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A 100 litter of pharmaceutical formula of veterinary drug Rafoxanide and Levamisole with 6% suspension as pilot production was prepared. The formula contains two active ingredients with a broad spectrum anthelmintic activity. Rafoxanide belong belongs to salicylanilide group used for treatment and control of mature and immature liver flukes in cattle, sheep and goats. Levamisole belongs to Bezimidazole compounds and is active against gastrointestinal worms and against lung worms in cattle, sheep and goats. The drug formula is a white color suspension prepared according to scientific literature. Information was collected for all substances in the formulation for active ingredient ingredients and additives. The chemical assay was carried out on the active ingredients and the final formula and the results showed that they conform to the constitutional specifications. The results of the chemical assay of Rafoxanide (102.7%) and levamisole (101%) were found to be within the approved constitutional limits (90-110%) with the adoption of the results of stability study at temperatures (40, 50, 60 °C). The stability of the pharmaceutical formula was observed within the permissible constitutional limits.

Background and Aim: Fasciolosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease of food-producing animals and is typically caused by digenetic trematodes, Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica. It has a direct negative impact on the liver and consequently affects liver metabolism. It has indirect effects, including lowered milk production and effects on quality and general health conditions leading to extensive economic losses. This study aimed to focus on the link between clinical fasciolosis and some biochemical analysis of the hepatic profile of cattle in Chad. Materials and Methods: This study was initiated in response to emerging complaints from dairy cattle owners detecting a bitter milk cream and butter taste. Furthermore, those animals had shown poor health conditions by presenting with diarrhea. Preliminary surveillance for possible causes was performed, including fecal and serum biochemical analyses and clinical observation to diagnose the possible disease. Results: The results obtained, including the finding of parasite stages during the coprological examination, confirmed the role of fasciolosis. The independent sample t-test indicated highly significantly altered values of all biochemical liver indicators in the infected animals. All animals were treated with two doses of rafoxanide (3 mg/kg b.w.) S/C, at 21 days intervals, with vitamin supplements, mineral mixtures, and food additives. Surprisingly, the main complaint was restored after treatment. This is another evident clue of fasciolosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recent study that diagnosed fasciolosis in Chad. Conclusion: This study emphasized the importance of fasciolosis, its negative impact on milk taste, and the necessity for veterinary advice regarding routine examination and prophylactic measures, especially before autumn, to minimize economic losses. However, regardless of the small sample size, this study could serve as a cornerstone for future studies on evaluating the accurate epidemiological status of fasciolosis in Chad. This study reported a close association between the alteration of liver enzymes and total protein levels in fasciolosis and the bitter milk cream taste, which could be used as a diagnostic tool for fasciolosis.

The occurrence, concentrations, and variables associated with tetracycline, polyether ionophore, and anthelmintic residues in the livers of chickens sold in the informal market in South Africa were determined. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to simultaneously analyze for four tetracyclines, five polyether ionophores, and six anthelmintic residues. The study determined the presence of residues in liver samples at both the limit of quantifications (LOQ) and concentrations over the maximum residue limit (MRL), i.e., noncompliant. Doxycycline (tetracycline group) was detected in 24 (24.5%) of 98 chicken livers, and 15 (15.3%) of the 98 were noncompliant. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) concentrations of 919.04 ± 1,081.30 ppb (LOQ) and 1,410.57 ± 108.89 ppb (MRL) were obtained. Maduramicin was detected in 27 (27.6%) of 98 chicken livers, and 19 (19.4%) of 98 were noncompliant. The mean ± SD for LOQ was 117.96 ± 84.56 ppb, and MRL was 153.21 ± 76.29 ppb. The concentrations of residues of doxycycline and maduramicin in chicken livers varied significantly across townships. Lasalocid was found in 31 (31.6%) of 98 samples, of which 5 (5.1%) had concentrations above the MRL. The mean ± SD concentration of lasalocid was 62.90 ± 170.84 ppb for samples in which lasalocid was quantified and 310.16 ± 356.68 ppb for noncompliant samples. Detectable concentrations of praziquantel, closantel, and rafoxanide (anthelmintics) residues were found in 3 (3.1%), 1 (1.0%), and 2 (2.0%) of 98 chicken livers, respectively. The presence of residues of three classes of veterinary drugs in chicken livers poses food safety implications to consumers and indicates a need for enhanced regulatory enforcement in controlling these drugs in South Africa. HIGHLIGHTS

Herein, an analytical method was developed for simultaneous determination of 12 anthelmintics (closantel, niclosamide, nitroxynil, rafoxanide, cymiazole, fluazuron, levamisole, morantel, praziquantel, pyrantel, thiophanate, and trichlorfon) in fishery products (eel, flatfish, and shrimp) using liquid-liquid extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A reversed-phase analytical column was then used to separate the analytes from various matrices. Linear matrix-matched calibration curves were generated with coefficients of determination ≥ 0.9935. Recovery rates at three spiking levels (5, 10, and 20 µg/kg) ranged between 61.58% and 119.37% with relative standard deviations ≤ 19.05%. Limits of detection were in the range of 0.3–1.6 μg/kg, whereas limits of quantification ranged between 1.0 and 5.0 μg/kg. The matrix effect was moderate with values ranging from −99.47% to 51.98%. Matrices procured from large markets tested negative for the 12 anthelmintics. The developed method proved amenable to real sample testing and can be used for simultaneous determination of target analytes in aquatic products.

Paramphistomosis is a parasitic disease endemic in ruminants nearly worldwide. In the present study, anin vitroscreening of the main anthelmintics used in Mexico was carried out to determine the mean lethal dose for rumen fluke eggs from cattle in a humid, warm region. Rumen flukes were obtained from cattle slaughtered in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas in Mexico. Eggs were collected using a 37-μm sieve and quantified. Then, anin vitroincubation study was performed: 100 eggs were placed into the wells of polystyrene microtiter plates. Anthelmintic products were tested on the eggs at concentrations ranging from 0.0015 to 3.0 mg/ml for rafoxanide, 0.0025 to 10.20 mg/ml for nitroxinil and 0.0015 to 3 mg/ml for closantel to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) and maximum lethal dose (LD99). A control group (water) was included in each plate. Three different species of rumen flukes (Calicophoron brothriophoron,Calicophoron clavulaandParamphistomum cervi) belonging to five isolates were identified. Nitroxinil had the highest efficacy against rumen fluke eggs, with an LD50of 0.11 to 65 μg/ml, whereas rafoxanide showed the lowest efficacy with an LD50ranging from 500 to 1713 μg/ml. Closantel showed high variability in the LD50among the different analysed isolates (17 to 122 μg/ml). The evaluated flukicidal drugs presented differential efficacy against the development of rumen fluke eggs. The efficacy of the drugs will vary depending on the geographical area of origin of the animals.

