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de Lima Aires A, de Araújo HDA, Galvão AM, de Araújo SB, da Silva RL, dos Anjos ZP, de Souza Maia MB, Souza VMO, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP. Schistosomicidal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the N-acetyl-L-cysteine and/or praziquantel in experimental acute mansonic schistosomiasis. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:215. [PMID: 37251728 PMCID: PMC10219907 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03639-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease, in which the major clinical manifestation includes hepatosplenomegaly, portal hypertension, and organs fibrosis. Clinically, treatment of schistosomiasis involves the use of praziquantel (PZQ) and supportive care, which does not improve the patient's outcome as liver injuries persist. Here, we report for the first time the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and/or praziquantel (PQZ) on S. mansoni, hepatic granuloma, serum markers for liver function and oxidative damage in acute schistosomiasis. Infected mice were divided into control, NAC, PZQ and NAC+PZQ groups and uninfected into control and NAC groups. After infection, NAC (200 mg/kg/day) was administrated until the 60th day and PZQ (100 mg/kg/day) from the 45th to the 49th day, both orally. On day 61, the mice were euthanized for serum markers for liver function. Worms were recovered, fragments of intestine employed to ascertain the oviposition pattern, and the liver was used for histopathological analysis, histomorphometry, egg and granuloma counting and oxidative stress marker assays. NAC reduced the burden of worms and eggs and increased the dead eggs in intestinal tissue. NAC+PZQ brought about reduction in granulomatous infiltration and NAC and/or PZQ reduced levels of ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase and increased albumin. NAC, PZQ or NAC+PZQ reduced levels of the superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl and increased sulfhydryl groups. The reduction in parasitological parameters, granulomatous inflammation and oxy-redox imbalance suggests NAC acts as a adjuvant in treatment of acute experimental schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- André de Lima Aires
- Centro de Ciências Médicas-Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - André Martins Galvão
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Sidcley Bernardino de Araújo
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | | | - Zilma Pereira dos Anjos
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Maria Bernadete de Souza Maia
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Valdênia Maria Oliveira Souza
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessôa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Centro de Ciências Médicas-Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
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Buchter V, Hess J, Gasser G, Keiser J. Assessment of tegumental damage to Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium after in vitro exposure to ferrocenyl, ruthenocenyl and benzyl derivatives of oxamniquine using scanning electron microscopy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:580. [PMID: 30400935 PMCID: PMC6219169 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most harmful parasitic diseases worldwide, praziquantel being the only drug in widespread use to treat it. We recently demonstrated that ferrocenyl, ruthenocenyl and benzyl derivatives of oxamniquine (Fc-OXA, Rc-OXA and Bn-OXA) are promising antischistosomal drug candidates. Methods In this study we assessed the tegumental damage of these three derivatives of oxamniquine using scanning electron microscopy. Adult Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium were exposed to a concentration of 100 μM of each drug and incubated for 4–120 h, according to their onset of action and activity. Results While on S. mansoni the fastest acting compound was Fc-OXA, which revealed high activity after 4 h of incubation, on S. haematobium, Rc-OXA revealed the quickest onset, being lethal on all males within 24 h. In both species studied, the three derivatives showed the same patterns of tegumental damage consisting of blebs, sloughing and tegument rupturing all over the body. Additionally, on S. mansoni distinct patterns of tegumental damage were observed for each of the compounds: tissue ruptures in the gynaecophoric canal for Fc-OXA, loss of spines for Rc-OXA and oral sucker rupture for Bn-OXA. Conclusions Our study confirmed that Fc-OXA, Rc-OXA and Bn-OXA are promising broad spectrum antischistosomal drug candidates. All derivatives show fast in vitro activity against S. mansoni and S. haematobium while validating the previous finding that the parent drug oxamniquine is less active in vitro under the conditions described. This work sets the base for further studies on the identification of a lead oxamniquine derivative, with the aim of identifying a molecule with the potential to become a new drug for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Buchter
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, CH, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, CH, Switzerland
| | - Jeannine Hess
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Gasser
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, Laboratory of Inorganic Chemical Biology, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, CH, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, CH, Switzerland.
