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Del Brutto OH. Management of calcified cysticerci in the brain parenchyma: treating the dead parasite. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39317222 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2409404] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Calcifications are the end stage of many parenchymal brain cysticerci and may occur either spontaneously or as the result of treatment with cysticidal drugs. These lesions, traditionally considered inert and asymptomatic, have been associated with several complications that seem to be mostly related to brain damage and inflammation ensuing as the result of the exposure of the host's immune system to parasitic antigens trapped within calcifications. AREAS COVERED This review, based on the search of different electronic databases up to May 2024, focuses on the reported correlates and complications of calcified cysticerci (chronic headaches, seizures/epilepsy, hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis, gliomas), and the different interventions developed for their prevention and treatment. Common analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and antiseizure medications have been used with success but, with the exception of the latter, these drugs offer temporary relief of symptoms and support for their use is based on level 3 evidence. EXPERT OPINION Several strategies may reduce the severity of clinical consequences of calcified cysticerci. Probably, the most relevant intervention would be the prevention of their occurrence or reduction in their size. In this view, the use of bisphosphonates appears as a potential option that needs to be tested in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine and Research Center, Universidad Espíritu Santo - Ecuador, Samborondón, Ecuador
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2
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Ahidjo N, Maidawa Yaya F, Njamnshi WY, Rissia-Ngo Pambe JC, Ndianteng EW, Nwasike CNC, Kemmo C, Choupo AC, Meka’a Zang LY, Pieme AC, Vecchio L, Ngadjui BT, Njamnshi AK, Seke Etet PF. Therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola against experimental toxoplasmosis in rats. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae255. [PMID: 39130514 PMCID: PMC11316209 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral toxoplasmosis, the most common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, is increasingly reported in immunocompetent individuals due to mutant strains of Toxoplasma gondii, which, furthermore, are reported to be resistant to available treatments. We assessed the therapeutic potential of Garcinia kola, a medicinal plant reported to have antiplasmodial and neuroprotective properties, against experimental toxoplasmosis in rats. Severe toxoplasmosis was induced in male Wistar rats (156.7 ± 4.1 g) by injecting them with 10 million tachyzoites in suspension in 500 µl of saline (intraperitoneal), and exclusive feeding with a low-protein diet [7% protein (weight by weight)]. Then, animals were treated with hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of Garcinia kola. Footprints were analysed and open-field and elevated plus maze ethological tests were performed when symptoms of severe disease were observed in the infected controls. After sacrifice, blood samples were processed for Giemsa staining, organs were processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining, and brains were processed for Nissl staining and cell counting. Compared with non-infected animals, the infected control animals had significantly lower body weights (30.27%↓, P = 0.001), higher body temperatures (P = 0.033) during the sacrifice, together with signs of cognitive impairment and neurologic deficits such as lower open-field arena centre entries (P < 0.001), elevated plus maze open-arm time (P = 0.029) and decreased stride lengths and step widths (P < 0.001), as well as neuronal loss in various brain areas. The ethyl acetate fraction of Garcinia kola prevented or mitigated most of these signs. Our data suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of Garcinia kola has therapeutic potential against cerebral toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nene Ahidjo
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Frederic Maidawa Yaya
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Sustainable Health and Development, University of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon
| | - Wepnyu Y Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Judith C Rissia-Ngo Pambe
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon
| | - Ethel W Ndianteng
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Caroline N C Nwasike
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Christelle Kemmo
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Arnaud C Choupo
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Luc Yvan Meka’a Zang
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anatole C Pieme
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lorella Vecchio
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Sustainable Health and Development, University of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon
| | | | - Alfred K Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Paul F Seke Etet
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Laboratory, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Sustainable Health and Development, University of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon
