Bioimmunological responses to Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola gigantica worm homogenates either with or without saponin.
BACKGROUND
In this study, we evaluated the biochemical, immunological, histopathological and antischistosomal activities of Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola gigantica worm homogenates mixed either with or without saponin that was extracted from Atriplex nummularia.


METHODS
The immunization schedule was based on subcutaneous administration of two doses (50 microg /100 microl PBS) of each homogenate with time intervals of 15 days. After 15 days of the last homogenate inoculation, all mice were challenged with 100 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and sacrificed after two months. Free radical scavengers and liver function enzymes were determined in mice liver. Worm counting and the histopathological picture of the liver were also done.


RESULTS
Immunization with Schistosoma or Fasciola worm homogenates, mixed either with or without saponin, recorded an amelioration of the free radical scavenger levels, liver function enzymes and reduction in worm burden, as well as improvement of the histological feature of the liver, the number and size of granuloma, evidence of increased immune reaction manifested by a lymphocytic cuff surrounding the granuloma, diminution of its fibrotic and collagen content, and destruction of Schistosoma ova.


CONCLUSIONS
Fasciola or Schistosoma worm antigens mixed with or without saponin succeeded to eliminate the product of oxidative stress and assistance in immune-mediated destruction of eggs that ameliorate the histopathological picture of the liver cells and preserve its function.
Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. maghraby_amany@yahoo.com
Amany Sayed
AS
Maghraby
Manal Abdel-Aziz
MA
Hamed
Sanaa Ahmed
SA
Ali
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D005209:Fasciola / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D012503:Saponins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase