Tumour-like phenotypes in urothelial cells after exposure to antigens from eggs of Schistosoma haematobium: An oestrogen-DNA adducts mediated pathway?

► The tumorigenic capacity of soluble egg antigens (SEA) of Schistosoma haematobium parasites was investigated. ► Schistosoma haematobium SEA increased the proliferation and decreased the apoptosis of urothelial cells in vitro. ► Schistosoma haematobium SEA increased oxidative stress and induced genotoxicity of urothelial cells in vitro. ► Mass spectrometry analysis identified catechol-oestrogens in S. haematobium SEA. ► An oestrogen-DNA adduct pathway to explain bladder carcinogenesis associated with S. haematobium infection is proposed.