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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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Yao Y, Yuan Y, Sheng S, Li Y, Tang X, Gu H. Observing astrocyte polarization in brains from mouse chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10433. [PMID: 38714696 PMCID: PMC11076485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite that infects approximately one-third of the global human population, often leading to chronic infection. While acute T. gondii infection can cause neural damage in the central nervous system and result in toxoplasmic encephalitis, the consequences of T. gondii chronic infection (TCI) are generally asymptomatic. However, emerging evidence suggests that TCI may be linked to behavioral changes or mental disorders in hosts. Astrocyte polarization, particularly the A1 subtype associated with neuronal apoptosis, has been identified in various neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the role of astrocyte polarization in TCI still needs to be better understood. This study aimed to establish a mouse model of chronic TCI and examine the transcription and expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), C3, C1q, IL-1α, and TNF-α in the brain tissues of the mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting were employed to assess these levels. Additionally, the expression level of the A1 astrocyte-specific marker C3 was evaluated using indirect fluorescent assay (IFA). In mice with TCI, the transcriptional and expression levels of the inflammatory factors C1q, IL-1α, and TNF-α followed an up-down-up pattern, although they remained elevated compared to the control group. These findings suggest a potential association between astrocyte polarization towards the A1 subtype and synchronized changes in these three inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed a significant increase in the A1 astrocytes (GFAP+C3+) proportion in TCI mice. This study provides evidence that TCI can induce astrocyte polarization, a biological process that may be influenced by changes in the levels of three inflammatory factors: C1q, IL-1α, and TNF-α. Additionally, the release of neurotoxic substances by A1 astrocytes may be associated with the development of TCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yaping Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Shuyan Sheng
- First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yifan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaoniu Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Nayeri T, Moosazadeh M, Dalimi Asl A, Ghaffarifar F, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and ABO blood groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:234-246. [PMID: 38064578 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in ABO blood groups and assess the relationship between the prevalence of T. gondii and blood groups. A literature search was carried out for epidemiological studies that were published through December 2022. A random effects model was used to determine the OR and the pooled prevalence with a 95% CI. The estimated pooled prevalences of T. gondii infection in the A, B, AB and O blood groups were 38% (95% CI 27 to 48%), 38% (95% CI 29 to 47%), 36% (95% CI 26 to 45%) and 36% (95% CI 27 to 45%), respectively. Also, the pooled ORs of the relationship between the prevalence of T. gondii infection and the A, B, AB and O blood groups were 1.08 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.19), 1.10 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.28), 1.08 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.27) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.00), respectively. This meta-analysis did not show any relationship between the prevalence of T. gondii infection and ABO blood groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestitional Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48168-95475, Iran
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Xia J, Fu Y, Huang W, Sibley LD. Constitutive upregulation of transcription factors underlies permissive bradyzoite differentiation in a natural isolate of Toxoplasma gondii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582596. [PMID: 38464000 PMCID: PMC10925318 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites play a critical role in pathology due to their long-term persistence in intermediate hosts and their potential to reactivate, resulting in severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals. Currently there is no effective treatment for eliminating bradyzoites. Hence, better in vitro models of T. gondii cyst development would facilitate identification of therapeutic targets for bradyzoites. Herein we characterized a natural isolate of T. gondii, called Tg68, which showed slower in vitro replication of tachyzoites, and permissive bradyzoite development under stress conditions in vitro. Transcriptional analysis revealed constitutive expression in Tg68 tachyzoites of the key regulators of bradyzoite development including BFD1, BFD2, and several AP2 factors. Consistent with this finding, Tg68 tachyzoites expressed high levels of bradyzoite-specific genes including BAG1, ENO1, and LDH2. Moreover, after stress induced differentiation, Tg68 bradyzoites exhibited gene expression profiles of mature bradyzoites, even at early time points. These data suggest that Tg68 tachyzoites exist in a pre-bradyzoite stage primed to readily develop into mature bradyzoites under stress conditions in vitro. Tg68 presents a novel model for differentiation in vitro that will serve as a useful tool for investigation of bradyzoite biology and development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Wanyi Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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TAKASHIMA Y. Visualization of parasite dynamics in the host tissues: application of tissue transparency technology to parasite research. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:1146-1150. [PMID: 37766567 PMCID: PMC10686769 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many parasite species migrate to another site of infection after entering the host body. Such parasite dynamics are closely related to pathogenicity, but it is not easy to observe such parasite behavior deep within the organs. In recent years, technology that can make organs transparent has been developed that enables us to observe deep within organs ex vivo while maintaining their three-dimensional structure. This review describes a series of attempts to apply this technology to understand the behavior of Toxoplasma gondii in the host body. A series of studies has shown that T. gondii tachyzoites that infect leukocytes can reach target organs far from the site of invasion via the circulatory system. In addition, infected leukocytes in the bloodstream adhere more readily to vascular endothelial cells than uninfected leukocytes and are more likely to remain inside the target organs. When infected leukocytes adhere to the vascular endothelial cells of the target organ, the tachyzoites inside the cells immediately escape and infect the parenchyma of the organs. As described above, organ transparency technology is a powerful tool for understanding the internal dynamics of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro TAKASHIMA
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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D'Ambrosio HK, Keeler AM, Derbyshire ER. Examination of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Apicomplexa. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300263. [PMID: 37171468 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural product discovery has traditionally relied on the isolation of small molecules from producing species, but genome-sequencing technology and advances in molecular biology techniques have expanded efforts to a wider array of organisms. Protists represent an underexplored kingdom for specialized metabolite searches despite bioinformatic analysis that suggests they harbor distinct biologically active small molecules. Specifically, pathogenic apicomplexan parasites, responsible for billions of global infections, have been found to possess multiple biosynthetic gene clusters, which hints at their capacity to produce polyketide metabolites. Biochemical studies have revealed unique features of apicomplexan polyketide synthases, but to date, the identity and function of the polyketides synthesized by these megaenzymes remains unknown. Herein, we discuss the potential for specialized metabolite production in protists and the possible evolution of polyketide biosynthetic gene clusters in apicomplexan parasites. We then focus on a polyketide synthase from the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii to discuss the unique domain architecture and properties of these proteins when compared to previously characterized systems, and further speculate on the possible functions for polyketides in these pathogenic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K D'Ambrosio
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Aaron M Keeler
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Emily R Derbyshire
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Nayeri T, Moosazadeh M, Asl AD, Ghaffarifar F, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasma infection and Rhesus blood group system: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287992. [PMID: 37406027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system. METHODS The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestitional Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, 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, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Coixol ameliorates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced lung injury by interfering with T. gondii HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110031. [PMID: 36933491 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110031] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes pulmonary toxoplasmosis, although its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. There is no cure for toxoplasmosis. Coixol, a plant polyphenol extracted from coix seeds, has a variety of biological activities. However, the effects of coixol on T. gondii infection have not been clarified. In this study, we infected a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and BALB/c mice with the T. gondii RH strain to establish infection models in vitro and in vivo, respectively, to explore protective effects and potential mechanisms of coixol on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection. Anti-T. gondii effects and underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of coixol were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR, molecular docking, localized surface plasmon resonance, co-immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results show that coixol inhibits T. gondii loads and T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) expression. Moreover, coixol reduced inflammatory cell recruitment and infiltration, and ameliorated pathological lung injury induced by T. gondii infection. Coixol can directly bind T.g.HSP70 or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to disrupt their interaction. Coixol prevented overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and high mobility group box 1 by inhibiting activation of the TLR4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, consistent with effects of the TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095. These results indicate that coixol improves T. gondii infection-induced lung injury by interfering with T.g.HSP70-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Altogether, these findings suggest that coixol is a promising effective lead compound for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Infection and Immunity. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Elmasry A, Aboukamar WA, Hany H, Elmehankar MS. The immunomodulatory effects of roflumilast on tachyzoite-bradyzoite transition in a murine model of Toxoplasma gondii. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Fasihi-Ramandi M, Valadan R, Asgarian-Omran H, Ajami A, Khalilian A, Hosseininejad Z, Dodangeh S, Javidnia J, Daryani A. Enhancement of immune responses by vaccine potential of three antigens, including ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1 against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 244:108427. [PMID: 36379272 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108427] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes considerable financial losses in the livestock industry and can present serious threats to pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is required to design and produce an efficient vaccine for controlling toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective immunity induced by RMS protein (ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1) with Freund adjuvant, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs), and chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) in BALB/c mice. The RMS protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using a HisTrap HP column. Thereafter, cellular and humoral immunity was assessed by injecting RMS protein on days 0, 21, and 35 into four groups [RMS, RMS-chitosan nanoparticles (RMS-CNs), RMS-calcium phosphate nanoparticles (RMS-CaPNs), and RMS-Freund]. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), CNs, CaPNs, and Freund served as the four control groups. The results displayed that vaccination with RMS protein and adjuvants significantly elicited the levels of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against toxoplasmosis. There were high levels of total IgG, IgG2a, and IFN-γ in vaccinated mice, compared to those in the control groups, especially in the RMS-Freund, indicating a Th-1 type response. The vaccinated and control mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 1 × 103 tachyzoites of the T. gondii RH strain four weeks after the last injection, and in RMS-Freund and RMS-CaPNs groups, the highest increase in survival time was observed (15 days). The RMS can significantly increase Th1 and Th2 responses; moreover, multi-epitope vaccines with adjuvants can be a promising strategy for the production of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Khalilian
- Department of Biostatistics and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology, 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; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Rodrigues Oliveira A, Ritter JM, Oliveira dos Santos D, Pizzolato de Lucena F, Aquino de Mattos S, Parente de Carvalho T, Bullock H, Giannini Alves Moreira L, Magalhães Arthuso Vasconcelos I, Barroso Costa F, Alves da Paixão T, Santos RL. Pathology and epidemiology of fatal toxoplasmosis in free-ranging marmosets (Callithrix spp.) from the Brazilian atlantic forest. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010782. [PMID: 36108088 PMCID: PMC9514648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of warm-blooded host species. Neotropical primates (New World Primates; NWP) are highly susceptible, developing a lethal acute systemic disease. Toxoplasmosis in free-ranging NWP is poorly described, with only a few studies based on serosurveys. Herein we performed a retrospective study focusing on the epidemiology and pathology of toxoplasmosis among 1,001 free-ranging marmoset (Callithrix spp.) deaths from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study included marmosets necropsied at the Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaitsman (IJV) from January 2017 to July 2019, which were found dead from all regions in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to better characterize toxoplasmosis in this free-ranging population. All samples were also tested for Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) RT-qPCR by the official diagnostic service. A total of 1,001 free-ranging marmosets were included in this study, with 16 (1.6%) cases of lethal Toxoplasma gondii infections identified both as individual cases and in outbreaks. Presence of infection was not associated with sex, age, geographical distribution, or year of death, and no co-infection with YFV was observed. The main pathological feature in these cases was random necrotizing hepatitis with detection of intralesional T. gondii zoites in all infected cases. Interstitial pneumonia rich in alveolar foamy macrophages and fibrin deposition, necrotizing myocarditis and necrotizing splenitis were also pathological features in affected marmosets. Therefore, toxoplasmosis was considered the cause of death in 1.6% of free-ranging marmosets in this retrospective series, including some cases associated with outbreaks. Necrotizing random hepatitis was a consistent pathological finding in affected cases and sampling of liver should be ensured from Callitrichid post mortem cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayisa Rodrigues Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jana M. Ritter
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Daniel Oliveira dos Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Pizzolato de Lucena
- Setor de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaistman, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sara Aquino de Mattos
- Setor de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaistman, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Parente de Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Hannah Bullock
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Synergy America Inc., Duluth, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Larissa Giannini Alves Moreira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Fabíola Barroso Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Alves da Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and Liver Injury in US Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127515. [PMID: 35742764 PMCID: PMC9223808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous obligatory intracellular parasite which infects over 40 million Americans and causes toxoplasmosis. Inside the human body, T. gondii can damage tissues and invade vital organs. Methods: This study evaluated the association of T. gondii infection and liver disease using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, with a sample size of 3371 participants (age 20–80 years). Toxoplasma infection was determined by the level of T. gondii IgG antibody in serum samples. Liver disease was assessed by liver injury biomarkers and the Fatty Liver Index (US-FLI). The evaluation of the association between T. gondii infection and liver disease included the calculation of the Mantel–Haenszel risk ratio (RRMH), Rho-Scott chi-square bivariate analyses, design-based t-tests, and linear and logistic regression models which were adjusted for demographic and anthropometric covariates. Results: Mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly more elevated in the T. gondii IgG-positive (IgG+) participants as compared to T. gondii-negative (IgG−) participants, p = 0.0435 and 0.0310, respectively. In linear regression analysis, exposure to T. gondii IgG+ had statistically significant positive associations with AST (p = 0.0211), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.0221), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.0258) after adjusting for BMI, age, gender, and race. T. gondii exposure was associated with an elevated relative risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) (RRMH = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05–1.51). This association was more pronounced in certain occupations, such as construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, where Toxoplasma infection is more common (p = 0.0477). Moreover, Toxoplasma infection increased the odds of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (OR = 6.99, 95% CI = 1.85–26.32, p = 0.0237). Conclusion: T. gondii IgG+ antibody was significantly associated with liver injury biomarkers (ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP) and an increased risk of CLD and NAFLD. Moreover, the association of Toxoplasma with CLD was more evident in specific occupations where the prevalence of Toxoplasma was high. The findings of this study provide insight into utilizing liver biomarkers and US-FLI to assess the health complications of Toxoplasma when imaging tests are not accessible.