[Objectives] Repurposing drugs provides a new approach to the fight against MDR Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB). Rafoxanide, a veterinary antihelminthic drug, has shown antibacterial activity in vitro against Gram-positive bacteria. We aimed to analyse the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of rafoxanide in combination with colistin against colistin-susceptible (Col-S) and colistin-resistant (Col-R) GNB., [Methods] A collection of Col-S and Col-R Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used. Chequerboard and time–kill curve analyses were performed to determine the synergy between rafoxanide and colistin. Changes in membrane structure and permeability were analysed using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence assays. A murine peritoneal sepsis model using Col-R strains of these pathogens was performed to study the efficacy of rafoxanide (10 mg/kg/24 h, IV), colistimethate sodium (CMS) (20 mg/kg/8 h, intraperitoneally) and rafoxanide (10 mg/kg/24 h, IV) plus CMS (20 mg/kg/8 h, intraperitoneally) for 72 h., [Results] Rafoxanide showed MICs ≥256 mg/L for all Col-S and Col-R strains. Chequerboard and time–kill curve analyses showed that rafoxanide (1 mg/L) is more synergistic with colistin against Col-R than Col-S strains. Col-R, but not Col-S, strains treated with rafoxanide demonstrated higher membrane permeabilization. Transmission electron microscopy visualization confirmed that Col-R strains suffer morphological changes. In the murine peritoneal sepsis model with Col-R strains, rafoxanide plus CMS, compared with CMS alone, increased mouse survival to 53.8% and 73.3%, and reduced bacterial loads in tissues and blood between 2.34 and 4.99 log10 cfu/g or mL, respectively., [Conclusions] Rafoxanide repurposing, as monotherapy and in combination with CMS, may address the urgent need for new treatments for infections caused by MDR-GNB., This study was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (grants PI16/01378 and PI16/01306), and by Plan Nacional de I + D+i 2013‐2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0009)—co‐financed by European Development Regional Fund ‘A way to achieve Europe’, Operative program Intelligent Growth 2014‐2020. Younes Smani is supported by the Subprograma Miguel Servet Tipo I from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad of Spain (CP15/01358).

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death in the world. Emerging evidence suggests that the clinical success of conventional chemotherapy does not merely rely on cell toxicity, but also results from the restoration of tumor immune surveillance. Anti-tumor immune response can be primed by immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of apoptosis associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induction and the expression/release of specific damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Unfortunately, a limited number of ICD inducers have been identified so far. The anti-helmintic drug rafoxanide has recently showed anti-tumor activity in different cancer types, including CRC. As such latter effects relied on ERS activation, we here investigated whether rafoxanide could promote ICD of CRC cells. The potential of rafoxanide to induce ICD-related DAMPs in both human and mouse CRC cells was assessed by flow-cytometry, chemiluminescent assay and ELISA. In addition, the immunogenic potential of rafoxanide was assessed in vivo using a vaccination assay. Rafoxanide induced all the main DAMPs (ecto-calreticulin exposure, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release) required for ICD. We observed a marked increase of tumor-free survival among immunocompetent mice immunized with rafoxanide-treated dying tumor cells as compared with sham. Altogether, our data indicate rafoxanide as a bona fide ICD inducer.

The low aqueous solubility of most hydrophobic medications limits their oral absorption. An approach to solve this problem is to make a drug-polymer association. Herein, we investigated the association between rafoxanide (RAF), a surface-active, poorly water-soluble drug, with a commercial hydrophilic polymer povidone. We found that the association is a function of medium composition and could only take place in polar media, such as water. The association is favored by the hydrogen-bond formation between the amide group in RAF and the carbonyl group in povidone. In addition, the association is also favored by the self-association of RAF through π-π interaction between the benzene rings in adjacent RAF molecules. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance has been applied to investigate the interactions and has confirmed our hypotheses. Geometry optimization confirmed that RAF exists primarily in the antiparallel configuration in the RAF aggregates. This study provides critical information for designing suitable drug-vehicle complexes and engineering the interactions between them to maximize the oral absorption. Our results shed light on drug design and delivery, drug molecule structure-functionality relationship, as well as efficacy enhancement toward interaction engineering.

Objective: Development and validation of four simple, accurate, selective and sensitive UV spectrophotometric methodsfor the determination of rafoxanide in the presence of its alkali-induced degradation product without preliminary separation. Methods: (A) Dual wavelength method, where the difference in absorbance were calculated at 242 and 281 nm. (B) Area under the curve method,where area under the peak were measured at wavelength ranges (225-235 nm) and (275-295 nm). (C) Bivariate method, where the absorbance values were measured at selected wavelengths 250 and 280 nm. (D) First derivative method, whereThe amplitudes were measured at 253 nm. Results: Good linearity was found in the concentration range of 2.5–25 μg/mL for all the methods. The specificity of the methods were assessed by analysing synthetic mixtures containing the drug and its degradation product. Methods are validated as per ICH guidelines and accuracy, precision, repeatability and robustness are found to be within the acceptable limit. Conclusion: The proposed methods have been found to be accurate, precise and can be used for determination of the drug in pure form and pharmaceutical formulations as well as in the presence of its degradation product without any preliminary separation steps.

Purpose: Thermal analysis techniques have been applied to study the thermal behavior of fenbendazole (Fen) and rafoxanide (Raf). Semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations were used to confirm these results. Methods: Thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to determine the thermal behavior and purity of the drugs under investigation. Results: Thermal behavior of Fen and Raf were augmented using semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations. The purity values were found to be 99.17% and 99.60% for Fen and Raf, respectively. Conclusion: Thermal analysis techniques gave satisfactory results to obtain quality control parameters such as melting point and degree of purity at low cost, furthermore, its simplicity and sensitivity justifies its application in quality control laboratories.

Liver fluke is shaping up to be a significant challenge this winter. With a limited number of different flukicides available and reports of resistance to triclabendazole (TCBZ) increasing every year,1 treatment choice, in conjunction with the use of diagnostic tests, is extremely important to successful and sustainable control. The SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) and COWS (Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably) groups are concerned that there is some confusion regarding two veterinary medicines that are not currently authorised in the UK, but which have been imported from the Republic of Ireland, under a …

Repurposing nonantibiotic drugs for antimicrobial therapy presents a viable approach to drug discovery. Development of therapeutic strategies that overcome existing resistance mechanisms is important especially against those bacterial infections in which treatment options are limited, such as against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Herein, we provide in vitro data that suggest the addition of anthelmintic salicylanilides, including oxyclozanide, rafoxanide, and closantel, in colistin therapy to treat multidrug-resistant colistin-susceptible but more importantly colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. As a stand-alone agent, the three salicylanilides suffered from limited outer membrane permeation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with oxyclozanide also susceptible to efflux. Synergy was apparent for the combinations against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. Susceptibility breakpoints for colistin, but also with polymyxin B, were reached upon addition of 1 µg ml−1 of the corresponding salicylanilide against colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Furthermore, enhanced bacterial killing was observed in all combinations. Our data corroborate the repositioning of the three salicylanilides as adjuvants to counter resistance to the antibiotic of last resort colistin. Our findings are timely and relevant since the global dissemination of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance had been realized.

