Deworming Agent Research Articles

Effects of Slender Carpetweed (Mollugo oppositifolia) Extract on Intestinal Worms of Native Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Poultry is the fastest growing component and one of the most efficient and effective means of food supply to the society in the form of meat and egg. Parasitic infections lead to low productivity and increased mortality in poultry. A total of forty-five (45) apparently healthy Philippine native chickens, regardless of sex and weight, ranging from 4-6 months of age, were randomly distributed in five (5) treatments. Each treatment was replicated thrice with three (3) birds per replication following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Simple Test Tube Flotation was used to establish which parasite groups are present in the fecal samples. The McMaster technique was also used as a counting chamber which enables a known volume (2 x 0.15 ml) of fecal suspension to be examined microscopically. The number of eggs per gram was calculated by counting the number of eggs within the grid of each chamber which gave the data on eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. The results revealed in T4 (1ml) slender carpet weed extract and T5 (1.5ml) have anthelmintic potentials when used in native chickens. Thus, slender carpet weed extract is an effective deworming agent. Slender carpet weed extract is effective in lowering the egg per gram of intestinal parasites found in native chickens. The optimum volume to ensure effectivity is 1.5 ml which revealed the strongest effect in reducing intestinal worms.

Identification of antiparasitic drug targets using a multi-omics workflow in the acanthocephalan model

BackgroundWith the expansion of animal production, parasitic helminths are gaining increasing economic importance. However, application of several established deworming agents can harm treated hosts and environment due to their low specificity. Furthermore, the number of parasite strains showing resistance is growing, while hardly any new anthelminthics are being developed. Here, we present a bioinformatics workflow designed to reduce the time and cost in the development of new strategies against parasites. The workflow includes quantitative transcriptomics and proteomics, 3D structure modeling, binding site prediction, and virtual ligand screening. Its use is demonstrated for Acanthocephala (thorny-headed worms) which are an emerging pest in fish aquaculture. We included three acanthocephalans (Pomphorhynchus laevis, Neoechinorhynchus agilis, Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae) from four fish species (common barbel, European eel, thinlip mullet, tambaqui).ResultsThe workflow led to eleven highly specific candidate targets in acanthocephalans. The candidate targets showed constant and elevated transcript abundances across definitive and accidental hosts, suggestive of constitutive expression and functional importance. Hence, the impairment of the corresponding proteins should enable specific and effective killing of acanthocephalans. Candidate targets were also highly abundant in the acanthocephalan body wall, through which these gutless parasites take up nutrients. Thus, the candidate targets are likely to be accessible to compounds that are orally administered to fish. Virtual ligand screening led to ten compounds, of which five appeared to be especially promising according to ADMET, GHS, and RO5 criteria: tadalafil, pranazepide, piketoprofen, heliomycin, and the nematicide derquantel.ConclusionsThe combination of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics led to a broadly applicable procedure for the cost- and time-saving identification of candidate target proteins in parasites. The ligands predicted to bind can now be further evaluated for their suitability in the control of acanthocephalans. The workflow has been deposited at the Galaxy workflow server under the URL tinyurl.com/yx72rda7.

Effects of Dibutyltin Exposures on Translation Regulatory Factors eIF4E, eIF4B, and S6 in Human Immune Cells

Dibutyltin (DBT) is an organotin that contaminates the environment due to its uses as a stabilizer in polyvinylchloride, PVC plastics and as a deworming agent in certain poultry products. DBT has been found in drinking water and other beverages due to leaching from PVC plastics used during the distribution of drinking water and storage of beverages such as beers and wines. DBT has been found in human blood at levels as high as 0.3μM. Inflammatory cytokines are key mediators in the response to injury or infection. However, if their levels are increased in the absence of a necessary immune response, chronic inflammation is possible. Chronic inflammation is associated with various disorders including, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. DBT can increase the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in human immune cells. DBT appears to utilize the ERK 1/2 and/or p38 MAPK pathways to stimulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in immune cells. MAPK pathways are capable of regulating translation including processes leading to the phosphorylation (activation) of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), eIF4B, and the S6 ribosomal subunit. The current study examines the levels and phosphorylation state of eIF4E, eIF4B and S6 after 6‐hour and 24‐hour exposures to DBT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). DBT (at all concentrations) caused a robust increase in phosphorylation (activation) of eIF4B (S406) within 6‐hour exposure across all donors. Additionally, elevated levels of phosphorylated and total S6 were observed at 0.1 μM in all donors in 6‐hour exposures. At 24 hours of exposure, increases in P‐S6, S6 and P‐eIF4B (S406) begin to taper off with increases observed sporadically amongst donors. These results suggest that DBT may be in part elevating the production of key pro‐inflammatory cytokines in immune cells by its ability to activate translation.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Horse Body Weight Estimation Methods.

