on the results of experimental findings. The theoretical geometrical parameters and atomic charge distribution were discussed. Moreover Na, Cu(II) and Cd(II) gentisates were synthesized and the composition of obtained compounds was revealed by means of elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of gentisic acid and gentisates were registered and the effect of metals on the electronic charge distribution of ligand was discussed.

Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, 1H, 13C NMR, UV/VIS), thermogravimetric and antimicrobial studies of Ca(II), Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes of ferulic acid

The molecular structure of Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Ca(II) ferulates (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamates) was studied. The selected metal ferulates were synthesized. Their composition was established by means of elementary and thermogravimetric analysis. The following spectroscopic methods were used: infrared (FT-IR), Raman (FT-Raman), nuclear magnetic resonance ((13)C, (1)H NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV/VIS). On the basis of obtained results the electronic charge distribution in studied metal complexes in comparison with ferulic acid molecule was discussed. The microbiological study of ferulic acid and ferulates toward Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris was done.

Molecular structure and spectroscopic analysis of homovanillic acid and its sodium salt--NMR, FT-IR and DFT studies

The estimation of the electronic charge distribution in metal complex or salt allows to predict what kind of deformation of the electronic system of ligand would undergo during complexation. It also permits to make more precise interpretation of mechanism by which metals affect the biochemical properties of ligands. Theinfluence ofsodium cation on the electronic system of homovanillic acid was studied in this paper. Optimized geometrical structures of studied compounds were calculated by B3LYP/6-311++G(**) method. Mulliken, MK and ChelpG atomic charges were analyzed. The theoretical NMR and IR spectra were obtained. (1)H and (13)C NMR as well as FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of studied compounds were also recorded and analyzed. The calculated parameters are compared with experimental characteristics of these molecules.

Experimental and theoretical study of molecular structure of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium 4-nitrobenzoates

The influence of alkaline earth metal ions on the electronic system of 4-nitrobenzoic acid was studied in this paper. The vibrational (FT-IR) and NMR ((1)H and (13)C) spectra were recorded for 4-nitrobenzoic acid (4-nba) and its salts (4-nb). The assignment of vibrational spectra was done. Some shifts of band wavenumbers in alkaline earth metal 4-nitrobenzoates spectra were observed in the series from magnesium to barium salts. Good correlations between wavenumbers of the vibrational bands in the IR spectra of studied salts and ionic potential, electronegativity, inverse of atomic mass, ionic radius and ionization energy of studied metals were found. The regular changes in the chemical shifts of protons ((1)H NMR) and carbons ((13)C NMR) in the series of studied salts were also observed. Optimized geometrical structures of studied compounds were calculated by B3LYP method using 6-311++G(**) as well as LANL2DZ basis sets. Theoretical wavenumbers and intensities in IR and chemical shifts in NMR spectra were also obtained. The calculated parameters were compared with experimental data of studied compounds.

Mn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) p-coumarates: FT-IR, FT-Raman, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and thermogravimetric studies

Manganese(II), copper(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of p-coumaric acid (p-hydroxycinnamic acid) were synthesized. Their composition was established by means of elementary and thermogravimetric analysis. To study the molecular structure of synthesized compounds many miscellaneous analytical methods, which complement one another, were used: infrared (FT-IR), Raman (FT-Raman) and nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H, (13)C NMR). The spectroscopic studies lead to conclusions concerning the distribution of the electronic charge in complexes in comparison with p-coumaric acid molecule and the type of metal ion coordination.

Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman and 1H and 13C NMR) and theoretical in MP2/6-311++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels study of benzenesulfonic acid and alkali metal benzenesulfonates

The FT-IR, FT-Raman and NMR ((1)H and (13)C) spectra of benzenesulfonic acid as well as lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium benzenesulfonates were registered, assigned and compared. The molecular structures of ligand and alkali metal salts were discussed. On the basis of quantum mechanical calculations in MP2/6-311++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels the geometric parameters, infrared spectra, NMR spectra, the magnetic and geometric aromaticity indices for acid and alkali metal benzenesulfonates and benzoates were obtained. The effect of alkali metal ions on the electronic charge distribution of benzenesulfonic acid was studied and compared with the alkali metal benzoates and benzoic acid.

