The parasites defend themselves against oxidative stress by means of a polyamine conjugate, trypanothione (two glutathione molecules linked by spermidine). For the parasite, this substance has the same function as glutathione has for man. Studies have been carried out to determine whether trypanothione can be a target for drugs. The polyamines spermidine, spermine and putrescine have various functions in the cell (including synthesis of trypanothione). Polyamines are organic substances that contain two or more amino groups. DFMO (di-fluoro-methyl-ornithine; Eflornitine®) is a therapeutic substance that interferes in the polyamine metabolism of the parasite. DFMO inhibits the conversion of ornithine into putrescine, a precursor of spermidine. Ultimately, the synthesis of trypanothione is disturbed and the parasite is damaged.
Category:
Medicine Notes
POST COMMENT
0 comments:
Post a Comment