The repositioning of drugs already approved by regulatory agencies for other indications is an emerging alternative for the development of new antimicrobial therapies. The repositioning process involves lower risks and costs than the de novo development of novel antimicrobial drugs. Currently, infections by adenovirus show a steady increment with a high clinical impact in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. The lack of a safe and efficacious drug to treat these infections supports the search for new antiviral drugs. Here we evaluated the anti-adenovirus activity of niclosanide, oxyclozanide, and rafoxanide, three salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs. Also, we carried out the cytotoxicity evaluation and partial characterization of the mechanism of action of these drugs. The salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs showed significant anti-adenovirus activity at low micromolar concentrations with little cytotoxicity. Moreover, our mechanistic assays suggest differences in the way the drugs exert anti-adenovirus activity. Niclosamide and rafoxanide target transport of the HAdV particle from the endosome to the nuclear envelope, whilst oxyclozanide specifically targets adenovirus immediately early gene E1A transcription. Data suggests that the studied salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs could be suitable for further clinical evaluation for the development of new antiviral drugs to treat infections by adenovirus in immunosuppressed patients and in immunocompetent individuals with community-acquired pneumonia., Supported by Plan Nacional de I + D + i 2013–2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0009) – co-financed by “A way to achieve Europe” ERDF, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (PI15/00489) and Proyectos de Desarrollo Tecnológico en Salud (DTS17/00130), and the Spanish Adenovirus Network (AdenoNet, BIO2015/68990-REDT). J.S.C. is supported by the “Contract to Access to the Spanish System of Research and Innovation of the Program of R + D + i of the University of Seville” (USE-13901-D) grant.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Drug repositioning is a promising approach for new cancer therapies, as it provides the opportunity to rapidly advance potentially promising agents into clinical trials. The FDA-approved anti-helminthic drug rafoxanide was recently reported to antagonize the oncogenic function of the BRAF V600E mutant protein, commonly found in CRCs, as well as to inhibit the proliferation of skin cancer cells. These observations prompted us to investigate the potential anti-cancer effects of rafoxanide in CRC models. We found rafoxanide inhibited proliferation in CRC cells, but not in normal colonic epithelial cells. Rafoxanide's anti-proliferative action was associated with marked reduction in cyclin D1 protein levels and accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. These effects relied on selective induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response in CRC cells and were followed by caspase-dependent cell death. Systemic administration of rafoxanide to Apcmin/+ mice induced to develop CRCs caused ERS activation, proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in the neoplastic cells. Collectively, our data suggest rafoxanide might be repurposed as an anti-cancer drug for the treatment of CRC.

Aims Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most aggressive lymphoid malignancies, which remains incurable, thus warranting the development of new therapies. Our previous study determined that rafoxanide is very effective in treating multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we tried to evaluate the effects of rafoxanide on DLBCL, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Main methods We used CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry to assess cell viability and apoptosis. The proteins and pathways associated with apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated through western blot, and xenograft mice were used as the experimental animal model. We also used the TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence for further analyses. Key findings Treatment with different doses of rafoxanide significantly inhibited cell viability and apoptosis. Additionally, the compound induced cell cycle arrest, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation without the influence of normal peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs). As expected, rafoxanide played a role in regulating these proteins and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT and JNK/c-Jun pathways. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and western blot results showed that rafoxanide upregulated H2AX phosphorylation and then inhibited DNA repair in DLBCL. In the xenograft mouse model, tumor volumes were reduced after intraperitoneal injection with rafoxanide. We also observed that TUNEL positive cells were remarkably increased in rafoxanide-treated tumor tissues. Significance These results collectively provide a novel choice to regular treatment for DLBCL patients with poor prognosis.

Since cyclin‑dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6) play pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and are overexpressed in human skin cancers, CDK4/6 inhibitors are potentially effective drugs for skin cancer. In the present study, we present a mixed computational and experimental study attempting to repurpose approved small‑molecule drugs as dual CDK4/6 inhibitors for skin cancer treatment. We performed structure‑based virtual screening using the docking software idock, targeting an ensemble of CDK4/6 structures. We identified and selected nine compounds with significant predicted scores, and evaluated their cytotoxic effects in vitro in A375 and A431 human skin cancer cell lines. Rafoxanide was found to exhibit the highest cytotoxic effects (IC50: 1.09 µM for A375 and 1.31 µM for A431 cells). Consistent with the expected properties of CDK4/6 inhibitors, rafoxanide significantly increased the G1 phase population. Notably, we revealed that rafoxanide specifically decreased the expression of CDK4/6, cyclin D, retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and the phosphorylation of CDK4/6 and Rb. Furthermore, the anticancer effect of rafoxanide was demonstrated in vivo in BALB/C nude mice subcutaneously xenografted with human skin cancer A375 cells. Rafoxanide (40 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited significant antitumor activity, comparable to that of oxaliplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The combined administration of rafoxanide and oxaliplatin produced a synergistic therapeutic effect. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to indicate that rafoxanide inhibits CDK4/6 activity and is a potential candidate drug for the treatment of human skin cancer.

There is an urgent need to discover novel antimicrobial therapies. Drug repurposing can reduce the time and cost risk associated with drug development. We report the inhibitory effects of anthelmintic drugs (niclosamide, oxyclozanide, closantel, rafoxanide) against Helicobacter pylori strain 60190 and pursued further characterization of niclosamide against H. pylori. The MIC of niclosamide against H. pylori was 0.25 μg/mL. Niclosamide was stable in acidic pH and demonstrated partial synergy with metronidazole and proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole. Niclosamide administration at 1 × MIC concentration, eliminated 3-log10 CFU of H. pylori adhesion/invasion to AGS cells. Interestingly, no resistance developed even after exposure of H. pylori bacteria to niclosamide for 30 days. The cytotoxic assay demonstrated that niclosamide is not hemolytic and has an IC50 of 4 μg/mL in hepatic and gastric cell lines. Niclosamide administration decreased transmembrane pH as determined by DiSC3(5) assay indicating that the mechanism of action of the anti-H. pylori activity of niclosamide was the disruption of H. pylori proton motive force. Niclosamide was effective in the Galleria mellonella-H. pylori infection model (p = 0.0001) and it can be develop further to combat H. pylori infection. However, results need to be confirmed with other H. pylori and clinical strains.

