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Chen KM, Lai SC. Curative effects and mechanisms of AG1296 and LY294002 co-therapy in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced neurovascular unit dysfunction and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2024:S1684-1182(24)00104-X. [PMID: 38839542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-therapy with albendazole and steroid is commonly used in patients with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections. However, anthelminthics often worsen symptoms, possibly due to the inflammatory reaction to antigens released by dying worms. Therefore, the present study was to investigate the curative effects and probable mechanisms of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) inhibitor AG1296 (AG) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor (PI3K) LY294002 (LY) in A. cantonensis-induced neurovascular unit dysfunction and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. METHODS Western blots were used to detect matrix protein degradation and the expressions of PDGFR-β/PI3K signaling pathway. The co-localization of PDGFR-β and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and VSMCs on the blood vessels were measured by confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to test S100B, interleukin (IL)-6, and transforming growth factor beta in the cerebrospinal fluid to determine their possible roles in mouse resistance to A. cantonensis. RESULTS The results showed that AG and LY cotherapy decreased the MMP-9 activity and inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, S100B, IL-6 and eosinophil counts were reduced by inhibitor treatment. The localization of PDGFR-β and MMP-9 was observed in VSMCs. Furthermore, we showed that the degradation of the neurovascular matrix and blood-brain barrier permeability were reduced in the mouse brain. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the potential of PDGFR-β inhibitor AG and PI3K inhibitor LY co-therapy as anti-A. cantonensis drug candidates through improved neurovascular unit dysfunction and reduced inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Min Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chan Lai
- Department of Parasitology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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Stins MF, Mtaja A, Mulendele E, Mwimbe DW, Pinilla G, Mutengo M, Pardo CA, Chipeta J. Elevated brain derived neurotrophic factor in plasma and interleukin-6 levels in cerebrospinal fluid in meningitis compared to cerebral malaria. J Neurol Sci 2023; 450:120663. [PMID: 37182424 PMCID: PMC10330544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurological infections, such as Cerebral malaria (CM) and meningitis are associated with high mortality and in survivors, particularly young children, persistent neurologic deficits often remain. As brain inflammation plays a role in the development of these neurological sequelae, multiplex assays were used to assess a select set of immune mediators in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from Zambian children with neurological infections. Both CM and meningitis patients showed high levels of markers for vascular inflammation, such as soluble ICAM-1 and angiopoietins. Although high levels of angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 were found in the meningitis group, their levels in the CSF were low and did not differ. As expected, there were high levels of cytokines and notably a significantly elevated IL-6 level in the CSF of the meningitis group. Interestingly, although elevated levels BDNF were found, BDNF levels were significantly higher in plasma of the meningitis group but similar in the CSF. The striking differences in plasma BDNF and IL-6 levels in the CSF point to markedly different neuro-pathological processes. Therefore, further investigations in the role of both IL-6 and BDNF in the neurological outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique F Stins
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, 615N Wolfe Street, SPH E45141, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Agnes Mtaja
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Evan Mulendele
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daniel W Mwimbe
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Gabriel Pinilla
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21285, United States of America; Icesi University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Calle 18 No. 122-135, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Mable Mutengo
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21285, United States of America
| | - James Chipeta
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
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Useche Y, Pérez AR, de Meis J, Bonomo A, Savino W. Central nervous system commitment in Chagas disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975106. [PMID: 36439149 PMCID: PMC9685529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) during human acute and chronic Chagas disease (CD) has been largely reported. Meningoencephalitis is a frequent finding during the acute infection, while during chronic phase the CNS involvement is often accompanied by behavioral and cognitive impairments. In the same vein, several studies have shown that rodents infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) display behavior abnormalities, accompanied by brain inflammation, in situ production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and parasitism in diverse cerebral areas, with involvement of microglia, macrophages, astrocytes, and neurons. However, the mechanisms used by the parasite to reach the brain remain now largely unknown. Herein we discuss the evidence unravelling the CNS involvement and complexity of neuroimmune interactions that take place in acute and chronic CD. Also, we provide some clues to hypothesize brain infections routes in human and experimental acute CD following oral infection by T. cruzi, an infection route that became a major CD related public health issue in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerly Useche
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Immunology of Rosario (IDICER CONICET UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- Center for Research and Production of Biological Reagents (CIPReB), Faculty of Medical Sciences National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Juliana de Meis
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Bonomo