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Foroutan M, Majidiani H, Hassanipour S, Badri M. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in the Iranian blood donors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28013. [PMID: 38509978 PMCID: PMC10951657 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The present systematic review and meta-analysis was done to assess the rate of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) exposure among Iranian healthy blood donors. Methods We searched four English (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) and two Persian databases (Magiran and SID) as well as Google Scholar as a specialized article search engine using specific keywords for relevant papers from the inception up to November 30, 2023. Results In total, 19 studies enrolling 8226 apparently healthy blood donors were examined regarding T. gondii-specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies, among which 2666 [32.9% (95% CI: 25.3%-41.6%)], 168 [1.4% (95% CI: 0.9%-2.1%)], and 83 [1.7% (95% CI: 1.3%-2.1%)] subjects were seropositive regarding IgG, IgM, and both IgG/IgM antibodies, respectively. Five risk factors were significantly associated with T. gondii seroprevalence, including gender (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.52-2.58; P < 0.001), contact with cat (OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.70-3.41; P < 0.001), contact with soil (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.07-7.45; P = 0.035), consuming raw/undercooked meat (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03-3.70; P = 0.039), and raw/unwashed vegetables (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.25-2.31; P = 0.001). Conclusion A moderate rate of T. gondii exposure was found in the Iranian blood donors, with the association of several risk factors, including gender, contact with cat, contact with soil, consumption of unwashed vegetables and/or undercooked meat. Still, more studies are recommended regarding T. gondii exposure among blood donors in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Healthy Aging Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Hamouda MM, El-Saied AS, Zaher A, Khalil AF, ElBlihy AA, Nabih N, El-Beshbishi SN. Toxoplasma gondii: Seroprevalence and association with childhood brain tumors in Egypt. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107123. [PMID: 38242223 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107123] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood brain tumors are a significant global health challenge, yet the etiology of these tumors remains elusive. While research has identified potential risk factors, recent studies have explored the involvement of infectious agents, particularly Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), in brain tumor development. METHODS This study aimed to explore the prevalence of T. gondii infection in children diagnosed with brain tumors and to investigate the potential association between T. gondii infection and childhood brain tumors in Egypt. A total of 64 children with brain tumors and 92 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographics and risk factors data were collected using structured questionnaires. Serological assay using ELISA technique was performed to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies in both cases and control groups. RESULTS This study revealed a significantly higher seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in brain tumor cases (62.5 %) compared to healthy controls (38 %). Furthermore, a strong association was observed between T. gondii seropositivity and childhood brain tumors (odds ratio: 2.7). Notably, the consumption of unwashed vegetables emerged as a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection in Egypt. Analysis of T. gondii seroprevalence across different subtypes of brain tumors revealed varying rates, with glioma cases displaying a striking 100 % seroprevalence. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that T. gondii infection may be a risk factor for childhood brain tumors and emphasize the need for further research in this area. The study also highlights the potential implications of control of T. gondii infection for prevention and treatment of childhood brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Hamouda
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Amany S El-Saied
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zaher
- Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Amr Farid Khalil
- Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Ayat A ElBlihy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nairmen Nabih
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Samar N El-Beshbishi
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, New Mansoura University, Egypt
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Dupont D, Robert M, Brenier-Pinchart M, Lefevre A, Wallon M, Pelloux H. Toxoplasma gondii, a plea for a thorough investigation of its oncogenic potential. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22147. [PMID: 38034818 PMCID: PMC10685377 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22147] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 30 % of the world's population harbours the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, particularly in the brain. Beyond its implication in potentially severe opportunistic or congenital infections, this persistence has long been considered as without consequence. However, certain data in animals and humans suggest that this carriage may be linked to various neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. The hypothesis of a potential cerebral oncogenicity of the parasite is also emerging. In this personal view, we will present the epidemiological arguments in favour of an association between toxoplasmosis and cerebral malignancy, before considering the points that could underlie a potential causal link. More specifically, we will focus on the brain as the preferred location for T. gondii persistence and the propensity of this parasite to interfere with the apoptosis and cell cycle signalling pathways of their host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Dupont
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - M.G. Robert
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - M.P. Brenier-Pinchart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - A. Lefevre
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
| | - M. Wallon
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - H. Pelloux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
