[Chemotherapeutic effects of nitro compounds. 1. Nitroanilines].

More than 200 nitro compounds, most of them nitroaniline derivatives substituted with one or more radicals having a basic reaction, were prepared and investigated as to their therapeutic activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, viruses and tumors. Several mono-nitrobenzenes with a radical having a basic reaction showed weak in-vitro activity against gram-positive bacteria and against Crocker's sarcoma 180; they also showed systemic activity against nematodes (Aspiculuris tetraptera) and viruses. The majority of therapeutically active compounds with pronounced in-vivo activity against Trichomonas fetus, Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, cestodes, nematodes (Ancylostoma caninum), viruses (influenza, MHV, SAV and EMC) and various types of carcinoma (Ehrlich's carcinoma, leukemia 1210, Crocker's sarcoma 180) were dinitrobenzene derivatives with one radical having a basic reaction and electropositive groups or unreactive or reactive chlorine atom, and di-nitrobenzene with two equal or two different radicals having a basic reaction. Compound No. 70 revealed a marked in-vitro activity against fungi (Trichophyton; Microsporum, Candida albicans). Other nitro compounds such as bis-mono- and bis-dinitrobenzene derivatives likewise showed a systemic action against E. histolytica, viruses and, in particular, carcinoma (Crocker's sarcoma 180, Ridgway's osteosarcoma). Oxygen and sulfur analogue compounds as well as compounds produced by reduction also possessed a distinct activity against E. histolytica and viruses. On the basis of the present results particularly the dinitrobenzenes substituted with two radicals having a basic reaction include a number which have in common that a structure/activity relationship is recognizable in respect of E. histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni and different types of viruses. The activity against viruses in this class of compounds is probably due to an increased interferon production in the host animal. Whether the mechanism of action is the same against E. histolytica or Schistosoma mansoni has not been determined so far. A tumorigenic effect was observed mainly in those di-nitrobenzenes which are classed as alkylating compounds. Because of the small chemotherapeutic index the trials were not continued with the most effective compounds mentioned.