Post-immunization immunohistochemical expression of Caspase 3 and p53 apoptotic markers in experimental hydatidosis

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate post-immunization apoptotic changes in experimental hydatidosis, using Caspase 3 and p53 immunohistochemical markers. Two groups of rabbits were immunized with a crude antigen (group 1) or a partially purified antigen (group 2) and were compared to an infected non-immunized control group. More effective immune responses were obtained in group 2 than group 1, signified by fewer and smaller cystic lesions and more severe destructive changes. Normal growth of cysts was attained in the control group, with no expression of apoptotic markers. Significantly higher expression of Caspase 3 and p53 were observed in group 1 compared to group 2, as indicated by OD and area percentage, respectively (Group 1 Caspase 3: 0.89±0.21, 93.5%±6.2; Group 1 p53: 0.46±0.18, 53.26%±11.6; Group 2 Caspase 3: 0.52±0.15, 49.23%±11.7; Group 2 p53: 0.19±0.4, 18.17%±7.3). Vaccine-induced immune responses and cellular damage may underlie the expression of apoptotic markers that appeared to result in a degenerative and atrophic course of action upon immunization. The results of the current study emphasize the importance of immunization for the stimulation of protective immune responses and in preventing mechanisms of evasion to ensure normal cell growth. A cost/benefit control program that implements proper vaccine preparations should be further assessed for complete elimination of severe infections in endemic areas.摘要 本研究旨在以半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3（Caspase 3）和p53作为免疫组化标志物，探究实验性棘球蚴病免疫接种后的凋亡变化。将两组家兔分别以粗抗原（组1）或部分纯化抗原（组2）进行免疫接种，并与感染未免疫对照组进行对比。结果显示，组2的免疫应答效果优于组1，表现为囊状病灶更少、体积更小，且破坏性改变更为显著。对照组中囊肿可正常生长，未检测到凋亡标志物表达。通过光密度（OD）值与面积百分比分析可见，组1的半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3及p53表达水平均显著高于组2：组1半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3：0.89±0.21，93.5%±6.2；组1 p53：0.46±0.18，53.26%±11.6；组2半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3：0.52±0.15，49.23%±11.7；组2 p53：0.19±0.4，18.17%±7.3。免疫诱导的免疫应答与细胞损伤可能是凋亡标志物表达的诱因，该表达似乎可导致免疫接种后出现退行性萎缩病程。本研究结果凸显了免疫接种在激发保护性免疫应答、阻断逃逸机制以保障细胞正常生长中的重要性。未来需进一步评估采用合格疫苗制剂的成本效益防控方案，以彻底清除流行区的严重感染病例。