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The Role of Praziquantel in the Prevention and Treatment of Fibrosis Associated with Schistosomiasis: A Review. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:1413711. [PMID: 36313856 PMCID: PMC9616668 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1413711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major global public health concern. Currently, the control of this neglected tropical disease still depends on chemotherapy to reduce the prevalence and intensity of the parasite infection. It has been widely accepted that praziquantel is highly effective against all species of Schistosoma, and this agent is virtually the only drug of choice for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel has been shown to be effective in greatly reducing the prevalence and morbidity due to schistosomiasis worldwide. In addition to antischistosomal activity, a large number of experiential and clinical evidence has demonstrated the action of praziquantel against fibrosis caused by S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections through decreasing the expression of fibrotic biomarkers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as chemokines, and similar antifibrotic activity was observed in mouse models of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and concanavalin A (Con-A). In this review, we discuss the role of praziquantel in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis and the possible mechanisms. We call for randomized, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis, and further studies to investigate the potential of praziquantel against fibrosis associated with alcohol consumption, viruses, and toxins seem justified.
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Maggi L, Rocha IC, Camelo GMA, Fernandes VR, Negrão-Corrêa D. The IL-33/ST2 pathway is not essential to Th2 stimulation but is key for modulation and survival during chronic infection with Schistosoma mansoni in mice. Cytokine 2020; 138:155390. [PMID: 33341001 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Morbidity during chronic schistosomiasis has been associated with the induction and modulation of type-2 granulomatous inflammatory response induced by antigens secreted by the eggs, which become trapped in capillary venules of the host tissues, especially in the liver and intestines. IL-33, an alarmin released after cell damage, binds to its ST2 (suppressor of tumorigenicity 2) receptor, expressed in an variety of immune cells, including ILC2 and macrophages, and stimulates the early production of IL-5 and IL-13, which leads to eosinophil infiltration and activation of a Th2 response. However, the role of IL-33/ST2 activation on Schistosoma-induced granuloma formation and modulation is mostly unknown. In the current work, we comparatively evaluated the immune response and granuloma formation in wild-type BALB/c (WT) and BALB/c mice genetically deficient in the IL-33 receptor (ST2-/-) experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Mice were infected with 25 or 50 S. mansoni cercariae and followed for up to 14 weeks to assess mortality. Mice from each experimental group were comparatively evaluated for parasite burden, liver immune response, and granuloma appearance during acute and chronic schistosomiasis. Our data showed that the number of circulating worms and eggs retained in the liver and eliminated in the feces was similar in WT and ST2-/- infected mice, but infected ST2-/- mice presented an enhanced rate of mortality. Interestingly, the production of type-2 cytokines by soluble egg antigens (SEA)-stimulated spleen cells, the serum concentrations of IL-5 and Immunoglobulin (Ig)-E, and the level of parasite-reactive IgG1 were similar in infected mice of both experimental groups. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ in liver homogenate of infected mice also did not differ between the strains at acute schistosomiasis, but there was a significant increase in IL-17 levels in ST2-/- infected mice at this phase. On the other hand, IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ concentrations were reduced and the ratios of IL-4/IFN-γ and IL-17/IFN-γ were higher in liver homogenate of chronically infected ST2-/- mice, suggesting unbalanced Th2 and Th17 responses. Moreover, liver granulomas of ST2-/- mice were larger and disorganized, showing an intense cellular infiltrate, rich in eosinophils and neutrophils. Our results suggest that the absence of the IL-33/ST2 pathway is not essential for the Schistosoma-induced Th2 response, but is necessary to prevent host mortality by modulating granuloma-mediated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maggi
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose e Imunohelmintologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabella Chrystina Rocha
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose e Imunohelmintologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Curso de Enfermagem, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garça, Brazil
| | - Genil Mororó Araújo Camelo
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose e Imunohelmintologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Rodrigues Fernandes
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose e Imunohelmintologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Deborah Negrão-Corrêa
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose e Imunohelmintologia, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Farwa A, He C, Xia L, Zhou H. Immune modulation of Th1, Th2, and T-reg transcriptional factors differing from cytokine levels in Schistosoma japonicum infection. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:115-126. [PMID: 29188369 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5678-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In spite of long-term integrated control programs for Schistosoma japonicum infection in China, the infection is still persistent due to its zoonotic transmission and disease severity which further complicate its control. Th1, Th2, and T-reg cells are involved in S. japonicum immunity; however, their exact roles in immunopathology of this infection are still questionable. Therefore, the monitoring of these T cell subsets' immune responses during a primary infection of S. japonicum at both transcriptional (mRNA) and protein (cytokines) levels would be essential to point out. In experimentally infected white New Zealand rabbits, mRNA expression levels of TBX2, IRF8, GATA3, STAT6, FoxP3, and MAFF were evaluated using qPCR, whereas Th1 (IFN-γ and TNF-α), Th2 (IL4 and IL13), and T-reg (IL10 and TGF-β1) cytokines were measured by ELISA test. Those parameters were estimated at two phases: the first being 4 and 8 weeks post-infection and the second phase at 12 weeks post-infection. The infected rabbits were categorized into group1 which was treated with praziquantel after the 8th week of infection and group 2 which was left untreated. In the first stage of infection, Th1 was superior to the other types at both mRNA (TBX2 and IRF8) and protein (IFN-γ and TNF-α) levels, but at the late stage, Th2 cytokines (IL4 and IL13) were surprisingly dominated without comparable change in Th2 transcriptional level in group 1. Concisely, the evaluation of T cell transcriptional factors provided clearer evidence about T cellular roles which would be a valuable supplement to control this disease in terms of protective and therapeutic vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Farwa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Hematology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Chao He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Hematology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Longfei Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Hematology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Hematology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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Rocha Pereira AE, Rodrigues MÂ, Novaes RD, Caldas IS, Martins Souza RL, Costa Pereira AA. Lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice chronically infected by Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2017; 178:21-29. [PMID: 28533109 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We used a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni (SM) infection and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxicity to investigate if these conditions can interact to modify the pathological manifestations typically observed in each condition. Swiss mice were randomized into four groups: SAL, uninfected; SM, infected; LPS, uninfected + LPS; and SM + LPS, infected + LPS. S. mansoni infection developed over 120 days, after which blood samples and lungs were collected, peritoneal leukocytes were isolated and cultivated for 6 and 24 h after LPS inoculation (1 mL/kg). Infected animals presented marked granulomatous inflammation. LPS exposure transiently modified the profile of leucocyte migration into the lung tissue and increased NO production by isolated leukocytes, without inducing any acute effect on the structure of schistosomiasis granulomas. Beyond modifying lung morphology, S. mansoni and LPS interacted to modulate the circulating levels of cytokines. S. mansoni infection restricted INF-γ upregulation 6 and 24 h after LPS administration. Conversely, 24 h after inoculation, LPS increased IL-2 and IL-5 levels. Our findings indicate that LPS impaired the lung microenvironment by acutely disrupting inflammatory homeostatic mechanisms that control lung schistosomiasis. As schistosomiasis develops as a chronic condition, long-term exposure to endotoxins could aggravate the granulomatous process, an issue that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Esteves Rocha Pereira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Maria Ângela Rodrigues
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Ivo Santana Caldas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lopes Martins Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Antônio Costa Pereira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, 37130-001, Brazil.