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Babekir A, Mostafa S, Obeng-Gyasi E. The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibody and Chronic Kidney Disease Biomarkers. Microorganisms 2022; 10:115. [PMID: 35056564 PMCID: PMC8779693 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite that infects more than 40 million Americans and causes toxoplasmosis. Most cases of toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic; however, T. gondii is capable of invading organs like the kidney, causing chronic infections and cell destruction. METHODS This study focused on evaluating the association between T. gondii exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). T. gondii exposure was assessed using Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody status, and the status of CKD was assessed using the CKD biomarkers. The evaluation of risk rate and population prevalence was performed. In addition, multivariable regression models were used to further investigate this association after adjusting for sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and clinical covariates commonly associated with kidney dysfunction. RESULTS The positive T. gondii IgG antibody participants had significantly higher levels of CKD biomarkers, including second albumin-to-creatinine ratio (p = 0.0376), second albuminuria (p = 0.0005), and persistent albuminuria (p < 0.0001) compared to the negative participants. Furthermore, there were statistical associations between T. gondii exposure and the status of CKD (negative vs. positive) (p = 0.0001), and between T. gondii exposure and the CKD stage (negative, stage 1, …, stage 5) (p = 0.0004). Without adjusting for age, the positive T. gondii participants had a significantly higher risk (27% higher) of having CKD than the negative participants (RRcrude = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09-1.49). The age-adjusted prevalence of CKD was higher among Toxoplasma-positive participants compared to the Toxoplasma-negative participants (10.45 vs. 8.99). T. gondii infection was significantly associated with CKD (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06-1.84, p = 0.00447) after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and BMI. Age was positively associated with CKD (OR = 8.89, 95% CI = 6.31-12.51, p < 0.0001) with the participants 45+ years old being 8.89 times more likely to have CKD than those who are <45 years old, after adjusting for T. gondii infection, gender, race/ethnicity, and BMI. Moreover, positive T. gondii increased the odds of CKD progression (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07-1.86, p = 0.0424). CONCLUSIONS Positive T. gondii IgG antibody is associated with CKD and the progression of CKD stages. This association is more apparent among older people. Further investigations are needed to examine these findings in different geographical locations and among differentially exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Babekir
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Panza SB, Vargas R, Balbo SL, Bonfleur ML, Granzotto DCT, Sant'Ana DMG, Nogueira-Melo GA. Perinatal exposure to low doses of glyphosate-based herbicide combined with a high-fat diet in adulthood causes changes in the jejunums of mice. Life Sci 2021; 275:119350. [PMID: 33737081 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Exposure to pesticides and consumption of high-fat diets are widespread in society. Reports have shown that exposure to glyphosate and a high-fat diet can cause gastrointestinal disorders and increase susceptibility to obesity. Thus, this study evaluated the impacts of perinatal exposure to glyphosate followed by consumption of a high-fat diet in adulthood on the histology and morphometry of jejunums and enteric nervous system of C57BL/6 mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS After mating, 20 C57BL/6 female mice were separated into a control group (CG) and a glyphosate group (GLY) that received water with 0.5% glyphosate. After the lactation period, some male offspring were randomly separated into CG-SD and GLY-SD (standard diet) groups or CG-HD and GLY-HD (high-fat diet) groups. After 12 weeks, jejunum samples were collected and submitted to histological analysis. KEY FINDINGS Indirect exposure to glyphosate changed the morphometry of the intestinal wall, increased the proportion of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells, and altered the area occupied by collagen fibers. The hyperlipidemic diet hypertrophied the jejunal total wall, total muscular and submucosal layers, decreased IELs, and increased the proportion of goblet cells. GLY-HD mice had shallower crypts, shorter villi, and less goblet cells and IELs than mice from GLY-SD group. GLY-HD also showed an increased number of neurons in myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Groups exposed to glyphosate and/or fed a high-fat diet had atrophied submucosal neurons. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that perinatal glyphosate exposure combined with a high-fat diet in adulthood increases the risk of jejunum inflammation and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Panza
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - R Vargas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - S L Balbo
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - M L Bonfleur
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - D C T Granzotto
- Department of Statistics, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - D M G Sant'Ana
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - G A Nogueira-Melo
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.
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Babekir A, Mostafa S, Obeng-Gyasi E. The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and Cardiovascular Biomarkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4908. [PMID: 34062965 PMCID: PMC8125424 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite with high prevalence worldwide. More than 40 million individuals in the United States carry this parasite. T. gondii infection causes toxoplasmosis, which is the leading cause of death associated with foodborne diseases in the United States. T. gondii infects humans through different routes, and it is capable of invading a wide range of tissues in the human body following the infection. Methods: The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii among adults in the United States and its association with cardiovascular health using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2009-2010). Considering the limitation of studies investigating the relationship between T. gondii and cardiovascular biomarkers, this study was focused on assessing the association of T. gondii to nine cardiovascular biomarkers. First, those biomarkers were investigated individually using several statistical tests and models. Second, we developed an overall cardiovascular biomarker index (OCBI) from eight critical biomarkers to better explain the T. gondii potential cumulative effect on the cardiovascular system. These analyses were adjusted for demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors. Results:T. gondii IgG antibody-positive participants had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.0022), triglycerides (p = 0.0399), C-reactive protein (p = 0.0422), gamma glutamyl transferase (p = 0.0400), and fasting glucose (p = 0.0213) than the negative participants. In addition, the positive participants had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0431) than the negative participants. Adjusting for age, T. gondii positive had a significant negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0026) and a significant positive association with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0179), triglycerides (p = 0.0154), and gamma glutamyl transferase (p = 0.0026). With the exception of the low-density lipoprotein, these associations remained statistically significant when adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors. These results potentially indicate the role of T. gondii in driving cardiovascular-related biomarkers toward dysfunction. The analysis also revealed a significant difference in the OCBI among positive and negative participants (p = 0.0020), with the (cumulative) odds of positive participants having a higher level of OCBI being 0.71 times lower than the odds for negative participants (OR = 0.29). Conclusions: Positive T. gondii IgG antibody was significantly associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular-related biomarkers, including systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and gamma glutamyl transferase. T. gondii-positive individuals were more likely to have a lower cardiovascular biomarkers index than the negative individuals. Finally, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among U.S. adults was associated with demographic characteristics including age, ethnicity, country of birth, and occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Babekir
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Effects of Curcumin and Its Analogues on Infectious Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1291:75-101. [PMID: 34331685 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases (IDs) are life-threatening illnesses, which result from the spread of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. IDs are a major challenge for the healthcare systems around the world, leading to a wide variety of clinical manifestations and complications. Despite the capability of frontline-approved medications to partially prevent or mitigate the invasion and subsequent damage of IDs to host tissues and cells, problems such as drug resistance, insufficient efficacy, unpleasant side effects, and high expenses stand in the way of their beneficial applications. One strategy is to evaluate currently explored and available bioactive compounds as possible anti-microbial agents. The natural polyphenol curcumin has been postulated to possess various properties including anti-microbial activities. Studies have shown that it possess pleiotropic effects against bacterial- and parasitic-associating IDs including drug-resistant strains. Curcumin can also potentiate the efficacy of available anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic drugs in a synergistic fashion. In this review, we summarize the findings of these studies along with reported controversies of native curcumin and its analogues, alone and in combination, toward its application in future studies as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic agent.
