Another important class of proteins that make good targets for drugs is the
class that contains transporters, carriers and ion pumps. There are several drugs that
affect ion pumps, carriers and transporters. Ezetimibe (ZetiaTM) inhibits the absorption
of dietary cholesterol in the small intestines. Stomach acid is produced by one type of
H+/K+ ATPase. The drugs called Omeprazole (PrilosecTM) and Prevacid inactivate it.
Atovaquone and Proguanil act by inhibiting electron transport. Ion pumps are also
important in multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria and cancer cells. Ivermectin
(StromectolTM) is a broad spectrum antiparasitic agent that acts by opening glutamategated
chloride channels in invertebrates. MDR in cancer involves simultaneous
resistance to several different, unrelated anticancer drugs. An efflux protein, P
glycoprotein, or PgP, pumps out anticancer drugs. There are several other drugs, called
MDR converters that inhibit the action of PgP.
Keywords: Ezetimibe, H+/K+ ATPase, Omeprazole, Prevacid, Ivermectin,
multidrug resistance.
