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Hubbard IC, Thompson JS, Else KJ, Shears RK. Another decade of Trichuris muris research: An update and application of key discoveries. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:1-63. [PMID: 37474238 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The mouse whipworm, Trichuris muris, has been used for over 60 years as a tractable model for human trichuriasis, caused by the related whipworm species, T. trichiura. The history of T. muris research, from the discovery of the parasite in 1761 to understanding the lifecycle and outcome of infection with different doses (high versus low dose infection), as well as the immune mechanisms associated with parasite expulsion and chronic infection have been detailed in an earlier review published in 2013. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of whipworm biology, host-parasite interactions and basic immunology brought about using the T. muris mouse model, focussing on developments from the last decade. In addition to the traditional high/low dose infection models that have formed the mainstay of T. muris research to date, novel models involving trickle (repeated low dose) infection in laboratory mice or infection in wild or semi-wild mice have led to important insights into how immunity develops in situ in a multivariate environment, while the use of novel techniques such as the development of caecal organoids (enabling the study of larval development ex vivo) promise to deliver important insights into host-parasite interactions. In addition, the genome and transcriptome analyses of T. muris and T. trichiura have proven to be invaluable tools, particularly in the context of vaccine development and identification of secreted products including proteins, extracellular vesicles and micro-RNAs, shedding further light on how these parasites communicate with their host and modulate the immune response to promote their own survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella C Hubbard
- Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob S Thompson
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca K Shears
- Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Flint KL, Huang DM, Linder-Patton OM, Sumby CJ, Keene FR. Synthesis of Triple‐Stranded Diruthenium(II) Compounds. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202200225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Flint
- The University of Adelaide Chemistry 5005 Adelaide AUSTRALIA
| | - David M. Huang
- The University of Adelaide Chemistry 5005 Adelaide AUSTRALIA
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Britten NS, Butler JA. Ruthenium metallotherapeutics: novel approaches to combatting parasitic infections. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5159-5178. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220401105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human parasitic infections cause a combined global mortality rate of over one million people per annum and represent some of the most challenging diseases for medical intervention. Current chemotherapeutic strategies often require prolonged treatment, coupled with subsequent drug-induced cytotoxic morbidity to the host, while resistance generation is also a major concern. Metals have been used extensively throughout the history of medicine, with more recent applications as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Ruthenium metallotherapeutic antiparasitic agents are highly effective at targeting a range of key parasites, including the causative agents of malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, toxoplasmosis and other orphan diseases, while demonstrating lower cytotoxicity profiles than current treatment strategies. Generally, such compounds also demonstrate activity against multiple cellular target sites within parasites, including inhibition of enzyme function, cell membrane perturbation, and alterations to metabolic pathways, therefore reducing the opportunity for resistance generation. This review provides a comprehensive and subjective analysis of the rapidly developing area of ruthenium metal-based antiparasitic chemotherapeutics, in the context of rational drug design and potential clinical approaches to combatting human parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Britten
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan A. Butler
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Tedla BA, Sotillo J, Pickering D, Eichenberger RM, Ryan S, Becker L, Loukas A, Pearson MS. Novel cholinesterase paralogs of Schistosoma mansoni have perceived roles in cholinergic signalling and drug detoxification and are essential for parasite survival. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008213. [PMID: 31809524 PMCID: PMC6919630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholinesterase (ChE) function in schistosomes is essential for orchestration of parasite neurotransmission but has been poorly defined with respect to the molecules responsible. Interrogation of the S. mansoni genome has revealed the presence of three ChE domain-containing genes (Smche)s, which we have shown to encode two functional acetylcholinesterases (AChE)s (Smache1 –smp_154600 and Smache2 –smp_136690) and a butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (Smbche1 –smp_125350). Antibodies to recombinant forms of each SmChE localized the proteins to the tegument of adults and schistosomula and developmental expression profiling differed among the three molecules, suggestive of functions extending beyond traditional cholinergic signaling. For the first time in schistosomes, we identified ChE enzymatic activity in fluke excretory/secretory (ES) products and, using proteomic approaches, attributed this activity to the presence of SmAChE1 and SmBChE1. Parasite survival in vitro and in vivo was significantly impaired by silencing of each smche, either individually or in combination, attesting to the essential roles of these molecules. Lastly, in the first characterization study of a BChE from helminths, evidence is provided that SmBChE1 may act as a bio-scavenger of AChE inhibitors as the addition of recombinant SmBChE1 to