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Yuan H, Jiang T, Zhang WD, Yang Z, Luo S, Wang X, Zhu X, Qi S, Mahmmod YS, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Multiomics and bioinformatics identify differentially expressed effectors in the brain of Toxoplasma gondii infected masked palm civet. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1267629. [PMID: 37818043 PMCID: PMC10561248 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1267629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) serves as a reservoir in transmitting pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii, to humans. However, the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection in masked palm civets has not been explored. We studied the molecular changes in the brain tissue of masked palm civets chronically infected with T. gondii ME49. Methods The differentially expressed proteins in the brain tissue were investigated using iTRAQ and bioinformatics. Results A total of 268 differential proteins were identified, of which 111 were upregulated and 157 were downregulated. KEGG analysis identified pathways including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, carbon metabolism, T-cell receptor signaling pathway. Combing transcriptomic and proteomics data, we identified 24 genes that were differentially expressed on both mRNA and protein levels. The top four upregulated proteins were REEP3, REEP4, TEP1, and EEPD1, which was confirmed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. KEGG analysis of these 24 genes identified signaling cascades that were associated with small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathways among others. To understand the mechanism of the observed alteration, we conducted immune infiltration analysis using TIMER databases which identified immune cells that are associated with the upregulation of these proteins. Protein network analysis identified 44 proteins that were in close relation to all four proteins. These proteins were significantly enriched in immunoregulation and cancer pathways including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, cell cycle, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Bioinformatics utilizing two cancer databases (TCGA and GEPIA) revealed that the four genes were upregulated in many cancer types including glioblastoma (GBM). In addition, higher expression of REEP3 and EEPD1 was associated with better prognosis, while higher expression of REEP4 and TEP1 was associated with poor prognosis in GBM patients. Discussion We identified the differentially expressed genes in the brain of T. gondii infected masked palm civets. These genes were associated with various cellular signaling pathways including those that are immune- and cancer-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiantian Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- South China Agricultural University Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zipeng Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuting Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yasser S. Mahmmod
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Haghbin M, Maani S, Bagherzadeh MA, Bazmjoo A, Shakeri H, Taghipour A, Falahi S, Kenarkoohi A, Badri M, Abdoli A. Latent Toxoplasmosis among Breast Cancer Patients in Jahrom, South of Iran. Int J Breast Cancer 2023; 2023:4792260. [PMID: 37519423 PMCID: PMC10386900 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4792260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis is the main cause of severe infection among immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer. Hence, this study is aimed at screening the status of Toxoplasma gondii infection among breast cancer patients by serological and molecular methods and determining their associated risk factors in Jahrom County, Fars Province, south of Iran. Methods One hundred and seven women with breast cancer (aged 34 to 80 years) were screened for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) during 2019-2020. A questionnaire regarding demographic factors was filled out by participants. Molecular detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primer pair targeting the repetitive element (RE) gene of T. gondii. The risk factors and demographic data were analyzed by SPSS software (ver. 20, Chicago, IL, USA) using the Chi-squared test. Results Anti-T. gondii IgG was detected in 45.8% (49/107) of the patients, which indicates latent infection, but anti-T. gondii IgM and PCR were negative in all samples. Demographic factors revealed a statistically significant increased T. gondii seropositivity among nonmenopause cancer patients (P < 0.0005), patients without previous breast cancer (P = 0.0001), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- (HER2-) negative patients (P = 0.00002). As such, patients with a history of previous abortions and who were at stages II, III, and IIII of cancer had higher seropositivity rates than patients without a history of previous abortions or who were at stage I cancer, but the statistical analysis was not significant. We did not find a statistically significant association between T. gondii seropositivity and other risk factors of toxoplasmosis (e.g., education level, type of water source, washing raw fruits and vegetables, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and contact with soil, cats, and domestic animal). Conclusion A high seroprevalence rate of latent T. gondii infection was detected among patients with breast cancer; hence, these patients may be at high risk for reactivation of latent infection. Screening of T. gondii infection is recommended to detect active infection among patients with malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzeieh Haghbin
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Surgery, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Salar Maani
- Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | | | - Ahmadreza Bazmjoo
- Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Heshmatollah Shakeri
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, 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
| | - Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Azra Kenarkoohi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- 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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Brown JS. Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105206. [PMID: 37178944 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105206] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.
