Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices Induce Cell Death in WEHI-164 Fibrosarcoma Cells and Inhibit the Proliferation of Baby Hamster Kidney Fibroblasts In Vitro

Both in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated that some parasites can interfere with tumor cell growth. The present study investigates the anticancer activity of hydatid cyst protoscolices on WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cells and baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblast cells in vitro. Those above two cell types were treated with live hydatid cyst protoscolices or left untreated for control groups. After 48 h, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell counts were assayed for both treated cells and control groups. Following treatment with hydatid cyst protoscolices, cell proliferation of both cell types was inhibited, and lysis of fibrosarcoma cells increased. Based on these results, it appears that hydatid cyst protoscolices have strong anticancer activity, and additional studies are needed to further clarify the mechanisms of this activity

Lethal Effect of Various Derivatives of Curcumin on Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro

Background: Trichomoniasis is a common urogenital disease in the world. The first line of treatment for Trichomoniasis is metronidazole. Drug resistance and side effects of metronidazole urge researchers to seek new medications. Curcumin is a yellow substance derived from turmeric and has different derivatives with anticancer and antioxidant effects. We evaluated the anti-trichomonas effects of curcumin and its derivatives. Materials and Methods: Curcumin 70%, curcumin 90%, Bisdemethoxy curcumin, Diacetyl curcumin, Vanadyl curcumin, Vanadyl diacetyl curcumin, Indium curcumin and Gallium curcumin were prepared. Different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 µg/ml) of curcumin prepared with glycerin and 106 Trichomonas vaginalis were added to each well and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The in vitro toxicity of different extracts against Trichomonas vaginalis was evaluated through MTT assay. All tests were performed in triplicate and SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: The IC50 was 450, 400, 441, 453.2, 427.3, 417.6, 441 and 449.1 µg/ml, respectively for curcumin 70%, curcumin 90%, Bisdemethoxy curcumin, Diacetyl curcumin, Vanadyl curcumin, Vanadyl diacetyl curcumin, Indium curcumin and Gallium curcumin against Trichomonas vaginalis. Cytotoxic effects of these compounds against vero cells were 33.1%, 19%, 21%, 20.3%, 17%, 21%, 25.3% and 16%, respectively. Conclusion: Curcumin 90% had the most activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and Galium curcumin had the least cytotoxic effect against vero cells. It appears curcumin lotion can be used topically to treat trichomoniasis