# The hydrogenosome as a drug target.
> ヒドロゲノソームを標的とした薬剤開発の可能性


## Abstract

Hydrogenosomes are organelles present in non-mitochondrial organisms such as Trichomonas, where they serve as the site of molecular hydrogen production. While sharing several features with mitochondria—including ATP synthesis, pyruvate metabolism, calcium incorporation, post-translational protein import, and cardiolipin content—hydrogenosomes differ fundamentally by lacking a respiratory chain, cytochromes, F0-F1 ATPase, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. These metabolic distinctions make hydrogenosomes an attractive selective drug target, as agents directed against them are unlikely to harm host-cell mitochondria. Studies with metronidazole and other compounds including beta-Lapachone, colchicine, Taxol, and nocodazole revealed morphological abnormalities in hydrogenosomes, flagella internalization, nucleoid-like electron-dense deposits, and extensive autophagy involving lysosomal degradation of the organelles.

### Mechanism

Hydrogenosomes lack the respiratory chain, TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation present in mitochondria, instead producing molecular hydrogen via a distinct metabolic pathway. This biochemical divergence allows selective pharmacological targeting without affecting host-cell mitochondrial function.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Benchimol M
- **Journal**: Curr Pharm Des
- **Year**: 2008
- **PMID**: [18473836](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18473836/)
- **DOI**: [10.2174/138161208784041114](https://doi.org/10.2174/138161208784041114)
- **Study type**: review
- **Delivery route**: not specified
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 18473836. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/18473836
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [18473836](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18473836/)