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Rodríguez-Santiago Y, Terrazas-Valdés LI, Nava-Castro KE, Del Río-Araiza VH, Garay-Canales CA, Morales-Montor J. Sexual dimorphism of colorectal cancer in humans and colorectal tumors in a murine model. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1398175. [PMID: 39165688 PMCID: PMC11333323 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1398175] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In colorectal cancer, men exhibit a higher incidence than women, and there is a disturbance in the levels of sex steroids in serum in patients with this disease. Consistently, in animals, males have greater tumor growth than females in diverse models. Nevertheless, the role of sex steroids is not well established. For that, we analyzed the effect of the principal gonadal sex steroids in both sexes. We determined sex as a statistically risk factor for colorectal cancer with data obtained from GLOBOCAN database. Methods To induce colorectal tumors, we used the gold standard chemical method of azoxymethane and dextran sulphate of sodium. To evaluate the role of sex steroids, we gonadectomized independent males and female animals, reconstituting and substituting them with 17β estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Finally, we determined, in vitro, the proliferation of a human cell line exposed to 17β estradiol, testosterone, or dihydrotestosterone. Sex, as a risk factor for colorectal cancer, showed a statistically significant susceptibility of men over 50 years old. Results In vivo, males develop a greater number of tumors and with a larger size than females. In males, orchiectomy prevents tumor growth, whereas in females, ovariectomy promotes the development of neoplasms. DHT acts as a protumoral agent in both sexes. 17β estradiol reduces tumor growth in females but enhances it in males, showing a dimorphic effect. In vitro studies reveal that estradiol decreases the proliferation of the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, while testosterone boosts proliferation in these cells. Interestingly, dihydrotestosterone does not influence proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Rodríguez-Santiago
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis Ignacio Terrazas-Valdés
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztacala, Tlanepantla, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztacala, Tlanepantla, Mexico
| | - Karen Elizabeth Nava-Castro
- Laboratorio de Genotoxicología y Medicina Ambientales, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Víctor Hugo Del Río-Araiza
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Endocrinoinmunitarias en Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia Angélica Garay-Canales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Hamdy DA, Abu-Sarea EY, Elaskary HM, Abd Elmaogod EA, Abd-Allah GAE, Abdel-Tawab H. The potential prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of progesterone and mifepristone on experimental trichinellosis with ultra-structural studies. Exp Parasitol 2024; 263-264:108805. [PMID: 39032913 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Right up to now, there has not been an effective or safe therapy for trichinellosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic regimens of progesterone and mifepristone on the intestinal and muscular phases of experimental Trichinella spiralis infection compared to albendazole. Seven distinct groups of mice were divided as follows: negative, positive, and drug control groups, as well as prophylactic and treatment groups using mifepristone and progesterone. Mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 37th days after infection. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological techniques, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, and ultrastructural morphological analysis of adult worms by scanning electron microscopy. The mice groups received progesterone (300 ng/ml) and mifepristone (100 ng/ml). They demonstrated a significant improvement in intestinal and muscular inflammation and a statistically significant decline in the adult worm burden and encysted larvae (P < 0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor and mucosal mast cell analyses were coincided with the obtained parasitological results. There was notable destruction and degeneration of the adult worm tegument by using both drugs. The current study pointed out that progesterone and mifepristone may provide new insights regarding the development of vaccines and drug protocols to treat trichinellosis through their combined action in reducing the inflammation, affecting the intestinal immune cell, and decreasing the adult worm burden, and larval capsule development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Enas Y Abu-Sarea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt; Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef National University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Hala M Elaskary
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
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Sánchez-Paredes A, Cuenca-Verde C, Prado-Ochoa MG, Morales-Montor J, Alba-Hurtado F, Muñoz-Guzmán MA. Growth hormone stimulates the in vitro development and establishment of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110166. [PMID: 38508098 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110166] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The physiologic increase in some sex hormones has been associated with an increase in the parasite load caused by Haemonchus contortus in ewes, especially prolactin. In lambs that are especially susceptible to hemonchosis, the levels of sex hormones are low; in contrast, the levels of another pituitary hormone, growth hormone (GH), which is structurally very similar to prolactin, are high. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo effects of GH on H. contortus larvae development and establishment were evaluated. The addition of 20 ng/mL GH for 5 and 10 days to cultures of H. contortus larvae induced an enlargement (p<0.01) and an L3/L4 molting rate (p<0.03) greater than that of untreated larvae or those treated with other concentrations of the hormone. Flow cytometry showed that 3.8% of the largest and most complex cells of newly obtained larvae of H. contortus were positive for the GH receptor, and by immunofluorescence with confocal microscopy, it was observed that these receptors are located in the intestinal region larvae. In the in vivo assay, the administration of recombinant GH to gonadectomized lambs produced an increase in FEC (p<0.03), the number of female adult worms in the abomasum (p<0.05) and the levels of specific antibodies (p<0.04) in relation to the control lambs; however, it did not affect the fertility of H. contortus females. Although many factors affect the development and implantation of H. contortus in the abomasum of sheep, the results of this study strongly suggest that GH participates in the development and establishment of the parasite in sheep, mainly in young sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Sánchez-Paredes
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Producción y de la Salud Animal, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan S/N, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX 54714, Mexico
| | - César Cuenca-Verde
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan S/N, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX 54714, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Prado-Ochoa
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan S/N, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX 54714, Mexico
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando Alba-Hurtado
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan S/N, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX 54714, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Muñoz-Guzmán
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan S/N, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX 54714, Mexico.
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Proteomic profile associated with cell death induced by androgens in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci: proposed interactome. J Helminthol 2018; 93:539-547. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18000706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAndrogens have been shown to exert a cysticidal effect uponTaenia crassiceps, an experimental model of cysticercosis. To further inquire into this matter, theTaenia crassicepsmodel was used to evaluate the expression of several proteins after testosterone (T4) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)in vitrotreatment. Under 2-D proteomic maps, parasite extracts were resolved into approximately 130 proteins distributed in a molecular weight range of 10–250 kDa and isoelectrical point range of 3–10. The resultant proteomic pattern was analysed, and significant changes were observed in response to T4 and DHT. Based on our experience with electrophoretic patterns and proteomic maps of cytoskeletal proteins, alteration in the expression of isoforms of actin, tubulin and paramyosin and of other proteins was assessed. Considering that androgens may exert their biological activity in taeniids through the non-specific progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC), we harnessed bioinformatics to propose the identity of androgen-regulated proteins and establish their hypothetical physiological role in the parasites. These analyses yield a possible explanation of how androgens exert their cysticidal effects through changes in the expression of proteins involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement, dynamic vesicular traffic and transduction of intracellular signals.
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Aguilar-Díaz H, Nava-Castro KE, Escobedo G, Domínguez-Ramírez L, García-Varela M, Del Río-Araiza VH, Palacios-Arreola MI, Morales-Montor J. A novel progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) in the human and swine parasite Taenia solium: implications to the host-parasite relationship. Parasit Vectors 2018. [PMID: 29523160 PMCID: PMC5845172 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported that progesterone (P4) has a direct in vitro effect on the scolex evagination and growth of Taenia solium cysticerci. Here, we explored the hypothesis that the P4 direct effect on T. solium might be mediated by a novel steroid-binding parasite protein. Methods By way of using immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, flow cytometry analysis, double-dimension electrophoresis analysis, and sequencing the corresponding protein spot, we detected a novel PGRMC in T. solium. Molecular modeling studies accompanied by computer docking using the sequenced protein, together with phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment clearly demonstrated that T. solium PGRMC is from parasite origin. Results Our results show that P4 in vitro increases parasite evagination and scolex size. Using immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, we detected that parasite cells showed expression of a P4-binding like protein exclusively located at the cysticercus subtegumental tissue. Presence of the P4-binding protein in cyst cells was also confirmed by flow cytometry. Double-dimension electrophoresis analysis, followed by sequencing the corresponding protein spot, revealed a protein that was previously reported in the T. solium genome belonging to a membrane-associated progesterone receptor component (PGRMC). Molecular modeling studies accompanied by computer docking using the sequenced protein showed that PGRMC is potentially able to bind steroid hormones such as progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and dihydrodrotestosterone with different affinities. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment clearly demonstrated that T. solium PGRMC is related to a steroid-binding protein of Echinoccocus granulosus, both of them being nested within a cluster including similar proteins present in platyhelminths such as Schistocephalus solidus and Schistosoma haematobium. Conclusion Progesterone may directly act upon T. solium cysticerci probably by binding to PGRMC. This research has implications in the field of host-parasite co-evolution as well as the sex-associated susceptibility to this infection. In a more practical matter, present results may contribute to the molecular design of new drugs with anti-parasite actions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2703-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Díaz
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Parasitología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias INIFAP, CP 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Karen E Nava-Castro
- Laboratorio de Genotoxicología y Medicina Ambientales. Departamento de.Ciencias Ambientales. Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", 06726, México DF, Mexico
| | - Lenin Domínguez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Sta. Catarina Mártir, Cholula, C.P 72810, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Martín García-Varela
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Víctor H Del Río-Araiza
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Margarita I Palacios-Arreola
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico.
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Gutiérrez-Amézquita R, Morales-Montor J, Muñoz-Guzmán M, Nava-Castro K, Ramírez-Álvarez H, Cuenca-Verde C, Moreno-Mendoza N, Cuéllar-Ordaz J, Alba-Hurtado F. Progesterone inhibits the in vitro L3/L4 molting process in Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2017. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Progesterone inhibits the in vitro L3/L4 molting process in Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2017; 248:48-53. [PMID: 29173541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the direct effects of progesterone on the morphology, maturation and behavior of Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. The presence and location of possible progesterone receptors in these larvae were also determined. The addition of 8ng/mL of progesterone to larval cultures over 10days reduced larval enlargement, while the addition of 160ng/mL of the hormone increased the enlargement. Up to 62% and 65% of the H. contortus larvae molted from third-stage larvae (L3) to fourth-stage larvae (L4) when cultured in RPMI-1640 media without hormone for 5 and 10days, respectively. The addition of different progesterone concentrations (1, 8, 16, 80 and 160ng/mL) to the larval cultures significantly inhibited the molting process within the same periods. The addition of 8ng/mL or higher progesterone concentrations to the cultures significantly increased larval motility (p<0.05) compared with unstimulated larvae. Flow cytometry showed the expression of progesterone receptors (P4-R) in 15% of the cells from newly isolated H. contortus larvae. When the larvae were cultured for 5days in the presence of the hormone, the percentage of P4-R+ cells remained the same. In contrast, unstimulated larvae showed a significant reduction in the number of P4-R+ cells. Using confocal microscopy, a greater concentration of P4-Rs was immunolocated in the anterior portion of the alimentary tract of the larvae, suggesting that the cells in this region are targeted by the hormone. The results of the present study show that H. contortus larvae have possible P4-Rs and respond to this hormone by inhibiting their molting process, thereby suggesting the participation of progesterone in the larval arrest phenomenon.
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Quintanar-Stephano A, Hernández-Cervantes R, Moreno-Mendoza N, Escobedo G, Carrero JC, Nava-Castro KE, Morales-Montor J. The endocrine-immune network during taeniosis by Taenia solium: The role of the pituitary gland. Exp Parasitol 2015; 159:233-44. [PMID: 26481692 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that sex hormones play an important role during Taenia solium infection; however, to our knowledge no studies exist concerning the immune response following complete or lobe-specific removal of the pituitary gland during T. solium infection. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze in hamsters, the effects of lack of pituitary hormones on the duodenal immune response, and their impact on T. solium establishment and development. Thus, in order to achieve this goal, we perform anterior pituitary lobectomy (AL, n = 9), neurointermediate pituitary lobectomy (NIL, n = 9) and total hypophysectomy (HYPOX, n = 8), and related to the gut establishment and growth of T. solium, hematoxylin-eosin staining of duodenal tissue and immunofluorescence of duodenal cytokine expression and compared these results to the control intact (n = 8) and control infected group (n = 8). Our results indicate that 15 days post-infection, HYPOX reduces the number and size of intestinally recovered T. solium adults. Using semiquantitative immunofluorescent laser confocal microscopy, we observed that the mean intensity of duodenal IFN-γ and IL-12 Th1 cytokines was mildly expressed in the infected controls, in contrast with the high level of expression of these cytokines in the NIL infected hamsters. Likewise, the duodenum of HYPOX animals showed an increase in the expression of Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-6, when compared to control hamsters. Histological analysis of duodenal mucosa from HYPOX hamsters revealed an exacerbated inflammatory infiltrate located along the lamina propria and related to the presence of the parasite. We conclude that lobe-specific pituitary hormones affect differentially the T. solium development and the gut immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosalía Hernández-Cervantes
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Norma Moreno-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, 06726 México DF, Mexico
| | - Julio Cesar Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Karen E Nava-Castro
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico.
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Androgens Exert a Cysticidal Effect upon Taenia crassiceps by Disrupting Flame Cell Morphology and Function. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127928. [PMID: 26076446 PMCID: PMC4468188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of testosterone (T4) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the survival of the helminth cestode parasite Taenia crassiceps, as well as their effects on actin, tubulin and myosin expression and their assembly into the excretory system of flame cells are described in this paper. In vitro evaluations on parasite viability, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, video-microscopy of live flame cells, and docking experiments of androgens interacting with actin, tubulin, and myosin were conducted. Our results show that T4 and DHT reduce T. crassiceps viability in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, reaching 90% of mortality at the highest dose used (40 ng/ml) and time exposed (10 days) in culture. Androgen treatment does not induce differences in the specific expression pattern of actin, tubulin, and myosin isoforms as compared with control parasites. Confocal microscopy demonstrated a strong disruption of the parasite tegument, with reduced assembly, shape, and motion of flame cells. Docking experiments show that androgens are capable of affecting parasite survival and flame cell morphology by directly interacting with actin, tubulin and myosin without altering their protein expression pattern. We show that both T4 and DHT are able to bind actin, tubulin, and myosin affecting their assembly and causing parasite intoxication due to impairment of flame cell function. Live flame cell video microscopy showing a reduced motion as well changes in the shape of flame cells are also shown. In summary, T4 and DHT directly act on T. crassiceps cysticerci through altering parasite survival as well as the assembly and function of flame cells.
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Ambrosio JR, Ostoa-Saloma P, Palacios-Arreola MI, Ruíz-Rosado A, Sánchez-Orellana PL, Reynoso-Ducoing O, Nava-Castro KE, Martínez-Velázquez N, Escobedo G, Ibarra-Coronado EG, Valverde-Islas L, Morales-Montor J. Oestradiol and progesterone differentially alter cytoskeletal protein expression and flame cell morphology in Taenia crassiceps. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:687-96. [PMID: 24879953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on cytoskeletal protein expression in the helminth Taenia crassiceps - specifically actin, tubulin and myosin. These proteins assemble into flame cells, which constitute the parasite excretory system. Total protein extracts were obtained from E2- and P4-treated T. crassiceps cysticerci and untreated controls, and analysed by one- and two-dimensional protein electrophoresis, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and videomicroscopy. Exposure of T. crassiceps cysticerci to E2 and P4 induced differential protein expression patterns compared with untreated controls. Changes in actin, tubulin and myosin expression were confirmed by flow cytometry of parasite cells and immunofluorescence. In addition, parasite morphology was altered in response to E2 and P4 versus controls. Flame cells were primarily affected at the level of the ciliary tuft, in association with the changes in actin, tubulin and myosin. We conclude that oestradiol and progesterone act directly on T. crassiceps cysticerci, altering actin, tubulin and myosin expression and thus affecting the assembly and function of flame cells. Our results increase our understanding of several aspects of the molecular crosstalk between host and parasite, which might be useful in designing anthelmintic drugs that exclusively impair parasitic proteins which mediate cell signaling and pathogenic reproduction and establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier R Ambrosio
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio A, 2do piso, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Pedro Ostoa-Saloma
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - M Isabel Palacios-Arreola
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Azucena Ruíz-Rosado
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Pedro L Sánchez-Orellana
- Departamento de Fisiología Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. Instituto Politecnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, México DF 07360, Mexico
| | - Olivia Reynoso-Ducoing
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio A, 2do piso, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Karen E Nava-Castro
- Centro de investigación sobre enfermedades infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Nancy Martínez-Velázquez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México, AP 06726, México DF, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth G Ibarra-Coronado
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Laura Valverde-Islas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio A, 2do piso, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, México DF 04510, Mexico.
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Dlugosz EM, Downs CJ, Khokhlova IS, Degen AA, Krasnov BR. Ectoparasite performance when feeding on reproducing mammalian females: an unexpected decrease when on pregnant hosts. J Exp Biol 2014; 217:1058-64. [PMID: 24311805 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.098376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is an energy-demanding activity in mammalian females, with increased energy requirements during pregnancy and, especially, during lactation. To better understand the interactions between parasitism and host reproduction, we investigated feeding and reproductive performance of fleas (Xenopsylla ramesis) parasitizing non-reproducing, pregnant or lactating gerbilline rodents (Meriones crassus). Based on energetic considerations, we predicted that feeding and reproductive performance of fleas would be lowest on non-breeding females, moderate on pregnant females and highest on lactating females. We estimated feeding performance of the fleas via absolute and mass-specific bloodmeal size and reproductive performance via egg production and latency to peak oviposition. Host reproductive status had no effect on either absolute or mass-specific bloodmeal size or the day of peak oviposition, but significantly affected the daily number of eggs produced by a female flea. Surprisingly, and contrary to our predictions, egg production of fleas fed on pregnant rodents was significantly lower than that of fleas on non-reproducing and lactating rodents, while no difference in egg production between fleas feeding on non-reproducing and lactating hosts was found. Our results suggest that differences in parasite reproduction when feeding on hosts of different reproductive status are not associated with the different energy requirements of the hosts at non-breeding, pregnancy and lactation but rather with variation in hormonal and/or immune status during these periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Dlugosz
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, 84990 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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12
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Hallal-Calleros C, Morales-Montor J, Vázquez-Montiel JA, Hoffman KL, Nieto-Rodríguez A, Flores-Pérez FI. Hormonal and behavioral changes induced by acute and chronic experimental infestation with Psoroptes cuniculi in the domestic rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:361. [PMID: 24354923 PMCID: PMC3878243 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic diseases are important in animal production because they cause high economic losses. Affected animals often exhibit stereotypical behavioral alterations such as anorexia and inactivity, among others. Among the diseases that commonly affect domestic rabbits is mange, which is caused by the mite Psoroptes cuniculi. Therefore, within the context of the host-parasite relationship, it is critical to understand the mechanisms involved in the alteration of host behavior, in order to better utilize sick animal behavior as a strategy for diagnosis and treatment of disease. Methods Rabbits were infested placing mites in the ear conduct. We characterized changes in exploratory behavior and scent marking evoked by acute (1-9 days) and chronic (25-33 days) experimental infestation. Behavior was recorded during ten minutes while the animals were in a 120 cm × 120 cm open field arena divided into 9 squares. Serum cortisol was measured individually using radioimmunoassay kits. Locomotor activity, chinning, rearing and body weight were compared using a Friedman test, the effect of treatment (infested versus non-infested) across time was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA, and the Pearson test was used to determine whether chinning and ambulation scores were significantly correlated. Serum cortisol levels and food consumption were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test and body temperature was analyzed with an ANOVA test. Results We observed a significant decrease in rearing behavior as early as two days post-infestation, while chinning and locomotor activity were significantly decreased four days post-infestation. Chronic infestation was associated with decreased food intake, significant weight loss, and a trend toward increased serum cortisol levels, while no changes were observed in body temperature. Conclusions The presence of visible lesions within the ear canal is commonly used to detect mite infestation in rabbits, but this is possible only after chronic infestation. The behaviors described here may be a useful and economic tool in guiding the early diagnosis of parasitic infestation by P. cuniculi, allowing for early treatment and the application of control measures before significant weight loss occurs, thereby avoiding economic losses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Iván Flores-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av, Universidad 1001, Col Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62209, México.
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Nava-Castro K, Hernández-Bello R, Muñiz-Hernández S, Camacho-Arroyo I, Morales-Montor J. Sex steroids, immune system, and parasitic infections: facts and hypotheses. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1262:16-26. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06632.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Escobedo G, Camacho-Arroyo I, Nava-Luna P, Olivos A, Pérez-Torres A, Leon-Cabrera S, Carrero J, Morales-Montor J. Progesterone induces mucosal immunity in a rodent model of human taeniosis by Taenia solium. Int J Biol Sci 2011; 7:1443-56. [PMID: 22110394 PMCID: PMC3221950 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7.1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
More than one quarter of human world's population is exposed to intestinal helminth parasites. The Taenia solium tapeworm carrier is the main risk factor in the transmission of both human neurocysticercosis and porcine cysticercosis. Sex steroids play an important role during T. solium infection, particularly progesterone has been proposed as a key immunomodulatory hormone involved in susceptibility to human taeniosis in woman and cysticercosis in pregnant pigs. Thus, we evaluated the effect of progesterone administration upon the experimental taeniosis in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Intact female adult hamsters were randomly divided into 3 groups: progesterone-subcutaneously treated; olive oil-treated as the vehicle group; and untreated controls. Animals were treated every other day during 4 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, all hamsters were orally infected with 4 viable T. solium cysticerci. After 2 weeks post infection, progesterone-treated hamsters showed reduction in adult worm recovery by 80%, compared to both vehicle-treated and non-manipulated infected animals. In contrast to control and vehicle groups, progesterone treatment diminished tapeworm length by 75% and increased proliferation rate of leukocytes from spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of infected hamsters by 5-fold. The latter exhibited high expression levels of IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α at the duodenal mucosa, accompanied with polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration. These results support that progesterone protects hamsters from the T. solium adult tapeworm establishment by improving the intestinal mucosal immunity, suggesting a potential use of analogues of this hormone as novel inductors of the gut immune response against intestinal helminth infections and probably other bowel-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galileo Escobedo
- 1. Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Hospital General de México, México D.F. 06726, México
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- 2. Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
| | - Paul Nava-Luna
- 3. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
| | - Alfonso Olivos
- 4. Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital General de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 06726, México
| | - Armando Pérez-Torres
- 5. Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
| | - Sonia Leon-Cabrera
- 6. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
| | - J.C. Carrero
- 3. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- 3. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, México
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Sex steroids effects on the molting process of the helminth human parasite Trichinella spiralis. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:625380. [PMID: 22162638 PMCID: PMC3228608 DOI: 10.1155/2011/625380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the in vitro effects of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone on the molting process, which is the initial and crucial step in the development of the muscular larvae (ML or L1) to adult worm. Testosterone had no significative effect on the molting rate of the parasite, however, progesterone decreased the molting rate about a 50% in a concentration- and time-independent pattern, while estradiol had a slight effect (10%). The gene expression of caveolin-1, a specific gene used as a marker of parasite development, showed that progesterone and estradiol downregulated its expression, while protein expression was unaffected. By using flow citometry, a possible protein that is recognized by a commercial antiprogesterone receptor antibody was detected. These findings may have strong implications in the host-parasite coevolution, in the sex-associated susceptibility to this infection and could point out to possibilities to use antihormones to inhibit parasite development.
