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- Title
Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation.
- Authors
Bakhshani, Amin; Parande Shirvan, Sima; Sadr, Soheil; Maleki, Mohsen; Haghparast, Alireza; Borji, Hassan
- Abstract
Background: The hygiene hypothesis suggests that early life exposure to helminth infections can reduce hypersensitivity in the immune system. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara cati (T. cati) somatic products on allergic airway inflammation. Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, T. cati adult worms were collected from stray cats in Mashhad, Iran (31 out of 186 cats), and their somatic extract was collected. Thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups, including the OVA group (sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin), the somatic administered group (received somatic extract along with ovalbumin sensitization), and the PBS group (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to assess the number of cells, and lung homogenates were prepared for cytokine analysis. Histopathological analysis of the lungs was performed, and inflammatory cells and mucus were detected. Cytokine levels (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ovalbumin‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined using a capture ELISA. Results: The somatic group significantly decreased regarding the lung pathological changes, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx, compared to the group treated with ovalbumin alone. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, indicating a shift toward a more balanced immune response. The number of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid was also significantly reduced in the somatic group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. Conclusion: These preclinical findings suggest that in experimental models, T. cati somatic extract exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating allergic airway inflammation. Its observed effects on immune response modulation and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration warrant further investigation in clinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety in human patients. Highlights: Allergic asthma is linked to Th2 cell responses, while corticosteroid side effects discourage patients.The hygiene hypothesis suggests helminth infections could reduce immune hypersensitivity.The administration of Toxocara cati somatic extract significantly decreased lung pathological changes associated with allergic airway inflammation, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx.This reduction was accompanied by a shift in cytokine levels, with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, suggesting a rebalancing of the immune response.The somatic extract treatment significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, indicating a decrease in overall inflammation within the airways.
- Subjects
TH2 cells; PATHOLOGICAL physiology; TOXOCARA; AIRWAY (Anatomy); HELMINTHIASIS
- Publication
Immunity, Inflammation & Disease, 2024, Vol 12, Issue 6, p1
- ISSN
2050-4527
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/iid3.1307