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Muhammad ID, Umar UA, Sabo US, Rabiu I, Ahmad AM, Yusuf MA. Female genital schistosomiasis mimicking an ovarian neoplasm: A case report. Parasitol Int 2024; 101:102878. [PMID: 38452972 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102878] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A case description of a rare occurrence of female genital schistosomiasis affecting the upper genital tract that presented with features mimicking an ovarian neoplasm. CASE REPORT Female genital schistosomiasis is a neglected clinical manifestation of the water-born parasitic disease which occurs due to the presence of schistosome eggs in the genitalia of women. A 23-year-old nulliparous woman presented with progressive abdominal distension. An abdominopelvic CT scan revealed a multilobulated right adnexal mass with gross ascites. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis was made by histology of biopsied specimens following laparotomy. Cervical colposcopic findings were consistent with female genital schistosomiasis. She was successfully treated with praziquantel. CONCLUSION Female genital schistosomiasis of the upper genital tract can mimic an ovarian malignancy. Hence there is a need for its consideration as a differential diagnosis in patients with non-classical presentations of pelvic tumours in schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Usman Aliyu Umar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
| | - Umar Suleiman Sabo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
| | - Ibrahim Rabiu
- Department of Community Medicine, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria.
| | | | - Mustapha Ahmed Yusuf
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
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2
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Pellegrino R, Tosca M, Timitilli E, Naso M, Marseglia GL, Galli L, Del Giudice MM, Chiappini E. From evidence to practice: A systematic review-based diagnostic algorithm for paediatric eosinophilia across socioeconomic context. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:1506-1515. [PMID: 38695861 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17266] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM Paediatric eosinophilia is a common clinical dilemma, often leading to resource- and time-consuming assessments. We aim to evaluate the main aetiologies of eosinophilia in children from different socioeconomic settings and propose a diagnostic algorithm. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2012 to June 2023 reporting the incidence and aetiology of peripheral eosinophilia in children were included. Evidence from studies on children originating from low- or high-income countries was compared. RESULTS A total of 15 observational studies, encompassing 3409 children, were included. The causes of eosinophilia varied based on the children's origin and the eosinophilia severity. In children from high-income countries, allergic diseases were the leading cause, with a prevalence of 7.7%-78.2%, while parasitosis ranged from 1.0% to 9.1%. In children from low-income countries, parasitosis was predominant, ranging from 17.7% to 88.3%, although allergic diseases were found in 2.5%-4.8% of cases. Concerning severity, allergic diseases were the leading cause of mild-to-moderate eosinophilia; parasitosis was associated with moderate-to-severe eosinophilia, while immunological disorders were mostly found in severe cases. CONCLUSION We developed a step-up diagnostic algorithm that considers the child's origin and eosinophilia severity and could optimise resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariangela Tosca
- Pediatric Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Timitilli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Naso
- Pediatric Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Clinic Department of Paediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialised Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
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Wang M, Xu XR, Bai QX, Wu LH, Yang XP, Yang DQ, Kuang HX. Dichroa febrifuga Lour.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and progress in reducing toxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118093. [PMID: 38537842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dichroa febrifuga Lour., a toxic but extensively used traditional Chinese medicine with a remarkable effect, is commonly called "Changshan" in China. It has been used to treat malaria and many other parasitic diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW The study aims to provide a current overview of the progress in the research on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and methods of toxicity reduction of D. febrifuga. Additionally, further research directions and development prospects for the plant were put forward. MATERIALS AND METHODS The article uses "Dichroa febrifuga Lour." "D. febrifuga" as the keyword and all relevant information on D. febrifuga was collected from electronic searches (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar), doctoral and master's dissertations and classic books about Chinese herbs. RESULTS 30 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and other kinds, were isolated and identified from D. febrifuga. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these components have a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-malarial activities, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-tumor activities, anti-parasitic activities and anti-oomycete activities. Meanwhile, alkaloids, as the material basis of its efficacy, are also the source of its toxicity. It can cause multiple organ damage, including liver, kidney and heart, and cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the current study, the toxicity can be reduced by modifying the structure of the compound, processing and changing the dosage forms. CONCLUSIONS There are few studies on the chemical constituents of D. febrifuga, so the components and their structure characterization contained in it can become the focus of future research. In view of the toxicity of D. febrifuga, there are many methods to reduce it, but the safety and rationality of these methods need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Xin-Rui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Qian-Xiang Bai
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Li-Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Xin-Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - De-Qiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Hai-Xue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
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Wu P, Li W, Xie Y, Guan W, Yang S, Li J, Zhao Y. An insight into the gut microbiota after Schistosoma japonicum eggs immunization in an experimental ulcerative colitis model. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23721. [PMID: 38822662 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302576rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Schistosome infection and schistosome-derived products have been implicated in the prevention and alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease by manipulating the host immune response, whereas the role of gut microbiota in this protective effect remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the intraperitoneal immunization with Schistosoma japonicum eggs prior to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) application significantly ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced acute colitis, which was characterized by higher body weight, lower disease activity index score and macroscopic inflammatory scores. We demonstrated that the immunomodulatory effects of S. japonicum eggs were accompanied by an influence on gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity, which increased the abundance of genus Turicibacter, family Erysipelotrichaceae, phylum Firmicutes, and decreased the abundance of genus Odoribacter, family Marinifilaceae, order Bacteroidales, class Bacteroidia, phylum Bacteroidota. In addition, Lactobacillus was identified as a biomarker that distinguishes healthy control mice from DSS-induced colitis mice. The present study revealed the importance of the gut microbiota in S. japonicum eggs exerting protective effects in an experimental ulcerative colitis (UC) model, providing an alternative strategy for the discovery of UC prevention and treatment drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wu
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yiting Xie
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Shuguo Yang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanqing Zhao
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Hu Y, Zhan RJ, Lu SL, Zhang YY, Zhou MY, Huang H, Wang DD, Zhang T, Huang ZX, Zhou YF, Lv ZY. Global distribution of zoonotic digenetic trematodes: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:46. [PMID: 38877531 PMCID: PMC11177464 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digenetic trematodes, including blood flukes, intestinal flukes, liver flukes, lung flukes, and pancreatic flukes, are highly diverse and distributed widely. They affect at least 200 million people worldwide, so better understanding of their global distribution and prevalence are crucial for controlling and preventing human trematodiosis. Hence, this scoping review aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiology of some important zoonotic digenetic trematodes. METHODS We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for articles, reviews, and case reports of zoonotic digenetic trematodes, without any restrictions on the year of publication. We followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. And relevant information of the identified studies were collected and summarized. RESULTS We identified a total of 470 articles that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review finally. Our analysis revealed the prevalence and global distribution of species in Schistosoma, Echinostoma, Isthmiophora, Echinochasmus, Paragonimus, Opisthorchiidae, Fasciolidae, Heterophyidae, and Eurytrema. Although some flukes are distributed worldwide, developing countries in Asia and Africa are still the most prevalent areas. Furthermore, there were some overlaps between the distribution of zoonotic digenetic trematodes from the same genus, and the prevalence of some zoonotic digenetic trematodes was not entirely consistent with their global distribution. The temporal disparities in zoonotic digenetic trematodes may attribute to the environmental changes. The gaps in our knowledge of the epidemiology and control of zoonotic digenetic trematodes indicate the need for large cohort studies in most countries. CONCLUSIONS This review provides important insights into the prevalence and global distribution of some zoonotic digenetic trematodes, firstly reveals spatio-temporal disparities in these digenetic trematodes. Countries with higher prevalence rate could be potential sources of transmitting diseases to other areas and are threat for possible outbreaks in the future. Therefore, continued global efforts to control and prevent human trematodiosis, and more international collaborations are necessary in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Rong-Jian Zhan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Lin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min-Yu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding-Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zi-Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Fei Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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Spiwoková P, Horn M, Fanfrlík J, Jílková A, Fajtová P, Leontovyč A, Houštecká R, Bieliková L, Brynda J, Chanová M, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Caro-Diaz EJE, Almaliti J, El-Sakkary N, Gerwick WH, Caffrey CR, Mareš M. Nature-Inspired Gallinamides Are Potent Antischistosomal Agents: Inhibition of the Cathepsin B1 Protease Target and Binding Mode Analysis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1935-1948. [PMID: 38757505 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00589] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by a parasitic blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, is a global health problem for which new chemotherapeutic options are needed. We explored the scaffold of gallinamide A, a natural peptidic metabolite of marine cyanobacteria that has previously been shown to inhibit cathepsin L-type proteases. We screened a library of 19 synthetic gallinamide A analogs and identified nanomolar inhibitors of the cathepsin B-type protease SmCB1, which is a drug target for the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni. Against cultured S. mansoni schistosomula and adult worms, many of the gallinamides generated a range of deleterious phenotypic responses. Imaging with a fluorescent-activity-based probe derived from gallinamide A demonstrated that SmCB1 is the primary target for gallinamides in the parasite. Furthermore, we solved the high-resolution crystal structures of SmCB1 in complex with gallinamide A and its two analogs and describe the acrylamide covalent warhead and binding mode in the active site. Quantum chemical calculations evaluated the contribution of individual positions in the peptidomimetic scaffold to the inhibition of the target and demonstrated the importance of the P1' and P2 positions. Our study introduces gallinamides as a powerful chemotype that can be exploited for the development of novel antischistosomal chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Spiwoková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, Prague 6 16628, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Fanfrlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Houštecká
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, Praha 2 12108, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Bieliková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Kateřinská 32, Praha 2 12108, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2028/7, Prague 2 12800, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Eduardo J E Caro-Diaz
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Jehad Almaliti
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - William H Gerwick
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, Prague 6 16610, Czech Republic
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Yuan Y, Li J, Lu X, Chen M, Liang H, Chen XP, Long X, Zhang B, Gong S, Huang X, Zhao J, Chen Q. Autophagy in hepatic progenitor cells modulates exosomal miRNAs to inhibit liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis. Front Med 2024; 18:538-557. [PMID: 38769281 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-024-1079-1] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Schistosoma infection is one of the major causes of liver fibrosis. Emerging roles of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis have been identified. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying the role of HPCs in liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis remains unclear. This study examined how autophagy in HPCs affects schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by modulating exosomal miRNAs. The activation of HPCs was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining in fibrotic liver from patients and mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection. By coculturing HPCs with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and assessing the autophagy level in HPCs by proteomic analysis and in vitro phenotypic assays, we found that impaired autophagy degradation in these activated HPCs was mediated by lysosomal dysfunction. Blocking autophagy by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) significantly diminished liver fibrosis and granuloma formation in S. japonicum-infected mice. HPC-secreted extracellular vehicles (EVs) were further isolated and studied by miRNA sequencing. miR-1306-3p, miR-493-3p, and miR-34a-5p were identified, and their distribution into EVs was inhibited due to impaired autophagy in HPCs, which contributed to suppressing HSC activation. In conclusion, we showed that the altered autophagy process upon HPC activation may prevent liver fibrosis by modulating exosomal miRNA release and inhibiting HSC activation in schistosomiasis. Targeting the autophagy degradation process may be a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis during Schistosoma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yuan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xun Lu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Min Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xin Long
