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Abdoli A, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Taghipour A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone alteration: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297362. [PMID: 38568993 PMCID: PMC10990213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration. METHODS In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Akcay G, Bahadir A, Tatar Y, Nuri Atalar M, Babur C, Taylan Ozkan A. Investigation of the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on behavioral and molecular mechanism in bradyzoite stage. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148762. [PMID: 38228258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148762] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite that causes a disease called toxoplasmosis. It can reach the central nervous system, but the mechanism of T. gondii disrupting the functioning of these brain regions occurs in bradyzoite stage of parasite, causing brain damage by forming tissue cysts in brain. In our study, the effects of T. gondii on locomotor activity, anxiety, learning and memory, and norepinephrine (NE), levodopa (L-DOPA), dopamine (DA) and 3,4-D-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) catecholamines in amygdala, striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain were investigated in bradyzoite stage. Twenty male Albino mice Mus musculus, 4-5 weeks old, weighing 20-25 g, were used. T. gondii inoculated to mice intraperitonealy with 48-50-hour passages of T. gondii RH Ankara strain. For intraperitoneal inoculation of mice 5x104 tachyzoites per mouse. No inoculation was made in control group (n: 20). Locomotor activity behavior in open field test (OFT), anxious behavior in elevated plus maze (EPM), and learning behavior in novel object recognition (NOR) tests were evaluated. NE, L-DOPA, DA and DOPAC were measured by HPLC in brain tissues of amygdala, striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. A decrease was observed in the locomotor activity, anxiety and learning values of the T. gondii group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The heighten in NE and L-DOPA levels in amygdala tissue of T. gondii group compared to control group, an elevation in NE, L-DOPA, DA and DOPAC levels in striatum tissue, and an increase in levels of NE in prefrontal cortex tissue were detected in monoamine results. In hippocampus tissue, an increase was observed in DA levels, while a decrease was observed in NE, L-DOPA and DOPAC levels. In our study, it has been shown that T. gondii in bradyzoite stage reduces locomotor activity, causes learning and memory impairment, and has anxiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guven Akcay
- Hitit University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Çorum, Turkey.
| | - Anzel Bahadir
- Duzce University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Yakup Tatar
- TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Nuri Atalar
- Igdir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Iğdır, Turkey
| | - Cahit Babur
- National Parasitology Reference Laboratory, General Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan Ozkan
- TOBB ETU University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
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Song G, Zhao Q, Chen H, Li M, Zhang Z, Qu Z, Yang C, Lin X, Ma W, Standlee CR. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and cognitive functioning in older adults: an analysis of cross-sectional data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e071513. [PMID: 38448067 PMCID: PMC10916126 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and cognitive function in older adults. DESIGN An observational cross-sectional study. SETTING The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study took place at participants' homes and mobile examination centres. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2956 older adults aged 60 and above from the NHANES from 2011 to 2014 were included in the study. Exposure of interest: participants had serum Toxoplasma gondii antibody analysed in the laboratory. A value>33 IU/mL was categorised as seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii infection; <27 IU/mL was categorised as seronegative for Toxoplasma gondii infection. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive tests included the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning subtest (CERAD-WL) for immediate and delayed memory, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). RESULTS About half of the 2956 participants (mean age 70.0) were female (51.0%), non-Hispanic White (48.3%), and completed some college or above (48.3%). A total of 703 participants were positive for Toxoplasma gondii infection (23.8%). Adjusted linear regression showed that compared with participants with negative Toxoplasma gondii infection, those with positive Toxoplasma gondii infection had lower CERAD-WL immediate memory (beta (β) -0.16, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.07), CERAD-WL delayed memory (β -0.15, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.06), AFT (β -0.15, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.06), DSST (β -0.34, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.26), and global cognition (β -0.24, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.16) z-scores after controlling for the covariates. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity is associated with worse immediate and delayed verbal learning, language proficiency, executive functioning, processing speed, sustained attention, working memory, as well as global cognition in older adults. Public health measures aiming at preventing Toxoplasma gondii infection may help preserve cognitive functioning in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- College of Sciences and Technology, University of Houston Downtown, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qingxia Zhao
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- Kentucky Department for Public Health, Infectious Disease Branch, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Qu
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Yang
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xuechun Lin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weixia Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Xie H, Sun H, Dong H, Dai L, Xu H, Zhang L, Wang Q, Zhang J, Zhao G, Xu C, Yin K. Label-free quantitative proteomic analyses of mouse astrocytes provides insight into the host response mechanism at different developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011102. [PMID: 37721957 PMCID: PMC10538781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic parasite that can infect the central nervous system (CNS), causing severe toxoplasmosis and behavioral cognitive impairment. Mortality is high in immunocompromised individuals with toxoplasmosis, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the CNS. There are still no effective vaccines and drugs for the prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis. There are five developmental stages for T. gondii to complete life cycle, of which the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages are the key to the acute and chronic infection. In this study, to better understanding of how T. gondii interacts with the host CNS at different stages of infection, we constructed acute and chronic infection models of T. gondii in astrocytes, and used label-free proteomics to detect the proteome changes before and after infection, respectively. A total of 4676 proteins were identified, among which 163 differentially expressed proteins (fold change ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 0.67 and p-value ≤ 0.05) including 109 up-regulated proteins and 54 down-regulated proteins in C8-TA vs C8 group, and 719 differentially expressed proteins including 495 up-regulated proteins and 224 down-regulated proteins in C8-BR vs C8-TA group. After T. gondii tachyzoites infected astrocytes, differentially expressed proteins were enriched in immune-related biological processes to promote the formation of bradyzoites and maintain the balance of T. gondii, CNS and brain. After T. gondii bradyzoites infected astrocytes, the differentially expressed proteins up-regulated the host's glucose metabolism, and some up-regulated proteins were strongly associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings not only provide new insights into the psychiatric pathogenesis of T. gondii, but also provide potential targets for the treatment of acute and chronic Toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hang Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hongjie Dong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Haozhi Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
- Xingan League Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ulanhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
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Rahdar M, Farbod Y, Seydinejad S, Zarrin M. The effect of chronic experimental toxoplasmosis on some brain neurotransmitters level and behavior changes. Exp Parasitol 2023:108575. [PMID: 37394088 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108575] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma is capable of causing long-lasting brain cysts in its hosts, which can lead to physiological disturbances in brain neurotransmitters and result in changes in the host's behavior. This study aimed to investigate these changes using an experimental model. Twenty-five female Wistar rats, weighing 220-220 g and six weeks old, were selected for the study. The rats were divided into two control and experimental groups. The experimental group was injected with 5 × 105 tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (virulent RH strain) intra-peritoneally. Four months after the injection, the rats were subjected to behavioral tests, including learning, memory, depression, and locomotor activity tests. The rats were then euthanized, and their brain and serum samples were analyzed for dopamine and serotonin levels. To ensure the presence of cysts in the brain tissue, a PCR test and preparation of pathological slides from the brain tissue were performed. The results showed that the amount of dopamine in the brain of the infected group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the level of serotonin in brain of the infected group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the amount of these neurotransmitters in the blood of the two groups (P > 0.05). Behavioral changes were evaluated, and it was found that the learning and memory levels of the infected rats were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed in locomotor activity between the two groups (P > 0.05). This experimental infection model indicated that changes in neurotransmitter levels lead to behavior changes. CONCLUSION: The presence of parasite cysts in the brain can affect some of the host's behaviors through changes in neurotransmitter levels. Therefore, there is a possibility that there is a relationship between the presence of Toxoplasma cysts in the brain and neurological disorders. The results of this study suggest that chronic toxoplasmosis may play a role in behavior changes in psychotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Rahdar
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Yaghoub Farbod
- Department of Medical Physiology Department, Medical School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Samira Seydinejad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Majid Zarrin
- Department of Medical Mycology, Medical School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Hegazy M, Elghanam W, Aboulfotouh N, Sheta H, El-Tantawy N. Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on the fertility indices of male rats. Exp Parasitol 2023:108571. [PMID: 37380122 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide and male factor contributes to about fifty percent of the issues. Studies on infectious agents as a possible cause of infertility has become prominent in the past decade. Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a prime candidate as it has been found in the reproductive organs and semen of males of many animal species and humans. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on experimental rat fertility. Ninety Toxoplasma infected rat were used as the experimental group besides, thirty control naïve ones. Both groups were observed clinically. Weekly assessment of fertility indices starting from the 7th week post infection till the 12th week were done by recording rat body weight, weight of testes, semen analysis and histo-morphometric analysis of the testes. Toxoplasma infected rats exhibited significant gradual loss of body weight and the absolute weight of the testes. The sperm characteristic parameters including percentage of motile sperm, percentage of viable sperm and sperm concentration in Toxoplasma infected rats showed highly significant decrease throughout the observation period in comparison to the control group with recording highly significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm forms. Pathological insults in tests of the infected rat group were denoted. Our findings demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii is accused for affecting male rat main reproductive parameters and is implicated in the male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh Hegazy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Walaa Elghanam
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora Aboulfotouh
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Heba Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora El-Tantawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Nessim J, Luna-Ramirez JC, Moreno-Gómez GA, Galvis-Soto DM, Gomez-Marin JE. Estimations of the number people with mental diseases associated with toxoplasmosis and identification of risk factors by continent. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115130. [PMID: 36913872 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence exists based on metanalysis of the relationship between toxoplasmosis and many psychiatric diseases: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicidal behavior. Herein, we estimate the number of cases based on the attributable fraction due to toxoplasmosis on these diseases. The population attributable fraction of mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis was 20,4% for schizophrenia; 27,3% for bipolar disorder; and 0,29% for suicidal behavior (self-harm). The lower and upper estimated number of people with mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis was 4'816.491 and 5'564.407 for schizophrenia; 6'348.946 and 7'510.118,82 for bipolar disorder; and 24.310 and 28.151 for self-harm; for a global total lower estimated number of 11'189.748 and global total upper estimated number of 13'102.678 people with mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis for the year 2019. According to the prediction through the Bayesian model of risk factors for toxoplasmosis associated with mental disease, these varied in importance geographically; thus, in Africa, the most important risk factor was water contamination and in the European region, the cooking conditions of meats. Toxoplasmosis and mental health should be a research priority given the enormous potential impact of reducing this parasite in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nessim
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL, for the term in Spanish), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Jorge E Gomez-Marin
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL, for the term in Spanish), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
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Elmehy DA, Elmansory BM, Gamea GA, Abdelhai DI, Abd-Elsalam SM, Salamah AM, Ata DS, Mahmoud EF, Ibrahim HA, Salama AM. Parasitic infections as potential risk factors for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:82-92. [PMID: 36910322 PMCID: PMC9998788 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01542-x] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represents a mysterious neuropsychiatric alarming concern due to indefinite etiopathogenesis among children. Notably, the studies which investigated the correlation between ADHD and parasitic infections are insufficient. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the correlation between ADHD and some tissue dwelling and intestinal parasitic infections in children. The study was conducted on 200 children, including 100 children suffering from ADHD (Group I) and 100 healthy children as a control group (Group II). All caregivers fulfilled predesigned sociodemographic form and Conners parent rating scale (CPRS-48) questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin level as well as relative eosinophilic count. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxocara IgG in serum by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was further investigated. Also, micronutrients as zinc, iron, and copper levels were measured. Schistosoma antigen was investigated in urine samples. Stool samples were subjected to direct wet smear, concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining for coccidian parasites detection. Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica antigens were investigated in stool samples. Group I expressed more liability to sociodemographic risk factors, decreased levels of Hb, iron, zinc, and copper with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Comparison between Group I and Group II regarding the detected parasitic infections exhibited statistically significant difference except Schistosoma antigen positivity which expressed no statistical significance. The present study concluded that the parasitic infections with their consequences are potential risk factors in children with ADHD indicating that their early diagnosis and treatment may help in ADHD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia A. Elmehy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Basma M. Elmansory
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ghada A. Gamea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I. Abdelhai
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Abeer M. Salamah
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr El Shiekh University, Kafr El Shiekh, Egypt
| | - Dina S. Ata
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman F. Mahmoud
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hoda A. Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amina M. Salama
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Wana MN, Watanabe M, Chiroma SM, Unyah NZ, Abdullahi SA, Nordin S, Basir R, Mohd Moklas MA, Majid RA. Toxoplasma gondii induced cognitive impairment in rats via dysregulation of dopamine receptors and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14370. [PMID: 36950587 PMCID: PMC10025920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite capable of residing in the brain of their host which influences behaviour changes due to alterations in the neurotransmitters. Consequently, dopamine receptors (DRD) and indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase (IDO) dysregulation facilitate the progression of behaviour changes in a host as a response to infection. This study tested the effect of neurotransmitter changes as a result of T. gondii infection on rats cognitive impairment. The T. gondii strain of type I, II and III from Malaysia were previously identified by standard procedures. Sporulated oocysts each of type I, II and III were inoculated separately into three groups of Wistar rats (n = 9) respectively. Two separate control groups received either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or MK-801 (dizocilpine). Behaviour changes were evaluated at nine weeks post infection in a square box, elevated plus maze and gene expression level of DRD and IDO compounds. The study revealed increased fatal feline attraction, reduced anxiety, decreased DRD and increased IDO gene expression in the T. gondii infected groups and MK-801 compared to the PBS control group. In conclusion, T. gondii infection alter the level of neurotransmitters in rat which cause cognitive impairment. This implies that all the T. gondii strain can cause behaviour changes if human were infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nasiru Wana
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samaila Musa Chiroma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NuMed) No 1, Jalan Sarjana 1,Kota Ilmu, EduCity@Iskandar,79200 Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) Johor-Malaysia
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
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Carrillo GL, Su J, Cawley ML, Wei D, Gill SK, Blader IJ, Fox MA. Complement-dependent loss of inhibitory synapses on pyramidal neurons following Toxoplasma gondii infection. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.15770. [PMID: 36683435 PMCID: PMC10363253 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has developed mechanisms to establish a central nervous system infection in virtually all warm-blooded animals. Acute T. gondii infection can cause neuroinflammation, encephalitis, and seizures. Meanwhile, studies in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents have linked chronic T. gondii infection with altered behavior and increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. These observations and associations raise questions about how this parasitic infection may alter neural circuits. We previously demonstrated that T. gondii infection triggers the loss of inhibitory perisomatic synapses, a type of synapse whose dysfunction or loss has been linked to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. We showed that phagocytic cells (including microglia and infiltrating monocytes) contribute to the loss of these inhibitory synapses. Here, we show that these phagocytic cells specifically ensheath excitatory pyramidal neurons, leading to the preferential loss of perisomatic synapses on these neurons and not those on cortical interneurons. Moreover, we show that infection induces an increased expression of the complement C3 gene, including by populations of these excitatory neurons. Infecting C3-deficient mice with T. gondii revealed that C3 is required for the loss of perisomatic inhibitory synapses. Interestingly, loss of C1q did not prevent the loss of perisomatic synapses following infection. Together, these findings provide evidence that T. gondii induces changes in excitatory pyramidal neurons that trigger the selective removal of inhibitory perisomatic synapses and provide a role for a nonclassical complement pathway in the remodeling of inhibitory circuits in the infected brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela L. Carrillo
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
| | - Jianmin Su
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
| | - Mikel L. Cawley
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
| | - Derek Wei
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
| | - Simran K. Gill
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- Department of Psychology, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, 24153, USA
- NeuroSURF Program, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
| | - Ira J. Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, 14203, USA
| | - Michael A. Fox
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, USA
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11
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Shbeeli KA, Al Suhaym AY, Khormi BH, Faqihi IH, Hadi IH, Kulaybi KM, Mawkili SI. Association Between Childhood Exposure to Pet Cats and Later Diagnosis of Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e32401. [PMID: 36636540 PMCID: PMC9831139 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing number of reports suggesting an effect of adverse environmental factors during vulnerable periods of prenatal and perinatal development in the etiology of schizophrenia. Cat-transmitted infections, especially Toxoplasma gondii, are possible risk factors for the later development of schizophrenia. We conducted a case-control study to examine childhood cat ownership in 78 patients with schizophrenia (cases), 78 outpatients with depression and anxiety disorders (control group one), and 78 outpatients with no psychiatric history (control group two). Cat ownership before the age of 13 was reported by 52.6%, 44.9%, and 24.4% of patients in cases, control group one, and control group two, respectively. Compared with non-psychiatric patients, patients with schizophrenia were 3.4 times more likely to report owning cats in their childhood (odds ratio (OR)=3.441; p=0.000; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.740-6.804). Compared with both control groups, the likelihood of owning a cat as a child was 2.1 times more among cases (OR=2.093; p=0.008; 95% CI=1.203-3.640). Age, female gender, and family history appeared to be positively associated with cat ownership and schizophrenia. This study supports the evidence of a relationship between childhood exposure to pet cats and the later development of schizophrenia. Further in-depth research is needed to clarify the relationship between exposure to pet cats in childhood and later diagnosis of schizophrenia, adjusting for potential confounders.
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12
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Townsend AK, Sewall KB, Leonard AS, Hawley DM. Infectious disease and cognition in wild populations. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:899-910. [PMID: 35872026 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.06.005] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infectious disease is linked to impaired cognition across a breadth of host taxa and cognitive abilities, potentially contributing to variation in cognitive performance within and among populations. Impaired cognitive performance can stem from direct damage by the parasite, the host immune response, or lost opportunities for learning. Moreover, cognitive impairment could be compounded by factors that simultaneously increase infection risk and impair cognition directly, such as stress and malnutrition. As highlighted in this review, however, answers to fundamental questions remain unresolved, including the frequency, duration, and fitness consequences of infection-linked cognitive impairment in wild animal populations, the cognitive abilities most likely to be affected, and the potential for adaptive evolution of cognition in response to accelerating emergence of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Townsend
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323, USA.
| | - Kendra B Sewall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Anne S Leonard
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dana M Hawley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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13
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Kopecky R, Příplatová L, Boschetti S, Talmont-Kaminski K, Flegr J. Le Petit Machiavellian Prince: Effects of Latent Toxoplasmosis on Political Beliefs and Values. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 20:14747049221112657. [PMID: 35903902 PMCID: PMC10303488 DOI: 10.1177/14747049221112657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans infected by Toxoplasma gondii express no specific symptoms but manifest higher incidence of many diseases, disorders and differences in personality and behavior. The aim of this study was to compare the political beliefs and values of Toxoplasma-infected and Toxoplasma-free participants. We measured beliefs and values of 2315 responders via an online survey (477 Toxoplasma-infected) using the Political Beliefs and Values Inventory (PI34). This study showed Toxoplasma-infected and Toxoplasma-free participants of our cross-sectional study differed in three of four factors of PI34, scoring higher in Tribalism and lower in Cultural liberalism and Anti-Authoritarianism. We found sex differences in political beliefs associated with Toxoplasma infection. Infected women scored higher in tribalism and lower in cultural liberalism, compared with the Toxoplasma-free control group, while infected men scored higher in economic equity. These results fit with sexual differences in behavior and attitude observed after toxoplasmosis infection. Controlling for the effect of worse physical health and mental health had little impact, suggesting that impaired health did not cause these changes. Rather than adaptation to prevalence of parasites, as suggested by parasite-stress theory, the differences might be side-effects of long-term mild inflammatory reaction. However, to get clear picture of the mild inflammation effects, more research focused on different infectious diseases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Kopecky
- Institute of Philosophy of the Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lenka Příplatová
- Institute of Philosophy of the Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Silvia Boschetti
- Institute of Philosophy of the Czech
Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology,
Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, Prague, Czechia
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14
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Castaño BL, Silva AA, Hernandez-Velasco LL, Pinheiro APDS, Gibaldi D, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Lannes-Vieira J. Sulfadiazine Plus Pyrimethamine Therapy Reversed Multiple Behavioral and Neurocognitive Changes in Long-Term Chronic Toxoplasmosis by Reducing Brain Cyst Load and Inflammation-Related Alterations. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822567. [PMID: 35572567 PMCID: PMC9091718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects one-third of the world population. For decades, it has been considered a silent lifelong infection. However, chronically T. gondii-infected persons may present psychiatric and neurocognitive changes as anxiety, depression, and memory loss. In a model of long-term chronic infection, behavioral alterations parallel neuroinflammation and systemic high cytokine levels, and may reflect brain cyst load. Recent findings support that in chronic infection an active parasite-host interplay involves an immune-mediated control of tissue cysts. Here, we tested the idea that etiological treatment in chronic phase may add advantage to intrinsic immune-mediated cyst control and impact behavioral changes. Thus, we combined sulfadiazine-plus-pyrimethamine (S+P), the first-choice therapy for toxoplasmosis, to study the association of brain cyst load and biological processes related to the immune response (neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier -BBB- disruption and serum cytokine levels), with behavioral and neurocognitive changes of long-term chronic infection. Female C57BL/6 mice (H-2b) were infected (5 cysts, ME-49 strain) and treated with S+P from 30 to 60 days postinfection (dpi), compared with vehicle (Veh)-treated and noninfected controls. At endpoints (pre-therapy, 30 dpi; S+P therapy, 60 dpi; after ceased therapy, 90 dpi), independent groups were subjected to behavioral tests, and brain tissues and sera were collected. Multiple behavioral and neurocognitive changes were detected in the early (30 dpi) and long-term (60 and 90 dpi) chronic infection. S+P therapy resolved locomotor alterations, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior, partially or transiently ameliorated hyperactivity and habituation memory loss. Analysis after therapy cessation showed that S+P therapy reduced the number of stimuli required for aversive memory consolidation. S+P therapy resulted in reduced brain cyst load, neuroinflammation and BBB disruption, and lowered systemic Th1-cytokine levels. Correlation analysis revealed association between IFNγ, TNF and MCP-1/CCL2 serum levels, brain cyst load and behavioral and neurocognitive alterations. Moreover, principal-component analysis (PCA-2D and 3D projections) highlighted distinction between clusters (noninfected; Veh-treated and S+P-treated infected). Thus, our data suggest that S+P therapy added gain to intrinsic brain cyst control and, direct or indirectly, ameliorated inflammation-related alterations, traits associated with behavioral and neurocognitive alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrios Leda Castaño
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Alice Silva
- Multiuser Laboratory for Research Support in Nephrology and Medical Sciences, Federal University Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces depression in offspring of mice with maternal toxoplasma infection during pregnancy by inhibiting microglial activation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Ginseng Res 2022; 46:62-70. [PMID: 35035240 PMCID: PMC8753429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy has been associated with various mental illnesses in the offspring. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a major bioactive compound obtained from ginseng that has an anti-T. gondii effect and attenuates microglial activation through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. GRh2 also alleviated tumor-associated or lipopolysaccharide-induced depression. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of GRh2 on depression-like behavior in mouse offspring caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy have not been investigated. Methods We examined GRh2 effects on the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring, caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy, by measuring depression-like behaviors and assaying parameters at the neuronal and molecular level. Results We showed that GRh2 significantly improved behavioral measures: sucrose consumption, forced swim time and tail suspended immobility time of their offspring. These corresponded with increased tissue concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine, and attenuated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase or enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the prefrontal cortex. GRh2 ameliorated neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex. Molecular docking results revealed that GRh2 binds strongly to both TLR4 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Conclusion This study demonstrated that GRh2 ameliorated the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring of maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy by attenuating the excessive activation of microglia and neuroinflammation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. It suggests that GRh2 could be considered a potential therapy in preventing and treating psychiatric disorders in the offspring mice of mothers with prenatal exposure to T. gondii infection.
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16
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasmosis: Targeting neurotransmitter systems in psychiatric disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:123-146. [PMID: 34476718 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The most common form of the disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is latent toxoplasmosis due to the formation of tissue cysts in various organs, such as the brain. Latent toxoplasmosis is probably a risk factor in the development of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioral changes after infection are caused by the host immune response, manipulation by the parasite, central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, as well as changes in hormonal and neuromodulator relationships. The present review focused on the exact mechanisms of T. gondii effect on the alteration of behavior and neurotransmitter levels, their catabolites and metabolites, as well as the interaction between immune responses and this parasite in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the neural transmission is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further intensive studies are required to determine the effect of this parasite on altering the level of neurotransmitters and the role of neurotransmitters in the etiology of host behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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17
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Daher D, Shaghlil A, Sobh E, Hamie M, Hassan ME, Moumneh MB, Itani S, El Hajj R, Tawk L, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111351. [PMID: 34832507 PMCID: PMC8625914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a prevalent protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a neglected disease in which incidence and symptoms differ between patients and regions. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis manifests as acute and chronic forms. Acute toxoplasmosis presents as mild or asymptomatic disease that evolves, under the host immune response, into a persistent chronic disease in healthy individuals. Chronic toxoplasmosis establishes as latent tissue cysts in the brain and skeletal muscles. In immunocompromised patients, chronic toxoplasmosis may reactivate, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Recently, the association between toxoplasmosis and various diseases has been shown. These span primary neuropathies, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and different types of cancer. Currently, a direct pre-clinical or clinical molecular connotation between toxoplasmosis and most of its associated diseases remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on Toxoplasma-induced and associated diseases with a focus on available knowledge of the molecular players dictating these associations. We will also abridge the existing therapeutic options of toxoplasmosis and highlight the current gaps to explore the implications of toxoplasmosis on its associated diseases to advance treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Ahmad Shaghlil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Eyad Sobh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Malika Elhage Hassan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Mohamad Bahij Moumneh
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon;
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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18
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de Haan L, Sutterland AL, Schotborgh JV, Schirmbeck F, de Haan L. Association of Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity With Cognitive Function in Healthy People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:1103-1112. [PMID: 34259822 PMCID: PMC8281022 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with behavioral alterations and psychiatric disorders. Studies investigating neurocognition in people with T gondii infection have reported varying results. To systematically analyze these findings, a meta-analysis evaluating cognitive function in healthy people with and without T gondii seropositivity is needed. OBJECTIVE To assess whether and to what extent T gondii seropositivity is associated with cognitive function in otherwise healthy people. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase was performed to identify studies from database inception to June 7, 2019, that analyzed cognitive function among healthy participants with available data on T gondii seropositivity. Search terms included toxoplasmosis, neurotoxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, cognition disorder, neuropsychological, and psychomotor performance. STUDY SELECTION Studies that performed cognitive assessment and analyzed T gondii seroprevalence among otherwise healthy participants were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two researchers independently extracted data from published articles; if needed, authors were contacted to provide additional data. Quantitative syntheses were performed in predefined cognitive domains when 4 independent data sets per domain were available. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Performance on neuropsychological tests measuring cognitive function. RESULTS The systematic search yielded 1954 records. After removal of 533 duplicates, an additional 1363 records were excluded based on a review of titles and abstracts. A total of 58 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility (including reference list screening); 45 articles were excluded because they lacked important data or did not meet study inclusion or reference list criteria. The remaining 13 studies comprising 13 289 healthy participants (mean [SD] age, 46.7 [16.0] years; 6586 men [49.6%]) with and without T gondii seropositivity were included in the meta-analysis. Participants without T gondii seropositivity had favorable functioning in 4 cognitive domains: processing speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.19; P = .001), working memory (SMD, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.26; P = .002), short-term verbal memory (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.27; P < .001), and executive functioning (SMD, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.01-0.28; P = .03). A meta-regression analysis found a significant association between older age and executive functioning (Q = 6.17; P = .01). Little suggestion of publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The study's findings suggested that T gondii seropositivity was associated with mild cognitive impairment in several cognitive domains. Although effect sizes were small, given the ubiquitous prevalence of this infection globally, the association with cognitive impairment could imply a considerable adverse effect at the population level. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen L. Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper V. Schotborgh
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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19
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Relationship between Latent Toxoplasmosis and Depression in Clients of a Center for Assisted Reproduction. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081052. [PMID: 34451515 PMCID: PMC8399658 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent infection of the globally spread parasite Toxoplasma gondii in humans has been associated with changes in personality and behavior. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of toxoplasmosis on depression, but their results are inconsistent. Our study focused on the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on depression in men and women in association with their fertility. In 2016-2018, we recruited clients (677 men and 664 women) of the Center for Assisted Reproduction and asked them to complete a standardized Beck Depression Inventory-II. In women without fertility problems, we found higher depression scores in Toxoplasma-positive than in Toxoplasma-negative (p = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.48). Toxoplasma-positive infertile men, on the other hand, had lower depression scores than Toxoplasma-negative infertile men (p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.48). Our results are consistent with the previously described effects of latent toxoplasmosis, which seem to go in opposite directions regarding the effect on personality and behavior of men and women. Our results could be explained by gender-contrasting reactions to chronic stress associated with lifelong infection. This suggests that due to gender differences in the impact of latent toxoplasmosis, future studies ought to perform separate analyses for women and men.
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20
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Navarro Machuca G, Covarrubias Castillo SA, Benavides González JC, Rodríguez Pérez LR, Dueñas Jiménez SH, Dueñas Jiménez JM. Toxoplasmosis Is More Frequent in Schizophrenia Patients Than in the General Population in Mexico and Is Not Associated with More Severe Course of Schizophrenia Measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070820. [PMID: 34208827 PMCID: PMC8308891 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease, which was discovered in 1908, caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects neuronal, glial, and muscle cells, and chronic infections are characterized by the presence of cysts, in the brain and muscle cells, formed by bradyzoites. T. gondii is capable of synthesizing L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is key in the etiology of neuropsychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown high levels of IgG Toxoplasma antibodies in schizophrenia patients. Many published studies show that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in patients with schizophrenia and the relationships between, sociodemographic factors and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. A total of 27 schizophrenic patients were included and IgG anti-T. gondii was determined in serum samples by ELISA. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, sociodemographic factors were associated with seropositivity. We found that the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 51.7%. In the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, statistical significant association (p = 0.024) was found in Item 13 which is related to motor retardation, however, the association turned non-significant after of correction for multiple tests or after of analyzed with a logistic regression p = 0.059, odds ratio (OR) = 2.316 with a 95% confidence interval [0.970 to 5.532]. Other association was not found between toxoplasmosis and others factors. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis on our population under study was significantly higher than that reported by general population or other group of Mexican schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 45100, JA, Mexico; (J.C.B.G.); (L.R.R.P.); (S.H.D.J.); (J.M.D.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-(33)-10585200
| | - Gabriela Navarro Machuca
- Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara C.P. 44280, JA, Mexico; (G.N.M.); (S.A.C.C.)
| | | | - Juan Carlos Benavides González
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 45100, JA, Mexico; (J.C.B.G.); (L.R.R.P.); (S.H.D.J.); (J.M.D.J.)
| | - Laura Roció Rodríguez Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 45100, JA, Mexico; (J.C.B.G.); (L.R.R.P.); (S.H.D.J.); (J.M.D.J.)
| | - Sergio Horacio Dueñas Jiménez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 45100, JA, Mexico; (J.C.B.G.); (L.R.R.P.); (S.H.D.J.); (J.M.D.J.)
| | - Judith Marcela Dueñas Jiménez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 45100, JA, Mexico; (J.C.B.G.); (L.R.R.P.); (S.H.D.J.); (J.M.D.J.)
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21
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Rosuvastatin revert memory impairment and anxiogenic-like effect in mice infected with the chronic ME-49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250079. [PMID: 33857221 PMCID: PMC8049280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on memory impairment, and anxiogenic-like effects in mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. For this, Balb/c mice were infected orally with chronic ME-49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Oral treatment with rosuvastatin (40mg/kg/day) started on the 51st day post-infection and was performed daily for 21 days. After completion of treatment, anxiety-like effects and locomotion were investigated in the open field (OF) test, whereas novel object recognition (NOR) test was used for evaluation of short- and long-term memory. At the end of the experiments, the brain was collected for Toxoplasma gondii DNA quantification and histopathological analysis. Infection with ME-49 strain decreased the time spent in the center of OF, indicating an anxiogenic effect, without affecting total and peripheral locomotion. Rosuvastatin treatment inhibited the change in the center time. Besides, pharmacological treatment increased total and central locomotion in both non-infected and infected animals. Infection also impaired both short- and long-term memory in the NOR test, and these effects were reverted by rosuvastatin treatment. In addition to effects in behavioral changes, rosuvastatin also reduced parasite load in the brain and attenuated signs of brain inflammation such as perivascular cuffs, inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue damage. These findings indicate for the first time the efficacy of rosuvastatin in treatment of memory impairment and anxiogenic effect evoked by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. These effects might be mediated by reduced cyst load, which in turn decrease inflammation and damage in the brain.
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22
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Mangold CA, Hughes DP. Insect Behavioral Change and the Potential Contributions of Neuroinflammation-A Call for Future Research. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:465. [PMID: 33805190 PMCID: PMC8064348 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many organisms are able to elicit behavioral change in other organisms. Examples include different microbes (e.g., viruses and fungi), parasites (e.g., hairworms and trematodes), and parasitoid wasps. In most cases, the mechanisms underlying host behavioral change remain relatively unclear. There is a growing body of literature linking alterations in immune signaling with neuron health, communication, and function; however, there is a paucity of data detailing the effects of altered neuroimmune signaling on insect neuron function and how glial cells may contribute toward neuron dysregulation. It is important to consider the potential impacts of altered neuroimmune communication on host behavior and reflect on its potential role as an important tool in the "neuro-engineer" toolkit. In this review, we examine what is known about the relationships between the insect immune and nervous systems. We highlight organisms that are able to influence insect behavior and discuss possible mechanisms of behavioral manipulation, including potentially dysregulated neuroimmune communication. We close by identifying opportunities for integrating research in insect innate immunity, glial cell physiology, and neurobiology in the investigation of behavioral manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A. Mangold
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - David P. Hughes
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA
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23
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Dissociating direct and indirect effects: a theoretical framework of how latent toxoplasmosis affects cognitive profile across the lifespan. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 102:119-128. [PMID: 33765425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
About one-third of the world's population has latent toxoplasmosis, which is typically most prevalent in old age due to its lifelong persistence. Most infected people do not reveal clinically relevant symptoms, but T. gondii might trigger cognitive changes in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. As intact cognitive processes are essential for various achievements and successful aging, this review focuses on the cognitive profile associated with latent toxoplasmosis across the lifespan. It could be explained by a shift in balance between direct effects (increased dopamine synthesis) and indirect effects (neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation, which can decrease dopamine levels). Based thereon, we provide a possibly comprehensive framework of how T. gondii can differently affect cognitive performance across the lifespan (i.e., from increased catecholaminergic signaling in young age to decreased signaling in old age). We outline how future studies may inform our knowledge on the role of individual differences in response to T. gondii and how longitudinal studies can help trace the temporal dynamics in the shift of the balance between direct and indirect effects.
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24
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Luoto S, Krams I, Contreras-Garduño J, Cerda-Molina AL, Krama T. Toxoplasma gondii and Psychopathology: Latent Infection Is Associated with Interpersonal Sensitivity, Psychoticism, and Higher Testosterone Levels in Men, but Not in Women. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The ability of parasites to hijack the nervous system, manipulating the host’s physiology and behavior in ways that enhance the parasite’s fitness while damaging host fitness, is a topic of ongoing research interest in evolutionary biology, but is largely overlooked in mental health research. Nevertheless, recent evidence has shown that Toxoplasma gondii infection can change host testosterone levels and influence the development of some psychiatric disorders. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a mixed sample of 213 non-clinical subjects.
Methods
Participants (nmales = 108, nfemales = 105) provided 5 ml of blood to quantify testosterone levels and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was used to assess psychopathological symptoms.
Results
The results showed that Toxoplasma-infected men had higher testosterone levels and scored higher in Interpersonal Sensitivity and Psychoticism symptoms than non-infected men. Toxoplasma-infected women did not differ from control women.
Conclusions
Framed in an evolutionary framework, the findings suggest that the elevated testosterone levels and the expression of psychopathological symptoms can be seen as the result of the manipulation exerted by Toxoplasma gondii either to reach its definitive host or to increase its spread. Future research can benefit from integrating insights from evolutionary biology and parasite-host interactions with physiology, immunology, and mental health to develop a better understanding of mental health etiology.
