Ameliorating effects of some trematode antigens on arthritis induced in Wistar rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Immunology and Biotechnology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease mediated by T helper 1 immune cells (Th1). Aim: Given that parasitic antigens are capable of polarizing the immune response towards T helper 2 immune cells (Th2), this study aimed to assess the potential effect of Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (Sm) and fasciola hepatica adult worm antigen (Fh) which are known to induce Th2 type response. Materials and Methods: RA was induced in female Wistar rats by intradermal injection (i.d) of 0.1ml complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). After 12 days of CFA injection, rats were treated with i.d injection of 0.1 mL saline, 0.2 mg/mL methotrexate (MXT via intraperitoneal injection, i.p)) once a week four 3 consecutive weeks as a reference drug, 100 μg Sm (i.p) or (i.d), 100 μg Fh (i.p) and (i.d). Rats were treated with antigens daily for two weeks. Results: Compared to control RA rats, treatment with Sm orFh antigens resulted in significant amelioration in the symptoms of the disease, including paw thickness and deformity measured by X-ray. These effects were further confirmed by significant alteration in histopathological changes in the hind paw. Analysis of Th1 and Th2 cytokines axis revealed high serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-a and lower serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Analysis of liver function showed that treatment with Sm or Fh antigens resulted in significant amelioration in hepatic enzymes including ALT, AST, and ALP. Treatment with Fh orSm also induced significant amelioration in the increased number of white blood cells and the absolute numbers of neutrophils. Conclusion: Overall, our data indicate that Sm possesses higher anti-arthritic effect than Fh, suggesting that trematode antigens can be used as a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate arthritis.

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