Abstract | AIM: METHODS: In this study, a 5 d course of human recombinant G-CSF (100 μg/kg sc) was applied to Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice at different stages of disease (5 d before infection as well as 3, 5 and 7 wk post- infection). The animals were sacrificed at 10 d as well as 4, 6 and 8 wk post infection. Mice were examined for: (1) Total leukocyte count which is an accepted surrogate marker for the stem cell mobilization into the circulation; (2) Egg count in intestine and liver tissue to assess the parasitic load; and (3) Histopathological changes in Hx/E and Masson trichrome stained sections as well as collagen content in Sirius red-stained liver sections to determine the severity of liver fibrosis. RESULTS: Mice developed leukocytosis. The egg load and the number of granulomas were not affected by the G-CSF treatment but there was an obvious change in the composition of granulomas towards an increased cellularity. Moreover, fibrosis was significantly decreased in treated groups compared to untreated animals ( collagen content either preinfection or at 3 and 5 wk post infection: 5.8 ± 0.5, 4.7 ± 0.5, 4.0 ± 0.7 vs 8.2 ± 0.9; P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although G-CSF did not cause direct elimination of the parasite, it enhanced granulomatous reaction and reduced the fibrosis. Further investigation of the underlying mechanisms of these two actions is warranted.
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Authors | Lobna Y Ghanem, Uta Dahmen, Olaf Dirsch, Mona Mf Nosseir, Soheir S Mahmoud, Wafaa Af Mansour |
Journal | World journal of hepatology
(World J Hepatol)
Vol. 2
Issue 12
Pg. 434-41
(Dec 27 2010)
ISSN: 1948-5182 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21191519
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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