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Morganti G, Rigamonti G, Marchesi MC, Maggi G, Angeli G, Moretta I, Brustenga L, Diaferia M, Veronesi F. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in epileptic dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:631-636. [PMID: 38757475 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies in humans have demonstrated the role of Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, in epileptic seizures. This study aimed to investigate the serological correlation between T. gondii and N. caninum and epilepsy in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical record database of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Perugia, was searched for dogs serologically tested by IFAT for T. gondii and N. caninum and following specific inclusion criteria. Dogs were stratified by having a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or suffering different conditions. RESULTS One-hundred and twenty-eight dogs were included, 64 with epilepsy and 64 without clinical signs of epilepsy. Seventeen of the 64 epileptic dogs (26.6%; 95% CI: 15.7% to 37.4%) and twenty-one of the 64 non-epileptic dogs (32.8%; 95% CI: 21.3% to 44.3%) tested positive for T. gondii. Eight of the epileptic dogs (12.5%; 95% CI: 4.4% to 20.6%) and three of the non-epileptic dogs (4.7%; 95% CI: 0% to 9.9%) tested positive for N. caninum. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii or N. caninum seroreactivity between epileptic and non-epileptic dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results obtained do not seem to support the role of T. gondii and N. caninum as causative agents of dog epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M C Marchesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Maggi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Angeli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - I Moretta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - L Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Diaferia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Itani S, Hamie M, El Jammal R, Abdine W, Doumit M, Charafeddine A, El-Sabban M, Patinote C, Masquefa C, Bonnet PA, Obeid M, El Hajj H. Imiquimod Reverses Chronic Toxoplasmosis-Associated Behavioral and Neurocognitive Anomalies in a Rat Model. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1295. [PMID: 38927503 PMCID: PMC11202296 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061295] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a highly prevalent parasitosis. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) transits in the brain from acute (AT) to chronic toxoplasmosis (CT), under host immune control. In immunocompromised patients, reactivation of CT is potentially life-threatening. Behavioral and neurological complications have been associated with CT. Furthermore, an effective treatment targeting CT is still lacking. We previously reported the efficacy of imiquimod against CT. Here, we demonstrate the molecular effects of imiquimod or imiquimod followed by the clinically used combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine (SDZ + PYR) on CT-associated behavior in a rat model. Imiquimod decreased the number of cysts in the brains of chronically infected rats due to an induced reactivation of bradyzoites into tachyzoites. Importantly, this decrease was more pronounced in rats treated with imiquimod followed by SDZ + PYR. Rats chronically infected with T. gondii exhibited an anxiety-like behavior. Notably, treatment with imiquimod reversed this behavior aberrancy, with even a more pronounced effect with imiquimod followed by SDZ/PYR. Similarly, rats chronically infected with T. gondii exhibited learning deficits, and imiquimod alone or followed by SDZ/PYR reversed this behavior. Our results enhance our knowledge of the implications of CT on behavioral aberrancies and highlight the potency of imiquimod followed by SDZ + PYR on these CT-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Reem El Jammal
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Wassim Abdine
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Mark Doumit
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Adib Charafeddine
- College of Pharmacy, American University of Iraq-Baghdad, Baghdad 10071, Iraq;
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Cindy Patinote
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Carine Masquefa
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Pierre-Antoine Bonnet
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Makram Obeid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Maciuceanu CG, Chicea LM, Olariu TR. Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:673. [PMID: 38674617 PMCID: PMC11052096 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040673] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients. METHODS Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Gheorghe Maciuceanu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liana Maria Chicea
- Department II Medical Clinic, “Victor Papilian” Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
- Internal Medicine Department, Academic Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Brito RMDM, de Lima Bessa G, Bastilho AL, Dantas-Torres F, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in South America: occurrence, immunity, and fate of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:461. [PMID: 38115102 PMCID: PMC10729521 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii infections are of great concern for public health, and their impact is usually most severe in pregnant women and their foetuses, and in immunocompromised individuals. Displaying considerable genetic diversity, T. gondii strains differ widely according to geographical location, with archetypal strains predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and non-archetypal (atypical) strains, with highly diverse genotypes, found mainly in South America. In this review, we present an overview of the identification and distribution of non-archetypal strains of T. gondii. Special attention is paid to the strains that have been isolated in Brazil, their interaction with the host immunological response, and their impact on disease outcomes. The genetic differences among the strains are pivotal to the distinct immunological responses that they elicit. These differences arise from polymorphisms of key proteins released by the parasite, which represent important virulence factors. Infection with divergent non-archetypal strains can lead to unusual manifestations of the disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luisa M D Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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6
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Romeo B, Lestra V, Martelli C, Amirouche A, Benyamina A, Hamdani N. The Modulated Role of Toxoplasma gondii on Eosinophils in Psychiatric Disorders after Cannabis Cessation. Pathogens 2023; 12:1333. [PMID: 38003797 PMCID: PMC10675363 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111333] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of T. gondii status on eosinophils count (EOS), the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and the eosinophil-to-neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (ENLR) before and after cannabis cessation in patients with psychiatric disorders. One hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in the study. T. gondii, EOS, ELR, ENLR, and urinary cannabis were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of cannabis cessation. Highest levels and increase of PNE (p = 0.02), ENLR levels (p = 0.031) and highest level of ELR (p = 0.03) were found in patients after cannabis cessation only in patients positive for T. gondii serology (Toxo+ group). At four weeks, significant interactions between cannabis and T. gondii status for EOS (p = 0.038), and for ENLR (p = 0.043) levels were found, as well as for the evolution between baseline and 4 weeks for ENLR level (p = 0.049). After cannabis cessation, we found a positive correlation between negative symptoms and EOS levels at 4 weeks in the Toxo+ group. This study shows that the increase of inflammation after cannabis cessation might be modulated by T. gondii seropositivity status in patients after cannabis cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Romeo
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, 94800 Villejuif, France; (V.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.); (A.B.)
- Unité de Recherche UR, Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions (PSYCOMadd), Paris Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Valentine Lestra
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, 94800 Villejuif, France; (V.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Catherine Martelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, 94800 Villejuif, France; (V.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.); (A.B.)
- Unité de Recherche UR, Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions (PSYCOMadd), Paris Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1299, Research unit, NeuroImaging and Psychiatry, Paris Sud University-Paris Saclay University, Paris Descartes University, Digiteo Labs, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Ammar Amirouche
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, 94800 Villejuif, France; (V.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.); (A.B.)
- Unité de Recherche UR, Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions (PSYCOMadd), Paris Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, 94800 Villejuif, France; (V.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.); (A.B.)
- Unité de Recherche UR, Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions (PSYCOMadd), Paris Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Nora Hamdani
- Unité de Recherche UR, Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions (PSYCOMadd), Paris Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Cédiapsy, 75006 Paris, France
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Cano-Terriza D, Franco JJ, Jose-Cunilleras E, Buono F, Almería S, Veneziano V, Alguacil E, García J, Villena I, Dubey JP, Jiménez-Martín D, García-Bocanegra I. Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii in equids in different European countries. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:276-283. [PMID: 36688475 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13026] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the exposure to T. gondii in equids in Europe. Serum samples from 1399 equids (1085 horses, 238 donkeys, and 76 mules/hinnies) bred in four European countries (Italy, Spain, United Kingdom [UK], and Ireland) were collected during the period of 2013-2021. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 18.9% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 16.9-21.0) by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25. Seropositivity by country was 27.1% in Italy, 16.6% in Spain, 12.0% in UK and 7.0% in Ireland. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 12.8% of the horses, 43.7% of the donkeys, and in 28.9% of the mules/hinnies. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was carried out to study the associations between seropositivity and explanatory variables related to individuals, herds, and management measures on these herds, selected based on the bivariate analysis. The risk for being seropositive for T. gondii was 5.3 and 2.7 times higher in donkeys and mules/hinnies than in horses, respectively. In addition, significantly higher seropositivity was observed in horses from herds that used disinfectants less than once a week (13.9%; p = 0.038, odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.62) compared with those from herds that performed weekly disinfection of the facilities (9.4%). This is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study on T. gondii comprising horses, donkeys, and mules/hinnies in Europe and the first report of T. gondii exposure in horses from Ireland and UK. We found a widespread distribution of T. gondii among equid populations in different European countries. The seroprevalence found in these species, especially in donkeys and mules/hinnies, highlights the potential risk of human infection through the consumption of their raw/undercooked milk or meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Franco
- Inmunología y Genética Aplicada, S.A. (EUROFINS - INGENASA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Jose-Cunilleras
- Servei de Medicina Interna Equina, Departament de Medicina Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Isabelle Villena
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, EA 7510, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Laboratory of Parasitology, Reims Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Effects of diverse Types of Toxoplasma gondii on the outcome of Alzheimer's disease in the rat model. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105931. [PMID: 36473668 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105931] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has lifelong persistence in the brain and its cysts can affect gene expression and change diverse biological functions of neurons. Many studies indicated T. gondii infection as a risk factor for the development of behavioral changes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the etiopathogenetic link between them has not been exactly elucidated. The current study aimed to examine the effects of chronic toxoplasmosis infection with Types I, II, and III strains (RH, PRU, and VEG) alone and in combination on cognitive impairments and neuronal death in the Aβ1-42-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease. In the chronic toxoplasmosis phase, Alzheimer's induction was conducted by injecting Aβ1-42 oligomers into the rat brain hippocampus. Behavioral tests were conducted 10 days after the AD induction. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate T. gondii parasite burden by amplification of the B1 gene. Cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were assayed in brain tissue supernatant using ELISA. Also, histopathological examinations were conducted to calculate inflammatory changes and neuronal death in the brain. Our findings showed that chronic toxoplasmosis infection with PRU reduces cognitive disorders, while the RH strain of T. gondii plays a destructive role and aggravates cognitive impairments in AD. Also, infection with a combination of PRU and VEG strains significantly improved spatial learning and memory impairments in Alzheimer's rat model. Histopathological findings also confirmed the results of behavioral tests, so that in AβPRU and AβPRU + VEG groups, neuronal death and infiltration of inflammatory cells were negligible and significantly less than in Alzheimer's and AβRH groups. Our findings indicate that chronic toxoplasmosis infection with PRU strain alone, also in combination with VEG strain can significantly improve cognitive disorders in AD rats, while RH strain plays a destructive role in AD pathogenesis.
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9
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Węglińska L, Bekier A, Trotsko N, Kaproń B, Plech T, Dzitko K, Paneth A. Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii by 1,2,4-triazole-based compounds: marked improvement in selectivity relative to the standard therapy pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2621-2634. [PMID: 36165032 PMCID: PMC9518248 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A safer treatment for toxoplasmosis would be achieved by improving the selectivity profile of novel chemotherapeutics compared to the standard therapy pyrimethamine (PYR) and sulfadiazine (SDZ). We previously reported on the identification of the compounds with imidazole-thiosemicarbazide scaffold as potent and selective anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) agents. In our current research, we report on the optimisation of this chemical scaffold leading to the discovery cyclic analogue 20 b with s-triazole core structure. This compound displayed prominent CC30 to IC50 selectivity index (SI) of 70.72, making it 160-fold more selective than SDZ, 11-fold more selective than PYR, and 4-fold more selective than trimethoprim (TRI). Additionally, this compound possesses prerequisite drug-like anti-Toxoplasma properties to advance into preclinical development; it showed ability to cross the BBB, did not induce genotoxic and haemolytic changes in human cells, and as well as it was characterised by low cellular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Węglińska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Bekier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Nazar Trotsko
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Kaproń
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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10
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Bahreini MS, Sami Jahromi S, Radfar AH, Salemi AM, Dastan N, Asgari Q. The Relationship of Latent Toxoplasmosis and Cigarette Smoking: Seroprevalence, Risk Factor, and Case-Control Study in Fars Province, Southern Iran. Pathogens 2022; 11:1274. [PMID: 36365025 PMCID: PMC9696781 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide prevalence. Despite the relatively similar effects of toxoplasmosis and smoking on alteration in neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, little is known about the relation of Toxoplasma gondii infection and addiction to cigarette smoking. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and smoking. Through a case-control study, 216 regular cigarette smokers and 324 nonsmoker age- and gender-matched subjects were evaluated for anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During the sampling, a structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic information of participants and the risk factors of acquired Toxoplasma. The median ages of case and control groups were 51.04 ± 18.1 (22-97 years) and 51.03 ± 16.5 (21-89 years), respectively (p = 0.99). Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 44 (20.37%) cases and in 135 (41.67%) controls. There was a statistically significant difference for the positivity rate between the smokers and the control group (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.19-0.65; and p = 0.001). The overall prevalence was 33.14%. This study indicated the inverse association between seropositivity to Toxoplasma infection and cigarette smoking. This relationship could be due to the changes that latent toxoplasmosis has on the neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, which needs more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
| | - Sareh Sami Jahromi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Radfar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
| | - Amir Masoud Salemi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Dastan
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
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Cromar GL, Epp JR, Popovic A, Gu Y, Ha V, Walters BJ, St. Pierre J, Xiong X, Howland JG, Josselyn SA, Frankland PW, Parkinson J. Toxoplasma infection in male mice alters dopamine-sensitive behaviors and host gene expression patterns associated with neuropsychiatric disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010600. [PMID: 35857765 PMCID: PMC9342775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During chronic infection, the single celled parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can migrate to the brain where it has been associated with altered dopamine function and the capacity to modulate host behavior, increasing risk of neurocognitive disorders. Here we explore alterations in dopamine-related behavior in a new mouse model based on stimulant (cocaine)-induced hyperactivity. In combination with cocaine, infection resulted in heightened sensorimotor deficits and impairment in prepulse inhibition response, which are commonly disrupted in neuropsychiatric conditions. To identify molecular pathways in the brain affected by chronic T. gondii infection, we investigated patterns of gene expression. As expected, infection was associated with an enrichment of genes associated with general immune response pathways, that otherwise limits statistical power to identify more informative pathways. To overcome this limitation and focus on pathways of neurological relevance, we developed a novel context enrichment approach that relies on a customized ontology. Applying this approach, we identified genes that exhibited unexpected patterns of expression arising from the combination of cocaine exposure and infection. These include sets of genes which exhibited dampened response to cocaine in infected mice, suggesting a possible mechanism for some observed behaviors and a neuroprotective effect that may be advantageous to parasite persistence. This model offers a powerful new approach to dissect the molecular pathways by which T. gondii infection contributes to neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham L. Cromar
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan R. Epp
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ana Popovic
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yusing Gu
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Violet Ha
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brandon J. Walters
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - James St. Pierre
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xuejian Xiong
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - John G. Howland
- Dept. of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Sheena A. Josselyn
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul W. Frankland
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail: (PF); (JP)
| | - John Parkinson
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail: (PF); (JP)
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12
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Hou Z, Wang L, Su D, Cai W, Zhu Y, Liu D, Huang S, Xu J, Pan Z, Tao J. Global MicroRNAs Expression Profile Analysis Reveals Possible Regulatory Mechanisms of Brain Injury Induced by Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:827570. [PMID: 35360170 PMCID: PMC8961362 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.827570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause toxoplasmosis in humans and other endotherms. T. gondii can manipulate the host gene expression profile by interfering with miRNA expression, which is closely associated with the molecular mechanisms of T. gondii-induced brain injury. However, it is unclear how T. gondii manipulates the gene expression of central nervous system (CNS) cells through modulation of miRNA expression in vivo during acute and chronic infection. Therefore, high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate expression profiles of brain miRNAs at 10, 25, and 50 days post-infection (DPI) in pigs infected with the Chinese I genotype T. gondii strain in this study. Compared with the control group 87, 68, and 135 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the infected porcine brains at 10, 25, and 50 DPI, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that a large number significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways were found, and were mostly associated with stimulus or immune response, signal transduction, cell death or apoptosis, metabolic processes, immune system or diseases, and cancers. miRNA–gene network analysis revealed that the crucial connecting nodes, including DEMs and their target genes, might have key roles in the interactions between porcine brain and T. gondii. These results suggest that the regulatory strategies of T. gondii are involved in the modulation of a variety of host cell signaling pathways and cellular processes, containing unfolded protein response (UPR), oxidative stress (OS), autophagy, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory responses, by interfering with the global miRNA expression profile of CNS cells, allowing parasites to persist in the host CNS cells and contribute to pathological damage of porcine brain. To our knowledge, this is the first report on miRNA expression profile in porcine brains during acute and chronic T. gondii infection in vivo. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying T. gondii-induced brain injury during different infection stages and novel targets for developing therapeutic agents against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dingzeyang Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianping Tao,
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13
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Fréville A, Gnangnon B, Khelifa AS, Gissot M, Khalife J, Pierrot C. Deciphering the Role of Protein Phosphatases in Apicomplexa: The Future of Innovative Therapeutics? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030585. [PMID: 35336160 PMCID: PMC8949495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum still represent a major public health and world-wide socioeconomic burden that is greatly amplified by the spread of resistances against known therapeutic drugs. Therefore, it is essential to provide the scientific and medical communities with innovative strategies specifically targeting these organisms. In this review, we present an overview of the diversity of the phosphatome as well as the variety of functions that phosphatases display throughout the Apicomplexan parasites’ life cycles. We also discuss how this diversity could be used for the design of innovative and specific new drugs/therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Fréville
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Bénédicte Gnangnon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Diseases Dynamics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Asma S. Khelifa
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Mathieu Gissot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jamal Khalife
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Christine Pierrot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
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14
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Fabiani S, Caroselli C, Menchini M, Gabbriellini G, Falcone M, Bruschi F. Ocular toxoplasmosis, an overview focusing on clinical aspects. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106180. [PMID: 34699742 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite infecting approximately one third of the world population. After proliferation of tachyzoites during the acute stage, the parasite forms tissue cysts in various anatomical sites and establishes chronic infection. Nowadays the nature of the interplay between the protozoan and its human host remains elusive. This is clearly evident in ocular toxoplasmosis, in which the parasite establishes an ambivalent relationship with the eye, manipulating the immune response and inducing variable initial lesions and further relapses. This review will focus on epidemiology and environmental, parasite and host related risk factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, treatment and prophylaxis approaches in ocular toxoplasmosis. An image collection of patients referred to the Unit of Ophthalmology of Pisa's Hospital will be presented, too.