Simple SummaryHorse body weight estimation and monitoring of the weight variations are necessary to determine the amount of feed and feed additives for the proper functioning of the animal. Due to the cost and practical challenge of weighing horses on a large scale, several alternative methods for estimating the body weight of horses have been developed. One of them is to determine a horse’s body weight using a formula. The aim of the study was to evaluate established formulae for estimating horse body weight from data gathered using measurement tape. The investigation was conducted on a group of 299 adult horses of five breeds: ponies, Polish Noble Half Breed, Silesian Breed, Wielkopolski Breed and Thoroughbred. For each horse, body measurements were performed and the actual body weight of the horses was measured with an electronic scales. The horse’s body weight measurements were compared with the result of seven different formulae. It was found that the use of formulae for body weight estimation can be useful in determining feed dosages and additives, medicines, or deworming agents.Methods of estimating horse body weight using mathematical formulae have better accuracy than methods of reading body weight from measuring tape. The aim of the study was to evaluate established formulae for estimating horse body weight from data gathered using measurement tape. The research was conducted in a group of 299 adult horses and ponies of selected breeds: ponies (n = 58), Polish Noble Half Breed (n = 150), Silesian Breed (n = 23), Wielkopolski Breed (n = 52), and Thoroughbred (n = 16). Body measurements were performed on each horse using a measuring stick and tape. The actual body weight of the horses was measured with electronic scale. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for individual breeds of horses. In each of the research groups formulae were selected, the results of which were closest to the actual horse body weight readings. The use of formulae for body weight estimation can be useful in determining feed dosages and additives, medicines or deworming agents. Regular weight measurement is important for maintaining a healthy horse.

Dibutyltin alters immune cell production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-6: role of mitogen-activated protein kinases and changes in mRNA.

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used to stabilize plastics and as a deworming agent in some poultry. It is found in human blood (levels as high as 0.3 μM). Interleukin (IL) 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 are pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by lymphocytes, monocytes, and other cells. Elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-6 have been associated with pathologies including rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. DBT was shown to decrease IL-1β and IL-6 secretion from immune cells at higher concentrations while causing increases at lower concentrations. However, it was not clear if these changes were due to DBT's alteration of the secretory process or due its ability to change cellular synthesis/production of these proteins. This study addresses this question, as well as mechanisms for any observed changes in synthesis/production. Monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MD-PBMCs) were exposed to DBT at concentrations of 5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, and 0.05 μM for 1, 6, and 24 h and the production (combination of secreted and intracellular levels from the same cells) of both IL-1β and IL-6 were measured. Effects of selected DBT exposures on cytokine production were also examined in PBMCs and DBT's effects were similar when monocytes were present. The 24-h exposures to DBT decreased production of both IL-1β and IL-6 at the two highest concentrations but increased production at lower concentrations. Both decreases and increases in cytokine production appear to be explained by DBT-induced changes in mRNA levels. DBT-induced increases in cellular production of the cytokines appear to require p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways.

Analysis of Chemical Constituents and Antiparasitic Activities of the Extracts of Imperata cylindrica

With little known pharmacological potentials, Imperata cylindrica is infamous as an invasive grass. But to the Mizo people, the rhizome-root part is a convenient and potent remedy for intestinal helminthiasis. It is an acclaimed effective deworming agent against both tapeworm and roundworm infections, which makes it more interesting for the fact that antiparasitic drugs are usually active against a particular group of helminthic worms. GC-MS analysis of the chloroform extract indicated the presence of 13 volatile compounds, among which trans-13-Octadecenoic acid was by far, at relative abundance of 98.4%, the most abundant. There were 17 compounds in the petroleum ether extract with n-hexadecanoic acid at relative abundance of 99.7% is the major compound. Biologically active compounds such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 6-methylenebicyclo [3.2.0] hept-3-en-2-one, campesterol, and stigmasterol were detected. An in vitro test showed that both the extracts were effective against the tapeworm Raillietina echinobothrida but only the chloroform at the highest concentration (20 mg/ml) was effective on the roundworm Ascaridia galli. These data imply that the plant extracts are a potential source of antiparasitic compounds.

