1
|
Lin GH, Yu TA, Chang CF, Hsu CH. Proline Isomerization and Molten Globular Property of TgPDCD5 Secreted from Toxoplasma gondii Confers Its Regulation of Heparin Sulfate Binding. JACS AU 2024; 4:1763-1774. [PMID: 38818051 PMCID: PMC11134355 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00577] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses risks to vulnerable populations. TgPDCD5, a secreted protein of T. gondii, induces apoptosis through heparan sulfate-mediated endocytosis. The entry mechanism of TgPDCD5 has remained elusive. Here, we present the solution structure of TgPDCD5 as a helical bundle with an extended N-terminal helix, exhibiting molten globule characteristics. NMR perturbation studies reveal heparin/heparan sulfate binding involving the heparan sulfate/heparin proteoglycans-binding motif and the core region, influenced by proline isomerization of P107 residue. The heterogeneous proline recruits a cyclophilin TgCyp18, accelerating interconversion between conformers and regulating heparan/heparin binding. These atomic-level insights elucidate the binary switch's functionality, expose novel heparan sulfate-binding surfaces, and illuminate the unconventional cellular entry of pathogenic TgPDCD5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria
Meng-Hsuan Lin
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Genome
and Systems Biology Degree Program, National
Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tsun-Ai Yu
- Genomic
Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fon Chang
- Genomic
Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hua Hsu
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Genome
and Systems Biology Degree Program, National
Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
El-kady AM, Al-Megrin WAI, Abdel-Rahman IAM, Sayed E, Alshehri EA, Wakid MH, Baakdah FM, Mohamed K, Elshazly H, Alobaid HM, Qahl SH, Elshabrawy HA, Younis SS. Ginger Is a Potential Therapeutic for Chronic Toxoplasmosis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070798. [PMID: 35890042 PMCID: PMC9315699 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic parasite that causes serious diseases in humans, particularly immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. To date, there are limited numbers of therapeutics for chronic toxoplasmosis which necessitate the discovery of effective and safe therapeutics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antitoxoplasmosis potential of ginger extract in mice with experimentally induced chronic toxoplasmosis. Results: Treatment with ginger extract significantly reduced cysts count in the brains of T. gondii-infected mice with a marked alleviation of edema and inflammation, and a reversal of neuronal injury. Moreover, ginger extract treatment reduced inflammation in liver and lungs and protected hepatocytes from infection-induced degeneration. Consistently, apoptosis was significantly mitigated in the brains of ginger extract-treated mice compared to infected untreated animals or spiramycin-treated animals. Methods: Four groups of Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. The first group was not infected, whereas 3 groups were infected with Me49 T. gondii strains. One infected group remained untreated (infected untreated), whereas the other two infected groups were treated with either ginger extract (250 mg/kg) or spiramycin (positive control; 100 mg/kg), respectively. The therapeutic potential of ginger extract was evaluated by calculation of the parasite burden in infected animals, and examination of the infected tissues for reduced pathologic changes. Conclusions: Our results showed for the first time that ginger extract exhibited marked therapeutic effects in mice with chronic T. gondii infection which indicates that it can be used as a safe and effective treatment for chronic toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
- Correspondence: Correspondence: (A.M.E.-k.); (H.A.E.)
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Iman A. M. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Eman Sayed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Eman Abdullah Alshehri
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.A.A.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.W.); (F.M.B.)
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadi M. Baakdah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.W.); (F.M.B.)
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalil Mohamed
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 21961, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences -Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim 52571, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Hussah M. Alobaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (E.A.A.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Safa H. Qahl
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX 77304, USA
- Correspondence: Correspondence: (A.M.E.-k.); (H.A.E.)
| | - Salwa S. Younis
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21131, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saki J, Sabaghan M, Arjmand R, Teimoori A, Rashno M, Saki G, Shojaee S. Spermatogonia apoptosis induction as a possible mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii-induced male infertility. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1164-1171. [PMID: 32963738 PMCID: PMC7491504 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.43535.10224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as an intracellular protozoan is widely prevalent in humans and animals. Infection generally occurs through consuming food contaminated with oocysts and tissue cysts from undercooked meat. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids like semen but there is little information about the effect of T. gondii on the male reproductive system. In this study, we examined the effect of T. gondii tachyzoites on apoptosis induction in type B spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. Materials and Methods: Fresh tachyzoites taken of infected BALB/c mice, GC-1 spg cells were infected with increasing concentrations of tachyzoites of T. gondii, then apoptotic cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The genes associated with apoptosis were evaluated by RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: PCR array analysis of 84 apoptosis-related genes demonstrated that 12 genes were up-regulated at least 4-fold and that one gene was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The number of genes whose expression had increased during the period of infection with T. gondii was significantly higher than those whose expressions had decreased (18 versus 1) and Tnfrsf11b had the highest rate of gene expression. Conclusion: T. gondii induce in vitro apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase so that with an increase in the ratio of parasite burden to spermatogonial cells, in addition to an increase in the number of genes whose expression has changed, the fold of these changes has increased as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Sabaghan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ye W, Sun J, Li C, Fan X, Gong F, Huang X, Deng M, Chu JQ. Adenosine A3 Receptor Mediates ERK1/2- and JNK-Dependent TNF-α Production in Toxoplasma gondii-Infected HTR8/SVneo Human Extravillous Trophoblast Cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:393-402. [PMID: 32871633 PMCID: PMC7462804 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes severe disease when the infection occurs during pregnancy. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside involved in numerous physiological processes; however, the role of adenosine receptors in T. gondii-induced trophoblast cell function has not been investigated until now. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the intracellular signaling pathways regulated by adenosine receptors using a HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell model of T. gondii infection. HTR8/SVneo human extravillous trophoblast cells were infected with or without T. gondii and then evaluated for cell morphology, intracellular proliferation of the parasite, adenosine receptor expression, TNF-α production and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways triggered by adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR). HTR8/SVneo cells infected with T. gondii exhibited an altered cytoskeletal changes, an increased infection rate and reduced viability in an infection time-dependent manner. T. gondii significantly promoted increased TNF-α production, A3AR protein levels and p38, ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation compared to those observed in uninfected control cells. Moreover, the inhibition of A3AR by A3AR siRNA transfection apparently suppressed the T. gondii infection-mediated upregulation of TNF-α, A3AR production and MAPK activation. In addition, T. gondii-promoted TNF-α secretion was dramatically attenuated by pretreatment with PD098059 or SP600125. These results indicate that A3AR-mediated activation of ERK1/2 and JNK positively regulates TNF-α secretion in T. gondii-infected HTR8/SVneo cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Jinhui Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Chunchao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Xuanyan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Fan Gong
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Xinqia Huang
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Mingzhu Deng
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Jia-Qi Chu
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harun MSR, Marsh V, Elsaied NA, Webb KF, Elsheikha HM. Effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the function and integrity of human cerebrovascular endothelial cells and the influence of verapamil treatment in vitro. Brain Res 2020; 1746:147002. [PMID: 32592740 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can cause parasitic encephalitis, a life-threatening infection that predominately occurs in immunocompromised individuals. T. gondii has the ability to invade the brain, but the mechanisms by which this parasite crosses the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) remain incompletely understood. The present study reports the changes associated with infection and replication of T. gondii within human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro. Our results indicated that exposure to T. gondii had an adverse impact on the function and integrity of the BMECs - through induction of cell cycle arrest, disruption of the BMEC barrier integrity, reduction of cellular viability and vitality, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase of the DNA fragmentation, and alteration of the expression of immune response and tight junction genes. The calcium channel/P-glycoprotein transporter inhibitor verapamil was effective in inhibiting T. gondii crossing the BMECs in a dose-dependent manner. The present study showed that T. gondii can compromise several functions of BMECs and demonstrated the ability of verapamil to inhibit T. gondii crossing of the BMECs in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S R Harun
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK; Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Victoria Marsh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Nashwa A Elsaied
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Kevin F Webb
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
El-Kowrany SI, El Ghaffar AESA, Shoheib ZS, Mady RF, Gamea GAM. Evaluation of nitazoxanide as a novel drug for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Acta Trop 2019; 195:145-154. [PMID: 30986380 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread, neglected disease with significant morbidity and mortality. In search of an effective treatment, nitazoxanide (NTZ) was evaluated in the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in experimental mice. For this purpose, mice were infected with 20 cysts (acute infection model) or 10 cysts (chronic infection model) of Toxoplasma gondii (ME 49 strain). Treated mice received NTZ (at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg), starting from the third day (acute model) or the fifth week (chronic model) post-infection, which continued for 14 consecutive days. The effects of NTZ were evaluated in comparison to the pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine combination. Evaluation included mortality rates, brain cyst count, inflammatory scoring and immunological studies. The latter included estimation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In the acute infection model, NTZ at 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of brain cysts by 78 and 87% compared to the infected untreated controls and reduced the mortality rate to 24 and 20%, respectively, compared with 44% in the infected untreated control. In the chronic infection model, cyst reduction reached 32 and 38% for 100 and 150 mg/kg NTZ treatments, respectively. NTZ was significantly able to reduce inflammation caused by acute and chronic T. gondii infection with slight necrosis and few infiltrating mononuclear cells. Additionally, the immunological analysis revealed that NTZ significantly increased the production of serum IFN-γ and enhanced iNOS production in brain tissue, suggesting an immunomodulatory role for the drug. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that NTZ is a potential drug for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Khan IA, Hwang S, Moretto M. Toxoplasma gondii: CD8 T Cells Cry for CD4 Help. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:136. [PMID: 31119107 PMCID: PMC6504686 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, is a pathogenic protozoan that can infect the central nervous system. In pregnant women, infection can result in congenital problems of the fetus, while in immunocompromised individual it can lead to severe neurological consequences. Although CD8 T cells play an important effector role in controlling the chronic infection, their maintenance is dependent on the critical help provided by CD4 T cells. In a recent study, we demonstrated that reactivation of the infection in chronically infected host is a consequence of CD8 T dysfunction caused by CD4 T cell exhaustion. Furthermore, treatment of chronically infected host with antigen-specific non-exhausted CD4 T cells can restore CD8 T cell functionality and prevent reactivation of the latent infection. The exhaustion status of CD4 T cells is mediated by the increased expression of the transcription factor BLIMP-1, and deletion of this molecule led to the restoration of CD4 T cell function, reversal of CD8 exhaustion and prevention of reactivation of the latent infection. In a recent study from our laboratory, we also observed an increased expression of miR146a levels by CD4 T cells from the chronically infected animals. Recent reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (especially miR146a) has a strong impact on the immune system of T. gondii infected host. Whether these molecules have any role in the BLIMP-1 up-regulation and dysfunctionality of these cells needs to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz A. Khan
- Department Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu W, Li J, Pappoe F, Shen J, Yu L. Strategies Developed by Toxoplasma gondii to Survive in the Host. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:899. [PMID: 31080445 PMCID: PMC6497798 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most successful intracellular parasites, Toxoplasma gondii has developed several strategies to avoid destruction by the host. These include approaches such as rapid and efficient cell invasion to avoid phagocytic engulfment, negative regulation of the canonical CD40-CD40L-mediated autophagy pathway, impairment of the noncanonical IFN-γ-dependent autophagy pathway, and modulation of host cell survival and death to obtain lifelong parasite survival. Different virulent strains have even evolved different ways to cope with and evade destruction by the host. This review aims to illustrate every aspect of the game between the host and Toxoplasma during the process of infection. A better understanding of all aspects of the battle between Toxoplasma and its hosts will be useful for the development of better strategies and drugs to control the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Graduate School of Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingyang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Clinical Laboratory of the Third People's Hospital of Heifei, Hefei, China
