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Effect of Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on prostaglandin levels in Wuchereria bancrofti infected microfilaraemics

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Abstract

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism for the clearance of microfilariae in Wuchereria bancrofti infected individuals. In this study, we have quantified the plasma concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 6-keto-PGF1α, the end products of arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in microfilaraemics (DEC treated and untreated), and normal healthy individuals at pre- and 3,9,12,36, and 72 h of post-DEC treatment. We have also determined the microfilariae counts at pre and post day 2 (36 h) and day 3 (72 h) of DEC treatment by membrane filtration technique. Significant reduction in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α concentrations was found at 12 h of DEC treatment. Rapid reduction in microfilarial counts was observed at 36 h of post-DEC treatment. Higher levels of prostaglandins were found at pre-treatment hours in microfilaraemics compared to normal healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that DEC inhibits prostaglandins for the clearance of microfilariae, and increased levels of prostaglandins in microfilaraemics may be contributed by the parasite or host upon stimulation.

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Acknowledgment

Authors greatly acknowledge the technical support of Mrs. K. Vijalakshmi and S.M. Joseph for the collection of samples from the study subjects. Thanks are due to the entire team of clinical and epidemiology division for their cooperation during the entire period of study in recruiting the study subjects. Authors also acknowledge Dr. P. Vanamail for his statistical suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular biology and Microbiology, Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR), Indira Nagar, Medical Complex, Pondicherry, 605 006, India

    T. Sankari, S. L. Hoti, L. K. Das & P. K. Das

  2. Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Research Institute, Pondicherry, 605 001, India

    V. Govindaraj

Authors
  1. T. Sankari
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  2. S. L. Hoti
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  3. L. K. Das
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  4. V. Govindaraj
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  5. P. K. Das
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Correspondence to S. L. Hoti.

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Sankari, T., Hoti, S.L., Das, L.K. et al. Effect of Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on prostaglandin levels in Wuchereria bancrofti infected microfilaraemics. Parasitol Res 112, 2353–2359 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-013-3399-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-013-3399-y

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