Benznidazole biotransformation and multiple targets in Trypanosoma cruzi revealed by metabolomics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The first line treatment for Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, involves administration of benznidazole (Bzn). Bzn is a 2-nitroimidazole pro-drug which requires nitroreduction to become active, although its mode of action is not fully understood. In the present work we used a non-targeted MS-based metabolomics approach to study the metabolic response of T. cruzi to Bzn.

Methodology/principal findings

Parasites treated with Bzn were minimally altered compared to untreated trypanosomes, although the redox active thiols trypanothione, homotrypanothione and cysteine were significantly diminished in abundance post-treatment. In addition, multiple Bzn-derived metabolites were detected after treatment. These m

SUBMITTER: Trochine A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4031082 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature