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Abdeltawab MSA, Fateen M, Saad El-Din S, Elmessiery RM, Mohammady Mohamed O, Marzouk Sadek K, Medhat E, Hamed AMR. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 and Toxoplasma gondii co-infection on IFN-γ and TNF-α expression and its impact on disease severity. Cytokine 2024; 177:156545. [PMID: 38368695 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The symptomatology of COVID-19 is dependent on the immune status and the cytokine response of the host. The cytokine level of the host is influenced by the presence of chronic persistent or latent infections with co-pathogens. Parasitic diseases are known to induce host immune-modulation which may impact the response to co-infection. Toxoplasmosis is a widespread protozoal infection that remains quiescent in its latent form to be re-activated during states of immune depression. Clinical data on the relation between toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 cytokine profile and symptomatology are still insufficient. Seventy-nine subjects were included in this study. Patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 by PCR. Serological testing for toxoplasmosis was performed by the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, in addition to IgG avidity testing. IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were determined by RT-PCR. Among patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 67.1% were seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, while 32.9% were seropositive. High avidity was found in 10 cases (40% of seropositive cases), 4 of whom required ICU administration, while low avidity was found in 15 cases (60%), 7 of which were administered to the ICU. TNF-α and INF-γ levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in healthy control subjects. No significant association was found between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the presence of COVID-19 and its severity. Cytokines were significantly higher in both seropositive and seronegative COVID-19 patients than in their control counterparts. The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis merits further exploration of its relation to COVID-19 by mass studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Fateen
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Saad El-Din
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Riem M Elmessiery
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | | | - Engy Medhat
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Alshaimaa M R Hamed
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Abdoli A, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Taghipour A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone alteration: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297362. [PMID: 38568993 PMCID: PMC10990213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration. METHODS In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Assoni LCP, Nakashima F, de Sousa VP, Paduan NJ, Andreasse IR, Anghinoni TH, de Faria Junior GM, Ricci Junior O, Castiglioni L, Brandão CC, de Mattos LC, Ayo CM. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in blood donors in a population from the northwestern region of São Paulo state, Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:102-109. [PMID: 37647457 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide with varying prevalence between human populations. These variations are mainly associated with human exposure to risk factors. In this article, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and the risk factors associated with infection in 1729 blood donors from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil were analysed. METHODS The serological tests for detecting immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-T. gondii were used. The risk factors associated with the infection were identified through the application of an epidemiological questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of T. gondii infection was 48.0%. The following factors were identified in the final model after multiple logistic regression analysis: drinking raw milk (p=0.003; odds ratio [OR] 1.364 [confidence interval {CI} 1.1 to 1.7]), residing in a rural area (p<0.0001; OR 2.764 [CI 1.7 to 4.6]) and receiving a blood transfusion (p=0.015; OR 1.856 [CI 1.1 to 3.0]). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in this study showed that the blood donor population is exposed to risk factors related to infection by T. gondii. These data allow the establishment of control programs to contribute to public health in northwestern São Paulo state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Carolina Paraboli Assoni
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Nakashima
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Valquíria Pardo de Sousa
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Natália Juliana Paduan
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Isabela Rufino Andreasse
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Thelma Helena Anghinoni
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Magela de Faria Junior
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Octávio Ricci Junior
- Hemocentro de São José do Rio Preto, Fundação Faculdade Regional de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FUNFARME), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5544, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian Castiglioni
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Coletiva - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Cinara Cássia Brandão
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos de Mattos
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Christiane Maria Ayo
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
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Ragab A, Hamdy DA, Ibrahim SS. Serum Testosterone-Estradiol Ratio in Toxoplasma-Seropositive Infertile Men: A Prospective, Single-Center Study. J Reprod Infertil 2024; 25:28-37. [PMID: 39157278 PMCID: PMC11330197 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v25i1.15196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the current study was to compare the testosteroneestradiol (T:E2) ratio in Toxoplasma gondii seropositive infertile men with seropositive and seronegative normozoospermic controls. Methods Totally, 200 men with normal virilization, 100 with idiopathic infertility and 100 normozoospermic men, were included. Participants underwent medical history assessment, physical examination, semen analysis, testing for T. gondii IgM/IgG, and estimation of serum T:E2 ratios. Statistical comparisons were done using t-test and Chi-square with p<0.05 significance level. Results Infertile cases were diagnosed with oligozoospermia (63%), oligoasthenozoospermia (34%), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (3%). Regarding anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, among infertile men, 34 tested positive for IgG and 8 tested positive for IgM. Among cases tested positive for IgG antibodies, 13 (38.2%) had disturbed T:E2 ratios. Also, among the 12 IgG-positive controls, 5 (41.7%) had disturbed T:E2 ratios (p=0.834). However, only 2 out of the 83 seronegative controls (2.5%) had disturbed T:E2 ratios (p<0.001). Furthermore, 6 out of 8 IgM-positive cases had altered T:E2 ratios, compared to 3 out of 5 IgM-positive controls (p=0.568) and 2 out of 83 seronegative controls (p<0.001). The T:E2 ratio was significantly lower (8.68±1.95) among IgM-positive and higher (13.04±3.78) among IgG-positive cases when compared to seronegative controls (10.45±0.54) (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in T:E2 ratios between infertile men with positive IgM or IgG serology and the control group with the same serology. Conclusion A substantial number of infertile men with toxoplasmosis showed disrupted T:E2 ratios, highlighting the significance of anti-T. gondii-IgG testing in individuals with abnormal ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ragab
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa Ahmed Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Sayed Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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El Skhawy N, Eissa MM. Shedding light on a mysterious link between Toxoplasma Gondii and cancer: A review. Exp Parasitol 2023; 250:108544. [PMID: 37149210 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing conflict regarding the affiliation of Toxoplasma gondii to cancer; whether an inducer or a suppressor needs to be resolved. Human epidemiological studies oscillate without attaining a firm ground. Some studies confirmed the detection of high seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in different cancer patients without further justification whether being causation, co-incidences, or part of opportunistic infections. Others reported a state of resistance to cancer accompanying low titer of anti-Toxoplasma antibody. Worthwhile, preclinical experimental work confirmed the antineoplastic potency of Toxoplasma. Thus, further investigational research is essential to validate the potential application of Toxoplasma as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic vaccine candidate. In this paper, we present a review of this issue by examining epidemiological and preclinical experimental studies that explored the linkage between Toxoplasma gondii and cancer<i.></i> We consider this review an important step towards shedding a light on this mysterious link and a stepping-stone for potential research work addressing Toxoplasma as a cancer suppressor rather than a cancer inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla El Skhawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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S. Muhsin S, A. Al-Safar M, Mahmood SA. Men's ND1 gene genetic makeup Toxoplasmosis and Oligospermia affecting couples' infertility. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Toxoplasma infection was higher in infertile couples than fertile couples, probably due to anti-sperm antibodies that were higher in couples with Toxoplasmosis. Investigations of T. gondii infections in men with infertility showed that among 100 cases of men's infertility, 36% were serologically positive for Toxoplasma-IgG and IgM. It has been concluded that T. gondii can affect men's fertility and result in infertility. Materials and Methods: Selective infertile males were asked about days of sexual abstinence. Seminal fluid samples were collected following a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days from abstinence. Every patient was given a clean, wide mouth, sterile, dry, graduated plastic and warm disposable container. The samples were obtained by masturbation in a private room near the semen analysis lab to reduce seminal exposure to temperature fluctuations and control the time from collection to analysis. Results: For the ND1 gene, samples of 8 different fertility groups have been sequenced. These sequences have been compared to reference sequences taken from the NCBI database. Several mutations in various nucleotide positions of the ND1 regions have been detected in samples from multiple groups. The base substitution has been positioned on the nucleotides (nts) 3480, 3567, 3591, 3693, and 4216. The T to C evolution was notorious at nt 3480 in ND1 genes. The SNP was detected in an asthenospermia human (Sample code: 010480).
Keywords: Sequence, ND1 gen, Oligospermia Toxoplasmosis, Couples infertility
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa S. Muhsin
- Department of Community, Medical Technical Institute, Baghdad, Middle Technical, University, Iraq (MTU)
| | - Montaha A. Al-Safar
- Department of Community, Medical Technical Institute, Baghdad, Middle Technical, University, Iraq (MTU)
| | - Sarah A. Mahmood
- Department of Community, Medical Technical Institute, Baghdad, Middle Technical, University, Iraq (MTU)
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Aly NSM, Kim HS, Marei YM, Elhamshary AS, Bayoumi IR, Omar RE, Mohammed DA, Miyoshi SI, Rashed GA. Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Using Surface Antigen Grade 1 Detection by ELISA, Nano-Gold ELISA, and PCR in Pregnant Women. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:1335-1345. [PMID: 36974071 PMCID: PMC10039636 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s401876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The accurate diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has critical importance in pregnant women. Nanotechnology and molecular biology are making possible opportunities for accurate and rapid diagnosis of many infectious diseases. Aim and Methods The aim of our study was to compare nano-gold ELISA with ELISA and PCR for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis using Toxoplasma surface antigen grade 1 (SAG1) in pregnant women seeking antenatal care in outpatient clinics. Results PCR showed the highest diagnostic values than nano-gold ELISA and ELISA regarding sensitivity (97.3% versus 89.2% and 83.8%); specificity (100% versus 94% and 88%); and diagnostic accuracy (98.9% versus 91.95% and 86.2%), respectively. There is no statistical difference between PCR and nanogold ELISA results. Discussion Nano-gold ELISA had a significant improvement in diagnosis than the traditional ELISA method. Most likely with the assistance of nanoparticles, more antibodies enter the antigen-antibody complex because of the considerable improvement in the surface area of nano-gold particles. Conclusion Although PCR had higher diagnostic values than nano ELISA, nano ELISA is cheaper and easier than PCR. We recommend nano-gold ELISA with SAG1 as a promising technique in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and survey studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa S M Aly
- Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
- Correspondence: Nagwa SM Aly, Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Fareed Nada Street, Benha, 13511, Egypt, Tel +2-13-9101186, Email
| | - Hye-Sook Kim
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yasmin M Marei
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Azza S Elhamshary
- Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim R Bayoumi
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rabab E Omar
- Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Dina A Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Shin-Ichi Miyoshi
- Department of Sanitary Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Gehan A Rashed
- Department of Parasitology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
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Semedo SSL, da Silva Sanfelice RA, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Silva TF, da Silva Bortoleti BT, de Oliveira GC, de Lion Siervo GEM, Bosqui LR, Lazarin-Bidói D, Conchon-Costa I, de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Nakazato G, Pavanelli WR, Fernandes GSA, da Costa IN. Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) restore testosterone levels and increase TNF-α and IL-6 in Leydig cells infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2022; 241:108343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Testosterone Augments Propagation of Toxoplasma gondii in Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1425-1431. [PMID: 35616833 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasmosis can induce various hormonal and behavioral alterations in humans and rodents. Previous studies revealed alterations of sex hormones; especially testosterone, in infected humans and rodents, but little is known about the effects of sex hormones on the propagation of T. gondii. Hence, we aimed to investigate whether testosterone and progesterone influence on T. gondii propagation in neural cells. METHODS The glioblastoma cells (U-87MG) were treated with different concentrations of testosterone and progesterone and the infection was done by tachyzoites of the RH strain of T. gondii. The number of infected cells, viability of T. gondii-infected cells, and parasite burden were measured by direct counting under a light microscope, MTT assay, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), respectively. RESULTS The results showed that testosterone at concentrations of 100 and 250 nM significantly increased the number of infected cells and parasite burden 24 and 48 h post-treatment compared to untreated controls. Progesterone had no significant effects in the same manner. CONCLUSION The results indicated that testosterone could augment the propagation of T. gondii in in vitro.
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Laubach ZM, Gering E, Yang E, Montgomery TM, Getty T, Holekamp KE. Associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and steroid hormone levels in spotted hyenas. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:53-59. [PMID: 34984167 PMCID: PMC8693151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite that infects warm-blooded animals and influences host physiology. T. gondii is known to target the host's central nervous system, affecting circulating levels of steroid hormones, fear-related behaviors, and health, although these effects appear to vary among host taxa. Here, we investigated the relationship between T. gondii infection and levels of plasma testosterone and cortisol within a wild population of spotted hyenas (Crocutacrocuta, n = 109). In our analyses, we accounted for age and sex via stratified regression analyses. We detected a negative association between circulating plasma testosterone and T. gondii infection among female cubs and subadults as well as adult male hyenas. We found no associations between T. gondii infection and cortisol in any age class or sex group of hyenas. Our work adds to a growing body of literature by characterizing the relationship between T. gondii infection and physiology in a novel host in its natural habitat. In a broader context, our findings indicate that responses to infection vary with characteristics of the host and point to a clear need for additional studies and priorities for future work that include diverse taxa and ecological settings. Toxoplasma gondii infects diverse hosts and leads to differences in hormone levels. The relationship between T. gondii infection and host hormone response is mixed. We assessed if wild spotted hyena hormones differed by T. gondii infection. Testosterone was lower in infected female cub/subadult and adult males hyenas. Our results parallel laboratory findings but provide added realism of a wild animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M. Laubach
- Michigan State University, Department of Integrative Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, MI, USA
- University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, CO, USA
- Mara Hyena Project, Kenya
- Corresponding author. University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, CO, USA.
