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N Cavallone I, Santos SK, Oliveira KS, D Passero LF, D Laurenti M, Jesus JA, P Marinsek G, Chucri TM, Mari RB. Histological and neuronal changes in the duodenum of hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108315. [PMID: 35780863 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus that infect macrophages in different tissues such as the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the integrity of the intestinal tract and the nitrergic (NADPH-dp) and metabolically active (NADH-dp) myenteric neurons of the duodenum of golden hamsters infected with L. (L.) infantum. Therefore, thirty golden hamsters were divided into six groups (n = 5); three of them were infected with 2 × 107 promastigote forms of L. (L.) infantum by intraperitoneal route (Infected Group - IG) and three were inoculated with saline solution (control group - CG). After 30, 60 and 90 days post-infection (DPI) infected animals were euthanized and the liver, spleen and duodenum were collected to analyze tissue parasitism. The duodenum was processed using usual histological techniques to analyze the main changes that occurred during infection and histochemical techniques to phenotype myenteric neurons. Amastigote forms were observed in the spleen, liver, and duodenum during all experimental periods, and tissue parasitism in these organs increased significantly over time. At 30 DPI, reduction in muscle tunic, increase in the total intestinal wall and the number of goblet cells PAS+ was observed. At 60 DPI, an increase in intestinal crypts and intraepithelial lymphocytes was observed, and a reduction in intestinal villi was observed at 90 DPI, along with an increase in crypt size. Regarding neurons, an increase in the density of the NADPH-dp population was observed at 30 DPI, but at 60 and 90 DPI a significant reduction of this population was observed. In general, infection progression was observed to cause significant morphofunctional changes in the duodenum of infected hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo N Cavallone
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Sarah K Santos
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Karine S Oliveira
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe D Passero
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, FMUSP, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Adriana Jesus
- Laboratory of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, FMUSP, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Marinsek
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Thaís M Chucri
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Renata B Mari
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil.
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López-Ortega O, Moreno-Corona NC, Cruz-Holguin VJ, Garcia-Gonzalez LD, Helguera-Repetto AC, Romero-Valdovinos M, Arevalo-Romero H, Cedillo-Barron L, León-Juárez M. The Immune Response in Adipocytes and Their Susceptibility to Infection: A Possible Relationship with Infectobesity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116154. [PMID: 35682832 PMCID: PMC9181511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The current obesity pandemic has been expanding in both developing and developed countries. This suggests that the factors contributing to this condition need to be reconsidered since some new factors are arising as etiological causes of this disease. Moreover, recent clinical and experimental findings have shown an association between the progress of obesity and some infections, and the functions of adipose tissues, which involve cell metabolism and adipokine release, among others. Furthermore, it has recently been reported that adipocytes could either be reservoirs for these pathogens or play an active role in this process. In addition, there is abundant evidence indicating that during obesity, the immune system is exacerbated, suggesting an increased susceptibility of the patient to the development of several forms of illness or death. Thus, there could be a relationship between infection as a trigger for an increase in adipose cells and the impact on the metabolism that contributes to the development of obesity. In this review, we describe the findings concerning the role of adipose tissue as a mediator in the immune response as well as the possible role of adipocytes as infection targets, with both roles constituting a possible cause of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestes López-Ortega
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Nidia Carolina Moreno-Corona
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Victor Javier Cruz-Holguin
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (V.J.C.-H.); (L.D.G.-G.); (A.C.H.-R.)
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Luis Didier Garcia-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (V.J.C.-H.); (L.D.G.-G.); (A.C.H.-R.)
| | - Addy Cecilia Helguera-Repetto
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (V.J.C.-H.); (L.D.G.-G.); (A.C.H.-R.)