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25
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Postolache TT, Wadhawan A, Rujescu D, Hoisington AJ, Dagdag A, Baca-Garcia E, Lowry CA, Okusaga OO, Brenner LA. Toxoplasma gondii, Suicidal Behavior, and Intermediate Phenotypes for Suicidal Behavior. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:665682. [PMID: 34177652 PMCID: PMC8226025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.665682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the general literature on infections and suicidal behavior, studies on Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) occupy a central position. This is related to the parasite's neurotropism, high prevalence of chronic infection, as well as specific and non-specific behavioral alterations in rodents that lead to increased risk taking, which are recapitulated in humans by T. gondii's associations with suicidal behavior, as well as trait impulsivity and aggression, mental illness and traffic accidents. This paper is a detailed review of the associations between T. gondii serology and suicidal behavior, a field of study that started 15 years ago with our publication of associations between T. gondii IgG serology and suicidal behavior in persons with mood disorders. This "legacy" article presents, chronologically, our primary studies in individuals with mood disorders and schizophrenia in Germany, recent attempters in Sweden, and in a large cohort of mothers in Denmark. Then, it reviews findings from all three meta-analyses published to date, confirming our reported associations and overall consistent in effect size [ranging between 39 and 57% elevation of odds of suicide attempt in T. gondii immunoglobulin (IgG) positives]. Finally, the article introduces certain links between T. gondii and biomarkers previously associated with suicidal behavior (kynurenines, phenylalanine/tyrosine), intermediate phenotypes of suicidal behavior (impulsivity, aggression) and state-dependent suicide risk factors (hopelessness/dysphoria, sleep impairment). In sum, an abundance of evidence supports a positive link between suicide attempts (but not suicidal ideation) and T. gondii IgG (but not IgM) seropositivity and serointensity. Trait impulsivity and aggression, endophenotypes of suicidal behavior have also been positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in both the psychiatrically healthy as well as in patients with Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Yet, causality has not been demonstrated. Thus, randomized interventional studies are necessary to advance causal inferences and, if causality is confirmed, to provide hope that an etiological treatment for a distinct subgroup of individuals at an increased risk for suicide could emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor T Postolache
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, United States.,Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5, VA Capitol Health Care Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abhishek Wadhawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Andrew J Hoisington
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, OH, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Aline Dagdag
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Enrique Baca-Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Jimenez Diaz Foundation Hospital, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Madrid Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital, Móstoles, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Villalba, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Infanta Elena University Hospital, Valdemoro, Spain.,Universidad Catolica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Olaoluwa O Okusaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry & Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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26
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Lindová J, Příplatová L, Flegr J. Higher Extraversion and Lower Conscientiousness in Humans Infected with Toxoplasma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is associated with specific differences in the personality of infected subjects relative to non–infected subjects. These differences are usually considered to be a side effect of the manipulative activity of the parasite aimed to increase the probability of its transmission from the intermediate host to the definitive host by predation. The personality of infected subjects was studied mostly using the Cattell's questionnaire. However, this questionnaire is now considered outdated and has been mostly substituted with the Neuroticism–Extraversion–Openness Personality Inventory—Revised (NEO–PI–R) questionnaire in clinical practice. Here, we searched for the association between toxoplasmosis and the personality by screening a population of students with the NEO–PI–R questionnaire. We found that Toxoplasma–infected male and female students had significantly higher extraversion and lower conscientiousness. The conscientiousness negatively correlated with the length of infection in men, which suggested that the toxoplasmosis associated differences were more probably the result of slow cumulative changes induced by latent toxoplasmosis, rather than transient side effect of acute Toxoplasma infection. The existence of this correlation also supported (but of course not proved) the hypothesis that Toxoplasma infection influenced the personality, rather than the hypothesis that the personality influenced the probability of the infection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Lindová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Natural Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Příplatová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Natural Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Natural Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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27
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Laing C, Blanchard N, McConkey GA. Noradrenergic Signaling and Neuroinflammation Crosstalk Regulate Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Behavioral Changes. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:1072-1082. [PMID: 33214056 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infections of the nervous system elicit neuroimmune responses and alter neurotransmission, affecting host neurological functions. Chronic infection with the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma correlates with certain neurological disorders in humans and alters behavior in rodents. Here, we propose that the crosstalk between neurotransmission and neuroinflammation may underlie some of these cognitive changes. We discuss how T. gondii infection suppresses noradrenergic signaling and how the restoration of this pathway improves behavioral aberrations, suggesting that altered neurotransmission and neuroimmune responses may act in concert to perturb behavior. This interaction might apply to other infectious agents, such as viruses, that elicit cognitive changes. We hypothesize that neurotransmitter signaling in immune cells can contribute to behavioral changes associated with brain infection, offering opportunities for potential therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Laing
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicolas Blanchard
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Inserm, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Glenn A McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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28
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Xu F, Ma X, Zhu Y, Sutterland A, Cheng R, Miao S, Chen J, Qiu L, Zhou Y. Effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia comorbidity on serum lipid profile: A population retrospective study from Eastern China. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104587. [PMID: 33091579 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a parasitic protozoa that is associated with various psychiatric disorders. Both T. gondii infection and disturbed host's lipid profile are common in schizophrenia patients. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain speculative. Also, the characteristics of serum lipid levels in schizophrenia patients comorbid with T. gondii infection are not clear. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influence of chronic T. gondii infection on the characteristic physiological indexes of schizophrenia patients so as to provide some insights into finding target therapeutic drugs. METHODS In this study, the effect of chronic T. gondii infection on serum lipid profile was retrospectively analysed in 1719 schizophrenic patients and 1552 healthy subjects from Eastern China. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against T. gondii (17.98%) in schizophrenia patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (7.35%, χ2 = 81.831, P = 0.000). Compared to T. gondii IgG-seronegative schizophrenia patients, IgG-seropositive group had higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.000) and triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.000) levels, while total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.000) levels showed an opposite tendency in IgG-seropositive cases. We also found significant correlation between T. gondii seropositivity and increased TG (P = 0.000) and TC levels (P = 0.000) in schizophrenia patients. Binary regression analysis also showed that decreased TC level was more common among schizophrenia patients with T. gondii seropositivity compared to seronegative subjects (OR = 0.617, 95%CI = 0.509-0.749, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION Patients with chronic T. gondii infection and comorbid schizophrenia had higher HDL and TG levels, while cholesterol levels showed an opposite trend. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report focus on the host's lipid profile of chronic T. gondii infection and comorbid schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Arjen Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruitang Cheng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Sunhan Miao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Jialu Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Liying Qiu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases and Public Health Research Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, China.
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29
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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30
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Carrillo GL, Ballard VA, Glausen T, Boone Z, Teamer J, Hinkson CL, Wohlfert EA, Blader IJ, Fox MA. Toxoplasma infection induces microglia-neuron contact and the loss of perisomatic inhibitory synapses. Glia 2020; 68:1968-1986. [PMID: 32157745 PMCID: PMC7423646 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infection and inflammation within the brain induces changes in neuronal connectivity and function. The intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is one pathogen that infects the brain and can cause encephalitis and seizures. Persistent infection by this parasite is also associated with behavioral alterations and an increased risk for developing psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia. Current evidence from studies in humans and mouse models suggest that both seizures and schizophrenia result from a loss or dysfunction of inhibitory synapses. In line with this, we recently reported that persistent T. gondii infection alters the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), an enzyme that catalyzes GABA synthesis in inhibitory synapses. These changes could reflect a redistribution of presynaptic machinery in inhibitory neurons or a loss of inhibitory nerve terminals. To directly assess the latter possibility, we employed serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) and quantified inhibitory perisomatic synapses in neocortex and hippocampus following parasitic infection. Not only did persistent infection lead to a significant loss of perisomatic synapses, it induced the ensheathment of neuronal somata by myeloid-derived cells. Immunohistochemical, genetic, and ultrastructural analyses revealed that these myeloid-derived cells included activated microglia. Finally, ultrastructural analysis identified myeloid-derived cells enveloping perisomatic nerve terminals, suggesting they may actively displace or phagocytose synaptic elements. Thus, these results suggest that activated microglia contribute to perisomatic inhibitory synapse loss following parasitic infection and offer a novel mechanism as to how persistent T. gondii infection may contribute to both seizures and psychiatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela L. Carrillo
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Valerie A. Ballard
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, Roanoke VA 24015
| | - Taylor Glausen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260
| | - Zack Boone
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Joseph Teamer
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- FBRI neuroSURF Program, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Cyrus L. Hinkson
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | | | - Ira J. Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260
| | - Michael A. Fox
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
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31
