Organism-like formation of Schistosoma hemozoin and its function suggest a mechanism for anti-malarial action of artemisinin.

ABSTRACT: The current theories of antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin are inadequate to fully explain the observed effects. In our study, "organism-like" formation of Schistosoma hemozoin granules by attaching to and utilizing erythrocytes to form new ones was observed. This indicates that heme iron is transferred from erythrocytes to hemozoin granules during their formation. However, as a disposal product of heme detoxification, these granules are not completely expelled from the Schistosoma gut, but decomposed again between microvilli in the posterior portion of the gut to transfer iron to eggs. Based on the function of iron transport supported by our observation of the unique process of Schistosoma hemozoin formation, here we propose a new viewpoint of antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin, whi

SUBMITTER: Sun J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5046088 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature