Fosmidomycin Uptake into Infected Erythrocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Stefan Baumeister, Jochen Wiesner, Armin Reichenberg, Martin Hintz, Sven Bietz, Omar S. Harb, David S. Roos, Maximilian Kordes, Johannes Friesen, Kai Matuschewski, Klaus Lingelbach, Hassan Jomaa, Frank Seeber
Primary Institution: Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
Hypothesis
The drugs fosmidomycin and its derivative FR900098 are taken up only by erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium.
Conclusion
The study found that only erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium or Babesia exhibit increased permeability that allows for the uptake of fosmidomycin and FR900098.
Supporting Evidence
- Fosmidomycin and FR900098 showed parasiticidal activity against Plasmodium falciparum.
- Increased permeability of erythrocyte membranes was observed in infected cells.
- Toxoplasma gondii-infected cells did not take up the drugs.
- Uptake of FR was significantly inhibited by NPP inhibitors.
Takeaway
Infected red blood cells can absorb certain drugs better than healthy ones, which helps fight malaria, but some parasites are resistant.
Methodology
The study used radiolabeled drugs to measure uptake in infected and non-infected erythrocytes and assessed permeability changes.
Limitations
The study did not explore the molecular mechanisms behind the new permeability pathways in detail.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.011
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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