Community feedback on the JustMilk Nipple Shield Delivery System in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background Infant medication administration is a major public health challenge, especially in rural or low-resource areas. The JustMilk Nipple Shield Delivery System (NSDS) is a novel method of infant medication delivery designed to address some of these challenges. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability of the JustMilk NSDS in selected communities in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, South Africa. Methods Data was collected through 39 semi-structured interviews with infant caretakers and health workers in the Vhembe District. Interviews were transcribed and coded into themes, which were verified by an independent coder. Results Four themes arose around acceptability of the JustMilk NSDS: input on device design, perceived benefits of the device, perceived barriers to community acceptance, and suggested device applications. Participants expressed positivity about the NSDS concept. Potential for increased dosing accuracy was stated as the main positive attribute of the NSDS. Potential stigma was noted, and the need for an education program about the device was discussed. No major community barriers to NSDS use were noted. Acetaminophen and de-worming agents were suggested as potential applications for the device. Conclusion Participants were enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the NSDS and were interested in using the device to deliver medication to infants. Design suggestions, especially to combat potential stigma of device use, will be thoroughly considered by the researchers. This study was a positive step forward in developing the NSDS as a novel method of medication delivery to breastfeeding infants, particularly in rural or low-resource areas.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cystic echinococcosis and sheep herding in Peru: a mixed-methods approach

BackgroundThe parasitic disease, cystic echinococcosis (CE), is prevalent in low-income, livestock-raising communities and 2000 new people will be diagnosed this year in South America alone. The disease usually passes from livestock to dogs to humans, making it a zoonotic disease and part of the One Health Initiative. Control of CE has been infamously difficult; no endemic areas of South America have succeeded in maintaining sustainable eradication of the parasite.For the current study, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural sheep farmers and other community leaders regarding their sheep herding practices and perspectives about a control program for CE. We also hope to identify potential barriers and opportunities that could occur in a control program.The authors conducted Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) surveys and semi-structured interviews in rural communities in the highlands of Peru. The KAP surveys were administered to 51 local shepherds, and the semi-structured interviews were administered to 40 individuals, including shepherds, community leaders, and health care providers.ResultsWe found that the shepherds already deworm their sheep at a median of 2 times per year (N = 49, range 2–4) and have a mean willingness-to-pay of U.S. $ 0.60 for dog dewormer medication (N = 20, range = 0.00- $2.00 USD). We were not able to learn the deworming agent or agents that were being used, for neither sheep nor dogs. Additionally, 90% of shepherds slaughter their own sheep (N = 49). We also learned that the main barriers to an effective control program include: lack of education about the cause and control options for CE, accessibility to the distant communities and sparse grazing pastures, and a lack of economic incentive.ConclusionsFindings suggest it may be feasible to develop an effective CE control program which can be used to create an improved protocol to control CE in the region.

Uso antropocéntrico del guaje Leucaena esculenta (Moc. y Sessé Ex. DC.) Benth, en dos comunidades de la mixteca baja oaxaqueña.

The aim of this study was to quantify by means of canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) the use of guaje in food and traditional medicine, as well as the level of knowledge of this plant in the communities of Santiago Huajolotitlan and S. Cacaloxtepec in the mixteca baja region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Stratified random sampling was performed and a questionnaire was applied in each community. Subsequently the maximum potential knowledge value of each respondent (MP) was calculated, and data analysis was performed using canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The MP was (0.87) for the community of S. Huajolotitlan and (0.81) for S. Cacaloxtepec, which showed that the respondents have knowledge about the biology and medicinal use of guaje. The CDA showed significant difference (α = 0.05) in how to prepare guaje in both communities in Huajolotitlan, 55.3% prepare guaje in sauce, 8.3% in guaximole. With regard to diseases related to parasites, the variation percentage was 57%, whereas it was 21% for stomach pain. In Cacaloxtepec, 30% of respondents consume guaje in sauce. The variation percentage for medicinal use was 35% for deworming and 16% for making handicrafts. It is concluded that the main use of guaje in both communities is as food, the seeds being the main edible structure, and as a deworming agent, for which the bark is used.

Dibutyltin-induced alterations of interleukin 1beta secretion from human immune cells.

