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Phongsuwichetsak C, Suksrichavalit T, Chatupheeraphat C, Eiamphungporn W, Yainoy S, Yamkamon V. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17637. [PMID: 38966207 PMCID: PMC11223595 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. Methods Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Subsequent investigation into the underlying mechanism of EADR-induced apoptosis revealed a reduction in MMP as evidenced by JC-1 staining. Moreover, Western blotting demonstrated that EADR treatment resulted in the upregulation of BAX, downregulation of BCL-2, and elevation of caspase-3 cleavage in LNCaP cells. Notably, the epilupeol was a prominent compound in EADR as identified by GC-MS. Conclusion The EADR exhibits anti-cancer activity against the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line by inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that EADR promotes apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX, whereas downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 results in the reduction of MMP and the activation of caspase-3. Of particular interest is the presence of epilupeol, a major compound identified in EADR, which may hold promise as a candidate for the development of therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayisara Phongsuwichetsak
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Thummaruk Suksrichavalit
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chawalit Chatupheeraphat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Information, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Warawan Eiamphungporn
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sakda Yainoy
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Vichanan Yamkamon
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Abdel-Moez G, Sayed H, Khalifa A, Abd-Elrahman S, Osman M, Mohamed S. Evaluating anthelmintic, anti-platelet, and anti-coagulant activities, and identifying the bioactive phytochemicals of Amaranthus blitum L. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:183. [PMID: 38704537 PMCID: PMC11069165 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04478-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Highlighting affordable alternative crops that are rich in bioactive phytoconstituents is essential for advancing nutrition and ensuring food security. Amaranthus blitum L. (AB) stands out as one such crop with a traditional history of being used to treat intestinal disorders, roundworm infections, and hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and hematologic activities across various extracts of AB and investigate the phytoconstituents responsible for these activities. METHODS In vitro anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis was evaluated in terms of larval viability reduction. The anti-platelet activities were assessed based on the inhibitory effect against induced platelet aggregation. Further, effects on the extrinsic pathway, the intrinsic pathway, and the ultimate common stage of blood coagulation, were monitored through measuring blood coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT), respectively. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. RESULTS Interestingly, a previously undescribed compound (19), N-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan, was isolated and identified along with 21 known compounds. Significant in vitro larvicidal activities were demonstrated by the investigated AB extracts at 1 mg/mL. Among tested compounds, compound 18 (rutin) displayed the highest larvicidal activity. Moreover, compounds 19 and 20 (N-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan) induced complete larval death within 48 h. The crude extract exhibited the minimal platelet aggregation of 43.42 ± 11.69%, compared with 76.22 ± 14.34% in the control plasma. Additionally, the crude extract and two compounds 19 and 20 significantly inhibited the extrinsic coagulation pathway. CONCLUSIONS These findings extend awareness about the nutritional value of AB as a food, with thrombosis-preventing capabilities and introducing a promising source for new anthelmintic and anticoagulant agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Abdel-Moez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Azza Khalifa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Salwa Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71511, Egypt
| | - Shaymaa Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
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Singla RK, Wang X, Gundamaraju R, Joon S, Tsagkaris C, Behzad S, Khan J, Gautam R, Goyal R, Rakmai J, Dubey AK, Simal-Gandara J, Shen B. Natural products derived from medicinal plants and microbes might act as a game-changer in breast cancer: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:11880-11924. [PMID: 35838143 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2097196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent neoplasm among women. Genetic and environmental factors lead to BC development and on this basis, several preventive - screening and therapeutic interventions have been developed. Hormones, both in the form of endogenous hormonal signaling or hormonal contraceptives, play an important role in BC pathogenesis and progression. On top of these, breast microbiota includes both species with an immunomodulatory activity enhancing the host's response against cancer cells and species producing proinflammatory cytokines associated with BC development. Identification of novel multitargeted therapeutic agents with poly-pharmacological potential is a dire need to combat advanced and metastatic BC. A growing body of research has emphasized the potential of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants and microbial species as complementary BC treatment regimens, including dietary supplements and probiotics. In particular, extracts from plants such as Artemisia monosperma Delile, Origanum dayi Post, Urtica membranacea Poir. ex Savigny, Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Burdet & B.B. Simpson and metabolites extracted from microbes such as Deinococcus radiodurans and Streptomycetes strains as well as probiotics like Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus brevis MK05 have exhibited antitumor effects in the form of antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, increase in tumors' chemosensitivity, antioxidant activity and modulation of BC - associated molecular pathways. Further, bioactive compounds like 3,3'-diindolylmethane, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, rutin, resveratrol, lycopene, sulforaphane, silibinin, rosmarinic acid, and shikonin are of special interest for the researchers and clinicians because these natural agents have multimodal action and act via multiple ways in managing the BC and most of these agents are regularly available in our food and fruit diets. