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Oltipraz-induced reduction in schistosomal glucose utilization rates
1Southwest-Regional VA Epilepsy Center, Veterans Administration Wadsworth Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90073.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Schistosomes phosphorylate 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) slower than glucose, with mated worms showing higher rates. Mating status impacts 2DG and glucose phosphorylation differently in Schistosoma mansoni.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic flatworm causing schistosomiasis.
- Understanding glucose metabolism in schistosomes is crucial for developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phosphorylation rates of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) and glucose in male and female Schistosoma mansoni.
- To determine the effect of mating status and oltipraz exposure on glucose metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Sequential pulsing of schistosomes with radiolabeled 2-deoxy-D-glucose ([3H]-2DG) and D-glucose ([14C]-D-glucose).
- Measurement of relative phosphorylation rates (phosphorylation coefficient) between 2DG and glucose.
- Assessment of glucose utilization rates following short-term exposure to oltipraz.
Main Results:
- 2DG uptake is faster than glucose, but its phosphorylation rate is significantly slower in S. mansoni.
- Mated schistosomes exhibit higher rates of 2DG and glucose phosphorylation compared to unmated worms.
- The phosphorylation coefficient for 2DG relative to glucose is higher in separated schistosomes than in mated ones.
- Oltipraz significantly reduced glucose utilization in female schistosomes (mated and separated) but not significantly in males.
Conclusions:
- Mating status significantly influences glucose and 2DG phosphorylation in Schistosoma mansoni.
- Differential phosphorylation rates suggest distinct metabolic regulation pathways.
- Oltipraz demonstrates a sex-specific inhibitory effect on glucose utilization in S. mansoni.