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Lam AP, de Sordi D, Müller HHO, Lam MC, Carl A, Kohse KP, Philipsen A. Aggravation of symptom severity in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by latent Toxoplasma gondii infection: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14382. [PMID: 32873854 PMCID: PMC7463265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has a high worldwide prevalence and an underestimated impact on neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies related T. gondii to disorders associated with the dysfunctional dopaminergic system. However, an association between T. gondii infection and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not yet been studied. In a sex- and age-matched case-control study, we investigated the seropositivity, serointensity, and avidity of latent T. gondii infection in adult ADHD patients and examined the influence of those variables on the symptomatology of ADHD. Of 140 participants, 20.0% were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG and 0% for anti-T. gondii IgM. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with 2.8-fold increase in the odds of ADHD in a confounder-adjusted multivariable analysis. Age and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were confirmed as significant predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. Multiple linear regression analysis of self-rated ADHD-related symptom severity in all participants revealed a significant association with T. gondii seropositivity, elevated IgG titers (serointensity), and stronger anti-T. gondii IgG avidity. Overall symptom severity was increased in seropositive ADHD patients compared to seronegative subjects with ADHD. In particular, hyperactivity was significantly associated with serointensity. We conclude that there is a high rate of T. gondii seropositivity in adults with ADHD. Additionally, our results suggest a clinical impact of latent T. gondii infection on ADHD-related symptoms in a serointensity- and avidity-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Lam
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Dominik de Sordi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biometry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Helge H O Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Chair of Integrative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Martin C Lam
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Carl
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Klaus P Kohse
- Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Microbiology, Klinikum Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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32
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Abo-Al-Ela HG. Toxoplasmosis and Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Step toward Understanding Parasite Pathogenesis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2393-2406. [PMID: 31268676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease that disrupts fetal brain development and severely affects the host's brain, has been linked to many behavioral and neurological disorders. There is growing interest in how a single-celled neurotropic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can control or change the behavior of the host as well as how it dominates the host's neurons. Secrets beyond these could be answered by decoding the Toxoplasma gondii genome, unravelling the function of genomic sequences, and exploring epigenetics and mRNAs alterations, as well as the postulated mechanisms contributing to various neurological and psychiatric symptoms caused by this parasite. Substantial efforts have been made to elucidate the action of T. gondii on host immunity and the biology of its infection. However, the available studies on the molecular aspects of toxoplasmosis that affect central nervous system (CNS) circuits remain limited, and much research is still needed on this interesting topic. In my opinion, this parasite is a gift for studying the biology of the nervous system and related diseases. We should utilize the unique features of Toxoplasma, such as its abilities to modulate brain physiology, for neurological studies or as a possible tool or approach to cure neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham G. Abo-Al-Ela
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Shibin Al-Kom, El-Minufiya 7001, Egypt
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33
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El Mouhawass A, Hammoud A, Zoghbi M, Hallit S, Haddad C, El Haddad K, El Khoury S, Tannous J, Obeid S, Halabi MA, Mammari N. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and schizophrenia in the Lebanese population: potential implication of genetic polymorphism of MMP-9. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:264. [PMID: 32460746 PMCID: PMC7254747 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma multiplication and its persistence into the brain cause a local neuroinflammatory reaction, resulting synthesis of neurotransmitters involved in neurological disorders, especially schizophrenia. The Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) protein can play a major role in this neuroinflammation. It can promote extravasation and migration of infected immune cells into the brain. The objectives of this study are to determine the possible association between schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis and highlight the existence of gene polymorphism encoding MMP-9 protein's in patients presented both schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis. METHODS A case-control study was conducted on 150 patients with schizophrenia (case group), and 150 healthy persons (control group). Groups were matched with age, gender, and place of residence. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire and a serological profile assay for specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of gene polymorphism encoding MMP-9 was performed on 83 cases selected randomly. RESULTS Data show a significant association between toxoplasmosis (IgM+/IgG+ serological profile) and schizophrenia. Significant effects of raw meat consumption and contact with cats have been associated with the occurrence of schizophrenia. RT-PCR shows the presence of muted allele of MMP-9 gene in selected cases whose present T. gondii serological profile IgM+/IgG+ and IgM-/IgG+ respectively. CONCLUSION Toxoplasmosis may be one of the etiological causes of schizophrenia, and MMP-9 gene polymorphism could be involved in the occurrence mechanism of this pathology following Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amata El Mouhawass
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Amale Hammoud
- Public Health Faculty, Jinan University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marouan Zoghbi
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CH Esquirol Limoges, IRD, U1094 Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Kinda El Haddad
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Saydeh El Khoury
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Jennifer Tannous
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, 6096 Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | | | - Nour Mammari
- Medical Laboratory Department, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534 Lebanon
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Identification of Toxoplasma Gondii Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) Activity and Molecular Immunoprotection against Toxoplasmosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020158. [PMID: 32244791 PMCID: PMC7349186 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection can change the behavior of rodents and cause neuropsychological symptoms in humans, which may be related to the change in neurotransmitter dopamine in the host brain caused by T. gondii infection. T. gondii tyrosine hydroxylase (TgTH) is an important factor in increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the host brain. In this study, the enzyme activity of TgTH catalytic substrate for dopamine production and the molecular characteristics of TgTH were identified. In order to amplify the open reading frame (ORF), the designing of the specific primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was on the basis of the TgTH sequence (GenBank Accession No. EU481510.1), which was inserted into pET-32a (+) for the expression of recombined TgTH (rTgTH). The sequence analysis indicated that the gene of TgTH directed the encoding of a 62.4-kDa protein consisting of 565 amino acid residues, which was predicted to have a high antigen index. The enzyme activity test showed that rTgTH and the soluble proteins extracted separately from T. gondii RH strain and PRU strain could catalyze the substrate to produce dopamine in a dose-dependent manner, and the optimum catalytic temperature was 37 °C. The result of the Western Blotting assay revealed that the rTgTH and the native TgTH extracted from somatic of T. gondii RH tachyzoite were successfully detected by the sera of mice infected with T. gondii and the rat serum after rTgTH immune, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis using antibody against rTgTH demonstrated that the protein was expressed and located on the surface of T. gondii RH tachyzoite. Freund’s adjuvant was used to emulsify the rTgTH, which was subsequently applied to BALB/c mouse immune thrice on week 0, week 2, and week 4, respectively. The result of the animal challenge experiments showed an integral increase in IgG, IgG2a, IgG1, and IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL17 were as well significantly increased, and that the rTgTH vaccinated animals apparently had a prolonged survival time (14.30 ± 2.41) after infection with the RH strain of T. gondii compared with that of the non-vaccinated control animals, which died within 11 days. Additionally, in the rTgTH vaccination group, the number of brain cysts (1275 ± 224) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared to the blank control group (2375 ± 883), and the size of the brain cysts in the animals immunized with rTgTH vaccination was remarkably smaller than that of the control mice. All the findings prove that TgTH played an important role in increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the host brain and could be used as a vaccine candidate antigen to mediate cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
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35
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Hosseininejad Z, Amouei A, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:117-126. [PMID: 32186992 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1738153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), as an opportunistic neurotropic parasite of the Apicomplexa family, was firstly described in 1908. As attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents and often persists into adulthood, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between T. gondii infection and ADHD.The data were systematically collected from seven electronic databases up to May 1st 2019 with no language restriction. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; code: CRD42020149353). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effects model. Seven studies involving five cross-sectional and two case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis.Results indicated that there was a statistically non-significant association between exposure to T. gondii infection and increased risk of ADHD based on the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (2.02 [95% CI: 0.97-4.20]; I2=58.7%). However, obtained results of Egger's tests for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody showed publication bias (P=0.014).Sensitivity analysis revealed stable results for the association between anti-T. gondii IgG antibody with ADHD.Given the small number of studies in this field and the obtained results, it cannot be conclusively stated that T. gondii is a risk factor for ADHD.It is important to have reliable information about the relationship between T. gondii and ADHD around the world; as it may lead to better insight to elucidate the possible association of toxoplasmosis and the pathogenesis of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 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.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, 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, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, 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, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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36
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. In many hosts, T. gondii establishes a latent long-term infection by converting from its rapidly dividing or lytic form to its slowly replicating and encysting form. In humans and rodents, the major organ for encystment is the central nervous system (CNS), which has led many to investigate how this persistent CNS infection might influence rodent and human behavior and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases. Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. In many hosts, T. gondii establishes a latent long-term infection by converting from its rapidly dividing or lytic form to its slowly replicating and encysting form. In humans and rodents, the major organ for encystment is the central nervous system (CNS), which has led many to investigate how this persistent CNS infection might influence rodent and human behavior and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases. Given the interest in this topic, here we seek to take a global approach to the data for and against the effects of latent T. gondii on behavior and neurodegeneration and the proposed mechanisms that might underlie behavior modifications.
