Do long-chain unsaturated fatty acids function as endogenous anti-trypanosomal molecules?
Trypanosomiasis is common in Africa and South America. The surface of trypanosomes is covered by glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) that contains the fatty acid myristate (14:0) as its lipid moiety that is essential for its survival. Myristic acid, being a saturated fatty acid, is resistant to peroxidation. Hence, I propose that replacement of myristic acid of VSG-GPI of trypanosomes by unsaturated fatty acids may render them unviable due to the ease with which the latter undergo peroxidation. In addition, unsaturated fatty acids could kill trypanosomes by (1) activation of macrophages and release of reactive oxygen species; (2) high Ca(2+) influx that may be lethal; (3) alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential and disruption of energy generation; and (4) direct disruption of the cell membrane. If this hypothesis proves to be correct, unsaturated fatty acids and its analogues could form a new approach to the management of trypanosomiasis and other intracellular parasitic infections.
Das
Undurti N
UN
UND Life Sciences, 13800 Fairhill Road, #321, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA.
D000349:Africa; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000378:metabolism*; D007477:Ions / Q000378:metabolism; D019814:Myristic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D013020:South America; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000378:metabolism*
D005227:Fatty Acids; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D007477:Ions; D019814:Myristic Acid