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Plasmodium falciparum glutathione metabolism and growth are independent of glutathione system of host erythrocyte
Author(s) -
Ayi Kodjo,
Cappadoro Marina,
Branca Mario,
Turrini Franco,
Arese Paolo
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00185-9
Subject(s) - glutathione , plasmodium falciparum , biology , parasite hosting , biochemistry , metabolism , chemistry , malaria , immunology , enzyme , world wide web , computer science
Plasmodium falciparum parasites grew normally in glutathione (GSH)‐depleted normal and G6PD‐deficient (Mediterranean variant) erythrocytes (RBC). Growth inhibition was observed only at less than approximately 6–12% residual GSH. Parasites studied separately with the Sendai virus technique synthesized GSH de novo and regenerated reduced GSH 10–20 times faster than non‐parasitized RBC. Electron spin resonance measurement of Tempol reduction indicated that the ability to reduce free radicals was restricted to the parasite. The marked efflux of oxidized GSH was mainly derived from the parasite. In conclusion, parasites are endowed with powerful and host‐independent mechanisms which de novo synthesize or regenerate GSH and allow undisturbed parasite development in GSH‐depleted RBC.