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Yang F, Tan XD, Liu B, Yang C, Ni ZL, Gao XD, Wang Y. Meta-analysis of the diagnostic efficiency of the questionnaires screening for schistosomiasis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3509-19. [PMID: 26122990 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second widespread tropical disease that affects the health of over 240 million people of 78 countries. Questionnaires have been commonly used to diagnose schistosomiasis, while no meta-analysis of their efficacy had been reported previously. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess their diagnostic accuracy of schistosomiasis. Studies published prior to December 1, 2014, that had used questionnaires as a diagnostic tool were searched in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. A total of 32 studies with 72,812 cases were identified for the meta-analysis. The best diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was obtained from Schistosoma haematobium (67.68, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 31.48 to 145.54), followed by Schistosoma japonicum (11.74, 95 % CI = 4.59 to 30.05) then Schistosoma mansoni (2.98, 95 % CI = 1.95 to 4.54). Pooled sensitivity and specificity were respectively 0.82, 0.88, and 0.46, and 0.59, 0.86, and 0.81 for S. japonicum, S. haematobium, and S. mansoni. The multivariable subgroup analyses showed that the questionnaires which had been pretested and standardized had better diagnostic performance. The result suggested that questionnaires can be used to diagnose schistosomiasis with moderate sensitivity and specificity and the questionnaires for diagnosing S. haematobium performed best.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Scheer S, Krempl C, Kallfass C, Frey S, Jakob T, Mouahid G, Moné H, Schmitt-Gräff A, Staeheli P, Lamers MC. S. mansoni bolsters anti-viral immunity in the murine respiratory tract. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112469. [PMID: 25398130 PMCID: PMC4232382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The human intestinal parasite Schistosoma mansoni causes a chronic disease, schistosomiasis or bilharzia. According to the current literature, the parasite induces vigorous immune responses that are controlled by Th2 helper cells at the expense of Th1 helper cells. The latter cell type is, however, indispensable for anti-viral immune responses. Remarkably, there is no reliable literature among 230 million patients worldwide describing defective anti-viral immune responses in the upper respiratory tract, for instance against influenza A virus or against respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). We therefore re-examined the immune response to a human isolate of S. mansoni and challenged mice in the chronic phase of schistosomiasis with influenza A virus, or with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM), a mouse virus to model RSV infections. We found that mice with chronic schistosomiasis had significant, systemic immune responses induced by Th1, Th2, and Th17 helper cells. High serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-13, IL-2, IL-17, and GM-CSF were found after mating and oviposition. The lungs of diseased mice showed low-grade inflammation, with goblet cell hyperplasia and excessive mucus secretion, which was alleviated by treatment with an anti-TNF-α agent (Etanercept). Mice with chronic schistosomiasis were to a relative, but significant extent protected from a secondary viral respiratory challenge. The protection correlated with the onset of oviposition and TNF-α-mediated goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion, suggesting that these mechanisms are involved in enhanced immune protection to respiratory viruses during chronic murine schistosomiasis. Indeed, also in a model of allergic airway inflammation mice were protected from a viral respiratory challenge with PVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Scheer
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Krempl
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Kallfass
- Institute for Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Frey
- Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thilo Jakob
- Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriel Mouahid
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, Ecologie et Evolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, F-66860, Perpignan, France
| | - Hélène Moné
- CNRS, Ecologie et Evolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, F-66860, Perpignan, France
| | | | - Peter Staeheli
- Institute for Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marinus C. Lamers
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Gidwani S, Nair A. The burden of pulmonary hypertension in resource-limited settings. Glob Heart 2014; 9:297-310. [PMID: 25667181 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is a significant global health problem and accounts for a substantial portion of cardiovascular disease in the developing world. Although there have been considerable advances in therapeutics for pulmonary arterial hypertension, over 97% of the disease burden lies within the developing world where there is limited access to health care and pharmaceuticals. The causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension differ between industrialized and developing nations. Infectious diseases-including schistosomiasis human immunodeficiency virus, and rheumatic fever-are common causes of PVD, as are hemoglobinopathies, and untreated congenital heart disease. High altitude and exposure to household air pollutants also contribute to a significant portion of PVD cases. Although diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension requires the use of imaging and invasive hemodynamics, access to equipment may be limited. PVD therapies may be prohibitively expensive and limited to a select few. Prevention is therefore important in limiting the global PVD burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajith Nair
