Involvement of the fatty acid-binding protein in the growth of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula

This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism underlying the role of the Schistosoma japonicum antigen of fatty acid-binding protein ( Sj FABP) on the growth of the schistosomula. SjFABP levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of samples of mice infected with S. japonicum ; SjFABP was expressed and its levels gradually increased during all stages of S. japonicum schistosomula, including on 3, 10, 14, and 21 days of the growth process. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that Sj FABP was distributed in the parenchyma, especially in the digestive tract of the S. japonicum schistosomula. RNA interference resulted in more than 60% knockdown of Sj FABP leading to a reduction in length, volume, width, and area of the schistosomula as compared to control samples, as determined by light microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling detection further suggested that Sj FABP knockdown resulted in increased apoptosis of schistosomes. Taken together, these results suggest that Sj FABP may be related to the growth and survival of S. japonicum schistosomula, thereby representing a potential target for the treatment of schistosomiasis.