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Schistosoma mansoni : In vivo evaluation of Phyllanthus amarus hexanic and ethanolic extracts. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Identification of lead chemotherapeutic agents from medicinal plants against blood flukes and whipworms. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32101. [PMID: 27572696 PMCID: PMC5004179 DOI: 10.1038/srep32101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis and trichuriasis are two of the most common neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that affect almost a billion people worldwide. There is only a limited number of effective drugs to combat these NTD. Medicinal plants are a viable source of parasiticides. In this study, we have investigated six of the 19 phytochemicals isolated from two Bhutanese medicinal plants, Corydalis crispa and Pleurospermum amabile, for their anthelmintic properties. We used the xWORM technique and Scanning Electron Microscope-based imaging to determine the activity of the compounds. Of the six compounds tested, isomyristicin and bergapten showed significant anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris muris with bergapten being the most efficacious compound one against both parasites (S. mansoni IC50 = 8.6 μg/mL and T. muris IC50 = 10.6 μg/mL) and also against the schistosomulum stage of S. mansoni. These two compounds induced tegumental damage to S. mansoni and affected the cuticle, bacillary bands and bacillary glands of T. muris. The efficacy against multiple phylogenetically distinct parasites and different life stages, especially the schistosomulum where praziquantel is ineffective, makes isomyristicin and bergapten novel scaffolds for broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug development that could be used for the control of helminths infecting humans and animals.
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Wangchuk P, Pearson MS, Giacomin PR, Becker L, Sotillo J, Pickering D, Smout MJ, Loukas A. Compounds Derived from the Bhutanese Daisy, Ajania nubigena, Demonstrate Dual Anthelmintic Activity against Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris muris. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004908. [PMID: 27490394 PMCID: PMC4973903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Whipworms and blood flukes combined infect almost one billion people in developing countries. Only a handful of anthelmintic drugs are currently available to treat these infections effectively; there is therefore an urgent need for new generations of anthelmintic compounds. Medicinal plants have presented as a viable source of new parasiticides. Ajania nubigena, the Bhutanese daisy, has been used in Bhutanese traditional medicine for treating various diseases and our previous studies revealed that small molecules from this plant have antimalarial properties. Encouraged by these findings, we screened four major compounds isolated from A. nubigena for their anthelmintic properties. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we studied four major compounds derived from A. nubigena for their anthelmintic properties against the nematode whipworm Trichuris muris and the platyhelminth blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni using the xWORM assay technique. Of four compounds tested, two compounds—luteolin (3) and (3R,6R)-linalool oxide acetate (1)—showed dual anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni (IC50 range = 5.8–36.9 μg/mL) and T. muris (IC50 range = 9.7–20.4 μg/mL). Using scanning electron microscopy, we determined luteolin as the most efficacious compound against both parasites and additionally was found effective against the schistosomula, the infective stage of S. mansoni (IC50 = 13.3 μg/mL). Luteolin induced tegumental damage to S. mansoni and affected the cuticle, bacillary bands and bacillary glands of T. muris. Our in vivo assessment of luteolin (3) against T. muris infection at a single oral dosing of 100 mg/kg, despite being significantly (27.6%) better than the untreated control group, was markedly weaker than mebendazole (93.1%) in reducing the worm burden in mice. Conclusions/Significance Among the four compounds tested, luteolin demonstrated the best broad-spectrum activity against two different helminths—T. muris and S. mansoni—and was effective against juvenile schistosomes, the stage that is refractory to the current gold standard drug, praziquantel. Medicinal chemistry optimisation including cytotoxicity analysis, analogue development and structure-activity relationship studies are warranted and could lead to the identification of more potent chemical entities for the control of parasitic helminths of humans and animals. Schistosomiasis and trichuriasis affects millions of people worldwide and are caused by blood flukes and whipworms, respectively. Only a handful of anthelmintic drugs exist to treat these infections and the pipeline for the next generation of anthelmintic drugs is sparse, precipitating the need for new drug development. In this context, medicinal plants present a viable source of novel anthelmintic compounds. This inspired us to study the selected naturally occurring compounds derived from a Bhutanese daisy medicinal plant, Ajania nubigena for their anthelmintic activities. Here, using the xWORM motility assay, we demonstrate that two compounds, luteolin (3) and (3R,6R)-linalool oxide acetate (1), display significant broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity against two of the most important genera of human helminth parasites, the nematode whipworm and the platyhelminth blood fluke. Luteolin exhibited the best activities with IC50 values of 5.8 μg/mL against schistosomes and 9.7 μg/mL against whipworms. Using scanning electron microscopy we showed that luteolin damages the tegument of blood flukes and induces abnormalities in the bacillary bands/glands and cuticles of whipworms. Intriguingly, our previous study showed that luteolin (3) was effective against multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Due to its broad-spectrum anti-parasitic activities, luteolin (3) is a desirable drug lead scaffold, which could be used for developing effective compounds to control and treat numerous tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Paul R. Giacomin
