Effects of protoscoleces excretory-secretory products of Echinococcus granulosus on hepatocyte growth, function, and glucose metabolism.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most widespread and harmful zoonotic parasitic diseases, which most commonly affects the liver. In this study, we characterized multiple changes in mouse hepatocytes following treatment with excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (Eg-PSCs) by a factorial experiment. The cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the growth of hepatocytes. Inverted microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of hepatocytes. An automatic biochemical analyzer and an ELISA detection kit were used to determine six conventional hepatocyte enzymatic indices, the levels of five hepatocyte-synthesized substances, and the contents of glucose and lactate. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the protein expression of three apoptosis-related proteins, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and six glucose metabolism pathways rate-limiting enzymes in hepatocytes. The results showed that ESPs inhibited hepatocyte proliferation and promoted hepatocyte apoptosis. The cell membrane and microvilli of hepatocytes changed, and the nucleus, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum were damaged to varying degrees. The contents of iron, albumin (ALB), uric acid (UA) and urea were increased, and the activities of six enzymes in hepatocytes were increased except for the decrease of transferrin (TRF). The expression levels of all six key enzymes in the glucose metabolism pathway in hepatocytes were reduced. Our characterization provides a basis for further research on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of CE.

Propofol Induces the Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in Echinococcus granulosus via the JNK and p38 Pathway In Vitro.

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nrf2 signaling pathways in Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) cultured in vitro were divided into different groups: a control group, PSCs were pretreated with various concentrations of propofol followed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and PSCs were pretreated with MAPK inhibitors, then co-treated with propofol and incubated in the presence of H2O2. PSCs activity was observed under an inverted microscope and survival rate was calculated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescence microscopy, western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, Bcl-2, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the PSCs among different groups. Pretreatment of PSCs with 0-1 mM propofol for 8 h prevented PSCs death after exposure to 0.5 mM H2O2. PSCs were pretreated with PD98059, SB202190, or SP600125 for 2 h, co-treated with propofol for an additional 8 h, and then exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2 for 6 h. On day 6, the PSCs viability was 42% and 39% in the p38 and JNK inhibitor groups, respectively. Additionally, pretreatment with propofol significantly attenuated the generation of ROS following H2O2 treatment. Propofol increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 compared with that of the control group. Pretreatment PSCs with SP600125 or SB202190, co-incubation with propofol and H2O2, can reduce the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that propofol induces an upregulated expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 by activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This study highlights the cross role of metabolic regulation of ROS signaling and targeting signalling pathways that may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of E. granulosus disease.

Hsa_circ_0128846 knockdown attenuates the progression of pancreatic cancer by targeting miR-1270/NR3C1 axis.

The considerable role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) make them prospective biomarkers in cancer therapy. Our study aimed to unveil the function of circ_0128846 in pancreatic cancer (PC). The expressions of circ_0128846, miR-1270 and NR3C1 mRNA were measured via RT-qPCR. The expressions of NR3C1 protein and apoptosis-related markers (Bax and Bcl-2) were measured via western blotting. CCK-8, colony-forming, or wound healing assay was respectively utilized to identify cell proliferation, growth and migration. Xenograft model was developed to evaluate tumor growth affected by circ_0128846 in vivo. The putative binding between miR-1270 and circ_0128846 or NR3C1 was testified by dual-luciferase reporter, RIP or pull-down assay. Circ_0128846 showed elevated expression in PC. Circ_0128846 deficiency restrained cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and migratory ability, enhanced cell apoptotic rate, and also impeded tumor development in vivo. Circ_0128846 directly targeted miR-1270 whose expression was declined in PC. The suppressive effects of silencing circ_0128846 on PC cell malignant phenotypes were largely reversed by miR-1270 inhibition. NR3C1 was targeted by miR-1270 and was highly regulated in PC. The repressive effects of NR3C1 knockdown on PC cell malignant phenotypes were partly abolished by miR-1270 inhibition. Circ_0128846 deficiency blocked PC progression via mediating the miR-1270/NR3C1 pathway, which partly illustrated PC pathogenesis.

In vitro protoscolicidal effects of lithocholic acid on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus and its mechanism.

