The structural, functional and metabolic changes in host tissues caused during penetration, migration and localization of helminths in the host body, are associated with specific changes in trace element levels in body tissues, including these of liver and spleen. The aim of the present study is determination of the quantities of trace elements zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) in liver and spleen tissues of rats at acute or chronic phases of fasciolosis. Statistically significant reducing of Zn, Cu, Co and Fe quantities is established in the livers of rats with acute and chronic fasciolosis compared to the controls. The decreasing of trace elements levels was slighter in chronic phase of fasciolosis. Significant reducing of spleen Fe quantity and slighter decreasing of Zn and Cu levels were established in the spleens of rats with acute fasciolosis. Statistically significant increased quantity of Zn, markedly increased level of Fe, slightly increased Cu and unchanged level of Co were detected in the spleens of rats with chronic fasciolosis compared to controls. The results we obtained point that the infection with F. hepatica leads to specific mineral imbalance in the host body as a result of parasite-associated host liver and spleen structural changes and alterations of biochemical and immunological mechanisms and show the important role of the investigated biogenic trace elements in pathogenesis of fasciolosis.
Key words: acute and chronic fasiolosis, trace elements contents, livers, spleens, rats
Topic: BIOLOGY