Immunohistopathological and biochemical changes in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice treated with artemether.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate immune mechanisms possibly involved in the amelioration of histopathological changes in livers of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice treated with artemether (ART), including liver functions and apoptotic changes.


METHODS
Male CD-1 Swiss albino mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and treated with praziquantel (PZQ) 6 weeks post-infection (PI) (500 mg/kg/day x2) and/or ART in double dose (each of 400 mg/kg) 4 and 6 weeks PI. Parasitological parameters, liver functions and histopathological changes including T-lymphocyte profile and apoptotic changes were assessed.


RESULTS
Eight weeks PI, although the reduction in worm burden in mice treated with ART plus PZQ was comparable to that in PZQ-treated mice, yet there was complete absence of eggs and typical granulomas. The ratio of T-helper/cytotoxic cells was in favor of T-helper in infected control and in mice treated with both drugs. This ratio was 0.9:1 and 0.7:1 in PZQ and ART-treated groups, respectively, with moderate apoptotic changes in the latter. All biochemical parameters expressing liver function were improved with all treatment regimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of ART in addition to PZQ resulted in absence of eggs and typical granulomas with less apoptotic changes than in ART-treated mice. Improved liver functions with higher apoptosis in ART-treated mice may suggest enhanced necrotic cell death/regenerative changes.
Botros
Sanaa S
SS
Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. Box 30, Imbaba, 12411 Giza, Egypt.
Mahmoud
Madiha R
MR
Moussa
Mona M
MM
Nosseir
Mona M
MM
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D000077549:Artemether; D037621:Artemisinins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D012556:Schistosomicides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D037621:Artemisinins; D012556:Schistosomicides; D011223:Praziquantel; D000077549:Artemether