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Darren Pickering
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Michael J. Smout
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Australia
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Antischistosomal activity of artemisinin derivatives in vivo and in patients. Pharmacol Res 2016; 110:216-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Elbakry KA, Abdelaziz MM. Myrrh and artesunate modulate some Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 41:138-42. [PMID: 27536198 PMCID: PMC4967647 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2016.60986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of artesunate and myrrh on S. mansoni infection and the levels of some Th1 and Th2 cytokines were evaluated in the present study. Six weeks after infection, a group of mice was treated with 4 mg/kg of artesunate and other group was treated with 10 mg/kg of myrrh for 3 successive days. Worm burden was reduced with a percentage of 53.7% and 58.78% after treatment with myrrh and artesunate respectively as well as the levels of IgG antibodies were significantly reduced compared with infected group. No obvious changes were observed in the level of interferon γ after treatment. After treatment with artesunate, interleukin 2 (IL-2) level was significantly decreased, while no significant difference was observed in myrrh-treated group compared with the infected group. On the other hand, the level of IL-10 was not significantly decreased after treatment with artesunate, but it was significantly increased after treatment with myrrh. However, IL-12 levels were significantly decreased after treatment with artesunate. The results demonstrated that, artesunate or myrrh treatment could give a level of protection against S. mansoni infection and modulate the levels of some Th1 and Th2 cytokines in mice infected with S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadry A. Elbakry
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
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8
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O'Neill JF, Johnston RC, Halferty L, Hanna REB, Brennan GP, Fairweather I. A comparative study on the impact of two artemisinin derivatives, artemether and artesunate, on the female reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:182-94. [PMID: 26093822 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the female reproductive system in adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with the artemisinins, artemether and artesunate. Rats infected with the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Sligo isolate were dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment (pt). Rats infected with the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate were dosed orally with artesunate at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered 24, 48, 72 and 96 h pt. The flukes were processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the uterus, Mehlis' gland, ovary and vitellaria. After treatment with artemether, egg production had become abnormal by 72 h pt, with free vitelline cells and masses of shell protein material within the uterus; spermatozoa were absent. The Mehlis' gland and ovary retained a normal morphology over the 3-day period. A change in the cell population in the vitelline follicles was seen at 48 h pt, with a decline in the number of immature cells. This became more marked by 72 h and the follicles became progressively vacuolated over the 3-day period. At the TEM level, there were changes in the immature vitelline cells at 24h pt, as evidenced by a decrease in shell protein production and the presence of lipid droplets and abnormal mitochondria. Spaces in the follicles separated the cells from each other. The changes became progressively more severe with time, so that, by 72 h pt, the follicles were very disrupted, containing cells in the advanced stages of apoptotic breakdown. In extreme cases, the follicles were scarcely recognisable and had become filled with cellular debris. Fine structural changes to the vitelline cells induced by artesunate treatment were similar to those described for artemether, but generally occurred more quickly and were greater; this was particularly true of the swelling of the ger cisternae. Overall, the results have shown that artemisinin treatment has a severe impact on egg production by TCBZ-resistant flukes, an effect that is mediated by disruption of the vitelline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F O'Neill
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - R C Johnston
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - L Halferty
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - R E B Hanna
