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Luna Rojas YG, Camarena Pulido EE, Rodríguez-Pérez LR, Galván-Ramírez MDLL. Follow-Up Study of 17-β Estradiol, Prolactin and Progesterone with the Kinetics and Prevalence of T. gondii Infection in Pregnant Women. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5701-5711. [PMID: 38921012 PMCID: PMC11202031 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. One-third of the world's population has come into contact with this parasite. In Mexico, the prevalence is between 15% and 50% in the general population and 34.9% in women with high-risk pregnancies. In pregnancy, the highest incidence of infection occurs in the third trimester and fetal damage is inversely proportional to gestational age. Maternal hormones play a fundamental role in the immune response. There are very few studies, with controversial results, on the levels of increased hormones and their relationship to the kinetics of T. gondii infections during pregnancy. The aim was to determine the serum levels of 17-β estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone, and their association with anti-T. gondii antibodies' kinetics in pregnancy. Fifty-two pregnant patients were studied. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical aspects was used. Afterward, 10 mL of venous blood was collected by venipuncture every trimester. The concentrations of 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured, using the ELISA method. In addition, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were also determined in the first, second, and third trimester. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 26.92% in the first and second trimester and 32.7% in the third trimester. In seropositive women, 17-β estradiol increased in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Progesterone increased significantly p < 0.039 in the third trimester in these women, while prolactin increased in the second trimester with a statistical significance of p < 0.021. In addition, 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin are associated with T. gondii infection during pregnancy. New studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanisms of immune response related to these hormones during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Rocío Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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Recombinant Mouse Prolactin Confers Partial Protection Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Pre-treated Experimental Murine Model. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:182-193. [PMID: 36542295 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important health-threatening diseases with worldwide distribution and global impact. It is caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an intracellular apicomplexan parasite that can evade the host immune responses and establish a chronic infection. The available treatments are not efficient against this stage and have many adverse effects. There are no available effective vaccines, apart from Toxovax®, which is used in sheep to prevent abortion. Studies documented that prolactin (PRL) had in vivo and in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects. Detailed research was recommended about the mechanisms of such inhibitory effects. AIM This study was designed to assess the possible protective role of the recombinant prolactin (rPRL) against T. gondii. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty experimentally infected mice with T. gondii were used. The treated mice received rPRL for five days before infection. Serum prolactin levels were measured; survival rate was monitored; number, size, and DNA of T. gondii cysts in the brain were measured; and histopathological and immunological studies were done. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the survival rate of the rPRL-treated mice, a significant decrease in the number, size, and DNA amount of T. gondii cysts in the brain with a noticeable improvement of histopathological lesions in the brain and liver tissues when compared to the infected untreated group. These effects seem to be achieved through stimulating humoral and cell-mediated immune responses that were evident by the significant rise in serum levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgM, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION The rPRL elicited robust immune responses, which provided efficient protection against murine T. gondii infection.