parasite cultures mitigated the effect of the anti-schistosome AChE inhibitor 2,2- dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate—dichlorvos (DDVP), whereas smbche1-silenced parasites displayed increased sensitivity to DDVP. Cholinesterases—aceytlcholinesterases (AChE)s and butyrylcholinesterases (BChE)s—are multi-functional enzymes that play a pivotal role in the nervous system of parasites by regulating neurotransmission through acetylcholine hydrolysis. Herein, we provide a detailed characterization of schistosome cholinesterases using molecular, enzymatic and gene-silencing approaches and show evidence for these molecules having roles in addition to their neuronal function. Further, we demonstrate the importance of these proteins to parasite development and survival through gene knockdown experiments in laboratory animals, providing evidence for the use of these proteins in the development of novel intervention strategies against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bemnet A. Tedla
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Darren Pickering
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ramon M. Eichenberger
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Ryan
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Small ST, Labbé F, Coulibaly YI, Nutman TB, King CL, Serre D, Zimmerman PA. Human Migration and the Spread of the Nematode Parasite Wuchereria bancrofti. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:1931-1941. [PMID: 31077328 PMCID: PMC6735882 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human disease lymphatic filariasis causes the debilitating effects of elephantiasis and hydrocele. Lymphatic filariasis currently affects the lives of 90 million people in 52 countries. There are three nematodes that cause lymphatic filariasis, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti, but 90% of all cases of lymphatic filariasis are caused solely by W. bancrofti (Wb). Here we use population genomics to reconstruct the probable route and timing of migration of Wb strains that currently infect Africa, Haiti, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). We used selective whole genome amplification to sequence 42 whole genomes of single Wb worms from populations in Haiti, Mali, Kenya, and PNG. Our results are consistent with a hypothesis of an Island Southeast Asia or East Asian origin of Wb. Our demographic models support divergence times that correlate with the migration of human populations. We hypothesize that PNG was infected at two separate times, first by the Melanesians and later by the migrating Austronesians. The migrating Austronesians also likely introduced Wb to Madagascar where later migrations spread it to continental Africa. From Africa, Wb spread to the New World during the transatlantic slave trade. Genome scans identified 17 genes that were highly differentiated among Wb populations. Among these are genes associated with human immune suppression, insecticide sensitivity, and proposed drug targets. Identifying the distribution of genetic diversity in Wb populations and selection forces acting on the genome will build a foundation to test future hypotheses and help predict response to current eradication efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Small
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Frédéric Labbé
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
| | - Yaya I Coulibaly
- Head Filariasis Unit, NIAID-Mali ICER, University of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Christopher L King
- Global Health and Disease, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter A Zimmerman
- Global Health and Disease, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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Wangchuk P, Kouremenos K, Eichenberger RM, Pearson M, Susianto A, Wishart DS, McConville MJ, Loukas A. Metabolomic profiling of the excretory-secretory products of hookworm and whipworm. Metabolomics 2019; 15:101. [PMID: 31254203 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1561-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soil-transmitted helminths infect billions of people, livestock and companion animals worldwide, and chronic infections with these nematodes represent a major health burden in many developing countries. On the other hand, complete elimination of parasitic helminths and other infectious pathogens has been implicated with rising rates of autoimmune and allergic disorders in developed countries. Given the enormous health impact of these parasites, it is surprising how little is known about the non-protein small metabolites of the excretory-secretory products (ESP), including their composition and pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVES We sought proof-of-concept that Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris, rodent models of two of the most important human soil-transmitted helminths, secrete small metabolites and that some of these metabolites may have specific pharmacological functions. METHODS N. brasiliensis and T. muris ESP were collected from adult worms and filtered using a 10 kDa cut-off membrane to produce excretory-secretory metabolites (ESM). The ESM were analysed using targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for polar and non-polar small metabolites. RESULTS ESM from both N. brasiliensis and T. muris contained small molecules. A total of 54 small molecules (38 polar metabolites and 16 fatty acids) were identified, 36 known polar metabolites from N. brasiliensis and 35 from T. muris. A literature review of the identified compounds revealed that 17 of them have various demonstrated pharmacological activities. CONCLUSION N. brasiliensis and T. muris secrete polar and non-polar small molecules with as many as 17 metabolites known to exhibit various pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Konstantinos Kouremenos
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ramon M Eichenberger
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Atik Susianto
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - David S Wishart
- Department of Biological Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.
