Anti-inflammatory Potential Of The Coral Tree (erythrina Abyssinica): Histological And Immunohistochemical Evidence In Chronic Trypanosomiasis Mouse Model
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a protozoan disease prevalent in Sub-Sahara African
countries that lie between 14° North and 29° south of the Equator. It is caused by a
parasite of the genus Trypanosoma, which has several species and subspecies.
Trypanosoma brucei gambesience occurs in West and Central Africa while
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesience occurs in East and Southern Africa. In this region,
close to 60 million people are at risk of infection. The neurological stage of the disease
is characterized by neuroinflammation and 10% of patients treated with the
recommended drug develop fatal post treatment reactive encephalopathy (PTRE).
Several attempts have been made to scientifically evaluate plants for anti-trypanosomal
effect including modulation of the adverse neuroinflammatiorr associated with tissue
trypanosomes and PTRE. This study aimed at establishing the potential activity of
Erythrina abbysinica in reducing neuroinflammation following infection with
Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Swiss white mice were divided into ten groups, two control
groups (infected and non-infected) and eight infected groups treated with Erythrina
abyssinica extracts. Infected groups were separately treated with methanol or water
extract of Erythrina abyssinica at 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Parasite
counts were monitored in per.ipheral circulation from the third day post infection up to
the end of the study. Cerebrum samples were processed for histology,
immunohistochemistry scanning and transmission electron microscopy. SDS-PAGE
electrophoresis of the brain was also done to analyze brain proteins.
Following infection, trypanosomes were observed in circulation three days postinfection,
with the parasitaemia occurring in waves. In the cerebrum, astrocytosis,
perivascular cuffing, infiltration of inflammatory cells and protein degration were
observed in infected mice. However, in animals treated with aqueous Erythrina
abyssinica extracts, the neuro-inflammation was significantly reduced as noted by
reduced astrocytosis, perivascular cuffing and infiltration by inflammatory cells,
compared to non-treated mice. In addition, there was preservation of proteins by
aqueous extract of Erythrina abyssinica. Trypanosomiasis degraded some brain
proteins, which were conserved on treatment with Erythrina abyssinica extract. This
study therefore documents anti-inflammatory and protein conserving properties of
Erythrina abyssinica that may support its wide use as a medicinal plant by various
communities in Kenya. Further studies are needed to ascertain the exact mode of action
and whether the specific compounds act singly or in synergy.
Citation
Nasimolo,J.,2013.Anti-inflammatory Potential Of The Coral Tree (erythrina Abyssinica): Histological And Immunohistochemical Evidence In Chronic Trypanosomiasis Mouse Model.Publisher
University of Nairobi