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15
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Al-kuraishy H, Al-Kuraishi A, Khalil H, Hassan H. Placental dysfunction and acute toxoplasmosis: The role of melatonin in relation to inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-12. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_122_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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16
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Virus MA, Ehrhorn EG, Lui LM, Davis PH. Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:6634807. [PMID: 34712493 PMCID: PMC8548174 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect up to 30% of the world population, leading to lifelong chronic infection of the brain and muscle tissue. Although most latent T. gondii infections in humans have traditionally been considered asymptomatic, studies in rodents suggest phenotypic neurological changes are possible. Consequently, several studies have examined the link between T. gondii infection and diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, dysphoria, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To date, there is varying evidence of the relationship of T. gondii to these human neurological or neurobehavioral disorders. A thorough review of T. gondii literature was conducted to highlight and summarize current findings. We found that schizophrenia was most frequently linked to T. gondii infection, while sleep disruption showed no linkage to T. gondii infection, and other conditions having mixed support for a link to T. gondii. However, infection as a cause of human neurobehavioral disease has yet to be firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell A. Virus
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Evie G. Ehrhorn
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - LeeAnna M. Lui
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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17
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Mouveaux T, Roger E, Gueye A, Eysert F, Huot L, Grenier-Boley B, Lambert JC, Gissot M. Primary brain cell infection by Toxoplasma gondii reveals the extent and dynamics of parasite differentiation and its impact on neuron biology. Open Biol 2021; 11:210053. [PMID: 34610266 PMCID: PMC8492179 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a eukaryotic parasite that forms latent cysts in the brain of immunocompetent individuals. The latent parasite infection of the immune-privileged central nervous system is linked to most complications. With no drug currently available to eliminate the latent cysts in the brain of infected hosts, the consequences of neurons' long-term infection are unknown. It has long been known that T. gondii specifically differentiates into a latent form (bradyzoite) in neurons, but how the infected neuron responds to the infection remains to be elucidated. We have established a new in vitro model resulting in the production of mature bradyzoite cysts in brain cells. Using dual, host and parasite RNA-seq, we characterized the dynamics of differentiation of the parasite, revealing the involvement of key pathways in this process. Moreover, we identified how the infected brain cells responded to the parasite infection revealing the drastic changes that take place. We showed that neuronal-specific pathways are strongly affected, with synapse signalling being particularly affected, especially glutamatergic synapse signalling. The establishment of this new in vitro model allows investigating both the dynamics of parasite differentiation and the specific response of neurons to long-term infection by this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mouveaux
- U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Roger
- U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Alioune Gueye
- U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Fanny Eysert
- U1167, University of Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ludovic Huot
- U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- U1167, University of Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Gissot
- U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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18
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Zarghami A, Li Y, Claflin SB, van der Mei I, Taylor BV. Role of environmental factors in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1389-1408. [PMID: 34494502 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1978843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), either acting alone or by interacting with other environmental or genetic factors. This cumulative exposure to external risk factors is highly complex and highly variable between individuals. AREAS COVERED We narratively review the current evidence on the role of environment-specific risk factors in MS onset and progression, as well as the effect of gene-environment interactions and the timing of exposure We have reviewed the latest literature, by Ovid Medline, retrieving the most recently published systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses and more recent studies not previously included in meta-analyses or systematic reviews. EXPERT OPINION There is some good evidence supporting the impact of some environmental risk factors in increasing the risk of developing MS. Tobacco smoking, low vitamin D levels and/or low sun exposure, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) seropositivity and a history of infectious mononucleosis may increase the risk of developing MS. Additionally, there is some evidence that gene-smoking, gene-EBV, and smoking-EBV interactions additively affect the risk of MS onset. However, the evidence for a role of other environmental factors in MS progression is limited. Finally, there is some evidence that tobacco smoking, insufficient vitamin D levels and/or sun exposure have impacts on MS phenotypes and various markers of disease activity including relapse, disability progression and MRI findings. Clearly the effect of environmental factors on MS disease course is an area that requires significantly more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Zarghami
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ying Li
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Suzi B Claflin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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19
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Toxoplasma gondii could have a possible role in the cancer mechanism by modulating the host's cell response. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105966. [PMID: 34023305 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, which manipulates many signaling pathways to achieve persistence in host cells, is intimately linked to immune and inflammation responses. However, there is still lack of information about the impact of T. gondii on cellular and immune responses. This study was designed to seek the impact of T. gondii infection causing life-long inflammation in brain, on cancer mechanism. To identify molecular effects of the T. gondii and understand the association between the functional perturbations occurring during infection and cancer development, the transcriptomic datasets obtained mice infected with T. gondii were downloaded from GEO. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functional enrichment analysis was performed using IPA platform, then all results were evaluated with comparison analyses. Subsequently, a T. gondii infection model with human neuroepithelioma cell culture was performed in order to validate top DEGs participated in common networks/pathways in cancer mechanism. Transcriptomic analyses of infected mice and in vitro cell culture model revealed a strong immune response and inflammation occurred by parasite-induced damage and parasite-associated immunopathology in host cell and tissue. T. gondii infection could modulate certain signaling pathways of host, which were also common to those perturbed in carcinogenesis. Interestingly, the network analysis of the data sets predicted an activation in development of solid cancer vice versa inhibition in hematological cancer during T. gondii infection. Parasite might also control the tumor growth due to its potent immune-stimulant effects. As result, T. gondii infection generating a continual inflammation in tissues might potentially contribute to cancer development by regulating critical host signaling pathways or reveal an anti-tumoral activity.
