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

Evaluation of protective immunity of 28KD-GST as a vaccine against experimental Schistosoma Mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni GST was purified from adult worm homogenates by affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified antigen revealed that SmGST has molecular weight around 28 KD was used as a vaccine in a dose of 25 and 35 micro g. Eleven groups of BALB/c mice of 10 mice each were vaccinated by GST. Complete Freund's adjuvant [CFA] and BCG vaccine were used as adjuvant. Booster doses were given after 2 and 4 weeks. Two weeks after the last dose of vaccine, mice were challenged by S. mansoni cercariae. Blood samples were taken 7 weeks post infection for detection of IgG1, IgE and circulating antigens. Then mice were sacrificed for histopathological study of the liver. Highly significant [p > 0.001] increase in the mean optical density of IgG1 and IgE in groups vaccinated by 35 micro g GST and CFA was demonstrated. On the other hand, highly significant [P < 0.001] decrease in circulating antigen, grnuloma number and size in the same group

Study of triclabendazole effect on experimental fascioliasis

The in vivo effects of Triclabendazole on immature and mature stages of F hepatica as well as liver cells in experimentally infected rabbits, rats and mice have been studied histopathologically and ultrastructural in early stages of the disease, severe histopathological insult of liver evolved and became apparent. After treatment, there was regression of these changes and most pathological changes were limited as proved by starting the process of liver cells regeneration. It could be concluded that Triclabendazole had no significant effect on liver cells and also did not exhibit hepatotoxicity. Thus it is considered a safe drug to be used in acute and chronic fascioliasis