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Song Gong
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Tongji Trauma Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Qian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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8
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Cajas RA, Santos SSB, Espírito-Santo MCC, Garedaghi Y, de Moraes J. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of the amiodarone and praziquantel combination against the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0011424. [PMID: 38780260 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00114-24] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, primarily in developing countries. Praziquantel, the sole drug currently approved for schistosomiasis treatment, demonstrates effectiveness against patent infections. A recent study highlighted the antiparasitic properties of amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, exhibiting higher efficacy than praziquantel against prepatent infections. This study assessed the efficacy of amiodarone and praziquantel, both individually and in combination, against Schistosoma mansoni through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤0.5) for combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel. In a murine model of schistosomiasis featuring prepatent infections, treatments involving amiodarone (200 or 400 mg/kg) followed by praziquantel (200 or 400 mg/kg) yielded a substantial reduction in worm burden (60%-70%). Given the low efficacy of praziquantel in prepatent infections, combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel may offer clinical utility in the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa A Cajas
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia S B Santos
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina C Espírito-Santo
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis (LIM-06), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yagoob Garedaghi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Scientific and Technological Institute, Brazil University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mohammad OS, Hussein HM, Abdel-Sayed SW, Mohamed GA, Shehata MAS. Therapeutic efficacy of candidate antischistosomal drugs in a murine model of schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:215. [PMID: 38771511 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08236-8] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease associated with considerable morbidity. Praziquantel (PZQ) is effective against adult schistosomes, yet, it has little effect on juvenile stages, and PZQ resistance is emerging. Adopting the drug repurposing strategy as well as assuming enhancing the efficacy and lessening the doses and side effects, the present study aimed to investigate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the widely used antiarrhythmic, amiodarone, and diuretic, spironolactone, and combinations of them compared to PZQ. Mice were infected by Schistosoma mansoni "S. mansoni" cercariae (Egyptian strain), then they were divided into two major groups: Early- [3 weeks post-infection (wpi)] and late- [6 wpi] treated. Each group was subdivided into seven subgroups: positive control, PZQ, amiodarone, spironolactone, PZQ combined with amiodarone, PZQ combined with spironolactone, and amiodarone combined with spironolactone-treated groups. Among the early-treated groups, spironolactone had the best therapeutic impact indicated by a 69.4% reduction of total worm burden (TWB), 38.6% and 48.4% reduction of liver and intestine egg load, and a significant reduction of liver granuloma number by 49%. Whereas, among the late-treated groups, amiodarone combined with PZQ was superior to PZQ alone evidenced by 96.1% reduction of TWB with the total disappearance of female and copula in the liver and intestine, 53.1% and 84.9% reduction of liver and intestine egg load, and a significant reduction of liver granuloma number by 67.6%. Comparatively, spironolactone was superior to PZQ and amiodarone in the early treatment phase targeting immature stages, while amiodarone had a more potent effect when combined with PZQ in the late treatment phase targeting mature schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omnia Sobhi Mohammad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Ghada Adel Mohamed
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Fok L, Erko B, Brett-Major D, Animut A, Broadhurst MJ, Dai D, Linville J, Levecke B, Negash Y, Degarege A. Evaluating the Performance of FlukeCatcher at Detecting Urogenital Schistosomiasis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1037. [PMID: 38786335 PMCID: PMC11119622 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Urine filtration microscopy (UFM) lacks sensitivity in detecting low-intensity Schistosoma haematobium infections. In pursuit of a superior alternative, this study evaluated the performance of FlukeCatcher microscopy (FCM) at detecting S. haematobium eggs in human urine samples. Urine samples were collected from 572 school-age children in Afar, Ethiopia in July 2023 and examined using UFM and FCM approaches. Using the combined UFM and FCM results as a reference, the sensitivity, negative predictive value, and agreement levels for the two testing methods in detecting S. haematobium eggs in urine samples were calculated. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of detecting S. haematobium eggs in urine samples for FCM was 84% and 97%, respectively, compared to 65% and 93% for UFM. The FCM test results had an agreement of 61% with the UFM results, compared to 90% with the combined results of FCM and UFM. However, the average egg count estimates were lower when using FCM (6.6 eggs per 10 mL) compared to UFM (14.7 eggs per 10 mL) (p < 0.0001). Incorporating FCM into specimen processing could improve the diagnosis of S. haematobium infection but may underperform in characterizing the intensity of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Fok
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (L.F.); (D.B.-M.)
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (B.E.); (A.A.); (Y.N.)
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (L.F.); (D.B.-M.)
| | - Abebe Animut
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (B.E.); (A.A.); (Y.N.)
| | - M. Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Daisy Dai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - John Linville
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - Yohannes Negash
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1176, Ethiopia; (B.E.); (A.A.); (Y.N.)
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (L.F.); (D.B.-M.)
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Megersa B, Hussein B, Shemsu J, Kassahun R, Merera O, Moje N, Edao BM, Waktole H, Ashenafi H, Ayana D. Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:197. [PMID: 38741097 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekele Megersa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
| | - Bilisuma Hussein
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Jemila Shemsu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Redeat Kassahun
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Olana Merera
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Nebyou Moje
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Bedaso Mammo Edao
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Champaign, USA
| | - Hika Waktole
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Hagos Ashenafi
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dinka Ayana
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
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Zhou A, Zhang W, Ge X, Liu Q, Luo F, Xu S, Hu W, Lu Y. Characterizing genetic variation on the Z chromosome in Schistosoma japonicum reveals host-parasite co-evolution. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:207. [PMID: 38720339 PMCID: PMC11080191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that afflicts millions of people worldwide; it is caused by Schistosoma, the only dioecious flukes with ZW systems. Schistosoma japonicum is endemic to Asia; the Z chromosome of S. japonicum comprises one-quarter of the entire genome. Detection of positive selection using resequencing data to understand adaptive evolution has been applied to a variety of pathogens, including S. japonicum. However, the contribution of the Z chromosome to evolution and adaptation is often neglected. METHODS We obtained 1,077,526 high-quality SNPs on the Z chromosome in 72 S. japonicum using re-sequencing data publicly. To examine the faster Z effect, we compared the sequence divergence of S. japonicum with two closely related species, Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni. Genetic diversity was compared between the Z chromosome and autosomes in S. japonicum by calculating the nucleotide diversity (π) and Dxy values. Population structure was also assessed based on PCA and structure analysis. Besides, we employed multiple methods including Tajima's D, FST, iHS, XP-EHH, and CMS to detect positive selection signals on the Z chromosome. Further RNAi knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the potential biological functions of the candidate genes. RESULTS Our study found that the Z chromosome of S. japonicum showed faster evolution and more pronounced genetic divergence than autosomes, although the effect may be smaller than the variation among genes. Compared with autosomes, the Z chromosome in S. japonicum had a more pronounced genetic divergence of sub-populations. Notably, we identified a set of candidate genes associated with host-parasite co-evolution. In particular, LCAT exhibited significant selection signals within the Taiwan population. Further RNA interference experiments suggested that LCAT is necessary for S. japonicum survival and propagation in the definitive host. In addition, we identified several genes related to the specificity of the intermediate host in the C-M population, including Rab6 and VCP, which are involved in adaptive immune evasion to the host. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides valuable insights into the adaptive evolution of the Z chromosome in S. japonicum and further advances our understanding of the co-evolution of this medically important parasite and its hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xueling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Liu C, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Musabaev E, Thu Hien NT, Dang Y, Zhao L. Therapeutic potential of natural products in schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1332027. [PMID: 38770001 PMCID: PMC11102961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1332027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that endangers human health and social development. The granulomatous reaction of Schistosoma eggs in the liver is the main cause of hepatosplenomegaly and fibrotic lesions. Anti liver fibrosis therapy is crucial for patients with chronic schistosomiasis. Although Praziquantel is the only clinical drug used, it is limited in insecticide treatment and has a long-term large-scale use, which is forcing the search for cost-effective alternatives. Previous research has demonstrated that plant metabolites and extracts have effective therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis. This paper summarizes the mechanisms of action of metabolites and some plant extracts in alleviating schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis. The analysis was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Some plant metabolites and extracts ameliorate liver fibrosis by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including reducing inflammatory infiltration, oxidative stress, inhibiting alternate macrophage activation, suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation, and reducing worm egg load. Natural products improve liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis, but further research is needed to elucidate the effectiveness of natural products in treating liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis, as there is no reported data from clinical trials in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Infectious Diseases Department, O.Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Erkin Musabaev
- The Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Yiping Dang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lotz CN, Krollenbrock A, Imhof L, Riscoe M, Keiser J. Robenidine derivatives as potential antischistosomal drug candidates. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100546. [PMID: 38733883 PMCID: PMC11101930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma spp. is a disease that causes a considerable health burden to millions of people worldwide. The limited availability of effective drugs on the market and the increased risk of resistance development due to extensive usage, highlight the urgent need for new antischistosomal drugs. Recent studies have shown that robenidine derivatives, containing an aminoguanidine core, exhibit promising activities against Plasmodium falciparum, motivating further investigation into their efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni, due to their similar habitat and the resulting related cellular mechanisms like the heme detoxification pathway. The conducted phenotypic screening of robenidine and 80 derivatives against newly transformed schistosomula and adult Schistosoma mansoni yielded 11 candidates with low EC50 values for newly transformed schistosomula (1.12-4.63 μM) and adults (2.78-9.47 μM). The structure-activity relationship revealed that electron-withdrawing groups at the phenyl moiety, as well as the presence of methyl groups adjacent to the guanidine moiety, enhanced the activity of derivatives against both stages of Schistosoma mansoni. The two compounds 2,2'-Bis[(3-cyano-4-fluorophenyl)methylene] carbonimidic Dihydrazide Hydrochloride (1) and 2,2'-Bis[(4-difluoromethoxyphenyl) ethylidene] carbonimidic Dihydrazide Hydrochloride (19), were selected for an in vivo study in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice based on their potency, cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetic-, and physicochemical properties, but failed to reduce the worm burden significantly (worm burden reduction <20%). Thus, robenidine derivatives require further refinements to obtain higher antischistosomal specificity and in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian N Lotz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, 4051, Switzerland.
| | - Alina Krollenbrock
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, United States.
| | - Lea Imhof
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, 4051, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Riscoe
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, United States.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, 4051, Switzerland.
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15
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Vanzan DF, Goma EP, Locatelli FR, Honorio TDS, Furtado PDS, Rodrigues CR, de Sousa VP, Mata dos Santos HA, do Carmo FA, Simon A, Pyrrho ADS, Ribeiro AJ, Cabral LM. Evaluation of Silybin Nanoparticles against Liver Damage in Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni Infection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:618. [PMID: 38794280 PMCID: PMC11125168 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050618] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Silybin (SIB) is a hepatoprotective drug known for its poor oral bioavailability, attributed to its classification as a class IV drug with significant metabolism during the first-pass effect. This study explored the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles with (SLN-SIB-U) or without (SLN-SIB) ursodeoxycholic acid and polymeric nanoparticles (PN-SIB) as delivery systems for SIB. The efficacy of these nanosystems was assessed through in vitro studies using the GRX and Caco-2 cell lines for permeability and proliferation assays, respectively, as well as in vivo experiments employing a murine model of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection in BALB/c mice. The mean diameter and encapsulation efficiency of the nanosystems were as follows: SLN-SIB (252.8 ± 4.4 nm, 90.28 ± 2.2%), SLN-SIB-U (252.9 ± 14.4 nm, 77.05 ± 2.8%), and PN-SIB (241.8 ± 4.1 nm, 98.0 ± 0.2%). In the proliferation assay with the GRX cell line, SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U exhibited inhibitory effects of 43.09 ± 5.74% and 38.78 ± 3.78%, respectively, compared to PN-SIB, which showed no inhibitory effect. Moreover, SLN-SIB-U demonstrated a greater apparent permeability coefficient (25.82 ± 2.2) than PN-SIB (20.76 ± 0.1), which was twice as high as that of SLN-SIB (11.32 ± 4.6) and pure SIB (11.28 ± 0.2). These findings suggest that solid lipid nanosystems hold promise for further in vivo investigations. In the murine model of acute-phase Schistosomiasis mansoni infection, both SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U displayed hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by lower alanine amino transferase values (22.89 ± 1.6 and 23.93 ± 2.4 U/L, respectively) than those in control groups I (29.55 ± 0.7 U/L) and I+SIB (34.29 ± 0.3 U/L). Among the prepared nanosystems, SLN-SIB-U emerges as a promising candidate for enhancing the pharmacokinetic properties of SIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Figueiredo Vanzan
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ester Puna Goma
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Fernanda Resende Locatelli
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Thiago da Silva Honorio
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Priscila de Souza Furtado
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Carlos Rangel Rodrigues
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Valeria Pereira de Sousa
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Hilton Antônio Mata dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flávia Almada do Carmo
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alice Simon
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alexandre dos Santos Pyrrho
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - António José Ribeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucio Mendes Cabral
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
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16
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Dias IHL, Fonseca ÁLS, de Sousa SRM, Gouveia MIM, Ribeiro LR, de Oliveira Goveia C, Nogueira JFC, Enk MJ, Souza E Guimarães RJDP, Lima KVB. Schistosoma mansoni infection in residents of a riverside community in Eastern Amazon. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:835-841. [PMID: 38822463 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni worms cause a waterborne parasitic disease called schistosomiasis. It commonly affects individuals in lack of sanitation structure. In Brazil, Pará state has Belém as one of the worst sanitation-ranking places in 2023, where schistosomiasis transmission was already documented. This study reports the occurrence of schistosomiasis in residents of Ilha das Onças, an island next to Belém. Stool samples were obtained from participants over 2 years old, all residents from Furo do Rio Grande, one of the rivers on the island. The Kato-Katz technique was performed for parasite investigation in the stool samples. Each participant responded to a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The residences were georeferenced for map designing. Three out of 263 participants were S. mansoni positive, all men, ages ranging from 19 to 41 years old, with low parasitic load. Malacological surveys were carried out, but no Biomphalaria snails were found. Risk factors for schistosomiasis establishment are present on the island, and the lack of sanitation makes it a potential risk area. Malacological surveys are highly encouraged as preventive measures, as well as health surveillance for riverside populations, generating data that will help health authorities in the management and planning of preventive control actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Helena Lima Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Strictu Sensu em Biologia Parasitária na Amazônia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil E-mail: ;
| | - Álvaro Luan Santana Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Strictu Sensu em Biologia Parasitária na Amazônia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sergei Rodrigo Magalhães de Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Strictu Sensu em Biologia Parasitária na Amazônia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Layana Rufino Ribeiro
- Licenciatura plena em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Christiane de Oliveira Goveia
- Laboratório de Malacologia (LABMAL), Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVSA/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Joyce Favacho Cardoso Nogueira
- Laboratório de Parasitoses Intestinais e Esquistossomose (LPIE), Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVSA/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Martin Johannes Enk
- Laboratório de Parasitoses Intestinais e Esquistossomose (LPIE), Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVSA/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Karla Valéria Batista Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVSA/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
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Macalanda AMC, Wanlop A, Ona KAL, Galon EMS, Khieu V, Sayasone S, Yajima A, Angeles JMM, Kawazu SI. Current advances in serological and molecular diagnosis of Schistosoma mekongi infection. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:32. [PMID: 38650044 PMCID: PMC11034094 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by blood flukes belonging to the genus Schistosoma; it persists as a public health problem in selected regions throughout Africa, South America, and Asia. Schistosoma mekongi, a zoonotic schistosome species endemic to the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia, is one of the significant causes of human schistosomiasis along with S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. Since its discovery, S. mekongi infection has been highly prevalent in communities along the Mekong River. Although surveillance and control measures have shown success in recent years, more robust diagnostic tools are still needed to establish more efficient control and prevention strategies to achieve and sustain an elimination status. Diagnosis of S. mekongi infection still relies on copro-parasitological techniques, commonly made by Kato-Katz stool examination. Serological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may also be applicable but in a limited setting. Targeted molecular and serological tools specific to the species, on the other hand, have been limited. This is due, in part, to the limited research and studies on the molecular biology of S. mekongi since genome information of this species has not yet been released. In this review, current advances, and gaps and limitations in the molecular and immunological diagnosis of S. mekongi are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines.
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Atcharaphan Wanlop
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8131, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L Ona
- College of Medicine, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eloiza May S Galon
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Aya Yajima
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Southeast Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Jose Ma M Angeles
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Jardim Poli P, Fischer-Carvalho A, Tahira AC, Chan JD, Verjovski-Almeida S, Sena Amaral M. Long Non-Coding RNA Levels Are Modulated in Schistosoma mansoni following In Vivo Praziquantel Exposure. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38668385 PMCID: PMC11053911 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma that affects over 200 million people worldwide. For decades, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only available drug to treat the disease. Despite recent discoveries that identified a transient receptor ion channel as the target of PZQ, schistosome response to this drug remains incompletely understood, since effectiveness relies on other factors that may trigger a complex regulation of parasite gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that play important roles in S. mansoni homeostasis, reproduction, and fertility. Here, we show that in vivo PZQ treatment modulates lncRNA levels in S. mansoni. We re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from mature and immature S. mansoni worms treated in vivo with PZQ and detected hundreds of lncRNAs differentially expressed following drug exposure, many of which are shared among mature and immature worms. Through RT-qPCR, seven out of ten selected lncRNAs were validated as differentially expressed; interestingly, we show that these lncRNAs are not adult worm stage-specific and are co-expressed with PZQ-modulated protein-coding genes. By demonstrating that parasite lncRNA expression levels alter in response to PZQ, this study unravels an important step toward elucidating the complex mechanisms of S. mansoni response to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Jardim Poli
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Agatha Fischer-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Ana Carolina Tahira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - John D. Chan
- Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Murilo Sena Amaral
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
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Li X, Hu M, Wang Z, Liu M, Chen Y. Prevalence of diverse colorectal polyps and risk factors for colorectal carcinoma in situ and neoplastic polyps. J Transl Med 2024; 22:361. [PMID: 38632639 PMCID: PMC11022362 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most colorectal cancers originate from precancerous polyps. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of colorectal polyps with diverse pathological morphologies and to explore the risk factors for colorectal carcinoma in situ (CCS) and neoplastic polyps. METHODS Inpatients admitted from January 2018 to May 2023 were screened through the hospital information system. Polyps were classified according to pathological morphology. The prevalence of polyps was described by frequency and 95% confidence interval. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk factors for CCS and neoplastic polyps. RESULTS In total, 2329 individuals with 3550 polyps were recruited. Among all patients, 76.99% had neoplastic polyps and 44.31% had advanced adenomas. Tubular adenoma had the highest prevalence at 60.15%, and the prevalence of CCS was 3.86%. Patients with a colorectal polyp diameter ≥ 1.0 cm or number ≥ 3 were 8.07 times or 1.98 times more likely to develop CCS than were those with a diameter < 1.0 cm or number < 3, respectively (OR 8.07, 95%CI 4.48-14.55, p < 0.0001; and OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.27-3.09, p = 0.002). The risk of CCS with schistosome egg deposition was also significantly increased (OR 2.70, 95%CI 1.05-6.98). The higher the levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 724 (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02) and CA211 (OR 1.16, 95%CI 1.03-1.32) in patients with colorectal polyps were, the greater the risk of CCS. When colorectal neoplastic polyps were analyzed, we discovered that for each 1-year increase in age, the risk of neoplastic polyps increased by 3% (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.02-1.04), p < 0.0001. Patients with a polyp diameter ≥ 1.0 cm had a 2.11-fold greater risk of neoplastic polyps compared to diameter < 1.0 cm patients (OR 3.11, 95%CI 2.48-3.92), p < 0.0001. In addition, multiple polyps and CA199 levels are risk factors for neoplastic polyps. CONCLUSION More than 3/4 of colorectal polyp patients have neoplastic polyps. Patients are more inclined to develop CCS and neoplastic polyps if they have large polyps (> 1.0 cm) or multifocal polyps. The levels of the tumor markers CA724 and CA211 show some potential usefulness for predicting CCS and may be exploited for early identification of high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Mengting Hu
- Department of General Medicine, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Zhangjun Wang
- Proprietary Trading Department, Huaan Securities Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of General Medicine, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China.
