IL-10, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in acute and chronic human fascioliasis

The 3 cytokines [IL-10 [Th2 product], IFN-gamma [Th1 product] and TNF- alpha] were studied. The present work was undertaken to study the level of these cytokines during the acute and chronic stages of human fascioliasis in an attempt to assess the involvement of Th1 and Th2 cells in regulation of the immune response in this disease. Sera of 26 Fasciola patients were obtained and divided into 2 groups: 12 with acute and 14 with chronic fascioliasis, sera of a control group were studied simultaneously. During the acute stage, a significant increase was observed in IL-10, IFN-gamma as well as TNF-alpha and specific antibody level. In the chronic phase, a significant increase of IL-10 level was observed. IFN-gamma showed a lower level as compared to the acute stage, but TNF-alpha was still high. Accordingly, in fascioliasis in the early phase of infection B cells, macrophages, Th1 and Th2 cells were all activated. They cooperate in overcoming the parasite and work to the benefit of the host. With time and after maturation of the evading worms, Th2 action predominates. IL-10 [Th2 cytokine] which is antagonistic to IFN-gamma [Th1 product] and consequently to TNF-alpha limits the immunopathology that may be caused by the latter

Assessment of interleukin-1 activity of peritoneal macrophages in mice infected with schistosoma mansoni before and after praziquantel administration

This work was devoted to clarify the changes in interleukin-1 [IL-1] activity of peritoneal macrophages in mice experimentally infected with S. mansoni before and after praziquantel administration. A significant increase in IL-1 activity after praziquantel administration was detected. These findings clarified the role of praziquantel in improving the immune state of the infected host