Verapamil and Ivermectin: Unexpected Helpers against Parasites in Mice?

Trichinella spiralis parasites are sneaky. They trick muscle cells into becoming "nurse cells, " feeding and protecting them. Medicines like verapamil, used for other health issues, might mess with this clever plan. Scientists tested verapamil, ivermectin (IVM), and both together against these parasites in mice. Verapamil didn't bother adult worms in the gut, but it calmed down inflammation there. But when it came to larvae in muscles, verapamil slashed their numbers by almost 94%! IVM was also effective, cutting worm counts in the gut and muscles by 85% and 98%, respectively. Combining both drugs was the power move, reducing both worm types by a massive amount. These drugs also dropped the production of a protein (CD31) and a gene (VEGF) linked to blood vessel growth, which the parasites need. Calcium plays a big role in the parasite's life and our immune system, making calcium channel blockers like verapamil interesting for fighting these nasty bugs.