Pyrimidine metabolism in schistosomes: A comparison with other parasites and the search for potential chemotherapeutic targets.

摘要: Schistosomes are responsible for the parasitic disease schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic ailment that affects >240 million people in 70 countries worldwide. It is second most devastating after malaria. At least 200,000 deaths per year associated with disease. In absence of availability vaccines, chemotherapy main stay combating schistosomiasis. The antischistosomal arsenal currently limited to a single drug, Praziquantel, which quite effective single-day treatment virtually no host-toxicity. Recently, however, question reduced activity Praziquantel has been raised. Therefore, search alternative drugs merits study new approaches chemotherapy. rational design drug usually based on biochemical physiological differences between pathogens host. Pyrimidine metabolism excellent target such studies. Schistosomes, unlike host tissues, require very active pyrimidine synthesis DNA RNA. This essential production enormous numbers eggs deposited daily by parasite granulomas response precipitates pathogenesis Furthermore, there sufficient corresponding enzymes from can be exploited specific inhibitors or "subversive substrates" enzymes. Specificities transport also diverge significantly parasites their mammalian review deals studies schistosomes highlights unique characteristic this could constitute potential targets safe drugs. addition, compared other where have more elaborate, hope providing leads how identify likely chemotherapeutic not looked at schistosomes.