Outcomes of Schistosoma mansoni infection in outbred albino mice exposed to Larvin contaminant

Abstract

The present study tested the hypothesis that mice exposed to Schistosoma mansoni and treated with the insecticide Larvin have an increased risk of accelerated liver damage. To investigate this hypothesis, adverse effects resulting from treatment with Larvin were compared between S. mansoni-exposed and nonexposed outbred albino mice. The effects of concurrent treatment with Larvin on the progress and outcomes of S. mansoni infection were assessed via macroscopic and microscopic examination of liver and spleen, evaluation of several hematological, biochemical and hepatic enzymes parameters, and effect on worm burden. Oral administration of 1/5 and 1/10 LD(50) of Larvin to S. mansoni-exposed mice induced (1) hepatomegaly and splenomegaly; (2) prominent lymphocytic aggregation in liver replacing large areas of bridging necrosis; (3) increased serum level of bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase-aspartate aminotransferase enzymes; (4) decreased serum level of albumin and total proteins; and (5) decreased RBC, hemoglobin content, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts. No significant effect on worm burden or oviposition was noted as a result of Larvin treatment compared to controls. All doses used in mice either for infection with S. mansoni cercariae or treatment with Larvin resulted in dose dependent alterations in hepatic functions of the tested mice. These alterations were most profound in mice exposed to S. mansoni and receiving Larvin treatment. The present findings support our hypothesis and show that concurrent S. mansoni infection with exposure to Larvin adversely affect liver functions and seriously alter hematological, biochemical, and hepatic enzymes parameters in outbred albino mice. These findings warrant further investigation and reinforce the need to minimize exposure to insecticide in both natural field settings and the broader environment.

Role of berberine in ameliorating Schistosoma mansoni-induced hepatic injury in mice

“…In the present study, the significantly lower levels of AST and ALT in the liver homogenates from the infected groups may be due to the existence of the inflammatory hepatic granuloma reported to be present as a result of egg deposition and the presence of worms and their toxins. Other investigators have found increases in serum transaminases in S. mansoni infected animals [23]. The results obtained in this study showed that the anitinflammatory activity of berberine was slightly reflected in an improvement of the status of the bilharzial livers.…”

Anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative activity of ziziphus leaf extract as a novel potential therapeutic agent for reducing hepatic injury in experimental hamster schistosomiasis

“…The presence of inflammatory hepatic granuloma that is present as a result of egg deposition and its toxins may be the cause of the high levels of liver enzymes. Serum transaminases have been found to rise in S. mansoni-infected mice by another researcher [65]. Therefore, ZLE therapy could have a hepatoprotective effect evidenced by decreasing the hamster" hepatic enzymes level.…”

Scanning electron microscopy of the human low-density lipoprotein interaction with the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni

“…Human schistosomiasis is one of the most important of the neglected tropical diseases and is the second most prevalent tropical disease (Attallah et al 2008;Abdul-Ghani et al 2009;Mulvenna et al 2010). Adult parasites live in the bloodstream from where they import nutrients across their body surface (the tegument; Krautz- Peterson et al 2007).…”