Abstract
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.
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.
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.
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.