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Bakhshani A, Parande Shirvan S, Sadr S, Maleki M, Haghparast A, Borji H. Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1307. [PMID: 38860753 PMCID: PMC11165684 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis suggests that early life exposure to helminth infections can reduce hypersensitivity in the immune system. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara cati (T. cati) somatic products on allergic airway inflammation. METHODS Between 2018 and 2020, T. cati adult worms were collected from stray cats in Mashhad, Iran (31 out of 186 cats), and their somatic extract was collected. Thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups, including the OVA group (sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin), the somatic administered group (received somatic extract along with ovalbumin sensitization), and the PBS group (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to assess the number of cells, and lung homogenates were prepared for cytokine analysis. Histopathological analysis of the lungs was performed, and inflammatory cells and mucus were detected. Cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined using a capture ELISA. RESULTS The somatic group significantly decreased regarding the lung pathological changes, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx, compared to the group treated with ovalbumin alone. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, indicating a shift toward a more balanced immune response. The number of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid was also significantly reduced in the somatic group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. CONCLUSION These preclinical findings suggest that in experimental models, T. cati somatic extract exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating allergic airway inflammation. Its observed effects on immune response modulation and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration warrant further investigation in clinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Bakhshani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Sima Parande Shirvan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Mohsen Maleki
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Alireza Haghparast
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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García-Rodríguez SN, Costa-Rodríguez N, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Morchón R, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA. Feline heartworm disease and environmental allergens hypersensitivity: is there a link? Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:192. [PMID: 37291670 PMCID: PMC10251655 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats can be infected by Dirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of heartworm disease, characterized by respiratory signs, airway hyperreactivity, remodelling and inflammation. Allergy is a multifactorial pathology, and the role of a number of helminth parasites in the development of allergies in humans and other species has been demonstrated in many studies. The aim of the present study was to verify whether cats seropositive for D. immitis present hypersensitivity to some environmental allergens. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 120 cats and tested for the presence of specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against D. immitis and for hypersensitivity to 20 allergens, using commercial allergen test kits. RESULTS Of the 120 cats tested, 72 (60.0%) were seropositive for anti-D. immitis IgG and 55 (45.8%) showed clinical signs of heartworm disease of a respiratory nature. The results of testing with the allergen kits showed that 50.8% of cats were seropositive for ≥ 1 allergens, with the most common allergens being Dermatophagoides farinae (25.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (20.0%), Malassezia (17.5%) and Ctenocephalides felis (14.2%). The prevalence of allergies was significantly higher-by almost threefold-in cats seropositive for D. immitis (68.1% vs. 25%). There were no significant differences between the prevalence of allergic cats and presence/absence of symptoms, and the results confirmed that symptoms were not a decisive factor for the presence of allergies. The risk for developing allergies was 6.3-fold higher in cats seropositive for D. immitis than in cats that were seronegative, confirming that seropositivity for D. immitis is a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS Cats with confirmed heartworm can develop serious respiratory signs, potentially leading to progression to permanent lung injury and predisposing cats to hyperresponsive airway disease. Previous studies have shown that seropositivity for D. immitis and Wolbachia is related to the presence of bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm in the affected cat. The results support the suspicion that contact with D. immitis may be a risk factor for the presence of allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N García-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - José A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Testing sand from selected playgrounds in Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland for eggs of nematodes at the time of massive migration of people from Ukraine to these countries – a pilot study. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Nematodes are invertebrates that inhabit the water and soil environment. Numerous nematodes are parasites of plants, animals and humans, especially children. Among the parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases caused by nematodes are very common: eneterobiasis, ascariasis, and toxocarosis. From February 2022, we observe an intensive migration of people from Ukraine to the European Union countries: mainly to Poland (4.5 million) and to a lesser extent to Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. They are mostly women with children. In places where they find shelter, they try to provide children with the best possible conditions for their development. Hence the authors’ interest in hygienic conditions in the playgrounds of the European Union countries bordering Ukraine.
The aim of the study was to examine samples from selected playgrounds in Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland for eggs of nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides, Toxocara sp., and Trichuris trichiura.
Twenty samples of sand and soil obtained from 4 playgrounds in Craiova (Romania), Miskolc (Hungary), Košice (Slovakia) and Lublin (Poland). In order to detect the presence of Toxocara canis/cati, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichiuris trichiura eggs, a modified flotation method was used. No eggs of parasites were found in the examined sand samples. The pilot study suggests that refugees can safely play in the playgrounds in Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.
