Columbin inhibits cholesterol uptake in bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei-A possible trypanocidal mechanism |
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Authors: | A J Nok B A Sallau E Onyike N M Useh |
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Institution: | 1. Ahmadu Bello University, Department of Biochemistry, Zaria, Nigeria;2. Ahmadu Bello University, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Zaria, Nigeria |
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Abstract: | The diterpenoid furanolactone (columbin) from Aristolochia albida inhibited growth of culture forms of Trypanosoma brucei. In vitro analysis of the compound at 5–250 μg/ml showed complete lysis of the parasites within 10–20 minutes post incubation. At 50 μg/ml, columbin killed about 50% of the parasites which initially appeared swollen under phase contrast microscopy. Also the total amount of cholesterol diminished dose-dependently in the presence of 10–100 μg/ml of columbin after a 3-day incubation period.In vivo analysis of the compound in T. brucei-infected mice revealed that 25 mg/kg administered for 3 consecutive days, completely cleared the parasites from the peripheral circulation. However, columbin could not clear parasites in the cerebrospinal fluid. |
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Keywords: | Columbin inhibition cholesterol Trypanosoma brucei |
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