Natural history of Echinococcus granulosus microcyst development in long term in vitro culture and molecular and morphological changes induced by insulin and BMP-4.

Results of the present study suggest that the degenerative changes in hydatid cysts can be slowed down by insulin and BMP-4, indicating that cellular factors and host hormones could contribute to the longevity of hydatid cysts. Significant evidences are provided suggesting that the microcysts cultivated can undergo calcification and apoptotic processes similar to what have been observed in the natural hydatid infection in the intermediate hosts.