Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Biotransformation of Hydrazine Dervatives in the Mechanism of Toxicity

Birandra K Sinha and Ronald P Mason

Hydrazine derivatives are environmental and food pollutants but are also important because of their use in medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis and cancer. However, hydrazines also pose significant health risks to humans as they are mutagenic and carcinogenic. This review examines various metabolic pathways (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) of hydrazines for the formation of reactive species that bind to cellular macromolecules and lead to cellular dysfunction. It is believed that this biotransformation is responsible for the pharmacology and pathophysiology of hydrazine derivatives.