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Yang L, Wang B, Wu S, Yang Z, Xin Z, Zheng S, Zou W, Zhang C, Chen J, Peng H. Population-based cohort study of Toxoplasma gondii P22 antibody positivity correlation with anxiety. J Affect Disord 2024; 359:41-48. [PMID: 38729222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.043] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions. This research aims to explore the potential correlation between T. gondii antibody positivity and neuropsychiatric disorders through a comprehensive prospective cohort study. METHODS The cohort study utilized the UK Biobank database to recruit 8814 individuals with no prior diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to investigate the associations between T. gondii P22 antibody seropositivity (P22+) and the development of various types of neuropsychiatric disorders. RESULTS Of the population, 14.65 % tested positive for T. gondii P22 antibody. The presence of T. gondii P22 antibody showed a slight inverse association with epilepsy (HR: 0.28; 95 % CI: 0.10-0.77), while it was positively associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders (HR: 1.38; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.83). LIMITATIONS The study sample consisted mostly of white British individuals aged 40 to 69 years old. Although we adjusted for potential confounders, there may be other unmeasured and residual confounding factors that could have influenced our reported associations. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested an increased risk of anxiety and potential evidence of epilepsy associated with T. gondii P22+. However, our analysis did not reveal an increased risk of several other neuropsychiatric conditions including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, substance abuse disorders, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders, associated with P22 antibody seropositivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Biyun Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Shuizhen Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Zixuan Xin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Weihao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Jiating Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province 510515, PR China.
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Kazemi Arababadi M, Abdollahi SH, Ramezani M, Zare-Bidaki M. A Review of Immunological and Neuropsychobehavioral Effects of Latent Toxoplasmosis on Humans. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13060. [PMID: 39072801 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13060] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis as a zoonotic disease has a worldwide distribution and can infect a wide range of animal hosts, as well as at least one third of the world's human population. The disease is usually mild or asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, but dormant tissue cysts survive especially in the brain for the host lifespan, known as latent toxoplasmosis (LT). Recent studies suggest that LT can have certain neurological, immunological psychological and behavioural effects on human including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, suicide anxiety and sleeping disorders. LT effects are controversial, and their exact mechanisms of action is not yet fully understood. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential effects, their basic mechanisms including alteration of neurotransmitter levels, immune activation in the central nervous system and induction of oxidative stress. Additionally, beneficial effects of LT, and an explanation of the effects within the framework of manipulation hypothesis, and finally, the challenges and limitations of the current research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Abdollahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ramezani
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zare-Bidaki
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Zerekidze A, Li M, Refisch A, Shameya J, Sobanski T, Walter M, Wagner G. Impact of Toxoplasma gondii and Human Microbiome on Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:593. [PMID: 38276099 PMCID: PMC10816148 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020593] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide remains a persistent global health challenge, resisting widespread prevention efforts. According to previous findings, toxoplasmosis is particularly associated with altered decision making, which could lead to risk-taking behavior, thereby increasing the likelihood for suicidal behavior (SB). In addition, discussion about the role of microbiome in psychiatric disorders has emerged lately, which also makes it relevant to investigate its role in the context of SB. Therefore, two systematic reviews are integrated in this paper, and the existing knowledge is comprehensively summarized regarding the association between microbial pathogens and SB. METHODS We conducted a systematic search with keywords including SB and Toxoplasma gondii (Suicid* AND Toxoplasm*) and microbiome (Suicid* AND Microbiome AND Microbiota) throughout PubMed and Scopus to retrieve related studies up to 9 November 2023, identifying 24 eligible records. The subjects of the included studies had to have fulfilled the criteria of an SB disorder as defined by DSM-5, and death cases needed to have been defined as suicide. RESULTS Most studies reported significant association between toxoplasmosis and SB, suggesting a higher likelihood of SB in the infected population. Regarding the microbiome, only very few studies investigated an association between SB and alterations in the microbiome. Based on six included studies, there were some indications of a link between changes in the microbiome and SB. CONCLUSION The cognitive aspects of decision making in T. gondii-infected individuals with SB should be further investigated to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Further sufficiently powered studies are needed to establish a link between SB and alterations in the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Zerekidze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Refisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Justina Shameya
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Sobanski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Mental Health, Thueringen-Kliniken “Georgius Agricola”, 07318 Saalfeld, Germany;