Influence of alkaline earth metals on molecular structure of 3-nitrobenzoic acid in comparison with alkali metals effect

The influence of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium cations on the electronic system of 3-nitrobenzoic acid was studied in comparison with studied earlier alkali metal ions. The vibrational FT-IR (in KBr and ATR techniques) and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra were recorded for 3-nitrobenzoic acid and its salts. Characteristic shifts in IR and NMR spectra along 3-nitrobenzoates of divalent metal series Mg→Ba were compared with series of univalent metal Li→Cs salts. Good correlations between the wavenumbers of the vibrational bands in the IR spectra for 3-nitrobenzoates and ionic potential, electronegativity, inverse of atomic mass, atomic radius and ionization energy of metals were found for alkaline earth metals as well as for alkali metals. The density functional (DFT) hybrid method B3LYP with two basis sets: 6-311++G** and LANL2DZ were used to calculate optimized geometrical structures of studied compounds. The theoretical wavenumbers and intensities of IR spectra as well as chemical shifts in NMR spectra were obtained. Geometric aromaticity indices, atomic charges, dipole moments and energies were also calculated. The calculated parameters were compared to experimental characteristic of studied compounds.

Relationship between chemical structure and biological activity of alkali metal o-, m- and p-anisates. FT-IR and microbiological studies

In this work we investigated relationship between molecular structure of alkali metal o-, m-, p-anisate molecules and their antimicrobial activity. For this purpose FT-IR spectra for lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium anisates in solid state and solution were recorded, assigned and analysed. Microbial activity of studied compounds was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. In order to evaluate the dependency between chemical structure and biological activity of alkali metal anisates the statistical analysis (multidimensional regression and principal component) was performed for selected wavenumbers from FT-IR spectra and parameters that describe microbial activity of anisates. The obtained statistical equations show the existence of correlation between molecular structure of anisates and their biological properties.

Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV) and microbiological studies of di-substituted benzoates of alkali metals

The FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV spectra of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic and 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acids as well as lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium 3,5-dihydroxy- and 3,5-dichlorobenzoates were recorded, assigned and compared. The theoretical geometries, Mulliken atomic charges, IR wavenumbers were obtained in B3LYP/6-311++G** level. On the basis of the gathered experimental and theoretical data the effect of metals and substituents on the electronic system of studied compounds were investigated. Moreover, the antimicrobiological activity of studied compounds against two species of bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococus aureus and one species of yeast: Candida albicans were studied after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The attempt was made, to find out whether there is any correlation between the first principal component and the degree of growth inhibition exhibited by studied compounds in relation to selected microorganisms.

Tetrad effect in the adsorption of the lanthanides on zeolite Y

The adsorption of the lanthanides (except for Pm) on the zeolite Y was investigated under various solution conditions of nitrate ion concentration ([NO(-)(3)]: 0.001-2 mol/dm(3)) and total lanthanide concentration (from 0.0001 to 0.001 mol/dm(3)). The solutions of the lanthanide nitrates were equilibrated with the zeolite samples at 296 K. The concentrations of lanthanides in the initial and equilibrium solutions were determined by means of spectrophotometrical method with Arsenazo III reagent and distribution constants K(d) of the lanthanides between aqueous and zeolite phases were calculated. The evident concave tetrad effect in the change of logK(d) values (nitrate concentrations 0.4-2 mol/dm(3)) within the lanthanide series was noticed and an attempt at its explanation through the comparison of covalence in LnO bonds existing in triple bond AlO(1/3Ln)Si triple bond species in the zeolite phase and in Ln(NO(3))(2+) complexes forming in the aqueous phase was presented. The weak convex tetrad effect for equilibrium nitrate concentrations 0.001-0.32 mol/dm(3), manifesting in the change of logK(d) values and in the alteration of logK (adsorption constants), is evidence of the complexation of the tripositive lanthanide ions by the oxygens originating both from water molecules and from the zeolite framework.

Experimental (FT-IR, FT-Raman, 1H NMR) and theoretical study of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium picolinates

The experimental IR, Raman, and 1H NMR spectra of picolinic acid, as well as magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium picolinates were registered, assigned and studied. Characteristic changes in the spectra of metal picolinates in comparison with the spectrum of ligand were observed, which lead to the conclusion that perturbation of the aromatic system of picolinates increases along with the series Mg-->Ca-->Sr-->Ba. Theoretical structures of beryllium and magnesium picolinates, as well as theoretical IR spectrum of magnesium picolinate were calculated in B3PW91/6-311++G(d, p) level. On the basis of calculated bond lengths in pyridine ring geometric, aromaticity indexes HOMA were calculated. The idea of these indexes is based on the fact that the essential factor in aromatic stabilization is the pi delocalization manifested in: planar geometry, equalization of the bond lengths and angles, and symmetry. The decidedly lower value of HOMA for magnesium picolinate (i.e. 0.545; 0.539) than that for beryllium picolinate (i.e. 0.998; 0.998) indicate higher aromatic properties of Be picolinate than of Mg picolinate. The comparison of theoretical and literature experimental structures of magnesium picolinate was done. The experimental structure contains two water molecules, so the calculations for hydrated magnesium picolinate were carried on, and the influence of coordinated water molecule on the structure of picolinates was discussed. The HOMAs for hydrated experimental and calculated Mg picolinate amount to 0.870; 0.743, and 0.900; 0.890, respectively, whereas for anhydrous structure, it is as described above, i.e. 0.545; 0.539. Thus, the calculations clearly showed that water molecules coordinated to the central atom weakens the effect of metal on the electronic system of ligand.

