Immunogenicity assessment for lung-stage and biomphalaria Alexandrina cocktail vaccine in schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The availability of a new vaccine is usually needed as an additional component to chemotherapy for control of schistosomiasis. Different strategies of different types of vaccines were assessed to decrease morbidity but did not give the best protection. The study assessed the efficacy of BAAP, SLAP and their combined preparations together with BCG adjuvant as an effective anti-schistosomal vaccine. Methodology: Six groups of Swiss albino mice were used [Gi] as a control, [G2] infected non immunized; [G3] infected and supported by Adj.; [G4] infected; vaccinated with BAAP and supported by Adj.; [G5] infected, vaccinated with SLAP and supported by Adj. and the target group [G6] infected, vaccinated with combined antigens [BAAP + SLAP] arid supported by Adjuvant. Mice were sacrificed 8 weeks post infection for assessment the effect of our vaccine through parasitological, histopathological, serological and immunohistochemical study. The vaccination of mice with BAAP, SLAP and Adjuvant followed by challenge S. mansoni infection resulted in highest reduction percentages [92% and 86%] for mean numbers of adult burdens and fecal egg counts respectively,[82.4%, 81%] for granuloma number and diameter respectively compared with other groups. The improvement % of all measured enzymes as higher in G6 than other groups.IL10 was significantly increased in G6 than other groups; also. TNF was significantly decreased in G6 than other groups

Impact of treatment with praziquantel supplemented by silymarin on schistosoma mansoni-induced fibrosis in mice

Schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni continues to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around parasite eggs trapped in the liver. Because of the hepatic importance and its ability to regenerate, treating liver fibrosis is of vital significance. Silymarin, a flavinoid complex of Silybum marianum from a plant of the family Asteracea, has received much attention as a potential anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective agent. To investigate the effect of combining silymarin with praziquantel [PZQ] in the treatment of liver fibrosis in mice infected with S. mansoni. The study was carried out on 120 mice; 96 of which were infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae and the rest served as non infected controls. Mice were classified into 5 groups, 24 each. G1: Normal control; G2: Infected untreated control; G3: Infected and treated with PZQ, started 6 weeks post infection [PI]; G4: Infected and treated with silymarin, started 4 weeks PI and G5: Infected and treated with silymarin, 4 weeks PI followed by PZQ 6 weeks PI Eight mice from each group were sacrificed on the 10[th], 14[th] and 18[th] week PI. Parasitological, histopathological and biochemical parameters that reflect the disease severity and morbidity were studied. Deposition of extra-cellular matrix [ECM] was determined by estimation of trans-4 hydroxy-L-proline [Hyp] in hepatic cells. PZQ alone showed a significantly high reduction in the mean egg count/gm stool, liver and intestines and was associated with significant increase in the percentage of dead eggs all over the period of the experiment. Silymarin administered alone resulted in slight improvement of parasitological parameters. All the treated groups revealed significant decrease in granuloma diameter especially those after 18[th] week PI Groups treated with silymarin or when combined with PZQ revealed the highest decrease in granuloma diameter at all periods of sacrifice. All treated groups revealed a significant decrease in the Hyp hepatic content. However, the groups treated with silymarin alone or combined with PZQ revealed the most significant decrease in Hyp levels at all periods of sacrifice.The best results obtained, with most of the parameters studied, were in the groups of mice treated with silymarin in combination with PZQ. The use of silymarin combined with PZQ did not affect the chemotherapeutic effect of the latter, and can be safely used with PZQ in patients infected with S. mansoni. Co-administration of silymarin with PZQ reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reactions in the acute and chronic stages of infection. It also had the ability to attenuate liver fibrosis induced by S. mansoni infection. Silymarin can be safely used as an adjuvant with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni

Relationship between serum cytokines profiles and hepatic fibrosis in Schistosomiasis mansoni: an experimental study

Forty of eighty mice [10 each group] were infected with S. mansoni cercariae and sacrificed at 3 weeks [G-A], 6 weeks [G-B], 12 weeks [G-C] and 16 weeks [G-D] post infection [P.I]. The other forty mice were used as control groups of ten mice each. There were highly significant difference between egg counts after 12 weeks and 16 weeks of infection compared to 6 weeks P.I. The maximum egg count and mature eggs were in 6[th] week P.I while dead eggs reached the peak at 16[th] weeks P.I. Liver egg counts showed maximum followed by intestinal and then, stool egg counts. A highly significant differences in hydroxy-proline, TGF-Bland DL-4 of infected than in controls and their peak at 16 weeks P.I. A significant difference in the EFN-gamma in the infected than in controls with peak occurred at 6 weeks P.I. and declined after that reaching a low level at 16 weeks P.I. A highly significant positive correlation was between TGF-Bland IL4 and significant negative correlation between IFN- gamma and both IL4 and TGF-B1. A highly significant and significant negative correlation between TGF-B1 and egg count at 12 and 16 weeks P.I respectively. Negative correlation was between IL-4 and egg count at 16 weeks P.I. But, significant positive correlation was between IFN- gamma with the egg count at 16 weeks P.I. A significant negative correlation was between TGF-B1 and oogram at 6 and 16 weeks P.I, but highly significant positivity was between IFN- gamma and oogram at 16 weeks P.I. A significant negative correlation was between IL-4 and oogram at 16 weeks P.I. A significant positive correlation was between levels of hydroxyproline and TGF-B1 at 12 and 16 weeks P.I. Highly significant negative correlation between hydroxyproline and IFN- gamma was at 12 weeks P.I with significant and highly significant positive correlation between hydroxyproline and IL4 at 12 and 16 weeks-P.I