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20
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Hong A, Umar A, Chen H, Yu Z, Huang J. Advances in the study of the interaction between schistosome infections and the host's intestinal microorganisms. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:185. [PMID: 38600604 PMCID: PMC11007984 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, also called bilharziasis, is a neglected tropical disease induced by schistosomes that infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In the life cycle of schistosomiasis, eggs are regarded as the main pathogenic factor, causing granuloma formation in the tissues and organs of hosts, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and liver granulomatous immune responses and irreversible fibrosis. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome influences the progression of schistosomiasis and plays a central role in liver disease via the gut-liver axis. When used as pharmaceutical supplements or adjunctive therapy, probiotics have shown promising results in preventing, mitigating, and even treating schistosomiasis. This review elucidates the potential mechanisms of this three-way parasite-host-microbiome interaction by summarizing schistosome-mediated intestinal flora disorders, local immune changes, and host metabolic changes, and elaborates the important role of the gut microbiome in liver disease after schistosome infection through the gut-liver axis. Understanding the mechanisms behind this interaction may aid in the discovery of probiotics as novel therapeutic targets and sustainable control strategies for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Hong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Abdulrahim Umar
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Chen H, Huang S, Zhao Y, Sun R, Wang J, Yao S, Huang J, Yu Z. Metagenomic analysis of the intestinal microbiome reveals the potential mechanism involved in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in treating schistosomiasis japonica in mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0373523. [PMID: 38441977 PMCID: PMC10986500 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03735-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is one of the neglected tropical diseases characterized by chronic hepatic, intestinal granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis, as well as dysbiosis of intestinal microbiome. Previously, the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has been shown to alleviate the pathological injuries in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum by improving the disturbance of the intestinal microbiota. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. In this study, metagenomics sequencing and functional analysis were employed to investigate the differential changes in taxonomic composition and functional genes of the intestinal microbiome in S. japonicum-infected mice treated with B. amyloliquefaciens. The results revealed that intervention with B. amyloliquefaciens altered the taxonomic composition of the intestinal microbiota at the species level in infected mice and significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Moreover, the abundance of predicted genes in the intestinal microbiome was also significantly changed, and the abundance of xfp/xpk and genes translated to urease was significantly restored. Further analysis showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri was positively correlated with several KEGG Orthology (KO) genes and metabolic reactions, which might play important roles in alleviating the pathological symptoms caused by S. japonicum infection, indicating that it has the potential to function as another effective therapeutic agent for schistosomiasis. These data suggested that treatment of murine schistosomiasis japonica by B. amyloliquefaciens might be induced by alterations in the taxonomic composition and functional gene of the intestinal microbiome in mice. We hope this study will provide adjuvant strategies and methods for the early prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis japonica. IMPORTANCE Targeted interventions of probiotics on gut microbiome were used to explore the mechanism of alleviating schistosomiasis japonica. Through metagenomic analysis, there were significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum and significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria after the intervention of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. At the same time, the abundance of functional genes was found to change significantly. The abundance of genes related to urease metabolism and xfp/xpk related to D-erythrose 4-phosphate production was significantly restored, highlighting the importance of Limosilactobacillus reuteri in the recovery and abundance of predicted genes of the gut microbiome. These results indicated potential regulatory mechanism between the gene function of gut microbiome and host immune response. Our research lays the foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of probiotic intervention in alleviating schistosomiasis japonica, and provides potential adjuvant treatment strategies for early prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuaiqin Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruizheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyan Wang
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Yao
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Human Microbiome and Health Group, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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22
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Ibrahim M, Gad K, Khan T, Yousef W, Shabbir Z, Najibullah M, Abodief WT, Jarkhi HH, Azab WA. Pseudotumoral Encephalic Schistosomiasis: A Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:5-13. [PMID: 38159601 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.134] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pseudotumoral encephalic schistosomiasis (PES) is the chronic form of cerebral neuroschistosomiasis, and is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Clinically, PES closely resembles other intracranial space-occupying lesions including brain tumors. Laboratory investigations are usually inconclusive, and neuroradiologic findings are frequently reported as non-specific. Such diagnostic difficulties may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Across the literature, there is a paucity of information about and controversy over many aspects of the disease. Particularly, inconsistent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, a wide variation of medical treatment protocols, lacking consensus regarding the indications of surgery, and undetermined information regarding the impact of the extent of resection on prognosis. We herein review the pertinent literature with the aim of providing focused information regarding the pathogenesis of PES, its currently identified more distinctive neuroimaging features, and the indications and extent of surgery in light of the state-of-the-art operative neurosurgical practice. A distinctive multinodular arborizing pattern of PES lesions can often be observed on MRI in patients with PES. Praziquantel is considered by many authors to be the drug of choice in all cases, and seems to be effective at variable dose regimens. Although lesion excision utilizing current technology is generally safe, the indications and extent of surgery are still undetermined and should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Multicenter collaborative research is further needed to fill the existing gaps in the current knowledge on PES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ibrahim
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Infection Control Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Khaled Gad
- Medical Imaging Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Tufail Khan
- Neurosurgery Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Waleed Yousef
- Neurosurgery Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Zafdam Shabbir
- Neurosurgery Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mustafa Najibullah
- Neurosurgery Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Wael T Abodief
- Histopathology Department, Al-Sabah Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Hussain H Jarkhi
- Histopathology Department, Al-Sabah Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Waleed A Azab
- Neurosurgery Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Al-Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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23
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Dee DP, Lam G, Edielu A, Anguajibi V, Webb EL, Wamboko A, Mawa PA, Friedman JF, Simpson H, Bustinduy AL. A cross-sectional pilot household study of Schistosoma mansoni burden and associated morbidities in Lake Albert, Uganda. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:334-342. [PMID: 38356464 PMCID: PMC10984764 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schistosomiasis is persistent in Lake Albert, Uganda, but local data are limited. This study aims to describe the local burden of moderate-to-heavy infection and associated morbidity in all ages and identify factors associated with these outcomes to guide further research. METHODS This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in July-August, 2022 in four village sites (Walukuba, Rwentale, Kyabarangwa and Runga) of the Praziquantel in Preschoolers (PIP) trial. Residents (approximately four per household) of any age of households of PIP participants were eligible, but individuals <10 years were only enrolled if no older individuals were available. Socio-demographic information, household location, single stool Kato-Katz and hepatic ultrasound results were obtained for a convenience sampled subset of trial households. The primary outcome, moderate-to-heavy infection (≥100 eggs per gram of faeces), was analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression, with a household random effect. Univariate analyses were used for the secondary outcome, periportal fibrosis (Niamey protocol ultrasound image pattern C-F). RESULTS Of 243 participants with a median age of 22 (interquartile range 12-33) years from 66 households, 49.8% (103/207 with a Kato-Katz result) had moderate-to-heavy infection and 11.2% (25/224 with ultrasound data) had periportal fibrosis. Moderate-to-heavy infection clustered by household (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.11) and, in multivariable analysis, varied by village (Walukuba vs. Kyabarangwa adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.71), was highest in participants aged 10-15 years (vs. 5-9 years aOR 6.14, 95% CI 1.61-23.38) and lower in those reporting praziquantel treatment in the past year (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.88). CONCLUSIONS In this setting, schistosome infection and morbidity are pervasive in all age groups. More intensive interventions are needed, for example more frequent praziquantel treatment, under investigation in the PIP trial and improved water and sanitation. More research is needed to understand local treatment barriers and optimal control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic P Dee
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Germain Lam
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Edielu
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Emily L Webb
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrice A Mawa
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jennifer F Friedman
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Hope Simpson
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Amaya L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Shinozaki K, Kirinoki M, Atcharaphan W, Watanabe KI, Ohari Y, Suguta S, Ona KAL, Ushio N, Macalanda AMC, Suganuma K, Inoue N, Kawazu SI. Expression profile analysis of the transient receptor potential (TRPM) channel, a possible target of praziquantel in Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Int 2024; 99:102833. [PMID: 38061487 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The WHO considers schistosomiasis, which is controlled by the mass administration of the drug praziquantel (PZQ), to be a neglected tropical disease. Despite its clinical use for over four decades, PZQ remains the only choice of chemotherapy against this disease. Regarding the previous studies that demonstrated that PZQ activates the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel in Schistosoma mansoni (Sm.TRPMPZQ), the expression profile of the ortholog of this channel gene (Smp_246790.5) in S. japonicum (EWB00_008853) (Sj.TRPMPZQ) was analyzed. The relative expression of this gene in various stages of the parasite lifecycle was analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), and the expression of Sj.TRPMPZQ was observed by immunohistochemical staining using anti-serum against the recombinant Sj.TRPMPZQ protein. qRT-PCR revealed the significantly lower mRNA expression in the snail stage in comparison to other stages (p < 0.01). The relative quantity of the Sj.TRPMPZQ expression for paired females, unpaired males, and eggs was 60%, 56%, and 68%, respectively, in comparison to paired males that showed the highest expression (p < 0.05). Interestingly, immunostaining demonstrated that Sj.TRPMPZQ is expressed in the parenchyma which contains muscle cells, neuronal cells and tegument cells in adult worms. This may support the two major effects of PZQ-worm paralysis and tegument disruption-induced by channel activation. Moreover, the channel was expressed in both the eggshell and the miracidia inside, but could not be observed in sporocyst. These results suggest that the expression of Sj.TRPMPQZ corresponds to the known sensitivity of S. japonicum to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaho Shinozaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Kirinoki
- Laboratory of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Wanlop Atcharaphan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
| | - Saki Suguta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L Ona
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, 1000 Manila, Philippines
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Cavite, Philippines
| | - Keisuke Suganuma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Noboru Inoue
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Ghezellou P, von Bülow V, Luh D, Badin E, Albuquerque W, Roderfeld M, Roeb E, Grevelding CG, Spengler B. Schistosoma mansoni infection induces hepatic metallothionein and S100 protein expression alongside metabolic dysfunction in hamsters. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae104. [PMID: 38562583 PMCID: PMC10983833 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a widespread neglected tropical disease, presents a complex and multifaceted clinical-pathological profile. Using hamsters as final hosts, we dissected molecular events following Schistosoma mansoni infection in the liver-the organ most severely affected in schistosomiasis patients. Employing tandem mass tag-based proteomics, we studied alterations in the liver proteins in response to various infection modes and genders. We examined livers from female and male hamsters that were: noninfected (control), infected with either unisexual S. mansoni cercariae (single-sex) or both sexes (bisex). The infection induced up-regulation of proteins associated with immune response, cytoskeletal reorganization, and apoptotic signaling. Notably, S. mansoni egg deposition led to the down-regulation of liver factors linked to energy supply and metabolic processes. Gender-specific responses were observed, with male hamsters showing higher susceptibility, supported by more differentially expressed proteins than found in females. Of note, metallothionein-2 and S100a6 proteins exhibited substantial up-regulation in livers of both genders, suggesting their pivotal roles in the liver's injury response. Immunohistochemistry and real-time-qPCR confirmed strong up-regulation of metallothionein-2 expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus upon the infection. Similar findings were seen for S100a6, which localized around granulomas and portal tracts. We also observed perturbations in metabolic pathways, including down-regulation of enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, cellular energy metabolism, and lipid modulation. Furthermore, lipidomic analyses through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging identified extensive alterations, notably in cardiolipin and triacylglycerols, suggesting specific roles of lipids during pathogenesis. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the hepatic response to S. mansoni infection, shedding light on the complexity of liver pathology in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Ghezellou
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Verena von Bülow
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - David Luh
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Elisa Badin
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Wendell Albuquerque
- Institute of Food Chemistry and Food Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Roderfeld
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Elke Roeb
- Department of Gastroenterology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Vaillant MT, Philippy F, Neven A, Barré J, Bulaev D, Olliaro PL, Utzinger J, Keiser J, Garba AT. Diagnostic tests for human Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e366-e378. [PMID: 38467130 PMCID: PMC10990967 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis is pivotal for implementing strategies for surveillance, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis. Despite their low sensitivity in low-endemicity areas, microscopy-based urine filtration and the Kato-Katz technique are considered as reference diagnostic tests for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections, respectively. We aimed to collate all available evidence on the accuracy of other proposed diagnostic techniques. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and LILACS for studies published from database inception to Dec 31, 2022, investigating the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests for S haematobium and S mansoni infections against Kato-Katz thick smears or urine microscopy (reference tests) involving adults (aged ≥18 years), school-aged children (aged 7 to 18 years), or preschool-aged children (aged 1 month to 7 years). We extracted raw data on true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives for the diagnostic tests and data on the number of participants, study authors, publication year, journal, study design, participants' age and sex, prevalence of Schistosoma infection, and treatment status. To account for imperfect reference tests, we used a hierarchical Bayesian latent class meta-analysis to model test accuracy. FINDINGS Overall, we included 121 studies, assessing 28 different diagnostic techniques. Most studies (103 [85%] of 121) were done in Africa, 14 (12%) in South America, one (1%) in Asia, and one (1%) in an unknown country. Compared with the reference test, Kato-Katz thick smears, circulating cathodic antigen urine cassette assay version 1 (CCA1, 36 test comparisons) had excellent sensitivity (95% [95% credible interval 88-99]) and reasonable specificity (74% [63-83]) for S mansoni. ELISA-based tests had a performance comparable to circulating cathodic antigen, but there were few available test comparisons. For S haematobium, proteinuria (42 test comparisons, sensitivity 73% [62-82]; specificity 94% [89-98]) and haematuria (75 test comparisons, sensitivity 85% [80-90]; specificity 96% [92-99]) reagent strips showed high specificity, with haematuria reagent strips having better sensitivity. Despite limited data, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs; eg, PCR or loop-mediated isothermal amplification [LAMP]) showed promising results with sensitivity estimates above 90%. We found an unclear risk of bias of about 70% in the use of the reference or index tests and of 50% in patient selection. All analyses showed substantial heterogeneity (I2>80%). INTERPRETATION Although NAATs and immunological diagnostics show promise, the limited information available precludes drawing definitive conclusions. Additional research on diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness is needed before the replacement of conventional tests can be considered. FUNDING WHO and Luxembourg Institute of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel T Vaillant
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg.
