Anaerobic energy metabolism in human microaerophile parasites.

Ayra Diandra Carvalho-de-Araújo, Luiz Fernando Carvalho-Kelly, José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes

Experimental parasitology 2023 Apr

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Mucosal-associated parasites, such as Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis, have significant clinical relevance. The pathologies associated with infection by these parasites are among those with the highest incidence of gastroenteritis (giardiasis and amoebiasis) and sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis). The treatment of these diseases is based on drugs that act on the anaerobic metabolism of these parasites, such as nitroimidazole and benzimidazole derivatives. One interesting feature of parasites is their ability to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions. Due to the absence of enzymes capable of producing ATP under anaerobic conditions in the vertebrate host, they have become interesting therapeutic targets. This review discusses anaerobic energy metabolism in mucosal-associated parasites, focusing on the anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, the importance of these enzymes as therapeutic targets, and the importance of treating their infections. Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Ayra Diandra Carvalho-de-Araújo, Luiz Fernando Carvalho-Kelly, José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes. Anaerobic energy metabolism in human microaerophile parasites. Experimental parasitology. 2023 Apr;247:108492