Metabolic effects of anthelminthic drugs in the larval stage of the cestode Taenia crassiceps, cysticercosis experimental model - A review

Taenia crassiceps is an experimental model used for cysticercosis studies and has suffered metabolic analyzes regarding the effect of anthelminthic drugs. The metabolic analyses are useful tools to determine the drugs mode of action and the parasite`s survival mechanisms. The energetic pathways are good candidates for this kind of approach as they are essential for the parasite`s survival and adaptation to the environment. In this review we discuss the anthelminthic drugs mode of action and its metabolic impact on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.

The influence of Farmatan® and Flimabend® on the mucosal immunity of broiler chicken1

The aim of the present study was to monitor selected parameters of mucosal immunity in jejunum and ileum (immunoglobulin A [IgA], mucin 2 [MUC-2], and pro-inflammatory cytokines) in commercial broiler farm chicken after treatment with flubendazole (Flimabend®) and natural extract from chestnut wood (Farmatan®). A total of 24 forty-day-old Kalimero-Super Master hybrid chickens were divided into 4 groups (n = 6): the Fli group received Flimabend® per os, 100 mg/g suspension in 1.43 mg of active substance/kg body weight during 7 d of experiment; the Far group received Farmatan®per os at 0.2% concentration for 6 h/d during 5 d (experimental d 3 to 7); the Far + Fli group received a combination of doses administered in the same way as for the first two groups; and the C group represented control with no active substance administration. The concentrations of secretory IgA (sIgA) and MUC-2 and relative expression of selected immune parameters were evaluated. Our results show strong suppressive effect of the Farmatan® and Flimabend® combination on relative expression of IL-1β and IL-18 in selected parts of the intestine. On the other hand, administration of natural extract from selected chestnut wood (Farmatan®) increased expression of total IgA as well as concentration of sIgA in the studied parts of the chicken intestine. Moreover, expression and concentration of MUC-2 was positively affected by addition of Farmatan®. In contrast, 7-d administration of Flimabend® resulted in upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease in IgA and MUC-2 gene expression. In conclusion, for maintenance of mucosal immunity via activation of IgA and mucin production, the long-term preventive use of Farmatan® is a suitable choice.