| | - Fred Philippy
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg; Zortify, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Anouk Neven
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Jessica Barré
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg; Luxembourg National Office of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Dmitry Bulaev
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Piero L Olliaro
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amadou T Garba
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Lei J, Feng Y, Zheng W, Khamis M, Zhang J, Hou X, Guan F. Type I/II Immune Balance Contributes to the Protective Effect of AIF-1 on Hepatic Immunopathology Induced by Schistosoma japonicum in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02010-9. [PMID: 38554240 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most debilitating neglected tropical disease in the world. Liver egg granuloma and fibrosis are the main damage of schistosomiasis. In this study, the role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) in liver pathology and its regulation in immune responses were investigated in a transgenic mouse infected with Schistosoma japonicum. We found that AIF-1 overexpression reduced worm burden and decreased egg granuloma sizes and serum alanine aminotransferase levels, along with inhibited hepatic collagen deposition and serum hydroxyproline levels during S. japonicum infection. Moreover, AIF-1 overexpression resulted in an increased ratio of Th1/Th2, increased levels of IFN-γ and T-bet, and lower levels of GATA-3 in the spleen, accompanied by increased M1 percentages, decreased M2 percentages, and thus a higher ratio of M1/M2 in the peritoneal cavity and liver. AIF-1 induced CD68 and iNOS mRNA expression and protein levels of cytoplasmic p-P38 and nuclear NF-κB, along with enhanced levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in macrophages in vitro. Moreover, the hepatic pathology had a negative correlation with Th1/Th2 and M1/M2 ratios in the infected mice. The findings reveal that the beneficial role of AIF-1 in alleviating hepatic damage is related to restoring type I/II immune balance in S. japonicum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wenwen Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mwadini Khamis
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Hou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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28
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Xue Q, Wang Y, Liu Y, Hua H, Zhou X, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Xiong C, Liu X, Yang K, Huang Y. Dysregulated Glucuronidation of Bilirubin Exacerbates Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Schistosomiasis Japonica through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Pathogens 2024; 13:287. [PMID: 38668242 PMCID: PMC11054532 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an important pathological manifestation of chronic schistosome infection. Patients with advanced schistosomiasis show varying degrees of abnormalities in liver fibrosis indicators and bilirubin metabolism. However, the relationship between hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis and dysregulated bilirubin metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we observed a positive correlation between total bilirubin levels and the levels of ALT, AST, LN, and CIV in patients with advanced schistosomiasis. Additionally, we established mouse models at different time points following S. japonicum infection. As the infection time increased, liver fibrosis escalated, while liver UGT1A1 consistently exhibited a low expression, indicating impaired glucuronidation of bilirubin metabolism in mice. In vitro experiments suggested that SEA may be a key inhibitor of hepatic UGT1A1 expression after schistosome infection. Furthermore, a high concentration of bilirubin activated the NF-κB signaling pathway in L-O2 cells in vitro. These findings suggested that the dysregulated glucuronidation of bilirubin caused by S. japonicum infection may play a significant role in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingkai Xue
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China;
| | - Yiyun Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China;
| | - Haiyong Hua
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yongliang Xu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Chunrong Xiong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Xinjian Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Kun Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, 117 Meiyuan Yangxiang, Wuxi 214064, China; (Q.X.)
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214064, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China;
| | - Yuzheng Huang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China;
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29
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Archer J, Yeo SM, Gadd G, Pennance T, Cunningham LJ, Juhàsz A, Jones S, Chammudzi P, Kapira DR, Lally D, Namacha G, Mainga B, Makaula P, LaCourse JE, Kayuni SA, Musaya J, Stothard JR, Webster BL. Development, validation, and pilot application of a high throughput molecular xenomonitoring assay to detect Schistosoma mansoni and other trematode species within Biomphalaria freshwater snail hosts. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 5:100174. [PMID: 38618156 PMCID: PMC11010794 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by infection with parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma that can lead to debilitating morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization recommend molecular xenomonitoring of Biomphalaria spp. freshwater snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni to identify highly focal intestinal schistosomiasis transmission sites and monitor disease transmission, particularly in low-endemicity areas. A standardised protocol to do this, however, is needed. Here, two previously published primer sets were selected to develop and validate a multiplex molecular xenomonitoring end-point PCR assay capable of detecting S. mansoni infections within individual Biomphalaria spp. missed by cercarial shedding. The assay proved highly sensitive and highly specific in detecting and amplifying S. mansoni DNA and also proved highly sensitive in detecting and amplifying non-S. mansoni trematode DNA. The optimised assay was then used to screen Biomphalaria spp. collected from a S. mansoni-endemic area for infection and successfully detected S. mansoni infections missed by cercarial shedding as well as infections with non-S. mansoni trematodes. The continued development and use of molecular xenomonitoring assays such as this will aid in improving disease control efforts, significantly reducing disease-related morbidities experienced by those in schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Archer
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5HD, UK
| | - Shi Min Yeo
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5HD, UK
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Grace Gadd
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5HD, UK
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Tom Pennance
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5HD, UK
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, 97355, USA
| | - Lucas J. Cunningham
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alexandra Juhàsz
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1089, Hungary
| | - Sam Jones
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Priscilla Chammudzi
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - Donales R. Kapira
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - David Lally
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - Gladys Namacha
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - Bright Mainga
- Laboratory Department, Mangochi District Hospital, Mangochi, P.O. Box 42, Malawi
| | - Peter Makaula
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
| | - James E. LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Sekeleghe A. Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - Janelisa Musaya
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, P.O. Box 30096, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, 360, Malawi
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Bonnie L. Webster
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5HD, UK
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Alexandrova R, Tsachev I, Kirov P, Abudalleh A, Hristov H, Zhivkova T, Dyakova L, Baymakova M. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Immunocompromised Individuals: A Brief Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1021-1040. [PMID: 38505248 PMCID: PMC10948336 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s449221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to Hepeviridae family. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are estimated 20 million HEV infections worldwide every year, leading to estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of HEV infection. The WHO estimates that HEV infection caused approximately 44,000 deaths in 2015, which represents 3.3% of mortality rates due to viral hepatitis. In low-income (LI) countries and lower-middle-income (LMI) countries, HEV is a waterborne infection induced by HEV genotype (gt) 1 and HEV gt 2 that cause large outbreaks and affect young individuals with a high mortality rate in pregnant women from South Asian countries and patients with liver diseases. HEV gt 3, HEV gt 4, and HEV gt 7 are responsible for sporadic infections with zoonotic transmission mainly through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from different animals. Acute HEV infection is relatively asymptomatic or mild clinical form, in rare cases the disease can be moderate/severe clinical forms and result in fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure (ALF). Furthermore, HEV infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, including renal and neurological clinical signs and symptoms. Pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with comorbidities, and workers who come into close contact with HEV-infected animals are recognized as major risk groups for severe clinical form of HEV infection and fatal outcome. Chronic HEV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals with the possibility of progression to cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radostina Alexandrova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Kirov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Abedulkadir Abudalleh
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Zhivkova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lora Dyakova
- Department of Synaptic Signaling and Communication, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
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31
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Zhang Y, Liu R, Li J, Ma H, Bao W, Jiang J, Guo C, Tan D, Cheng X, Dai L, Ming Y. Circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:114. [PMID: 38449022 PMCID: PMC10918879 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, remains an important public health problem. Although there are various methods for diagnosing schistosomiasis, many limitations still exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis can significantly improve survival and prognosis of patients. METHODOLOGY Circulating cell-free (cf)DNA has been widely used in the diagnosis of various diseases. In our study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of circulating cfDNA for schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum. We focused on the tandem sequences and mitochondrial genes of S. japonicum to identify highly sensitive and specific targets for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica. RESULTS Through data screening and analysis, we ultimately identified four specific tandem sequences (TD-1, TD-2, TD-3. and TD-4) and six mitochondrial genes (COX1(1), COX1(2), CYTB, ATP6, COX3, and ND5). We designed specific primers to detect the amount of circulating cfDNA in S. japonicum-infected mouse and chronic schistosomiasis patients. Our results showed that the number of tandem sequences was significantly higher than that of the mitochondrial genes. A S. japonicum infection model in mice suggested that infection of S. japonicum can be diagnosed by detecting circulating cfDNA as early as the first week. We measured the expression levels of circulating cfDNA (TD-1, TD-2, and TD-3) at different time points and found that TD-3 expression was significantly higher than that of TD-1 or TD-2. We also infected mice with different quantities of cercariae (20 s and 80 s). The level of cfDNA (TD-3) in the 80 s infection group was significantly higher than in the 20 s infection group. Additionally, cfDNA (TD-3) levels increased after egg deposition. Meanwhile, we tested 42 patients with chronic Schistosomiasis japonica and circulating cfDNA (TD-3) was detected in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS We have screened highly sensitive targets for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica, and the detection of circulating cfDNA is a rapid and effective method for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica. The levels of cfDNA is correlated with cercariae infection severity. Early detection and diagnosis of schistosomiasis is crucial for patient treatment and improving prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine, of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rangjiao Liu
- Sanway Clinical Laboratories, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junhui Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine, of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongchang Ma
- Sansure Biotech Incoporation, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjuan Bao
- Sanway Clinical Laboratories, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine, of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine, of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Deyong Tan
- Sansure Biotech Incoporation, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Sansure Biotech Incoporation, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lizhong Dai
- Sansure Biotech Incoporation, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yingzi Ming
