Abstract
We tested a new approach to describe how a sublethal dose of the Euphorbia milii Des Moul. latex can affect cercariae, inducing changes in the adult Schistosoma mansoni Sambon 1907. We analyzed the effects on biology and used proteomic tools to identify the expression of different proteins. The treatment reduced the development of adults (males, 74.1%; females, 76.3%) and decreased the number of eggs released in 89.9%. The protein profile between adult males of S. mansoni from the control and exposed groups detected 1,020 spots, 26 were differently expressed and 10 were identified and validated. The proteins downregulated after exposition included actin, 14-3-3 epsilon and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The hsp70 was the only protein that was upregulated. The changes in the proteomic profile of adult males of S. mansoni may be related to a muscular fragility of the body. This work provides new insight for schistosomiasis control using a natural, water-soluble product at sublethal concentrations for mollusks. This approach is inexpensive, ecological and efficient as an indirect therapy for schistosomiasis.