Vibrational and microbiological study on alkaline metal picolinates and o-iodobenzoates

FT-IR and Raman experimental data were assigned to appropriate bond vibrations and used to compare the different electronic charge distributions in the aromatic rings and carboxylic anions of various lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium o-iodobenzoates and picolinates. Then principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in order to attempt to distinguish the biological activities of these compounds according to selected band wavenumbers. The growth of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula anomala under optimal growth conditions were measured after 24 hours of incubation by the classical plate method. The influence of the picolinates and o-iodobenzoates on the growth of these microorganisms, again after 24 hours of incubation, was also measured and compared to the effect of sodium benzoate, which was used as a reference material. In general, the o-iodobenzoates exhibited more activity against the microorganisms than the picolinates. A statistically significant linear correlation between the spectral data and the degree of influence of a given compound on microorganism growth was established. The correlation coefficients for the o-iodobenzoates were 0.696, -0.628, 0.693 and 0.755 for E. coli, B. subtilis, H. anomala and S. cerevisiae, respectively, and for the picolinates they were 0.818, 0.826, 0.821 and 0.877 for E. coli, B. subtilis, H. anomala and S. cerevisiae, respectively. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is shown to be a rapid and reliable analytical tool for preliminary estimation of the antimicrobial properties of newly synthesized compounds, that can be applied before microbial performance tests.

Molecular structure of 3-aminobenzoic acid complexes with alkali metals

The vibration (FT-IR, FT-Raman), electronic (UV-Vis) and NMR (1H and 13C) spectra for 3-aminobenzoic acid and its alkali metal salts were recorded. The influence of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium on the electronic system of the 3-aminobenzoic acid was studied. The assignment of the vibration spectra was done. Characteristic shifts of band wavenumbers and changes in band intensities along the metal series were observed. Good correlation between the wavenumbers of the vibrational bands in the IR and Raman spectra for 3-aminobenzoates and ionic potential, electronegativity, atomic mass and affinity of metal cations were found. The chemical shifts of protons (1H NMR) and carbons (13C NMR) in the series of studied alkali metals were also observed. Optimized geometrical structures of studied compounds were calculated by ab initio and density functional methods.

The influence of metals on the electronic system of biologically important ligands. Spectroscopic study of benzoates, salicylates, nicotinates and isoorotates. Review

This paper reviews the results of the intense experimental and theoretical studies on the influence of selected metals on the electronic system of biologically important molecules such as benzoic, 2-hydroxybenzoic and 3-pyridine carboxylic acids as well as 5-carboxyuracil. The research involved following techniques: infrared (FT-IR), Raman (FT-Raman), FT-IR Ar matrix, electronic absorption spectroscopy (UV/visible), nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H, (13)C, (15)N, (17)O NMR), X-ray and quantum mechanical calculations. The influence of metals on the electronic system was examined through comparison of the changes in so called "logical series". The exemplary series are: Li-->Na-->K-->Rb-->Cs, Na(I)-->Ca(II)-->La(III)-->Th(IV); Na(I)-->Mg(II)-->Al(III) or long series of La(III) and fourteen lanthanides La(III)-->Ce(III)-->Lu(III). The correlation between the perturbation of the electronic system of ligands and the position of metals in the periodic table was found. The influence of the carboxylic anion structure and the effect of hydration on the perturbation of the electronic system of molecule were also discussed. The partial explanation in what way metals disturb and stabilize electronic system of studied ligands was done. It is necessary to carry out the physico-chemical studies of benzoates, salicylates, 3-pyridine carboxylates and isoorotates in order to understand the nature of the interactions of these compounds with their biological targets (e.g., receptors in the cell or important cell components). The results of this study make possible to predict some properties of a molecule, such as its reactivity, durability of complex compounds, and kinship to enzymes.

