Leveraging topoisomerase II-mediated DNA damage: repurposing etoposide as a lead compound for apicomplexan parasite control.

ABSTRACT: Babesia and Theileria are microscopic parasites that infect livestock, leading to substantial economic losses. Current treatments are often limited by challenges such as drug resistance and incomplete parasite eradication. This study investigates potential of Etoposide (EP), a well-known anticancer drug that disrupts DNA Topoisomerase II, as a treatment for these parasitic infections. The research focused on EP's ability to inhibit Babesia bovis, Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi, evaluating its impact on parasite viability, structural changes, and protective role for host red blood cells. Parasites were exposed to various concentrations of EP (ranging from 0.50 × to 4 × IC₅₀), and their viability and morphology were assessed through bioassay

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12673203 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature