Ameliorative effects of resveratrol versus sulforaphane on muscular trichinellosis in mice: The role of SIRT1 and SLC7A11 expression

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis ( T. spiralis ) infection induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased larval burden. Albendazole (ABZ) remains the standard treatment; however, adjunct therapies may enhance host protection. Thus, this study aimed to comparatively evaluate, for the first time, the individual therapeutic and antioxidant effects of resveratrol (RSV) and sulforaphane (SFN) relative to standard ABZ therapy against trichinellosis, along with the associated biochemical and histopathological changes in mice. Mice were divided into five main groups: (I): Non-infected, non-treated; ( II): Infected, non-treated; (III): Infected mice treated with ABZ; (IV): Infected mice treated with RSV; and (V): Infected mice treated with SFN. Drug efficacy was evaluated through parasitological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses. Infection resulted in a significant rise in larval burden, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, with disruption of antioxidant defences. ABZ produced the greatest reduction in larval load. Both RSV and SFN significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines compared to ABZ alone. RSV exerted a more pronounced effect on sirtuin enzyme isoform 1 (SIRT1) expression. SFN showed stronger activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and increased solute carrier family 7-member 11 (SLC7A11) expression. In conclusion, RSV and SFN effectively mitigate T. spiralis -induced oxidative stress and inflammation and may represent promising candidate agents for future adjunct therapy with ABZ in the management of trichinellosis, pending evaluation in combination.