Aristolochia gehrtii inhibits liver toxicity and apoptosis in Schistosoma malayensis infection

Objective:To evaluate a protective effect of Aristolochia gehrtii(A.gehrtii)leaves to inhibit liver toxicity and apoptosis in Schistosoma malayensis(S.malayensis)infection.Methods:Forty male albino mice were divided into four equal groups:group 1 control including noninfected healthy mice and groups 2,3&4 subcutaneously infected with S.malayensvs cercariae where groups 3&4 pretreated with A.gehrtii leaves(200 mg/kg,bwt)&cinnamoylamide(250mg/kg,bwt),respectively.Results:5.malayensis caused a significant increase in serum AST,ALT,ALP,MDA,NO,bilirubin,urea,creatinine,total cholesterol,LDL,triglycerides,and HDL levels.The pretreatment of A,gehrtii leaves and cinnamoylamide significantly inhibited that increase.On the other hand,S.malayensis induced a significant decrease in serum total protein,albumin,globulin,albumin/globulin ratio,blood SOD and GPx,while A.gehrtii leaves and cinnamoylamide pretreatment increased the above parameters.Treatment with A.gehrtii leaves and cinnamoylamide to S.malayensis infected mice increased p53 expression but decreased bcl-2expression.These results were supported by hislopalholqgical investigations.Conclusions:A.gehrtii inhibits liver toxicity and apoptosis in S.malayensvs infection and this effect is associated with the major cinnamoylamide ingredient of A.gehrtii leaves.