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Lee SH, Jung BK, Song H, Seo HG, Chai JY, Oh BM. Neuroprotective Effect of Chronic Intracranial Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Mouse Cerebral Ischemia Model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:461-466. [PMID: 32871641 PMCID: PMC7462801 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can invade various organs in the host body, including the central nervous system. Chronic intracranial T. gondii is known to be associated with neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases through interaction with host brain cells in various ways. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of chronic T. gondii infection in mice with cerebral ischemia experimentally produced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery. The neurobehavioral effects of cerebral ischemia were assessed by measurement of Garcia score and Rotarod behavior tests. The volume of brain ischemia was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The expression levels of related genes and proteins were determined. After cerebral ischemia, corrected infarction volume was significantly reduced in T. gondii infected mice, and their neurobehavioral function was significantly better than that of the uninfection control group. Chronic T. gondii infection induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in the brain before MCAO. T. gondii infection also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor after the cerebral ischemia. It is suggested that chronic intracerebral infection of T. gondii may be a potential preconditioning strategy to reduce neural deficits associated with cerebral ischemia and induce brain ischemic tolerance through the regulation of HIF-1α expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hak Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07653, Korea
| | - Hyemi Song
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07653, Korea
| | - Han Gil Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 03080 Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07653, Korea.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Byung-Mo Oh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 03080 Seoul, Korea
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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in blood donors in Portugal. Transfus Apher Sci 2020; 59:102777. [PMID: 32487512 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2020.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in animals and humans worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii and associated risk factors among blood donors in Portugal. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig) G by a modified agglutination test (MAT). A written standardized questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and behavioural data from the blood donors. Out of 520 participants (median age: 39.5 years; interquartile range: 29.0-47.0), who attended blood collection sessions promoted by the Portuguese Institute for Blood and Transplantation (IPST), 198 (38.1%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.9-42.4%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ages of 46-55 years (odds ratio [OR] = 6.72; 95% CI = 3.40-13.28), and of 56-65 years (OR = 4.34; 95% CI = 1.73-10.86), having a lower education level (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.45-4.49), living in the North (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.25-3.65) and in the Centre regions (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.36-4.76) of Portugal, and drinking water from untreated sources (OR = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.12-5.39) were risk factors for seropositivity to T. gondii. This study provides the first data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in blood donors in Portugal, as well insights to sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors as the basis for future prevention programs.
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Azadi Y, Ahmadpour E, Ahmadi A. Targeting Strategies in Therapeutic Applications of Toxoplasmosis: Recent Advances in Liposomal Vaccine Delivery Systems. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:541-558. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666191023151423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasitic pathogen that infected over one-third of the global population. Toxoplasmosis is diagnosed by isolating the parasite and detecting host antibodies. In contrast, the main problem with diagnosis relates to the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Currently, treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is recommended, despite their side effects and toxicity to humans. Moreover, the absence of a vaccine to completely protect against this infection is the main obstacle to the effective treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis. Recently, nanoparticles and nanomaterials have been studied as delivery systems for the immunization and treatment of T. gondii infections. One of the most important applications of liposomes is drug and vaccine delivery, due to their biodegradability, low inherent toxicity, and immunogenicity. Liposomes are flexible delivery systems and immunological adjuvants able not only to load diverse antigens, such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates but also to combine them with immunostimulators. Liposomes have the incredible potential within the development of modern types of vaccines and numerous endeavors have been made to improve the effectiveness of vaccines in recent years. In this review, we concentrate on the viable targeting strategies of liposome-based vaccine delivery systems to prevent, control and treat toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaghob Azadi
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Chorlton SD. Adjunctive bradyzoite-directed therapy for reducing complications of congenital toxoplasmosis. Med Hypotheses 2019; 133:109376. [PMID: 31472369 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by in utero infection of the fetus with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Upon infection, the parasite forms life-long cysts in fetal brain and eyes which are resistant to the currently accepted therapy of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. These cysts commonly reactivate later in life causing chorioretinitis and visual impairment, and rarely cause neurological complications. I hypothesize that adjunctive, bradyzoite-directed therapies have the potential to alleviate a significant burden of disease by reducing cyst burden in neonatal brain and eyes. Atovaquone is perhaps the most promising drug for further evaluation given its low side-effect profile, established safety, and efficacy in animal models reducing cyst burden. Very limited observational data in humans suggests atovaquone may prevent Toxoplasma-associated chorioretinitis recurrence. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate it and other potential drugs as adjunctive treatment in congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Chorlton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Healthy Volunteer Blood Donors Using Serological and Molecular Methods from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Southwest Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.91042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Khan IA, Hwang S, Moretto M. Toxoplasma gondii: CD8 T Cells Cry for CD4 Help. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:136. [PMID: 31119107 PMCID: PMC6504686 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, is a pathogenic protozoan that can infect the central nervous system. In pregnant women, infection can result in congenital problems of the fetus, while in immunocompromised individual it can lead to severe neurological consequences. Although CD8 T cells play an important effector role in controlling the chronic infection, their maintenance is dependent on the critical help provided by CD4 T cells. In a recent study, we demonstrated that reactivation of the infection in chronically infected host is a consequence of CD8 T dysfunction caused by CD4 T cell exhaustion. Furthermore, treatment of chronically infected host with antigen-specific non-exhausted CD4 T cells can restore CD8 T cell functionality and prevent reactivation of the latent infection. The exhaustion status of CD4 T cells is mediated by the increased expression of the transcription factor BLIMP-1, and deletion of this molecule led to the restoration of CD4 T cell function, reversal of CD8 exhaustion and prevention of reactivation of the latent infection. In a recent study from our laboratory, we also observed an increased expression of miR146a levels by CD4 T cells from the chronically infected animals. Recent reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (especially miR146a) has a strong impact on the immune system of T. gondii infected host. Whether these molecules have any role in the BLIMP-1 up-regulation and dysfunctionality of these cells needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz A. Khan
