Metabolic Changes in Mice Infected with Schistosoma mansoni
Author Information
Author(s): Li Jia V, Saric Jasmina, Wang Yulan, Keiser Jennifer, Utzinger Jürg, Holmes Elaine
Primary Institution: Imperial College London
Hypothesis
What are the metabolic changes in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni over time?
Conclusion
The study identified specific metabolic changes in urine, plasma, and faecal samples of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni, providing insights into host-parasite interactions.
Supporting Evidence
- Urinary biomarkers such as hippurate and phenylacetylglycine were identified as indicators of infection.
- Changes in plasma metabolites reflected alterations in energy metabolism due to the infection.
- Faecal metabolite profiles showed variability, complicating the identification of consistent biomarkers.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with a parasite called Schistosoma mansoni, their body fluids change in specific ways that can help scientists understand how the infection affects them.
Methodology
The study involved infecting 20 female NMRI mice with cercariae and analyzing their urine, plasma, and faecal samples using NMR spectroscopy over a 73-day period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the specific strain of mice used.
Limitations
The variability in faecal metabolite composition made it difficult to draw clear conclusions from faecal samples.
Participant Demographics
20 female NMRI mice, aged 5 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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