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20
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Sharif M, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii: A possible etiologic agent for Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07151. [PMID: 34141920 PMCID: PMC8187970 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most pervasive neurotropic pathogens causing different lesions in a wide variety of mammals as intermediate hosts, including humans. It is estimated that one-third of the world population is infected with T. gondii; however, for a long time, there has been much interest in the examination of the possible role of this parasite in the development of mental disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). T. gondii may play a role in the progression of AD using mechanisms, such as the induction of the host's immune responses, inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS), alteration in the levels of neurotransmitters, and activation of indoleamine-2,3-dyoxigenase. This paper presents an appraisal of the literature, reports, and studies that seek to the possible role of T. gondii in the development of AD. For achieving the purpose of the current study, a search of six English databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) was performed. The results support the involvement of T. gondii in the induction and development of AD. Indeed, T. gondii can be considered a risk factor for the development of AD and requires the special attention of specialists and patients. Furthermore, the results of this study may contribute to prevent or delay the progress of AD worldwide. Therefore, it is required to carry out further studies in order to better perceive the parasitic mechanisms in the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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21
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Marciano MAM, Silva RA, Barbosa ML, Ferreira ARS, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Determination of the viability of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts by PCR real-time after treatment with propidium monoazide. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2020; 62:e84. [PMID: 33146312 PMCID: PMC7608075 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202062084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate a methodology for discriminating viable and non-viable T. gondii oocysts in water. Analyses included two steps: (i) microscopic investigation with vital dyes; (ii) molecular investigation, using a real time PCR (qPCR), after parasite treatment (or not) with propidium monoazide (PMA). The method was called qPCR-PMA. Oocyst aliquots were incubated (15 min) at 25 ºC or 100 ºC and analyzed by microscopy, after trypan blue and neutral red staining. Microscopic investigation determined viable and non-viable oocysts. For the molecular investigation, both aliquots of oocysts were treated with PMA. Non-viable oocysts, after PMA treatment, exhibited an inhibition of DNA amplification by qPCR. Although analyses were carried out with oocysts treated experimentally, these results suggest that qPCR-PMA can be a useful strategy to distinguish viable and non-viable T. gondii oocysts in water safety testing, showing if water is safe to drink.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbosa
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz , Núcleo de Morfologia e Microscopia , São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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22
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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23
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Urolithin-A attenuates neurotoxoplasmosis and alters innate response towards predator odor. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 8:100128. [PMID: 34589880 PMCID: PMC8474456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxoplasmosis, also known as cerebral toxoplasmosis, is an opportunistic chronic infection caused by the persistence of parasite Toxoplasma gondii cysts in the brain. In wild animals, chronic infection is associated with behavioral manipulation evident by an altered risk perception towards predators. In humans, reactivation of cysts and conversion of quiescent parasites into highly invasive tachyzoites is a significant cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. However, the current standard therapy for toxoplasmosis is not well tolerated and is ineffective against the parasite cysts. In recent years, the concept of dietary supplementation with natural products derived from plants has gained popularity as a natural remedy for brain disorders. Notably, urolithin-A, a metabolite produced in the gut following consumption of ellagitannins-enriched food such as pomegranate, is reported to be blood-brain barrier permeable and exhibits neuroprotective effects in-vivo. In this study, we investigated the potential of pomegranate extract and urolithin-A as anti-neurotoxoplasmosis agents in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment with pomegranate extract and urolithin-A reduced the parasite tachyzoite load and interfered with cyst development in differentiated human neural culture. Administration of urolithin-A also resulted in the formation of smaller brain cysts in chronically infected mice. Interestingly, this phenomenon was mirrored by an enhanced risk perception of the UA-treated infected mice towards predatory cues. Together, our findings demonstrate the potential of dietary supplementation with urolithin-A-enriched food as a novel natural remedy for the treatment of acute and chronic neurotoxoplasmosis. Pomegranate extract reduces T. gondii tachyzoite load and cyst formation in-vitro. Urolithin-A, in part, underlies the anti-T. gondii effect of pomegranate extract. Urolithin-A perturbs cyst development in the brain of chronically infected mice. The reduction in brain cyst burden associates with enhanced fear of infected mice towards cat odor. Dietary supplementation with urolithin-A is a potential therapy for neurotoxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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Fernandes SM, Dias AR, Miranda-Scippa Â. Association between exposure to toxoplasmosis and major psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2020; 43:438-445. [PMID: 32965430 PMCID: PMC8352736 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the association between exposure to toxoplasmosis and major psychiatric disorders through a systematic review of the literature. Methods: The literature review was performed in the MEDLINE, SciELO, and PsycINFO databases. To evaluate the quality of the studies included in the review, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used. Results: Thirty-one studies were included, and the majority found an association between exposure to toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (58.3 and 54.5% of the included papers, respectively), but not major depressive disorder. We found no significant difference in mean quality scores between studies that corroborated and contradicted the association hypothesis for either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. All included papers were considered at least satisfactory according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (total scores ≥ 6 out of 9). Conclusion: Although there was no association between exposure to toxoplasmosis and major depressive disorder, the results indicate an association with both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, despite their heterogeneity. Further studies should be performed with more specific variables so that the nature of these relationships can be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago M Fernandes
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos de Transtornos de Humor e Ansiedade (CETHA), Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Alan R Dias
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos de Transtornos de Humor e Ansiedade (CETHA), Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Ângela Miranda-Scippa
- Centro de Estudos de Transtornos de Humor e Ansiedade (CETHA), Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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25
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Meurer YDSR, Brito RMDM, da Silva VP, Andade JMDA, Linhares SSG, Pereira Junior A, de Andrade-Neto VF, de Sá AL, Oliveira CBSD. Toxoplasma gondii infection damages the perineuronal nets in a murine model. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200007. [PMID: 32935749 PMCID: PMC7491278 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral and neurochemical alterations associated with toxoplasmosis may be influenced by the persistence of tissue cysts and activation of an immune response in the brain of Toxoplasma gondii-infected hosts. The cerebral extracellular matrix is organised as perineuronal nets (PNNs) that are both released and ensheath by some neurons and glial cells. There is evidences to suggest that PNNs impairment is a pathophysiological mechanism associated with neuropsychiatric conditions. However, there is a lack of information regarding the impact of parasitic infections on the PNNs integrity and how this could affect the host’s behavior. OBJECTIVES In this context, we aimed to analyse the impact of T. gondii infection on cyst burden, PNNs integrity, and possible effects in the locomotor activity of chronically infected mice. METHODS We infected mice with T. gondii ME-49 strain. After thirty days, we assessed locomotor performance of animals using the open field test, followed by evaluation of cysts burden and PNNs integrity in four brain regions (primary and secondary motor cortices, prefrontal and somesthetic cortex) to assess the PNNs integrity using Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) labeling by immunohistochemical analyses. FINDINGS AND MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed a random distribution of cysts in the brain, the disruption of PNNs surrounding neurons in four areas of the cerebral cortex and hyperlocomotor behavior in T. gondii-infected mice. These results can contribute to elucidate the link toxoplasmosis with the establishment of neuroinflammatory response in neuropsychiatric disorders and to raise a discussion about the mechanisms related to changes in brain connectivity, with possible behavioral repercussions during chronic T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues Meurer
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociência Cognitiva e Comportamento, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Málaria e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Valeria Palheta da Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Joelma Maria de Araujo Andade
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Málaria e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Antonio Pereira Junior
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Instituto de Ciências da Sáude, Laboratório de Neuroplasticidade, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Málaria e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Andrea Lima de Sá
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Málaria e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Claudio Bruno Silva de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Biologia da Málaria e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Natal, RN, Brasil
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26
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Lam AP, de Sordi D, Müller HHO, Lam MC, Carl A, Kohse KP, Philipsen A. Aggravation of symptom severity in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by latent Toxoplasma gondii infection: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14382. [PMID: 32873854 PMCID: PMC7463265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has a high worldwide prevalence and an underestimated impact on neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies related T. gondii to disorders associated with the dysfunctional dopaminergic system. However, an association between T. gondii infection and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not yet been studied. In a sex- and age-matched case-control study, we investigated the seropositivity, serointensity, and avidity of latent T. gondii infection in adult ADHD patients and examined the influence of those variables on the symptomatology of ADHD. Of 140 participants, 20.0% were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG and 0% for anti-T. gondii IgM. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with 2.8-fold increase in the odds of ADHD in a confounder-adjusted multivariable analysis. Age and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were confirmed as significant predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. Multiple linear regression analysis of self-rated ADHD-related symptom severity in all participants revealed a significant association with T. gondii seropositivity, elevated IgG titers (serointensity), and stronger anti-T. gondii IgG avidity. Overall symptom severity was increased in seropositive ADHD patients compared to seronegative subjects with ADHD. In particular, hyperactivity was significantly associated with serointensity. We conclude that there is a high rate of T. gondii seropositivity in adults with ADHD. Additionally, our results suggest a clinical impact of latent T. gondii infection on ADHD-related symptoms in a serointensity- and avidity-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Lam
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Dominik de Sordi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biometry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Helge H O Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Chair of Integrative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Martin C Lam
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Carl
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Klaus P Kohse
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Chronic toxoplasmosis and sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea: Is there a link? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235463. [PMID: 32609758 PMCID: PMC7329112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleepiness is the main clinical expression of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome resulting from upper airway collapse. Recent studies have discussed the fact that the presence of T. gondii cysts in the brain and the resulting biochemical and immunological mechanisms could be linked to neurobehavioral disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on sleepiness and on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in OSA obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case control study on obese patients screened for OSA was performed. According to the sleep disorder and matched based on gender, age and body mass index (BMI), two groups of obese patients were selected from our sample collection database. All patients were tested for toxoplasmosis serological status measuring anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM levels. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on sleepiness and OSA severity. RESULTS 107 obese patients suffering from OSA were included in the study (median age: 53.3 years Interquartile range (IQR): [41.9-59.9]; median BMI: 39.4 kg/m2 IQR: [35.5-44.1], apnea-hypopnea index = 27.5 events/h [10.7-49.9]). Chronic toxoplasmosis was present in 63.4% and 70.7% of patients with or without sleepiness (p = 0.48), respectively and was not associated either to sleepiness (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: [0.52; 2.33], p = 0.64) or OSA severity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: [0.51; 5.98] p = 0.37). CONCLUSION Although chronic Toxoplasma infection in immunocompetent humans has been associated to several behavioral disorders or pathologies in recent literature, we demonstrate here that chronic toxoplasmosis is not associated to sleepiness and to sleep apnea syndrome severity in obese patients suspected of sleep apnea syndrome.