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gerd Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Grada S, Mihu AG, Oatis DA, Susan M, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors in Psychiatric Patients from Western Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:172. [PMID: 38257998 PMCID: PMC10820121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010172] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii was associated with an increased risk of several mental disorders. We conducted a case-control study of 464 consecutive psychiatric patients and assessed the prevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii and the potential risk factors associated with infection. T. gondii-specific antibodies were determined using a chemiluminescence assay. A questionnaire was utilized to assess the potential correlation between risk factors and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. IgG antibodies were found in 325 (70.04%) of the patients. We observed a higher likelihood of positive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in older individuals, patients residing in rural areas, and females. We also noted associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and certain risk factors, like activities that involve contact with soil, low-income levels, and limited educational attainment. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii infection among psychiatric patients from Western Romania and provide new information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii in this population group. This study may serve as a foundation for future research and the development of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Grada
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Adriana Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania;
| | - Monica Susan
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Bransfield RC, Mao C, Greenberg R. Microbes and Mental Illness: Past, Present, and Future. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 38200989 PMCID: PMC10779437 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental illnesses, complex interactive infections, total load theory, pathophysiology, psychoimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, clinical presentations, early-life infections, clinical assessment, and treatment. Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases. Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. Specific microbes that have been associated or potentially associated with at least one of these conditions include Aspergillus, Babesia, Bartonella, Borna disease virus, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Candida, Chlamydia, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, human endogenous retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, influenza viruses, measles virus, Mycoplasma, Plasmodium, rubella virus, Group A Streptococcus (PANDAS), Taenia solium, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trypanosoma, and West Nile virus. Recognition of the microbe and mental illness association with the development of greater interdisciplinary research, education, and treatment options may prevent and reduce mental illness morbidity, disability, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bransfield
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutey, NJ 07110, USA
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Estrada-Martínez S, Pérez-Álamos AR, Ramos-Nevárez A, Botello-Calderón K, Alvarado-Félix ÁO, Vaquera-Enríquez R, Alvarado-Félix GA, Sifuentes-Álvarez A, Guido-Arreola CA, Rábago-Sánchez E, Saenz-Soto L. Toxoplasma gondii infection and insomnia: A case control seroprevalence study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266214. [PMID: 35679264 PMCID: PMC9182222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and insomnia. Through an age-and gender-matched case-control study, 577 people with insomnia (cases) and 577 people without insomnia (controls) were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using commercially available enzyme-immunoassays. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 71 (12.3%) of 577 individuals with insomnia and in 46 (8.0%) of 577 controls (OR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.09–2.39; P = 0.01). Men with insomnia had a higher (16/73: 21.9%) seroprevalence of T. gondii infection than men without insomnia (5/73: 6.8%) (OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.31–11.06; P = 0.009). The rate of high (>150 IU/ml) anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels in cases was higher than the one in controls (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.13–4.31; P = 0.01). Men with insomnia had a higher (8/73: 11.0%) rate of high anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels than men without insomnia (0/73: 0.0%) (P = 0.006). The rate of high anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels in cases >50 years old (11/180: 6.1%) was higher than that (3/180: 1.7%) in controls of the same age group (OR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.05–14.00; P = 0.05). No difference in the rate of IgM seropositivity between cases and controls was found (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.57–3.11; P = 0.50). Results of this seroepidemiology study suggest that infection with T. gondii is associated with insomnia. Men older than 50 years with T. gondii exposure might be prone to insomnia. Further research to confirm the association between seropositivity and serointensity to T. gondii and insomnia is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergio Estrada-Martínez
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos
- Institute for Scientific Research “Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm”, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Agar Ramos-Nevárez
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Durango, Mexico
| | - Karina Botello-Calderón
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Ángel Osvaldo Alvarado-Félix
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Raquel Vaquera-Enríquez
- Health Center No. 2 “Dr. Carlos Santamaría”, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Alexis Alvarado-Félix
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Antonio Sifuentes-Álvarez
