Anti-fibrotic Effect of Oral Versus Intraperitoneal Administration of Gold Nanoparticles in Hepatic Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Mice

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis significantly impacts public health, as it causes severe morbidity. Infections caused by Schistosoma mansoni ( S. mansoni ) can be treated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study aims to determine the most effective route of AuNPs administration and the magnitude of its anti-fibrotic effect. Methods In the five groups' in vivo assay design, AuNPs were administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg) and orally (1 mg/100 g) to S. mansoni -infected mice. Biochemical parameters (serum levels of albumin and liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. The histological changes of the liver in distinct groups were evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical stains. Results Infection with S. mansoni was associated with substantial changes in the histological architecture of liver tissue and abnormal levels of hepatic function tests (albumin, AST, and ALT). Schistosoma infected hepatocytes exhibited an abnormal microscopic morphology, granuloma formation and aggressive fibrosis. AuNPs restored the liver histological architecture with a highly significant anti-fibrotic effect and significantly corrected hepatic function test levels. Intraperitoneal administration of AuNPs resulted in the most significant anti-fibrotic effect against hepatic S. mansoni infection as observed in all histological sections with Masson's trichrome being the best stain to represent this fact. Conclusion For treating S. mansoni -induced chronic liver fibrosis, intraperitoneal administration of AuNPs is a successful and effective route of administration that can be recommended.