Albendazole-Schisandrin B Co-Therapy on Angiostrongylus cantonensis-Induced Meningoencephalitis in Mice

Abstract

A<b>bstract:</b> Currently, <i>Angiostrongylus cantonensis</i> infections are predominantly treated with albendazole. However, the use of albendazole can provoke certain neurological symptoms as a result of the immune response triggered by the dead worms. Therefore, treatment usually involves co-administration of corticosteroids to limit the inflammatory reaction. Corticosteroids play a useful role in suppressing inflammation in the brain; however, long-term usage or high dosage may make it problematic.Schisandrin B, an active ingredient from <i>Schisandra chinensis</i>, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential of schisandrin B in combination with albendazole to treat <i>Angiostrongylus</i>-induced meningoencephalitis. Here, we show that albendazole-schisandrin B co-treatment suppressed neuroinflammation in <i>Angiostrongylus</i>-infected mice and increased the survival of the mice. Accordingly, albendazole-schisandrin B co-treatment significantly inhibited inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. The sensorimotor functions of the mice were also repaired after albendazole-schisandrin B treatment. Immune response was shown to shift from Th2 to Th1, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity against <i>A. cantonensis</i>. Collectively, our study showed that albendazole-schisandrin B co-therapy may be used as an encouraging treatment for <i>Angiostrongylus</i>-induced meningoencephalitis.