Effects of Three-time Administration of a Supramolecular Complex of Praziquantel with Disodium Glycyrrhizinate on Trematode Opisthorchis felineus in Hamsters

Background Praziquantel (PZQ) is the most commonly used anthelmintic drug for treating trematodiases. It was shown here that PZQ in complex with disodium glycyrrhizinate (PZQ-Na(2)GA, in the 1:10 ratio) has higher bioavailability than PZQ alone. Our aim was to determine the effects of three-time administration of PZQ-Na(2)GA in an experimental opisthorchiasis felinea model. Methods The PZQ-Na(2)GA complex (1:10) at a 400 mg/kg dose (meaning 36.4 mg/kg PZQ) was administered to Opisthorchis felineus-infected hamsters three times under a 9:00 am-6:00 pm-9:00 am regimen (PZQ-Na(2)GA x 3). Effects of treatment were assessed as a reduction of helminth load in the hamsters and as changes in physiological, hematological, and blood biochemical parameters. The helminths extracted from the liver of the hamsters that received PZQ-Na(2)GA thrice were assayed for sensitivity to PZQ in vitro. Results PZQ-Na(2)GA x 3 reduced the number of O. felineus helminths in the liver by 87%, which is 30% better than a previously reported effect of one-time administration of the complex. Meanwhile, relative weights of the liver and thymus diminished, and some hematological parameters improved. The helminths extracted from the hamsters 1 month after the PZQ-Na(2)GA x 3 treatment showed elevated sensitivity to PZQ, as determined in vitro. Conclusion Compared with previously published data on the effectiveness of various drugs in experimental opisthorchiasis felinea, PZQ-Na(2)GA x 3 exerts the most potent anthelmintic effect. In addition, PZQ-Na(2)GA x 3 improves physiological status of O. felineus-infected hamsters and sensitizes the surviving parasites to subsequent PZQ treatment.

Automated summary

Three-time administration of PZQ-Na(2)GA significantly reduced the number of liver helminths in the Opisthorchis felineus-infected hamster model, improved physiological status, and increased sensitivity to PZQ.