Surgery has been found to be the best choice of treatment for hydatidosis. However, leakage of cyst contents during surgery is the foremost reason for recurrence of hydatidosis. In this study, we investigated the in vitro efficacy of lithocholic acid (LCA) against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. The protoscoleces were divided into a control group, an albendazole (ABZ) positive control group and LCA intervention groups at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mmol/L and stained with 0.1% eosin for observation using an inverted microscope; the protoscolecal ultrastructure was examined with SEM and TEM; the activities of ROS, SOD, and caspase-3 were investigated using an ROS kit, SOD kit, and caspase-3 kit, respectively; the contents of HO-1 and NQO-1 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and the expression level of cytochrome c (Ctyc) was analyzed by western blotting. Results: As the concentration of LCA increased, the survival rate of protoscoleces gradually decreased. The microstructure shows that the external shape and internal structure were gradually deformed and collapse. SOD, GSH, HO-1 and NQO-1 decreased more significantly in the 3 mmol/L LCA group. However, ROS levels gradually increased. LCA treatment for 3 days at all concentrations significantly increased caspase-3 activity and expression in a dose-dependent manner. LCA decreased the level of Ctyc protein in vitro. LCA demonstrated a parasiticidal effect on the protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus in vitro. LCA may induce apoptosis of E. granulosus protoscoleces by oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathways.

Dual-gRNA approach with limited off-target effect corrects C9ORF72 repeat expansion in vivo.

C9ORF72 GGGGCC repeat expansion is the most common genetic cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, which generates abnormal DNA and RNA structures and produces toxic proteins. Recently, efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing has been proven in treatment of disease. However, DNA low complexity surrounding C9ORF72 expansion increases the off-target risks. Here we provide a dual-gRNA design outside of the low complexity region which enables us to remove the repeat DNA in a 'cutting-deletion-fusion' manner with a high fusion efficiency (50%). Our dual-gRNA design limits off-target effect and does not significantly affect C9ORF72 expression. In neurons carrying patient C9ORF72 expansion, our approach removes the repeat DNA and corrects the RNA foci in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we conclude that our proof-of-concept design correct C9ORF72 repeat expansion, which may have potential therapeutic value for the patients.

Definition of CRISPR Cas12a T rans-Cleavage Units to Facilitate CRISPR Diagnostics.

The CRISPR diagnostic (CRISPR-Dx) technology that employs the trans-cleavage activities has shown great potential in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, convenience, and portability, and has been recognized as the next-generation diagnostic methods. However, due to the lack of standardized definition of Cas trans-cleavage enzymatic units, it is difficult to standardize the present CRISPR-Dx systems, which have undoubtedly impeded the development of the CRISPR-Dx industry. To solve the problem, we here first systematically optimized the reaction systems for Cas12a, and then defined its trans-cleavage units (transU), which we believe will be of great importance and interest to researchers in both molecular diagnostic industry and basic research. Moreover, a simple protocol was provided to facilitate a step-by-step measurement of the Cas12a transU, which can also act as a reference for the definition of the transU for other Cas proteins.

Recent Improvements in CRISPR-Based Amplification-Free Pathogen Detection.

Molecular diagnostic (MDx) methods directly detect target nucleic acid sequences and are therefore an important approach for precise diagnosis of pathogen infection. In comparison with traditional MDx techniques such as PCR, the recently developed CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies, which employ the single-stranded nucleic acid trans-cleavage activities of either Cas12 or Cas13, show merits in both sensitivity and specificity and therefore have great potential in both pathogen detection and beyond. With more and more efforts in improving both the CRISPR trans-cleavage efficiencies and the signal detection sensitivities, CRISPR-based direct detection of target nucleic acids without preamplification can be a possibility. Here in this mini-review, we summarize recent research progresses of amplification-free CRISPR-Dx systems and explore the potential changes they will lead to pathogen diagnosis. In addition, discussion of the challenges for both detection sensitivity and cost of the amplification-free systems will also be covered.

The Safety and Necessity of Concomitant Cholecystectomy During Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Concomitant cholecystectomy (CCE) during bariatric surgery(BS)in patients with obesity remains a matter of debate. This study aimed to estimate the safety and necessity of CCE during BS. This study analyzed the postoperative complications in patients who underwent CCE during BS and subsequent cholecystectomy rate following BS. Patients in CCE and BS-only groups had no difference in mortality. A higher postoperative complication rate was observed in the CCE group (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3) (p < 0.001) but no severe complication in both groups. Following BS, gallstone patients had a higher subsequent cholecystectomy rate than those with normal gallbladders (OR 2.47%, 95% CI 1.5-4.1) (p < 0.001). Concomitant cholecystectomy increased the rates of postoperative complications during BS. We only recommend CCE for documented gallstones rather than for normal gallbladder.

