BACKGROUND: Super oxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of super oxide radicals. It is important not only for protecting the human immune system against S. mansoni, as well as for producing competent response from the host against this parasite or other infectious agents. So, it has been investigated the production levels of SOD by peripheral monocytes from young carriers with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni who underwent splenectomy, left gastric vein ligature and spleen tissue autoimplantation. METHODS: Four groups were enrolled in the investigation: G1 - 12 carriers with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni without treatment (HSM); G2 - 13 HSM patients who received medical treatment and underwent surgery for relief of portal hypertension - splenectomy and left gastric vein ligature (HSM/SLGV); G3 - 19 young patients, similar to those of G3 who in addition received spleen morsels autoimplantation on the greater omentum (HSM/SLGV/AI); and G4 - 15 subjects from the same area with the same economical status without S. mansoni infection (Control group CG). RESULTS: The CG presented significantly lower levels of SOD as compared with the HSM patients (p<0.01) and those of G2 (HSM/SLGV) - (p<0.05). Levels of SOD from patients of group G3 (HSM/SLGV/AI) were similar to those of the control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results lend further support to the hypothesis that clinical treatment followed by splenectomy, left gastric vein ligature and spleen morsels autoimplantation in young patients, who were schistosomiasis mansoni carriers with hepatosplenic form, helps to maintain the immune response of these patients.
Schistosomiasis mansoni; Spleen; Splenectomy; Superoxide dismutase; Autoimmunity