- Department Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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Chen LF, Han XL, Li FX, Yao YY, Fang JP, Liu XJ, Li XC, Wu K, Liu M, Chen XG. Comparative studies of Toxoplasma gondii transcriptomes: insights into stage conversion based on gene expression profiling and alternative splicing. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:402. [PMID: 29996885 PMCID: PMC6042387 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important apicomplexan parasites and infects one-third of the human population worldwide. Transformation between the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages in the intermediate host is central to chronic infection and life-long risk. There have been some transcriptome studies on T. gondii; however, we are still early in our understanding of the kinds and levels of gene expression that occur during the conversion between stages. Results We used high-throughput RNA-sequencing data to assemble transcripts using genome-based and de novo strategies. The expression-level analysis of 6996 T. gondii genes showed that over half (3986) were significantly differentially expressed during stage conversion, whereas 2205 genes were upregulated, and 1778 genes were downregulated in tachyzoites compared with bradyzoites. Several important gene families were expressed at relatively high levels. Comprehensive functional annotation and gene ontology analysis revealed that stress response-related genes are important for survival of bradyzoites in immune-competent hosts. We compared Trinity-based de novo and genome-based strategies, and found that the de novo assembly strategy compensated for the defects of the genome-based strategy by filtering out several transcripts with low expression or those unannotated on the genome. We also found some inaccuracies in the ToxoDB gene models. In addition, our analysis revealed that alternative splicing can be differentially regulated in response to life-cycle change. In depth analysis revealed a 20-nt, AG-rich sequence, alternative splicing locus from alt_acceptor motif search in tachyzoite. Conclusion This study represents the first large-scale effort to sequence the transcriptome of bradyzoites from T. gondii tissue cysts. Our data provide a comparative view of the tachyzoite and bradyzoite transcriptomes to allow a more complete dissection of all the molecular regulation mechanisms during stage conversions. A better understanding of the processes regulating stage conversion may guide targeted interventions to disrupt the transmission of T. gondii. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2983-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Fei Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Long Han
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine School of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fen-Xiang Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Ying Yao
- Epidemiology and Infection Control Branch, Shenzhen Guangming District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518106, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin-Ping Fang
- First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Ju Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Cong Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao-Guang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou North Avenue No.1838, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Felizardo AA, Marques DVB, Caldas IS, Gonçalves RV, Novaes RD. Could age and aging change the host response to systemic parasitic infections? A systematic review of preclinical evidence. Exp Gerontol 2018; 104:17-27. [PMID: 29366738 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The impact of age and aging in the evolution of systemic parasitic infections remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review from preclinical models of Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, sleeping sickness and toxoplasmosis. From a structured and comprehensive search in electronic databases, 29 studies were recovered and included in the review. Beyond the characteristics of the experimental models, parasitological and immunological outcomes, we also discussed the quality of current evidence. Our findings indicated that throughout aging, parasitemia and mortality were consistently reduced in Chagas disease and malaria, but were similar or increased in leishmaniasis and highly variable in toxoplasmosis. While a marked humoral response in older animals was related to the anti-T. cruzi protective phenotype, cellular responses mediated by a polarized Th1 phenotype were associated with a more effective defense against Plasmodium infection. Conversely, in leishmaniasis, severe infections and high mortality rates were potentially related to attenuation of humoral response and an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 phenotypes. Due to the heterogeneous parasitological outcomes and limited immunological data, the role of aging on toxoplasmosis evolution remains unclear. From a detailed description of the methodological bias, more controlled researches could avoid the systematic reproduction of inconsistent and poorly reproducible experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Aparecida Felizardo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Vasconcelos Bastos Marques
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ivo Santana Caldas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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DINCEL GC. First description of enhanced expression of glia maturation factor-beta in experimental toxoplasmic encephalitis. J Int Med Res 2017; 45:1670-1679. [PMID: 28774213 PMCID: PMC5805200 DOI: 10.1177/0300060517700320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We previously showed that Toxoplasma gondii infection induces severe neuropathology in the form of oxidative stress, high nitric oxide production, glial activation, and apoptosis. This study examined the association between glia maturation factor-beta (GMF-β) expression, activated astrocytes/microglia, and neuropathology in toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). Methods Mouse brain GMF expression was examined by immunohistochemistry on days 10 and 30 post- T. gondii infection. Results Neuropathology of infected mice was associated with increased GMF expression in reactive glial cells and neurons compared with healthy controls. Specific up-regulation of GMF-β expression in glial cells was associated with increased gliosis in TE. Conclusions GMF up-regulation in glial cells causes neuronal destruction, suggesting a TE pathological pathway involving GMF-mediated brain cell cytotoxicity. GMF-β may therefore be a good biomarker for disease risk assessment and to estimate host neuropathy after exposure to T. gondii, as well as providing a new therapeutic target. This is the first study to demonstrate the expression of GMF-β in reactive glial cells and its association with neuropathology in TE.
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Singh P, Mirdha BR, Srinivasan A, Rukmangadachar LA, Singh S, Sharma P, Hariprasad G, Gururao H, Luthra K. Identification of invasion proteins of Cryptosporidium parvum. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 31:1923-34. [PMID: 26492887 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-015-1936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Host cell interactions and invasion by Cryptosporidium is a complex process mediated by zoites ligand-host cell receptors. Knowledge of proteins involved in this process will enable entry level inhibitors to be tried as therapeutic agents. In the present study, invasion proteins of Cryptosporidium parvum were studied in vitro. Cryptosporidium sporozoites membrane proteins were isolated and Cy5 dye labelled. They were then allowed to interact with the intact host cells. The interacting proteins were identified using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Sixty-one proteins were identified including twenty-seven previously reported invasion proteins. The newly identified proteins such as serine/threonine protein kinase, PI4 kinase, Hsp105 and coiled coil may have their roles in the parasitic invasion process. Thus, a new approach was used in the study to identify the probable proteins involved in invasion and/or host-parasite interactions. The advantage of this method is that it takes only a months' time instead of decades to identify these proteins involved in invasion process.
