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. 2025 Feb 13;25(1):211.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-10606-1.

Metabolomics assays applied to schistosomiasis studies: a scoping review

Milena Lima Rodrigues  1 , Antonia Regina Dos Santos Gois  1 , Ana Lúcia Coutinho Domingues  1   2 , Ricardo Oliveira Silva  3 , Edmundo Pessoa Lopes  4   5
Affiliations

Metabolomics assays applied to schistosomiasis studies: a scoping review

Milena Lima Rodrigues et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Metabolomics is an analytical approach utilized to explore the metabolic profiles of biological systems. This process typically involves the application of techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). In the case of schistosomiasis, metabolomics has been employed to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers, examine the host's metabolic response, and explore more effective therapeutic strategies. The objective of this scoping review is to assess the scope and characteristics of metabolomic research on schistosomiasis conducted over the past decade.

Methods: To identify relevant original publications, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the following search terms: ("Metabolomics" OR "Metabolomic" OR "Metabonomics" OR "Metabonomic") AND ("Schistosomiasis" OR "Schistosoma"). These terms were applied to the titles and abstracts of the publications, with a focus on the period from January 2014 to December 2024.

Results: The initial search yielded 48 articles. However, after a thorough evaluation of the abstracts, 14 articles were selected based on the established inclusion criteria. The selection process is visually depicted in the PRISMA flowchart. The majority of the studies included in this review were conducted in China (7 articles) and Brazil (3 articles). Approximately two-thirds of the studies utilized animal models, with serum serving as biofluid in 66% of the studies. The findings of this scoping review suggest that chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry are predominantly used in metabolomic research on schistosomiasis, accounting for 75% of the studies. The identified metabolites are associated with metabolic pathways related to glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism, as well as demonstrating alterations resulting from intestinal dysbiosis observed during the infection. As exemplified by succinate and citrate, which are present in the alterations of energy pathways in Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum species. The serum levels of these metabolites are modified, reflecting the host's metabolic and immunological responses induced by the infections.

Conclusions: These studies successfully elucidated the metabolic pathways and key metabolites involved in schistosomiasis. The findings are significant for the future identification of diagnostic biomarkers and the development of novel antiparasitic agents targeting Schistosoma species.

Clinical trial: Not Applicable.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Diagnostic technique; Metabonomics; Schistosomiasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not Applicable. Consent for publication: All authors authorize the publication of this manuscript. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The PRISMA diagram for the scoping review, using the terms (“Metabolomics OR Metabolomic OR Metabonomics OR Metabonomic”) AND (“Schistosomiasis OR Schistosoma”), published between Jan/2014 and Dec/2024
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Relation of altered metabolites in serum or urine of humans and rats induced by S japonicum and S mansoni observed in 10 published articles
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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