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that such products had major potential in enhancing the effectiveness of conventional antitumor agents and decreasing their side effects. We here provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects and mechanistic underpinnings of medicinal plants and microbial metabolites in BC management. The future perspectives on the translation of these findings to the personalized treatment of BC are provided and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Singla
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation, New Delhi, India
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rohit Gundamaraju
- ER Stress and Mucosal Immunology Lab, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shikha Joon
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sahar Behzad
- Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Johra Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rupesh Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur, Haryana, India
| | - Rajat Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur, Haryana, India
| | - Jaruporn Rakmai
- Kasetsart Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Product Improvement Institute (KAPI), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, Ourense, Spain
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Dos Santos Dantas T, Machado JCB, Dos Santos ECF, de Oliveira AM, Raimundo E Silva JP, Tavares JF, Assunção Ferreira MR, Soares LAL. Phytochemical profile analysis by LC-ESI-MS n and LC-HR-ESI-MS and validated HPLC method for quantification of rutin in herbal drug and products from leaves of Croton blanchetianus. Biomed Chromatogr 2023; 37:e5665. [PMID: 37118901 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemical analysis of Croton blanchetianus leaves was performed by. After that, a high performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of rutin in herbal drug and products of C. blanchetianus. The separation was achieved on a C18 column, and the mobile phase was composed of ultrapure water and methanol (acidified with trifluoroacetic acid) with a gradient of 0.8 ml/min. The method was validated following international guidelines. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids. Among them rutin was used as the standard for validation. In the HPLC the presence of rutin was observed at 24.7 min. The method was robust, with no significant variations, and linear in the range evaluated with R2 > 0.99. Regarding the matrix effect, it was possible to prove the absence of interference of the constituents in the herbal drug. The precision was determined with a relative standard deviation of <1.34%. The recovery results were achieved between 89.29 and 101.21%. Furthermore, with partial validation, the method was proved to be suitable for the liquid extract, dry extract and effervescent granules. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the method is effective for the quality control analysis of C. blanchetianus leaves and products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainá Dos Santos Dantas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Josean Fechine Tavares
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Alberto Lira Soares
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Buddhachat K, Sriuan S, Nak-On S, Chontananarth T. Differentiating paramphistome species in cattle using DNA barcoding coupled with high-resolution melting analysis (Bar-HRM). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:769-779. [PMID: 36604333 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Paramphistomosis is caused by paramphistome or amphistome parasites, including Fischoederius elongatus, Gastrothylax crumenifer, Orthocoelium parvipapillatum, and Paramphistomum epiclitum. The control and prevention of these parasite outbreaks are difficult because of the wide occurrence of these species. Besides, the clinical manifestations and their egg characteristics are similar to those of other intestinal flukes in the paramphistome group, leading to misdiagnosis. Here, we employed DNA barcoding using NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone, alpha 1) (ND1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), coupled with high-resolution melting analysis (Bar-HRM), for species differentiation. As a result, ParND1_3 and ParCOI4 resulted in positive amplification in the paramphistomes and Fasciola gigantica, with significantly different melting curves for each species. The melting temperatures of each species obtained clearly differed. Regarding sensitivity, the limit of detection (LoD) for all species of paramphistomes was 1 pg/µl. Our findings suggest that Bar-HRM using ParND1_3 is highly suitable for the differentiation of paramphistome species. This approach can be used in parasite detection and epidemiological studies in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittisak Buddhachat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.,Excellence Center in Veterinary Biosciences, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sirikhwan Sriuan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Sirapat Nak-On
- Applied Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
| | - Thapana Chontananarth
- Applied Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand. .,Research and Innovation Unit for Diagnosis of Medical and Veterinary Important Parasites, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand.
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Yin K, Yang J, Wang F, Wang Z, Xiang P, Xie X, Sun J, He X, Zhang X. A preliminary study of the chemical composition and bioactivity of Bombax ceiba L. flower and its potential mechanism in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-flight mass spectrometry and network pharmacology analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1018733. [PMID: 36313078 PMCID: PMC9608341 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1018733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to preliminary investigate the phytochemistry, bioactivity, hypoglycemic potential, and mechanism of action of Bombax ceiba L. flower (BCF), a wild edible and food plant in China. By using methanol extraction and liquid-liquid extraction, the crude extract (CE) of BCF and its petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (n-BuOH), and aqueous (AQ) fractions were obtained, and their chemical components and biological activities were evaluated. Further high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was carried out to identify and quantify the active constituents of BFC and its five fractions, and the phytochemical composition of the best-performing fraction was then analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Finally, a network pharmacology strategy based on the chemical profile of this fraction was applied to speculate its main hypoglycemic mechanism. Results revealed the excellent biological activities of BCF, especially the EtOAc fraction. In addition to the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (367.72 μg RE/mg E) and total phenolics content (TPC) (47.97 μg GAE/mg E), EtOAc showed the strongest DPPH⋅ scavenging ability (IC50 value = 29.56 μg/mL), ABTS⋅+ scavenging ability (IC50 value = 84.60 μg/mL), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (889.62 μg FeSO4/mg E), which were stronger than the positive control BHT. EtOAc also exhibited the second-best α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity and second-best acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory capacity with the IC50 values of 2.85 and 3.27 mg/mL, respectively. Also, EtOAc inhibited HepG2, MCF-7, Raw264.7, and A549 cell with IC50 values of 1.08, 1.62, 0.77, and 0.87 mg/mL, which were the second or third strongest in all fractions. Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed significant differences in the compounds’ abundance between different fractions. Among them, EtOAc had the most detected compounds and the highest content. According to the results of UPLC/Q-TOF-MS, 38 compounds were identified in EtOAc, including 24 phenolic acids and 6 flavonoids. Network pharmacological analysis further confirmed 41 potential targets of EtOAc in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and intracellular receptor signaling pathways, unsaturated fatty acid, and DNA transcription pathways were the most possible mechanisms. These findings suggested that BCF was worthwhile to be developed as an antioxidant and anti-diabetic food/drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehong Yin
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinmei Yang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing Xie
- National R&D Center for Freshwater Fish Processing, College of Health, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Storage-Processing Technology, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Xuemei He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Storage-Processing Technology, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China,*Correspondence: Xuemei He,
| | - Xuechun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Storage-Processing Technology, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China,Xuechun Zhang,
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Trailovic SM, Rajkovic M, Marjanovic DS, Neveu C, Charvet CL. Action of Carvacrol on Parascaris sp. and Antagonistic Effect on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060505. [PMID: 34073197 PMCID: PMC8226574 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parascaris sp. is the only ascarid parasitic nematode in equids and one of the most threatening infectious organisms in horses. Only a limited number of compounds are available for treatment of horse helminthiasis, and Parascaris sp. worms have developed resistance to the three major anthelmintic families. In order to overcome the appearance of resistance, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. The active ingredients of herbal essential oils are potentially effective antiparasitic drugs. Carvacrol is one of the principal chemicals of essential oil from Origanum, Thymus, Coridothymus, Thymbra, Satureja and Lippia herbs. However, the antiparasitic mode of action of carvacrol is poorly understood. Here, the objective of the work was to characterize the activity of carvacrol on Parascaris sp. nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function both in vivo with the use of worm neuromuscular flap preparations and in vitro with two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology on nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We developed a neuromuscular contraction assay for Parascaris body flaps and obtained acetylcholine concentration-dependent contraction responses. Strikingly, we observed that 300 µM carvacrol fully and irreversibly abolished Parascaris sp. muscle contractions elicited by acetylcholine. Similarly, carvacrol antagonized acetylcholine-induced currents from both the nicotine-sensitive AChR and the morantel-sensitive AChR subtypes. Thus, we show for the first time that body muscle flap preparation is a tractable approach to investigating the pharmacology of Parascaris sp. neuromuscular system. Our results suggest an intriguing mode of action for carvacrol, being a potent antagonist of muscle nAChRs of Parascaris sp. worms, which may account for its antiparasitic potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa M. Trailovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.M.T.); (M.R.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Milan Rajkovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.M.T.); (M.R.); (D.S.M.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djordje S. Marjanovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.M.T.); (M.R.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Cédric Neveu
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Claude L. Charvet
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
- Correspondence:
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