الفهرس 
Introduction and Aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a human disease syndrome which caused by infection of one from several species of parasitic trematodes flukes of
the genus Schistosoma. This parasitic disease ranks second after malaria
in terms of its public health importance, and it is estimated that more
than 207 million people have been infected worldwide, while 779
million people remain under infection risk. So, a major focus of research
has been directed to use the natural products against Schistosoma
mansoni.
The current study is designed to assess the protective role of
Nigella sativa oil as an antioxidant against S. mansoni infection in mice,
and its combination role in therapy along artemether or PZQ.
This study included one hundred female CD-1 Swiss albino mice
divided into two main groups:
Forty non-infected mice were divided into:
1- Ten mice were used as normal control group.
2- Ten mice administered orally with 0.2 mg /kg (three times per week)
for 28 days of Nigella sativa oil.
3- Ten mice injected intramuscular with 300 mg/kg as a single dose of
artemether.
4- Ten mice administered orally with 300 mg/kg as a single dose of
PZQ.
S. manson infected mice were divided into:
5- Ten infected mice were used as S. mansoni infected- group.
6- Ten infected mice treated with Nigella sativa oil.
7- Ten infected mice treated with artemether after 49 days of infection.
8- Ten infected mice treated with PZQ after 49 days of infection.
9- Ten infected mice treated with Nigella sativa oil combined with
artemether.
10-Ten infected mice treated with Nigella sativa oil combined with
PZQ.
At the end of experiment, all animals were sacrificed and the
following parameters were investigated:
1- Parasitological parameters: Relative liver and spleen weight, Total
worm burden, Ova count in liver and intestine and Oogram pattern in
liver and intestine.
2- Histological investigations; observing liver alterations and measuring
hepatic granuloma diameter.
3- Examination of surface topography of adult worm by using Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM).
4- Biochemical parameters in liver homogenate; determination of
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, determination of catalase (CAT)
activity and determination of Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity.
5- Immunological parameters namely, determination of total IgG and
Cytokines profile of (IL2, IL12 and TNF ).The result obtained in this work can be summarized as the
following:
The mean weights of both mice liver and spleen after infection with S.
mansoni showed a significant increase (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) when
compared to normal control group. Artemether treatment of non-infected group
recorded significant increase (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) of liver compared to
control group. While, all treatment of non-infected and infected groups
illustrated significant increase (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) of spleen weight
compared to normal control. The effect of N. sativa alone or combined with
artemether or PZQ on parasitological parameters was studied. The data obtained
showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) in the total worm
burden and ova count/g tissues (liver and intestine) compared to infected control
group. On the other hand, oogram pattern in hepatic and intestinal tissues
showed a significant increase in the mean numbers of immature and dead eggs.
While, a significant decrease (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) of mature ova was
recorded when compared to infected control groups.
Liver histological observation of infected and non-infected mice
treated with N. sativa combined with artemether or PZQ was studied.
Some improved in histological damaged in the hepatic tissues in all
treated groups. Present data showed that N. sativa combined with
artemether or PZQ recorded a significant decrease in granuloma
diameter when compared to normal control group.
Scanning electron microscopic examination of S. mansoni worms
after treatment with N. sativa combined with artemether or PZQ showed
the strong lethal effects of these drugs on the worms. It was shown that
both drugs caused focal damage of the dorsal surface of the tegument,namely swelling and shortening or even loss of the spines in the male.
The female showed loss of the normal shape like swelling, extensive
peeling, erosion, fusion of tegument ridges and losing the spines when
compared to control group.
Effect of Nigella sativa oil combined with artemether or PZQ on
antioxidant enzymes; SOD, CAT and GPX in the liver homogenate of
non-infected and S. mansoni-infected mice were studied. The results
revealed that N. sativa of non-infected group significantly stimulated (P
< 0.001, Kruskal wallis) SOD, CAT and GPX activities. While, PZQ
treatment of non-infected group showed reduction in antioxidant
enzymes activity. Combination of N. sativa and artemether or PZQ of
infected-groups recorded significant stimulation (P < 0.001, Kruskal
wallis) of production of SOD, CAT and GPX activities compared to
infected control group.
Effect of treatment with N. sativa oil combined with artemether or
PZQ on total serum (IgG) and cytokines profils; IL-2, ILin
the serum of non-infected and S. mansoni-infected mice were studied.
The levels of total serum (IgG) antibodies after treatment with N. sativa
or artemether or PZQ of non-infected mice recorded a significant
decrease (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) compared to normal control group.
While, N. sativa combined with artemether or PZQ of infection groups
showed significant increase (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis) in total IgG
compared to infected control group. Effect of N. sativa oil on cytokines
IL-2 and TNF- -infected and infected mice showed significant
increase (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis). While, treatment with artemether
of non-infected showed significant decrease (P < 0.001, Kruskal wallis)
in IL-2 and 12 and increase.