| | - Faustina Pappoe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bottari NB, Schetinger MRC, Pillat MM, Palma TV, Ulrich H, Alves MS, Morsch VM, Melazzo C, de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Da Silva AS. Resveratrol as a Therapy to Restore Neurogliogenesis of Neural Progenitor Cells Infected by Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2328-2338. [PMID: 30027338 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii may cause congenital toxoplasmosis and serious brain damage in fetus. However, the underlying mechanism of neuropathogenesis in brain toxoplasmosis remains unclear. For this study, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were obtained from embryo telencephalons (embryonic day 13) and induced to proliferation in the presence of growth factors (GFs). For gathering insights into the biological effects of resveratrol (RSV) on neurogenesis, this study aimed to investigate effects of RSV concentrations (0.1 to 100 μM) on proliferation, migration and differentiation of NPCs infected by T. gondii. T. gondii infection increased the presence of cells in Sub G1 phase, reducing the global frequency of undifferentiated cells in S and G2/M phases of cell cycle and reduced cell viability/mithochondrial activity of infected NPCs. Moreover T. gondii stimulated neural migration and gliogenesis during neutral differentation. However, the treatment with RSV stimulated cell proliferation, restored cellular viability of infected NPCs and exerted an inhibitory effect on gliogenesis of infected NPCs favorecing neuronal maturation during toxoplasmosis infection. Thus, we have successfully to demonstrated that RSV is promising as therapeutic for congenital toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathieli B Bottari
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Maria Rosa C Schetinger
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Micheli M Pillat
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais V Palma
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Alves
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Vera M Morsch
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Melazzo
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, n°1000, Camobi District, Zip Code, Santa Maria, 97105900, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen Q, Pang MH, Ye XH, Yang G, Lin C. The Toxoplasma gondii ME-49 strain upregulates levels of A20 that inhibit NF-κB activation and promotes apoptosis in human leukaemia T-cell lines. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:305. [PMID: 29776374 PMCID: PMC5960183 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute T-lymphocyte leukaemia is a form of haematological malignancy with abnormal activation of NF-κB pathway, which results in high expression of A20 and ABIN1, which constitute a negative feedback mechanism for the regulation of NF-κB activation. Clinical studies have found that acute T-lymphocyte leukaemia patients are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection; however, the effect of T. gondii on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukaemia T-cells remains unclear. Here, we used the T. gondii ME-49 strain to infect human leukaemia T-cell lines Jurkat and Molt-4, to explore the effect of T. gondii on proliferation and apoptosis, which is mediated by NF-κB in human leukaemia T-cells. Methods The Tunel assay was used to detect cell apoptosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation viability. The apoptosis level and the expression level of NF-κB related proteins in human leukaemia T-cells were detected by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Results Western blotting analyses revealed that the T. gondii ME-49 strain increased the expression of A20 and decreased both ABIN1 expression and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. By constructing a lentiviral-mediated shRNA to knockdown the A20 gene in Jurkat T-cells and Molt-4 T-cells, the apoptosis levels of the two cell lines decreased after T. gondii ME-49 infection, and levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and ABIN1 were higher than in the non-konckdown group. After knockingdown ABIN1 gene expression by constructing the lentiviral-mediated shRNA and transfecting the recombinant expression plasmid containing the ABIN1 gene into two cell lines, apoptosis levels and cleaved caspase-8 expression increased or decreased in response to T. gondii ME-49 infection, respectively. Conclusions Our data suggest that ABIN1 protects human leukaemia T-cells by allowing them to resist the apoptosis induced by T. gondii ME-49 and that the T. gondii ME-49 strain induces the apoptosis of human leukaemia T-cells via A20-mediated downregulation of ABIN1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Hui Pang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hong Ye
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510632, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wei W, Zhang F, Chen H, Tang Y, Xing T, Luo Q, Yu L, Du J, Shen J, Zhang L. Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 15 induces apoptosis in choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:251. [PMID: 29665822 PMCID: PMC5904991 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite commonly found in mammals, has been shown to induce trophoblast cell apoptosis and subsequently cause fetal damage and abortion. Although dense granule protein 15 (GRA15) has been identified as a key component in innate immunity to T. gondii infection and its pathogenesis, its role in host cell apoptosis remains unclarified. Methods Type II GRA15 (GRA15II) cDNA was inserted into a plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP). Choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells were transfected with either pEGFP or pEGFP-GRA15II and cultured for 24 h. Cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) responses were assessed. Inhibitors targeting inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α; 4μ8C, 100 nM) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; SP6000125, 20 μM) were added 12 h after plasmid transfection, followed by testing the effect of GRA15II on ERS. Results When compared to pEGFP, pEGFP-GRA15II transfection facilitated cell apoptosis (P < 0.05), increased mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-4, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) (all P < 0.05), and promoted protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bax, CHOP, GRP78, phospho-JNK, and phospho-IRE1α (all P < 0.05). The 4μ8C and SP6000125 decreased apoptosis and protein expression of XBP1s, CHOP, TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), phosphorylated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), cleaved caspase-3, phospho-JNK, and Bax (all P < 0.05) in pEGFP-GRA15II transfected cells. Conclusions Toxoplasma GRA15II induced ERS and subsequently caused apoptosis of choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - He Chen
- Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, the First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tian Xing
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Department of Pathogen Biology and the Key Laboratory of Microbiology (Anhui), School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, the First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Linjie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suwanti LT, Mufasirin. INCREASED APOPTOSIS SKULL OF PUPS BORN TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII-INFECTED MICE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED EXPRESSION OF INTERFERON GAMMA, BUT NOT TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALFA. Afr J Infect Dis 2018; 12:68-71. [PMID: 29619433 PMCID: PMC5876786 DOI: 10.2101/ajid.12v1s.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacground Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular obligate protozoan parasite that infects most warm-blooded animals including humans. It can cause congenital infection with clinical symptoms ranging from mild to severe including microcephaly. At the cellular level, infection T. gondii causes apoptosis in some tissues and it is induced by proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) to apoptosis skull of newborn from T. gondii-infected mice. Materials and Methods Twenty pregnant mice were divided into two groups. The first group was the control group which was not infected with T. gondii tachizoites. The second group was the infected mice, which was infected with T. gondii tachizoites on the day 11.5 of gestation. All mice were cared until delivery. Subsequenly, pups of the mice were sacrificed and their skullcap tissues were taken for histological preparation. The tissues were stained by TUNEL Assay and IHC. Observed variables were apoptotic index and the percentage of skull cell expressing TNF-α and IFN-γ. Data were analyzed with t-test and regression. Results Compared to the control group, the skull of the pups born to T. gondii-infected mice showed that the number of apoptotic index and percentage of expressing TNF-α and IFN-γ cells were higher than the control group. There is no correlation between increasing expression of TNF-α and apoptosis skull of pups. However, an increasing expression of IFN-γ affected the increased apoptosis of skull pups born to T.gondii-infected mice. Conclusion Congenital toxoplasmosis in mice increased apoptotic index of skull and the apoptosis of skull associated with increasing expression of IFN-γ, but not associated with increasing expression of TNF-α.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Tri Suwanti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
| | - Mufasirin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Afifi MA, Jiman-Fatani AA, Al-Rabia MW, Al-Hussainy NH, El Saadany S, Mayah W. More Than an Association: Latent Toxoplasmosis Might Provoke a Local Oxidative Stress That Triggers the Development of Bipolar Disorder. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2018; 6:139-144. [PMID: 30221140 PMCID: PMC6130242 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_22_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasitic infection, has a special affinity to the brain. It has a lifelong existence without an apparent clinical disease. While the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains unclear, epidemiological studies suggest a role for infections. Central nervous system is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress (OS) because of its high metabolic rate and its low levels of antioxidant defenses. OS is a contributor to the initiation and progression of many neurological illnesses. OS injury is a constantly and compelling finding associated with BD and toxoplasmosis. Aim: This cross-sectional study has investigated a possible role of toxoplasma-induced OS in the development of BD. Methods: Healthy controls and BD patients were examined for anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and two protein (3-nitrotyrosine) and DNA (8-hydroxy-2’ deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) OS markers. Results: Toxoplasma positivity was higher (40%) among BD patients compared to controls (12%). Significantly higher levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG were detected in BD patients compared to controls. Nitrotyrosine (796.7 ± 106.28) and especially 8-OHdG (20.31 ± 8.38) were significantly higher among toxo-positive BD compared to toxo-negative BD (675.97 ± 144.19 and 7.44 ± 2.86) and healthy controls (464.02 ± 134.6 and 4.17 ± 1.43). Conclusion: These findings might indicate a role for Toxoplasma infection in the development of BD, possibly through creating a highly oxidative brain environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Afifi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Asif A Jiman-Fatani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed W Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabeel H Al-Hussainy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif El Saadany
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Mayah
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Inherent Oxidative Stress in the Lewis Rat Is Associated with Resistance to Toxoplasmosis. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00289-17. [PMID: 28739829 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00289-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The course of Toxoplasma gondii infection in rats closely resembles that in humans. However, compared to the Brown Norway (BN) rat, the Lewis (LEW) rat is extremely resistant to T. gondii infection. Thus, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of the LEW rat versus the BN rat, with or without T. gondii infection, in order to unravel molecular factors directing robust and rapid early T. gondii-killing mechanisms in the LEW rat. We found that compared to the uninfected BN rat, the uninfected LEW rat has inherently higher transcript levels of cytochrome enzymes (Cyp2d3, Cyp2d5, and Cybrd1, which catalyze generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS]), with concomitant higher levels of ROS. Interestingly, despite having higher levels of ROS, the LEW rat had lower transcript levels for antioxidant enzymes (lactoperoxidase, microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 and 3, glutathione S-transferase peroxidase kappa 1, and glutathione peroxidase) than the BN rat, suggesting that the LEW rat maintains cellular oxidative stress that it tolerates. Corroboratively, we found that scavenging of superoxide anion by Mn(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP) decreased the refractoriness of LEW rat peritoneal cells to T. gondii infection, resulting in proliferation of parasites in LEW rat peritoneal cells which, in turn, led to augmented cell death in the infected cells. Together, our results indicate that the LEW rat maintains inherent cellular oxidative stress that contributes to resistance to invading T. gondii, and they thus unveil new avenues for developing therapeutic agents targeting induction of host cell oxidative stress as a mechanism for killing T. gondii.
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu X, Ma Q, Sun X, Lu M, Ehsan M, Hasan MW, Xu L, Yan R, Song X, Li X. Effects of Recombinant Toxoplasma gondii Citrate Synthase I on the Cellular Functions of Murine Macrophages In vitro. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1376. [PMID: 28785250 PMCID: PMC5520420 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, which is one of the most widespread zoonoses worldwide, has a high incidence and infection can result in severe disease in humans and livestock. Citrate synthase (CS) is a component of nearly all living cells that plays a vital role in the citric acid cycle, which is the central metabolic pathway of aerobic organisms. In the present study, the citrate synthase I gene of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) (TgCSI) was cloned and characterized. The TgCSI gene had an open reading frame of 1665 bp nucleotides encoding a 555 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 60 kDa. Using western blotting assay, the recombinant protein was successfully recognized by the sera of rats experimentally infected with T. gondii, while the native protein in the T. gondii tachyzoites was detected in sera from rats immunized with the recombinant protein of TgCSI. Binding of the protein to murine macrophages was confirmed by immuno fluorescence assay. Following incubation of macrophages with rTgCSI, the rTgCSI protein was found to have a dual function, with low concentrations (5-10 μg/mL) enhancing phagocytosis and high levels (80 μg/mL) inhibiting phagocytosis. Investigation of murine macrophage apoptosis illustrated that 5 μg/mL rTgCSI protein can significantly induce early apoptosis and late stage apoptosis (*p < 0.05), while 10 μg/mL rTgCSI protein significantly induced early apoptosis, but had no effect on late stage of apoptosis (**p < 0.01), and 80 μg/mL rTgCSI protein inhibited late stage apoptosis of macrophages (*p < 0.05). Cytokine detection revealed that the secretion of interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β1 and tumor necrosis factor-α of macrophages increased after the cells were incubated with all concentration of rTgCSI, with the exception that 5 μg/mL rTgCSI had no effect on the secretion of interleukin-10 and interleukin-1β. However, secretion of NO and cell proliferation of the macrophages were substantially reduced. Taken together, these results suggested that TgCSI can affect the immune functions of murine macrophages by binding to the cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - XiangRui Li
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
More than an association: Latent toxoplasmosis might provoke a local oxidative stress that triggers the development of bipolar disorder. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
17
|