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Fernández C, Jaimes J, Ortiz MC, Ramírez JD. Host and Toxoplasma gondii genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the development of ocular toxoplasmosis: A systematic review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:199-209. [PMID: 27389360 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan infection caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infectious disease is widely distributed across the world where cats play an important role in its spread. The symptomatology caused by this parasite is diverse but the ocular affectation emerges as the most important clinical phenotype. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the current knowledge of ocular toxoplasmosis from the genetic diversity of the pathogen towards the treatment available for this infection. This review represents an update to the scientific community regarding the genetic diversity of the parasite, the genetic factors of the host, the molecular pathogenesis and its association with disease, the available diagnostic tools and the available treatment of patients undergoing ocular toxoplamosis. This review will be an update for the scientific community in order to encourage researchers to deploy cutting-edge investigation across this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Fernández
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Camila Ortiz
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Dincel GC, Atmaca HT. Role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016; 29:226-40. [PMID: 26966143 PMCID: PMC5806720 DOI: 10.1177/0394632016638668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously shown that Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) induces high nitric oxide (NO) production, glial activation, and apoptosis that altogether cause severe neuropathology in toxoplasma encephalitis (TE). The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of OS and to identify a correlation between the causes of T. gondii induced neuropathology. Expression levels of glutathione reductase (GR), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), neuron specific enolase (NSE), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were investigated. Results of the study revealed that the levels of GR (P <0.005) and NSE (P <0.001) expression in the brain tissue markedly increased while SOD1 activity decreased (P <0.001) in the infected group compared to the non-infected group. In addition, intense staining for 8-OHdG (P <0.05) was observed both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells that underwent OS. These results were reasonable to suggest that T. gondii-mediated OS might play a pivotal role and a different type of role in the mechanism of neurodegeneration/neuropathology in the process of TE. The results also clearly indicated that increased levels of NO and apoptosis might contribute to OS-related pathogenesis of TE. As a result, OS and expression of NSE might give an idea of the disease progress and may have a critical diagnostic significance for patients with T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gungor Cagdas Dincel
- Gumushane University, Siran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational High School, Siran, Gumushane, Turkey
| | - Hasan Tarik Atmaca
- Kirikkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Yahsihan, Kirikkale, Turkey
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Hammond-Aryee K, Esser M, van Helden L, van Helden P. A high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in a population of feral cats in the Western Cape province of South Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2015.1107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Dincel GC, Atmaca HT. Increased expressions of ADAMTS-13 and apoptosis contribute to neuropathology duringToxoplasma gondiiencephalitis in mice. Neuropathology 2015; 36:211-26. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gungor Cagdas Dincel
- Gumushane University; Siran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational High School; Gumushane Turkey
| | - Hasan Tarik Atmaca
- Kirikkale University; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology; Kirikkale Turkey
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Dincel GC, Atmaca HT. Nitric oxide production increases during Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis in mice. Exp Parasitol 2015; 156:104-12. [PMID: 26115941 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with the potential of causing severe encephalitis among immunocompromised human and animals. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and immunopathological role of nitric oxide (NO) in central nervous systems and to identify any correlation between toxoplasmosis neuropathology and investigate the consequences of the cellular responses protect against T. gondii. Mice were infected with ME49 strain T. gondii and levels of endothelial, neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, nNOS, iNOS), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament (NF) were examined in brain tissues by immunohistochemistry, during the development and establishment of a chronic infection at 10 30 and 60 days post infection. Results of the study revealed that the levels of eNOS (p < 0.05), nNOS (p < 0.05), iNOS (p < 0.005), GFAP (p < 0.005) and NF (p < 0.005) were remarkably higher in T. gondii-infected mice than in uninfected control. The most prominent finding from our study was 10 and 30 days after inoculation data indicating that increased levels of NO not only a potential neuroprotective role for immunoregulatory and immunopathological but also might be a molecular trigger of bradyzoite development. Furthermore, this findings were shown that high expressed NO origin was not only inducible nitric oxide synthase but also endothelial and neuronal. We demonstrated that activation of astrocytes and microglia/macrophages is a significant event in toxoplasma encephalitis (TE). The results also clearly indicated that increased levels of NO might contribute to neuropathology related with TE. Furthermore, expression of NF might gives an idea of the progress and critical for diagnostic significance of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gungor Cagdas Dincel
- Gumushane University, Siran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational High School, Siran, Gumushane 29700, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Tarik Atmaca
- Kirikkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Yahsihan, Kirikkale 71450, Turkey.
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Coşkun KA, Tutar Y. Isolation and characterization of Heat Shock Protein 100-Batu1 from Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Exp Parasitol 2015; 153:91-7. [PMID: 25728232 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasitic protozoon which infects human and most warm-blooded animals. Almost one-third of the world's population is affected by life-threatening infection of T. gondii tachyzoites form. Slow growing, transmissible and encysted bradyzoites forms are composed after tachyzoites stage. Cellular and environmental stresses induce conversion of tachyzoites from bradyzoites and this condition is associated with Heat Shock Protein (Hsps) family. Hsp100 is a member of this protein family, and coordinates to disassemble protein aggregates with Hsp70 and Hsp40 in an ATP dependent manner. Several proteins are involved during this stage differentiation and Hsp100 may help them to be in their native soluble form to perform their function as observed in other organisms. For this purpose, Hsp100-Batu1 was isolated from T. gondii RH strain to characterize its biochemical properties in this current study. Hsp100 proteins play a role in survival and virulence of pathogens as shown in the literature. Therefore, manipulation of protein-protein interaction may perturb T. gondii infection and impair conversion to tachyzoites by inhibiting Hsp100 function. Therefore, results of this work present a potential route for vaccination or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Açıkalın Coşkun
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Tutar
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
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Norouzpour Deilami K, Daryani A, Ahmadpour E, Sharif M, Dadimoghaddam Y, Sarvi S, Alizadeh A. Excretory–secretory antigens: A suitable candidate for immunization against ocular toxoplasmosis in a murine model. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:369-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Hull R, Dlamini Z. The role played by alternative splicing in antigenic variability in human endo-parasites. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:53. [PMID: 24472559 PMCID: PMC4015677 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endo-parasites that affect humans include Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of death in human beings. Despite decades of research, vaccines to this and other endo-parasites remain elusive. This is in part due to the hyper-variability of the parasites surface proteins. Generally these surface proteins are encoded by a large family of genes, with only one being dominantly expressed at certain life stages. Another layer of complexity can be introduced through the alternative splicing of these surface proteins. The resulting isoforms may differ from each other with regard to cell localisation, substrate affinities and functions. They may even differ in structure to the extent that they are no longer recognised by the host’s immune system. In many cases this leads to changes in the N terminus of these proteins. The geographical localisation of endo-parasitic infections around the tropics and the highest incidences of HIV-1 infection in the same areas, adds a further layer of complexity as parasitic infections affect the host immune system resulting in higher HIV infection rates, faster disease progression, and an increase in the severity of infections and complications in HIV diagnosis. This review discusses some examples of parasite surface proteins that are alternatively spliced in trypanosomes, Plasmodium and the parasitic worm Schistosoma as well as what role alternate splicing may play in the interaction between HIV and these endo-parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, C/o Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Avenue, Private Bag X6, Florida Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa.
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Gomes MAGB, Carreira GM, Souza DPV, Nogueira PMR, de Melo EJT, Maria EJ. [Study of the effect of thiosemicarbazones against Toxoplasma gondii]. C R Biol 2013; 336:203-6. [PMID: 23849723 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a neglected disease, with an estimated occurrence of one-third of the population worldwide. Research in medicinal chemistry has for some years been pursuing the development of new drugs against toxoplasmosis, because current treatments cause serious side effects in the patient. The use of thiosemicarbazones as an alternative option for the treatment of various diseases has been published in recent years, due to their, among others, anticancer, antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, antibacterial, and antitoxoplasmosis activities, the latter being the subject of this study, which is based upon biological analyses and tests of the response of Toxoplasma gondii in the presence of thiosemicarbazones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antônio G B Gomes
- Laboratorio de Ciências Química, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Avenue Alberto Lamego, 2000 Horto, CEP 28015620, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brésil.
