Efficacy and Promising Ameliorative Effect of Crocin Against Cryptosporidium parvum with Colon Ultrastructure Examination in Male Rats

Background and Objective: The protozoan parasite (Cryptosporidium parvum) is known to parasitize humans, particularly children and individuals with compromised immune systems and is the cause of cryptosporidiosis. Water-soluble carotenoid crocin (CR) has a high capacity to scavenge free radicals and a variety of pharmacological effects, such as hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. The purpose of the study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of CR as a strong antioxidant agent as an alternative to anti-parasitic medications that may produce a number of undesired side effects. Materials and Methods: Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were isolated from infected human tissue samples and analyzed using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Carbol fuchsin staining. The oocysts were diluted in distilled water and infected. Twenty one male albino rats were used in the study, with seven male rats per group. Three groups were created; I: Control (non-infected), II: Infected and untreated and III: Infected and treated with CR. Investigations focused on ultrastructural alterations in colon tissues and parasitological examination for oocysts in the stool. The study analyzed liver functions, lipid profiles and antioxidant parameters to predict heart or coronary diseases, including superoxide dismutase, GPx, CAT and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation marker (MDA), using risk ratio calculations. Results: The treatment with CR led to a significant decrease in oocyst shedding and improved colon ultrastructural changes, hepatic biomarkers and lipid indices compared to the control group. Additionally, the number of oocysts decreased significantly and the lipid profile of the infected animals showed improvement, with a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes and a decline in MDA lipid peroxidation marker. Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis in male albino rats caused a significant increase in oocyst shedding, changes in the structure of the colon, alterations of hepatic biomarkers and lipid indices. Meanwhile, treatment of the infected group with CR showed potential therapeutic effects as an antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antiparasitic agent.