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Changes in serum lipids of mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Serum samples of mice infected with 80 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni for different time periods (2-20 weeks) were used in this study. It was observed that the concentrations of serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol decreased significantly (P < 0.001, P < 0.0001 respectively) in infected as compared to control mice starting from the fourth week post infection. Similarly, the concentration of serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly (P > 0.001) in infected as compared to control mice. However, the serum lipoproteins profile was variable at different stages of infection. On the other hand, the liver weight increased significantly (P < 0.0001) in infected as compared to control mice starting from the sixth week post infection. These changes might be attributed to several metabolites released by S. mansoni which affect the host hepatic tissue resulting in decreased synthesis of these parameters and their release into the circulation.
Insights
Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice significantly reduces serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and HDL-C levels. Liver weight also increases, indicating metabolic disruption during schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni.
- Metabolic alterations are common in chronic parasitic infections.
- Understanding lipid metabolism changes in schistosomiasis is crucial for host management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection on serum lipid profiles in mice.
- To assess changes in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and HDL-C concentrations.
- To evaluate alterations in liver weight during the course of infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with 80 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.
- Serum samples were collected at various time points (2-20 weeks post-infection).
- Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL-C) and liver weight were measured and compared to control groups.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triacylglycerol (P < 0.0001) were observed from week 4 post-infection.
- Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) also decreased significantly (P > 0.001).
- Liver weight increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from week 6 post-infection, with variable lipoprotein profiles.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection induces significant dyslipidemia in mice, characterized by reduced cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels.
- Increased liver weight suggests hepatic tissue involvement and metabolic dysfunction.
- Metabolites from S. mansoni likely impair host hepatic synthesis and release of key lipid parameters.