Five different spectrophotometric methods were applied for simultaneous determination of fenbendazole and rafoxanide in their binary mixture; namely first derivative, derivative ratio, ratio difference, dual wavelength and H-point standard addition spectrophotometric methods. Different factors affecting each of the applied spectrophotometric methods were studied and the selectivity of the applied methods was compared. The applied methods were validated as per the ICH guidelines and good accuracy; specificity and precision were proven within the concentration range of 5-50 μg/mL for both drugs. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA proved no significant differences among the proposed methods for the determination of the two drugs. The proposed methods successfully determined both drugs in laboratory prepared and commercially available binary mixtures, and were found applicable for the routine analysis in quality control laboratories.

1. Giant liver fluke Fascioloides magna is a dangerous parasite, which infects herbivores. It was imported to Europe from North America and started to spread. Benzimidazoles like albendazole, mebendazole, triclabendazole and salicylanilides closantel and rafoxanide are the most used anthelmintics to control fascioloidosis. However their effect might be altered via drug-metabolizing enzymes of this parasite. 2. The aim of our study was to determine the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in F. magna and the metabolism of above mentioned anthelmintics. 3. Activities of several oxidative, reductive and conjugative enzymes towards various model xenobiotic substrates were found in F. magna subcellular fractions. 4. Subcellular fractions from F. magna oxidized albendazole to its sulphoxide metabolite and reduced mebendazole to hydroxyl-mebendazole. Under ex vivo conditions, only very-low concentrations of these compounds were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. 5. The results indicate that the giant liver fluke possesses the active xenobiotic-metabolizing system. The overexpression of this system may play an important role in parasite resistance against these anthelmintics.

Enterococci are commensal micro-organisms present in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Although normally innocuous to the host, strains of enterococcus exhibiting resistance to vancomycin (VRE) have been associated with high rates of infection and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Decolonization of VRE represents a key strategy to curb infection in highly-susceptible patients. However, there is a dearth of decolonizing agents available clinically that are effective against VRE. The present study found that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, has potent antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (minimum inhibitory concentration 1–8 µg/mL). E. faecium mutants exhibiting resistance to niclosamide could not be isolated even after multiple (10) serial passages. Based upon these promising in-vitro results and the limited permeability of niclosamide across the gastrointestinal tract (when administered orally), niclosamide was evaluated in a VRE colonization-reduction murine model. Remarkably, niclosamide outperformed linezolid, an antibiotic used clinically to treat VRE infections. Niclosamide was as effective as ramoplanin in reducing the burden of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium in the faeces, caecal content and ileal content of infected mice after only 8 days of treatment. Linezolid, in contrast, was unable to decrease the burden of VRE in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. The results obtained indicate that niclosamide warrants further evaluation as a novel decolonizing agent to suppress VRE infections.

Our primary objective is to characterize the self-association of rafoxanide in alkaline media. The second objective is to illustrate the feasibility of using rafoxanide micellar solution as the feed solution to prepare amorphous solid dispersion via spray drying. Rafoxanide is a poorly water-soluble drug. It is a weak acid, and its poor aqueous solubility is due to its hydrophobicity. The surface-active property of rafoxanide has not been previously reported. It was discovered that the addition of a small percentage of organic solvents is required to elevate the solubility of rafoxanide above the critical micelle concentration to allow for the formation of micelles. Our fluorescence decay study confirms the self-association of rafoxanide in a cosolvent consisting of 70%, v/v, NaOH solution and 30%, v/v, acetone. The position of each functional group in the micellar structures using the 1H NMR technique was identified. The critical micelle concentration of rafoxanide in the cosolvent is determined to be 30...

Objective was to investigate if trematode infections predispose ewes to mastitis and/or metritis. We used 80 trematode-infected ewes: primigravidae in group P-A and multigravidae in M-A remained untreated, primigravidae in P-B and multigravidae in M-B were drenched with netobimin and multigravidae in M-C were given rafoxanide. We collected faecal samples for parasitological examination, blood samples for β-hydroxybutyrate concentration measurement and uterine content, teat duct material and milk samples for bacteriological examination. We found significant differences in blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations between M-A, M-B and M-C during pregnancy (P ⩽ 0.002). We did not observe significant differences between groups regarding development of metritis (P > 0.83). We found that for M-A, M-B and M-C ewes, respectively, median time to first case of mastitis was 5.75, 21 and 6.75 days after lambing (P = 0.003) and incidence risk of mastitis was 0.308, 0.069 and 0.222 (P = 0.047). We postulate that trematode infections predispose ewes to mastitis; perhaps, increased β-hydroxybutyrate blood concentrations adversely affect mammary cellular defences. This is the first report associating parasitic infections with mastitis in sheep.

Rafoxanide is commonly used as anti-helminthic medicine in veterinary medicine, a main compound of salicylanilide. Previous studies have reported that rafoxanide, as an inhibitor of BRAF V600E mutant protein, inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, and skin cancer. However, its therapeutic effect on gastric cancer (GC) and the potential mechanism has not been investigated. Here, we have found that rafoxanide inhibited the proliferation of GC cells in vitro, arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and promoted apoptosis and autophagy in GC cells. Treatment with specific autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine drastically inhibited the apoptotic cell death effect by suppressing the switch from autophagy to apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that rafoxanide inhibited the growth of GC cells in vitro by inhibiting the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This process induced autophagy, which essentially resulted in the apoptosis of GC cells. Results from subcutaneous implanted tumor models in nude mice also indicated that rafoxanide inhibited the growth of GC cells in vivo. Taken together, our findings revealed that rafoxanide inhibited the growth of GC cells both in vitro and vivo, indicating a potential drug candidate for the treatment of GC.

