Marine Biotoxins as Potential Nematocide: Impact of Cassiopea andromeda Venom Against Acute and Chronic Trichinellosis in Murine model

Abstract

A significant challenge in the treatment of trichinellosis is addressing theencysted larvae. The efficacy of albendazole on larvae appears to be limited, underscoring theurgent necessity for developing effective alternatives. Recently, marine biotoxins have beeninvestigated as possible substitutes for traditional medications. In the present work, we assessedthe nematocidal potential of the jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda’s venom against the enteral andparenteral phases of Trichinella spiralis in mice. A total of 115 BALB/c mice werecategorized into two phases: acute and chronic. Each was divided into five groups: uninfecteduntreated group, untreated group infected with T. spiralis , uninfected group and treated withjellyfish venom, infected group and administered albendazole, and infected group and treatedwith jellyfish venom. In vitro study exposed adults and larvae of T. spiralis to the Lethalconcentration (LC90) of C. andromeda venom, and ultrastructural changes were observed. Invivo assay included haematological and biochemical analyses. Histopathological andimmunohistochemical assessments evaluated the host tissue’s alterations. ANOVA and post hoctests were used in the statistical analysis. The present results showed that the LC90 ofthe venom caused complete mortality of adults. The infected and venom-treated group of micegained weight, achieved a 85.23% reduction in adult worms, and showed verified structural improvement, diminished degenerative changes, and decreased P53 expression. High levels of oxidative stress indicators and liver enzymes were observed. Venom treatmentdecreased inflammation and restored antioxidant levels. C. andromeda venom may be aninteresting alternative for treating T. spiralis' intestinal and muscle phases; however, furtherresearch is needed to clarify its structure, production, molecular targets, and methods ofadministration.