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, United Kingdom
| | - G P Brennan
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - I Fairweather
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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Taman A, Azab M. Present-day anthelmintics and perspectives on future new targets. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2425-33. [PMID: 24894082 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In absence of vaccines for the majority of helminths, chemotherapy is still the mainstay for controlling human helminthiases. However, a limited number of drugs are available in the market to combat parasitic helminths in human. Besides, the development and spread of drug resistance have declined the use of most currently available anthelmintics. Clearly, availability of new anthelmintic agents will be essential in the next few years. More research into the mechanisms of drug actions and their targets are eminent for the discovery and development of novel anthelmintic agents. Recent drug discovery techniques mostly rely on mechanism-based screening of compounds on heterologously expressed targets in bacterial, mammalian or yeast cells. Although this is usually a successful approach, it is money- and time-consuming; meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies prefer the tested target that is chosen based on basic research. The nervous system is the site of action of several chemotherapeutics including pesticides and antinematode drugs; accordingly, the nervous system continues to be a promising target. Recent advances in exploring helminths' nervous system, neurotransmitters and receptors have paved the way for the development of potential agents targeting the nervous system and its components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Taman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt,
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Fabri RL, Aragão DMDO, Florêncio JR, Pinto NDCC, Mattos ACA, Coelho PMZ, Castañon MCMN, Vasconcelos EG, Pinto PDF, Scio E. Chromatographic fingerprint analysis and effects of the medicinal plant species Mitracarpus frigidus on adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:941318. [PMID: 24901000 PMCID: PMC4034476 DOI: 10.1155/2014/941318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this work were to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo schistosomicidal properties of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Mitracarpus frigidus (MFM) and to determine its HPLC profile. For the in vitro experiment, four pairs of adult worms, obtained from infected mice, were exposed to different concentrations of MFM (100 to 400 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h and analyzed under an inverted microscope. For the in vivo experiment, mice were inoculated with cercariae and, 20 days after infection, MFM (100 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for the following 25 days. Mice were euthanized after 60 days. MFM showed in vitro schistosomicidal activity, exhibiting the opening of the gynaecophoral canal of some male schistosomes, the presence of contorted muscles, vesicles, and the darkening of the paired worms skin. In vivo experiments showed that MFM treatments significantly reduced total worm count, as praziquantel, showing a decrease in liver and spleen weight. Also, a significant reduction in granuloma density was observed. MFM treatment did not cause alterations in the liver function of either infected or noninfected mice. The HPLC chromatogram profile showed the presence of kaempferol-O-rutinoside, rutin, kaempferol, psychorubrin, and ursolic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Luiz Fabri
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Danielle Maria de Oliveira Aragão
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Jônatas Rodrigues Florêncio
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Nícolas de Castro Campos Pinto
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Alves Mattos
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory, René Rachou Research Center, FIOCRUZ, 30190 002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo Marcos Zech Coelho
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory, René Rachou Research Center, FIOCRUZ, 30190 002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Eveline Gomes Vasconcelos
- Protein Structure and Function Study Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila de Faria Pinto
- Protein Structure and Function Study Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Elita Scio
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036 900 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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dos Santos AF, Fonseca SA, César FA, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP, Santana JV, Santana AEG. A penta-substituted pyridine alkaloid from the rhizome of Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Muell. Arg. is active against Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria glabrata. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1077-84. [PMID: 24500523 PMCID: PMC3932162 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Jatropha elliptica is a shrub distributed throughout the north and west of Brazil and reputedly possesses a wide range of therapeutical properties. The roots of this plant possess molluscicidal activity and contain terpenoids, coumarin, lignoid, steroids and alkaloid. In the present study, we assessed the schistosomicidal, miracicidal and cercaricidal activities (against Schistosoma mansoni) and molluscicidal activities (against adults and egg masses of Biomphalaria glabrata) of the alkaloid diethyl 4-phenyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, isolated from the ethanol extract of the rhizome of J. elliptica, have been determined. The alkaloid was 100 % lethal to adult schistosomes within 4 days at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Alterations were observed in the schistosome tegument occasioned by treatment with the alkaloid, such as formation of vesicles and vacuolisation. The extent of tegumental damage of the worm was proportional to the time of incubation and to the concentration of compound. The alkaloid also exhibited a potent cercaricidal activity (LC100 = 2 μg/mL); it was totally ineffective against miracicidal forms of the parasite. Moreover, the alkaloid presented strong activity against adult snails (LC90 = 36.43 μg/mL) but was inactive against their egg masses. It is observed then the potential of this compound for the development of new therapies for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldenir Feitosa dos Santos
- Grupo Estudo de Compostos Naturais Bioativos, Centro Universitário Cesmac, 57051-160, Maceió, AL, Brazil
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Silymarin reduces profibrogenic cytokines and reverses hepatic fibrosis in chronic murine schistosomiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:2076-83. [PMID: 24449779 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01936-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic schistosomiasis, hepatic fibrosis is linked to the portal hypertension that causes morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni infection. Silymarin (SIL) is a hepatoprotective and antioxidant medicament largely prescribed against liver diseases that has previously been shown to prevent fibrosis during acute murine schistosomiasis. Here we employed silymarin to try to reverse established hepatic fibrosis in chronic schistosomiasis. Silymarin or vehicle was administered to BALB/c mice every 48 h, starting on the 40th (80 days of treatment), 70th (50 days), or 110th (10 days) day postinfection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed and analyzed at 120 dpi. Treatment with silymarin reduced liver weight and granuloma sizes, reduced the increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and reduced the established hepatic fibrosis (assessed by hydroxyproline contents and picrosirius staining). Treatment with silymarin also reduced the levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in serum and increased the gamma interferon (IFN-γ)/IL-13 ratio. There was a linear correlation between IL-13 levels in serum and hydroxyproline hepatic content in both infected untreated and SIL-treated mice, with decreased IL-13 levels corresponding to decreased hydroxyproline hepatic contents. Treatment with either SIL or N-acetylcysteine reduced both proliferation of fibroblast cell lines and basal/IL-13-induced production of collagen I, indicating that besides inhibiting IL-13 production during infection, SIL antioxidant properties most likely contribute to inhibition of collagen production downstream of IL-13. These results show that silymarin interferes with fibrogenic cytokines, reduces established fibrosis, and inhibits downstream effects of IL-13 on fibrogenesis, indicating the drug as a safe and cheap treatment to liver fibrotic disease in schistosomiasis.
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Phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll, as a drug against neglected tropical disease Schistosomiasis mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2617. [PMID: 24392173 PMCID: PMC3879229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a major endemic disease that affects hundreds of millions worldwide. Since the treatment and control of this parasitic disease rely on a single drug, praziquantel, it is imperative that new effective drugs are developed. Here, we report that phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll widely used as a food additive and in medicinal fields, possesses promising antischistosomal properties in vitro and in a mouse model of schistosomiasis mansoni. METHODS AND FINDINGS In vitro, phytol reduced the motor activity of worms, caused their death and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed extensive tegumental alterations in a concentration-dependent manner (50 to 100 µg/mL). Additionally, phytol at sublethal doses (25 µg/mL) reduced the number of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. In vivo, a single dose of phytol (40 mg/kg) administered orally to mice infected with adult S. mansoni resulted in total and female worm burden reductions of 51.2% and 70.3%, respectively. Moreover, phytol reduced the number of eggs in faeces (76.6%) and the frequency of immature eggs (oogram pattern) was significantly reduced. The oogram also showed increases in the proportion of dead eggs. Confocal microcopy studies revealed tegumental damage in adult S. mansoni recovered from mice, especially in female worms. CONCLUSIONS The significant reduction in parasite burden by this chlorophyll molecule validates phytol as a promising drug and offers the potential of a new direction for chemotherapy of human schistosomiasis. Phytol is a common food additive and nonmutagenic, with satisfactory safety. Thus, phytol has potential as a safe and cost-effective addition to antischistosomal therapy.
