Triterpenoid Saponins Impact the Immune Recognition of Proteins in Parasitic Nematodes.

The influence of triterpenoid saponins on subcellular morphological changes in the cells of parasitic nematodes remains poorly understood. Our study examines the effect of oleanolic acid glucuronides from marigold () on the possible modification of immunogenic proteins from infective larvae (L3). Our findings indicate that the triterpenoid saponins alter the subcellular morphology of the larvae and prevent recognition of nematode-specific proteins by rabbit immune-IgG.

The antiparasitic activity of avenacosides against intestinal nematodes.

Avena sativa L., 1753 (Poaceae) is used as feed for livestock and as a crop rotation agent. The purpose of the study was to examine the molecular mechanisms behind the antihelminth activity of the oat saponins avenacoside B (AveB) and 26-desglucoavenacoside B (26DGAveB) by evaluating their effect on Heligmosomoides bakeri, a parasitic nematode of mice.

Changes in Heligmosomoides polygyrus glycoprotein pattern by saponins impact the BALB/c mice immune response.

Saponins of marigold (Calendula officinalis), in particular derivatives of 3-O-monoglucuronide of oleanolic acid, are able to reduce infectivity of Heligmosomoides polygyrus in mice. The purpose of this study was to understand the immune activation provoked by third-stage larvae exposed to marigold glucuronides. We also examined the pattern of glycosylation of larval antigens which appeared to be crucial for induction of cytokine production in BALB/c mice; higher concentrations of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TNF-α were observed in serum or intestine one week post infection.

[Nematode infections in mice--an experimental model of immunoregulation].

There has been a substantial increase in the incidence of autoimmune and allergic diseases in Western countries in the past few decades. However, in the geographic area endemic for parasitic helminth infections, such diseases remain relatively rare. It has been hypothesized that helminths may protect against immune disorders that have been observed in urbanized area.