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Action of colchicine on hepatic schistosomal granuloma
Z A Andrade1, M V Medeiros, T M Azevedo
1Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ/UFBa, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Abstract:
Amorphous material and altered collagen fragments within dilated secretory vesicles and cisternae of fibroblast cytoplasm were the main ultrastructural changes seen in hepatic periovular granulomas formed in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni and treated with colchicine. Despite promoting ultrastructural changes in the fibroblasts found in hepatic periovular granulomas, colchicine administration to infected mice did not significantly change the light microscopic appearance of the hepatic schistosomal lesions, did not diminish the amount of total hepatic collagen, and did not change the collagen isotypes in the granulomas, as observed after a comparative study with non-colchicine treated infected control mice. When administered to mice two weeks after curative treatment of schistosomiasis with praziquantel, colchicine did not seem to increase extracellular collagen degradation or to induce a more rapid resorption of hepatic periovular granulomas, although still promoting ultrastructural alterations in fibroblasts.
Insights
Colchicine treatment alters fibroblast ultrastructure in Schistosoma mansoni hepatic granulomas but does not significantly impact lesion appearance or collagen levels. It also fails to enhance collagen degradation post-praziquantel treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection causes hepatic periovular granulomas, characterized by significant fibrosis.
- Fibroblast activity is central to granuloma formation and collagen deposition.
- Colchicine is known to affect cellular processes, including microtubule dynamics and collagen secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural effects of colchicine on fibroblasts within hepatic periovular granulomas in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.
- To assess colchicine's impact on the light microscopic appearance, total collagen content, and collagen isotype composition of hepatic lesions.
- To determine if colchicine enhances collagen degradation or granuloma resorption following praziquantel treatment.
Main Methods:
- Induction of hepatic periovular granulomas in mice via Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- Administration of colchicine to infected mice, with comparative analysis against control groups.
- Ultrastructural examination of fibroblasts using electron microscopy.
- Light microscopy assessment of hepatic schistosomal lesions.
- Quantification of total hepatic collagen and analysis of collagen isotypes.
- Evaluation of colchicine's effects when administered post-praziquantel curative treatment.
Main Results:
- Colchicine treatment induced ultrastructural changes in fibroblasts, including amorphous material and altered collagen fragments within secretory vesicles.
- No significant changes were observed in the light microscopic appearance of hepatic schistosomal lesions.
- Colchicine did not diminish total hepatic collagen content or alter collagen isotypes in the granulomas.
- Post-praziquantel administration of colchicine did not enhance extracellular collagen degradation or accelerate granuloma resorption.
Conclusions:
- Colchicine induces specific ultrastructural alterations in fibroblasts within Schistosoma mansoni-induced hepatic granulomas.
- Despite ultrastructural changes, colchicine does not modify the overall light microscopic features or collagen composition of established hepatic lesions.
- Colchicine does not appear to promote collagen degradation or expedite granuloma resolution after effective antiparasitic treatment.