Ferezin RI, Vicentino-Vieira SL, Góis MB, Araújo EJDA, Melo GDAND, Garcia JL, Sant'Ana DDMG. Different inoculum loads of Toxoplasma gondii induce reduction of myenteric neurons of the rat colon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:47-53. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important health problem, especially in immunocompromised hosts. T. gondii uses the gut wall as an infection gateway, with tropism for muscular and nervous tissues causing intestinal alterations, including some in the enteric nervous system. This study aims at investigating the colon of rats infected by T. gondii in order to understand how the amount of oocysts influences in myenteric neuronal changes. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into six groups. One group remained as a control and the others received inocula of 10, 50, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts of T. gondii. The animals were euthanized after 30 days of infection. The total neuronal population and the nitrergic subpopulation in the colon myenteric plexus of each animal was counted. The data were statistically analyzed showing less weight gain in rats with 10, 500 and 5,000 oocysts. A decrease in the number of total neurons with 50, 100 or 5,000 oocysts and an increase in the nitrergic population with 10, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts were verified. These results show that neuronal alterations are more significant when the infection is induced by larger inocula and reinforces the suspicion that neuronal loss is directed at cholinergic neurons.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang G, Gao M. Influence of Toxoplasma gondii on in vitro proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma carcinoma H7402 cell. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2015; 9:63-6. [PMID: 26851789 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss the influence of tachyzoite of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) RH strain on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma carcinoma (HCC) H7402 cell. METHODS The HCC H7402 cell in logarithmic phase and tachyzoite of T. gondii RH strain in different concentrations (1 × 10(7)/mL, 2 × 10(7)/mL, 4 × 10(7)/mL, 8 × 10(7)/mL and 16 × 10(7)/mL) were co-cultured. CCK-8 was utilized to determine the inhibition rate of T. gondii tachyzoite on H7402 cell growth. Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of cell cycle. RT-PCR method was used to detect the expression of cyclinB1 and cdc2-two genes related to cell cycle. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Bcl-2. RESULTS The tachyzoite of T. gondii RH strain can inhibit the proliferation of HCC H7402 cells. The inhibition rate of tumor cell growth increased with the increase of concentration of T. gondii tachyzoite. With the increase of concentration of T. gondii tachyzoite, the proportion of G0/G1 phase of H7402 cell increased, the proportion of S phase decreased, and PI value decreased accordingly. The expression of cyclinB1 and cdc2 genes decreased with the increase of the concentration of T. gondii tachyzoite. With the increase of the concentration of tachyzoite of T. gondii RH strain, the expression quantity of Caspase-3 in H7402 cell increased, but the expression quantity of Bcl-2 protein decreased. CONCLUSIONS T. gondii can inhibit the in vitro proliferation of HCC H7402 cell, and induce its apoptosis. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase. Moreover, it is related to the down-regulation of cyclinB1 and cdc2 (cell cycle-related genes), the increase of apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, and the decrease of Bcl-2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou 450012, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dincel GC, Atmaca HT. Increased expressions of ADAMTS-13 and apoptosis contribute to neuropathology duringToxoplasma gondiiencephalitis in mice. Neuropathology 2015; 36:211-26. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gungor Cagdas Dincel
- Gumushane University; Siran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational High School; Gumushane Turkey
| | - Hasan Tarik Atmaca
- Kirikkale University; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology; Kirikkale Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Toxoplasma gondii isolate with genotype Chinese 1 triggers trophoblast apoptosis through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. Exp Parasitol 2015; 154:51-61. [PMID: 25913086 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis may result in abortion, severe mental retardation and neurologic damage in the offspring. Placental damage is considered as the key event in this disease. Here we show that maternal infection with Toxoplasma gondii Wh3 isolate of genotype Chinese 1, which is predominantly prevalent in China, induced trophoblast apoptosis of pregnant mouse. PCR array analysis of 84 key genes in the biogenesis and functions of mouse mitochondrion revealed that ten genes were up-regulated at least 2-fold in the Wh3 infection group, compared with those in the control. The elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as well as the decreased glutathione (GSH), were observed in the infected mice. The mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase 1 and glutathione peroxidase 6 (GPx6) were significantly increased. The production of excessive ROS was NADPH oxidase-dependent, which contributed to mitochondrial structural damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in placentas, followed by the cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and finally resulted in apoptosis of trophoblasts. All the above-mentioned phenomena were inhibited by pretreatment with the antioxidant of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Taken together, we concluded that Wh3 infection during pregnancy may contribute to trophoblast apoptosis by oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the downstream signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhou J, Gan X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Ding X, Chen L, Du J, Luo Q, Wang T, Shen J, Yu L. Toxoplasma gondii prevalent in China induce weaker apoptosis of neural stem cells C17.2 via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathways. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:73. [PMID: 25649541 PMCID: PMC4322664 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular pathogen, has a strong affinity for the nervous system. TgCtwh3, a representative Chinese 1 Toxoplasma strain prevalent in China, has the polymorphic features of the effectors ROP16I/III with type I and GRA15II with type II Toxoplasma strains. The interaction of this atypical strain with host cells remains extremely elusive. Methods Using a transwell system, neural stem cells C17.2 were co-cultured with the tachyzoites of TgCtwh3 or standard type I RH strain. The apoptosis levels of C17.2 cells and the expression levels of related proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated pathway were detected by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Results The apoptosis level of C17.2 cells co-cultured with TgCtwh3 had a significant increase compared to the negative control group; however, the apoptosis level in the TgCtwh3 group was significantly lower than that in the RH co-culture group. Western blotting analyses reveal that, after the C17.2 cells were co-cultured with TgCtwh3 and RH tachyzoites, the expression levels of caspase-12, CHOP and p-JNK in the cells increased significantly when compared to the control groups. After the pretreatment of Z-ATAD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase-12, the apoptosis level of the C17.2 cells co-cultured with TgCtwh3 or RH tachyzoites had an apparent decline, and correspondingly, the expression levels of those related proteins were notably decreased. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TgCtwh3 may induce the apoptosis of the C17.2 cells by up-regulation of caspase-12, CHOP, and p-JNK, which are associated with ERS signaling pathways. This work contributes to better understanding the possible mechanism of brain pathology induced by T. gondii Chinese 1 isolates prevalent in China, and also reveals the potential value of ERS inhibitors to treat such related diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China. .,Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Huaibei, Huaibei, 235000, PR China.
| | - Xiaofeng Gan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China. .,School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039, PR China.
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Xiaojuan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Lingzhi Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China. .,HTS & Compound Management, HD Biosciences Corporation, Shanghai, 201201, PR China.
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang YH, Chen H, Chen Y, Wang L, Cai YH, Li M, Wen HQ, Du J, An R, Luo QL, Wang XL, Lun ZR, Xu YH, Shen JL. Activated microglia contribute to neuronal apoptosis in Toxoplasmic encephalitis. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:372. [PMID: 25128410 PMCID: PMC4143554 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A plethora of evidence shows that activated microglia play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS). Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) frequently occurs in HIV/AIDS patients. However, knowledge remains limited on the contributions of activated microglia to the pathogenesis of TE. METHODS A murine model of reactivated encephalitis was generated in a latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii induced by cyclophosphamide. The neuronal apoptosis in the CNS and the profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assayed in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS Microglial cells were found to be activated in the cortex and hippocampus in the brain tissues of mice. The in vivo expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were up-regulated in TE mice, and accordingly, the neuronal apoptosis was significantly increased. The results were positively correlated with those of the in vitro experiments. Additionally,apoptosis of the mouse neuroblastoma type Neuro2a (N2a) remarkably increased when the N2a was co-cultured in transwell with microglial cells and Toxoplasma tachyzoites. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that minocycline (a microglia inhibitor) treatment notably reduced microglial activation and neuronal apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Activated microglia contribute to neuronal apoptosis in TE and inhibition of microglia activation might represent a novel therapeutic strategy of TE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuan-hong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses and Pathogen Biology Anhui, and Department of Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Redpath SA, Fonseca NM, Perona-Wright G. Protection and pathology during parasite infection: IL-10 strikes the balance. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:233-52. [PMID: 24666543 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The host response to infection requires an immune response to be strong enough to control the pathogen but also restrained, to minimize immune-mediated pathology. The conflicting pressures of immune activation and immune suppression are particularly apparent in parasite infections, where co-evolution of host and pathogen has selected many different compromises between protection and pathology. Cytokine signals are critical determinants of both protective immunity and immunopathology, and, in this review, we focus on the regulatory cytokine IL-10 and its role in protozoan and helminth infections. We discuss the sources and targets of IL-10 during parasite infection, the signals that initiate and reinforce its action, and its impact on the invading parasite, on the host tissue, and on coincident immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Redpath
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Toxoplasma gondii induce apoptosis of neural stem cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. Parasitology 2014; 141:988-95. [PMID: 24612639 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of congenital brain disease; however, the underlying mechanism of neuropathogenesis in brain toxoplasmosis remains elusive. To explore the role of T. gondii in the development of neural stem cells (NSCs), NSCs were isolated from GD14 embryos of ICR mice and were co-cultured with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. We found that apoptosis levels of the NSCs co-cultured with 1×106 RH tachyzoites for 24 and 48 h significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with the control. Western blotting analysis displayed that the protein level of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) was up-regulated, and caspase-12 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were activated in the NSCs co-cultured with the parasites. Pretreatment with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor (TUDCA) and caspase-12 inhibitor (Z-ATAD-FMK) inhibited the expression or activation of the key molecules involved in the ERS-mediated apoptotic pathway, and subsequently decreased the apoptosis levels of the NSCs induced by the T. gondii. The findings here highlight that T. gondii induced apoptosis of the NSCs through the ERS signal pathway via activation of CHOP, caspase-12 and JNK, which may constitute a potential molecular mechanism responsible for the cognitive disturbance in neurological disorders of T. gondii.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang T, Gao JM, Yi SQ, Geng GQ, Gao XJ, Shen JL, Lu FL, Wen YZ, Hide G, Lun ZR. Toxoplasma gondii infection in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:351-8. [PMID: 24248630 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that toxoplasmosis can be life threatening to immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS and organ transplantation patients. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation resulting in acute toxoplasmosis in these patients. However, the interaction and mechanism between the development of acute toxoplasmosis and GC therapy are still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the infection of Toxoplasma gondii in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids. Our results showed that the growth rate of T. gondii RH strain was significantly increased in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids in vivo. For instance, 242 (±16) tachyzoites were found in 100 macrophages from the rats treated with methylprednisolone (MP), while only 16 (±4) tachyzoites were counted in the macrophages from the non-treated control rats 24 h after infection (P < 0.01). We also demonstrated that a significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production was detected in the macrophages collected from the rats post-treated with GCs with 12.90 μM (±0.99 μM) of nitrite production from the rats treated with MP, while 30.85 μM (±1.62 μM) was found in the non-treated control rats 36 h after incubation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, glucocorticoids could significantly inhibit the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and its protein in the rat peritoneal macrophages. Our results strongly indicate that the decrease of NO in the rat peritoneal macrophages is closely linked to the cause of acute toxoplasmosis in the host. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of cysts produced by the naturally cyst forming, T. gondii Prugniaud strain with an average of 2,795 (±422) cysts of the parasite being detected in the brains of the rats treated with dexamethasone, while only 1,356 (±490) cysts were found in the non-treated control animals (P < 0.01). As rats and humans are both naturally resistant to T. gondii infection, these novel data could lead to a better understanding of the development of acute toxoplasmosis during glucocorticoid therapy in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Center for Parasitic Organisms, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Quan JH, Cha GH, Zhou W, Chu JQ, Nishikawa Y, Lee YH. Involvement of PI 3 kinase/Akt-dependent Bad phosphorylation in Toxoplasma gondii-mediated inhibition of host cell apoptosis. Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:462-71. [PMID: 23333591 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii-infected cells are resistant to various apoptotic stimuli, however, the role of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only Bad protein in T. gondii-imposed inhibition of host cell apoptosis in connection with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-PKB/Akt pathway was not well delineated. Here, we investigated the signaling patterns of Bad, Bax and PKB/Akt in T. gondii-infected and uninfected THP-1 cells treated with staurosporine (STS) or PI3K inhibitors. STS treatment, without T. gondii infection, reduced the viability of THP-1 cells in proportion to STS concentration and triggered many cellular death events such as caspase-3 and -9 activation, Bax translocation, cytochrome c release from host cell mitochondria into cytosol, and PARP cleavage in the host cell. However, T. gondii infection eliminated the STS-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic events described above. Additionally, T. gondii infection in vitro and in vivo induced the phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and Bad in a parasite-load-dependent manner which subsequently inhibited Bax translocation. The PI3K inhibitors, LY294002 and Wortmannin, both blocked parasite-induced phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and Bad. Furthermore, THP-1 cells pretreated with these PI3K inhibitors showed reduced phosphorylation of Bad in a dose-dependent manner and subsequently failed to inhibit the Bax translocation, also these cells also failed to overcome the T. gondii-imposed inhibition of host cell apoptosis. These data demonstrate that the PI3K-PKB/Akt pathway may be one of the major route for T. gondii in the prevention of host cell apoptosis and T. gondii phosphorylates the pro-apoptotic Bad protein to prevent apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Hua Quan
