Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): An Important Marker of Cure Progression in Schistosomiasis Mansoni Disease

Abstract

Abstract Background: Schistosomiasis is a major health problem infecting about 7.2 million in Egypt. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug effective against Schistosoma mansoni infection without effective available alternatives. VEGF was used to assess the associated schistosomal inflammatory and hepatic histopathological changes. Aim of Study: The aim of this work is to evaluate the expression of VEGF in hepatocytes and sinusoids of experi-mental infected mice with Schistosomiasis mansoni compar-ative to treated group with PZQ. Material and Methods: Swiss albino mice housed at the Animal House at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt were divided into three major categories: Group I (positive control); Group II (negative control); Group III (Infected mice treated with PZQ). They were infected by (60±10) S. mansoni cercariae. VEGF was measured. Results: VEGF expression was reduced in hepatocytes and sinusoids in treated group compared with positive control group with non expression in negative control group. Conclusions: VEGF is an important marker in reflection of infection and progression of treatment. It is a good marker of cure.