Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
09:58

Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation

Published on: June 5, 2012

Effect of schistosoma mansoni egg deposition on multiple low doses streptozotocin induced insulin dependent diabetes

Hala S El-Wakil1, Tarek S E Aboushousha, Omkolsoum El Haddad

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.

Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|January 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Schistosoma mansoni infection protects against autoimmune diabetes by modulating the immune response. This parasitic infection, specifically S. mansoni egg deposition, down-regulates Th1-mediated autoimmune diabetes and preserves pancreatic beta cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Autoimmune diabetes, or type 1 diabetes, is an immune-mediated disease.
  • Schistosoma mansoni infection is known to modulate host immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective role of Schistosoma mansoni infection against streptozotocin-induced autoimmune diabetes in mice.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and later treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ).
  • Blood glucose levels and pancreatic islet morphology were assessed and compared between infected and non-infected groups.

Main Results:

  • Schistosoma mansoni infection significantly reduced hyperglycemia and preserved pancreatic beta cells in STZ-treated mice.
  • Infection led to a shift in immune response from Th1 to Th2, down-regulating autoimmune diabetes.
  • Egg excretion was lower in diabetic mice, possibly due to impaired egg maturation.

Conclusions:

  • Schistosoma mansoni infection, particularly egg deposition, can suppress autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
  • Immune modulation by S. mansoni offers a potential strategy for managing autoimmune diabetes.

More Related Videos

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds06:09

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds

Published on: April 23, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...