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine, of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Province Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Alemu G, Amor A, Nibret E, Munshea A, Anegagrie M. Efficacy and safety of prazequantel for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection across different transmission settings in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298332. [PMID: 38437215 PMCID: PMC10911589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298332] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections have been public health problems in Ethiopia, S. mansoni being more prevalent. To reduce the burden of schistosomiasis, a national school-based prazequantel (PZQ) mass drug administration (MDA) program has been implemented since November 2015. Nevertheless, S. mansoni infection is still a major public health problem throughout the country. Reduced efficacy of PZQ is reported by a few studies in Ethiopia, but adequate data in different geographical settings is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of PZQ for the treatment of S. mansoni infection across different transmission settings in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A school-based single-arm prospective cohort study was conducted from February to June, 2023 among 130 S. mansoni-infected school-aged children (SAC). Forty-two, 37, and 51 S. mansoni-infected SAC were recruited from purposely selected schools located in low, moderate, and high transmission districts, respectively. School-aged children who were tested positive both by Kato Katz (KK) using stool samples and by the point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test using urine samples at baseline were treated with a standard dose of PZQ and followed for 21 days for the occurrence of adverse events. After three weeks post-treatment, stool and urine samples were re-tested using KK and POC-CCA. Then the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and treatment-associated adverse events were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS Out of the total 130 study participants, 110 completed the follow-up. The CR and ERR of PZQ treatment were 88.2% (95%CI: 82.7-93.6) and 93.5% (95%CI: 85.4-98.5), respectively, by KK. The CR of PZQ based on the POC-CCA test was 70.9% (95%CI: 62.7-79.1) and 75.5% (95%CI: 67.3-83.6) depending on whether the interpretation of 'trace' results was made as positive or negative, respectively. After treatment on the 21st day, 78 and 83 participants tested negative both by KK and POC-CCA, with respective interpretations of 'trace' POC-CCA test results as positive or negative. The CR in low, moderate and high transmission settings was 91.7%, 91.2% and 82.5%, respectively (p = 0.377) when evaluated by KK. The CR among SAC with a light infection at baseline (95.7%) by KK was higher than that of moderate (81.5%) and heavy (64.3%) infections (χ2 = 12.53, p = 0.002). Twenty-six (23.6%) participants manifested at least one adverse event. Eleven (10.0%), eight (7.3%), six (5.5%), and three (2.7%) participants complained about abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and anorexia, respectively. All adverse events were mild, needing no intervention. Occurrence of adverse events was slightly higher in high endemic areas (32.5%) than moderate (23.5%) and low endemic areas (p = 0.279). CONCLUSIONS A single dose of 40 mg/kg PZQ was efficacious and safe for the treatment of S. mansoni infection when it was evaluated by the KK test, but a lower efficacy was recorded when it was evaluated by the POC-CCA test. However, the POC-CCA test's specificity, clearance time of CCA from urine after treatment, and interpretation of weakly reactive (trace) test results need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Arancha Amor
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Anegagrie
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Ockenden ES, Frischer SR, Cheng H, Noble JA, Chami GF. The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis: A systematic scoping review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012033. [PMID: 38507368 PMCID: PMC10954168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal ultrasound imaging is an important method for hepatic schistosomiasis diagnosis and staging. Several ultrasound staging systems have been proposed, each attempting to standardise schistosomal periportal fibrosis (PPF) diagnosis. This review aims to establish the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of schistosomal PPF, and to map the evolution of ultrasound staging systems over time, focusing on internal validation and external reproducibility. METHODS A systematic search was undertaken on 21st December 2022 considering the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE (1946-present), Embase (1974-present), Global Health (1973-present), Global Index Medicus (1901-present), and Web of Science Core Collection-Science Citation Index Expanded (1900-present) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1996-present). Case reports, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and studies exclusively using transient or shear-wave elastography were excluded. Variables extracted included study design, study population, schistosomal PPF characteristics, and diagnostic methods. The PRISMA-ScR (2018) guidelines were followed to inform the structure of the scoping analysis. RESULTS The initial search yielded 573 unique articles, of which 168 were removed after screening titles and abstracts, 43 were not retrieved due to full texts not being available online or through inter-library loans, and 170 were excluded during full text review. There were 192 remaining studies eligible for extraction. Of the extracted studies, 61.8% (76/123) of studies that reported study year were conducted after the year 2000. Over half of all extracted studies (59.4%; 114/192) were conducted in Brazil (26.0%; 50/192), China (18.8%; 36/192) or Egypt (14.6%; 28/192). For the species of schistosome considered, 77.6% (149/192) of studies considered S. mansoni and 21.4% (41/192) of studies considered S. japonicum. The ultrasound staging systems used took on three forms: measurement-based, feature-based and image pattern-based. The Niamey protocol, a measurement and image pattern-based system, was the most used among the staging systems (32.8%; 63/192), despite being the most recently proposed in 1996. The second most used was the Cairo protocol (20.8%; 40/192). Of the studies using the Niamey protocol, 77.8% (49/63) only used the image patterns element. Where ultrasound technology was specified, studies after 2000 were more likely to use convex transducers (43.4%; 33/76) than studies conducted before 2000 (32.7%; 16/49). Reporting on ultrasound-based hepatic diagnoses and their association with clinical severity was poor. Just over half of studies (56.2%; 108/192) reported the personnel acquiring the ultrasound images. A small number (9.4%; 18/192) of studies detailed their methods of image quality assurance, and 13.0% (25/192) referenced, discussed or quantified the inter- or intra-observer variation of the staging system that was used. CONCLUSIONS The exclusive use of the image patterns in many studies despite lack of specific acquisition guidance, the increasing number of studies over time that conduct ultrasound staging of schistosomal PPF, and the advances in ultrasound technology used since 2000 all indicate a need to consider an update to the Niamey protocol. The protocol update should simplify and prioritise what is to be assessed, advise on who is to conduct the ultrasound examination, and procedures for improved standardisation and external reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise S. Ockenden
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sandrena Ruth Frischer
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Huike Cheng
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - J. Alison Noble
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Goylette F. Chami
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Pirovich DB, Da'dara AA, Skelly PJ. GLYCOLYTIC ENZYMES AS VACCINES AGAINST SCHISTOSOMIASIS: TESTING SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI PHOSPHOGLYCERATE MUTASE IN MICE. J Parasitol 2024; 110:96-105. [PMID: 38466806 DOI: 10.1645/23-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a globally burdensome parasitic disease caused by flatworms (blood flukes) in the genus Schistosoma. The current standard treatment for schistosomiasis is the drug praziquantel, but there is an urgent need to advance novel interventions such as vaccines. Several glycolytic enzymes have been evaluated as vaccine targets for schistosomiasis, and data from these studies are reviewed here. Although these parasites are canonically considered to be intracellular, proteomic analysis has revealed that many schistosome glycolytic enzymes are additionally found at the host-interactive surface. We have recently found that the intravascular stage of Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) expresses the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) on the tegumental surface. Live parasites display PGM activity, and suppression of PGM gene expression by RNA interference diminishes surface enzyme activity. Recombinant SmPGM (rSmPGM) can cleave its glycolytic substrate, 3-phosphoglycerate and can both bind to plasminogen and promote its conversion to an active form (plasmin) in vitro, suggesting a moonlighting role for this enzyme in regulating thrombosis in vivo. We found that antibodies in sera from chronically infected mice recognize rSmPGM. We also tested the protective efficacy of rSmPGM as a vaccine in the murine model. Although immunization generates high titers of anti-SmPGM antibodies (against both recombinant and native SmPGM), no significant differences in worm numbers were found between vaccinated and control animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Pirovich
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536
| | - Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536
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Kameni M, Musaigwa F, Kamguia LM, Kamdem SD, Mbanya G, Lamberton PHL, Komguep Nono J. Harnessing Schistosoma-associated metabolite changes in the human host to identify biomarkers of infection and morbidity: Where are we and what should we do next? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012009. [PMID: 38512811 PMCID: PMC10956858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most widespread parasitic disease affecting humans. A key component of today's infection control measures is the diagnosis and monitoring of infection, informing individual- and community-level treatment. However, newly acquired infections and/or low parasite burden are still difficult to diagnose reliably. Furthermore, even though the pathological consequence of schistosome egg sequestration in host tissues is well described, the evidence linking egg burden to morbidity is increasingly challenged, making it inadequate for pathology monitoring. In the last decades, omics-based instruments and methods have been developed, adjusted, and applied in parasitic research. In particular, the profiling of the most reliable determinants of phenotypes, metabolites by metabolomics, emerged as a powerful boost in the understanding of basic interactions within the human host during infection. As such, the fine detection of host metabolites produced upon exposure to parasites such as Schistosoma spp. and the ensuing progression of the disease are believed to enable the identification of Schistosoma spp. potential biomarkers of infection and associated pathology. However, attempts to provide such a comprehensive understanding of the alterations of the human metabolome during schistosomiasis are rare, limited in their design when performed, and mostly inconclusive. In this review, we aimed to briefly summarize the most robust advances in knowledge on the changes in host metabolic profile during Schistosoma infections and provide recommendations for approaches to optimize the identification of metabolomic signatures of human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Kameni
- Unit of Immunobiology and Helminth Infections, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Bamenda, Bambili, North-West Region, Cameroon
| | - Fungai Musaigwa
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Leonel Meyo Kamguia
- Unit of Immunobiology and Helminth Infections, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Severin Donald Kamdem
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Gladice Mbanya
- Unit of Immunobiology and Helminth Infections, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Komguep Nono
- Unit of Immunobiology and Helminth Infections, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Qi YX, Huang MR, Sun HY, Wu XY, Liu ZT, Lu DB. Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012003. [PMID: 38452104 PMCID: PMC10950241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012003] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced schistosomiasis is the most serious outcome of infection and has a negative impact on both physical fitness and mental health of patients, the latter of which has long been overlooked. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, one of the most common mental problems, in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China. METHODS Six electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the targeted patients. Assessments were pooled using a fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity test. Subgroup analyses were further performed and differences between/among groups were examined using the chi-squared test. The protocol had previously been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023406708). RESULTS A total of 11 studies with 1,673 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was 62.01% (95% CI: 51.30% - 72.72%), with a significant heterogeneity among studies. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in patients with complications and more than half of the patients suffered a mild- or moderate-level of depression. No publication bias was found, and sensitivity analysis showed a stable result. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was high enough to warrant psychotherapeutic interventions, especially for patients with complications. This would greatly prevent or/and reduce depression and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Qi
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Rui Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Ying Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Ting Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Kołodziej P, Szostakowska B, Lass A, Sulima M, Sikorska K, Kocki J, Krupski W, Starownik D, Bojar P, Szumiło J, Kasztelan-Szczerbińska B, Cichoż-Lach H, Bogucki J, Szymańska M, Fota-Markowska H, Bogucka-Kocka A. Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis caused by co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e196-e205. [PMID: 37783223 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The Grand Round concerns a 24-year-old man from Zimbabwe who was studying and living in Poland. The patient had been complaining of abdominal pain, fatigue, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, and presence of blood in his stool for 3 years. The patient had the following diagnostic tests: colonoscopy, CT scan, histopathology, and parasitological and molecular tests. Results of the examinations showed that the cause of the patient's complaints was chronic intestinal schistosomiasis due to the co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mansoni. The patient had two cycles of praziquantel therapy (Biltricide) and responded well to the treatment. In the Grand Round, we describe full diagnostics as well as clinical and therapeutic management in the patient with S intercalatum and S mansoni co-infection. This case allows us to draw attention to cases of forgotten chronic tropical diseases (including rare ones) in patients from regions with a high endemic index staying in non-endemic regions of the world for a long time. Co-infection with S intercalatum and S mansoni should be considered as a very rare clinical case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Kołodziej
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Anna Lass
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sulima
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Krupski
- Department of Medical Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Starownik
- Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Bojar
- Department of Pathomorphology, Beskid Oncology Centre-John Paul II Memorial City Hospital in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Justyna Szumiło
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szymańska
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Li QF, Li YX, Yang YY, Dong PP, Mei CJ, Lu JL, Zhang JF, Hua HY, Xiong CR, Yu CX, Song LJ, Yang K. The egg ribonuclease SjCP1412 accelerates liver fibrosis caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection involving damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Parasitology 2024; 151:260-270. [PMID: 38105713 PMCID: PMC11007278 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasite infectious disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum, often leads to egg granuloma and fibrosis due to the inflammatory reaction triggered by egg antigens released in the host liver. This study focuses on the role of the egg antigens CP1412 protein of S. japonicum (SjCP1412) with RNase activity in promoting liver fibrosis. In this study, the recombinant egg ribonuclease SjCP1412, which had RNase activity, was successfully prepared. By analysing the serum of the population, it has been proven that the anti-SjCP1412 IgG in the serum of patients with advanced schistosomiasis was moderately correlated with liver fibrosis, and SjCP1412 may be an important antigen associated with liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis. In vitro, the rSjCP1412 protein induced the human liver cancer cell line Hep G2 and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells apoptosis and necrosis and the release of proinflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In mice infected with schistosomes, rSjCP1412 immunization or antibody neutralization of SjCP1412 activity significantly reduced cell apoptosis and necroptosis in liver tissue, thereby reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis. In summary, the SjCP1412 protein plays a crucial role in promoting liver fibrosis during schistosomiasis through mediating the liver cells apoptosis and necroptosis to release DAMPs inducing an inflammatory reaction. Blocking SjCP1412 activity could inhibit its proapoptotic and necrotic effects and alleviate hepatic fibrosis. These findings suggest that SjCP1412 may be served as a promising drug target for managing liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Pan-Pan Dong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Cong-Jin Mei