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El Mouhawass A, Hammoud A, Zoghbi M, Hallit S, Haddad C, El Haddad K, El Khoury S, Tannous J, Obeid S, Halabi MA, Mammari N. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and schizophrenia in the Lebanese population: potential implication of genetic polymorphism of MMP-9. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:264. [PMID: 32460746 PMCID: PMC7254747 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma multiplication and its persistence into the brain cause a local neuroinflammatory reaction, resulting synthesis of neurotransmitters involved in neurological disorders, especially schizophrenia. The Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) protein can play a major role in this neuroinflammation. It can promote extravasation and migration of infected immune cells into the brain. The objectives of this study are to determine the possible association between schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis and highlight the existence of gene polymorphism encoding MMP-9 protein's in patients presented both schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis. METHODS A case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with schizophrenia (case group), and 150 healthy persons (control group). Groups were matched with age, gender, and place of residence. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire and a serological profile assay for specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of gene polymorphism encoding MMP-9 was performed on 83 cases selected randomly. RESULTS Data show a significant association between toxoplasmosis (IgM+/IgG+ serological profile) and schizophrenia. Significant effects of raw meat consumption and contact with cats have been associated with the occurrence of schizophrenia. RT-PCR shows the presence of muted allele of MMP-9 gene in selected cases whose present T. gondii serological profile IgM+/IgG+ and IgM-/IgG+ respectively. CONCLUSION Toxoplasmosis may be one of the etiological causes of schizophrenia, and MMP-9 gene polymorphism could be involved in the occurrence mechanism of this pathology following Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amata El Mouhawass
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Amale Hammoud
- Public Health Faculty, Jinan University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marouan Zoghbi
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CH Esquirol Limoges, IRD, U1094 Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Kinda El Haddad
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Saydeh El Khoury
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Jennifer Tannous
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | | | - Nour Mammari
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
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Toxoplasmosis in a Cohort of Italian Patients With Bipolar and Psychotic Disorders: How Infection May Affect Clinical Features? J Nerv Ment Dis 2020; 208:118-126. [PMID: 31985560 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in a cohort of 101 Italian inpatients affected by mood or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and compared clinical features between seronegative and seropositive subjects. Patients diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria underwent clinical assessments and blood collection to test parasite-specific IgG/IgM serum levels. Twenty-eight patients (27.7%) had IgG anti-T. gondii, and none had IgM antibodies. We found higher prevalence rate in patients aged 40 years or older, as compared with younger. No significant association was detected between T. gondii and a specific diagnostic category; however, bipolar disorder (BD)-II showed the highest positivity rate (40.9%). The seropositive status was significantly associated with a lower presence of psychotic symptoms, higher number of total episodes of predominant excitatory polarity, longer illness duration, and lower severity of current episode, particularly anxiety, depressive, and withdrawal/retardation symptoms. These preliminary results seem to point out an association between chronic toxoplasmosis and a specific subtype of BD.
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30
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Boillat M, Hammoudi PM, Dogga SK, Pagès S, Goubran M, Rodriguez I, Soldati-Favre D. Neuroinflammation-Associated Aspecific Manipulation of Mouse Predator Fear by Toxoplasma gondii. Cell Rep 2020; 30:320-334.e6. [PMID: 31940479 PMCID: PMC6963786 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, the decrease of felid aversion induced by Toxoplasma gondii, a phenomenon termed fatal attraction, is interpreted as an adaptive manipulation by the neurotropic protozoan parasite. With the aim of understanding how the parasite induces such specific behavioral modifications, we performed a multiparametric analysis of T. gondii-induced changes on host behavior, physiology, and brain transcriptome as well as parasite cyst load and distribution. Using a set of complementary behavioral tests, we provide strong evidence that T. gondii lowers general anxiety in infected mice, increases explorative behaviors, and surprisingly alters predator aversion without selectivity toward felids. Furthermore, we show a positive correlation between the severity of the behavioral alterations and the cyst load, which indirectly reflects the level of inflammation during brain colonization. Taken together, these findings refute the myth of a selective loss of cat fear in T. gondii-infected mice and point toward widespread immune-related alterations of behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlaina Boillat
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Mehdi Hammoudi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Sunil Kumar Dogga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Pagès
- Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maged Goubran
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ivan Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Yalın Sapmaz Ş, Şen S, Özkan Y, Kandemir H. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and depression in children and adolescents. Psychiatry Res 2019; 278:263-267. [PMID: 31238296 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the structural causes of depression is important for the treatment process, and toxoplasmosis may be related to psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) seropositivity and depression in children and adolescents. This case-control study included 37 children and adolescents aged 11-18 years diagnosed with depression who were followed by the Manisa Celal Bayar University Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and 36 children and adolescents aged 11-18 years with no history of depressive episodes or psychiatric disorder treated by the Pediatric Outpatient Department. The T. gondii serology of these two groups was evaluated and compared. There were no statistically significant age or sex differences between the 37 participants with depression and the 36 healthy controls. Eight patients and two controls were seropositive for T. gondii, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.046). Seropositivity was significantly higher in patients with suicidal ideation (p = 0.005) than in those without suicidal ideation. The seropositivity of seven of the nine participants who attempted suicide was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of participants who did not. Thus, T. gondii infection may affect the predisposition for and severity of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şermin Yalın Sapmaz
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Semra Şen
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Yekta Özkan
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Hasan Kandemir
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manisa, Turkey
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Ellis JE, Missan DS, Shabilla M, Moschonas C, Saperstein D, Martinez D, Becker CV, Fry SE. Comparison of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in peripheral blood from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and control populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2019.100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Stepanova EV, Kondrashin AV, Sergiev VP, Morozova LF, Turbabina NA, Maksimova MS, Romanov DV, Kinkulkina MA, Lazareva AV, Morozov EN. Toxoplasmosis and mental disorders in the Russian Federation (with special reference to schizophrenia). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219454. [PMID: 31291336 PMCID: PMC6636601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of latent toxoplasmosis with mental disorders in general and with schizophrenia in particular was noticed in the mid-1950s. In subsequent years, the role of Toxoplasma gondii was established based on its ability to survive for long periods of time in the nerve cells of the brain. The acute manifestations of the infection include psychopathic symptoms resembling those of schizophrenia. In the former USSR, and in other parts of the world, a number of studies were performed with respect to the association of latent toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia. However, with the dissolution of the USSR at the beginning of the 1990s, studies on the subject were halted due to financial problems and have resumed only recently. The reasons for the resumption of such studies in contemporary Russia are related to the progressively increasing incidence of schizophrenia over the last 25-30 years in the country. According to official data, approximately 550 000 persons reported suffering from the disease in 2014. There are reasons to believe that this is only a fraction of the real burden of the disease. Economically, it cost the state no less than approximately US $10 billion. The purpose of the study was to identify the level of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in patients with verified diagnoses of schizophrenia in comparison to healthy people in Moscow City and in the Moscow region. A total of 155 persons constituted the patients group and 152 healthy people were in the control group. An integrated approach to the diagnosis and comparison of data from the entire spectrum of serological markers of infection was used, including the detection of specific IgM and the determination of IgG concentrations. It was found that among persons with neuropsychiatric disorders, the incidence of cases with latent toxoplasmosis was higher than in the control group. The effect of toxoplasmosis was significant and similar for men and women. Further statistical analyses revealed that among patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the incidence of latent toxoplasmosis was significantly higher than in the control group. These data are in agreement with the results of similar studies in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V. Stepanova
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne
Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Anatoly V. Kondrashin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne
Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Vladimir P. Sergiev
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov
First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Lola F. Morozova
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov
First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Natalia A. Turbabina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne
Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Maria S. Maksimova
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne
Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Dmitry V. Romanov
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychosomatics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow
State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russian
Federation
| | - Marina A. Kinkulkina
- Department of Psychiatry & Substance Addiction, I.M. Sechenov First
Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alena V. Lazareva
- Department of Psychiatry & Substance Addiction, I.M. Sechenov First
Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Evgeny N. Morozov
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov
First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian
Federation
- Department of Tropical, Parasitic Diseases and Disinfectology, Russian
Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian
Federation