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Wu Y, Duffey M, Alex SE, Suarez-Reyes C, Clark EH, Weatherhead JE. The role of helminths in the development of non-communicable diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:941977. [PMID: 36119098 PMCID: PMC9473640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.941977] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, and neuropsychiatric diseases cause significant global morbidity and mortality which disproportionately affect those living in low resource regions including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In order to reduce NCD morbidity and mortality in LMIC it is imperative to understand risk factors associated with the development of NCDs. Certain infections are known risk factors for many NCDs. Several parasitic helminth infections, which occur most commonly in LMICs, have been identified as potential drivers of NCDs in parasite-endemic regions. Though understudied, the impact of helminth infections on the development of NCDs is likely related to helminth-specific factors, including species, developmental stage and disease burden. Mechanical and chemical damage induced by the helminth in combination with pathologic host immune responses contribute to the long-term inflammation that increases risk for NCD development. Robust studies from animal models and human clinical trials are needed to understand the immunologic mechanisms of helminth-induced NCDs. Understanding the complex connection between helminths and NCDs will aid in targeted public health programs to reduce helminth-induced NCDs and reduce the high rates of morbidity that affects millions of people living in parasite-endemic, LMICs globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Megan Duffey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Saira Elizabeth Alex
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Charlie Suarez-Reyes
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eva H. Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jill E. Weatherhead
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Jill E. Weatherhead,
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Ghabdian S, Parande Shirvan S, Maleki M, Borji H. Exacerbation of allergic asthma by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus in allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:16. [PMID: 34991711 PMCID: PMC8734303 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is ample evidence demonstrating a reverse relationship between helminth infection and immune-mediated diseases. Accordingly, several studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. Previous studies have documented the ability of hydatid cysts to suppress aberrant Th2 immune response in a mouse model of allergic asthma. However, there is a paucity of research on the effects of protoscoleces on allergic asthma. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS Ovalbumin (OVA)/aluminum hydroxide (alum) was injected intraperitoneally to sensitize BALB/c mice over a period of 0 to 7 days, followed by challenge with 1% OVA. The treatment group received somatic antigens of protoscoleces emulsified with PBS on these days in each sensitization before being challenged with 1% OVA on days 14, 15, and 16. The effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces on allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokine production in the homogenized lung tissue (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ), and total antioxidant capacity in serum. RESULTS Overall, administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces exacerbated allergic airway inflammation via increased Th2 cytokine levels in the lung homogenate, recruitment of eosinophils into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and pathological changes. In addition, total antioxidant capacity and IFN-γ levels declined following the administration of somatic antigens. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that the co-administration of somatic products of protoscoleces with OVA/alum contributed to the exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Currently, the main cause of allergic-type inflammation exacerbation is unknown, and further research is needed to understand the mechanism of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghabdian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box: 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sima Parande Shirvan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box: 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Maleki
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box: 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box: 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhi W, Du X, Li Y, Wang C, Sun T, Zong S, Liu Q, Hu K, Liu Y, Zhang H. Proteome profiling reveals the efficacy and targets of sophocarpine against asthma. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107348. [PMID: 33857804 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sophocarpine (SPC) as a quinolizidine alkaloid displays powerful effects on inflammatory diseases through regulating multiple targets. Asthma is a complex heterogeneous and inflammatory disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Here we established a mice asthma model and investigated the effect of SPC. Mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA) exhibits exacerbated Th1/Th2 immune imbalance and allergic lung inflammation. SPC treatment regulated Th1/Th2 cytokines production (IL-4, IL-5 and INF-γ) in BALF, reduced IgE level in serum, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, and improved the lung tissue pathology. Proteomic results showed that 5064 proteins in lung tissue were detected and among them 223 preliminary therapeutic targets of SPC were selected. Subsequently, excluding non-human genes, 109 targets with established crystal structures were harvested. Meanwhile, the molecular docking results showed that the binding energy of 87 targets with SPC was varied from -9.72 kcal/mol to 227.16 kcal/mol. Further, SPC suppressed arrb2, anxa1, myd88 and sphk1 expression and activated p-stat1. All of the five targets based on the screened results of proteomics and molecular docking are critical in allergic asthma. Thus, our data revealed that SPC alleviated bronchial asthma via targeting multi-targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Zhi
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Xia Du
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Ye Li
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Chunliu Wang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Tingting Sun
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Shiyu Zong
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Kai Hu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China.
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Zhu H, Wang K, Yang L, Xu Q, Ren F, Liu X. [ Yanghe Pingchuan granule promotes BMSCs homing in asthmatic rats by upregulating miR-139-5p and downregulating Notch1/Hes1 pathway]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 40:1703-1711. [PMID: 33380402 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.12.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Yanghe Pingchuan (YHPC) granule on miR-139-5p, Notch1/Hes1 pathway and homing of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in asthmatic rats. METHODS Fifty SD rats were randomized divided into normal control (NC) group, asthmatic model group, BMSCs transplantation group, BMSCs + dexamethasone (0.0625 mg/kg daily) group, and BMSCs+YHPC granule (3.5 g/kg daily) group. In all but the normal control group, asthmatic rat models were established by ovalbumin challenge, and BMSCs (1×106/mL) transplantation via the tail vein was performed in the latter 3 groups on last day of ovalbumin challenge. In all the groups, lung pathologies of the rats were evaluated using HE staining after the treatments. Flow cytometry was employed to detect pulmonary expression of CXCR4 protein, and ELISA was used to determine the expressions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the lung tissue. The expressions of CXCR4, Notch1 and Hes1 in bronchial epithelial cells was examined using immunofluorescence assay. RT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-139-5p, Notch1, Jagged1, RBP-J and Hes1 mRNAs, and the protein expressions of Notch1, Jagged1 and Hes1 were detected with Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with the normal control rats, the asthmatic rats exhibited significantly increased expressions of CXCR4, IL-4, Notch1, Jagged1, RBP-J, and Hes1 mRNA and Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 proteins and lowered expressions of INF-γ mRNA and miR-139-5p in the lung tissues (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Compared with those in the asthmatic model group, the mRNA expressions of CXCR4, IFN-γ, and miR-139-5p increased and the expressions of IL-4, Notch1, Jagged1, RBP-J, and Hes1 mRNA and Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 proteins decreased significantly in the 3 groups with BMSCs transplantation (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The rats in BMSCs+YHPC granule group showed significantly higher CXCR4, IFN-γ, and miR-139-5p mRNA expressions and lower IL-4 and Notch1 mRNA expressions than those in BMSCs transplantation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS YHPC granule can enhance the inhibitory effect of BMSCs homing on Th2 inflammatory response in asthmatic rats by up-regulating miR-139-5p and down-regulating Notch1/Hes1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Qingwen Xu
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Fengchun Ren
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
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