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Ye HM, Lu MJ, Liu Q, Lin Y, Tang LY, Ren ZF. Beneficial Effect of Toxoplasma gondii Infection on the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Was Modified by Cytokines. Clin Epidemiol 2023; 15:469-481. [PMID: 37122480 PMCID: PMC10145453 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s408182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal experiments have shown the anticancer activity of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), but its effect on the prognosis of cancer patients is unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of anti-T. gondii IgG in breast cancer patients and the modification effect of cytokines. Methods A total of 1121 breast cancer patients were recruited between 2008 and 2018 and followed up until December 31, 2021. Anti-T. gondii IgG and cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and a multiplex assay platform. Endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Survival and multiplicative interaction analyses were performed using multivariate Cox regression models. Results According to the cutoff value of optical density (OD=0.111), 900 (80.29%) and 221 (19.71%) patients were divided into two groups: low or high anti-T. gondii IgG. Compared to patients with a low anti-T. gondii IgG level, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of OS and PFS for patients with high anti-T. gondii IgG levels were 0.60 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.99) and 0.67 (0.46-0.98), respectively. These associations were profound among patients with a high cytokine score (HR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.82 for OS; HR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.13-0.69 for PFS), accompanied by a significant interaction between the level of anti-T. gondii IgG and the cytokine score (P interaction=0.019 for PFS); interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-9 (IL-9) were the main contributors to the interaction. Conclusion Anti-T. gondii IgG was found to be beneficial to breast cancer survival, especially in women with systematic inflammation and high IL-17 or IL-9 levels, suggesting the potential of T. gondii as a prognostic marker and a novel immunotherapy approach for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Ming Ye
- The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min-Jie Lu
- The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu-Ying Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ze-Fang Ren
- The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ze-Fang Ren, The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-20-87332577, Email
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Alabbas Z, Tamer Y, Jneidi M, Issa R. Whorling‐sclerosing meningioma invading skull bone and subcutaneous tissue with an incidental toxoplasmosis: A case report. Neuropathology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Alabbas
- Department of Pathology Tishreen University Hospital Latakia Syria
| | - Yamani Tamer
- Department of Neurosurgery Tishreen University Hospital Latakia Syria
| | - Mhammad Jneidi
- Department of Radiology Tishreen University Hospital Latakia Syria
| | - Rana Issa
- Department of Pathology Tishreen University Hospital Latakia Syria
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11
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Rostami A, Riahi SM, Mollalo A, Razavian I, Akbari N, Marhoommirzabak E, Mahjour S, Sartip B, Arshadi M, Razavian E, Ardekani A. Does latent Toxoplasma infection have a protective effect against developing multiple sclerosis? Evidence from an updated meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:996-1006. [PMID: 35696089 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac053] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous epidemiologic evidence suggests a protective effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection against multiple sclerosis (MS) development; however, inconsistent findings have been reported in this regard. Therefore, we performed an updated meta-analysis of observational studies to investigate the association of To. gondii infection with MS development. We searched all articles published in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases as of 20 December 2021. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to generate the pooled OR at 95% CIs. The heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 and Cochran's Q statistics. Moreover, the likelihood of publication bias was determined by Egger's regression test. A total of 11 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, including 1172 MS cases and 1802 controls. Our findings indicated that 29.8% (95% CI 22.8 to 37.2%) of MS patients were seropositive for To. gondii infection, compared with 34.2% (95% CI 21.9 to 47.6%) of control subjects. The estimated pooled OR was 0.79 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.26), suggesting a non-significant negative association between To. gondii infection and MS development (p>0.05). The current study does not support the significant protective role of To. gondii infection on MS development. Our findings imply that further well-designed epidemiological and mechanistic studies are warranted to ascertain the possible association between To. gondii infection and MS and to exclude the potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mollalo
- Department of Public Health and Prevention Science, School of Health Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio, USA
| | - Iman Razavian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Akbari
- Department of Genetic, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University, Varamin Pishva Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elika Marhoommirzabak
- Department of Neurology, University of Visayas, Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu city, 600 Cebu, Philippines
| | - Sanaz Mahjour
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Behnam Sartip
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Arshadi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elnaz Razavian
- Department of Neurology, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ardekani
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Exosomal miRNA-21 from Toxoplasma gondii-infected microglial cells induces the growth of U87 glioma cells by inhibiting tumor suppressor genes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16450. [PMID: 36180486 PMCID: PMC9525672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20281-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can modulate the microenvironment of infected hosts and is known to be associated with the incidence of brain tumor growth. In this study, we suggested that the exosomal microRNA-21 derived from Toxoplasma infection would contribute to the growth of brain tumors. Exosomes of BV2 microglial cells infected with Toxoplasma were characterized and confirmed internalization to U87 glioma cells. Exosomal miRNA expression profiles were analyzed using microRNA array and miR-21A-5p associated with Toxoplasma and tumor sorted. We also examined the mRNA level of tumor-associated genes in U87 glioma cells by changing the level of miR-21 within exosomes and the effects of exosomes on the proliferation of human U87 glioma cells. Expression of miRNA-21 was increased and anti-tumorigenic genes (FoxO1, PTEN, and PDCD4) were decreased in exosomes within T. gondii-infected U87 glioma cells. Toxoplasma-infected BV2-derived exosomes induced proliferation of U87 glioma cells. The exosomes induced the growth of U87 cells in a mouse tumor model. We suggest that the increased exosomal miR-21 from Toxoplasma-infected BV2 microglial cells may play an important role as a cell growth promotor of U87 glioma cells through a down-regulation of anti-tumorigenic genes.
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