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37
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Boillat M, Hammoudi PM, Dogga SK, Pagès S, Goubran M, Rodriguez I, Soldati-Favre D. Neuroinflammation-Associated Aspecific Manipulation of Mouse Predator Fear by Toxoplasma gondii. Cell Rep 2020; 30:320-334.e6. [PMID: 31940479 PMCID: PMC6963786 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, the decrease of felid aversion induced by Toxoplasma gondii, a phenomenon termed fatal attraction, is interpreted as an adaptive manipulation by the neurotropic protozoan parasite. With the aim of understanding how the parasite induces such specific behavioral modifications, we performed a multiparametric analysis of T. gondii-induced changes on host behavior, physiology, and brain transcriptome as well as parasite cyst load and distribution. Using a set of complementary behavioral tests, we provide strong evidence that T. gondii lowers general anxiety in infected mice, increases explorative behaviors, and surprisingly alters predator aversion without selectivity toward felids. Furthermore, we show a positive correlation between the severity of the behavioral alterations and the cyst load, which indirectly reflects the level of inflammation during brain colonization. Taken together, these findings refute the myth of a selective loss of cat fear in T. gondii-infected mice and point toward widespread immune-related alterations of behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlaina Boillat
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Mehdi Hammoudi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Sunil Kumar Dogga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Pagès
- Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maged Goubran
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ivan Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine-University of Geneva CMU, 1 rue Michel-Servet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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38
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Ihara F, Tanaka S, Fereig RM, Nishimura M, Nishikawa Y. Involvement of Toll-like receptor 2 in the cerebral immune response and behavioral changes caused by latent Toxoplasma infection in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220560. [PMID: 31404078 PMCID: PMC6690529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Subacute and chronic infections with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in T. gondii-induced neuronal disorders. Recently, we reported that Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) was required to initiate the innate immune response in cultured mouse brain cells. However, how TLR2 contributes to latent infection with T. gondii remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the role of TLR2 in brain pathology and behavior using wild-type (TLR2+/+) and TLR2-deficient (TLR2-/-) mice. The behavioral analyses showed that TLR2 deficiency increased the anxiety state of the uninfected and infected animals alike, and TLR2 deficiency showed no relationship with the infection. In the contextual and cued fear-conditioning tests, T. gondii infection decreased the mouse freezing reaction while TLR2 deficiency increased it, but there was no interaction between the two factors. Our histopathological analysis showed that the TLR2+/+ and TLR2-/- mice had similar brain lesions at 30 days post infection (dpi) with T. gondii. Higher numbers of parasites were detected in the brains of the TLR2-/- mice than in those from the TLR2+/+ mice at 30 dpi, but not at 7 and 14 dpi. No significant differences were observed in the proinflammatory gene expression levels in the TLR2+/+ and TLR2-/- mice. Therefore, it appears that TLR2 signaling in the brain might contribute to the control of parasite growth, but not to brain pathology or the impaired fear memory response induced by infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ihara
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachi Tanaka
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ragab M. Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena, Egypt
| | - Maki Nishimura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
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39
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Garnham AL, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Impaired social behaviour and molecular mediators of associated neural circuits during chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in female mice. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:88-108. [PMID: 30807837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a neurotropic parasite that is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Rodents infected with T. gondii display a plethora of behavioural alterations, and Toxoplasma infection in humans has been strongly associated with disorders such as schizophrenia, in which impaired social behaviour is an important feature. Elucidating changes at the cellular level relevant to neuropsychiatric conditions can lead to effective therapies. Here, we compare changes in behaviour during an acute and chronic T. gondii infection in female mice. Further, we notice that during chronic phase of infection, mice display impaired sociability when exposed to a novel conspecific. Also, we show that T. gondii infected mice display impaired short-term social recognition memory. However, object recognition memory remains intact. Using c-Fos as a marker of neuronal activity, we show that infection leads to an impairment in neuronal activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus as well as the amygdala when mice are exposed to a social environment and a change in functional connectivity between these regions. We found changes in synaptic proteins that play a role in the process of neuronal activation such as synaptophysin, PSD-95 and changes in downstream substrates of cell activity such as cyclic AMP, phospho-CREB and BDNF. Our results point towards an imbalance in neuronal activity that can lead to a wider range of neuropsychiatric problems upon T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Alexandra L Garnham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
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40
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Sutterland AL, Kuin A, Kuiper B, van Gool T, Leboyer M, Fond G, de Haan L. Driving us mad: the association of Toxoplasma gondii with suicide attempts and traffic accidents - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1608-1623. [PMID: 31010440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Unnatural causes of death due to traffic accidents (TA) and suicide attempts (SA) constitute a major burden on global health, which remained stable in the last decade despite widespread efforts of prevention. Recently, latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been suggested to be a biological risk factor for both TA and SA. Therefore, a systematic search concerning the relationship of T. gondii infection with TA and/or SA according to PRISMA guidelines in Medline, Pubmed and PsychInfo was conducted collecting papers up to 11 February 2019 (PROSPERO #CRD42018090206). The random-effect model was applied and sensitivity analyses were subsequently performed. Lastly, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated. We found a significant association for antibodies against T. gondii with TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.38, p = 0.003] and SA (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.10-1.76, p = 0006). Indication of publication bias was found for TA, but statistical adjustment for this bias did not change the OR. Heterogeneity between studies on SA was partly explained by type of control population used (ORhealthy controls = 1.9, p < 0.001 v. ORpsychiatric controls = 1.06, p = 0.87) and whether subjects with schizophrenia only were analysed (ORschizophrenia = 0.87, p = 0.62 v. ORvarious = 1.8, p < 0.001). The association was significantly stronger with higher antibody titres in TA and in studies that did not focus on schizophrenia subjects concerning SA. PAF of a T. gondii infection was 17% for TA and 10% for SA. This indicates that preventing T. gondii infection may play a role in the prevention of TA or SA, although uncertainty remains whether infection and outcome are truly causally related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen L Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Anne Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Bouke Kuiper
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Parasitology,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
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41
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Bay-Richter C, Petersen E, Liebenberg N, Elfving B, Wegener G. Latent toxoplasmosis aggravates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour and suggest a role of gene-environment interactions in the behavioural response to the parasite. Behav Brain Res 2019; 364:133-139. [PMID: 30768994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (TOX) is an intracellular parasite which infects warm-blooded animals including humans. An increasing number of clinical studies now hypothesize that latent toxoplasmosis may be a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disease. For depression, the results have been varied and we speculate that genetic background is important for the response to latent toxoplasmosis. The main objective of this study was to elucidate gene - environment interactions in the behavioural response to TOX infection by use of genetically vulnerable animals (Flinders sensitive line, FSL) compared to control animals (Flinders resistant line, FRL). Our results show that all infected animals displayed increased anxiety-like behaviour whereas only genetically vulnerable animals (FSL rats) showed depressive-like behaviour as a consequence of the TOX infection. Furthermore, peripheral cytokine expression was increased following the infection, primarily independent of strain. In the given study 14 cytokines, chemokines, metabolic hormones, and growth factors were quantified with the bead-based Luminex200 system, however, only IL-1α expression was affected differently in FSL animals compared to FRL rats. These results suggest that latent TOX infection can induce anxiety-like behaviour independent of genetic background. Intriguingly, we also report that for depressive-like behaviour only the vulnerable rat strain is affected. This could explain the discrepancy in the literature as to whether TOX infection is a risk factor for depressive symptomatology. We propose that the low grade inflammation caused by the chronic infection is related to the development of behavioural symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Bay-Richter
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark.
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Royal Hospital, 111 Muscat, Oman; Institute for Clinical Medicine, 8000 Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Nico Liebenberg
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, AUGUST Centre, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
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Alsaady I, Tedford E, Alsaad M, Bristow G, Kohli S, Murray M, Reeves M, Vijayabaskar MS, Clapcote SJ, Wastling J, McConkey GA. Downregulation of the Central Noradrenergic System by Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00789-18. [PMID: 30510101 PMCID: PMC6346129 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00789-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is associated with physiological effects in the host. Dysregulation of catecholamines in the central nervous system has previously been observed in chronically infected animals. In the study described here, the noradrenergic system was found to be suppressed with decreased levels of norepinephrine (NE) in brains of infected animals and in infected human and rat neural cells in vitro The mechanism responsible for the NE suppression was found to be downregulation of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene expression, encoding the enzyme that synthesizes norepinephrine from dopamine, with downregulation observed in vitro and in infected brain tissue, particularly in the dorsal locus coeruleus/pons region. The downregulation was sex specific, with males expressing reduced DBH mRNA levels whereas females were unchanged. Rather, DBH expression correlated with estrogen receptor in the female rat brains for this estrogen-regulated gene. DBH silencing was not a general response of neurons to infection, as human cytomegalovirus did not downregulate DBH expression. The noradrenergic-linked behaviors of sociability and arousal were altered in chronically infected animals, with a high correlation between DBH expression and infection intensity. A decrease in DBH expression in noradrenergic neurons can elevate dopamine levels, which provides a possible explanation for mixed observations of changes in this neurotransmitter with infection. Decreased NE is consistent with the loss of coordination and motor impairments associated with toxoplasmosis. Further, the altered norepinephrine synthesis observed here may, in part, explain behavioral effects of infection and associations with mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isra Alsaady
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Tedford
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Alsaad
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Bristow
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Shivali Kohli
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Murray
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, UCL Department of Virology, Division of Infection & Immunity, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Reeves
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, UCL Department of Virology, Division of Infection & Immunity, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - M S Vijayabaskar
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J Clapcote
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Wastling
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn A McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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43
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Peng X, Brenner LA, Mathai AJ, Cook TB, Fuchs D, Postolache N, Groer MW, Pandey JP, Mohyuddin F, Giegling I, Wadhawan A, Hartmann AM, Konte B, Brundin L, Friedl M, Stiller JW, Lowry CA, Rujescu D, Postolache TT. Moderation of the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and trait impulsivity in younger men by the phenylalanine-tyrosine ratio. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:992-1000. [PMID: 30057257 PMCID: PMC6371810 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we reported that Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-seropositivity is associated with higher impulsive sensation seeking in younger men. As dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling regulate impulsivity, and as T. gondii directly and indirectly affects dopaminergic signaling and induces activation of the kynurenine pathway leading to the diversion of tryptophan from serotonin production, we investigated if dopamine and serotonin precursors or the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine interact with the T. gondii-impulsivity association. In 950 psychiatrically healthy participants, trait impulsivity scores were related to T. gondii IgG seropositivity. Interactions were also identified between categorized levels of phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), Phe:Tyr ratio, kynurenine (Kyn), tryptophan (Trp) and Kyn:Trp ratio, and age and gender. Only younger T. gondii-positive men with a high Phe:Tyr ratio, were found to have significantly higher impulsivity scores. There were no significant associations in other demographic groups, including women and older men. No significant effects or interactions were identified for Phe, Tyr, Kyn, Trp, or Kyn:Trp ratio. Phe:Tyr ratio, therefore, may play a moderating role in the association between T. gondii seropositivity and impulsivity in younger men. These results could potentially lead to individualized approaches to reduce impulsivity, based on combined demographic, biochemical and serological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Peng