The relationship between chemical structure and antimicrobial activity of selected nicotinates, p-iodobenzoates, picolinates and isonicotinates

Alkaline metal, calcium and magnesium p-iodobenzoates and alkaline metal nicotinates, as well as sodium and potassium picolinic and isonicotinates were investigated by means of their antimicrobial and chemical properties. The quality estimation of the influence of metal cation coordinated to the carboxylic anion of the series of studied compounds on their antimicrobial activity as well as on the vibrational structure of whole complex in water solution was done. The changes in antimicrobial properties and in charge distribution of the complex along the position of nitrogen atom in the aromatic ring in sodium and potassium complexes were investigated. The analysis of influence of iodine substituent in para position on the change of electronic charge distribution of carboxylate anion and aromatic ring was done. The relationship between electronic properties estimated by vibrational spectroscopy and antimicrobial activity of studied complexes was investigated.

A review of selected anti-tumour therapeutic agents and reasons for multidrug resistance occurrence

It is assumed that proteins from the ABC family (i.e., glycoprotein P (Pgp)) and a multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) play a main role in the occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumour cells. Other factors that influence the rise of MDR are mechanisms connected with change in the effectiveness of the glutathione cycle and with decrease in expression of topoisomerases I and II. The aim of this review is to characterize drugs applied in anti-tumour therapy and to describe the present state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of MDR occurrence, as well as the pharmacological agents applied in reducing this phenomenon.

The influence of selected metals on the electronic system of biologically important ligands

The influence of (i) halogens, (ii) different alkaline cations, Li(I), Na(I), K(I), Rb(I) and Cs(I), and (iii) lanthanide cations, Pr(III), Nd(III), Dy(III) and Er(III) on the electronic structure of the aromatic ring as well as of the carboxylic anion of the substituted benzoic acids was investigated. Systematic change (decrease or increase) in the wavenumbers of selected bands along the F-->Cl-->Br-->I series was observed. This change correlates in linear fashion with a decrease in the ionic potential of the halogens. A shift of the selected bands along with the alkaline and the lanthanide metal series was also observed and correlated with the ionic potential of the metal. It was noticed that the increase in the ionic potential of halogen atoms causes a remarkable increase in the difference (Deltanu) between the wavenumbers of nuasym(COO-) and nusym(COO-). Among the halogens the ionic potential is the lowest for iodine and this substituent brings about maximal proximity of the asymmetric and symmetric bands of the carboxylic anion. The change of cation in the molecule causes a characteristic change in the difference (Deltanu) between the wavenumbers of nuasym(COO-) and nusym(COO-) as well. Along with the lanthanide series under study (Pr-->Nd-->Dy-->Er) this difference decreases, while between alkaline cations lithium broadens these bands to the highest degree. The influence of the alkaline and the lanthanide cations on the vibrational structure of the whole molecule was analysed and compared.

Structure and biological activity of cationic [PtLCl(DMSO)]NO(3).DMSO complex containing a chelated diaminosugar: methyl-3,4-diamino-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-alpha-L-lyxopyranoside

Cationic platinum(II) complex [Pt(C(7)H(16)N(2)O(2))(DMSO)Cl]NO(3).DMSO containing one chloride anion, methyl-3,4-diamino-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-alpha-L-lyxopyranoside (C(7)H(16)N(2)O(2)) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) molecules forming a square-plane has been prepared and characterised, both spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Biological tests performed using leukemia L1210 cells have shown that toxicity of the title complex is similar to that of cisplatin.

Mechanisms of transport across cell membranes of complexes contained in antitumour drugs

Various mechanism of antitumour drug transport across cell membranes has been described. Particular attention has been paid to a passive transport, active transport and multidrug resistance of complexes contained in antitumour drugs. A drug supply to the target site depends on the blood circulation within the tumour, on characteristic drug diffusion in the tissue, and also on binding protein. The physiologic transfer of hydrophilic compounds across the membrane is usually intermediated by means of a specific receptor or a carrier in that membrane, which facilitates the transport of compounds to and from the cell. Some drugs, e.g. doxorubicin and annamycin, can pass across the membrane by intermediacy of liposomes which exhibit a great activity in penetrating into tumour cells. The efficiency of antitumour drugs is limited by the appearance of resistance, i.e. by the lack of sensitivity of the cell to the administered drug. The presence in the membrane of specific proteins belonging to the ABC carriers group is postulated in a resistance theory; they would be responsible for 'pumping out' lipophilic drug molecules from the cell. Participation of high-energy ATP molecule is required by P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and by MRP protein described in this paper for their action. The mechanisms that are responsible for the cell resistance to drugs have been presented by analysing the resistance to antimetabolites, particularly to folate and fluoropyrimidine analogues, to alkylating agents, e.g. cisplatinum, and to heterocyclic compounds being responsible for so-called multidrug resistance.