Abstract:

Objective  To explore the effects of IFN-γ and rTGF-β1 RII on hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with schistosomiasis japonica.  Methods  36 Kunming mice (6-8 w,body weight 18-22g, male and female in half) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=6), 6 mice were nomal control group, 30 mice were challenged percutaneously with 18±2 cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum and six weeks later they were randomly divided into 5 groups: model control group, Praziquantel (PQT) group, PQT+IFN-γ group, PQT + rTGF-β1RII group, and PQT+IFN-γ+rTGF-β1RII group. All the mice were killed at the end of the 9th week. The area of egg granuloma and degree of hepatic fibrosis were observed via HE and Masson stainings. The concentrations of liver homogenates MDA were detected by spectrophotometer using Assay Kits. Results  IFN-γ and /or TGF-β1RII protein significantly inhibited hepatic collagenous fibrosis in mice infected with schistosomiasis japonicum and reduced the concentrations of MDA that in liver tissue. Conclusion  The combination of IFN- γ and sTGF-β1RII with PQT had better effect on hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with schistosomiasis japonica than the single use of PQT. The anti-fibrosis effect of IFN-γ and sTGF-β1RII might relate with its antiantioxidant function.

Key words: Schistosomiasis japonica, IFN- γ, rTGF-β1RII , Hepatic fibrosis