Absence of ST3Gal2 and ST3Gal4 sialyltransferase expressions in the nurse cell of Trichinella spiralis

This study was aimed to describe some glycosylation changes in the Nurse cell of Trichinella spiralis in mouse skeletal muscle. Tissue specimens were subjected to lectin histochemistry with Maackia amurensis lectin (MAL), Peanut agglutinin (PNA) and neuraminidase desialylation in order to verify and analyse the structure of α-2,3-sialylated glycoproteins, discovered within the affected sarcoplasm. The expressions of two sialyltransferases were examined by immunohistochemistry. It was found out that the occupied portion of skeletal muscle cell responded with synthesis of presumable sialyl-T-antigen and α-2,3-sialyllactosamine structure, that remained accumulated during the time course of Nurse cell development. The enzymes β-galactoside-α-2,3-sialyltransferases 2 and 4, which could be responsible for the sialylation of each of these structures, were however not present in the invaded muscle portions, although their expressions in the healthy surrounding tissue remained persistent. Our results contribute to the progressive understanding about the amazing abilities of Trichinella spiralis to manipulate the genetic programme of its host.

Antineoplastic effects of erufosine on Graffi myeloid tumour in hamsters

Cancer has become one of the most significant health challenges for both human and veterinary medicine. The present study examined the antineoplastic and antimetastatic activity of the novel membrane-targeting anticancer agent erufosine. The antitumour effects of erufosine on Graffi virus-induced experimental myeloid tumour in hamsters was assessed by histopathological methods and evaluation of some biometric parameters of tumour growth. Two schemes of experimental antitumour therapy were applied - one that started simultaneously with the tumour transplantation and a second one that started after the appearance of palpable tumours. The results demonstrated protective antitumour effect of erufosine, expressed by decrease of transplantability, tumour growth inhibition, suppression of metastatic activity and extension of mean survival time. The effectivity of the experimental therapy was more pronounced when it was started simultaneously with the transplantation of the tumour cells. Presented results suggest that erufosine is a promising drug candidate for treatment of haematological malignances.