- Department of Infection Biology and Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 301-131, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Doi N, Hoshi Y, Itokawa M, Yoshikawa T, Ichikawa T, Arai M, Usui C, Tachikawa H. Paradox of schizophrenia genetics: is a paradigm shift occurring? BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2012; 8:28. [PMID: 22650965 PMCID: PMC3487746 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-8-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic research of schizophrenia (SCZ) based on the nuclear genome model (NGM) has been one of the most active areas in psychiatry for the past two decades. Although this effort is ongoing, the current situation of the molecular genetics of SCZ seems disappointing or rather perplexing. Furthermore, a prominent discrepancy between persistence of the disease at a relatively high prevalence and a low reproductive fitness of patients creates a paradox. Heterozygote advantage works to sustain the frequency of a putative susceptibility gene in the mitochondrial genome model (MGM) but not in the NGM. METHODS We deduced a criterion that every nuclear susceptibility gene for SCZ should fulfill for the persistence of the disease under general assumptions of the multifactorial threshold model. SCZ-associated variants listed in the top 45 in the SZGene Database (the version of the 23rd December, 2011) were selected, and the distribution of the genes that could meet or do not meet the criterion was surveyed. RESULTS 19 SCZ-associated variants that do not meet the criterion are located outside the regions where the SCZ-associated variants that could meet the criterion are located. Since a SCZ-associated variant that does not meet the criterion cannot be a susceptibility gene, but instead must be a protective gene, it should be linked to a susceptibility gene in the NGM, which is contrary to these results. On the other hand, every protective gene on any chromosome can be associated with SCZ in the MGM. Based on the MGM we propose a new hypothesis that assumes brain-specific antioxidant defenses in which trans-synaptic activations of dopamine- and N-methyl-d-aspartate-receptors are involved. Most of the ten predictions of this hypothesis seem to accord with the major epidemiological facts and the results of association studies to date. CONCLUSION The central paradox of SCZ genetics and the results of association studies to date argue against the NGM, and in its place the MGM is emerging as a viable option to account for genomic and pathophysiological research findings involving SCZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagafumi Doi
- Ibaraki Prefectural Medical Center of Psychiatry, 654Asahi-machi, Kasama-shi, Ibaraki, 309-1717, Japan
| | - Yoko Hoshi
- Integrated Neuroscience Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masanari Itokawa
- Project for Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tomoe Ichikawa
- Project for Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Makoto Arai
- Project for Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Chie Usui
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, 3-1-10 Takanodai, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, 177-8521, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Reactive oxygen species-triggered trophoblast apoptosis is initiated by endoplasmic reticulum stress via activation of caspase-12, CHOP, and the JNK pathway in Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2121-32. [PMID: 22473610 DOI: 10.1128/iai.06295-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women may result in abortion or in fetal teratogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this paper, based on a murine model, we showed that maternal infection with RH strain T. gondii tachyzoites induced elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), local oxidative stress, and subsequent apoptosis of placental trophoblasts. PCR array analysis of 84 oxidative stress-related genes demonstrated that 27 genes were upregulated at least 2-fold and that 9 genes were downregulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) and glutathione peroxidase 6 (Gpx6) increased significantly, about 25-fold. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) increased significantly with T. gondii infection, and levels of glutathione (GSH) decreased rapidly. T. gondii infection increased the early expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers, followed by cleavage of caspase-12, activation of ASK1/JNK, and increased apoptosis of trophoblasts, both in vivo and in vitro. The apoptosis of trophoblasts, the activation of caspase-12 and the ASK1/JNK pathway, and the production of peroxides were dramatically inhibited by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The upregulation of Nox1 was contact dependent and preceded the increase in levels of ERS markers and the activation of the proapoptosis cascade. Thus, we concluded that apoptosis in placental trophoblasts was initiated predominantly by ROS-mediated ERS via activation of caspase-12, CHOP, and the JNK pathway in acute T. gondii infection. Elevated ROS production is the central event in T. gondii-induced apoptosis of placental trophoblasts.
Collapse
|
29
|
Chen Q, Gao Y, Kao X, Chen J, Xue W, Xiong Y, Wang Z. SNP-induced apoptosis may be mediated with caspase inhibitor by JNK signaling pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes. J Toxicol Sci 2012; 37:157-67. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.37.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qun Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Health Supervision, China
| | - XiBin Kao
- Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, China
| | - JingHong Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, China
| | - WanLi Xue
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, China
| | - YongMin Xiong
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, China
| | - ZhiLun Wang
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
D’Angelillo A, De Luna E, Romano S, Bisogni R, Buffolano W, Gargano N, Del Porto P, Del Vecchio L, Petersen E, Romano MF. Toxoplasma gondii Dense Granule Antigen 1 stimulates apoptosis of monocytes through autocrine TGF-β signaling. Apoptosis 2011; 16:551-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-011-0586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
31
|
Abstract
To cause infections, microbial pathogens elaborate a multitude of factors that interact with host components. Using these host–pathogen interactions to their advantage, pathogens attach, invade, disseminate, and evade host defense mechanisms to promote their survival in the hostile host environment. Many viruses, bacteria, and parasites express adhesins that bind to cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) to facilitate their initial attachment and subsequent cellular entry. Some pathogens also secrete virulence factors that modify HSPG expression. HSPGs are ubiquitously expressed on the cell surface of adherent cells and in the extracellular matrix. HSPGs are composed of one or several heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycan chains attached covalently to specific core proteins. For most intracellular pathogens, cell surface HSPGs serve as a scaffold that facilitates the interaction of microbes with secondary receptors that mediate host cell entry. Consistent with this mechanism, addition of HS or its pharmaceutical functional mimic, heparin, inhibits microbial attachment and entry into cultured host cells, and HS-binding pathogens can no longer attach or enter cultured host cells whose HS expression has been reduced by enzymatic treatment or chemical mutagenesis. In pathogens where the specific HS adhesin has been identified, mutant strains lacking HS adhesins are viable and show normal growth rates, suggesting that the capacity to interact with HSPGs is strictly a virulence activity. The goal of this chapter is to provide a mechanistic overview of our current understanding of how certain microbial pathogens subvert HSPGs to promote their infection, using specific HSPG–pathogen interactions as representative examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro S.G. Pavão
- , Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Prof. Rodolpho Paulo Rocco 255, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
De Pablos LM, González G, Rodrigues R, García Granados A, Parra A, Osuna A. Action of a pentacyclic triterpenoid, maslinic acid, against Toxoplasma gondii. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2010; 73:831-834. [PMID: 20441162 DOI: 10.1021/np900749b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The action of maslinic acid (2alpha,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid) (1), a pentacyclic derivative present in the pressed fruits of the olive (Olea europaea), has been studied against the tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. The capability of tachyzoites to infect Vero cells treated with 1 was affected. The LD(50) values were 58.2 muM for the isolated tachyzoites and 236 muM for the noninfected Vero cells. Zymograms of the T. gondii proteases incubated with 1 showed a dosage-dependent inhibition of some of the proteases. The parasites treated with 1 showed gliding motility and ultrastructural alterations. The present findings suggest that protease activity of the parasite required for cell invasion is the action target for maslinic acid (1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis M De Pablos
- Biochemical and Molecular Parasitology Group, Biotechnology Institute, Campus de Fuentenueva, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
BANNAI H, NISHIKAWA Y, IBRAHIM HM, YAMADA K, KAWASE O, WATANABE JI, SUGIMOTO C, XUAN X. Overproduction of the Pro-Apoptotic Molecule, Programmed Cell Death 5, in Toxoplasma gondii Leads to Increased Apoptosis of Host Macrophages. J Vet Med Sci 2009; 71:1183-9. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.71.1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi BANNAI
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Yoshifumi NISHIKAWA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Hany Mohamed IBRAHIM
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Kyoko YAMADA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Osamu KAWASE
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | | | | | - Xuenan XUAN
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Karaman U, Celik T, Kiran TR, Colak C, Daldal NU. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, and nitric oxide levels in Toxoplasma gondii seropositive patients. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2008; 46:293-5. [PMID: 19127340 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2008.46.4.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels between normal and T. gondii-infected patients. To this end, MDA, GSH, and NO levels in the sera of 37 seropositive patients and 40 participants in the control group were evaluated. In Toxoplasma ELISA, IgG results of the patient group were 1,013.0 +/- 543.8 in optical density (mean +/- SD). A statistically significant difference was found between patients and the control group in terms of MDA, GSH, and NO levels. A decrease in GSH activity was detected, while MDA and NO levels increased significantly. Consequently, it is suggested that the use of antioxidant vitamins in addition to a parasite treatment shall prove useful. The high infection vs control ratio of MDA and NO levels probably suggests the occurrence as a mechanism of tissue damage in cases of chronic toxoplasmosis. Moreover, it is recommended that the patient levels of MDA, GSH, and NO should be evaluated in toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulku Karaman
- Inonu University School of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Malatya, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Programmed Cell Death 5 from Toxoplasma gondii: A secreted molecule that exerts a pro-apoptotic effect on host cells. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2008; 159:112-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 02/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
36
|
Takashima Y, Suzuki K, Xuan X, Nishikawa Y, Unno A, Kitoh K. Detection of the initial site of Toxoplasma gondii reactivation in brain tissue. Int J Parasitol 2008; 38:601-7. [PMID: 18022177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Revised: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Detection of the initial site of Toxoplasma gondii reactivation in brain tissue is difficult because the number of latent cysts is small and reactivation is a transient event. To detect the early stage of reactivation in mouse brain tissue, we constructed a cyst-forming strain of T. gondii in the tachyzoite stage, specifically expressing red fluorescence. The PLK strain of T. gondii was stably transfected with a red fluorescent protein gene, DsRed Express, under the control of a tachyzoite-specific SAG-1 promoter and the resulting parasite was designated as PLK/RED. Tachyzoites of PLK/RED growing in Vero cells showed red fluorescence. When C57BL/6J mice were i.p. infected with tachyzoites of PLK/RED, red fluorescent tachyzoites were detected in their brains at the fourth day p.i. However, red fluorescent tachyzoites were not detected in BALB/c mice latently infected with PLK/RED, although non-fluorescent cysts were detected in their brains. After treatment of latently infected mice with dexamethasone for 1 month, the mice showed neurological symptoms. In mice with symptoms, red fluorescent tachyzoites were again detected in their brains and in other organs. To detect the initial site of reactivation, BALB/c mice latently infected with the strain were treated with dexamethasone for 3 weeks, and brains were excised before any symptoms appeared. Excised brains were examined for red fluorescence-positive sites. By a histological study of red fluorescent-positive sites, we detected a cyst containing red fluorescent zoites, which still had a PAS stain-positive cyst wall. A few red fluorescent zoites breaking away from the cyst were also observed. The stage-specific expression of fluorescent protein facilitates detection of a rare transient event and makes it possible to detect the initial site of reactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Takashima
- Department of Veterinary Parasitological Diseases, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, is a natural pathogen of mouse and a zoonosis of man. Immunity against the pathogen is largely mediated by interferon-stimulated cell-autonomous mechanisms that are strikingly different between man and mouse. There are many poorly understood host and pathogen variables that affect the outcome of infection.
Collapse
|
38
|
Monroy FP. Toxoplasma gondii: effect of infection on expression of 14-3-3 proteins in human epithelial cells. Exp Parasitol 2007; 118:134-8. [PMID: 17825295 PMCID: PMC2244797 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2007] [Revised: 06/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
14-3-3 Proteins are expressed in most eukaryotes organisms and play varied and crucial roles in a wide range of regulatory processes. In mammalian cells, seven 14-3-3 isoforms have been identified. However, it is not known what effect infection has on 14-3-3 isoform expression. In this study human colonic carcinoma cell lines were infected with Toxoplasma gondii for 24h and expression of 14-3-3 proteins was determined by RT-PCR. HT-29 cells only expressed 3 out of the 7 isoforms while 5 and all 7 isoforms were found in HCT-116 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. Infection had little or no effect in the expression of 14-3-3gamma, epsilon, sigma, and xi; but in HCT-116 cells induced expression of 14-3-3eta and sigma, while 14-3-3beta, eta, and xi were induced in HT-29 cells. If 14-3-3 proteins are involved in cell survival and/or prevention of parasite replication, longer incubation times may be required as no differences in percentage of infection were found among the cell lines at 24h post-infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando P Monroy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
| |
Collapse
|