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alberto Guido-Arreola
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Durango, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Rábago-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | - Leandro Saenz-Soto
- Clínica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Durango, Mexico
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Zhu K, Liu K, Huang J, Weng X, Chen Q, Gao T, Chen K, Jing C, Wang J, Yang G. Toxoplasma gondii infection as a risk factor for osteoporosis: a case-control study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:151. [PMID: 35477558 PMCID: PMC9044867 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than one-third of the total world population is infected by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). T. gondii has been linked to various diseases, such as cancer, mental disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), etc. However, the effects of T. gondii infection on the risk of osteoporosis are unclear. Our study aimed to uncover evidence to determine whether patients exposed to T. gondii have an increased or decreased risk of osteoporosis in people with abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) by using case–control study. Methods A total of 729 patients, including 316 osteopenia and 413 osteoporosis patients of Han Chinese ancestry were selected in the study. Their blood samples were collected and the levels of specific IgG antibodies against T. gondii were measured using ELISA assay. We obtained some information about the patients from the medical record that included demographic indexes and clinical data. A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of T. gondii infection on femur osteoporosis, lumbar osteoporosis and compound osteoporosis. Potential interaction was analyzed using multifactor dimensionality reduction software 1.0.0 (MDR 1.0.0). Results 113 positive patients with T. gondii infections have been detected, including 80 cases of osteoporosis and 33 cases of osteopenia, the infection rates of T. gondii were 19.37% (80/413) and 10.44% (33/316), respectively. The patients with T.gondii infections were at a 2.60 times higher risk of suffering from compound osteoporosis than those without T. gondii infections (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.54–4.39, P < 0.001), but not associated with femur osteoporosis (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.43–2.34, P = 0.989) and lumbar osteoporosis (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.34–2.07, P = 0.705) after adjusting for the covariates. Moreover, a significantly higher risk of compound osteoporosis in the individuals with all two factors (T. gondii infection, Female) was observed compared with reference group (without T. gondii infection, male) under the interaction model (OR = 11.44, 95%CI = 5.44–24.05, P < 0.001). And the individuals with all two factors (T. gondii infection, over 70 years) exhibited a 8.14-fold higher possibility of developing compound osteoporosis compared with reference group (without T. gondii infection, under 70 years) (OR = 8.14, 95% CI 3.91–16.93, P < 0.001). We further stratified by age and sex, and found that women with T. gondii infection was more likely to develop compound osteoporosis than those without infection(OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.67–5.81, P < 0.001), but we not found the association between T. gondii infection and compound osteoporosis in males (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.37–4.94, P = 0.645). Conclusions T. gondii infection is a risk factor for osteoporosis, especially compound osteoporosis. Meanwhile, it is very necessary for patients with osteoporosis to further diagnose and treat T. gondii infection, especially women. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05257-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehui Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.,Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Junsi Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoyun Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianyu Gao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Kebing Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center for Orthopaedic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Road West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Yin K, Xu C, Zhao G, Xie H. Epigenetic Manipulation of Psychiatric Behavioral Disorders Induced by Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:803502. [PMID: 35237531 PMCID: PMC8882818 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.803502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to have a complex life cycle and infect almost all kinds of warm-blooded animals around the world. The brain of the host could be persistently infected by cerebral cysts, and a variety of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and suicide have been reported to be related with latent toxoplasmosis. The infected animals showed fear reduction and a tendency to be preyed upon. However, the mechanism of this “parasites manipulation” effects have not been elucidated. Here, we reviewed the recent infection prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the evidence of mental and behavioral disorders induced by T. gondii and discussed the related physiological basis including dopamine dysregulation and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway and the controversial opinion of the necessity for cerebral cysts existence. Based on the recent advances, we speculated that the neuroendocrine programs and neurotransmitter imbalance may play a key role in this process. Simultaneously, studies in the evaluation of the expression pattern of related genes, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and mRNAs of the host provides a new point for understanding the mechanism of neurotransmitter dysfunction induced by parasite manipulation. Therefore, we summarized the animal models, T. gondii strains, and behavioral tests used in the related epigenetic studies and the responsible epigenetic processes; pinpointed opportunities and challenges in future research including the causality evidence of human psychiatric disorders, the statistical analysis for rodent-infected host to be more vulnerable preyed upon; and identified responsible genes and drug targets through epigenetics.