This study was carried-out to study the pharmacodynamics characters of rafoxanide with fenbendazole and the interaction between them through study its effects on, fertility (reproductive organs weights, progressive motility, epididmal sperm count and sperm and abnormalities), Moreover, its effect on some hematological parameters including (WBCs count, differential leucocytic count, RBCs count, and Hb %, platelets count and PCV %), also, the effects on some biochemical parameters including (ALT, AST, and Albumin, total protein, globulin, urea and creatinine) were determined. Sixty mature Albino rats weighing from 140 – 180 gm each of 4 – 5 month old were used in this study. The animals were divided into 4 equal groups each of 15 rats, the first group: not gave any treatment and kept as a control group, the second group : Given orally Fenbendazole orally at dose level (37.5 mg/Kg), third group: Given orally Rafoxanide at a dose (7.5 mg/Kg) orally) and fourth fourth group: Fenbendazole (37.5 mg/Kg) + Rafoxanide (7.5 mg/Kg) orally). Our results concluded that, The using of Fenbendazole for treatment of helminthes parasites improved the index weight of accessary sex glands, tests index weight and epidedymis index weight. Also, the level of the higher WBCs, Hb, PCV, serum protein, albumin globulin, serum urea, serum creatinine level and serum observed in Fenbendazole treated group than the rafoxanide treated group or its combination. But it decreased the level of sperm motility, sperm count decreased in Fenbendazole and the higher sperm abnormalities level observed in the group treated with Fenbendazole. While, the rafoxanide improved the level of sperm motality, count and abnormalities than fenbendazole or its combination The histopathological results cleared that, there is a severe histological changes in the group treated with fenbendazole and rafoxanide than the control group and their combination.

Objective of the work was to study a potential association between trematode infections in pregnant ewes and concentrations β-hydroxybutyrate, which is a ketone body found in animals with pregnancy toxaemia. After administration of a long-acting nematocide, 80 pregnant sheep, infected with trematodes, were allocated as follows; primigravidae ewes in group P-A remained untreated and in group P-B were given netobimin; multigravidae ewes in group M-A remained untreated, in group M-B were given netobimin and in group M-C were given rafoxanide. We collected faecal samples for trematode epg counting and blood samples for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Mean faecal epg counts of D. dendriticum and F. hepatica decreased significantly after netobimin administration; mean faecal epg counts of F. hepatica, but not of D. dendriticum, decreased significantly after rafoxanide administration. Between P-A and P-B, the difference in mean blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations was significant (P = 0.036) immediately after lambing. Between M-A or M-C and M-B, it was significant (P ≤ 0.002) 28 days after trematocide administration and immediately after lambing; between M-A and M-C, no significant difference was evident. Immediately after lambing, mean blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentration in primiparous/multiparous ewes with Dicrocoelium faecal output ≤150 epg was 0.21/0.64 mmol L−1, respectively, and in primiparous/multiparous ewes with Dicrocoelium faecal output >150 epg was 0.40/0.93 mmol L−1, respectively (P = 0.704/

Rafoxanide is an effective treatment for the control of fluke infections in animals, but it is currently not permitted for treating animals whose milk is intended for human consumption. In this study, the persistence of rafoxanide residues in milk, and their migration to dairy products, was investigated following the treatment of six lactating dairy cows with Curafluke 10% oral drench. The highest concentration of rafoxanide residues detected in the individual cows milk ranged from 249 to 627 μg kg(-1) and occurred at 2-3 days post-treatment. At 2 and 23 days post-treatment (representing high and low residue concentrations) the milk was pooled into two independent aliquots, each containing the full day's milk produced by three cows. Milk products were made from pasteurised and unpasteurised milk. Pasteurisation appeared to have little impact on the stability of the residues. Rafoxanide concentrated sixfold in the cheese (week 0) compared to the starting milk (2070 vs. 349 μg kg(-1)) but was four times lower in whey (75 μg kg(-1)). Rafoxanide residues were up to 14 times higher in butter (week 0) than in the starting milk (5468 vs. 376 μg kg(-1)). Residues were found to further concentrate in butter and cheese at longer storage and ripening times, respectively. Skim-milk powder was manufactured from skim milk, and residues were 10-fold higher than in the starting skim milk (5468 vs. 376 μg kg(-1)) despite the 185°C temperature required for the process. Rafoxanide residues were stable in this skim-milk powder when stored at ambient temperature for at least 1 year. Results showed that detectable rafoxanide residues were excreted in milk for 47 days, and concentrated in the fat-based products. The analytical ranges of the UHPLC-MS/MS method used were 1.0-200 μg kg(-1) (milk and whey) and 10-2000 μg kg(-1) (other dairy products).

Two sensitive and accurate stability-indicating chromatographic methods were developed and validated for the determination of rafoxanide (RFX). Degradation products were identified by mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. The first is ultra-performance liquid chromatography method where separation was performed using acetonitrile:0.005 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (pH 3.5) in a ratio of 80:20 by volume as a mobile phase using a Hypersil GOLD™ C8 column 1.9 mm (50 × 2.1 mm), UV detection was adjusted at 220 nm and the flow rate was 0.6 mL min-1. The other is a thin-layer chromatography-densitometry method where separation was achieved using a mobile phase composed of chloroform:ethyl acetate:toluene:ammonia (5:4:3:0.1 by volume) on silica gel 60 F254 plates, and densitometric detection was done at 280 nm. Validation was achieved as per the ICH guidelines. The proposed methods proved to be accurate, robust, specific and suitable for application as stability-indicating methods for routine analysis of RFX in quality control laboratories.

Giant liver fluke Fascioloides magna is a veterinary important liver parasite of free-living and domestic ruminants. This chapter provides general characterization and basic data on the parasite, with focus on its taxonomy, morphology, life cycle, clinical signs, pathology and treatment. Different taxonomic classification and scientific names of the species, and currently accepted taxonomy of F. magna are provided in Sect. 1.1. The second part is dealing with morphological description of the parasite, which belongs to the largest flukes worldwide. Fascioloides magna utilizes aquatic snails as the intermediate hosts and a wide range of free-living and domestic ruminants as the final hosts. The life cycle of the parasite, divided into four developmental stages, is described in the third subchapter. The fourth part is focused on characterization of clinical signs of fascioloidosis, which are specific for particular type of the final host. Typical pathological changes of F. magna infection, described in the fifth subchapter, are fibrous pseudocysts of sedentary adult flukes leading to enlargement of the liver. The last subchapter summarizes the broad spectrum of anthelmintic drugs (e.g. benzimidazoles, salicylanilides, sulphonamides etc.) used for fascioloidosis treatment in different ruminants. Out of them, triclabendazole and rafoxanide proved high efficacy against adult and immature flukes; however, no specific therapeutics are available till now.