| | - Eben Gering
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, FL, USA
| | - Erik Yang
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, FL, USA
| | - Tracy M. Montgomery
- Mara Hyena Project, Kenya
- Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Getty
- Michigan State University, Department of Integrative Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, MI, USA
| | - Kay E. Holekamp
- Michigan State University, Department of Integrative Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, MI, USA
- Mara Hyena Project, Kenya
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The anti-parasite action of imidazole derivatives likely involves oxidative stress but not HIF-1α signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 349:109676. [PMID: 34592218 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic options for toxoplasmosis are limited. This fact underscores ongoing research efforts to identify and develop better therapy. Previously, we reported the anti-parasitic potential of a new series of derivatives of imidazole. OBJECTIVE In the current investigation, we attempted the investigation of the possible action mechanism of few promising anti-parasite imidazole derivatives namely C1 (bis-imidazole), C2 (phenyl-substituted 1H-imidazole) and C3 (thiophene-imidazole) METHODS: We evaluated if oxidative stress, hypoxia as well as metabolic reprogramming of host l-tryptophan pathway form part of the parasite growth inhibition by imidazoles. Anti-parasite assay was performed for imidazoles at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 μM, while pyrimethamine was used as reference drug to validate assay. RESULTS Imidazole compounds restricted parasite growth dose-dependently. However, in the presence of an antioxidant (Trolox), l-tryptophan and/or CoCl2 (chemical inducer of hypoxia), the growth inhibitory efficacy of imidazoles was appreciably abolished. Further, imidazole treatment led to elevated level of reactive oxygen species, while reducing parasite mitochondrial membrane potential compared with control. In contrast, imidazole had no effect on host HIF-1α level suggesting its exclusion in the anti-parasite action. CONCLUSION Taken together, imidazole-based compounds might restrict parasite growth by causing oxidative stress. The findings provide new insight on the likely biochemical mechanisms of imidazoles as prospective anti-parasite therapy. Data gives new perspective that not only underscores the anti-parasite prospects of imidazoles, but implicates the host l-tryptophan pathway as a feasible treatment option for T. gondii infections.
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Staurengo-Ferrari L, Sanfelice RADS, de Souza JB, Assolini JP, Dos Santos DP, Cataneo AHD, Bordignon J, Conchon-Costa I, da Costa IN, Fernandes GSA. Impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on TM3 Leydig cells: Alterations in testosterone and cytokines levels. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105938. [PMID: 33932363 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells play pivotal roles in eliciting male characteristics by producing testosterone and any damage to these cells can compromise male fertility Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite capable to invade any nucleated cell, including cells from male reproductive system. Herein, we evaluated the capacity of RH strain of T. gondii to infect TM3 Leydig cells and the impact of this infection on testosterone and inflammatory mediators production. We first, by performing adherence, infection, and intracellular proliferation assays, we found a significant increase in the number of infected Leydig cells, peaking 48 h after the infection with T. gondii. Supernatants of TM3 infected cells exhibited, in a time-dependent manner, increased levels of testosterone as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which is correlated with the robust T. gondii infection. In conclusion, our study provides new insights regarding the harmful effects of T. gondii infection on male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Staurengo-Ferrari
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Raquel Arruda da Silva Sanfelice
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer-LIDNC, Department, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Julia Bagatim de Souza
- Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Joao Paulo Assolini
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer-LIDNC, Department, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Dayane Priscila Dos Santos
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil; Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Juliano Bordignon
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Instituto Carlos Chagas/Fiocruz-PR, Curitiba, Paraná Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer-LIDNC, Department, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth da Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer-LIDNC, Department, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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13
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Lam AP, de Sordi D, Müller HHO, Lam MC, Carl A, Kohse KP, Philipsen A. Aggravation of symptom severity in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by latent Toxoplasma gondii infection: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14382. [PMID: 32873854 PMCID: PMC7463265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has a high worldwide prevalence and an underestimated impact on neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies related T. gondii to disorders associated with the dysfunctional dopaminergic system. However, an association between T. gondii infection and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not yet been studied. In a sex- and age-matched case-control study, we investigated the seropositivity, serointensity, and avidity of latent T. gondii infection in adult ADHD patients and examined the influence of those variables on the symptomatology of ADHD. Of 140 participants, 20.0% were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG and 0% for anti-T. gondii IgM. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with 2.8-fold increase in the odds of ADHD in a confounder-adjusted multivariable analysis. Age and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were confirmed as significant predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. Multiple linear regression analysis of self-rated ADHD-related symptom severity in all participants revealed a significant association with T. gondii seropositivity, elevated IgG titers (serointensity), and stronger anti-T. gondii IgG avidity. Overall symptom severity was increased in seropositive ADHD patients compared to seronegative subjects with ADHD. In particular, hyperactivity was significantly associated with serointensity. We conclude that there is a high rate of T. gondii seropositivity in adults with ADHD. Additionally, our results suggest a clinical impact of latent T. gondii infection on ADHD-related symptoms in a serointensity- and avidity-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Lam
