Propolis enhances the effectiveness of praziquantel in experimental schistosomiasis: biochemical and histopathological study

Abstract

Despite the wide current use of praziquantel (PZQ) in treatment of schistosomiasis, low cure rates have been recorded in many studies. The aim of this study was directed to evaluate the curative effect of propolis (Pps) alone or in combination with PZQ on biochemical, immunological, parasitological, and histological changes associated with experimental schistosomiasis in mice. Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were divided into two experimental sets, each with four subgroups: (i) untreated, (ii) treated with Pps/day p.o for 4 weeks, (iii) treated with PZQ p.o 2 × 500 mg/kg bd wt, and (iv) treated with Pps + PZQ as in group ii and iii; all treatments started on the 8th week postinfection, in addition to uninfected group as control for the previous groups. Treatment of infected mice with Pps, although failed to eradicate the worm, significantly reduced the hepatic granuloma number, their lymphocytic infiltration and aggregation, hepatic and splenic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and plasma, and liver and thymus nitric oxide (NOx) levels together with normalization of plasma proteins and alleviation of oxidative stress in the examined tissues as evidenced by reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and normalization of glutathione (GSH). Promising results were obtained when Pps was given in combination with PZQ, where the anti-schistosomal activity of PZQ was markedly potentiated with complete alleviation and amelioration of the histological and biochemical alteration associated with schistosomiasis. This study highlights the potential usefulness of Pps as an adjunct to PZQ in schistosomiasis.

Praziquantel Targets M1 Macrophages and Ameliorates Splenomegaly in Chronic Schistosomiasis

“…It has been reported that PZQ can reduce the hepatic damage induced by schistosoma eggs, which is attributed not only to its effect on decreasing the number of eggs but also to its possible anti-inflammatory properties (66). PZQ can also affect the host immune reaction during Schistosoma mansoni infection (67). However, there is little evidence of the effects of PZQ during the whole process of splenomegaly.…”

Uncovering Biological Application of Brazilian Green Propolis: A Phenotypic Screening againstSchistosoma mansoni

“…Besides, the obtained results are relevant in comparison with the essential oil from the leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia, which is the botanical source of the Brazilian green propolis. [38] Mahmound and coworkers [26] reported that the extract of Egyptian propolis administered orally alone or in combination with PZQ in the experimental model of schistosomiasis displayed schistosomicidal activity in vivo and reduced both histological and biochemical alterations. Another in vivo study with Egyptian propolis [39] demonstrated the prophylactic and curative effects of propolis in experimentally infected mice when administered orally in a doses of 250 mg/kg/day.…”

“…[15] There are several biological activities reported for propolis, such as anti-inflammatory, [16,17] antioxidant, [18,19] immunomodulatory, [20,21] antimicrobial, [22] antiviral, [23] antitumor, [24,25] and antiparasitic. [26][27][28] However, there are few studies with propolis as anthelmintic, especially against schistosomiasis. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro schistosomicidal potential of the extract of Brazilian green propolis (Pex) by analyzing its role on the phenotypic alterations suffered by S. mansoni worms and its eggs.…”

Transdermal praziquantel administration attenuates hepatic granulomatosis in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum

“…It is generally believed that PZQ can not only kill schistosomes but also affect the host immune reaction (Mahmoud et al 2014). However, there is little evidence for the effects of PZQ during the whole process of granulomatous reaction.…”