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Reiling SJ, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii: How an Amazonian parasite became an Inuit health issue. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2019; 45:183-190. [PMID: 31355827 PMCID: PMC6615440 DOI: 10.4745/ccdr.v45i78a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that originated in the Amazon. Felids (mammals in the cat family) are the only definitive hosts. These animals shed large numbers of infectious oocysts into the environment, which can subsequently infect many intermediate hosts, including birds, mammals and, possibly, fish. Human T. gondii seroprevalence is high in some parts of the Canadian Arctic and is associated with adverse health consequences among Inuit population. Since the range of felids does not extend to the Arctic, it is not immediately obvious how this parasite got from the Amazon to the Arctic. The objectives of this overview are to summarize the health impacts of T. gondii infection in Inuit in Canada's North and to consider how this infection could have reached them. This article reviews the prevalence of T. gondii infection in terrestrial and marine animals in the Canadian Arctic and discusses their potential role in the foodborne transmission of this parasite to humans. Two distribution factors seem plausible. First, felids in more southern habitats may release infectious oocysts into waterways. As these oocysts remain viable for months, they can be transported northward via rivers and ocean currents and could infect Arctic fish and eventually the marine mammals that prey on the fish. Second, migratory terrestrial and marine intermediate hosts may be responsible for carrying T. gondii tissue cysts to the Arctic, where they may then pass on the infection to carnivores. The most likely source of T. gondii in Inuit is from consumption of traditionally-prepared country foods including meat and organs from intermediate hosts, which may be consumed raw. With climate change, northward migration of felids may increase the prevalence of T. gondii in Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- SJ Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - BR Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
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Reiling SJ, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii: How an Amazonian parasite became an Inuit health issue. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2019; 45:183-190. [PMID: 31355827 PMCID: PMC6615440 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v45i78a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that originated in the Amazon. Felids (mammals in the cat family) are the only definitive hosts. These animals shed large numbers of infectious oocysts into the environment, which can subsequently infect many intermediate hosts, including birds, mammals and, possibly, fish. Human T. gondii seroprevalence is high in some parts of the Canadian Arctic and is associated with adverse health consequences among Inuit population. Since the range of felids does not extend to the Arctic, it is not immediately obvious how this parasite got from the Amazon to the Arctic. The objectives of this overview are to summarize the health impacts of T. gondii infection in Inuit in Canada's North and to consider how this infection could have reached them. This article reviews the prevalence of T. gondii infection in terrestrial and marine animals in the Canadian Arctic and discusses their potential role in the foodborne transmission of this parasite to humans. Two distribution factors seem plausible. First, felids in more southern habitats may release infectious oocysts into waterways. As these oocysts remain viable for months, they can be transported northward via rivers and ocean currents and could infect Arctic fish and eventually the marine mammals that prey on the fish. Second, migratory terrestrial and marine intermediate hosts may be responsible for carrying T. gondii tissue cysts to the Arctic, where they may then pass on the infection to carnivores. The most likely source of T. gondii in Inuit is from consumption of traditionally-prepared country foods including meat and organs from intermediate hosts, which may be consumed raw. With climate change, northward migration of felids may increase the prevalence of T. gondii in Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- SJ Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - BR Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
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Nayeri Chegeni T, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Montazeri M, Aghayan SA, Balalami NJ, Gholami S, Hosseininejad Z, Saberi R, Anvari D, Gohardehi S, Daryani A. Is there any association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218524. [PMID: 31194852 PMCID: PMC6564815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This parasite accounts for mental disorders; however, the relationship between T. gondii infection and depressive disorder is unclear. Regarding this, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between major depression disorder (MDD) and Toxoplasma infection. METHODS For the purpose of the study, the articles related to the subject of interest were systematically searched in seven electronic databases. Special attention was given to the studies examining T. gondii seropositivity level in depressed patients and controls. RESULTS The search process resulted in the identification of a total of 30 publications meeting the inclusion criteria and published up to April 2018 for the systematic review. Furthermore, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria to be entered into meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis involved the review of cross-sectional studies including 1657 depressed patients and 19565 individuals as controls and case-control studies entailing 1311 depressed cases and 6015 controls without depression. 1582 depressed people participated in cross-sectional studies whose results were reported as odds ratio (OR). In addition, the total number of participants was 15068 in this type of studies. Statistical analysis indicated that the pooled OR of the risk of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in depressed individuals in case-control and cross-sectional studies was 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.39). CONCLUSIONS As the findings of the reviewed articles indicated, toxoplasmosis is not a risk factor for MDD. However, it is necessary to perform further research to clarify the detailed association between T. gondii and dysthymia or mild and moderate depression. Furthermore, it is recommended to better investigate the effect of antibody titers on the relationship between depression and T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri Chegeni
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sargis A. Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Saberi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shaban Gohardehi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Djurković-Djaković O, Dupouy-Camet J, Van der Giessen J, Dubey JP. Toxoplasmosis: Overview from a One Health perspective. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00054. [PMID: 32095624 PMCID: PMC7034049 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is paradigmatic of the One Health approach, as the causative parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans. This makes T. gondii one of the most successful parasites on earth, infecting up to a third of the global human population. Moreover, the T. gondii disease burden has been ranked among the highest of all parasitic diseases. To reduce the disease burden of toxoplasmosis in humans, interventions are needed in the animal reservoirs, necessitating close collaboration between both the human and veterinary medical sectors. In the present special issue of FAWPAR, several of the most pertinent topics related to the impact and control of toxoplasmosis are addressed by leading experts in the field. This collection of papers highlights state-of-the-art knowledge, gaps in knowledge and future perspectives, as well as the benefits of current and proposed future activities to tackle toxoplasmosis within the One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotica 4, P.O. Box 102, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Joke Van der Giessen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
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Vondroušová J, Mikoška M, Syslová K, Böhmová A, Tejkalová H, Vacek L, Kodym P, Krsek D, Horáček J. Monitoring of kynurenine pathway metabolites, neurotransmitters and their metabolites in blood plasma and brain tissue of individuals with latent toxoplasmosis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 170:139-152. [PMID: 30925271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the presented work was to develop a highly sensitive, accurate and rapid analytical method for the determination of concentration levels of tryptophan and its metabolites of kynurenine catabolic pathway, as well as neurotransmitters and their metabolites in complex biological matrices (brain tissue and blood plasma). The developed analytical method consists of analytes separation from the biological matrices by protein precipitation (blood plasma) or solvent extraction (brain tissue), derivatization of the analytes and their detection by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Individual steps of the whole process were optimized and the method was validated in the terms of selectivity, linearity (R2≥0.980), precision (RSD ≤ 13.3%), recovery (≥82.0%), limit of detection (1.8 ng/mL of blood plasma, 2.2 pg/mg of brain tissue) and limit of quantification (2.5 ng/mL of blood plasma, 2.8 pg/mg of brain tissue). The method was subsequently verified by an animal study, where the concentration levels of the analytes in biological matrices (blood plasma and brain tissue) of T. gondii - infected rats and control animals were compared. All the data obtained from the animal study were statistically evaluated. Increased concentration levels of kynurenine catabolic pathway metabolites (e.g. kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid) were observed in the case of T. gondii - infected rats in contrast to the control group. The opposite effect was determined in the case of serotonin and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, where higher concentration levels were found in blood plasma of healthy subjects. Finally, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized for a score plot formation. PCA score plots have demonstrated the similarities of individuals within each group and the differences among the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vondroušová
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Mikoška
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Syslová
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Adéla Böhmová
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Tejkalová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Vacek
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kodym
- The National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48, 100 42, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Krsek
- The National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48, 100 42, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Horáček
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
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Lack of circulating toxoplasma gondii DNA in seropositive patients with bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2019; 273:706-711. [PMID: 31207856 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has been previously associated with an increased risk of having Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder in several epidemiological studies. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to examine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in a cohort of Italian psychiatric inpatients and to verify the presence of circulating Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the seropositive subjects. Sixty-three patients affected by bipolar or schizoaffective disorders according to DSM-5 criteria were enrolled. The presence of Toxoplasma infection was firstly examined using an indirect serological method (ELFA), and three different direct PCR-based methods were performed to detect circulating DNA in the seropositive patients. The seroprevalence of infection was 28.6%, with a significant association between higher age and the infection status. PCR, nested-PCR and Real-Time PCR revealed no positive samples for Toxoplasma gondii. This result is in contrast with recent data from case-control studies that detected parasite genome in patients with different neuropsychiatric diagnosis without clinical evidence of acute toxoplasmosis. Our findings are to be interpreted with caution, because of the small sample size, the heterogeneity of enrolled patients and the observational nature of the study. Further studies are needed to better define the clinical features correlated to the seropositive status in neuropsychiatric patients.
