Modulatory effect of iron chelators on adenosine deaminase activity and gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2015 Nov;110(7):877-83. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760150076. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoan that parasitises the urogenital human tract and causes trichomoniasis. During the infection, the acquisition of nutrients, such as iron and purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, is essential for the survival of the parasite. The enzymes for purinergic signalling, including adenosine deaminase (ADA), which degrades adenosine to inosine, have been characterised in T. vaginalis. In the evaluation of the ADA profile in different T. vaginalis isolates treated with different iron sources or with limited iron availability, a decrease in activity and an increase in ADA gene expression after iron limitation by 2,2-bipyridyl and ferrozine chelators were observed. This supported the hypothesis that iron can modulate the activity of the enzymes involved in purinergic signalling. Under bovine serum limitation conditions, no significant differences were observed. The results obtained in this study allow for the assessment of important aspects of ADA and contribute to a better understanding of the purinergic system in T. vaginalis and the role of iron in establishing infection and parasite survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Deaminase / drug effects
  • Adenosine Deaminase / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Humans
  • Iron Chelating Agents / pharmacology*
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / drug effects*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / enzymology*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / growth & development

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Adenosine Deaminase