Hepatosplenic Protective Actions of Spirulina platensis and Matcha Green Tea Against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice via Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic illness, has high morbidity and negative financial effects in subtropical and tropical countries, including Egypt. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and matcha green tea (MGT) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice combined with tracing their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts and their protective potency. A total of 60 Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): control group (CNT, received normal saline); SP–MGT group [received oral SP (3 g/kg bodyweight/day) plus MGT (3 g/kg bodyweight/day)]; S. mansoni group (infected with S. mansoni cercariae, 100 ± 10/mouse, using the tail immersion method); SP-infected group (infected with S. mansoni and received oral SP); MGT-infected group (received oral MGT after S. mansoni infection); and SP–MGT-infected group (received combined treatment of SP and MGT after S. mansoni infection). Treatment with SP and MGT started 4 weeks after S. mansoni infection and ended 10 weeks after. SP and MGT treatment (SP-infected and MGT-infected groups) and the combined treatment (SP–MGT-infected group) minimized the hepatic damage induced by S. mansoni; circulating alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase decreased, and total protein, albumin, and globulin serum levels increased. The serum level of malondialdehyde significantly declined, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in SP-infected, MGT-infected, and SP–MGT-infected groups compared with the infected group. Co-administration of SP and MGT reduced serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-13) and increased interleukin-10 levels after S. mansoni infection compared with the infected group. Moreover, treatment with SP and/or MGT decreased the number of granulomas in hepatic and splenic tissues compared with the infected group. Collectively, our results suggest that combined SP and MGT treatment is effective for S. mansoni infection. Liver and spleen tissue alterations were improved, the antioxidant systems were stimulated, and the inflammatory response was suppressed. Further research is recommended to investigate the mechanisms of the combined SP and MGT treatment effects to facilitate the development of novel therapies against this disease.

Parasitological and histopathological studies to the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves combined with praziquantel therapy in modulating the liver and spleen damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni to male mice

“…Infection with S. mansoni induces hepatocellular damage and raises circulating levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. Furthermore, it inhibits protein production (Ramez et al 2021). After S. mansoni infection, circulation levels of AST and ALT were dramatically elevated, although total protein and globulins were reduced.…”

“…Infection with S. mansoni induces hepatocellular damage and raises circulating levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. Furthermore, it inhibits protein production (Ramez et al 2021 ). After S .…”

Therapeutic potential of natural products in schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis

“…Bin Dajem et al showed that green tea at a concentration of 3% (w/v) reduced hepatocellular necrosis and perivascular collagen fibers by decreasing lipid peroxidation, but failed to significantly improve liver function ( Bin Dajem et al, 2011 ). Another study found Matcha (a Japanese green tea powder made from finely powdered dried tea leaves) to have lower levels of polyphenols and higher levels of caffeine, quercetin, and rutin than traditional green tea ( Ramez et al, 2021 ). Matcha (3 g/kg b. w) contained more theanine and rutin than other green teas, reducing TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-13 levels, increasing IL10 levels, which led to the inhibition of the development of liver granulomas, the restoration of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activity as well as MDA and TAC levels through antioxidant capacity ( Kochman et al, 2020 ).…”

Acaricidal Properties of Four Neem Seed Extracts (Azadirachta indica) on the Camel Tick Hyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae)

“…It is therefore not surprising to mention that there is an urgent need to develop eco-friendly effective alternatives for these chemicals. Interestingly, the use of herbal medications becomes a promising alternative approach for the treatment of various infectious agents because of their biodegradability, target efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, and therefore, they gained a considerable interest in tropical and subtropical regions (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26). Among others, plant-derived materials and their bioactive substances were proposed as substitutes for synthetic acaricides due to their activity against ticks (27).…”