Anthelmintic drugs are widely used to control parasitic infections in cattle. The ProSafeBeef project addressed the need for data on the exposure of European consumers of beef to potentially harmful drug residues. A novel analytical method based on matrix solid-phase dispersive extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was validated for 37 anthelmintic drugs and metabolites in muscle (assay decision limits, CCα, = 0.15-10.2 µg kg⁻¹). Seven European countries (France, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Italy, Belgium and Portugal) participated in a survey of retail beef purchased in local shops. Of 1061 beef samples analysed, 26 (2.45%) contained detectable residues of anthelmintic drugs (0.2-171 µg kg⁻¹), none above its European Union maximum residue limit (MRL) or action level. Residues detected included closantel, levamisole, doramectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin, ivermectin, albendazole and rafoxanide. In a risk assessment applied to mean residue concentrations across all samples, observed residues accounted for less than 0.1% of the MRL for each compound. An exposure assessment based on the consumption of meat at the 99th percentile of consumption of adults in 14 European countries demonstrated that beef accounted for less than 0.02% of the acceptable daily intake for each compound in each country. This study is the first of its kind to apply such a risk-based approach to an extensive multi-residue survey of veterinary drug residues in food. It has demonstrated that the risk of exposure of the European consumer to anthelmintic drug residues in beef is negligible, indicating that regulation and monitoring is having the desired effect of limiting residues to non-hazardous concentrations.

Salicylanilides are a well-known family of pharmacological compounds, which are under renewed investigation because of the discovery of novel interesting biological activities and mechanisms of action over the last decade. This comprehensive mini-review de-scribes the biological and pharmacological properties of salicylanilides, their activity against atypical and multi-drug resist ant mycobacte-rial strains, and synthetic routes for their preparation. In particular, this review focuses on the synthesis and biological properties of sali-cylanilides and O -substituted derivates reported between 2000 and 2010, which have displayed the highest antituberculosis or antifungal activity. Keywords: Anti-MDR tuberculotics, anti-tuberculotic agents, hydroxybenzamides, salicylan ilides, salicylanilide derivates. 1. INTRODUCTION Salicylanilides ( N -substituted hydroxy benzamides) are well-known organic pharmacological compounds with numerous bio-logical activities, which were initially investigated for their antimi-crobial [1] and antifungal activities [2], as well as their usefulness as topical antimycotics and antiplaque agents [3]. Salicylanilides have also found use as molluscicidal [4] or anthelmintic agents [5] in human and veterinary practise. The most successful of these, 5,2´-dichloro-4´-nitrosalicylanilide (Niclosamide), is a member of a group of common molluscicides [6] with anthelmintic properties, and is also effective in the treatment of diphyllobothriasis and hy-menolepiasis [7]. Closantel is another broad-spectrum anthelmintic salicylanilide, which has been used as an anti-trematode, anti-nematode and anti-arthropod, in combination with benzimidazole anthelmintics such as Mebendazole [8]. Rafoxanide is highly active against

Anthelmintic drugs are widely used for treatment of parasitic worms in livestock, but little is known about the stability of their residues in food under conventional cooking conditions. As part of the European Commission-funded research project ProSafeBeef, cattle were medicated with commercially available anthelmintic preparations, comprising 11 active ingredients (corresponding to 21 marker residues). Incurred meat and liver were cooked by roasting (40 min at 190°C) or shallow frying (muscle 8-12 min, liver 14-19 min) in a domestic kitchen. Raw and cooked tissues and expressed juices were analysed using a novel multi-residue dispersive solid-phase extraction method (QuEChERS) coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. After correction for sample weight changes during cooking, no major losses were observed for residues of oxyclozanide, clorsulon, closantel, ivermectin, albendazole, mebendazole or fenbendazole. However, significant losses were observed for nitroxynil (78% in fried muscle, 96% in roast muscle), levamisole (11% in fried muscle, 42% in fried liver), rafoxanide (17% in fried muscle, 18% in roast muscle) and triclabendazole (23% in fried liver, 47% in roast muscle). Migration of residues from muscle into expressed cooking juices varied between drugs, constituting 0% to 17% (levamisole) of total residues remaining after cooking. With the exception of nitroxynil, residues of anthelmintic drugs were generally resistant to degradation during roasting and shallow frying. Conventional cooking cannot, therefore, be considered a safeguard against ingestion of residues of anthelmintic veterinary drugs in beef.

Rafoxanide is used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of fascioliasis. We previously repositioned the drug as the inhibitor of B-Raf V600E, but its anti-tumor effect in human cancer has never been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of rafoxanide in multiple myeloma (MM) in vitro and in vivo. We found that rafoxanide inhibited cell proliferation and overcame the protective effect of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment on MM cells. Rafoxanide induced cell apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and regulating the caspase pathway, while having no apparent toxic effect on normal cells. Rafoxanide also inhibited DNA synthesis and caused cell cycle arrest by regulating the cdc25A-degradation pathway. In addition, rafoxanide enhanced the DNA damage response by up-regulating the expression of γ-H2AX. Importantly, as a potent B-Raf V600E inhibitor, rafoxanide could suppress activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Rafoxanide treatment inhibited tumor growth, with no significant side effects, in an MM mouse xenograft model. Finally, combination of rafoxanide with bortezomib or lenalidomide significantly induced synergistic cytotoxicity in MM cells. Collectively, our results may provide a rationale for use of this drug in MM treatment. This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81570190; 81670194 and 81529001). Figure. Figure. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A sensitive and selective LC-FLD method was described for determination of closantel and rafoxanide in bovine and ovine muscles. Bovine and ovine muscles were extracted with ACN and acetone mixture (80:20, v/v). After cleanup with Oasis MAX SPE cartridges, the sample was analyzed by LC-FLD using the control point approach. No false-negative result was observed at or below maximum residue limits and the false-positive rate was below 5%. Suspected positive sample was confirmed by LC-MS/MS. This method was suitable for screening of large batch of samples and hence considerably reduced the time and cost required for quantitation and confirmatory analyses.

This study investigated the comparative serum disposition kinetics of ivermectin (IVM) after a single subcutaneous dose of 200 μg/kg body weight of IVM alone or in combination with an anthelmintic consisting of ivermectin and rafoxanide (200 μg/kg of IVM and 2.5 mg/kg rafoxanide) for use in calves and sheep. The IVM concentrations in serum samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In sheep serum, rafoxanide induced a rapid absorption of IVM when given in combined form manifested by a shorter absorption half-life time of IVM by 68.49% when given in combination as compared with IVM when given alone. In addition, there is an increase in the value of the area under the concentration curve (AUC) by 15.48% while the value of elimination rate constant was decreased by 38.2% and significantly increased the half-life time of elimination from 2.04 days for IVM alone to 3.3 days when given in combination with rafoxanide. In calves serum, the mean t 1/2ab for IVM/rafoxanide was 0.131 days and for the control formulation 0.16 days, and t 1/2el was 5.78 and 4.95, respectively. IVM C max for IVM/rafoxanide was 22.4 ng/ml and for the control formulation 19.1 ng/ml. T max values were 0.99 and 1.12 days, and the mean AUC values were 188.9 and 165.4 ng/ml/day. The difference in C max, AUC, K ab, K el, and t 1/2el was significant. However, there was no statistical difference between the T max and t 1/2ab. These findings revealed that the combination of rafoxanide with IVM in sheep and calves increased the absorption of IVM and delayed its elimination.

