Modulation of liver fibrosis and pathophysiological changes in mice infected with Mesocestoides corti (M. vogae) after administration of glucan and liposomized glucan in combination with vitamin C.

Abstract

The effects of glucan and liposomized glucan, alone or co-administered with vitamin C, and empty liposomes on hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Mesocestoides corti (M. vogae) tetrathyridia were studied. Preparations were administered every third day from day 7 to day 31 post-infection (p.i.), nine doses in total. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cholesterol levels were measured in sera collected on days 11, 15, 21, 28, 32, 42, 50 and 65 p.i. Liver fibrosis was studied on the same days by measuring hydroxyproline concentration, which is considered a marker for collagen content. Larvicidal effects of the glucan and liposome preparations were estimated on day 65 p.i. in the liver and peritoneal cavity. Glucan formulations significantly enhanced collagen content, most prominently after administration of liposomized glucan in combination with vitamin C. Activities of both enzymes and cholesterol levels were slightly modified after administration of glucan alone. Liposomized glucan with vitamin C significantly increased ALT and AST activity and cholesterol levels up to days 28-32 p.i., after which they plateaued or declined. The most pronounced decrease was after administration of liposomized glucan and vitamin C. The same pattern of biochemical parameters in serum was observed after administration of empty liposomes, however, collagen content was not modified significantly. Larval counts in the liver and the peritoneal cavity were significantly reduced after treatment with either glucan formulation, but were unaffected following treatment with empty liposomes. In summary, intense fibrosis in the liver of mice treated with liposomized glucan and vitamin C did not result in the most extensive parenchymal cell injury but, rather in the highest efficacy of treatment. Liposomal lipids were probably utilized in the reparation of the damaged parenchymal cells, while glucan stimulated phagocytic cells.