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Huang WY, Wang YP, Mahmmod YS, Wang JJ, Liu TH, Zheng YX, Zhou X, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. A Double-Edged Sword: Complement Component 3 in Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800271. [PMID: 30515942 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sprague Dawley rats and Kunming (KM) mice are artificially infected with type II Toxoplasma gondii strain Prugniaud (Pru) to generate toxoplasmosis, which is a fatal disease mediated by T. gondii invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by unknown mechanisms. The aim is to explore the mechanism of differential susceptibility of mice and rats to T. gondii infection. Therefore, a strategy of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) is established to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the rats' and the mice's brains compared to the healthy groups. In KM mice, which is susceptible to T. gondii infection, complement component 3 (C3) is upregulated and the tight junction (TJ) pathway shows a disorder. It is presumed that T. gondii-stimulated C3 disrupts the TJ of the blood-brain barrier in the CNS. This effect allows more T. gondii passing to the brain through the intercellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yi Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Pei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Zagazig, Sharkia Province, Egypt
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Tang-Hui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Xiang Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xue Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, P. R. China
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Berrett AN, Gale SD, Erickson LD, Thacker EL, Brown BL, Hedges DW. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and substance use in US adults. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2018; 65. [PMID: 30213919 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2018.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) infects humans resulting in acute toxoplasmosis, an infection that in immunocompetent people is typically mild but results in persistent latent toxoplasmosis. In that T. gondii appears to affect dopamine synthesis and because addicting drugs affect midbrain dopamine transmission, latent toxoplasmosis could influence substance use. Using both the third and continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we used logistic regression to test for associations between T. gondii seropositivity and subject self-report of having ever used tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. In the third NHANES dataset, which included data for tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, T. gondii seropositivity was associated with a reduced likelihood of self-reported marijuana (OR = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.58; 0.87]; p = 0.001) and cocaine use (OR = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.56; 0.91]; p = 0.006). In the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys dataset, which included data for all six substances, T. gondii seropositivity was associated with a reduced likelihood of self-reported tobacco (OR = 0.87 [95% CI: 0.76; 1.00]; p = 0.044), marijuana (OR = 0.60 [95% CI: 0.50; 0.72]; p < 0.001), heroin (OR = 0.60 [95% CI: 0.42; 0.85]; p = 0.005) and methamphetamine use (OR = 0.54 [95% CI: 0.38; 0.77]; p = 0.001). We observed interactions between sex and T. gondii seropositivity in the prediction of self-reported use of tobacco and alcohol. Further, T. gondii seropositivity appeared to remove the protective effect of education and economic status against self-reported cigarette smoking. These findings suggest that T. gondii seropositivity may be inversely associated with some but not all types of substance use in US adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Berrett
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Shawn D Gale
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America.,The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Lance D Erickson
- Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Evan L Thacker
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America This article contains supporting information (S1) online at http://folia.paru.cas.cz/suppl/2018-65-011.pdf
| | - Bruce L Brown
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Dawson W Hedges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America.,The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
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Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia: an inter-kingdom communication perspective. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2017; 29:311-8. [PMID: 27120002 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The apicomplexan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has a striking predilection for infecting the central nervous system and has been suggested as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Here, we address some of the mechanisms by which T. gondii achieves this by manipulating signaling pathways of the host brain cells. RECENT FINDINGS Recent years have brought notable progress in the understanding of how the opportunistic parasite T. gondii establishes a successful infection in mammalian brain by secreting effector molecules that manipulate multiple cell functions. Many pathways involved in this inter-kingdom signaling, such as dopaminergic, GABAergic and kynurenine pathways, also have key roles in the development of schizophrenia. More understanding of T. gondii-brain cell interaction holds the key to unlocking the mystery of T. gondii-mediated schizophrenia pathogenesis. SUMMARY T. gondii usurps a variety of host signaling pathways to ensure physiological adaptation, evasion of host immune defense systems, and efficient replication. A detailed knowledge of T. gondii signaling molecules involved in this cross-kingdom communication with host brain cells will probably provide novel means of pharmacologically manipulating host cellular pathways to promote efficient elimination of the parasite and may permit the development of new schizophrenia-modifying therapeutics.
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Use of Human Neurons Derived via Cellular Reprogramming Methods to Study Host-Parasite Interactions of Toxoplasma gondii in Neurons. Cells 2017; 6:cells6040032. [PMID: 28946615 PMCID: PMC5755492 DOI: 10.3390/cells6040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite, with approximately one-third of the worlds' population chronically infected. In chronically infected individuals, the parasite resides in tissue cysts in neurons in the brain. The chronic infection in immunocompetant individuals has traditionally been considered to be asymptomatic, but increasing evidence indicates that chronic infection is associated with diverse neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, cryptogenic epilepsy, and Parkinson's Disease. The mechanisms by which the parasite exerts affects on behavior and other neuronal functions are not understood. Human neurons derived from cellular reprogramming methods offer the opportunity to develop better human neuronal models to study T. gondii in neurons. Results from two studies using human neurons derived via cellular reprogramming methods indicate these human neuronal models provide better in vitro models to study the effects of T. gondii on neurons and neurological functions. In this review, an overview of the current neural reprogramming methods will be given, followed by a summary of the studies using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and induced neurons (iNs) to study T. gondii in neurons. The potential of these neural reprogramming methods for further study of the host-parasite interactions of T. gondii in neurons will be discussed.
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Jacobs KR, Castellano-Gonzalez G, Guillemin GJ, Lovejoy DB. Major Developments in the Design of Inhibitors along the Kynurenine Pathway. Curr Med Chem 2017; 24:2471-2495. [PMID: 28464785 PMCID: PMC5748880 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170502123114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Disrupted kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism has been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative disease, psychiatric disorders and cancer. Modulation of enzyme activity along this pathway may therefore offer potential new therapeutic strategies for these conditions. Considering their prominent positions in the KP, the enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, kynurenine 3-monooxygenase and kynurenine aminotransferase, appear the most attractive targets. Already, increasing interest in this pathway has led to the identification of a number of potent and selective enzyme inhibitors with promising pre-clinical data and the elucidation of several enzyme crystal structures provides scope to rationalize the molecular mechanisms of inhibitor activity. The field seems poised to yield one or more inhibitors that should find clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Jacobs
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney. Australia
| | - Gloria Castellano-Gonzalez
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney. Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Sydney. Australia
| | - David B Lovejoy
- Department of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Sydney. Australia
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Ngô HM, Zhou Y, Lorenzi H, Wang K, Kim TK, Zhou Y, El Bissati K, Mui E, Fraczek L, Rajagopala SV, Roberts CW, Henriquez FL, Montpetit A, Blackwell JM, Jamieson SE, Wheeler K, Begeman IJ, Naranjo-Galvis C, Alliey-Rodriguez N, Davis RG, Soroceanu L, Cobbs C, Steindler DA, Boyer K, Noble AG, Swisher CN, Heydemann PT, Rabiah P, Withers S, Soteropoulos P, Hood L, McLeod R. Toxoplasma Modulates Signature Pathways of Human Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration & Cancer. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11496. [PMID: 28904337 PMCID: PMC5597608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
One third of humans are infected lifelong with the brain-dwelling, protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Approximately fifteen million of these have congenital toxoplasmosis. Although neurobehavioral disease is associated with seropositivity, causality is unproven. To better understand what this parasite does to human brains, we performed a comprehensive systems analysis of the infected brain: We identified susceptibility genes for congenital toxoplasmosis in our cohort of infected humans and found these genes are expressed in human brain. Transcriptomic and quantitative proteomic analyses of infected human, primary, neuronal stem and monocytic cells revealed effects on neurodevelopment and plasticity in neural, immune, and endocrine networks. These findings were supported by identification of protein and miRNA biomarkers in sera of ill children reflecting brain damage and T. gondii infection. These data were deconvoluted using three systems biology approaches: "Orbital-deconvolution" elucidated upstream, regulatory pathways interconnecting human susceptibility genes, biomarkers, proteomes, and transcriptomes. "Cluster-deconvolution" revealed visual protein-protein interaction clusters involved in processes affecting brain functions and circuitry, including lipid metabolism, leukocyte migration and olfaction. Finally, "disease-deconvolution" identified associations between the parasite-brain interactions and epilepsy, movement disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. This "reconstruction-deconvolution" logic provides templates of progenitor cells' potentiating effects, and components affecting human brain parasitism and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huân M Ngô
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,BrainMicro LLC, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Taek-Kyun Kim
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Ernest Mui
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | | | | | - Fiona L Henriquez
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,FLH, IBEHR School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Alexandre Montpetit
- Genome Quebec, Montréal, QC H3B 1S6, Canada; McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Jenefer M Blackwell
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, United Kingdom.,Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sarra E Jamieson
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles Cobbs
- California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94114, USA
| | - Dennis A Steindler
- JM USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Kenneth Boyer
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - A Gwendolyn Noble
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Charles N Swisher
