Glycolipidomics\nof Liver Flukes and Host Tissues during\nFascioliasis: Insights from Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Fascioliasis, a zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes\nof the\ngenus <i>Fasciola</i>, poses significant health threats\nto both humans and livestock. While some infections remain asymptomatic,\nothers can lead to fatal outcomes, particularly during the acute phase\ncharacterized by the migration of immature parasites causing severe\nliver damage. Through the combination of data acquired via high-spatial-resolution\natmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization\nmass spectrometry imaging (AP-SMALDI MSI) and nanohydrophilic interaction\nchromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we investigated glycosphingolipids\n(GSLs) in both adult and immature parasite stages as well as the host\nliver and bile duct to unravel the intricacies of the host–pathogen\ninterplay and associated pathology. Several GSLs showed characteristic\ndistribution patterns within the parasite depending on the fatty acid\ncomposition of their ceramides, notably including GSLs carrying very\nlong-chain fatty acids. Additionally, GSL compositions within the\ntegument of immature versus adult parasites varied, suggestive of\ntissue remodeling upon maturation. AP-SMALDI MSI further enabled the\nidentification of GSLs potentially involved in <i>in vivo</i> interactions between the host and immature parasites. Moreover,\nour experiments unveiled alterations in other lipid classes during <i>Fasciola</i> infection, providing a broader understanding of\nlipidomic changes associated with the disease. Collectively, our findings\ncontribute to a deeper comprehension of the molecular intricacies\nunderlying fascioliasis, with a specific focus on GSLs.