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The Sound of Evolution
Nifurtimox
Mechanism of action:
Nifurtimox is a nitrofuran derivative. After entering the parasite, nifurtimox is converted by reductases into reactive intermediates. These intermediates generate highly reactive free radicals, including superoxide anion (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radical (•OH). These free radicals attack the parasite's DNA, proteins, and lipid membranes, ultimately leading to cell death.
Reference(s):
1. Paulos C et al. (1989). Pharmacokinetics of a nitrofuran compound, nifurtimox, in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol.
2. Jeganathan S et al. (2011). The distribution of nifurtimox across the healthy and trypanosome-infected murine blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers. J Pharmacol Exp Ther.
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