Anthelminthic activity of glibenclamide on secondary cystic echinococcosis in mice

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Current chemotherapy against this disease is based on the administration of benzimidazoles (BZMs). However, BZM treatment has a low cure rate and causes several side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed. The antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (Glb) is a second-generation sulfonylurea receptor inhibitor that has been shown to be active against protozoan parasites. Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of Glb against the larval stage of E. granulosus. The in vitro activity was concentration dependent on both protoscoleces and metacestodes. Moreover, Glb combined with the minimum effective concentration of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) was demonstrated to have a greater effect on metacestodes in comparison with each drug alone. Likewise, there was a reduction in the cyst weight after oral administration of Glb to infected mice (5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for a period of 8 weeks). However, in contrast to in vitro assays, no differences in effectiveness were found between Glb + albendazole (ABZ) combined treatment and Glb monotherapy. Our results also revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in Glb-treated protoscoleces. In addition, the intracystic drug accumulation and our bioinformatic analysis using the available E. granulosus genome suggest the presence of genes encoding sulfonylurea transporters in the parasite. Our data clearly demonstrated an anti-echinococcal effect of Glb on E. granulosus larval stage. Further studies are needed in order to thoroughly investigate the mechanism involved in the therapeutic response of the parasite to this sulfonylurea.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Albendazole Chitosan Microspheres with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Spinal Echinococcosis

“…JC-1 is an ideal fluorescent probe widely used to detect ΔΨm (mitochondrial membrane potential) during early apoptosis. The relative ratio of red and green fluorescence has been used to evaluate the degree of mitochondrial depolarization and viability of protoscoleces ( 35 ). Before staining, protoscoleces in the four groups were cultured for 48 h after different treatments.…”

Development of Janus Particles as Potential Drug Delivery Systems for Diabetes Treatment and Antimicrobial Applications

“…In addition, the neurotransmitter beta-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been reported to have the potential to trigger the formation of new beta cells and maintain the population of effective beta cells. Studies have demonstrated the significance of GABA in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, where GABA can bind and interact with γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors on specific ion channels, leading to effective regulation of insulin secretion [ 112 ]. Further, GABA has anti-inflammatory effects in pancreatic islets to increase beta cell survival and decrease the number of toxic white blood cells [ 113 ].…”

One-Pot Synthesis of Thio-Augmented Sulfonylureas via a Modified Bunte’s Reaction

“… 12 ( Figure 1 A). 9 They are also used widely as herbicides, 13 antihelminthics, 14 and acaricides. 15 − 17 Antimicrobial and fungicidal activities are also attributed to sulfonylurea compounds.…”

“…(Figure A) . They are also used widely as herbicides, antihelminthics, and acaricides. − Antimicrobial and fungicidal activities are also attributed to sulfonylurea compounds . Sulfonylthioureas (STUs) are also purported to have insecticidal activities and anticonvulsant properties …”