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Lan HW, Lu YN, Zhao XD, Jin GN, Lu JM, Jin CH, Ma J, Jin X, Xu X, Piao LX. New role of sertraline against Toxoplasma gondii-induced depression-like behaviours in mice. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12893. [PMID: 34637545 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a neurotropic protozoan parasite, which can cause mental and behavioural disorders. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of sertraline (SERT) on T. gondii-induced depression-like behaviours. In the present study, a mouse model and a microglial cell line (BV2 cells) model were established by infecting with the T. gondii RH strain. In in vivo and in vitro experiments, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SERT in inhibiting depression-like behaviours and cellular perturbations caused by T. gondii infection were investigated in the mouse brain and BV2 cells. The administration of SERT significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviours in T. gondii-infected mice. Furthermore, SERT inhibited T. gondii proliferation. Treatment with SERT significantly inhibited the activation of microglia and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma, by down-regulating tumour necrosis factor receptor 1/nuclear factor-kappa B signalling pathway, thereby ameliorating the depression-like behaviours induced by T. gondii infection. Our study provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the newly discovered role of SERT against T. gondii-induced depression-like behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Wen Lan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Yu-Nan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Guang-Nan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Jing-Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xuejun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
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10
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Mendoza-Larios LA, García-Dolores F, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Antuna-Salcido EI, Hernández-Tinoco J, Rocha-Salais A, Segoviano-Mendoza MA, Sifuentes-Álvarez A. Association between Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Brain and a History of Depression in Suicide Decedents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101313. [PMID: 34684262 PMCID: PMC8539687 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection of the central nervous system and suicide correlates in suicide decedents. Eighty-seven decedents who died by suicide received in a forensic setting for medico-legal autopsies in Mexico City were studied. Two samples of brain (amygdala and prefrontal cortex) from each decedent were examined for detection of T. gondii using immunohistochemistry. Correlates of suicide including a history of previous suicide attempts, co-morbid mental disorder, consumption of alcohol or tobacco, irritability and aggression, economic problems, presence of drugs or alcohol in blood and suicide method were obtained and analyzed for their association with T. gondii infection. T. gondii immunohistochemistry was positive in prefrontal cortex sections in 6 decedents and in an amygdala section in one decedent. Thus, the prevalence of T. gondii infection in brain in suicide victims was 8.0% (7/87). Bivariate and logistic regression analysis of suicide correlates showed that only a history of depression was associated with T. gondii infection of the brain in suicide victims (OR: 12.00; 95% CI: 2.26–63.46; p = 0.003). Our results provide evidence that T. gondii infection in brain is associated with a history of depression in suicide decedents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Fernando García-Dolores
- Amphitheater and Department of Education, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Mexico 06720, Mexico; (L.A.M.-L.); (F.G.-D.)
| | - Luis Francisco Sánchez-Anguiano
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
| | | | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
| | - Adriana Rocha-Salais
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
| | - Marcela Araceli Segoviano-Mendoza
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
| | - Antonio Sifuentes-Álvarez
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango 34000, Mexico; (L.F.S.-A.); (J.H.-T.); (A.R.-S.); (M.A.S.-M.); (A.S.-Á.)
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11
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Gale SD, Erickson LD, Brown BL, Hedges DW. Examining the Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and Seropositivity and Serointensity and Depression in Adults from the United Kingdom and the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091101. [PMID: 34578136 PMCID: PMC8470860 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Infecting approximately one-third of the world’s population, the neurotropic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with cognition and several neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Findings have been mixed, however, about the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and depression, with some studies reporting positive associations and others finding no associations. To further investigate the association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression, we used data from the UK Biobank and the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Results from adjusted multiple-regression modeling showed no significant associations between Toxoplasma gondii and depression in either the UK Biobank or NHANES datasets. Further, we found no significant interactions between Toxoplasma gondii and age, sex, educational attainment, and income in either dataset that affected the association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression. These results from two community-based datasets suggest that in these samples, Toxoplasma gondii is not associated with depression. Differences between our findings and other findings showing an association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression could be due to several factors including differences in socioeconomic variables, differences in Toxoplasma gondii strain, and use of different covariates in statistical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D. Gale
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-801-422-9757
| | - Lance D. Erickson
- Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Bruce L. Brown
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
| | - Dawson W. Hedges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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12
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Relationship between Latent Toxoplasmosis and Depression in Clients of a Center for Assisted Reproduction. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081052. [PMID: 34451515 PMCID: PMC8399658 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent infection of the globally spread parasite Toxoplasma gondii in humans has been associated with changes in personality and behavior. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of toxoplasmosis on depression, but their results are inconsistent. Our study focused on the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on depression in men and women in association with their fertility. In 2016-2018, we recruited clients (677 men and 664 women) of the Center for Assisted Reproduction and asked them to complete a standardized Beck Depression Inventory-II. In women without fertility problems, we found higher depression scores in Toxoplasma-positive than in Toxoplasma-negative (p = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.48). Toxoplasma-positive infertile men, on the other hand, had lower depression scores than Toxoplasma-negative infertile men (p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.48). Our results are consistent with the previously described effects of latent toxoplasmosis, which seem to go in opposite directions regarding the effect on personality and behavior of men and women. Our results could be explained by gender-contrasting reactions to chronic stress associated with lifelong infection. This suggests that due to gender differences in the impact of latent toxoplasmosis, future studies ought to perform separate analyses for women and men.
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