Structural changes and expression of hepatic fibrosis-related proteins in coculture of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces and human hepatic stellate cells

Abstract

Background Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of human hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). AE can cause damage to several organs, primarily the liver, and have severe outcomes, such as hepatic failure and encephalopathy. The main purpose of this study was to explore the interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and E. multilocularis protoscoleces (PSCs). The results of this study provide an experimental basis for further examination of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis due to AE infection. Methods We investigated the role of Echinococcus multilocularis (Echinococcus genus) PSCs in hepatic fibrosis by examining structural changes and measuring hepatic fibrosis-related protein levels in cocultures of PSCs and human HSCs. Structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and levels of the hepatic fibrosis-related proteins collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Under coculture (1) both PSCs and HSCs exhibited morphological changes, as observed by TEM; (2) Col-I, α-SMA, and OPN expression levels, which were determined by western blotting and ELISA, significantly increased after 3 days of incubation. Conclusions The results of this study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of AE-induced hepatic fibrosis. Graphical abstract

Morphological aspects and pathological impacts of cystic echinococcosis in liver of slaughtered sheep and host-parasite relationship

“…The current investigation showed that upon examining the histological sections of liver and parasite cysts, a tri-laminar membrane with germinal epithelium lining, comprising of an eosinophilic layer, was identified. Additionally, multiple protoscoleces were observed within brood capsules, these in accordance with Cao et al (2021) and Yasen et al (2021), they mentioned that the hydatid cyst wall from inside to outside is composed of germinal layer, pericyst and a laminated membrane. The space observed between the pericyte and the laminated membrane resembles those recorded in the study of (Kul and Yildiz, 2010) who conclude that through this space, tissue fluids and the nutrient medium can flow.…”