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Review: Mechanisms of action of gold

  • Immunosuppression and Inflammation
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Abstract

Since the successful introduction of injectable gold compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over 50 years ago, numerous studies on the possible mechanism of action have been performed. This heavy metal has been show to possess a bewildering array of biological effects. Studies using gold performed bothin vitro andin vitro can be grouped into anti-microbial, anti-immunologic, anti-inflammatory, anti-enzymatic and other effects. In this survey, we have analyzed these multiple approaches to the study of the mechanism of action of injectable gold preparations and apply the findings to rheumatoid arthritis.

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Leibfarth, J.H., Persellin, R.H. Review: Mechanisms of action of gold. Agents and Actions 11, 458–472 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02004707

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