They add, that «by identifying and characterizing LMIT1 as a mitochondrial iron importer, we established a direct connection
between iron uptake, mitochondrial redox balance and the development of virulence in Leishmania, significantly expanding future options for controlling these serious human infections.»
The researchers found that the primary measured outcome, change in peak oxygen
uptake (reflects mechanisms by which
iron repletion is expected to improve systemic oxygen delivery and use) from study entry to 16 weeks did not significantly differ
between the two groups.