| | - Mirza Romero-Valdovinos
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Col. Sección XVI, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Haruki Arevalo-Romero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Microbiología Molecular, División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Jalpa de Méndez 86205, Mexico;
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barron
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Moisés León-Juárez
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (V.J.C.-H.); (L.D.G.-G.); (A.C.H.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Cuffey J, Lepczyk CA, Zhao S, Fountain-Jones NM. Cross-sectional association of Toxoplasma gondii exposure with BMI and diet in US adults. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009825. [PMID: 34597323 PMCID: PMC8513882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis gondii exposure has been linked to increased impulsivity and risky behaviors, which has implications for eating behavior. Impulsivity and risk tolerance is known to be related with worse diets and a higher chance of obesity. There is little known, however, about the independent link between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) exposure and diet-related outcomes. Using linear and quantile regression, we estimated the relationship between T. gondii exposure and BMI, total energy intake (kcal), and diet quality as measured by the Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI) among 9,853 adults from the 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Previous studies have shown different behavioral responses to T. gondii infection among males and females, and socioeconomic factors are also likely to be important as both T. gondii and poor diet are more prevalent among U.S. populations in poverty. We therefore measured the associations between T. gondii and diet-related outcomes separately for men and women and for respondents in poverty. Among females <200% of the federal poverty level Toxoplasmosis gondii exposure was associated with a higher BMI by 2.0 units (95% CI [0.22, 3.83]) at median BMI and a lower HEI by 5.05 units (95% CI [-7.87, -2.24]) at the 25th percentile of HEI. Stronger associations were found at higher levels of BMI and worse diet quality among females. No associations were found among males. Through a detailed investigation of mechanisms, we were able to rule out T. gondii exposure from cat ownership, differing amounts of meat, and drinking water source as potential confounding factors; environmental exposure to T. gondii as well as changes in human behavior due to parasitic infection remain primary mechanisms. Toxoplasmosis gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite that infects over 10 percent of the US population. T. gondii infection can cause serious health problems for some people, but most infections remain undiagnosed and subclinical. When an individual is infected, T. gondii can chronically reside in muscle and central nervous system (including brain) tissue. Previous studies have found that individuals with prior exposure to T. gondii may engage in more risky and impulsive behaviors, and risk tolerance and impulsivity may be related with individual’s diet. Our study examines whether individuals with T. gondii exposure have higher body mass index (BMI) and worse diets. We further discuss and test for alternative explanations that prevent us from establishing a causal relationship between T. gondii and BMI/diet. Overall, our results show that T. gondii exposure is related with higher BMI and worse diets among lower-income females in the US. Our results uncover a novel correlate of BMI and diets, and suggest the importance of investigating the broader public health impacts of chronic T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Cuffey
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher A. Lepczyk
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Shuoli Zhao
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Panza SB, Vargas R, Balbo SL, Bonfleur ML, Granzotto DCT, Sant'Ana DMG, Nogueira-Melo GA. Perinatal exposure to low doses of glyphosate-based herbicide combined with a high-fat diet in adulthood causes changes in the jejunums of mice. Life Sci 2021; 275:119350. [PMID: 33737081 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Exposure to pesticides and consumption of high-fat diets are widespread in society. Reports have shown that exposure to glyphosate and a high-fat diet can cause gastrointestinal disorders and increase susceptibility to obesity. Thus, this study evaluated the impacts of perinatal exposure to glyphosate followed by consumption of a high-fat diet in adulthood on the histology and morphometry of jejunums and enteric nervous system of C57BL/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS After mating, 20 C57BL/6 female mice were separated into a control group (CG) and a glyphosate group (GLY) that received water with 0.5% glyphosate. After the lactation period, some male offspring were randomly separated into CG-SD and GLY-SD (standard diet) groups or CG-HD and GLY-HD (high-fat diet) groups. After 12 weeks, jejunum samples were collected and submitted to histological analysis. KEY FINDINGS Indirect exposure to glyphosate changed the morphometry of the intestinal wall, increased the proportion of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells, and altered the area occupied by collagen fibers. The hyperlipidemic diet hypertrophied the jejunal total wall, total muscular and submucosal layers, decreased IELs, and increased the proportion of goblet cells. GLY-HD mice had shallower crypts, shorter villi, and less goblet cells and IELs than mice from GLY-SD group. GLY-HD also showed an increased number of neurons in myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Groups exposed to glyphosate and/or fed a high-fat diet had atrophied submucosal neurons. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that perinatal glyphosate exposure combined with a high-fat diet in adulthood increases the risk of jejunum inflammation and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Panza
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - R Vargas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - S L Balbo
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - M L Bonfleur
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - D C T Granzotto
- Department of Statistics, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - D M G Sant'Ana
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - G A Nogueira-Melo
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.