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Jung BK, Pyo KH, Shin KY, Hwang YS, Lim H, Lee SJ, Moon JH, Lee SH, Suh YH, Chai JY, Shin EH. Toxoplasma gondii infection in the brain inhibits neuronal degeneration and learning and memory impairments in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33312. [PMID: 22470449 PMCID: PMC3310043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression is a characteristic feature of Toxoplasma gondii-infected murine hosts. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Tg2576 AD mice. Mice were infected with a cyst-forming strain (ME49) of T. gondii, and levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ and nitric oxide), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), neuronal damage, and β-amyloid plaque deposition were examined in brain tissues and/or in BV-2 microglial cells. In addition, behavioral tests, including the water maze and Y-maze tests, were performed on T. gondii-infected and uninfected Tg2576 mice. Results revealed that whereas the level of IFN-γ was unchanged, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in T. gondii-infected mice than in uninfected mice, and in BV-2 cells treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Furthermore, nitrite production from primary cultured brain microglial cells and BV-2 cells was reduced by the addition of T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA), and β-amyloid plaque deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of Tg2576 mouse brains was remarkably lower in T. gondii-infected AD mice than in uninfected controls. In addition, water maze and Y-maze test results revealed retarded cognitive capacities in uninfected mice as compared with infected mice. These findings demonstrate the favorable effects of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of AD in Tg2576 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Kwang Jung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sang Hwang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungsub Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joong Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Moon
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Hun Suh
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Shin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Cytokine profile in murine toxoplasmosis. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2011; 4:16-9. [PMID: 21771408 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(11)60024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate which cytokines are produced after acute infection of mice with Toxoplasma gondii (T. Gondii) RH strain. METHODS Mus domesticus domesticus mice in infected group were inoculated with with highly virulent T. Gondii RH strain by intraperitoneally. Serum samples were obtained from infected and non-infected mice for cytokine levels for ELISA assay. RESULTS The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 in the cardiac blood sample of the infected mice were significantly higher than those in uninfected controls (P<0.05). The levels of transforming growth factor-1β decreased in mice infected with T. gondii compared to those of the controls, the decrease was statistically significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in levels of IL-4 between infected and healty control groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, immune response into T helper type 1 was predominant during acute T. gondii infection. Further characterization and purification of Toxoplasma molecule(s) implicated in the regulation of cytokines could lead to the development of new drug prospects to control Toxoplasma infection.
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Kim WH, Shin EH, Kim JL, Yu SY, Jung BK, Chai JY. Suppression of CD4 T-Cells in the spleen of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii KI-1 tachyzoites. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2010; 48:325-9. [PMID: 21234236 PMCID: PMC3018583 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.4.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii KI-1, a recent new isolate from Korea, shows similar pathogenicity and infectivity to mice compared to the virulent RH strain. To understand characteristics of host immunity, including immune enhancement or suppression, we investigated proliferative responses and phenotypes of spleen cells. In addition, kinetics of IFN-γ, a Th1 cytokine, was examined in BALB/c mice up to day 6 post-infection (PI). Intraperitoneal injection of mice with 103 KI-1 tachyzoites induced significant decreases (P < 0.05) in proliferative responses of spleen cells. This occurred at days 2-6 PI even when concanavalin A (con A) was added and when stimulated with KI-1 antigen, suggesting suppression of the immunity. CD4+ T-cells decreased markedly at day 2 PI (P < 0.05), whereas CD8+ T-cells, NK cells, and macrophages did not show significant changes, except a slight, but significant, increase of CD8+ T-cells at day 6 PI. The capacity of splenocytes to produce IFN-γ by con A stimulation dropped significantly at days 2-6 PI. These results demonstrate that intraperitoneal injection of KI-1 tachyzoites can induce immunosuppression during the early stage of infection, as revealed by the decrease of CD4+ T-cells and IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Hee Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Prandota J. Migraine Associated with Patent Foramen Ovale May Be Caused by Reactivation of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis Triggered by Arterial Blood Oxygen Desaturation. Int J Neurosci 2010; 120:81-7. [DOI: 10.3109/00207450903458647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Prandota J. The importance of toxoplasma gondii infection in diseases presenting with headaches. Headaches and aseptic meningitis may be manifestations of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Int J Neurosci 2010; 119:2144-82. [PMID: 19916846 DOI: 10.3109/00207450903149217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, approximately 2 billion people are chronically infected with T. gondii with largely unknown consequences. This review presents clinical symptoms, differential diagnosis, triggering factors, treatment, and pathomechanisms responsible for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, and aseptic meningitis. Literature cited in this work illustrates that immune state and other biologic mediator imbalances due to various endogenous and exogenous triggering factors may markedly affect latent central nervous system T. gondii infection/inflammation intensity, and cause reactivation of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT). Irregularities in pro- and anti-inflammatory processes may markedly disturb the host and/or T. gondii defense mechanisms important for immune control of the parasite thereby manifesting as a wide range of neurologic symptoms and signs observed in some patients with migraine, epilepsy, celiac disease, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and other brain disorders. This is consistent with reactivation of CT in mice after treatment with dexamethasone associated with depression of type T(H)1 immune response, and development of CT after administration of etanercept or other bioproducts. It seems that various types of headaches, epilepsy, aseptic meningitis, systemic adverse reactions to drugs or other substances represent the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction due to apoptosis of T. gondii tachyzoites. Also development of some brain tumors, such as ependymoma and glioma may be associated with a chronic course of CT. Thus, all these patients should be tested for T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Public Health, University Medical School, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Sugauara EYY, Sant'Ana DDMG, Almeida ECD, Reis AB, Silva AVD, Araújo EJDA. Alterations of the myenteric plexus of the ileum and the descending colon caused by Toxoplasma gondii (genotype III). ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2009; 66:516-23. [PMID: 18813711 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2008000400015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alterations caused by a genotype III strain of Toxoplasma gondii were assessed with respect to the number and the morphometry of the myenteric neurons in the terminal ileum and the descending colon. Eighteen rats were divided into four groups: Acute Control Group (ACG, n=4); Acute Experimental Group (AEG, n=4); Chronic Control Group (CCG, n=5) and Chronic Experimental Group (CEG, n=5). NaCl solution was administered through gavage to the animals in the ACG and CCG. Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites (10(4)) from a genotype III strain were orally administered to the AEG and CEG. Acute Groups were died after 24 hours, and the Chronic Groups after 30 days. Neuronal loss was not observed in both organs. The neurons atrophied in the terminal ileum as the opposite occurred with the neurons at the descending colon during the chronic phase of infection. In the terminal ileum, the neurons atrophied during the chronic phase of the infection as no alteration was found during the acute phase. For the descending colon, the neurons became hypertrophic during the chronic infection in opposition to the atrophy found during the acute phase.
