In vivo treatment with IL-17A attenuates hydatid cyst growth and liver fibrogenesis in an experimental model of echinococcosis

Abstract

We aimed to assess the effect of exogenous Interleukin (IL)-17A in experimental model of echinococcosis. Swiss mice were inoculated intra-peritoneally with viable protoscoleces (PSCs). Then, IL-17A was administered at 100, 125 or 150 pg/mL two weeks after cystic echinococcosis (CE) induction. Cyst development and hepatic damage were macroscopically and histologically analyzed. We observed that in vivo IL-17A treatment at 100, 125, and 150 pg/mL, reduced metacestode growth by 72.3%, 93.8%, and 96.9%, respectively. Interestingly an amelioration of liver architecture was noted at 125 pg/mL without toxic effect. In this context, we showed less fibrosis reaction and reduced expression of iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κb and CD68 in hepatic parenchyma of treated mice by 125 pg/mL of IL-17A. Collectively, our results indicate an antihydatic effect and immunoprotective properties of IL-17A and suggest its potential therapeutic value against Echinococcus granulosus infection.

Keywords: CD68; Fibrosis; Interleukin (IL)-17A; Nuclear factor-kβ; Secondary experimental echinococcosis; Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; iNOS.