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Peter Rabiah
- Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | | | | | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Rima McLeod
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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46
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Massa NM, Duncan E, Jovanovic T, Kerley K, Weng L, Gensler L, Lee SS, Norrholm S, Powers A, Almli LM, Gillespie CF, Ressler K, Pearce BD. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and acoustic startle response in an inner-city population. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 61:176-183. [PMID: 27884623 PMCID: PMC5316358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (TOXO) is a neuroinvasive protozoan parasite that induces the formation of persistent cysts in mammalian brains. It infects approximately 1.1million people in the United States annually. Latent TOXO infection is implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia (SCZ), and has been correlated with modestly impaired cognition. The acoustic startle response (ASR) is a reflex seen in all mammals. It is mediated by a simple subcortical circuit, and provides an indicator of neural function. We previously reported the association of TOXO with slowed acoustic startle latency, an index of neural processing speed, in a sample of schizophrenia and healthy control subjects. The alterations in neurobiology with TOXO latent infection may not be specific to schizophrenia. Therefore we examined TOXO in relation to acoustic startle in an urban, predominately African American, population with mixed psychiatric diagnoses, and healthy controls. Physiological and diagnostic data along with blood samples were collected from 364 outpatients treated at an inner-city hospital. TOXO status was determined with an ELISA assay for TOXO-specific IgG. A discrete titer was calculated based on standard cut-points as an indicator of seropositivity, and the TOXO-specific IgG concentration served as serointensity. A series of linear regression models were used to assess the association of TOXO seropositivity and serointensity with ASR magnitude and latency in models adjusting for demographics and psychiatric diagnoses (PTSD, major depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, substance abuse). ASR magnitude was 11.5% higher in TOXO seropositive subjects compared to seronegative individuals (p=0.01). This effect was more pronounced in models with TOXO serointensity that adjusted for sociodemographic covariates (F=7.41, p=0.0068; F=10.05, p=0.0017), and remained significant when psychiatric diagnoses were stepped into the models. TOXO showed no association with startle latency (t=0.49, p=0.63) in an unadjusted model, nor was TOXO associated with latency in models that included demographic factors. After stepping in individual psychiatric disorders, we found a significant association of latency with a diagnosis of PTSD (F=5.15, p=0.024), but no other psychiatric diagnoses, such that subjects with PTSD had longer startle latency. The mechanism by which TOXO infection is associated with high startle magnitude is not known, but possible mechanisms include TOXO cyst burden in the brain, parasite recrudescence, or molecular mimicry of a host epitope by TOXO. Future studies will focus on the neurobiology underlying the effects of latent TOXO infection as a potential inroad to the development of novel treatment targets for psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick M Massa
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Erica Duncan
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kimberly Kerley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lei Weng
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lauren Gensler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Seth Norrholm
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lynn M Almli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Charles F Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kerry Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard School of Medicine, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Bradley D Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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47
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Bipolar Disorder With Psychotic Features and Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Possible Pathogenetic Role of the Parasite? J Nerv Ment Dis 2017; 205:192-195. [PMID: 27741079 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests the involvement of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the emergence of psychotic and affective disorders. In this report, we describe the case of a young Brazilian woman affected by recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis and presenting with a manic episode with psychotic features in the context of a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD), type I. We observed a relationship between ocular manifestations and the clinical course of bipolar illness, confirmed by molecular analyses (nested-PCR), as well as by the high level of T. gondii specific IgG. This case report is the first showing the presence of circulating parasite DNA at the time of occurrence of psychiatric symptoms, thus providing further support for a possible role of the parasite in the pathogenesis of some cases of BD.
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48
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Méndez-Hernández EM, Salas-Pacheco JM, Ruano-Calderón LÁ, Hernández-Tinoco J, Arias-Carrión O, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Castellanos-Juárez FX, Sandoval-Carrillo AA, Liesenfeld O, Ramos-Nevárez A. Toxoplasma gondii exposure and Parkinson's disease: a case-control study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013019. [PMID: 28193849 PMCID: PMC5318570 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and Parkinson's disease and to investigate whether T. gondii seropositivity is associated with the general characteristics of patients with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Cases and controls were enrolled in Durango City, Mexico. PARTICIPANTS 65 patients with Parkinson's disease and 195 age- and gender-matched control subjects without Parkinson's disease. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Serum samples of participants were analysed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays. Prevalence of T. gondii DNA was determined in seropositive subjects using PCR. The association between clinical data and infection was examined by bivariate analysis. RESULTS Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 6/65 cases (9.2%) and in 21/195 controls (10.8%) (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.18; p=0.81). The frequency of high (>150 IU/mL) antibody levels was similar among cases and controls (p=0.34). None of the anti-T. gondii IgG positive cases and four of the anti-T. gondii IgG positive controls had anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies (p=0.54). The prevalence of T. gondii DNA was comparable in seropositive cases and controls (16.7% and 25%, respectively; p=1.0). Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was associated with a young age onset of disease (p=0.03), high Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores (p=0.04) and depression (p=0.02). Seropositivity to T. gondii infection was lower in patients treated with pramipexole than in patients without this treatment (p=0.01). However, none of the associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSIONS The results do not support an association between T. gondii infection and Parkinson's disease. However, T. gondii infection might have an influence on certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Further research to elucidate the role of T. gondii exposure on Parkinson's disease is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Edna Madai Méndez-Hernández
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Oscar Arias-Carrión
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento y Sueño, Hospital General Dr Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, México, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Medical School, Hindenburgdamm 27, Berlin, Germany
- Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton, California, USA
| | - Agar Ramos-Nevárez
- Hospital Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Durango, Mexico
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49
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Dubey R, Staker BL, Foe IT, Bogyo M, Myler PJ, Ngô HM, Gubbels MJ. Membrane skeletal association and post-translational allosteric regulation of Toxoplasma gondii GAPDH1. Mol Microbiol 2017; 103:618-634. [PMID: 27859784 PMCID: PMC5296235 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
When Toxoplasma gondii egresses from the host cell, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GAPDH1), which is primary a glycolysis enzyme but actually a quintessential multifunctional protein, translocates to the unique cortical membrane skeleton. Here, we report the 2.25 Å resolution crystal structure of the GAPDH1 holoenzyme in a quaternary complex providing the basis for the molecular dissection of GAPDH1 structure-function relationships Knockdown of GAPDH1 expression and catalytic site disruption validate the essentiality of GAPDH1 in intracellular replication but we confirmed that glycolysis is not strictly essential. We identify, for the first time, S-loop phosphorylation as a novel, critical regulator of enzymatic activity that is consistent with the notion that the S-loop is critical for cofactor binding, allosteric activation and oligomerization. We show that neither enzymatic activity nor phosphorylation state correlate with the ability to translocate to the cortex. However, we demonstrate that association of GAPDH1 with the cortex is mediated by the N-terminus, likely palmitoylation. Overall, glycolysis and cortical translocation are functionally decoupled by post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Dubey
- Department of Biology, Boston College, MA 02467, USA
| | - Bart L. Staker
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, Seattle, WA 98109, USA,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle (formerly Seattle BioMed), WA 98109, USA
| | - Ian T. Foe
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 55324, USA
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 55324, USA
| | - Peter J. Myler
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, Seattle, WA 98109, USA,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle (formerly Seattle BioMed), WA 98109, USA,Department of Global Health and Department of Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Huân M. Ngô
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Disease, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,BrainMicro LLC, New Haven, CT 06511, USA,Corresponding authors: Huân Ngô and Marc-Jan Gubbels
| | - Marc-Jan Gubbels
- Department of Biology, Boston College, MA 02467, USA,Corresponding authors: Huân Ngô and Marc-Jan Gubbels
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50
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Del Grande C, Galli L, Schiavi E, Dell'Osso L, Bruschi F. Is Toxoplasma gondii a Trigger of Bipolar Disorder? Pathogens 2017; 6:pathogens6010003. [PMID: 28075410 PMCID: PMC5371891 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous intracellular parasite, has a strong tropism for the brain tissue, where it forms intracellular cysts within the neurons and glial cells, establishing a chronic infection. Although latent toxoplasmosis is generally assumed to be asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it is now clear that it can induce behavioral manipulations in mice and infected humans. Moreover, a strong relation has emerged in recent years between toxoplasmosis and psychiatric disorders. The link between T. gondii and schizophrenia has been the most widely documented; however, a significant association with bipolar disorder (BD) and suicidal/aggressive behaviors has also been detected. T. gondii may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders affecting neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, that are implicated in the emergence of psychosis and behavioral Toxoplasma-induced abnormalities, and inducing brain inflammation by the direct stimulation of inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system. Besides this, there is increasing evidence for a prominent role of immune dysregulation in psychosis and BD. The aim of this review is to describe recent evidence suggesting a link between Toxoplasma gondii and BD, focusing on the interaction between immune responses and this infectious agent in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Del Grande
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luca Galli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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