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Ju-Lu Lu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Jian-Feng Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Hai-Yong Hua
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Chun-Rong Xiong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Chuan-Xin Yu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Li-Jun Song
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Kun Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
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Lubanga AF, Bwanali AN, Munthali LE, Mphepo M, Chumbi GD, Kangoma M, Matola Y, Kaonga B, Moyo CS. Exploring the Role of Community Involvement in Reducing the Burden of Schistosomiasis and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases in Malawi: Where are We in the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases? Res Rep Trop Med 2024; 15:51-58. [PMID: 38435085 PMCID: PMC10909323 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s448425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been endemic in Malawi since 1947. Despite the longevity of endemicity of the disease, it still maintains a high burden in Malawi. This could be attributed to insufficient coverage of preventive and therapeutic mass drug administration (MDA) which mainly targets school-aged children, leaving out adults who also bear a high burden of the disease. Additionally, despite well documented impact of community involvement in boosting up the effectiveness of health programmes, there is minimal community involvement in schistosomiasis control and prevention programmes. Therefore, this perspective seeks to discuss the historical background of schistosomiasis in Malawi, gaps in community engagement and participation and suggest ways of enhancing the role of the community in prevention and control programmes. Amongst other challenges, the control programmes are centralised, leading to minimal input at the district and community level as well as low awareness of schistosomiasis control and prevention methods at the community level. It is of utmost significance therefore to provide comprehensive schistosomiasis health education to the communities and devise a thorough outline of the specific roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders including community members in the fight against schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Focus Lubanga
- Education and Research, Clinical Research Education and Management Services Ltd (CREAMS), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Akim Nelson Bwanali
- Education and Research, Clinical Research Education and Management Services Ltd (CREAMS), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Services, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Mzati Mphepo
- Department of Clinical Services, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Melina Kangoma
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Yankho Matola
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Byenala Kaonga
- Department of Clinical Services, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
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40
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Brann T, Beltramini A, Chaparro C, Berriman M, Doyle SR, Protasio AV. Subtelomeric plasticity contributes to gene family expansion in the human parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:217. [PMID: 38413905 PMCID: PMC10900676 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genomic region that lies between the telomere and chromosome body, termed the subtelomere, is heterochromatic, repeat-rich, and frequently undergoes rearrangement. Within this region, large-scale structural changes enable gene diversification, and, as such, large multicopy gene families are often found at the subtelomere. In some parasites, genes associated with proliferation, invasion, and survival are often found in these regions, where they benefit from the subtelomere's highly plastic, rapidly changing nature. The increasing availability of complete (or near complete) parasite genomes provides an opportunity to investigate these typically poorly defined and overlooked genomic regions and potentially reveal relevant gene families necessary for the parasite's lifestyle. RESULTS Using the latest chromosome-scale genome assembly and hallmark repeat richness observed at chromosome termini, we have identified and characterised the subtelomeres of Schistosoma mansoni, a metazoan parasitic flatworm that infects over 250 million people worldwide. Approximately 12% of the S. mansoni genome is classified as subtelomeric, and, in line with other organisms, we find these regions to be gene-poor but rich in transposable elements. We find that S. mansoni subtelomeres have undergone extensive interchromosomal recombination and that these sites disproportionately contribute to the 2.3% of the genome derived from segmental duplications. This recombination has led to the expansion of subtelomeric gene clusters containing 103 genes, including the immunomodulatory annexins and other gene families with unknown roles. The largest of these is a 49-copy plexin domain-containing protein cluster, exclusively expressed in the tegument-the tissue located at the host-parasite physical interface-of intramolluscan life stages. CONCLUSIONS We propose that subtelomeric regions act as a genomic playground for trial-and-error of gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Owing to the importance of subtelomeric genes in other parasites, gene families implicated in this subtelomeric expansion within S. mansoni warrant further characterisation for a potential role in parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brann
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK
| | - A Beltramini
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK
| | - C Chaparro
- IHPE, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, University Montpellier, Perpignan, F-66860, France
| | - M Berriman
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - S R Doyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - A V Protasio
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK.
- Christ's College, Cambridge, CB2 3BU, UK.
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Peng M, Zhao S, Hu Y, Zhang L, Zhou T, Wu M, Xu M, Jiang K, Huang Y, Li D, Lun ZR, Wu Z, Shen J. Nitric oxide-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress of Schistosoma japonicum inhibits the worm development in rats. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:295-308. [PMID: 38141890 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.032] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma spp., is a zoonotic parasitic disease affecting human health. Rattus norvegicus (rats) are a non-permissive host of Schistosoma, in which the worms cannot mature and cause typical egg granuloma. We previously demonstrated that inherent high levels of nitric oxide (NO), produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), is a key molecule in blocking the development of S. japonicum in rats. To further explore the mechanism of NO inhibiting S. japonicum development in rats, we performed S-nitrosocysteine proteomics of S. japonicum collected from infected rats and mice. The results suggested that S. japonicum in rats may have undergone endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Interestingly, we found that the ER of S. japonicum in rats showed marked damage, while the ER of the worm in iNOS-/- rats and mice were relatively normal. Moreover, the expression of ER stress markers in S. japonicum from WT rats was significantly increased, compared with S. japonicum from iNOS-/- rats and mice. Using the NO donor sodium nitroprusside in vitro, we demonstrated that NO could induce ER stress in S. japonicum in a dose-dependent manner, and the NO-induced ER stress in S. japonicum could be inhibited by ER stress inhibitor 4-Phenyl butyric acid. We further verified that inhibiting ER stress of S. japonicum in rats promoted parasite development and survival. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NO-induced ER stress of S. japonicum was related to the efflux of Ca2+ from ER and the impairment of mitochondrial function. Collectively, these findings show that high levels of NO in rats could induce ER stress in S. japonicum by promoting the efflux of Ca2+ from ER and damaging the mitochondrial function, which block the worm development. Thus, this study further clarifies the mechanism of anti-schistosome in rats and provides potential strategies for drug development against schistosomiasis and other parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Peng
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Siyu Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yunyi Hu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lichao Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Mingrou Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Meiyining Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Kefeng Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Dinghao Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jia Shen
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Lozano KJG, Gonçalves Santos E, Vilas Boas DF, Oliveira RRG, Diniz LF, Benedetti MD, Carneiro CM, C Bandeira L, Faria G, Gonçalves RV, Novaes RD, Caldas S, Caldas IS. Schistosoma mansoni co-infection modulates Chagas disease development but does not impair the effect of benznidazole-based chemotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111467. [PMID: 38211479 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111467] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The adequate management of parasite co-infections represents a challenge that has not yet been overcome, especially considering that the pathological outcomes and responses to treatment are poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection on the efficacy of benznidazole (BZN)-based chemotherapy in Trypanosoma cruzi co-infected mice. BALB/c mice were maintained uninfected or co-infected with S. mansoni and T. cruzi, and were untreated or treated with BZN. Body weight, mortality, parasitemia, cardiac parasitism, circulating cytokines (Th1/Th2/Th17); as well as heart, liver and intestine microstructure were analyzed. The parasitemia peak was five times higher and myocarditis was more severe in co-infected than T. cruzi-infected mice. After reaching peak, parasitemia was effectively controlled in co-infected animals. BZN successfully controlled parasitemia in both co-infected and T. cruzi-infected mice and improved body mass, cardiac parasitism, myocarditis and survival in co-infected mice. Co-infection dampened the typical cytokine response to either parasite, and BZN reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines in co-infected mice. Despite BZN normalizing splenomegaly and liver cellular infiltration, it exacerbated hepatomegaly in co-infected mice. Co-infection or BZN exerted no effect on hepatic granulomas, but increased pulmonary and intestinal granulomas. Marked granulomatous inflammation was identified in the small intestine of all schistosomiasis groups. Taken together, our findings indicate that BZN retains its therapeutic efficacy against T. cruzi infection even in the presence of S. mansoni co-infection, but with organ-specific repercussions, especially in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J G Lozano
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Elda Gonçalves Santos
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Diego F Vilas Boas
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphaela R G Oliveira
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Lívia F Diniz
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Monique D Benedetti
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Cláudia M Carneiro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University, Ouro Preto 35400-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Lorena C Bandeira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University, Ouro Preto 35400-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Gilson Faria
- Department of Research and Development., Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Reggiani V Gonçalves
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
| | - Rômulo D Novaes
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Caldas
- Department of Research and Development., Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ivo S Caldas
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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Loredan DG, Devlin JC, Khanna KM, Loke P. Recruitment and Maintenance of CX3CR1+CD4+ T Cells during Helminth Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:632-644. [PMID: 38180236 PMCID: PMC10954162 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Distinct subsets of T lymphocytes express CX3CR1 under inflammatory conditions, but little is known about CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during type 2 inflammation in helminth infections. In this study, we used a fate-mapping mouse model to characterize CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during both acute Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and chronic Schistosoma mansoni murine models of helminth infections, revealing CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells to be an activated tissue-homing subset with varying capacity for cytokine production. Tracking these cells over time revealed that maintenance of CX3CR1 itself along with a TH2 phenotype conferred a survival advantage in the inflamed tissue. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of fate-mapped CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells from both the peripheral tissue and the spleen revealed a considerable level of diversity and identified a distinct population of BCL6+TCF-1+PD1+CD4+ T cells in the spleen during helminth infections. Conditional deletion of BCL6 in CX3CR1+ cells resulted in fewer CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during infection, indicating a role in sustaining CD4+ T cell responses to helminth infections. Overall, our studies revealed the behavior and heterogeneity of CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during type 2 inflammation in helminth infections and identified BCL6 to be important in their maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis G. Loredan
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joseph C. Devlin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kamal M. Khanna
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - P’ng Loke