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Dominik de Sordi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biometry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Helge H O Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Chair of Integrative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Martin C Lam
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Carl
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Klaus P Kohse
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Abo-Al-Ela HG. Toxoplasmosis and Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Step toward Understanding Parasite Pathogenesis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2393-2406. [PMID: 31268676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease that disrupts fetal brain development and severely affects the host's brain, has been linked to many behavioral and neurological disorders. There is growing interest in how a single-celled neurotropic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can control or change the behavior of the host as well as how it dominates the host's neurons. Secrets beyond these could be answered by decoding the Toxoplasma gondii genome, unravelling the function of genomic sequences, and exploring epigenetics and mRNAs alterations, as well as the postulated mechanisms contributing to various neurological and psychiatric symptoms caused by this parasite. Substantial efforts have been made to elucidate the action of T. gondii on host immunity and the biology of its infection. However, the available studies on the molecular aspects of toxoplasmosis that affect central nervous system (CNS) circuits remain limited, and much research is still needed on this interesting topic. In my opinion, this parasite is a gift for studying the biology of the nervous system and related diseases. We should utilize the unique features of Toxoplasma, such as its abilities to modulate brain physiology, for neurological studies or as a possible tool or approach to cure neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham G. Abo-Al-Ela
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Shibin Al-Kom, El-Minufiya 7001, Egypt
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15
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Hosseininejad Z, Amouei A, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:117-126. [PMID: 32186992 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1738153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), as an opportunistic neurotropic parasite of the Apicomplexa family, was firstly described in 1908. As attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents and often persists into adulthood, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between T. gondii infection and ADHD.The data were systematically collected from seven electronic databases up to May 1st 2019 with no language restriction. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; code: CRD42020149353). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effects model. Seven studies involving five cross-sectional and two case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis.Results indicated that there was a statistically non-significant association between exposure to T. gondii infection and increased risk of ADHD based on the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (2.02 [95% CI: 0.97-4.20]; I2=58.7%). However, obtained results of Egger's tests for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody showed publication bias (P=0.014).Sensitivity analysis revealed stable results for the association between anti-T. gondii IgG antibody with ADHD.Given the small number of studies in this field and the obtained results, it cannot be conclusively stated that T. gondii is a risk factor for ADHD.It is important to have reliable information about the relationship between T. gondii and ADHD around the world; as it may lead to better insight to elucidate the possible association of toxoplasmosis and the pathogenesis of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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16
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Hosseini SA, Golchin E, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Ahmadpour E, Rostamian A, Gholami S, Amouei A, Daryani A. A serological investigation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii among Iranian blood donors indicates threat to health of blood recipients. Transfus Apher Sci 2020; 59:102723. [PMID: 31948918 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2020.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease in animals and human caused by the intracellular obligatory protozoan named Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sero-molecular prevalence and genotyping T. gondii among healthy blood donors in north of Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 400 blood donors participated from all Blood Transfusion Organization (BTO) in Mazandaran province during October and November 2014. The blood samples were investigated for seroprevalence, DNA detection and genotyping of T. gondii using ELISA, nested-PCR, and Multilocus nested-PCR-RFLP methods respectively. RESULTS Among all of blood donors, 294 (73.5 %) and 9 (2.2 %) cases were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. T. gondii DNA was detected in 7 samples. Four genotype of T. gondii were identified in blood donors samples (Genotype ToxoDB#1, #2, #10 and #27), which 50 % of T. gondii strains were highly pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS Taking into account survive T. gondii in blood transfusion bag, the high prevalence of T. gondii and existence of pathogenic genotypes in Iranian blood donors, it seems that T. gondii screening should be performed at the BTO to prevent complications of toxoplasmosis in blood recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Ehsan Golchin
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic AZAD University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sara Gholami
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran.