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Edvinsson B, Lappalainen M, Anttila VJ, Paetau A, Evengård B. Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromized patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 41:368-71. [PMID: 19229764 DOI: 10.1080/00365540902783319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the cosmopolitan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is often associated with severe consequences and a high mortality rate in immunocompromized patients. Non-specific symptoms make diagnosis challenging. Monitoring of patients at risk is of value. We here present 8 cases of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromized patients with suggestions for preventive monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Edvinsson
- Centre for Microbiological Preparedness, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Solna, Sweden
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Schmid-Hempel P. Immune defence, parasite evasion strategies and their relevance for 'macroscopic phenomena' such as virulence. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2009; 364:85-98. [PMID: 18930879 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The discussion of host-parasite interactions, and of parasite virulence more specifically, has so far, with a few exceptions, not focused much attention on the accumulating evidence that immune evasion by parasites is not only almost universal but also often linked to pathogenesis, i.e. the appearance of virulence. Now, the immune evasion hypothesis offers a deeper insight into the evolution of virulence than previous hypotheses. Sensitivity analysis for parasite fitness and life-history theory shows promise to generate a more general evolutionary theory of virulence by including a major element, immune evasion to prevent parasite clearance from the host. Also, the study of dose-response relationships and multiple infections should be particularly illuminating to understand the evolution of virulence. Taking into account immune evasion brings immunological processes to the core of understanding the evolution of parasite virulence and for a range of related issues such as dose, host specificity or immunopathology. The aim of this review is to highlight the mechanism underlying immune evasion and to discuss possible consequences for the evolutionary ecology analysis of host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Schmid-Hempel
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Integrative Biology (IBZ), Universitätsstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Tuon FF, Higashino HR, Amato VS, Nicodemo AC. Acute immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura related to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Int J Infect Dis 2008; 12:671-2. [PMID: 18372206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2007.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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de Aquino TM, Liesen AP, da Silva REA, Lima VT, Carvalho CS, de Faria AR, de Araújo JM, de Lima JG, Alves AJ, de Melo EJT, Góes AJS. Synthesis, anti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial activities of benzaldehyde 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazones and 2-[(phenylmethylene)hydrazono]-4-oxo-3-phenyl-5-thiazolidineacetic acids. Bioorg Med Chem 2008; 16:446-56. [PMID: 17905587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2006] [Revised: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present communication, a new series of 2-[(phenylmethylene)hydrazono]-4-oxo-3-phenyl-5-thiazolidineacetic acids (2a-p) have been synthesized. Benzaldehyde 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazones substituted (1a-p) were also obtained and used as intermediate to give the title compounds. All synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR. The in vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of 1a-p and 2a-p was evaluated. The 4-thiazolidinones (2a-p) were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. For anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity, in general, all compounds promoted decreases in the percentage of infected cells leading to parasite elimination. These effects on intracellular parasites also caused a decrease in the mean number of tachyzoites. In addition, most of the 4-thiazolidinones showed more effective toxicity against intracellular parasites, with IC(50) values ranging from 0.05 to 1 mM. According to results of antimicrobial activity, compounds 2f, 2l, and 2p showed best activity against Mycobacterium luteus, 2c was more active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 2g, 2l, and 2n showed same activity as nistatin (standard drug) against Candida sp. (4249).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago M de Aquino
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
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Yarim GF, Nisbet C, Oncel T, Cenesiz S, Ciftci G. Serum protein alterations in dogs naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1197-202. [PMID: 17659389 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2006] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We conducted this study to describe the serum electrophoretic pattern in dogs associated with the infection of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The serum protein pattern of 25 dogs with confirmed T. gondii infection and 15 clinically healthy dogs were evaluated using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin bands were seen from the serum electrophoresis of infected and healthy dogs. Compared to the control group, significant decreases in the mean percentages of albumin (from 46.1+/-7.2 to 40.8+/-4.5%, P<0.05), alpha-1 globulin (from 3.9+/-0.4 to 0.8+/-0.2%, P<0.001), alpha-2 globulin (from 9.0+/-0.4 to 8.3+/-0.8%, P<0.01), and beta globulin (from 18.4+/-1.2 to 12.1+/-0.6%, P<0.001) in the infected group were determined. In contrast, gamma globulin fraction was significantly higher in infected dogs (38.1+/-4.6%) than in control dogs (22.7+/-7.2%; P<0.001). Moreover, significant correlations were determined between the percentages of the albumin and gamma globulin fractions and liver enzyme tests including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in infected dogs; however, no correlation was observed for the other protein fractions. In conclusion, marked alterations in serum protein pattern associated with strong modifications of serum protein concentrations are in accordance with the hepatic injury as affirmed by liver enzyme tests that were demonstrated in the canine toxoplasmosis. These findings showed that serum protein electrophoresis can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of canine toxoplasmosis as a supplementary analysis in combination with serological, clinical, and laboratory findings of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gul Fatma Yarim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, 55139, Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey.
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Kim JJ, Shirts BH, Dayal M, Bacanu SA, Wood J, Xie W, Zhang X, Chowdari KV, Yolken R, Devlin B, Nimgaonkar VL. Are exposure to cytomegalovirus and genetic variation on chromosome 6p joint risk factors for schizophrenia? Ann Med 2007; 39:145-53. [PMID: 17453677 DOI: 10.1080/07853890601083808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published data support genetic variants, as well as certain infectious agents, as potential risk factors for schizophrenia. Less is known about interactions between the risk factors. AIM To evaluate exposure to infectious agents and host genetic variation as joint risk factors. METHODS We investigated four infectious agents: cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2), and Toxoplasma gondii (TOX). We initially compared exposure using specific serum antibodies, among simplex and multiplex nuclear families (one or more than one affected offspring, respectively). If interactions between infectious agents and host genetic variation are important risk factors for schizophrenia, we reasoned that they would be more prominent among multiplex versus simplex families. We also evaluated the role of variation at chromosome 6p21-p23 in conjunction with exposure. We used 22 short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) dispersed across this region. RESULTS Though exposure to all four agents was increased among multiplex families versus simplex families, the difference was consistently significant only for CMV (odds of exposure to CMV in multiplex families: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.48-5.33). Transmission disequilibrium tests and case-control comparisons using STRPs revealed significant linkage/association with D6S2672 among CMV+ schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphisms near D6S2672 could confer risk for schizophrenia in conjunction with CMV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Wang HL, Wang GH, Li QY, Shu C, Jiang MS, Guo Y. Prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in first-episode schizophrenia and comparison between Toxoplasma-seropositive and Toxoplasma-seronegative schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2006; 114:40-8. [PMID: 16774660 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection between the first-episode schizophrenia and the controls and to compare the clinical features between the Toxoplasma-seronegative and Toxoplasma-seropositive patients with schizophrenia. METHOD The rate of serum reactivity to Toxoplasma in 600 schizophrenia, 600 affective disorders, and 400 controls was investigated. The clinical symptoms of the schizophrenia patients were scored and compared. RESULTS The rate of IgG antibody, not IgM in the schizophrenia patients, was higher than the control groups, and the odds ratio of schizophrenia associated with IgG antibody was 2.22-5.12. The affective disorders did not differ in the rate of IgG or IgM antibody from the normal or the physical disease control. The seropositive schizophrenia patients had higher scores on the positive subscale and three components of Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale than the seronegative patients. CONCLUSION This study lent further weight to the hypothesis that exposure to Toxoplasma may be a risk factor for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-L Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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