Unravelling the myth surrounding sterol biosynthesis as plausible target for drug design against leishmaniasis. Journal Article

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Authors: Sakyi, PO; Amewu, RK; Devine, RNOA; Bienibuor, AK; Miller, WA; Kwofie, SK
Article Title: Unravelling the myth surrounding sterol biosynthesis as plausible target for drug design against leishmaniasis.
Abstract: The mortality rate of leishmaniasis is increasing at an alarming rate and is currently second to malaria amongst the other neglected tropical diseases. Unfortunately, many governments and key stakeholders are not investing enough in the development of new therapeutic interventions. The available treatment options targeting different pathways of the parasite have seen inefficiencies, drug resistance, and toxic side effects coupled with longer treatment durations. Numerous studies to understand the biochemistry of leishmaniasis and its pathogenesis have identified druggable targets including ornithine decarboxylase, trypanothione reductase, and pteridine reductase, which are relevant for the survival and growth of the parasites. Another plausible target is the sterol biosynthetic pathway; however, this has not been fully investigated. Sterol biosynthesis is essential for the survival of the because its inhibition could lead to the death of the parasites. This review seeks to evaluate how critical the enzymes involved in sterol biosynthetic pathway are to the survival of the parasite. The review also highlights both synthetic and natural product compounds with their IC values against selected enzymes. Finally, recent advancements in drug design strategies targeting the sterol biosynthesis pathway of are discussed.
Journal Title: Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2021