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17
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Hegazy MM, Elmehankar MS, Azab MS, El-Tantawy NL, Abdel-Aziz A. Sex dichotomy in the course of experimental latent toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2019; 202:15-21. [PMID: 31078550 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic zoonotic protozoan that exceeds neurological and congenital impact sequence to reactivating latent toxoplasmosis especially under immunosuppression. Sex-associated hormones influence the severity of Toxoplasma infection. Thus, our study aimed to compare toxoplasmosis associated morbidity in both male and female mice and to monitor the response to anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics fortified with sex hormones in comparison to presently used drugs. Twenty male and 20 female mice were infected with ME49 Toxoplasma strain. The morbidity was assessed in the chronic stage in both sexes by estimating brain cyst burden, brain histopathological examination and monitoring serum anti-Toxoplasma IL-12 using ELISA method. Another 40 male and 40 female mice were infected with ME49 Toxoplasma strain then after 6 weeks received different treatment regimens including Atovaquone, Spiramycin, Metronidazole, Estradiol benzoate and Testoserone propionate either as a monotherapy or as a combination. Treatment response was monitored by scoring mice activity and brain cyst burden. This study showed that female mice demonstrated higher cyst burden and manifested more pathological reactions than male mice. While, the IL-12 serum level was significantly higher in male than female mice. Also, it is proved that the Toxoplasma cyst number was reduced significantly when used testosterone/atovaquone, or testosterone/spiramycin/metronidazole combined regimen in female mice groups. While for male mice, the combined therapy of spiramycin/metronidazole was the superior one. Accordingly, combined therapy with sex hormones is a promising strategy for discovering new therapeutic regimens for treating latent toxoplasmosis especially in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh M Hegazy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Manar S Elmehankar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Manar S Azab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Nora L El-Tantawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Azza Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
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18
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Zouei N, Shojaee S, Mohebali M, Keshavarz H. The association of latent toxoplasmosis and level of serum testosterone in humans. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:365. [PMID: 29884208 PMCID: PMC5994116 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Latent toxoplasmosis modifies various hormones and behaviors in infected hosts and possibly involves in etiology of different neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The aim of the current study was to assess possible associations between latent toxoplasmosis and testosterone concentration in Toxoplasma infected and free subjects. Briefly, 18–49 year-old participated in the study. After collected blood samples, sera were analyzed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Totally, 76 positive sera were selected as study group (38 from men and 38 from women) and a same number of negative sera as control group. Results Comparison of testosterone concentrations and control groups showed that testosterone concentration in study group was higher than that in control group with statistically significant difference (P = 0.024 and P = 0.043 for men and women, respectively). Significant differences were found in testosterone concentrations and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody levels in study and control groups (P < 0.05). Toxoplasmosis can affect the mean concentration of serum testosterone in human. Alteration of testosterone during latent toxoplasmosis can result in alterations in behavioral, physiologic and immunological parameters in long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Zouei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran.
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19
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Toxoplasma gondii in Blood Donors: A Study in Boyer-Ahmad County, Southwest Iran. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2018; 2018:3813612. [PMID: 29849610 PMCID: PMC5925030 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3813612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important foodborne protozoan that can be transmitted through infected blood containing tachyzoite form of the parasite. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii infection and related risk factors among healthy blood donors in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran. Blood samples were taken from 285 healthy blood donors who voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. Sera and buffy coat were isolated from the blood samples for serological and molecular evaluations. The sera were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies (both IgG and IgM), using a commercial ELISA kit. The buffy coat of seropositive cases was evaluated for detection of T. gondii DNA by PCR. Moreover, a structured questionnaire, containing socioepidemiological data and possible risk factors, was filled out by each participant during sample collection. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in sera of 48/285 (16.8%) participants. Only two of the subjects (0.7%) were seropositive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. T. gondii DNA was not detected in buffy coat of any of the seropositive cases. Risk factors such as contact with soil (OR, 9.7; 95% CI, 4.9–19.4) and consumption of semicooked meat (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2–5.03) were statistically associated with seropositivity to T. gondii. The seroprevalence rate of T. gondii antibodies in the blood donors of Boyer-Ahmad County was not high in comparison with other regions in Iran. In this study, consumption of undercooked meats, job, and contact with soil were independent risk factors associated with T. gondii infection, which can be considered as potential sources of T. gondii infection.