Dihydroartemisinin induces ER stress-dependent apoptosis of Echinococcus protoscoleces in vitro.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dihydroartemisinin on Echinococcus protoscoleces and explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in this process. Echinococcus protoscoleces were collected and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium. Changes in the expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78), caspase-12, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were assessed through confocal immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Cell viability and morphological changes were observed under a light microscope. The ultrastructure of protoscoleces was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Caspase-3 activity was detected using an enzyme assay kit. After dihydroartemisinin treatment, the protoscoleces showed loss of viability, and morphological changes including soma contraction, blebs formation, hooks loss, microtrichia destruction, and development of lipid droplets was observed. The levels of caspase-12 and CHOP were increased within 2 days of dihydroartemisinin treatment. However, the levels of GRP-78, caspase-12, and CHOP were decreased in 4 days. Furthermore, caspase-3 activity was increased after treatment with different concentrations of dihydroartemisinin. Dihydroartemisinin can induce apoptosis in protoscoleces via the ER stress-caspase-3 apoptotic pathway in vitro. These results indicate that dihydroartemisinin is a potentially valuable therapeutic agent against echinococcosis.

In vivo stress granule misprocessing evidenced in a FUS knock-in ALS mouse model.

Many RNA-binding proteins, including TDP-43, FUS, and TIA1, are stress granule components, dysfunction of which causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether a mutant RNA-binding protein disrupts stress granule processing in vivo in pathogenesis is unknown. Here we establish a FUS ALS mutation, p.R521C, knock-in mouse model that carries impaired motor ability and late-onset motor neuron loss. In disease-susceptible neurons, stress induces mislocalization of mutant FUS into stress granules and upregulation of ubiquitin, two hallmarks of disease pathology. Additionally, stress aggravates motor performance decline in the mutant mouse. By using two-photon imaging in TIA1-EGFP transduced animals, we document more intensely TIA1-EGFP-positive granules formed hours but cleared weeks after stress challenge in neurons in the mutant cortex. Moreover, neurons with severe granule misprocessing die days after stress challenge. Therefore, we argue that stress granule misprocessing is pathogenic in ALS, and the model we provide here is sound for further disease mechanistic study.

An ENU-induced mutation in Twist1 transactivation domain causes hindlimb polydactyly with complete penetrance and dominant-negatively impairs E2A-dependent transcription.

Twist1 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF), which forms homodimer or heterodimer with other TFs, like E2A, to regulate target genes' expression. Mutations in TWIST1 are associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS), a rare congenital disorder characterized with osteogenesis abnormalities. However, how dysfunction of TWIST1 leads to SCS is still largely unknown. Here, using an unbiased ENU-induced mutagenesis screening, we identified a novel Twist1 mutation and the mutant mouse phenocopies some features of SCS in a dominant manner. Physically, our mutation p.F191S lies at the edge of a predicted α-helix in Twist1 transactivation (TA) domain. Adjacent to F191, a consecutive three-residue (AFS) has been hit by 3 human and 2 mouse disease-associated mutations, including ours. Unlike previously reported mouse null and p.S192P alleles that lead to hindlimb polydactyly with incomplete penetrance but a severe craniofacial malformation, our p.F191S causes the polydactyly (84.2% bilateral and 15.8% unilateral) with complete penetrance but a mild craniofacial malformation. Consistent with the higher penetrance, p.F191S has stronger impairment on E2A-dependent transcription than p.S192P. Although human p.A186T and mouse p.S192P disease mutations are adjacent to ours, these three mutations function differently to impair the E2A-dependent transcription. Unlike p.A186T and p.S192S that disturb local protein conformation and unstabilize the mutant proteins, p.F191S keeps the mutant protein stable and its interaction with E2A entire. Therefore, we argue that p.F191S we identified acts in a dominant-negative manner to impair E2A-dependent transcription and to cause the biological consequences. In addition, the mutant mouse we provided here could be an additional and valuable model for better understanding the disease mechanisms underlying SCS caused by TWIST1 dysfunction.

Sodium arsenite augments sensitivity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces to albendazole.

This study aimed to observe the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on apoptosis of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces induced by albendazole (ABZ), and to explore the potential mechanism of NaAsO2. According to the following final concentrations, the experimental groups were divided into 10 µM NaAsO2, 20 µM NaAsO2, 80 µM ABZ, 10 µM NaAsO2+80 µM ABZ, and 20 µM NaAsO2+80 µM ABZ. Viability was detected with 0.1% eosin staining. The ultrastructural alterations were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Caspase-3 activity was assessed with colorimetric assay. Meanwhile, ELISA or WST were applied to detect the activities of antioxidases in NaAsO2 treatment groups. The maximum protoscolicidal effect was seen with the combination 20 µM NaAsO2+80 µM ABZ. The ultrastructural damage detected after NaAsO2+ABZ incubation were greater than those caused by ABZ alone and its primary damage site was the tegument of the parasite. The caspase-3 activity was clearly higher in protoscoleces treated with the combination of NaAsO2+ABZ than when drugs were used separately. The activities of NQO-1, HO-1, GST, and SOD were significantly lower in protoscoleces incubated with NaAsO2 than the untreated controls (P < 0.05). According to our results, ABZ could induce protoscoleces apoptosis, and NaAsO2 could significantly augment sensitivity of protoscoleces to ABZ.

