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The Sound of Evolution
Oxiconazole
Mechanism of action:
Oxiconazole is an imidazole derivative. Oxiconazole inhibits fungal lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51), the enzyme responsible for converting lanosterol into ergosterol. When this step is blocked, the fungal cell membrane becomes structurally defective, and lanosterol accumulates because it cannot be converted, causing toxicity and ultimately inhibiting fungal growth or causing cellular damage.
Reference(s):
1. Matsui H et al. (2008). Imidazole antifungals, but not triazole antifungals, increase membrane Zn²⁺ permeability in rat thymocytes: Possible contribution to their cytotoxicity. Toxicology.
2. Fromtling RA et al. (1988). Overview of medically important antifungal azole derivatives. Clin Microbiol Rev.
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