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used to stabilize polyvinyl chloride plastics (including pipes that distribute drinking water) and as a de-worming agent in poultry. DBT is found in human blood, and DBT exposures alter the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma from lymphocytes. Interleukin (IL)-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine that regulates cellular growth, tissue restoration and immune response regulation. IL-1β plays a role in increasing invasiveness of certain tumors. This study reveals that exposures to DBT (24 h, 48 h and 6 days) modify the secretion of IL-1β from increasingly reconstituted preparations of human immune cells (highly enriched human natural killer cells, monocyte-depleted [MD] peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs], PBMCs, granulocytes and a preparation combining both PBMCs and granulocytes). DBT altered IL-1β secretion from all cell preparations. Higher concentrations of DBT (5 and 2.5 μm) decreased the secretion of IL-1β, while lower concentrations of DBT (0.1 and 0.05 μm) increased the secretion of IL-1β. Selected signaling pathways were examined in MD-PBMCs to determine if they play a role in DBT-induced elevations of IL-1β secretion. Pathways examined were IL-1β converting enzyme (caspase 1), mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa B. Caspase 1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways appear to be utilized by DBT in increasing IL-1β secretion. These results indicate that DBT alters IL-1β secretion from human immune cells in an ex. vivo system utilizing several IL-1β regulating signaling pathways. Thus, DBT may have the potential to alter IL-1β secretion in an in vivo system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bioanalytical methods for quantitation of levamisole, a widespread cocaine adulterant

Abstract Levamisole is an anthelminthic that was first used as a de-worming agent in humans and animals. It has also been used to treat inflammatory conditions as well as certain types of cancer. Levamisole was discontinued for human use in the early 21st century due to toxic side effects including agranulocytosis and vasculitis. Recently, levamisole was discovered as a cocaine adulterant after reports emerged of drug users with the above disorders. As the prevalence of cocaine usage has grown in the last 15 years, measurement of levamisole in human samples has become increasingly important. This review focuses on the various bioanalytical methods available for the determination of levamisole in human plasma and urine. Earlier methods employed gas chromatography coupled with nitrogen-selective thermionic specific detection and nitrogen-phosphorus detection, as well as high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have also been described. Currently, GC-MS appears to be the method of choice however recent developments in the area of LC-MS/MS make this technology an attractive alternative. The merits of both GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for the determination of levamisole are evaluated on the basis of sample preparation, chromatographic separation conditions, run time, and analytical performance. In addition, emerging methods in this area are also reviewed.

Tributyltin and dibutyltin alter secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha from human natural killer cells and a mixture of T cells and natural killer cells.

Butyltins (BTs) have been in widespread use. Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as a biocide in a variety of applications and is found in human blood samples. Dibutyltin (DBT) has been used as a stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride plastics and as a de-worming agent in poultry. DBT, like TBT, is found in human blood. Human natural killer (NK) cells are the earliest defense against tumors and viral infections and secrete the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). TNF-α is an important regulator of adaptive and innate immune responses. TNF-α promotes inflammation and an association between malignant transformation and inflammation has been established. Previously, we have shown that TBT and DBT were able to interfere with the ability of NK cells to lyse tumor target cells. Here we show that BTs alter cytokine secretion by NK cells as well as a mixture of T and NK lymphocytes (T/NK cells). We examined 24-, 48-h and 6-day exposures to TBT (200-2.5 nM) and DBT (5-0.05 μM) on TNF-α secretion by highly enriched human NK cells and T/NK cells. The results indicate that TBT (200-2.5 nM) decreased TNF-α secretion from NK cells. In the T/NK cells, 200 nM TBT decreased secretion whereas 100-5 nM TBT increased secretion of TNF-α. NK cells or T/NK cells exposed to higher concentrations of DBT showed decreased TNF-α secretion whereas lower concentrations showed increased secretion. The effects of BTs on TNF-α secretion are seen at concentrations present in human blood.

