Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) eggs trapped in the host liver elicit a chain of oxidative processes that may be, at least in part, responsible for the pathology and progression of fibrosis associated with schistosomal hepatitis. This study was designed to assess the protective effect of the antioxidant coenzyme-Q10 (Co-Q10) against experimental S. mansoni-induced oxidative stress in the liver, and its potential role as an adjuvant to praziquantel (PZQ) therapy. The oxidative stress and overall liver function were improved under Co-Q10 therapy as evidenced by significant reduction in oxidative stress markers and preservation of antioxidant factors. Liver fibrosis was also reduced with a positive impact on liver function. Moreover, addition of Co-Q10 to PZQ therapy caused: significant reduction of liver egg load, significant improvement of the redox status, and lastly decreased liver fibrosis.
MeSH terms
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Actins / analysis
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Animals
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Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
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Aryldialkylphosphatase / analysis
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Biomphalaria
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Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / analysis
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Disease Models, Animal
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Glutathione / analysis
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Hepatitis / drug therapy
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Hepatitis / metabolism*
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Hepatitis / parasitology
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Immunohistochemistry
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Liver / chemistry
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Liver / enzymology
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Liver / parasitology
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Liver / pathology
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Liver Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
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Liver Diseases, Parasitic / metabolism*
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Male
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Malondialdehyde / analysis
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Mice
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Nitric Oxide / analysis
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Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
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Parasite Egg Count
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Praziquantel / therapeutic use
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Schistosomiasis mansoni / drug therapy
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Schistosomiasis mansoni / metabolism*
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Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
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Ubiquinone / pharmacology*
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Ubiquinone / therapeutic use
Substances
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Actins
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Anthelmintics
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Ubiquinone
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Nitric Oxide
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Malondialdehyde
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Praziquantel
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Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
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arylesterase
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Aryldialkylphosphatase
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Glutathione