Recent advances in α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds as mitochondrial toxins

Conjugated α,β-unsaturated ketones are very useful compounds associated with diverse medicinal properties. This review outlines α,β-unsaturated ketones as candidate cytotoxic agents which affect mitochondrial function. Both naturally occurring compounds and synthetic chemicals have been discussed which exert their cytotoxic effects, at least in part, by acting on mitochondria. Biochemical differences between tumour mitochondria and this...