In vivo and in vitro efficacy of crocin against Echinococcus multilocularis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a fatal zoonosis caused by the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis. However, current chemotherapy treatment options are based on benzimidazoles [albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole], which have limited efficacy. Therefore, novel drugs are necessary for the treatment of this disease.

Methods

The anthelmintic effects of crocin were tested on E. multilocularis metacestodes, germinal cells and protoscoleces in vitro. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and Reuber rat hepatoma (RH) cells were used to assess cytotoxicity. The in vivo efficacy of crocin was investigated in mice following secondary infection with E. multilocularis. Furthermore, collagen deposition and degradation in host tissues around the metacestodes were evaluated.

Resu

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8278753 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature