Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic infection that affects humans, as well as wild and domestic animals. It ranks second after malaria, with a significant health and socio-economic impact in the developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-schistosomal impact of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract (ZLE) on Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis in CD-1 Swiss male albino mice. S. mansoni infection was achieved by dipping of mouse tails in schistosomal cercariae. ZLE treatment was initiated at 46 days post-infection by administering a dose of the extract on a daily basis for 10 consecutive days. S. mansoni infection resulted in liver granuloma and fibrosis, with a drastic elevation in liver function factors, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation, which were associated with a reduction in glutathione content and substantial inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities compared to those of the control. Induction of hepatic granuloma, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in the liver was controlled by ZLE administration, which also produced inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases expressions. In addition, the S. mansoni-infected group exhibited an increase in Bax and caspase-3 levels and a decrease in Bcl-2 level. However, treatment with ZLE mainly mitigated apoptosis in the liver. Thus, the findings of this study revealed that Ziziphus spina-christi had anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and protective effects on S. mansoni-induced liver wounds. The benefits of Ziziphus spina-christi extract on S. mansoni were partly partially mediated by enhancing anti-fibrinogenic and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis, known as bilharzia, is an infectious disease in humans and animals caused by trematode flatworms belonging to the genus Schistosoma
The findings of this study show that PZQ appears to be effective in decreasing hepatic fibrosis, as demonstrated by a clear change in the hepatic expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1, and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-9
The anti-oxidant and antifibrotic effects of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract (ZLE) were investigated in the chronic fibrogenesis induced by S. mansoni infection
Summary
Schistosomiasis, known as bilharzia, is an infectious disease in humans and animals caused by trematode flatworms belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomiasis is classified as category II disease and ranks second after malaria as a significant tropical disease [1]. Previous studies have shown that more than 90% of the infected population from 74 developing countries was living in sub-Saharan Africa. A similar number of people in the Sahara are negatively impacted by portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and schistosomiasis (caused by Schistosoma haematobium or S. mansoni). Schistosomiasis has been effectively eliminated from Japan and Tunisia. Tremendous progress has been achieved in controlling schistosomiasis in Morocco and some of the Caribbean Islands countries. Stringent measures are being undertaken by China, Egypt, and Brazil for eliminating this disease [3]
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