Ivermectin and Rafoxanide are widely used in sheep as endoectoparasiticidal and fasciolicidal drugs. The effects of ivermectin and rafoxanide as well as their concurrent use as prophylactic drugs on hematological and serum biochemical parameters were studied in 20 apparently clinically healthy rams, classified into 4 equal groups . The 1st group was left without treatment (control). The 2nd group was injected s/c with ivermectin (0.2 mg kg-1). The 3rd group was injected s/c with rafoxanide (3 mg kg-1). While, the 4th group was injected s/c with both drugs (0.2 mg ivermectin and 3 mg rafoxanide kg-1). Blood samples were collected weekly for 2 weeks for hematological and biochemical studies. The obtained results with ivermectin treated group revealed, a significant decrease in erythrocytic count, PCV % and Hb concentration,MCV and MCHC% . Meanwhile, significant increase in serum AST and ALT activities was recorded. The rafoxanide treated group provoked a significant decrease in leuckocytic and erythrocytic counts, Hb%, PCV%, MCV, MCH and MCHC% as well as serum triglycerides level. Mean while, a significant increase in serum cholesterol and LDL-c levels was reported.Moreover, the group treated S/C with both drugs, elicited a significant decrease in erythrocytic and leukocytic counts, PCV%, MCV, MCH, MCHC%, triglyceride levels and Hb%. In contrast, a significant increase in AST, ALT activities, cholesterol and LDL-c levels was recorded. While, in comparison with ivermectin and rafoxanide treated groups, there was insignificant changes in albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, HDL-c and erythrocytic count. In opposite side, there was a significant increase in serum AST, ALT and LDL-c levels as compared with ivermictin and rafoxanide treated groups. Also, there was a significant decrease in Hb%, PCV%, MCV,MCH and MCHC%. Meanwhile, a significant increase in serum cholesterol level as compared with ivermectin treated group. Moreover, there was insignificant changes in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, erythrocytic count, Hb%, PCV%, MCH and MCHC% as compared with rafoxanide treated group. In conclusion it could be concluded that hematological and biochemical alterations obtained with concurrent administration of both ivermectin and rafoxanide didn’t differ greatly than those obtained with each of them when injected alone and there is no additional dangerous from this combination.

An analytical method for the determination of nitroxynil, oxyclozanide, closantel and rafoxanide in liquid milk by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been established. The milk sample was extracted with acetonitrile containing 1% (v/v) triethylamine. The supernatant was purified by an anion exchange solid phase extraction column. The analyte was detected by ultraviolet detector after the HPLC separation on a C18 RP column. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile-0.02 mol/L ammonium acetate solution with pH 4.0. The linear ranges of the four drugs in the spiked blank milk samples were 5-500 microg/kg, and the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) were 3 microg/kg, and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 5 microg/kg. The average recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of nitroxynil, oxyclozanide, closantel and rafoxanide at the spiked levels of 1/2MRL (maximum residue limit), MRL and 2MRL ranged from 92.20% to 96.13%, 5.55% to 16.30%; 87.40% to 94.74%, 5.40% to 12.21%; 86.97% to 91.09%, 2.67% to 8.17%; and 77.86% to 95.36%, 5.02% to 13.15% respectively. The method is simple and sensitive for the quantification of phenolic and salicylanilide anthelmintics in liquid milk.

Monitoring anthelmintic resistance in strongyle nematodes by the faecal egg count reduction test and a commercial larval development assay on an organized sheep farm in the semi-arid area of Rajasthan revealed the emergence of resistance to benzimidazoles and rafoxanide and a potential risk of the development of levamisole/tetramisole resistance. A benzimidazole/levamisole combination, avermectins and closantel were each found to be efficacious.

The halogenated salicylanilides are a large group of compounds developed mainly for their antiparasitic activity in animals. Several halogenated salicylanilides with potent antiparasitic activity have been synthesised of which only closantel, niclosamide, oxyclozanide, rafoxanide and resorantel are commercially available. Closantel and rafoxanide, which represent the most important drugs in the group, are used extensively for the control of Haemonchus spp. and Fasciola spp. infestations in sheep and cattle and Oestrus ovis in sheep in many parts of the world. Niclosamide is used extensively for its anticestodal activity in a wide range of animals. Antiparasitic activity of the halogenated salicylanilides has also been demonstrated against a large number of other internal parasites, in particular haematophagous helminths, and external parasites including ticks and mites, in a variety of animal species. Several cases of toxicity and mortality have been reported for closantel and rafoxanide in sheep and goats. Their unique pharmacokinetic behaviour appears to play an important role in the efficacy and safety of these compounds. The chemical and physical characteristics, mode of action, pharmacokinetics, antiparasitic activity and toxicity of the halogenated salicylanilides in animals are reviewed.

The anthelmintic efficacy of benzimidazoles, levamisole, rafoxanide and ivermectin was evaluated on an institutional farm in Kenya using faecal egg count reduction test, larval cultures and a controlled slaughter trial. The results of this study indicated simultaneous resistance of Haemonchus contortus against benzimidazoles, levamisole and rafoxanide and Trichostrongylus columbriformis and Oesophagostomum sp. against levamisole on the same farm. Injectable and orally administered ivermectin was effective against the benzimidazole and levamisole resistant H. contortus.

A survey was conducted on the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance of trichostrongylids on commercial sheep farms in the highveld of Zimbabwe. On ten farms the efficacy of fenbendazole, levamisole and rafoxanide was tested by a faecal egg count reduction test. Benzimidazole resistance was additionally examined using an egg hatch assay with thiabendazole. Results of the faecal egg count reduction tests and larval differentiations showed fenbendazole resistance of Haemonchus sp. on all investigated farms. Resistance of Haemonchus sp. against rafoxanide was demonstrated on all farms with reliable egg counts. Levamisole resistance of Haemonchus sp. was found on most farms but 2 famrs showed an efficacy of 100%.

Avermectin (AVM) inhibition of the development of the free-living stages of Haemonchus contortus has been quantified in an assay in which nematode eggs are placed on an agar matrix containing serial dilutions of a drug in the wells of a microtitre plate. Development is allowed to proceed for 6 days by which time larvae in control wells (no drug) have reached the infective, third (L3) stage. At high concentrations (> 30 nM) ivermectin (IVM) paralyses L1 larvae soon after hatching, however, much lower concentrations (approximately 1 nM) are sufficient to inhibit development to the L3 stage which suggests that effects of the drug other than those relating to gross motor activity are responsible for the latter effect. The larval stages of IVM-susceptible H. contortus isolates from both Australia and South Africa, including isolates known to be resistant to levamisole or rafoxanide and/or the benzimidazoles, were equally sensitive to inhibition by AVMs. In contrast, 6 isolates of H. contortus resistant to IVM in vivo showed a reduced sensitivity to AVM inhibition of development. The order of potency of a limited range of AVMs as inhibitors of larval development was consistent with in vivo efficacy. Resistance ratios for IVM-resistant isolates were dependent on AVM structure, with AVM B2 the most sensitive probe for IVM resistance in the isolates tested.