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20
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Akaltun İ, Kara T, Ayaydın H, Alyanak B, Beka H, Ağaçfidan A. The relation between serum Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody in children and ADHD and its severity. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2018.1449184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- İsmail Akaltun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Kara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hamza Ayaydın
- Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Behiye Alyanak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hayati Beka
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Ağaçfidan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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Neurophysiological Changes Induced by Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Pathogens 2017; 6:pathogens6020019. [PMID: 28513566 PMCID: PMC5488653 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most pervasive neurotropic pathogens in the world, the host-parasite interactions during CNS infection and the consequences of neurological infection are just beginning to be unraveled. The chronic stages of infection have been considered dormant, although several studies have found correlations of infection with an array of host behavioral changes. These may facilitate parasite transmission and impact neurological diseases. During infection, in addition to the presence of the parasites within neurons, host-mediated neuroimmune and hormonal responses to infection are also present. T. gondii induces numerous changes to host neurons during infection and globally alters host neurological signaling pathways, as discussed in this review. Understanding the neurophysiological changes in the host brain is imperative to understanding the parasitic mechanisms and to delineate the effects of this single-celled parasite on health and its contribution to neurological disease.
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22
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Elsheikha HM, Büsselberg D, Zhu XQ. The known and missing links between Toxoplasma gondii and schizophrenia. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:749-59. [PMID: 27041387 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite, has a striking predilection for infecting the Central Nervous System and has been linked to an increased incidence of a number of psychiatric diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that T. gondii infection can affect the structure, bioenergetics and function of brain cells, and alters several host cell processes, including dopaminergic, tryptophan-kynurenine, GABAergic, AKT1, Jak/STAT, and vasopressinergic pathways. These mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of latent toxoplasmosis seem to operate also in schizophrenia, supporting the link between the two disorders. Better understanding of the intricate parasite-neuroglial communications holds the key to unlocking the mystery of T. gondii-mediated schizophrenia and offers substantial prospects for the development of disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, P.O. Box: 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
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23
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Foroutan-Rad M, Majidiani H, Dalvand S, Daryani A, Kooti W, Saki J, Hedayati-Rad F, Ahmadpour E. Toxoplasmosis in Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Transfus Med Rev 2016; 30:116-22. [PMID: 27145927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Transfusion-transmissible infections include pathogens that may cause severe and debilitating diseases. Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan neglected parasitic infection that can lead to severe complications including death in immune-compromised patients or following infection in utero. Multiple studies have demonstrated the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii by blood transfusion. The objective of this review was to comprehensively assess the seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma in blood donors from a worldwide perspective. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Ovid, and Google Scholar) were searched using medical subject headings terms. A total of 43 records met the inclusion criteria in which 20,964 donors were tested during the period from January 1980 to June 2015. The overall weighted prevalence of exposure to toxoplasmosis in blood donors was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%-39%). The seroprevalences of immunoglobulin (Ig)M and both IgG and IgM antibodies were 1.8% (95% CI, 1.1%-2.4%) and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.8%), respectively. The highest and the lowest seroprevalences of toxoplasmosis were observed in Africa (46%; 95% CI, 14%-78%) and in Asia (29%; 95% CI, 23%-35%), respectively. Brazil (75%) and Ethiopia (73%) were identified as countries with high seroprevalence. Because positive serology does not imply infectiousness and because seroprevalence is high in some nations, a positive serology test result alone cannot be used as an effective method for donor screening. Future research for methods to prevent transfusion-transmitted toxoplasmosis may derive benefit from studies conducted in areas of high endemicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan-Rad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sahar Dalvand
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Wesam Kooti
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jasem Saki
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Hedayati-Rad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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24
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Abdoli A, Dalimi A. Are There any Relationships between Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection, Testosterone Elevation, and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder? Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:339. [PMID: 25309376 PMCID: PMC4173877 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Kashan University of Medical Science , Kashan , Iran ; Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
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