Does chloroquine really act through oxidative stress?
Monti D., Basilico N., Parapini S., Pasini E., Olliaro P., Taramelli D.
To assess whether molecular oxygen and oxidative stress contribute to chloroquine activity, we cultivated strains of Plasmodium falciparum in erythrocytes with carboxyhemoglobin and an atmosphere containing 2% CO, 5% CO(2) and 93% N(2). Results indicate that, contrary to common belief, oxygen is not involved in the activity of chloroquine. Reactive radicals formation is suggested.