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Salem DA, Salem NA, Hendawy SR. Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescents: A possible immune-metabolic link. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102343. [PMID: 33831579 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis as a global disease is considered as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical diseases. However, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an understudied parasite of potential interest in obesity research. The current study aimed to explore the role of latent T. gondii infection in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in obese adolescents through studying the relationship between serum interferon-gamma [IFN-γ] and serum chemerin in context of MetS components. Methods Eighty-three obese adolescents were serologically screened for T. gondii-IgG antibodies and compared to 35 age-matched healthy T. gondii-seronegative controls. Participants were evaluated for anthropometric measurements, total-fat mass [FM], trunk-FM, serum lipid profile, IFN-γ, and chemerin levels. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Results The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher within obese T. gondii-seropositive group compared to obese T. gondii-seronegative group (P = 0.033). Seropositive obese MetS group displayed significantly higher trunk-FM, HOMA-IR, chemerin, and IFN-γ compared to seronegative obese MetS group. Serum chemerin and IFN-γ were strongly correlated (P < 0.001) and were positively correlated with BMI, WC, total-FM, trunk-FM, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, triglycerides and negatively correlated with HDLC. HOMA-IR was a common predictor for serum chemerin (P = 0.030) and IFN-γ (P < 0.001). Conclusions The study results suggest that T. gondii infection may exert an immune-metabolic effect that may have a potential role in the development of MetS among obese adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Salem
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Nanees A Salem
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Shimaa R Hendawy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
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Passos FC, Gois MB, Sousa AD, de Marinho AIL, Corvo L, Soto M, Barral-Netto M, Barral A, Baccan GC. Investigating associations between intestinal alterations and parasite load according to Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. abundance in the gut microbiota of hamsters infected by Leishmania infantum. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200377. [PMID: 33263602 PMCID: PMC7703327 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical neglected disease with high associated rates of mortality. Several studies have highlighted the importance of the intestinal tract (IT) and gut microbiota (GM) in the host immunological defense. Data in the literature on parasite life cycle and host immune defense against VL are scarce regarding the effects of infection on the IT and GM. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate changes observed in the colon of Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters, including alterations in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and GM (specifically, levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). METHODS Male hamsters were inoculated with L. infantum and euthanised at four or eight months post-infection. Intestines were processed for histological analysis and GM analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to quantify each group of bacteria: Bifidobacterium spp. (Bf) and Lactobacillus spp (LacB). FINDINGS Infected hamsters showed histoarchitectural loss in the colon wall, with increased thickness in the submucosa and the mucosa layer, as well as greater numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Forms suggestive of amastigotes were seen inside mononuclear cells. L. infantum infection induced changes in ENS, as evidenced by increases in the area of colonic enteric ganglia. Despite the absence of changes in the levels of Bf and LacB during the course of infection, the relative abundance of these bacteria was associated with parasite load and histological alterations. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that L. infantum infection leads to important changes in the colon and suggest that bacteria in the GM play a protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabine Correia Passos
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Santo Antônio de Jesus, BA, Brasil
| | - Adenilma Duranes Sousa
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Ananda Isis Lima de Marinho
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Laura Corvo
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manoel Soto
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Aldina Barral
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Gyselle Chrystina Baccan
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
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Martins-Perles JVC, Bossolani GDP, Zignani I, de Souza SRG, Frez FCV, de Souza Melo CG, Barili E, de Souza Neto FP, Guarnier FA, Armani ALC, Cecchini R, Zanoni JN. Quercetin increases bioavailability of nitric oxide in the jejunum of euglycemic and diabetic rats and induces neuronal plasticity in the myenteric plexus. Auton Neurosci 2020; 227:102675. [PMID: 32474374 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2020.102675] [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: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Considering the antioxidant, neuroprotective, inflammatory and nitric oxide modulatory actions of quercetin, the aim of this study was to test the effect of quercetin administration in drinking water (40 mg/day/rat) on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), overall population of myenteric neurons (HuC/D) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the jejunal samples from diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (8 rats per group): euglycemic (E), euglycemic administered with quercetin (E+Q), diabetic (D) and diabetic administered with quercetin (D+Q). Rats were induced to diabetes with streptozotocin (35mg/kg/iv) and, after 120 days, the proximal jejunum were collected and processed for immunohistochemical (VIP, nNOS and HuC/D) and chemiluminescence (quantification of tissue NO levels) techniques. Diabetes mellitus reduced the number of nNOS-IR (immunoreactive) (p <0.05) and HuC/D-IR (p <0.001) neurons, however, promoted an increased morphometric area of nNOS-IR neurons (p <0.001) and VIP-IR varicosities (p <0.05). In D+Q group, neuroplasticity effects were observed on HuC/D-IR neurons, accompanied by a reduction of cell body area of neurons nNOS- and VIP-IR varicosities (p <0.05). The NO levels were increased in the E+Q (p <0.05) and D+Q group (p <0.001) compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results showed that quercetin supplementation increased the bioavailability of NO in the jejunum in euglycemic and mitigate the effects of diabetes on nNOS-IR neurons and VIP-IR varicosities in the myenteric plexus of diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gleison Daion Piovezana Bossolani
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Isabela Zignani
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Sara Raquel Garcia de Souza
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia Cristina Vieira Frez
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Carina Guimarães de Souza Melo
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Emerson Barili
- Department of Statistic, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pinheiro de Souza Neto
- Department of Pathology Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid
- Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina, PR CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Flávia Alessandra Guarnier
- Department of Pathology Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid
- Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina, PR CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lourenço Cecchini Armani
- Department of Pathology Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid
- Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina, PR CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Rubens Cecchini
- Department of Pathology Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid
- Pr 445 Km 380, Londrina, PR CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Nelisis Zanoni
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, n 5790 Bloco O-33, Maringá, PR CEP 87020-900, Brazil.