A comparative study of magnetic resonance imaging on the gray matter and resting-state function in prodromal and first-episode schizophrenia.

It is very difficult to predict the future development possibility of schizophrenia through the clinical symptoms of the high-risk cases. Therefore, how to determine the possibility of developing into schizophrenia individuals before the onset of the diseases are particularly important. The study investigated cerebral gray matter volume differences and resting-state functional connections among patients with psychosis risk syndrome (PRS), patients with first-episode schizophrenic (FES), and healthy controls (HC), aiming to provide scientific clinical evidence for schizophrenia early identification and intervention. A total of 19 PRS patients, 18 FES patients, and 29 HC were recruited. Gray matter volume and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) during resting-state functional studies were measured. Comparison of gray matter volumes showed that PRS and FES groups had common reduced gray matter volume in the right caudate. PRS and FES patients showed altered connectivity mainly in the semantic processing-related brain areas. fALFF analysis found that PRF and FES patients had significant differences in fALFF values of the brain region mainly located in the subcortical network, visual recognition network, and auditory network. In addition, PRF individuals had a higher fALFF value and a lower fALFF value in the anterior wedge of the cerebral network than the HC group. Gray matter volume loss between related brain areas might appear prior to illness onset. Similar fALFF values occurred in PRS and FES groups indicated that multiple brain regions of neuronal activity abnormalities and unconventional neural network mechanism have been existed in PRS patients.

Toxic effects of arsenic trioxide on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces through ROS production, and Ca2+-ER stress-dependent apoptosis.

Cystic echinococcosis is a severe parasitic disease that commonly affects the liver and causes abscesses or rupture into the surrounding tissues, leading to multiple complications, such as shock, severe abdominal pain, and post-treatment abscess recurrence. Currently, there are no efficient measures to prevent these complications. We previously confirmed that arsenic trioxide (As2O3) exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. In the present study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of As2O3-induced E. granulosus protoscoleces apoptosis. After exposing E. granulosus protoscoleces to 0, 4, 6, and 8 µM As2O3, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by fluorescence microscopy; superoxide dismutase (SOD), and caspase-3 activities were measured; intracellular Ca2+ was detected by flow cytometry; GRP-78 and caspase-12 protein levels were measured by western blot analysis. Our results showed that the expression of caspase-3 was gradually increased and the expression of SOD was gradually decreased in As2O3-treated groups of protoscoleces. Simultaneously, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry showed that the ROS level and the intracellular Ca2+ level were increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of GRP-78 and caspase-12 were higher in As2O3-treated groups than in the control group. These results suggest that As2O3-induced apoptosis in E. granulosus protoscoleces is related to elevation of ROS level, disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These mechanisms can be targeted in the future by safer and more effective drugs to prevent recurrence of cystic echinococcosis.

Effects of trigonelline inhibition of the Nrf2 transcription factor in vitro on Echinococcus granulosus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of trigonelline (TRG) on Echinococcus granulosus, and to explore the inhibition impact of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway on E. granulosus protoscoleces. Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were incubated with various concentrations of TRG, and then Nrf2 protein expression and its localization in protoscoleces were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in protoscoleces was measured using ROS detection kit. Caspase-3 activity was measured using a caspase-3 activity assay kit, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 activities in protoscoleces were measured by ELISA. The effect of TRG on protoscoleces viability was investigated using 0.1% eosin staining, and ultrastructural alterations in protoscoleces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Immunolocalization experiment clearly showed that Nrf2 protein was predominantly present in cells of protoscoleces. TRG treatment reduced NQO-1 and HO-1 activities in protoscoleces, but could increase ROS level at early time. Protoscoleces could not survive when treated with 250 µM TRG for 12 days. SEM results showed that TRG-treated protoscoleces presented damage in the protoscoleces region, including hook deformation, lesions, and digitiform protuberance. Nrf2 protein expression was significantly decreased and caspase-3 activity was clearly increased in protoscoleces treated with TRG for 24 and 48 h, respectively, when compared with that in controls (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that TRG had scolicidal activity against E. granulosus protoscoleces. Nrf2 protein was mainly expressed in the cells and TRG could efficiently inhibit the Nrf2 signaling pathway in E. granulosus.

Improved electromagnetic wave absorption of Co nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes derived from synergistic magnetic and dielectric losses.

