Evaluation of the silver semiconductor (alfa-Ag2WO4) associated with curcumin for the control of parasitic infection by Schistosoma mansoni in a murine model.

• Grant number: 23/09490-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Helminthology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
• Grantee: Victor Hugo Guimarães
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/06545-3 - Ex vivo evaluation of curcumin-functionalized silver tungstate and analogues against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula, juveniles and adults, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, 28,587 new cases of schistosomiasis were registered in Brazil in 2020, with an estimated total of 6 to 8 million infected individuals. The treatment for this parasitic disease has been carried out using the same anthelmintic drug, Praziquantel, since 1996, which has led to a loss of sensitivity and resistance of Schistosoma mansoni to it in some areas. In order to reduce drug resistance and control infection during schistosomiasis, nanotechnology emerges as a therapeutic possibility due to its practicality, low cost, and ease of synthesis in the laboratory. Silver semiconductors possess physicochemical and antimicrobial properties that confer bactericidal, bacteriostatic, and anti-inflammatory capabilities. However, some studies on their use for treatments in eukaryotes using tungstate ions as carriers have indicated cytotoxicity. Curcumin, used in conjunction with tungstate, is an alternative to overcome this problem, as it has protective properties, regulates inflammatory cytokines, has pharmacological safety, and is cost-effective. In this study, the alfa-Ag2WO4 semiconductor will be used with the aim of combating S. mansoni in a murine model. For this purpose, parasitological, histopathological, leukocyte profile, and immunoenzymatic analysis assays will be performed using ELISA tests on blood and fecal samples from Balb/c mice. It is expected that the results will demonstrate efficacy in combating helminthic infection and do not indicate toxicity, making it a potential substitute for the current treatment.