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa A. Brenner
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Denver, CO, USA,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Departments of Psychiatry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Neurology, Denver, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE). Denver, CO, USA
| | - Ashwin J. Mathai
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas B. Cook
- Department of Public Health & Mercyhurst Institute for Public Health, Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA, USA
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadine Postolache
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Janardan P. Pandey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Farooq Mohyuddin
- Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ina Giegling
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Abhishek Wadhawan
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Annette M. Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bettina Konte
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Lena Brundin
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University and the Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marion Friedl
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - John W. Stiller
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Denver, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE). Denver, CO, USA,Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Teodor T. Postolache
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Denver, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE). Denver, CO, USA,VA Capitol Health Care Network, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (VISN 5 MIRECC), Baltimore, MD, USA,Correspondent author. (T.T. Postolache)
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasmosis: A pathway to neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:72-92. [PMID: 30476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Our current understanding centres on neuronal changes that are elicited directly by this intracellular parasite versus indirect changes that occur due to activation of the immune system within the CNS, or a combination of both. In this review, we explore the interactions between Toxoplasma and its host, the proposed mechanisms and consequences on neuronal function and mental health, and discuss Toxoplasma infection as a public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
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Wang T, Sun X, Qin W, Zhang X, Wu L, Li Y, Zhou C, Zhou H, He S, Cong H. From inflammatory reactions to neurotransmitter changes: Implications for understanding the neurobehavioral changes in mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:737-748. [PMID: 30253194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can cause a latent infection in the central nervous system, leading to neurobehavioral abnormalities in the host. However, the mechanism underlying these changes remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we detected behavioral changes, pathological injury, secretion of neurotransmitters and related signal pathway in mice infected by T. gondii using behavioral test, histopathology, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, HPLC and real time PCR. Mice showed neurobehavioral disturbances two months after infection with T. gondii. Histopathology revealed the activation of astrocytes and microglia, apoptosis of neurons and decreases in synapses in the brain of infected mice. Excessive secretion of cytokines and chemokines was detected in the brains of mice infected by T. gondii compared to uninfected mice. Furthermore, T. gondii infection led to abnormalities in neurotransmitters and the activation of NF-κB and dopamine (DA) signaling pathways in the infected mice. In conclusion, excessive activation of the inflammation in the brain could induce neuronal apoptosis in mice chronically infected with T. gondii. Dysregulation of the dopaminergic neurotransmitter could provide an explanation of neurobehavioral disorders in infected hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiahui Sun
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wen Qin
- University hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Leilei Wu
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Human Parasitology, Shandong University, School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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Zouei N, Shojaee S, Mohebali M, Keshavarz H. The association of latent toxoplasmosis and level of serum testosterone in humans. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:365. [PMID: 29884208 PMCID: PMC5994116 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Latent toxoplasmosis modifies various hormones and behaviors in infected hosts and possibly involves in etiology of different neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The aim of the current study was to assess possible associations between latent toxoplasmosis and testosterone concentration in Toxoplasma infected and free subjects. Briefly, 18–49 year-old participated in the study. After collected blood samples, sera were analyzed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Totally, 76 positive sera were selected as study group (38 from men and 38 from women) and a same number of negative sera as control group. Results Comparison of testosterone concentrations and control groups showed that testosterone concentration in study group was higher than that in control group with statistically significant difference (P = 0.024 and P = 0.043 for men and women, respectively). Significant differences were found in testosterone concentrations and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody levels in study and control groups (P < 0.05). Toxoplasmosis can affect the mean concentration of serum testosterone in human. Alteration of testosterone during latent toxoplasmosis can result in alterations in behavioral, physiologic and immunological parameters in long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Zouei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina St., Ghods St., Enghelab St., Tehran, 1417613191, Iran.
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McFarland R, Wang ZT, Jouroukhin Y, Li Y, Mychko O, Coppens I, Xiao J, Jones-Brando L, Yolken RH, Sibley LD, Pletnikov MV. AAH2 gene is not required for dopamine-dependent neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities produced by Toxoplasma infection in mouse. Behav Brain Res 2018; 347:193-200. [PMID: 29555339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), has been associated with the increased risk for several psychiatric disorders. The exact mechanisms of a hypothesized contribution of T. gondii infection are poorly understood. The T. gondii genome contains two aromatic amino acid hydroxylase genes (AAH1 and AAH2) that encode proteins that can produce L-DOPA. One popular hypothesis posits that these encoded enzymes might influence dopamine (DA) production and hence DA synaptic transmission, leading to neurobehavioral abnormalities in the infected host. Prior studies have shown that deletion of these genes does not alter DA levels in the brain or exploratory activity in infected mice. However, possible effects of AAH gene deficiency on infection-induced brain and behavior alterations that are directly linked to DA synaptic transmission have not been evaluated. We found that chronic T. gondii infection of BALB/c mice leads to blunted response to amphetamine or cocaine and decreased expression of Dopamine Transporter (DAT) and Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2). Deletion of AAH2 had no effects on these changes in infected mice. Both wild type and Δaah2 strains produced comparable levels of neuroinflammation. Our findings demonstrate that AAH2 is not required for T. gondii infection-produced DA-dependent neurobehavioral abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross McFarland
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Zi Teng Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Yan Jouroukhin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Olga Mychko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Lorraine Jones-Brando
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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48
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Gatkowska J, Wieczorek M, Dziadek B, Dzitko K, Dziadek J, Długońska H. Assessment of the antigenic and neuroprotective activity of the subunit anti-Toxoplasma vaccine in T. gondii experimentally infected mice. Vet Parasitol 2018; 254:82-94. [PMID: 29657017 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunogenic and immunoprotective activities and to determine the neuroprotective capacity of the tetravalent vaccine containing selected recombinant T. gondii antigens (ROP2 + ROP4 + SAG1 + MAG1) administered with safe adjuvants (MPL and alum) using male and female inbred mice. The tested antigenic combination provided partial protection against brain cyst formation, especially in males (reduction in cyst burden by 72%). The decrease in cyst burden was observed for the whole brain as well as for specified brain regions associated with natural defensive behaviors, emotion processing and integration of motor and sensory stimuli. The vaccine triggered a strong, specific immune response, regardless of sex, which was characterized by the antigen-specific in vitro synthesis of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-10) and in vivo production of systemic IgG1 and IgG2a immunoglobulins. Immunization prior to the parasite challenge seemed to influence T. gondii - associated behavioral and neurochemical changes, although the impact of vaccination strongly depended on sex and time post-infection. Interestingly, in the vaccinated and T. gondii infected mice there was a significant delay in the parasite-induced loss of aversion toward cat smell (cats are the definitive hosts of the parasite). The regained attraction toward feline scent in vaccinated males, observed during chronic parasite invasion, correlated with the increase in the dopamine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Gatkowska
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Łódź, Banacha 12/16, Poland.
| | - Marek Wieczorek
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, Poland.
| | - Bożena Dziadek
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Łódź, Banacha 12/16, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Łódź, Banacha 12/16, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Dziadek
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 93-232 Łódź, Lodowa 106, Poland.
| | - Henryka Długońska
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Łódź, Banacha 12/16, Poland.
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49
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An updated literature review on maternal-fetal and reproductive disorders of Toxoplasma gondii infection. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2017; 47:133-140. [PMID: 29229361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection is one of the most prevalent infectious disease with worldwide distribution. Congenital toxoplasmosis is annually responsible for 1.20 million disability-adjusted life years around the world, but often it is overlooked many countries. METHODS We performed an updated review to summarize the current researches on fetal, neonatal and maternal consequences of T. gondii infection and also adverse effects of toxoplasmosis on women reproductive organs. RESULTS T. gondii infection could be cause of several abnormalities from hydrocephalus, microcephaly, deafness, abortion and still birth in fetal to psychomotor retardation, intellectual disability, hearing loss, slower postnatal motor development during the first year of life; and chorioretinitis, cryptogenic epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders in newborns. Moreover, this infection is related with neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, depression, decreased weight, autoimmune thyroid diseases, self-directed violence, violent suicide attempts in mothers. This literature review emphasized that toxoplasmosis could be an important neglected factor endometritis, ovarian dysfunction, impaired folliculogenesis, ovarian and uterine atrophy, decrease in reproductive organs weight and reproductive performance in women. We reviewed role of the immunological profile such as pro-infiammatory cytokines and hormonal changes as main potential mechanisms related to this infection and development of maternal-fetal and reproductive disorders. CONCLUSION T. gondii is associated with several brain related disorders in both mothers and newborns, and also it is cause of several abnormalities in reproductive organs. Early diagnosis and treatment of the infection could be effective to significantly improve the clinical outcome.
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50
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Flegr J. Does Toxoplasma infection increase sexual masochism and submissiveness? Yes and no. Commun Integr Biol 2017; 10:e1303590. [PMID: 29259726 PMCID: PMC5731508 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2017.1303590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasite Toxoplasma needs to get from its intermediate hosts, e.g. rodents, to its definitive hosts, cats, by predation. To increase the probability of this occurrence, Toxoplasma manipulates the behavior of its hosts, for example, by the demethylation of promoters of certain genes in the host's amygdala. After this modification, the stimuli that normally activate fear-related circuits, e.g., the smell of a cat in mice, or smell of leopards in chimpanzees, start to additionally co-activate sexual arousal-related circuits in the infected animals. In humans, the increased attraction to masochistic sexual practices was recently observed in a study performed on 36,564 subjects. Here I show that lower rather than higher attraction to sexual masochism and submissiveness among infected subjects is detected if simple univariate tests instead of multivariate tests are applied to the same data. I show and discuss that when analyzing multiple effects of complex stimuli on complex biological systems we need to use multivariate techniques and very large data sets. We must also accept the fact that any single factor usually explains only a small fraction of variability in the focal variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
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