Ceratonia siliqua pod extract ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis and oxidative stress
Background: Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease found predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical areas
of the developing world, with the second highest socioeconomic and public health burden despite strenuous
control efforts. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua pod extract
(CPE) on liver fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.
Methods: The schistosomal hepatopathologic mouse model was established by tail immersion with schistosomal
cercaria. The extract was given daily for 10 days beginning 42 days post-infection. Liver samples were obtained
from mice sacrificed 9 weeks after infection. Liver histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin
and Masson trichrome staining.
Results: Typical schistosomal hepatopathologic changes were induced in the untreated mice. However, the oral
administration of CPE was effective in reducing worm number and the egg load in the liver. This treatment also
decreased granuloma size and collagen deposition by inhibiting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2)
expression. Schistosomal infection induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitrite/nitrate
(nitric oxide; NO) production along with concomitant decreases in glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant
enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. However,
treatment of mice with CPE at 300 or 600 mg/kg inhibited LPO and NO production, increased GSH content, and
restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes compared with untreated infected mice. Furthermore, treatment
with CPE inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced Bax expression in hepatic tissue.
Conclusion: These data indicated that extracts from Ceratonia siliqua pods may play an important role in combating
schistosomal hepatop
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