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Polyamine metabolism in some helminth parasites
V Sharma1, B L Tekwani, J K Saxena
1Division of Biochemistry, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Experimental Parasitology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Helminth parasites show low levels of polyamine biosynthesis enzymes, suggesting they rely on hosts. This dependence on host polyamines offers a potential target for new anti-parasitic chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polyamines are crucial for cell growth and proliferation.
- Helminth parasites, like other organisms, require polyamines for survival.
- Understanding polyamine metabolism in parasites is key to developing novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze polyamine levels and biosynthesis enzyme activity in various helminth parasites.
- To investigate the specific pathways of polyamine metabolism in helminths.
- To identify potential targets for antiparasitic chemotherapy based on polyamine pathways.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of polyamine levels using reverse-phase HPLC of benzoyl derivatives.
- Quantification of key polyamine biosynthesis enzymes: ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-decarboxylase, and arginine decarboxylase.
- Enzyme activity assays, including ornithine amino transferase (OAT) and polyamine oxidase.
- Localization studies of enzymatic activity within parasite fractions.
Main Results:
- Differential polyamine profiles observed, with spermine generally higher than spermidine in most species studied.
- Very low to negligible activity of key polyamine biosynthesis enzymes (ODC, SAM-decarboxylase, arginine decarboxylase) across all examined parasites.
- High ornithine decarboxylating activity in *Ancylostoma ceylanicum*, attributed to mitochondrial ornithine amino transferase (OAT) rather than ODC.
- Significant polyamine oxidase activity detected in helminth parasites.
Conclusions:
- Helminth parasites exhibit minimal intrinsic polyamine biosynthesis capabilities.
- Parasites likely depend on their hosts for polyamine uptake and interconversion.
- The absence of essential biosynthetic enzymes presents a promising target for antiparasitic drug development.