In this study, we report a feasible way to synthesize carbon nanotube nanocomposites deposited with cobalt nanoparticles (20-30 nm) on the surface (Co/CNTs) to serve as an electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption material. EM absorption measurements indicated that epoxy resin composites with 20 wt% Co/CNTs exhibited an effective EM absorption (RL < -10 dB) in the frequency range of 2.5-20 GHz with an absorber thickness of 1.0 to 6.0 mm. A strong absorption peak (RL = -36.5 dB) appeared at 4.1 GHz as the thickness was 4.0 mm, and the absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) was in the frequency range of 3.6-4.6 GHz. The electromagnetic loss research suggested that the superior EM absorption performances including a light weight, strong absorption, broad frequency scope, and thin thickness could be ascribed to the synergistic effect of magnetic loss from Co nanoparticles and the dielectric loss of CNTs, resulting in better impedance matching.

Abnormal regional homogeneity as potential imaging biomarker for psychosis risk syndrome: a resting-state fMRI study and support vector machine analysis.

Subjects with psychosis risk syndrome (PRS) have structural and functional abnormalities in several brain regions. However, regional functional synchronization of PRS has not been clarified. We recruited 34 PRS subjects and 37 healthy controls. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance scans was employed to analyze regional functional synchronization in these participants. Receiver operating characteristic curves and support vector machines were used to detect whether abnormal regional functional synchronization could be utilized to separate PRS subjects from healthy controls. We observed that PRS subjects showed significant ReHo decreases in the left inferior temporal gyrus and increases in the right inferior frontal gyrus and right putamen compared with the controls. No correlations between abnormal regional functional synchronization in these brain regions and clinical characteristics existed. A combination of the ReHo values in the three brain regions showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88.24%, 91.89%, and 90.14%, respectively, for discriminating PRS subjects from healthy controls. We inferred that abnormal regional functional synchronization exists in the cerebrum of PRS subjects, and a combination of ReHo values in these abnormal regions could be applied as potential image biomarker to identify PRS subjects from healthy controls.

Protoscolicidal effects of chenodeoxycholic acid on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus.

Dissemination of protoscoleces-rich fluid during surgical operation for cystic echinococcosis is a major cause of its recurrence. Instillation of a scolicidal agent into hydatid cysts to reduce the risk of spillage of viable protoscoleces is an integral part of the surgical technique employed by many surgeons. In this study, the protoscolicidal effect of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was investigated. Freshly isolated protoscoleces were subjected to CDCA treatment (500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 µmol/L), and the effects on protoscoleces were investigated with the help of 0.1% eosin staining, electron microscopy, and colorimetric assay of caspase-3 like activity. Dose-dependent mortality of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces was observed within a few days of CDCA treatment. The treated protoscoleces showed loss of viability, and morphological changes such as contraction of the soma region, formation of blebs, rostellar disorganization, loss of hooks, destruction of microtriches, and formation of vesicles, lipid droplets, and lamellar bodies. Apoptosis was evident in the treated protoscoleces, as compared to the control group, which were cultivated for nearly 3 months. Our study indicates a therapeutic potential for CDCA as a protoscolicidal agent against E. granulosus. However, further studies are needed to test the long-term effects of CDCA in animal models.

In vitro effect of sodium arsenite on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus is an important cosmopolitan zoonosis. Surgery is the main treatment option for CE. Meanwhile, chemotherapy is used as an significant adjunct to surgery. However, the benzimidazole carbamate group and the existing scolicidal agents may not be as effective as hoped. In this study, we aimed to explore the in vitro effect of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, the causative agents of CE. Protoscoleces of E. granulosus were incubated in vitro with 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20µM NaAsO2. Viability and changes in morphology were investigated by 0.1% eosin staining. The ultrastructural alterations were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, caspase-3 activity was measured by colorimetric assay. Obvious protoscolicidal effect was seen with NaAsO2 at concentrations of 16µM and 20µM. Protoscolex mortality was 83.24% (16µM) and 100% (20µM) after 6 days post-incubation. SEM showed that the primary site of drug damage was the tegument of the protoscoleces. TEM analysis demonstrated that the internal tissues were severely affected and revealed an increase in the number of lipid droplets and vacuoles after treatment with 16µM NaAsO2. Meanwhile, the caspase-3 activity significantly increased in protoscoleces after 24h of NaAsO2 incubation compared to the untreated controls. Our study demonstrated the clear in vitro scolicidal effect of NaAsO2 against E. granulosus protoscoleces. However, the in vivo efficacy, specific mechanism, and any possible side effects of NaAsO2 remain to be investigated.