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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Bossa AS, Salemi VMC, Ribeiro SP, Rosa DS, Ferreira LRP, Ferreira SC, Nishiya AS, Mady C, Kalil J, Cunha-Neto E. Plasma cytokine profile in tropical endomyocardial fibrosis: predominance of TNF-a, IL-4 and IL-10. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108984. [PMID: 25303100 PMCID: PMC4193862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The participation of immune/inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of tropical endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) has been suggested by the finding of early blood and myocardial eosinophilia. However, the inflammatory activation status of late-stage EMF patients is still unknown. Methodology/Principal findings We evaluated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in plasma samples from late stage EMF patients. Cytokine levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were assayed in plasma samples from 27 EMF patients and compared with those of healthy control subjects. All EMF patients displayed detectable plasma levels of at least one of the cytokines tested. We found that TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were each detected in at least 74% of tested sera, and plasma levels of IL-10, IL-4, and TNF-α were significantly higher than those of controls. Plasma levels of such cytokines positively correlated with each other. Conclusions/Significance The mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory/Th2circulating cytokine profile in EMF is consistent with the presence of a persistent inflammatory stimulus. On the other hand, the detection of increased levels of TNF-α may be secondary to the cardiovascular involvement observed in these patients, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 may have been upregulated as a homeostatic mechanism to buffer both production and deleterious cardiovascular effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further studies might establish whether these findings play a role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline S. Bossa
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera M. C. Salemi
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susan P. Ribeiro
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela S. Rosa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology-Federal University of São Paulo-UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Rodrigues Pinto Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suzete C. Ferreira
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Shoko Nishiya
- Pró-Sangue Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil; Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Charles Mady
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Mohamed AH, Osman GY, Salem TA, Elmalawany AM. The hepatoprotective activity of blue green algae in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:7-13. [PMID: 25016189 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of a natural product, blue green algae (BGA) (100 mg/kg BW), alone or combined with praziquantel PZQ (250 mg/kg BW) on granulomatous inflammation, liver histopathology, some biochemical and immunological parameters in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Results showed that the diameter and number of egg granuloma were significantly reduced after treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with BGA, PZQ and their combination. The histopathological alterations observed in the liver of S. mansoni-infected mice were remarkably inhibited after BGA treatments. BGA decreased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as the level of total protein (TP) while the level of albumin was increased. Treatment of infected mice with BGA, PZQ as well as their combination led to significant elevation in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as compared with control group. Combination of BGA and PZQ resulted in significant reduction in the level of intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecules-1 (VCAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) when compared to those of the S. mansoni-infected group. Overall, BGA significantly inhibited the liver damage accompanied with schistosomiasis, exhibited a potent antioxidant and immunoprotective activities. This study suggests that BGA can be considered as promising for development a complementary and/or alternative medicine against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza H Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menufiya University, Egypt
| | - Gamalat Y Osman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menufiya University, Egypt
| | - Tarek A Salem
- Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Sadat City University, Egypt
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Ferreira RDCDS, Montenegro SML, Domingues ALC, Bandeira AP, Silveira CADM, Leite LAC, Pereira CDA, Fernandes IM, Mertens AB, Almeida MO. TGF beta and IL13 in Schistosomiasis mansoni associated pulmonary arterial hypertension; a descriptive study with comparative groups. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:282. [PMID: 24886277 PMCID: PMC4045919 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is suggested that interleukin (IL)-13 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta play a role in the pulmonary vascular changes found in animal models of schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the serum levels of total TGF-beta and IL-13 of patients with schistosomiasis with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and patients with schistosomiasis without PAH. METHODS 34 patients from the schistosomiasis outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clinicas, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, without PAH assessed by echocardiography and 34 patients from the Reference Centre of Pulmonary Hypertension of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil with PAH, confirmed by right heart catheterization, were enrolled on the study. Both groups presented with schistosomal periportal fibrosis after abdominal ultrasound. Serum levels of TGF-beta1 and IL-13 were determined by ELISA. Student t test to independent samples, Mann-Whitney test to nonparametric variables, Pearson correlation test for correlation analyses and Fisher Chi-squared test to compare categorical analyses were used. RESULTS The median value of TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in patients with PAH (22496.9 pg/ml, interquartile range [IR] 15936.7 - 32087.8) than in patients without PAH (13629.9 pg/ml, IR: 10192.2- 22193.8) (p = 0.006). There was no difference in the median value of IL-13 in the group with Sch-PAH compared to patients without Sch-PAH (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that TGF-beta possibly plays a role in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis-associated PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Angela Pontes Bandeira
- Reference Center of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Carlos Antonio da Mota Silveira
- Reference Center of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | - Izolda Moura Fernandes
- Departament of Clinical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Brainer Mertens
- Reference Center of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Milena Oliveira Almeida
- Reference Center of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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11
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Chen QR, Guan F, Song SM, Jin JK, Lei DS, Chen CM, Lei JH, Chen ZW, Niu AO. Allograft inflammatory factor-1 alleviates liver disease of BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2629-39. [PMID: 24816816 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) plays an important role in various inflammatory conditions. Our previous study demonstrated that AIF-1 was over-expressed in the liver of BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum and played significant role in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to focus on the effect of AIF-1 treatment on liver fibrosis and necrosis of BALB/c mice infected with S. japonicum. Seventy-two BALB/c mice were infected with cercariae of S. japonicum and then divided into three groups: AIF-1-treated group, saline-treated group, and control group. The vital signs, liver function, egg load, and hepatic pathological changes of the mice were assessed, and the levels of AIF-1 and TNF-α in the liver and spleen were measured at 5, 8, and 14 weeks postinfection. The treatment of AIF-1 on the mice infected with S. japonicum suppressed the expression of TNF-α and increased the effectiveness of AIF-1 in the liver and spleen at 14 weeks postinfection. Histopathological analysis and Masson trichrome staining for the liver tissues showed that the liver fibrosis and necrosis were alleviated previously compared with other infected mice at 14 weeks postinfection. The treatment of AIF-1 on the mice infected with S. japonicum can alleviate hepatic fibrosis and necrosis which indicate that AIF-1 use may prevent and cure the liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Rong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, China
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12
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Ezzat WM, Ragab HM, El Maksoud NA, Abdulla NA, Elhosary YA. Validity of Autotaxin as a Novel Diagnostic Marker for Liver Fibrosis in Egyptian Chronic HCV Patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2013.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to detect the validity of serum ATX as a diagnostic marker for liver fibrosis. Forty-eight males and 16 females were enrolled in the current study. Their ages ranged from 29-57 years with mean of 45.09, all were chronically HCV infected. Laboratory assessment was done for all subjects in form of complete blood picture; liver function test; lipid profile and serum detection of ATX. Patients were grouped according to the stage of fibrosis into group 1: fibrosis score 0, 1, 2, 3; group 2: fibrosis score: 4, 5, 6.The mean values of ATX in all studied patients with chronic HCV infection was 63.02 ± 36.29 while that of healthy controls was 65.31 ± 12.24 without any significant difference. Surprisingly, mean values of ATX were higher among patients with group 1 but it did not reach the significant level. In each group of them, the differences between mean values of ATX among different grades of liver fibrosis were insignificant. It was also noticed that the mean values of ATX were higher among men than in women .It was concluded that Autotoxin might not be used as a useful diagnostic marker for liver fibrosis in Egyptian chronic HCV patients.
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Allam G, Eweas AF, Abuelsaad ASA. In vivo schistosomicidal activity of three novels 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives against adult and immature worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3137-49. [PMID: 23793335 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis control is widely dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). The potential for development of resistance to PZQ has justified the search for new alternative chemotherapies. In a previous study, we have been reported that three of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives namely: 3-((8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl) sulfonyl) pentane-2,4-dione (HQSP), 5-((2,4-diphenyl-3H-benzo[b][1,4]diazepin-3-yl) sulfonyl) quinolin-8-ol (HQBD), and 5-((2,4-diphenyl-3H-pyrido[3,4-b][1,4] diazepin-3-yl) sulfonyl) quinolin-8-ol (HQPD) possess a potent anti-schistosomal activity in vitro. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo schistosomicidal effect of these three compounds on adult and immature worms of Schistosoma mansoni and their induced pathology. