Proteomic analysis of Schistosoma mansoni after treatment in vitro with Mentha piperita L. and Harpagophytum procumbens

• Grant number: 12/08542-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Helminthology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
• Grantee: Ricardo de Oliveira Correia
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The schistosomiasis, a disease that affects millions of people in the world is caused by a trematode (Schistosoma mansoni) which is the intermediate host snail Biomphalaria sp. The presence of strains resistant to treatment with drugs commercially available (Praziquantel) suggests the need to develop new drugs for the treatment of this disease. The use of natural compounds is an area of great interest in developing new drugs. Mentha piperita L., has proven its therapeutic effects in treating some parasitic diseases (such as giardiasis). Experiments from our laboratory demonstrated decreased inflammation in a murine model of schistosomiasis when animals are treated with extract of M. piperita. Harpagophytum procumbens popularly known as "devil´s claws" have demonstrated the efficacy against bacteria and rheumatic diseases. However, the known about the action of M. piperita and H. procumbens the parasite is little. Thus, we assess whether adult worms of S. mansoni change the profile of protein expression after treatment in vitro with extracts of ethanolic extratct of Harpagophytum procumbens and different fractions of M. piperita. The proteomic analysis is made using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Additionally, also evaluate changes in motor activity in the in tegument and the mortality rate of S. mansoni exposure to ethanolic extracts, analyzing the viability of the parasite after contact with extract of H. procumbens and different fractions of the M. piperita for different periods. Understanding how the extract of M. piperita and H. procubens operates in S. mansoni can provide important information for understanding the biological effects of this plant parasite. (AU)