Isolated Muscular Cysticercosis: A Rare Pseudotumor and Diagnostic Challenge, can It be treated Nonoperatively? A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Cysticercosis, an infection with the larval form of pork tape worm, Taenia solium, commonly presents with multiple muscular cysts or CNS involvement. Due to vague clinical presentation and unfamiliarity of clinicians with this entity, it is difficult to diagnosis when seen as an isolated cyst. Traditional treatment is surgical excision and a course of deworming agents. We present two cases of isolated muscular cysticercosis diagnosed by USG, MRI and blood tests, who responded successfully to oral medication without need of operative intervention. Case reports A 45-year-old male patient had a tender 2 week swelling of 4 × 5 cm on medial right proximal calf. A 26-year male presented with discomfort and diffuse 6 cm swelling at inner left forearm. In both ultrasound showed characteristic hypoechoic cyst with hyperechoic scolex, and MRI revealed isolated cyst surrounded by inflamed muscles. FNAC confirmed cysticercosis, and the patient responded to oral albendazole (3 weeks) with oral steroids (2 weeks). Conclusion Although rare, possibility of isolated muscular cysticercosis should always be considered in any small musculoskeletal soft tissue swelling presenting with nonspecific clinical findings. Both our patients responded to medical therapy and were disease free, as confirmed at 3 months by follow-up MRI. These cysts can be confidently diagnosed on the basis of ultrasound and MRI, and can be very well-treated nonsurgically with an oral drug regimen consisting of albendazole and steroid. How to cite this article Rangdal SS, Prabhakar S, Dhatt S S, Prakash M, Dhillon MS. Isolated Muscular Cysticercosis: A Rare Pseudotumor and Diagnostic Challenge, can It be treated Nonoperatively? A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(1):43-48.

Perceptions of a literate community regarding causation, presentation and treatment practices of intestinal worms among children.

To find out the perceived common causes of intestinal worms, their presentations and treatment options taken by the respondents, among children. A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Urban suburbs of Karachi during April and June 2004. A total of 2000 families responded to a self-administered questionnaire that was designed to obtain the study objectives. A single adult individual from each family was asked to respond to the questionnaire. Families having health care workers or health professionals were excluded. Medical students were properly trained to ensure competence in collecting a reliable data. The majority of the total respondents were females (66.3%) and were between 15-25 years of age (mean age = 25.4 years) with 100% literacy rate. A noticeable number of respondents (31%) revealed that overeating of sugar causes intestinal worms and that they mainly presented as altered eating habits / appetite (51.8%), abdominal pain (40.8%) and generalized weakness (26.3%). Regarding perceptions of drug treatment, nearly 2/3 of the respondents felt that the de-worming agent should be given to suspected child only (p<0.001), whereas 65% of the participants expected to observe worms after de-worming treatment (p<0.001). Contrary to the common use of self-medication in most other illnesses, self-treatment of worms on suspicion was declared by only 21.5% of the respondents (p<0.0001). This study confirms that misconceptions about intestinal worms in children were prevalent within the community. In addition to the issue of environmental sanitation, removal of the mistaken beliefs is a prerequisite for an effective and long-lasting parasitic control among children.

Sericea lespedeza hay as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats

Infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), particularly Haemonchus contortus, is the biggest constraint to profitable goat production in the United States (US). Due to widespread prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in goat GIN, alternative, non-chemical control methodologies are needed to increase profitability of small ruminant industries. A study was designed to test the efficacy of a high condensed tannin (CT) legume, sericea lespedeza [SL, Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours. G. Don)] against GIN of goats fed in confinement. The goats were given a trickle infection of 500 H. contortus larvae/animal three times per week during the trial to simulate natural infection. Twenty Boer bucks (6–8 months old) were fed bermudagrass [BG, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay plus concentrate for 5 weeks in confinement and then 10 animals were switched to SL hay for an additional 7 weeks. Throughout the trial, feces and blood were collected weekly from individual animals to determine fecal egg count (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV). Fecal cultures were made weekly from pooled samples to determine treatment effects on GIN larval development. All goats were slaughtered at the end of the trial, with adult worms in the abomasum and small intestine of each goat recovered, counted, and identified to species. Feeding SL hay to goats significantly ( P < 0.01) reduced FEC and increased PCV compared with BG hay. In addition, a lower percentage of ova in feces from SL-fed goats developed into infective (L3) larvae. There was a direct effect of SL hay on adult worms, with significantly ( P < 0.01) lower numbers of both abomasal ( H. contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta) and small intestinal ( Trichostrongylus colubriformis) nematodes compared with goats fed BG hay. Feeding SL hay to goats is an effective means of controlling parasitic nematodes and may be a potential supplement/replacement for chemical anthelmintics.