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with 1000, 250, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight of PZQ, HQSP, HQBD, and HQPD, respectively, reduced adult and immature worm burden by 94.63 and 31.32%, 73.63 and 5.45%, 76.5 and 28.11%, and 81.25 and 56.84%, respectively, compared to infected untreated mice. Moreover, numbers of egg per gram liver and intestine were decreased by 84 and 95.51%, 47.84 and 46.28 %, 53.18 and 59.37 %, and 54.22 and 67.26 as a result of PZQ, HQSP, HQBD, and HQPD treatment, respectively. Hepatic granuloma volume was also reduced by 40.10, 42.96, 35.72, and 72.09% due to PZQ, HQSP, HQBD, and HQPD treatment, respectively. In addition, hepatic histopathological alterations and collagen fiber deposition that accompanied with S. mansoni infection were largely retrieved with different treatments, especially HQPD treatment. Furthermore, humoral immune response, especially IgG response against S. mansoni antigens, was augmented with different treatments. This study concluded that among the three tested 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, HQPD is the most effective compound against adult and pre-mature worms of S. mansoni and can be used for the development of a new schistosomicidal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Allam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
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Liu M, Chen P, Büchele B, Dong S, Huang D, Ren C, Zhang Y, Hou X, Simmet T, Shen J. A boswellic acid-containing extract attenuates hepatic granuloma in C57BL/6 mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:1105-11. [PMID: 23271565 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Granuloma formation has been shown to be induced and elicited by schistosome egg antigens, and it finally develops into fibrosis in intestine and the liver. Hepatic fibrosis is the main cause of increased morbidity and mortality in humans infected with schistosomes. Boswellic acid (BA)-containing extracts such as extracts of the oleogum resin from Boswellia serrata (BSE) have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. However, little is known about the role of such extracts in schistosome egg-induced granulomatous inflammation. In order to investigate the effect of a watersoluble cyclodextrin complex preparation of BSE (BSE-CD) on Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) egg-induced liver granuloma, mice infected with S. japonicum cercariae were injected with BSE-CD during egg granuloma formation. The data showed that BSE-CD significantly reduced the size of liver granuloma and levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); however, BSE-CD treatment had no effect on worm load and egg burden. The data also showed that BSE-CD significantly decreased the expression of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), as well as the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) in liver both on the mRNA and protein level. Thus, BSE-CD can significantly attenuate S. japonicum egg-induced hepatic granuloma, which may be partly dependent on the downregulation of some biochemical mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
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Teixeira de Melo T, Araujo JM, Campos de Sena I, Carvalho Alves C, Araujo N, Toscano Fonseca C. Evaluation of the protective immune response induced in mice by immunization with Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) in association with CpG-ODN. Microbes Infect 2012; 15:28-36. [PMID: 23099420 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In schistosomiasis, the current control strategy does not prevent reinfection, therefore, vaccine strategies are essential to combat the Schistosoma mansoni. The efficacy vaccine depends on parasite stage and effective adjuvant. We have recently demonstrated that S. mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) is able to activate dendritic cells up regulate CD40 and CD86 molecules and induce a partial protection in mice (43-48%) when formulated with Freund's adjuvant. In this study we evaluated the ability of Smteg + alum or Smteg + alum + CpG-ODN to induce protection in mice. Our results demonstrate that Smteg + alum + CpG-ODN induced a partial reduction in worm burden (43.1%), reduction in the number of eggs eliminated in the feces. The protective response was associated with a predominant Th1 type of immune response, with increased production of specific IgG2c, IFN-γ and TNF-α, B cells proliferation and CD4 cells and macrophages activation.
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Immunomodulatory effect of R848 on cytokine production associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:135-40. [PMID: 22992895 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to determine the effect of resiquimod (R848), a low molecular weight imidazoquinolinamine compound with properties as immune response modifiers, on cytokine production in patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni with various degrees of hepatic fibrosis. Schistosoma-infected patients were classified into four groups according to the degree of hepatic fibrosis as examined by ultrasonography group 0 (no fibrosis), group I (incipient fibrosis), group II (moderate fibrosis), and group III (severe fibrosis). Levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-10, and IL-13 were measured by ELISA in the supernatants of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to schistosoma egg soluble antigen (SEA) in the presence and absence of R848. R848 induced a significantly higher level of IL-10 in supernatants of SEA-stimulated PBMC of patients in all groups of hepatic fibrosis except group III. Moreover, we significantly found higher levels of IFN-γ in group 0 and group I and significantly lower level of IL-4 in group 0 after R848 stimulation. However, R848 had no effect on IL-13. Taken together, these results suggest that R848 might be used as an immunopotentiating agent in view of novel therapy or vaccine for S. mansoni infection.
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