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Nagendra Prasad HS, Manukumar HM, Karthik CS, Mallesha L, Mallu P. A novel copper (II) PAmPiCaT complex (cPAmPiCaTc) as a biologically potent candidate: A contraption evidence against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and a molecular docking proof. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:841-850. [PMID: 30718062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Increasing in the alarm against the resistant bacteria due to the failure of antibiotics, thereby the need of more efficiency/potent molecule to treat infections. In the present investigation, series of piperazine derivatives 5(a-l) compounds were synthesized and they were characterised by different spectral techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and LCMS. A novel copper complex (cPAmPiCaTc) was developed for the first time by using potent analog 5e and characterized by IR and LCMS. The cPAmPiCaTc evaluated for antibacterial activity and showed excellent antimicrobial effect (12 ± 0.08 mm, ZOI) at MIC 20 µg/mL against MRSA compared to standard antibiotics streptomycin and bacitracin at MIC 10 µg/mL. The results show promising anti-staphylococcal action against MRSA which confirmed by membrane damage, bioelectrochemistry, gene regulation (SarA and DHFR), and in silico molecular docking studies. Further, the cPAmPiCaTc also showed excellent blood compatibility and this result pave the way for interesting metallodrug therapeutics in future against MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Nagendra Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru 570 006, Karnataka, India
| | - H M Manukumar
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru 570 006, Karnataka, India
| | - C S Karthik
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru 570 006, Karnataka, India
| | - L Mallesha
- PG Department of Chemistry, JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Mysuru 570025, Karnataka, India
| | - P Mallu
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru 570 006, Karnataka, India.
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Liu M, Landuyt B, Klaassen H, Geldhof P, Luyten W. Screening of a drug repurposing library with a nematode motility assay identifies promising anthelmintic hits against Cooperia oncophora and other ruminant parasites. Vet Parasitol 2018; 265:15-18. [PMID: 30638515 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes continue to cause significant economic losses in livestock globally. Given the limited number of anthelmintic drugs on the market and the currently increasing drug resistance, there is an urgent need for novel anthelmintics. Most motility assays of anthelmintic activity for parasitic nematodes are laborious and low throughput, and therefore not suitable for screening large compound libraries. Cooperia oncophora accounts for a large proportion of reports on the drug-resistance development of parasites globally. Therefore, using a WMicroTracker instrument, we established a practical, automated and low-cost whole-organism motility assay against exsheathed L3 stages (xL3s) of the ruminant parasite Cooperia oncophora, and screened a repurposing library comprising 2745 molecules. Fourteen known anthelmintics contained in this library were picked up in this blind screen, as well as four novel hits: thonzonium bromide, NH125, physostigmine sulfate, and EVP4593. The four hits were also active against xL3s of Ostertagia ostertagi, Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta using the same assay. Cytotoxicity testing showed that thonzonium bromide and NH125 (1-Benzyl-3-cetyl-2-methylimidazolium iodide) have significant cytotoxicity. EVP4593 (N(4)-(2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethyl)-4,6-quinazolinediamine) demonstrated a potent and broad anthelmintic activity, and a high selectivity index. Moreover, given its novel and unexplored chemical scaffold for anthelmintic activity, EVP4593 is an interesting anthelmintic hit for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxuan Liu
- Center of antibody drug, Institute of biomedicine and biotechnology, Shenzhen institutes of advanced technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bart Landuyt
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Klaassen
- Cistim Leuven vzw, Bioincubator 2, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke B-9820, Belgium
| | - Walter Luyten
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Ukil B, Kundu S, Lyndem LM. Functional Imaging of Neurotransmitters in Hymenolepis diminuta Treated with Senna Plant Through Light and Confocal Microscopy. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2018; 24:734-743. [PMID: 30420003 DOI: 10.1017/s143192761801526x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown the anthelmintic efficacy of Senna alata, Senna alexandrina and Senna occidentalis on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta through microscopic studies on morphological structure. The present study is based on the light and confocal microscopic studies to understand if Senna extracts affect neurotransmitter activity of the parasites. A standard concentration (40 mg/mL) of the three leaf extracts and one set of 0.005 mg/mL concentration of the reference drug praziquantel were tested against the parasites, keeping another set of parasites in phosphate buffer saline as a control. Histochemical studies were carried out using acetylthiocholine iodide as the substrate and acetylcholinesterase as the marker enzyme for studying the expression of the neurotransmitter of the parasite and the staining intensity was observed under a light microscope. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out using anti serotonin primary antibody and fluorescence tagged secondary antibody and observed using confocal microscopy. Intensity of the stain decreases in treated parasites compared with the control which implies loss of activity of the neurotransmitters. These observations indicated that Senna have a strong anthelmintic effect on the parasite model and thus pose as a potential anthelmintic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Ukil
- Parasitology Research Laboratory,Department of Zoology,Siksha Bhavana,Visva-Bharati University,Santiniketan 731235,West Bengal,India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Parasitology Research Laboratory,Department of Zoology,Siksha Bhavana,Visva-Bharati University,Santiniketan 731235,West Bengal,India
| | - Larisha Mawkhlieng Lyndem
- Parasitology Research Laboratory,Department of Zoology,Siksha Bhavana,Visva-Bharati University,Santiniketan 731235,West Bengal,India
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