Summary Twelve to 12·5-month-old Manchego sheep which had received a Haemonchus contortus infection with 2500 infective larvae (L-3) when they were 4–4.5 months old (A1,A2) and a challenge with 5000 L-3 2 months later (A1,A2,B1,B2), finished in both cases with thiabendazole treatment, were subjected to a homologous infection with 7000 L-3 (A1,B1) or kept as control sheep (A2,B2). Fifty days after the infection the animals were treated with rafoxanide and challenged 18 days later with 14,000 L-3 of the parasite. Wide variations were seen, not observed at the 7000 L-3 infection, after challenge among the animals' faecal egg output. Retrospective analysis of the results obtained showed that the sheep response was apparently dependent on the extent of the contact with the parasite 6 months earlier and the elapsed period between priming and infection. A significant protective response was seen at challenge in the sheep which had received 2500 + 5000 L-3 (A2), suggesting the need of a period between 120 and 180 days without infection to show a strong response. No clear correlation was seen between parasitological results and the serum antibody response estimated by ELISA along the experiment and Western blotting analysis during the challenge. However, the less reactive sheep displayed lower ELISA values and simpler immunorecognition patterns in WB.

A number of environmental chemicals have been reported to exhibit thyroid hormone-like activity. Since thyroid hormones play a crucial role in development, it is important to identify chemicals in the environment that are capable of endocrine disruption of thyroid hormone homeostasis. In order to detect thyroid hormone-like activity, the growth of pituitary cell lines has been commonly used as a sensitive marker, albeit with limited specificity to thyroid hormones. Reporter gene assays using the thyroid hormone responsive element (TRE) connected to the luciferase reporter gene have also been developed. Thus far however, this type of assay appears to have limited sensitivity compared to cell growth assays. In the present study, we developed a highly sensitive TRE reporter gene assay by using a pituitary cell line, MtT/E-2, and by culturing cells in a serum-free medium. Our assay was developed in order to detect T3 activity at a concentration of 10 −11 M. This assay identified thyroid hormone-like activity from the antiarrhythmic drug, amiodarone, and from three anti-parasitic drugs, bithionol, closantel and rafoxanide, all commonly used in veterinary medicine. Thyroid hormone-like activity of these compounds was further confirmed by the induction of BCL3 gene expression in MtT/E-2, which is known to be regulated by thyroid hormones. Our improved assay was proved to be a sensitive tool for assessing thyroid hormone-like activity of environmental chemicals.

The oral toxicity of the veterinary anthelmintic Rafoxanide was evaluated in newborn rats exposed in utero and during lactation. In another group, 3 months of oral treatment started after weaning. Rafoxanide administration to dams (10 mg kg-1) decreased the number of pups per litter, induced high mortality (42%) and delayed the growth of offsprings before weaning. Histopathological examination of the central nervous system revealed vacuolation of the white matter. Vacuolation was particularly severe in the cerebellum of the 14-21-day-old rats. Rafoxanide induced, in some pups (35%), the formation of cataracts. These toxic effects seemed to be reversible and were no longer detectable after a further 3-month administration of Rafoxanide (10 mg kg-1) to rats born of treated dams. In adult rats treated orally for 3 months with 1, 5 or 25 mg kg-1 Rafoxanide, biochemical and haematological tests did not reveal dose-related effects. Rafoxanide had no mutagenic activity in the Ames and CHO/HGPRT tests.

1. The effect of the salicylanilide compound rafoxanide against immature stages of Fasciola hepatica was investigated in sheep using a series of antipyrine clearance tests and measuring glutamate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities in plasma. 2. Three animal groups were used. In two groups, sheep were infected with 200 metacercariae each. Four weeks after infection one of the two groups was treated with rafoxanide and the other was left untreated. The third group was unparasitized and also received rafoxanide. 3. Infection was confirmed by post-mortem examination of the livers of infected sheep. Infection did not alter the plasma disposition of rafoxanide. 4. The efficacy of rafoxanide, as assessed by the reduction in the number of adult flukes in treated animals compared with controls, was 85%. 5. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity fell dramatically 2 weeks after treatment but increased again at 12 weeks post-infection in the infected rafoxanide-treated group. 6. Antipyrine clearance decreased between 8 and 14 weeks post-infection in untreated sheep. In the infected rafoxanide-treated group plasma clearance of antipyrine remained unchanged until 10 weeks after rafoxanide administration when it decreased from the preinfection value of 5.09 to 3.90 ml.kg/min. Rafoxanide did not affect antipyrine disposition in uninfected sheep. 7. It was concluded that rafoxanide had an incomplete anthelmintic effect against immature stages of Fasciola hepatica, and that surviving parasites caused delayed liver damage which was reflected in an elevation in glutamate dehydrogenase activity and decreased plasma clearance of antipyrine.

An HPLC method with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) was described for the quantitative determination of closantel and rafoxanide in bovine and ovine muscles. A structural analog closely related to rafoxanide, viz., N-[4-(4-chlorophenoxy) phenyl]-2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzamide, was synthesized as an internal standard. Bovine and ovine muscles were extracted with acetonitrileacetone (60 + 40, v/v) followed by cleanup on mixed mode anionic exchange SPE cartridges. After evaporation and reconstitution with the mobile phase, the sample was analyzed by HPLC-FLD using internal standard calibration. The method was validated by using fortified bovine and ovine muscles at 15, 30, and 60 µg/kg. The accuracy and RSD were 70110% and 10%, respectively.

A rapid and high-throughput isotope dilution LC-MS/MS method with online sample pre-concentration and clean-up using anionic mixed-mode SPE was described for the determination of closantel and rafoxanide in edible bovine and ovine tissues. Tissue samples were extracted with acetonitrile and acetone mixture (60:40, v/v). Sample pre-concentration, clean-up and analysis were completed simultaneously with the online MAX SPE LC-MS/MS system. Closantel-(13) C(6) and rafoxanide-(13) C(6) were used as the internal standards to improve the precision of the method. The method was validated with edible ovine and bovine tissues (muscle, kidney and liver) fortified at three different levels. The accuracy and RSD were 86-106% and ≤14%, respectively. This high-throughput method was suitable for routine quantitative analysis of closantel and rafoxanide in food safety surveillance samples.