Hepatosplenic Protective Actions of Spirulina platensis and Matcha Green Tea Against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice via Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic illness, has high morbidity and negative financial effects in subtropical and tropical countries, including Egypt. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of <i>Spirulina platensis</i> (SP) and matcha green tea (MGT) in <i>Schistosoma mansoni-</i>infected mice combined with tracing their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts and their protective potency. A total of 60 Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups (<i>n</i> = 10): control group (CNT, received normal saline); SP-MGT group [received oral SP (3 g/kg bodyweight/day) plus MGT (3 g/kg bodyweight/day)]; <i>S. mansoni</i> group (infected with <i>S. mansoni</i> cercariae, 100 ± 10/mouse, using the tail immersion method); SP-infected group (infected with <i>S. mansoni</i> and received oral SP); MGT-infected group (received oral MGT after <i>S. mansoni</i> infection); and SP-MGT-infected group (received combined treatment of SP and MGT after <i>S. mansoni</i> infection). Treatment with SP and MGT started 4 weeks after <i>S. mansoni</i> infection and ended 10 weeks after. SP and MGT treatment (SP-infected and MGT-infected groups) and the combined treatment (SP-MGT-infected group) minimized the hepatic damage induced by <i>S. mansoni</i>; circulating alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase decreased, and total protein, albumin, and globulin serum levels increased. The serum level of malondialdehyde significantly declined, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in SP-infected, MGT-infected, and SP-MGT-infected groups compared with the infected group. Co-administration of SP and MGT reduced serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-13) and increased interleukin-10 levels after <i>S. mansoni</i> infection compared with the infected group. Moreover, treatment with SP and/or MGT decreased the number of granulomas in hepatic and splenic tissues compared with the infected group. Collectively, our results suggest that combined SP and MGT treatment is effective for <i>S. mansoni</i> infection. Liver and spleen tissue alterations were improved, the antioxidant systems were stimulated, and the inflammatory response was suppressed. Further research is recommended to investigate the mechanisms of the combined SP and MGT treatment effects to facilitate the development of novel therapies against this disease.