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Ramírez De Arellano A, Rodríguez-Pérez LR, Lopez-Pulido EI, Muñoz-Valle JF, Pereira-Suárez AL. Hormonal modulation of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Regulation of hormonal receptors and cytokine production in THP-1 cells. Exp Parasitol 2019; 204:107721. [PMID: 31288023 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107721] [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: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan able to infect humans and it is common in pregnant women. During pregnancy and lactation, there are changes in the concentration of 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (Prg), and prolactin (PRL). It is known that a proinflamatory response reduces the susceptibility to be infected, and this response may change according to hormonal impairment. Monocytes and macrophages are the main barrier against many intracellular microorganisms, due to their ability to produce cytokines. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of E2, progesterone, and PRL on the infective capacity of T. gondii, proinflamatory immune response modulation and the expression of hormonal receptors on THP-1 cell stimulated with T. gondii. METHODS The THP-1 cells were infected with 1500 T. gondii tachyzoites, of RH strain. Stimuli were conducted with recombinant PRL (200 ng/mL), E2 (40 nM) y Prg (40 nM). MTT assays were performed to evaluate cellular viability. Western blot assays were carried out to evaluate the expression of the hormonal receptors (PRLR, ERα, and ERβ). Cytokines produced were measured with a magnetic bead kit directed to 17 cytokines. RESULTS Stimuli with E2 and Prg increased T. gondii infection in monocytes after 48 h; however, no differences in infection were observed in PRL stimulus. The E2 decreased the secretion of IL-12 and IL-1β and PRL did not modify the production of these cytokines in THP-1 cells stimulated with T. gondii; however, both hormones increased the production of IL-10. Besides, PRL augmented the production of IL-4 and IL-13. In contrast, Prg reduced these cytokines. Our results show that T. gondii induces the expression of ERα and ERβ and lowers PRLR. The hormones modify the expression of the receptors of other hormones: Prg decreases PRLR, ERβ and increases ERα; E2 diminishes PRLR; and PRL decreases ERα and ERβ expression. CONCLUSION The hormones can increase T. gondii infection and could be mediating an anti-inflammatory response in THP-1 cells. T. gondii induces changes in the expression of hormonal receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, Mexico
| | - Adrián Ramírez De Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, Mexico
| | - Laura Rocío Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, Mexico
| | - Edgar I Lopez-Pulido
- Departamento de Clínicas, Centro Universitario de Los Altos, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44340, México.
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Acosta Davila JA, Hernandez De Los Rios A. An Overview of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Model for Immunological Research of Toxoplasma gondii and Other Apicomplexan Parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:24. [PMID: 30800644 PMCID: PMC6376612 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In biology, models are experimental systems meant to recreate aspects of diseases or human tissue with the goal of generating inferences and approximations that can contribute to the resolution of specific biological problems. Although there are many models for studying intracellular parasites, their data have produced critical contradictions, especially in immunological assays. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent an attractive tissue source in pharmacogenomics and in molecular and immunologic studies, as these cells are easily collected from patients and can serve as sentinel tissue for monitoring physiological perturbations due to disease. However, these cells are a very sensitive model due to variables such as temperature, type of stimulus and time of collection as part of posterior processes. PBMCs have been used to study Toxoplasma gondii and other apicomplexan parasites. For instance, this model is frequently used in new therapies or vaccines that use peptides or recombinant proteins derived from the parasite. The immune response to T. gondii is highly variable, so it may be necessary to refine this cellular model. This mini review highlights the major approaches in which PBMCs are used as a model of study for T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites. The variables related to this model have significant implications for data interpretation and conclusions related to host-parasite interaction.
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Mohammadpour A, Keshavarz H, Mohebali M, Salimi M, Teimouri A, Shojaee S. The relation of serum prolactin levels and Toxoplasma infection in humans. Int J Gen Med 2018; 12:7-12. [PMID: 30588064 PMCID: PMC6304245 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s188525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite distributed worldwide. Although the infection is benign in immunocompetent individuals, it is life threatening and complicated in immunocompromised patients and fetuses of pregnant women who received their first exposure to T. gondii during the pregnancy. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland, and it is confirmed that it plays a role in the immune system. The present study was carried out to assess the possible relation between serum PRL levels and Toxoplasma infection frequency in human. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 343 serum samples (240 from women and 103 from men) were collected from individuals who were referred for PRL checking in laboratories of Karaj, Iran. Blood samples were collected, and sera were separated and analyzed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody by ELISA method. The levels of PRL were measured by Roche Elecsys 2010 analyzer, electrochemiluminescence technology. RESULTS Of 343 sera, 110 samples (32%) consisting of samples from 42 men and 68 women had anti-T. gondii IgG antibody. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with high PRL levels was lower than that in the comparison group with normal levels of PRL and the relationship between these two parameters was statistically significant (P=0.016). In women with hyperprolactinemia, by increasing of PRL levels, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was reduced. CONCLUSION The results of the current study confirmed the previous studies based on immunoregulatory role of PRL and indicated that high levels of PRL could be related to Toxoplasma seronegativity in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohammadpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - H Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - M Salimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - A Teimouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
- Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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Legorreta-Herrera M. The Influence of Prolactin on the Immune Response to Parasitic Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/nib-170131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
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Berkmann S, Fischer I, Sonderegger B, Fischli S, Fandino J. Sellar Toxoplasmosis and Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma. World Neurosurg 2015; 84:1495.e1-4. [PMID: 26026632 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sellar toxoplasmosis is associated with congenital infections or immunodeficiency. The finding of Toxoplasma bradycysts in a pituitary adenoma is very unusual. CASE DESCRIPTION An otherwise healthy 27-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and moderately elevated prolactin levels. A macroprolactinoma was suspected on magnetic resonance imaging, and cabergoline was initiated. Although dopamine levels decreased, the tumor did not show significant shrinkage; after 2 years, transsphenoidal resection was indicated to clarify the diagnosis and to cure hyperprolactinemia. Histology showed an inactive pituitary adenoma and Toxoplasma bradycysts. Seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii, but neither immunodeficiency nor intracerebral spread, was found. During a postoperative follow-up period of 15 months, the patient did not show any recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Sellar toxoplasmosis in conjunction with pituitary adenoma is extremely rare. Nonfunctioning lesions should be suspected in cases of sellar masses and moderate hyperprolactinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Berkmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.
| | - Ingeborg Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Beat Sonderegger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Fischli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Javier Fandino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Gutiérrez-Maldonado AF, Verduzco-Grijalva F, Jiménez JMD. The role of hormones on Toxoplasma gondii infection: a systematic review. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:503. [PMID: 25346725 PMCID: PMC4191157 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Toxoplasma gondii is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis in which one third of the world's population has been infected. In pregnant women, it may cause abortion and severe damage to the fetal central nervous system. During pregnancy, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis increases throughout the second and third quarter of gestation, simultaneously progesterone and 17β-estradiol also increase. Thus, it has been suggested that these hormones can aggravate or reduce parasite reproduction. The aim of this study was reviewing the relationship between hormones and infection caused by T. gondii in several experimental animal models and humans, focused mainly on: (a) congenital transmission, (b) parasite reproduction, (c) strain virulence, (d) levels of hormone in host induced by T. gondii infection, and (e) participation of hormone receptors in T. gondii infection. Are the hormones specific modulators of T. gondii infection? A systematic review methodology was used to consult several databases (Pub Med, Lilacs, Medline, Science direct, Scielo, Ebsco, Sprinker, Wiley, and Google Scholar) dated from September, 2013 to March, 2014. Results: Thirty studies were included; eight studies in humans and 22 in animals and cell cultures. In the human studies, the most studied hormones were testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, and 17β-estradiol. Type I (RH and BK) and Type II (Prugniaud, SC, ME49, T45, P78, and T38) were the most frequent experimental strains. Conclusions: Thirty-five years have passed since the first studies regarding T. gondii infection and its relationship with hormones. This systematic review suggests that hormones modulate T. gondii infection in different animal models. However, given that data were not comparable, further studies are required to determine the mechanism of hormone action in the T. gondii infectious process.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Adrián Fernando Gutiérrez-Maldonado
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Fabiola Verduzco-Grijalva
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Judith Marcela Dueñas Jiménez
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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Dzitko K, Dziadek B, Gatkowska J, Długońska H. Toxoplasma gondii binds sheep prolactin. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:216-9. [PMID: 23499881 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Taking into account the literature reports on the involvement of prolactin (PRL) in the regulation of immunity against Toxoplasma gondii, we decided to check whether this parasite has the ability to bind the lactotrophic hormone. We examined T. gondii binding of sheep fluoresceine- and biotine-labeled prolactin isolated from pituitary (shPRL). In this work we announced for the first time that shPRL was bound to live tachyzoites of RH (type I) and ME49 (type II) strains. Furthermore, by use of competitive inhibition analysis, we confirmed that this binding was specific for both tested T. gondii strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dzitko
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
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