Enhanced surgical tolerance of schistosomiasis-induced fibrotic liver following treatment with Ziziphus plant extract
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract (ZSCLE) can be used to treat hepatic schistosomiasis. However, its role as an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent remains unexplored. AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ZSCLEs in hamsters infected with Schisto som mansoni (S. mansoni ) undergoing 50% liver resection (LR). METHODS Fifty hamsters were divided into five groups (10 hamsters each), with group I serving as the control; group II received ZSCLE treatment only; group III was infected with S. mansoni but was untreated; group IV was infected with S. mansoni and received ZSCLE treatment; group V was infected with S. mansoni and underwent ZSCLE treatment and 50% LR. Each group was analyzed using DNA flow cytometry, and oxidative stress (nitric oxide levels), inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ), and liver biomarkers were assessed. Histopathological examination was conducted for all groups. RESULTS Compared with the infected untreated group, the ZSCLE-treated group showed a significant 70.2% reduction in hepatic tissue egg load (3459.5 ± 191.3 vs 1032 ± 25.1, P < 0.001), and the ZSCLE-treated group that underwent surgical resection showed a 71.8% decrease (2021.7 ± 190.2 vs 7193.3 ± 103.4, P < 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels were higher in group III than in group I, group IV, and group V (P < 0.0001). The liver regeneration rate (%) was significantly higher in group IV and group V than in group III (median values: 45.18%, 47.93% vs 28.31%). Pathological examination revealed fewer granulomas in group V. CONCLUSION ZSCLE-LR is a potent agent against schistosomiasis-induced hepatic damage, exhibiting a significant role in promoting hepatic regeneration. Further molecular-level studies are warranted to investigate the phytochemical properties of ZSCLE and its potential applications in managing schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis.
Source: World Journal of Hepatology
Author: Thamer H Alghamdi
Institution: Al Baha University
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125750322