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Gonçalves ARN, Marinsek GP, de Souza Abessa DM, de Britto Mari R. Adaptative responses of myenteric neurons of Sphoeroides testudineus to environmental pollution. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:84-92. [PMID: 31669307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Contamination in estuarine regions affects the local biota damaging the ecosystems and reaching humans. The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic environment capable of obtaining nutrients and energy from food while it protects the host against harmful toxins and pathogens from the external environment. These functions are modulated by the enteric nervous system and changes in its structure can result in gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the environmental contaminants have effects on the myenteric neuronal plasticity of pufferfish Sphoeroides testudineus. Animals were collected in Barra do Una River, located at Jureia-Itatins Mosaic of Protected Areas (reference area - RA) and in the Santos Estuarine System (impacted area - IA). Morpho-quantitative analyses of the general and metabolically active myenteric neuronal populations of the proximal and distal intestine were made. Disarrangement was observed in the general organization of the myenteric plexus, with an expressive reduction of the neuronal groups (nodes) in the animals of IA. The vulnerability of the myenteric plexus was evidenced by a decrease in density and cellular profile of the general neuronal population, followed by an increase of the metabolism of the remaining neurons, which in turn was verified by a growth of the area of the cellular and nuclear profiles of the metabolically active neuronal population. Through these analyses, we concluded that animals inhabiting polluted regions present alterations in the myenteric neuronal plasticity, as a way of maintaining the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Pustiglione Marinsek
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Animal (LABMA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxcologia Aquática (NEPEA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata de Britto Mari
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Animal (LABMA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Trevizan AR, Schneider LCL, Araújo EJDA, Garcia JL, Buttow NC, Nogueira-Melo GDA, Sant'Ana DDMG. Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection alters the number of neurons and the proportion of enteric glial cells in the duodenum in Wistar rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13523. [PMID: 30537037 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection can occur through the ingestion of raw meat that contains tissue cysts or food that contains oocysts. Through the ingestion of oocysts, the parasite crosses the intestinal barrier, where the enteric nervous system is located. The objective was to investigate the kinetics of neuronal and glial responses during acute T. gondii infection. METHODS We used 45 Wistar rats that were divided into a control group and infected groups that were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, 7 days, 10 days, and 15 days after infection. The rats received 5000 sporulated oocysts of the parasite orally. To detect neurons and enteric glia cells, the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the duodenum underwent double-labeling immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate HuC/HuD and S100, HuC/HuD and ChAT, and HuC/HuD and nNOS. KEY RESULTS We observed a reduction of the total neuron population in the submucosal plexus 72 hours after infection. Cholinergic neurons decreased in the submucosal plexus 15 days after infection, and nitrergic neurons decreased in the myenteric plexus 72 hours after infection. A decrease in the number of glial cells was observed 7 days after infection in the submucosal plexus, and an increase in the enteric glial cell (EGC)/neuron ratio was found in both plexuses 48 hours after infection. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES We found decrease of neurons and increase in the EGC/neuron ratio in both plexuses caused by acute T. gondii infection, with major alterations 72 hours after oral infection. The number of cholinergic neurons decreased in the submucosal plexus, and the number of nitrergic neurons decreased in the myenteric plexus. A decrease in the number of enteric glial cells was observed in the submucosal plexus, and an increase in the enteric glial cell/neuron ratio was observed in both ganglionate plexuses of the duodenum.
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Massocatto CL, Martins Moreira N, Muniz E, Marques de Araújo S, Pinge-Filho P, Rossi RM, de Almeida Araújo EJ, de Mello Gonçales Sant'ana D. Treatment with low doses of aspirin during chronic phase of experimental Chagas' disease increases oesophageal nitrergic neuronal subpopulation in mice. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 98:356-362. [PMID: 29349896 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Chagas' disease may develop dysfunctions of oesophageal and colonic motility resulting from the degeneration or loss of the myenteric neurons of the enteric nervous system. Studies have shown that the use of aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), influences the pathogenesis of the disease. However, this remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of treatment with low doses of aspirin during the chronic phase of Chagas' disease on oesophageal function. Twenty male Swiss mice, 60 days of age, were used. The animals were infected with Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, injected intraperitoneally. Aspirin was given at a dose of 50 mg/kg to some of the infected animals, from the 55th to 63rd day after inoculation on consecutive days, and from the 65th to 75th day on alternate days. We investigated food passage of time, wall structure and nitrergic neuronal population of the distal oesophagus. Our data revealed that the use of low doses of aspirin in chronic Chagas' disease caused an increase in the number of nitrergic neurons and partially prevented hypertrophy of the oesophagus. In addition, the aspirin administration impeded Chagas' diseases associated changes in intestinal transit time. Thus treatment with aspirin in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease changes the natural history of the disease and raises the possibility of using it as a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of this aspect of Chagas' disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neide Martins Moreira
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eliane Muniz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Sant’Ana DDMG, Gois MB, Hermes-Uliana C, Pereira-Severi LS, Baptista EM, Mantovani LC, da Silva AV, de Almeida Araújo EJ. Acute infection with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii causes decreasing and atrophy of nitrergic myenteric neurons of rats. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:423-427. [PMID: 28478954 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the enteric nervous system (ENS), nitrergic neurons produce and use nitric oxide (NO) as an inhibitory motor neurotransmitter in response to parasitic infections, including those caused by Toxoplasma gondii. However, damage to the host caused by NO has been reported by various authors, and the role of NO in protection or cytotoxicity continues to be extensively studied. In this study, nitrergic neurons were investigated in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum and the distal colon of rats infected with 500 oocysts of the M7741 strain of T. gondii. Ten rats were randomly assigned into a control group (CG) and infected group (IG; received 500 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii orally). After 24h, the rats were euthanized, and samples of the jejunum and distal colon were obtained and processed for NADPH-diaphorase histochemical analysis. Quantitative and morphometric analysis of the nitrergic neurons in whole mounts containing the myenteric plexus was performed. There was a numeric reduction of nitrergic neurons per mm2 in both jejunum and distal colon. The remaining nitrergic neurons suffered atrophy in the areas of the cell body and nucleus, which resulted in a decrease in cytoplasm. Thus, we conclude that an avirulent strain of T. gondii in a short time causes neuroplastic changes in the small and large intestine of rats.
