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TARGETING POLYAMINES

TARGETING POLYAMINES
Other metabolites necessary for survival and growth in tumors, bacteria and parasites are the polyamines. [68a-68d] Plasmodia quit growing and die, when polyamines are lacking [69a-69k], or when their functions are blocked [70a-70L]. Polyamines are also sensitive to oxidation and can be eliminated by strong oxidants. When oxidized, polyamines are converted to aldehydes, which are deadly to parasites and to tumors. [71a-71e] Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is known to be especially reactive against secondary amines. [72a] This includes spermine and spermidine the two main biologically important polyamines. Thus any procedure which is successful
to oxidize both thiols and polyamines does quadruple damage to the pathogen:

  • 1) oxidation of the thiol ornithine decarboxylase inhibits polyamine synthesis;
  • 2) oxidation of the thiol S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase also inhibits polyamine synthesis; (see references below and in “Targeting Thiols” above)
  • 3) oxidation of the secondary amines spermidine and spermine depletes polyamine supplies;
  • 4) the products of polyamine oxidation are toxic aldehydes.
    • This entry was written by l33b0, posted on December 8, 2009 at 5:04 am, and filed under Malaria Treatment Science and tagged .