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Zhang SM, Coultas KA. Identification of plumbagin and sanguinarine as effective chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of schistosomiasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2013; 3:28-34. [PMID: 23641325 PMCID: PMC3638872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a snail-borne parasitic disease, affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Currently the treatment of schistosomiasis relies on a single therapy of praziquantel, a drug developed over 30 years ago. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop alternative antischistosomal drugs. In the pursuit of novel antischistosomal drugs, we examined the antischistosomal activities of 45 compounds that had been reported to exhibit antimicrobial and/or antiparasitic activities. Two plant-derived compounds, plumbagin and sanguinarine, were found to possess potent antischistosomal activities in vitro. For both the compounds, a concentration of 10 μM (equivalent to 1.88 μg/ml for plumbagin and 3.68 μg/ml for sanguinarine) resulted in 100% mortality at 48 h, which meets the World Health Organization's (WHO) criterion of "hit" compounds for the control of schistosomiasis. Morphological changes and tegumental alterations of the dead worms treated by the two compounds were quite different. The significant morphological changes of worms after treatment by the two compounds suggest the two compounds target different biological pathways, both of which result in parasite's death. This study provides evidence to suggest plumbagin and sanguinarine have real potential as effective alternative chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ming Zhang
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, MSC03 2020, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States
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El-Beshbishi SN, Taman A, El-Malky M, Azab MS, El-Hawary AK, El-Tantawy DA. In vivo effect of single oral dose of artemether against early juvenile stages of Schistosoma mansoni Egyptian strain. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:240-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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“Omics” in the study of the major parasitic diseases malaria and schistosomiasis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 19:258-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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El-Beshbishi SN, Taman A, El-Malky M, Azab MS, El-Hawary AK, El-Tantawy DA. First insight into the effect of single oral dose therapy with artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni infection. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:521-30. [PMID: 23500074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel is the current drug of choice against schistosomiasis. The dependency on praziquantel exclusively is problematic, given the spread of the disease and the threat of drug resistance. This study investigates an alternative antischistosomal drug using the compound naphthoquine phosphate tablet, which is a novel single oral dose antimalarial drug, containing a combination of naphthoquine phosphate and artemisinin. In the present study, the therapeutic efficacies of different artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination-dosing protocols were evaluated in experimentally infected mice harbouring juvenile or adult stages of Schistosoma mansoni (Egyptian strain). The study shows that the oral administration of artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination in a single dose of 400 mg/kg on day 7 p.i. resulted in a significant worm burden reduction of 95.07%. When used at a dose of 600 mg/kg on day 21 p.i., all female worms were killed before depositing eggs, resulting in complete absence of eggs in hepatic and intestinal tissues. The same dose given on day 42 p.i. reduced total and female worm burdens by 93.36% and 94.17%, respectively. In addition, artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination induced significant reductions of 80.18% and 76.73% in the hepatic and intestinal tissue egg loads, respectively. Artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination also induced significant alterations in the oogram pattern with elevated levels of dead eggs. Antipathological activities were evident in the amelioration of hepatic granulomata. Our findings hold promise for the development of a novel antischistosomal drug using an artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be launched to elucidate the possible mechanism/s of action and to study the effect of artemisinin-naphthoquine phosphate combination on other human schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar N El-Beshbishi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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Haemin enhances the in vivo efficacy of artemether against juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni in mice. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2005-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3358-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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El Ridi RAF, Tallima HAM. Novel therapeutic and prevention approaches for schistosomiasis: review. J Adv Res 2012; 4:467-78. [PMID: 25685454 PMCID: PMC4293887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease affecting approximately 600 million people in 74 developing countries, with 800 million, mostly children at risk. To circumvent the threat of having praziquantel (PZQ) as the only drug used for treatment, several PZQ derivatives were synthesized, and drugs destined for other parasites were used with success. A plethora of plant-derived oils and extracts were found to effectively kill juvenile and adult schistosomes, yet none was progressed to pre- and clinical studies except an oleo-gum resin extracted from the stem of Commiphora molmol, myrrh, which action was challenged in several trials. We have proposed an essential fatty acid, a component of our diet and cells, the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA) as a remedy for schistosomiasis, due to its ability to activate the parasite tegument-bound neutral sphingomyelinase, with subsequent hydrolysis of the apical lipid bilayer sphingomyelin molecules, allowing access of specific antibody molecules, and eventual worm attrition. This concept was convincingly supported using larval and adult Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium worms in in vitro experiments, and in vivo studies in inbred mice and outbred hamsters. Even if ARA proves to be an entirely effective and safe therapy for schistosomiasis, it will not prevent reinfection, and accordingly, the need for developing an effective vaccine remains an urgent priority. Our studies have supported the status of S. mansoni calpain, glutathione-S-transferase, aldolase, triose phosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, and 2-cys peroxiredoxin as vaccine candidates, as they are larval excreted-secreted products and, contrary to the surface membrane molecules, are entirely accessible to the host immune system effector elements. We have proposed that the use of these molecules, in conjunction with Th2 cytokines-inducing adjuvants for recruiting and activating eosinophils and basophils, will likely lead to development and implementation of a sterilizing vaccine in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashika A F El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Hatem A-M Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
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Miranda MA, Magalhães LG, Tiossi RFJ, Kuehn CC, Oliveira LGR, Rodrigues V, McChesney JD, Bastos JK. Evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of the steroidal alkaloids from Solanum lycocarpum fruits. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:257-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Liu R, Dong HF, Jiang MS. Artemisinin: the gifts from traditional Chinese medicine not only for malaria control but also for schistosomiasis control. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2071-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2707-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Li HJ, Wang W, Qu GL, Li YZ, Tao YH, Xing YT, Wang XT, Dai Y, Wei JY, Dai JR, Coles GC, Liang YS. Effect of the in vivo activity of dihydroartemisinin against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1727-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Effects of artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin administered orally at multiple doses or combination in treatment of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:515-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2474-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abdul-Ghani R, Loutfy N, Sheta M, Hassan A. Chemotherapeutic efficacy of a natural combination in the treatment of mansonic schistosomiasis: an experimental study. Res Rep Trop Med 2011; 2:1-7. [PMID: 30881175 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Combination chemotherapy of schistosomiasis mansoni has been studied previously, with praziquantel being the basis of combination. Artemether and myrrh are compounds of a natural origin that have been investigated experimentally and clinically against schistosomiasis. Artemether is used as an antimalarial drug, and has been used as a chemoprophylactic drug against Schistosoma japonicum in China whereas myrrh extract is manufactured and prescribed as an antischistosomal drug in Egypt. The present study investigated the experimental efficacy of combining artemether and myrrh using three different protocols in mice infected with the Egyptian strain of S. mansoni. Methods Experiments were performed on 40 eight-week-old female Swiss albino mice divided into three experimental groups and one control group. Assessment of efficacy was based on a suite of parasitologic and histopathologic parameters. Parasitologic parameters included reductions in total and female worm burdens, reductions in hepatic and intestinal wall tissue egg loads, and alterations in oogram patterns in the experimental groups compared to the infected untreated control. Histopathologic parameters comprised microscopic examination of liver sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin to study the reductions in the mean counts and diameters of hepatic granulomas as well as their healing ratios compared to the control. Results Reductions of 43.9%-58.2% in total worm burdens and 42.4%-63.7% in female worm burdens were induced. Meanwhile, significant reductions of 63.1%-77.8% in eggs per gram of small intestinal tissue and of 56.5%-66.3% in eggs per gram of liver tissue were also observed. The combination also caused alterations in the oogram pattern as well as amelioration of hepatic lesions as evidenced by increased ratios of healed granulomas in the treated groups compared to the control. Conclusion The experimental efficacy of the artemether-myrrh combination against the Egyptian strain of S. mansoni was evident, but not to an extent that would warrant clinical trials in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Abdul-Ghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen,
| | - Naguiba Loutfy
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health
| | - Manal Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Azza Hassan
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health
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