Redox-Active Metal Complexes in Trypanosomatids

Abstract

The first metal-based drugs to show therapeutic efficacy against parasitic diseases, more specifically diseases caused by trypanosomatids, were arsenic and antimony complexes. Among these, pentavalent antimonials are still extensively used in the treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. This chapter will describe in details the current knowledge on the mechanism of action of antimonial drugs for leishmaniasis. Interestingly, pentavalent antimonials affect the parasite viability through both Sb(III)-induced imbalance of thiol metabolism in parasite and Sb(V)-induced stimulation of macrophage microbicidal activity, causing parasite death by oxidative stress. We will also discuss the mechanism of action of gold complexes under study as drug candidates for leishmaniasis.