BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Schistosomiasis is a severe disease in humans and animals caused by various Schistosoma in tropical areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigens on the expression of angiogenesis factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), in rat alveolar macrophages.

METHODS: In this study, rat alveolar macrophage cell cultures were used to determine the effect of Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigens on the expression of genes encoding VEGF and FGF2. Rat alveolar macrophage cells were obtained through bronchoalveolar lavage and treated with different concentrations of Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigen (0.1, 1, 10 and 50 μg). Moreover, we determined the association between nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of the genes encoding VEGF and FGF2 in rat alveolar macrophage cells.

FINDINGS: Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigen at concentrations of 10 and 50 micrograms per milliliter increased the expression of the genes encoding VEGF (12 and 17 times greater than the negative control, respectively) and FGF2 in rat macrophage cells (6 and 12 times greater than the negative control, respectively). In addition, an association was observed between NO production and expression level of the aforementioned genes.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, increased expression of the encoding genes of VEGF and FGF was correlated with Schistosomiasis, which could contribute to future studies regarding the control and prevention of this disease.