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Antolová D, Reiterová K. Influence of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on reproduction and cellular immune response of mice. Parasite Immunol 2010; 32:384-7. [PMID: 20500667 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The influence of secondary Echinococcus multilocularis infection on reproduction and cellular immune response of mice was studied in BALB/c mice infected with 2000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces. Of the total infected mothers, 11.7% did not give birth and 10% of uninfected ones did not deliver. Both, healthy and infected mothers, produced on average 6-7 offspring per litter. The changes in production of seral IFN-gamma, TNF and IL-10 did not significantly influence the course of gravidity. On the other hand, more intensive metacestode growth was observed after the delivery. This study confirmed the ability of host organism to adapt to severe damage caused by E. multilocularis, not only in normal conditions, but also during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Antolová
- Parasitological Institute of SAS, Hlinkova, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
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Progesterone induces scolex evagination of the human parasite Taenia solium: evolutionary implications to the host-parasite relationship. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2010:591079. [PMID: 20037735 PMCID: PMC2796346 DOI: 10.1155/2010/591079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium cysticercosis is a health problem in underdeveloped and developed countries. Sex hormones are involved in cysticercosis prevalence in female and male pigs. Here, we evaluated the effects of progesterone and its antagonist RU486 on scolex evagination, which is the initial step in the development of the adult worm. Interestingly, progesterone increased T. solium scolex evagination and worm growth, in a concentration-independent pattern. Progesterone effects could be mediated by a novel T. solium progesterone receptor (TsPR), since RU486 inhibits both scolex evagination and worm development induced by progesterone. Using RT-PCR and western blot, sequences related to progesterone receptor were detected in the parasite. A phylogenetic analysis reveals that TsPR is highly related to fish and amphibian progesterone receptors, whereas it has a distant relation with birds and mammals. Conclusively, progesterone directly acts upon T. solium cysticerci, possibly through its binding to a progesterone receptor synthesized by the parasite.
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De León-Nava MA, Nava K, Soldevila G, López-Griego L, Chávez-Ríos JR, Vargas-Villavicencio JA, Morales-Montor J. Immune sexual dimorphism: effect of gonadal steroids on the expression of cytokines, sex steroid receptors, and lymphocyte proliferation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 113:57-64. [PMID: 19073259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Revised: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were, first, to explore the differences in the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines and of steroid receptors in spleen of intact and gonadectomized mice of both sexes; second, to evaluate the effect of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) on cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation, and third, to determine the percentage of spleen cell subpopulations in both sexes. Results indicated dimorphic expression of IFN-gamma and IL-4, which was affected by gonadectomy. CD4+ T lymphocytes were the most frequent type of cell in the spleen, followed by B lymphocytes (CD19+). Interestingly, there was no dimorphic pattern of cell subtypes, and gonadectomy had no effect. Regarding lymphocyte proliferation, E2 inhibited both cells of male (19.51%) and female (24.62%). P4 diminished lymphocyte proliferation by 22% in cells of female and had no effect on cells of male. It is very interesting to note that the sex steroid receptors mRNA was highly expressed in all splenocytes, and that this expression was dimorphic. However, flow cytometry analysis confirmed that only expression of progesterone receptor was dimorphic. This dimorphic pattern was, however, only seen in lymphocytes. Present evidence indicates that sex steroids are capable of affecting crucial immune system functions dimorphically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De León-Nava
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. A.P. 70228, México D.F. 04510, Mexico
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