Abstract
Caffeine, widely consumed in beverages, and many xanthine analogs have had a major impact on biomedical research. Caffeine and various analogs, the latter designed to enhance potency and selectivity toward specific biological targets, have played key roles in defining the nature and role of adenosine receptors, phosphodiesterases, and calcium release channels in physiological processes. Such xanthines and other caffeine-inspired heterocycles now provide important research tools and potential therapeutic agents for intervention in Alzheimer's disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Such compounds also have activity as analgesics, antiinflammatories, antitussives, behavioral stimulants, diuretics/natriuretics, and lipolytics. Adverse effects can include anxiety, hypertension, certain drug interactions, and withdrawal symptoms.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
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Asthma / drug therapy
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Biomedical Research
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Caffeine* / analogs & derivatives
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Caffeine* / metabolism
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Caffeine* / therapeutic use
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Calcium / metabolism
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / metabolism*
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
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Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy
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Diuretics / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Inflammation / drug therapy
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Lung Diseases / drug therapy
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Mental Disorders / drug therapy
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Molecular Structure
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Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Pain / drug therapy
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Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
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Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / metabolism
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Protein Isoforms / metabolism
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Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism
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Receptors, Purinergic P1 / metabolism
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Xanthine* / chemistry
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Xanthine* / metabolism
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Xanthine* / therapeutic use
Substances
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
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Diuretics
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Protein Isoforms
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Receptors, GABA-A
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Receptors, Purinergic P1
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Xanthine
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Caffeine
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Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases
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Calcium