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12
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Ferezin RI, Vicentino-Vieira SL, Góis MB, Araújo EJDA, Melo GDAND, Garcia JL, Sant'Ana DDMG. Different inoculum loads of Toxoplasma gondii induce reduction of myenteric neurons of the rat colon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:47-53. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important health problem, especially in immunocompromised hosts. T. gondii uses the gut wall as an infection gateway, with tropism for muscular and nervous tissues causing intestinal alterations, including some in the enteric nervous system. This study aims at investigating the colon of rats infected by T. gondii in order to understand how the amount of oocysts influences in myenteric neuronal changes. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into six groups. One group remained as a control and the others received inocula of 10, 50, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts of T. gondii. The animals were euthanized after 30 days of infection. The total neuronal population and the nitrergic subpopulation in the colon myenteric plexus of each animal was counted. The data were statistically analyzed showing less weight gain in rats with 10, 500 and 5,000 oocysts. A decrease in the number of total neurons with 50, 100 or 5,000 oocysts and an increase in the nitrergic population with 10, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts were verified. These results show that neuronal alterations are more significant when the infection is induced by larger inocula and reinforces the suspicion that neuronal loss is directed at cholinergic neurons.
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Iskandar A, Sriwedari K, Wulanda IA, Indra MR, Hartojo, Firani NK, Olivianto E. The level of chemerin and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in Toxoplasma gondii seropositive obese individuals. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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14
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Hernández-Tinoco J, Pérez-Álamos AR, Rico-Almochantaf YDR, Estrada-Martínez S, Vaquera-Enriquez R, Díaz-Herrera A, Ramos-Nevarez A, Sandoval-Carrillo AA, Salas-Pacheco JM, Cerrillo-Soto SM, Antuna-Salcido EI, Liesenfeld O, Guido-Arreola CA. Influence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection on Symptoms and Signs of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2016; 6:298-305. [PMID: 27980858 PMCID: PMC5146648 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2016.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in brain may cause some symptoms that resemble those in women with premenstrual syndrome. To determine the association of T. gondii infection with symptoms and signs of premenstrual syndrome, we examined 489 women aged 30-40 years old. Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) and T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 38 (7.8%) of the women studied. Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 13 (34.2%) of the 38 IgG seropositive women. Logistic regression showed two variables associated with seropositivity to T. gondii: presence of diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 6.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-27.85; P = 0.01) and weight gain (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.37-6.07; P = 0.005), and two variables associated with high (>150 IU/ml) levels of IgG against T. gondii: presence of diarrhea (OR = 7.40; 95% CI: 1.79-30.46; P = 0.006) and abdominal inflammation (OR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.13-10.10; P = 0.02). Positivity to EIA IgG and PCR was positively associated with obesity and negatively associated with joint pain by bivariate analysis. Our study for the first time reveals a potential association of T. gondii infection with clinical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Dgo, Mexico
| | - Luis Francisco Sánchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Sergio Estrada-Martínez
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Raquel Vaquera-Enriquez
- Health Center No. 2 “Dr. Carlos Santamaría”, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Durango, Mexico, Talpa S/N, 34170 Durango, Mexico
| | - Arturo Díaz-Herrera
- Health Center No. 2 “Dr. Carlos Santamaría”, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Durango, Mexico, Talpa S/N, 34170 Durango, Mexico
| | - Agar Ramos-Nevarez
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico
| | - Ada Agustina Sandoval-Carrillo
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Sandra Margarita Cerrillo-Soto
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Irasema Antuna-Salcido
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Medical School, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Alberto Guido-Arreola
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico
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15
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Braga-Silva CF, Suhett CSR, Drozino RN, Moreira NM, de Mello Gonçales Sant’Ana D, de Araújo SM. Biotherapic of Toxoplasma gondii reduces parasite load, improves experimental infection, protects myenteric neurons and modulates the immune response in mice with toxoplasmosis. Eur J Integr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.08.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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16
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Iskandar A, Indra MR, Satuman, Firani NK, Wihastuti TA. The levels of Toxoplasma gondii profilin and adiponectin in obese patients complicated with or without metabolic syndrome as compared to non-obese patients. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)61028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Góis MB, Hermes-Uliana C, Barreto Zago MC, Zanoni JN, da Silva AV, de Miranda-Neto MH, de Almeida Araújo EJ, Sant'Ana DDMG. Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii induces death of submucosal enteric neurons and damage in the colonic mucosa of rats. Exp Parasitol 2016; 164:56-63. [PMID: 26902605 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial secretion is coordinated by the submucosal plexus (SMP). Chemical mediators from SMP regulate the immunobiological response and direct actions against infectious agents. Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to determine the effects of chronic infection with T. gondii on the morphometry of the mucosa and the submucosal enteric neurons in the proximal colon of rats. Male adult rats were distributed into a control group (n = 10) and an infected group (n = 10). Infected rats received orally 500 oocysts of T. gondii (ME-49). After 36 days, the rats were euthanized and samples of the proximal colon were processed for histology to evaluate mucosal thickness in sections. Whole mounts were stained with methylene blue and subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The total number of submucosal neurons decreased by 16.20%. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neurons increased by 26.95%. Intraepithelial lymphocytes increased by 62.86% and sulfomucin-producing goblet cells decreased by 22.87%. Crypt depth was greater by 43.02%. It was concluded that chronic infection with T. gondii induced death and hypertrophy in the remaining submucosal enteric neurons and damage to the colonic mucosa of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Biondaro Góis