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Wijshake T, Rose J, Wang J, Zielke J, Marlar-Pavey M, Chen W, Collins JJ, Agathocleous M. Schistosome Infection Impacts Hematopoiesis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:607-616. [PMID: 38169327 PMCID: PMC10872488 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Helminth infections are common in animals. However, the impact of a helminth infection on the function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and other hematopoietic cells has not been comprehensively defined. In this article, we describe the hematopoietic response to infection of mice with Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis. We analyzed the frequency or number of hematopoietic cell types in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, thymus, and blood and observed multiple hematopoietic changes caused by infection. Schistosome infection impaired bone marrow HSC function after serial transplantation. Functional HSCs were present in the infected liver. Infection blocked bone marrow erythropoiesis and augmented spleen erythropoiesis, observations consistent with the anemia and splenomegaly prevalent in schistosomiasis patients. This work defines the hematopoietic response to schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease afflicting more than 200 million people, and identifies impairments in HSC function and erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wijshake
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Rose
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Current address: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences at Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jacob Zielke
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Madeleine Marlar-Pavey
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michalis Agathocleous
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Jiang Z, Silva EB, Liu C, Fajtová P, Liu LJ, El-Sakkary N, Skinner DE, Syed A, Wang SC, Caffrey CR, O’Donoghue AJ. Development of subunit selective proteasome substrates for Schistosoma species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580161. [PMID: 38405969 PMCID: PMC10888821 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma spp. blood flukes that infects over 200 million people worldwide. Just one partially effective drug is available, and new drugs and drug targets would be welcome. The 20S proteasome is a validated drug target for many parasitic infections, including those caused by Plasmodium and Leishmania. We previously showed that anticancer proteasome inhibitors that act through the Schistosoma mansoni 20S proteasome (Sm20S) kill the parasite in vitro. To advance these initial findings, we employed Multiplex Substrate Profiling by Mass Spectrometry (MSP-MS) to define the substrate cleavage specificities of the three catalytic β subunits of purified Sm20S. The profiles in turn were used to design and synthesize subunit-specific optimized substrates that performed two to eight fold better than the equivalent substrates used to measure the activity of the constitutive human proteasome (c20S). These specific substrates also eliminated the need to purify Sm20S from parasite extracts - a single step enrichment was sufficient to accurately measure substrate hydrolysis and its inhibition with proteasome inhibitors. Finally, we show that the substrate and inhibition profiles for the 20S proteasome from the three medically important schistosome species are similar, suggesting that data arising from an inhibitor development campaign that focuses on Sm20S can be extrapolated to the other two targets with consequent time and cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Jiang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | | | - Chenxi Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Danielle E. Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Ali Syed
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Steven C Wang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Disease, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
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Gimmelli R, Papoff G, Saccoccia F, Lalli C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Ruberti G. Effects of structurally distinct human HDAC6 and HDAC6/HDAC8 inhibitors against S. mansoni larval and adult worm stages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011992. [PMID: 38416775 PMCID: PMC10927086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected parasitic disease that affects more than 240 million people worldwide caused by Platyhelminthes of the genus Schistosoma. The treatment of schistosomiasis relies on the long-term application of a single safe drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Unfortunately, PZQ is very effective on adult parasites and poorly on larval stage and immature juvenile worms; this can partially explain the re-infection in endemic areas where patients are likely to host parasites at different developmental stages concurrently. Moreover, the risk of development of drug resistance because of the widespread use of a single drug in a large population is nowadays a serious threat. Hence, research aimed at identifying novel drugs to be used alone or in combination with PZQ is needed. Schistosomes display morphologically distinct stages during their life cycle and epigenetic mechanisms are known to play important roles in parasite growth, survival, and development. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, particularly HDAC8, are considered valuable for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Herein, we report the phenotypic screening on both larvae and adult Schistosoma mansoni stages of structurally different HDAC inhibitors selected from the in-house Siena library. All molecules have previously shown inhibition profiles on human HDAC6 and/or HDAC8 enzymes. Among them we identified a quinolone-based HDAC inhibitor, NF2839, that impacts larval and adult parasites as well as egg viability and maturation in vitro. Importantly, this quinolone-based compound also increases histone and tubulin acetylation in S. mansoni parasites, thus representing a leading candidate for the development of new generation anti-Schistosoma chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gimmelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Saccoccia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lalli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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Chienwichai P, Tipthara P, Tarning J, Limpanont Y, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Kiangkoo N, Adisakwattana P, Reamtong O. Identification of trans-genus biomarkers for early diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis and progression of gut pathology in a mouse model using metabolomics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011966. [PMID: 38381759 PMCID: PMC10880994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating human diseases worldwide. The disease is caused by six species of Schistosoma blood fluke; five of which cause intestinal granulomatous inflammation and bleeding. The current diagnostic method is inaccurate and delayed, hence, biomarker identification using metabolomics has been applied. However, previous studies only investigated infection caused by one Schistosoma spp., leaving a gap in the use of biomarkers for other species. No study focused on understanding the progression of intestinal disease. Therefore, we aimed to identify early gut biomarkers of infection with three Schistosoma spp. and progression of intestinal pathology. We infected 3 groups of mice, 3 mice each, with Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum or Schistosoma mekongi and collected their feces before and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after infection. Metabolites in feces were extracted and identified using mass spectrometer-based metabolomics. Metabolites were annotated and analyzed with XCMS bioinformatics tool and Metaboanalyst platform. From >36,000 features in all conditions, multivariate analysis found a distinct pattern at each time point for all species. Pathway analysis reported alteration of several lipid metabolism pathways as infection progressed. Disturbance of the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway was found with the presence of parasite eggs, indicating involvement of this pathway in disease progression. Biomarkers were discovered using a combination of variable importance for projection score cut-off and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Five molecules met our criteria and were present in all three species: 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 1α-hydroxy-2β-(3-hydroxypropoxy) vitamin D3, Ganoderic acid Md, unidentified feature with m/z 455.3483, and unidentified feature with m/z 456.3516. These molecules were proposed as trans-genus biomarkers of early schistosomiasis. Our findings provide evidence for disease progression in intestinal schistosomiasis and potential biomarkers, which could be beneficial for early detection of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peerut Chienwichai
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phornpimon Tipthara
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupa Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapohn Kiangkoo
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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48
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Zumuk CP, Jones MK, Navarro S, Gray DJ, You H. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines against Schistosomiasis Japonica. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1707. [PMID: 38338980 PMCID: PMC10855202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis japonica, endemic in Asia, including the Philippines, China, and Indonesia, is extremely challenging. Schistosoma japonicum is a highly pathogenic helminth parasite, with disease arising predominantly from an immune reaction to entrapped parasite eggs in tissues. Females of this species can generate 1000-2200 eggs per day, which is about 3- to 15-fold greater than the egg output of other schistosome species. Bovines (water buffalo and cattle) are the predominant definitive hosts and are estimated to generate up to 90% of parasite eggs released into the environment in rural endemic areas where these hosts and humans are present. Here, we highlight the necessity of developing veterinary transmission-blocking vaccines for bovines to better control the disease and review potential vaccine candidates. We also point out that the approach to producing efficacious transmission-blocking animal-based vaccines before moving on to human vaccines is crucial. This will result in effective and feasible public health outcomes in agreement with the One Health concept to achieve optimum health for people, animals, and the environment. Indeed, incorporating a veterinary-based transmission vaccine, coupled with interventions such as human mass drug administration, improved sanitation and hygiene, health education, and snail control, would be invaluable to eliminating zoonotic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika P. Zumuk
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Severine Navarro
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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49
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Silva TD, Gonçalves-Santos E, Gonçalves RV, Souza RLM, Caetano JE, Caldas IS, Diniz LF, Marques MJ, Novaes RD. Matrix metalloproteinases inhibition reveals the association between inflammation, collagen accumulation and intestinal translocation of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111353. [PMID: 38086267 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111353] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic infection that causes enterohepatic morbidity associated with severe granulomatous inflammation triggered by parasite eggs. In this disease, granulomatous inflammation leads to intestinal erosion and environmental excretion of S. mansoni eggs from feces, an essential process for propagating the parasite and infecting host organisms. Metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in S. mansoni-induced hepatic granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis. However, the relationship between MMP and collagen accumulation with the intestinal excretion of parasite eggs remains unclear. Thus, the present study investigated whether MMP inhibition is capable of modulating granulomatous inflammation, collagen accumulation and mechanical resistance to the point of influencing the dynamics between intestinal retention and excretion of S. mansoni eggs in infected mice. Our findings indicated that doxycycline (a potent MMP inhibitor) aggravates intestinal inflammation and subverts collagen dynamics in schistosomiasis. By attenuating MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, this drug is capable of enhancing fibrosis and mechanical resistance of the intestinal wall, hindering S. mansoni eggs translocation. Although collagen content was not correlated with MMP activity, intestinal retention and fecal excretion of parasite eggs in untreated mice; these correlations were observed for doxycycline-treated animals. Thus, our study provides evidence that doxycycline is able to attenuate fecal elimination of S. mansoni eggs by inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, events potentially associated with excessive collagen accumulation, which increases intestinal mechanical resistance and hinders eggs translocation through the intestinal wall. Variations in intestinal collagen dynamics are relevant since they may represent changes in the environmental dispersion of S. mansoni eggs, bringing repercussions for schistosomiasis propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago D Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elda Gonçalves-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reggiani V Gonçalves
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel L M Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Edson Caetano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ivo S Caldas
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Livia F Diniz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos J Marques
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rômulo D Novaes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências Aplicadas à Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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50
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Habib MR, Bu L, Posavi M, Zhong D, Yan G, Zhang SM. Yolk proteins of the schistosomiasis vector snail Biomphalaria glabrata revealed by multi-omics analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1820. [PMID: 38245605 PMCID: PMC10799875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52392-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenesis is the most important process in animal reproduction, in which yolk proteins play a vital role. Among multiple yolk protein precursors, vitellogenin (Vtg) is a well-known major yolk protein (MYP) in most oviparous animals. However, the nature of MYP in the freshwater gastropod snail Biomphalaria glabrata remains elusive. In the current study, we applied bioinformatics, tissue-specific transcriptomics, ovotestis-targeted proteomics, and phylogenetics to investigate the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily and ferritin-like family in B. glabrata. Four members of LLTP superfamily (BgVtg1, BgVtg2, BgApo1, and BgApo2), one yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), and four soma ferritins (Bg ferritin 1, 2, 3, and 4) were identified in B. glabrata genome. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that, among the putative yolk proteins, BgVtg1 was the yolk protein appearing in the highest amount in the ovotestis, followed by Bg yolk ferritin. RNAseq profile showed that the leading synthesis sites of BgVtg1 and Bg yolk ferritin are in the ovotestis (presumably follicle cells) and digestive gland, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BgVtg1 is well clustered with Vtgs of other vertebrates and invertebrates. We conclude that, vitellogenin (BgVtg1), not yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), is the major yolk protein precursor in the schistosomiasis vector snail B. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R Habib
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Lijing Bu
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Marijan Posavi
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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