Comparison of Dectomax® and Valbazen® on feedlot steer performance and carcass traits (2005)

Two hundred thirty-nine steers were fed at the K-State Agricultural Research Southeast Agricultural Research Center Center- Hays to compare the effects of different deworming agents on feedlot performance and carcass traits. This experiment consisted of two replications with steers being fed a finishing diet based on ground sorghum-grain for approximately 100 days. Before the start of each replication, steers were commingled for approximately 30 days and then stratified into high- and low-marbling groups via ultrasound measurements. Within each marbling group, steers were randomly allotted to a treatment. Treatments consisted of an oral application of Valbazen® or a subcutaneous injection of Dectomax® dewormer. Dosages of deworming products followed label instructions. At time of treatment and 12 days later, fecal grab samples were analyzed for indications of internal parasite infestation. Both deworming agents reduced fecal egg counts. Feedlot performance, as measured by daily gain and feed efficiency, was unaffected by treatment. Dectomax®-treated cattle had greater marbling scores and had a greater percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice or greater than did cattle given Valbazen®. Steers receiving Dectomax® had thicker backfat and greater Yield Grade measurements than did the Valbazen®-treated steers. Other carcass traits were similar between treatment groups. Our data indicate that both Dectomax® and Valbazen® deworming agents can effectively reduce internal parasites, but feedlot steers given Dectomax® had more intramuscular and external fat deposition.

Expression of functionally relevant cell surface markers in dibutyltin-exposed human natural killer cells

Butyltin (BT) compounds are known for their worldwide contamination. Dibutyltin (DBT) is used as a stabilizer in plastic products, and as a deworming agent in poultry. Poultry products have been shown to contain measurable levels of DBT. Drinking water has also been reported to contain BTs due to leaching from PVC pipes. We, and others, have found measurable levels of DBT in human blood. BTs appear to increase the risk of cancer and other viral infections in exposed individuals. In previous studies we have shown that the tumor killing function of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes was greatly diminished after as little as a 1 h exposure to DBT and the inhibition continued even after removal of the compound. We also showed that there was a significant decrease in NK cell lysis of K562 target cells after an exposure to 1.5 μM DBT for 24 h. This 24 h exposure also decreased the ability of NK cells to bind to tumor cells. Loss of binding function was not seen when NK cells were exposed to 5–10 μM DBT for 1 h. However, NK cells exposed to 5 μM DBT for 1 h and then incubated in DBT-free media for 24, 48, or 96 h, showed a significant loss of tumor-binding function within 24 h. The effects of DBT exposure on seven cell surface molecules that are involved in NK-cell interactions with target cells were investigated. The results indicated that the exposure of NK cells to 1.5 μM DBT for 24 h decreased the expression of CD2, CD11a, CD16, CD11c. There was no decrease in expression of any of the markers studied when NK cells were exposed to 5 μM DBT for 1 h, consistent with the fact that a 1-h exposure had no effect on the ability of NK cells to bind tumor cells. However, when NK cells were exposed to 5 μM DBT for 1 h followed by 24, 48 or 96 h incubations in DBT-free media there was decreased expression of several of the cells surface molecules with the most dramatic decreases being in CD16 and CD56.

Plants as De-Worming Agents of Livestock in the Nordic Countries: Historical Perspective, Popular Beliefs and Prospects for the Future

Preparations derived from plants were the original therapeutic interventions used by man to control diseases (including parasites), both within humans and livestock. Development of herbal products depended upon local botanical flora with the result that different remedies tended to develop in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, in some instances, the same or related plants were used over wide geographic regions, which also was the result of communication and/or the importation of plant material of high repute. Thus, the Nordic countries have an ancient, rich and diverse history of plant derived anthelmintic medications for human and animal use. Although some of the more commonly used herbal de-wormers were derived from imported plants, or their products, many are from endemic plants or those that thrive in the Scandinavian environment. With the advent of the modern chemotherapeutic era, and the discovery, development and marketing of a seemingly unlimited variety of highly efficacious, safe synthetic chemicals with very wide spectra of activities, herbal remedies virtually disappeared from the consciousness – at least in the Western world. This attitude is now rapidly changing. There is a widespread resurgence in natural product medication, driven by major threats posed by multi-resistant pest, or disease, organisms and the diminishing public perceptions that synthetic chemicals are the panacea to health and disease control. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the depth of historical Nordic information available on herbal de-wormers, with emphasis on livestock and to provide some insights on potentially rewarding areas of "re-discovery" and scientific evaluation in this field.