- State University of Maringa, Department of Morphological Sciences, Maringa, PR, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Aristeu Vieira da Silva
- State University of Feira de Santana, Department of Biological Sciences, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
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18
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Halliez MCM, Buret AG. Gastrointestinal Parasites and the Neural Control of Gut Functions. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:452. [PMID: 26635531 PMCID: PMC4658430 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility and transport of water and electrolytes play key roles in the pathophysiology of diarrhea upon exposure to enteric parasites. These processes are actively modulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which includes efferent, and afferent neurons, as well as interneurons. ENS integrity is essential to the maintenance of homeostatic gut responses. A number of gastrointestinal parasites are known to cause disease by altering the ENS. The mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), Trypanosoma cruzi, Schistosoma species and others alter gastrointestinal motility, absorption, or secretion at least in part via effects on the ENS. Recent findings also implicate enteric parasites such as C. parvum and G. duodenalis in the development of post-infectious complications such as irritable bowel syndrome, which further underscores their effects on the gut-brain axis. This article critically reviews recent advances and the current state of knowledge on the impact of enteric parasitism on the neural control of gut functions, and provides insights into mechanisms underlying these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C M Halliez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, Host-Parasite Interaction NSERC-CREATE, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Protozooses transmises par l'alimentation, Rouen University Hospital, University of Rouen and Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Reims Champagne-Ardennes Rouen and Reims, France
| | - André G Buret
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, Host-Parasite Interaction NSERC-CREATE, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
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19
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Vicentino-Vieira SL, Nogueira de Melo GDA, Biondaro Góis M, Martins Moreira N, de Araujo Pereira LG, de Almeida Araújo EJ, Garcia JL, de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana D. Oral dependent-dose toxoplasmic infection model induced by oocysts in rats: Myenteric plexus and jejunal wall changes. Exp Parasitol 2015; 156:12-8. [PMID: 26008610 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that is mainly transmitted orally. Once ingested, the parasite crosses the intestinal barrier to reach the blood and lymph systems to migrate to other regions of the host. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the myenteric plexus and the jejunal wall of Wistar rats caused by oral infection with T. gondii oocysts (ME-49 strain). Inocula of 10, 100, 500 and 5000 oocysts were used. The total population of myenteric neurons and the most metabolically active subpopulation (NADH-diaphorase positive - NADH-dp) exhibited a decrease proportional to the dose of T. gondii. There was also a quantitative increase in the subpopulation of NADPH-diaphorase-positive (NADPH-dp) myenteric neurons, indicating greater expression of the NOS enzyme. Neuronal atrophy was observed, and morphological and morphometric alterations such as jejunal atrophy were found in the infected groups. Hypertrophy of the external muscle with the presence of inflammatory foci was observed in the group infected with 5000 oocysts. The changes observed in the infected groups were proportional to the number of oocysts inoculated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - João Luiz Garcia
- State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Parlog A, Schlüter D, Dunay IR. Toxoplasma gondii-induced neuronal alterations. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:159-70. [PMID: 25376390 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The zoonotic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii infects over 30% of the human population. The intracellular parasite can persist lifelong in the CNS within neurons modifying their function and structure, thus leading to specific behavioural changes of the host. In recent years, several in vitro studies and murine models have focused on the elucidation of these modifications. Furthermore, investigations of the human population have correlated Toxoplasma seropositivity with changes in neurological functions; however, the complex underlying mechanisms of the subtle behavioural alteration are still not fully understood. The parasites are able to induce direct modifications in the infected cells, for example by altering dopamine metabolism, by functionally silencing neurons as well as by hindering apoptosis. Moreover, indirect effects of the peripheral immune system and alterations of the immune status of the CNS, observed during chronic infection, might also contribute to changes in neuronal connectivity and synaptic plasticity. In this review, we will provide an overview and highlight recent advances, which describe changes in the neuronal function and morphology upon T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Parlog
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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21
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Araújo EJDA, Zaniolo LM, Vicentino SL, Góis MB, Zanoni JN, Silva AVD, Sant’Ana DDMG. Toxoplasma gondii causes death and plastic alteration in the jejunal myenteric plexus. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:4829-4839. [PMID: 25944996 PMCID: PMC4408455 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.4829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the effects of ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strain infection on the myenteric plexus and external muscle of the jejunum in rats.
METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed into two groups: the control group (CG) (n = 15) received 1 mL of saline solution orally, and the infected group (IG) (n = 15) inoculated with 1 mL of saline solution containing 500 oocysts of M-49 T. gondii strain orally. After 36 d of infection, the rats were euthanized. Infection with T. gondii was confirmed by blood samples collected from all rats at the beginning and end of the experiment. The jejunum of five animals was removed and submitted to routine histological processing (paraffin) for analysis of external muscle thickness. The remaining jejunum from the others animals was used to analyze the general population and the NADH-diaphorase, VIPergic and nitrergic subpopulations of myenteric neurons; and the enteric glial cells (S100-IR).
RESULTS: Serological analysis showed that animals from the IG were infected with the parasite. Hypertrophy affecting jejunal muscle thickness was observed in the IG rats (77.02 ± 42.71) in relation to the CG (51.40 ± 12.34), P < 0.05. In addition, 31.2% of the total number of myenteric neurons died (CG: 39839.3 ± 5362.3; IG: 26766.6 ± 2177.6; P < 0.05); hyperplasia of nitrergic myenteric neurons was observed (CG: 7959.0 ± 1290.4; IG: 10893.0 ± 1156.3; P < 0.05); general hypertrophy of the cell body in the remaining myenteric neurons was noted [CG: 232.5 (187.2-286.0); IG: 248.2 (204.4-293.0); P < 0.05]; hypertrophy of the smallest varicosities containing VIP neurotransmitter was seen (CG: 0.46 ± 0.10; IG: 0.80 ± 0.16; P < 0.05) and a reduction of 25.3% in enteric glia cells (CG: 12.64 ± 1.27; IG: 10.09 ± 2.10; P < 0.05) was observed in the infected rats.
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that infection with oocysts of ME-49 T. gondii strain caused quantitative and plastic alterations in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum in rats.
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Oz HS. Toxoplasmosis complications and novel therapeutic synergism combination of diclazuril plus atovaquone. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:484. [PMID: 25309522 PMCID: PMC4164033 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of foodborne disease, congenital complication, and morbidity. There is an urgent need for safe and effective therapies to encounter congenital and persisting toxoplasmosis. The hypothesis was: combination diclazuril plus atovaquone to exert a novel therapeutic synergy to prevent toxoplasmosis syndromes. Methods: Pregnant dams were treated with diclazuril and atovaquone monotherapy or combination therapy and infected i.p with Toxoplasma tachyzoites. Results: Infected dams developed severe toxoplasmosis associated syndrome with increases in the abdominal adiposity surrounding uteri, gansterointestinal and other internal organs and excessive weight gain. Numerous organisms along with infiltration of inflammatory cells were detected scattered into adipose tissues. Combination therapy (p < 0.01) and to a lesser extent diclazuril (p < 0.05) protected dams from inflammatory fat and excess weight gains. This was consistent with pancreatitis development in infected dams (versus normal p < 0.05) with infiltration of inflammatory cells, degeneration and necrosis of pancreatic cells followed by the degeneration and loss of islets. Combination and monotherapy protected dams from these inflammatory and pathological aspects of pancreatitis. Infected dams exhibited severe colitis, and colonic tissues significantly shortened in length. Brush border epithelial cells were replaced with infiltration of lymphocytes, granulocytes, and microabscess formations into cryptic microstructures. Combination therapy synergistically preserved colonic structure and normalized pathological damages (p < 0.001) and to a lesser degree diclazuril monotherapy protected dams from colitis (p < 0.05) and gastrointestinal toxoplasmosis. Other complications included severe splenitis (p < 0.001) and hepatitis (p < 0.001) which were normalized with combination therapy. Conclusion: Combination diclazuril plus atovaquone was safe and with a novel therapeutic synergism protected dams and fetuses from toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helieh S Oz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington, KY, USA
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Reeves GM, Mazaheri S, Snitker S, Langenberg P, Giegling I, Hartmann AM, Konte B, Friedl M, Okusaga O, Groer MW, Mangge H, Weghuber D, Allison DB, Rujescu D, Postolache TT. A Positive Association between T. gondii Seropositivity and Obesity. Front Public Health 2013; 1:73. [PMID: 24400300 PMCID: PMC3872312 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2013.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global public health problem that is linked with morbidity, mortality, and functional limitations and has limited options for sustained interventions. Novel targets for prevention and intervention require further research into the pathogenesis of obesity. Consistently, elevated markers of inflammation have been reported in association with obesity, but their causes and consequences are not well understood. An emerging field of research has investigated the association of infections and environmental pathogens with obesity, potential causes of low grade inflammation that may mediate obesity risk. In this study, we estimate the possible association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and obesity in a sample of 999 psychiatrically healthy adults. Individuals with psychiatric conditions, including personality disorders, were excluded because of the association between positive serology to T. gondii and various forms of serious mental illness that have a strong association with obesity. In our sample, individuals with positive T. gondii serology had twice the odds of being obese compared to seronegative individuals (p = 0.01). Further, individuals who were obese had significant higher T. gondii IgG titers compared to individuals who were non-obese. Latent T. gondii infection is very common worldwide, so potential public health interventions related to this parasite can have a high impact on associated health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Reeves
