Manipulation of vascular function by blood flukes?

Abstract

Schistosomes (blood flukes) are long lived, intravascular parasites that afflict ~200 million people worldwide. Here we review the potential ability of these parasites to exert control on local vascular physiology. We examine schistosome kallikrein-like proteins that drive vasodilation. We review biogenic amine metabolism in the parasites that involve the vasodilator histamine and its receptors and the vasoconstrictor serotonin and its receptor. Schistosomes can trigger the release of histamine from host cells and can import serotonin. We consider the ability of schistosomes to generate and release the eicosanoid vasodilators PGD(2) and PGE(2) and the vasoconstrictors LTB(4) and LTC(4). The literature on nitric oxide metabolism in these blood flukes is assessed. Finally the potential impact of other schistosome metabolic processes (e.g. exogenous adenosine generation and acetylcholine degradation) on vascular function is appraised. An increased understanding of these processes could lead to novel anti-parasitics as well as new therapies to treat vascular dysfunction.