Effect of Wheat Germ Oil and Propolis on Murine Schistosoma mansoni Induced Liver Fibrosis by Targeting the TGF-β1/Smad3 Pathway.

Background: Schistosomial infection is a grave tropical illness of public health concern. Praziquantel (PZQ) is used in the treatment of Schistosomiasis, but it has been linked to reinfections, resistance, and low cure rates. This study set out to assess the consequences of wheat germ oil and propolis on mice infected by Schistosoma mansoni in comparison with praziquantel. Methods: In this study, Fifty mice, with 10 mice each, were randomly assigned to one of five groups: normal individuals as a reference, infected control group, propolis treated group, wheat germ oil (WGO) treated group, and praziquantel treated group. Worm burden, oogram pattern, intestinal and measuring the number and width of hepatic granulomas, as well as hepatic egg counts, were assessed to evaluate the drugs' antischistosomal effects. Biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, IL-4, IL-10) were determined. Also, molecular and histopathological examinations were performed. Results: There were significant reductions in all parasitological parameters, the adults' worm load, and intestinal and hepatic egg load with an increased fraction of departed eggs in WGO and Propolis-treated groups. Besides, there was a substantial decline in granuloma number and diameter. Similarly, they have substantial hepatoprotective effects through the improvement of liver enzymes, reduction of IL-4, the elevation of IL-10, regulation of the genetic expression of TGFβ1/Smad3, which was significantly decreased, reduction of fibrous tissue in Schistosomal granuloma, and reduced the expression of α- SMA in the Propolis, WGO, and praziquantel groups related to the infected group with significant improvement in WGO group compared to other group. Conclusion: The current study indicated the potential role of Propolis and WGO as beneficial natural herbal drugs for Schistosomiasis treatment; this may also assist in mitigating the adverse effects of praziquantel.