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Innovations Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA ; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Sara Mazaheri
- St. Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry ResidencyTraining Program , Washington, DC , USA
| | - Soren Snitker
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Patricia Langenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Ina Giegling
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Annette M Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Bettina Konte
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Marion Friedl
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Olaoluwa Okusaga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , TX , USA
| | - Maureen W Groer
- Colleges of Nursing and Medicine, University of South Florida , Tampa, FL , USA
| | - Harald Mangge
- Research Unit on Lifestyle and Inflammation-associated Risk Biomarkers, Clinical Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Daniel Weghuber
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical School , Salzburg , Austria
| | - David B Allison
- Section on Statistical Genetics, Department of Biostatistics, Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
| | - Teodor T Postolache
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Innovations Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA ; Mood and Anxiety Disorder Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
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Sant'Ana DMG, Góis MB, Zanoni JN, da Silva AV, da Silva CJT, Araújo EJA. Intraepithelial lymphocytes, goblet cells and VIP-IR submucosal neurons of jejunum rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Exp Pathol 2012; 93:279-86. [PMID: 22804764 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2012.00824.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) crosses the intestinal barrier in oral infections and can lead to changes in different cell types, including the neurons located there. In the gastrointestinal system, the autonomous nervous system component that regulate blood flow and mucous secretion is the submucosal plexus. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of T. gondii infection on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), goblet cells and submucosal neurons that are immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP-IR) of rat jejunum. Twenty male rats distributed as a control group (CG) and an infected group (IG), which received a suspension with 500 parasite oocysts (strain ME-49, genotype II) orally, were assessed. Routine histological sections were used to quantify IELs and to detect mucins secreted by goblet cells. Whole mounts including the submucosal layer were examined using immunofluorescence to detect the VIP neurotransmitter. Quantitative alterations in IELs were not observed. However, the reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of goblet cells that produce neutral mucins (PAS+) and sulphomucins (AB pH 1.0) and the maintenance of sialomucin-secreting cells (AB pH 2.5) resulting in a more fluid mucous were observed. Concerning the VIP-IR submucosal neurons, an increase in fluorescence on IG animals was observed. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of VIP-IR submucosal neurons and atrophy of their cell bodies in IG rats. Infection with T. gondii caused alterations in the chemical composition of the intestinal mucous and reduction in the neuron number and atrophy of the remaining neurons in this cell subpopulation.
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25
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Toxoplasma gondii infection causes morphological changes in caecal myenteric neurons. Exp Parasitol 2011; 130:103-9. [PMID: 22210156 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii (with genotype I and genotype III strains) on the population density and morphometry of caecal myenteric neurons in rats. Fifteen, 60-day-old, male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used. The animals were assigned into three groups: Control Group (CG), Experimental Group 1 (EG1) and Experimental Group 2 (EG2). EG1 animals received 10(5) tachyzoites of the genotype I (BTU IV) T. gondii strain orally, and the EG2 animals received 10(5) tachyzoites of the genotype III (BTU II) strain orally. Thirty days after inoculation, caecal whole-mount preparations were stained by Giemsa technique. The caecal preparations were then analysed by assessing the population density and morphometry of myenteric neurons in specific regions of the caecum: mesenteric apical (MA), antimesenteric apical (AA), antimesenteric basal (AB) and next to caecal ampulla (NA). Myenteric neurons from the AA region were more clustered in EG1 animals (P<0.05). The EG1 animals presented a 16.8% reduction in the area of the nucleus, whereas the EG2 animals showed 18.4% increase (P<0.05). There was a more marked reduction in the cytoplasm of the animals in EG1 (↓23.2%) compared to EG2 (↓6.2%). There was 35.8% neuronal atrophy in the AB region and 16.8% in the region NA of the EG1 animals (P<0.05). In conclusion, different strains of T. gondii cause morphometric changes in caecal myenteric neurons of rats. Only the genotype I strain was able to cause neuronal density changes.
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