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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De Bock M, De Smet MA, Verwaerde S, Tahiri H, Schumacher S, Van Haver V, Witschas K, Steinhäuser C, Rouach N, Vandenbroucke RE, Leybaert L. Targeting gliovascular connexins prevents inflammatory blood-brain barrier leakage and astrogliosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:135263. [PMID: 35881483 PMCID: PMC9462469 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is formed by capillary endothelial cells expressing Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43, and is joined by closely apposed astrocytes expressing Cx43 and Cx30. We investigated whether connexin-targeting peptides could limit barrier leakage triggered by LPS-induced systemic inflammation in mice. Intraperitoneal LPS increased endothelial and astrocytic Cx43 expression, elevated TNFα, IL1β, IFNγ and IL6 in plasma and IL6 in the brain, and induced barrier leakage recorded over 24h. Barrier leakage was largely prevented by global Cx43 knockdown and Cx43/Cx30 double-knockout in astrocytes, slightly diminished by endothelial Cx43 knockout and not protected by global Cx30 knockout. Intravenous administration of Gap27 or Tat-Gap19 just before LPS also prevented barrier leakage, and intravenous BAPTA-AM to chelate intracellular calcium was equally effective. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated LPS-induced Cx43 hemichannel opening in endothelial cells, which was suppressed by Gap27, Gap19 and BAPTA. LPS additionally triggered astrogliosis that was prevented by intravenous Tat-Gap19 or BAPTA-AM. Cortically applied Tat-Gap19 or BAPTA-AM to primarily target astrocytes, also strongly diminished barrier leakage. In vivo dye uptake and in vitro patch-clamp showed Cx43 hemichannel opening in astrocytes that was induced by IL6 in a calcium-dependent manner. We conclude that targeting endothelial and astrocytic connexins is a powerful approach to limit barrier failure and astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke De Bock
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Aj De Smet
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Verwaerde
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanane Tahiri
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steffi Schumacher
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valérie Van Haver
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Nathalie Rouach
- Center for Interdisiplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Paris, France
| | | | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lima MN, Freitas RJRX, Passos BABR, Darze AMG, Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Maron-Gutierrez T. Neurovascular Interactions in Malaria. Neuroimmunomodulation 2021; 28:108-117. [PMID: 33951667 DOI: 10.1159/000515557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium infection and remains a serious public health problem worldwide, despite control efforts. Malaria can progress to severe forms, affecting multiple organs, including the brain causing cerebral malaria (CM). CM is the most severe neurological complication of malaria, and cognitive and behavior deficits are commonly reported in surviving patients. The number of deaths from malaria has been reducing in recent years, and as a consequence, neurological sequelae have been more evident. Neurological damage in malaria might be related to the neuroinflammation, characterized by glia cell activation, neuronal apoptosis and changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of the BBB. Endothelial and pericytes cells in the cerebral microvasculature and neural cells, as astrocytes, neurons, and microglia, compose the NVU. The NVU can be disturbed by parasite metabolic products, such as heme and hemozoin, or cytokines that can promote activation of endothelial and glial cells and lead to increased BBB permeability and subsequently neurodegeneration. In this review, we will approach the main changes that happen in the cells of the NVU due to neuroinflammation caused by malaria infection, and elucidate how the systemic pathophysiology is involved in the onset and progression of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiara N Lima
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo J R X Freitas
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz A B R Passos
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria G Darze
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hugo C Castro-Faria-Neto
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Maron-Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Role of astroglial Connexin 43 in pneumolysin cytotoxicity and during pneumococcal meningitis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009152. [PMID: 33370401 PMCID: PMC7793270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus (PN) is a major causative agent of bacterial meningitis with high mortality in young infants and elderly people worldwide. The mechanism underlying PN crossing of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and specifically, the role of non-endothelial cells of the neurovascular unit that control the BBB function, remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the astroglial connexin 43 (aCx43), a major gap junctional component expressed in astrocytes, plays a predominant role during PN meningitis. Following intravenous PN challenge, mice deficient for aCx43 developed milder symptoms and showed severely reduced bacterial counts in the brain. Immunofluorescence analysis of brain slices indicated that PN induces the aCx43–dependent destruction of the network of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament protein specifically expressed in astrocytes and up-regulated in response to brain injury. PN also induced nuclear shrinkage in astrocytes associated with the loss of BBB integrity, bacterial translocation across endothelial vessels and replication in the brain cortex. We found that aCx4-dependent astrocyte damages could be recapitulated using in vitro cultured cells upon challenge with wild-type PN but not with a ply mutant deficient for the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin (Ply). Consistently, we showed that purified Ply requires Cx43 to promote host cell plasma membrane permeabilization in a process involving the Cx43-dependent release of extracellular ATP and prolonged increase of cytosolic Ca2+ in host cells. These results point to a critical role for astrocytes during PN meningitis and suggest that the cytolytic activity of the major virulence factor Ply at concentrations relevant to bacterial infection requires co-opting of connexin plasma membrane channels. The role of non-endothelial cells constituting the neurovascular unit during infectious meningitis is poorly appreciated despite their key regulatory functions on the blood-brain barrier integrity. Here, we show that Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, a major causative agent of bacterial meningitis, targets astroglial cells to translocate across brain endothelial vessels. We found that astroglial connexin 43, a gap junctional component, played a major role during PN meningitis in mice. PN translocation and replication in the brain cortex were associated with connexin-dependent fragmentation of astrocytic the GFAP network, a process associated with brain injury. These findings were recapitulated and extended in vitro using cultured primary astrocytes and the major PN virulence determinant Pneumolysin. Ply-mediated cytotoxicity was linked to Ca2+ increase and required aCx43, arguing against a direct toxin activity. The results reveal a key role for astroglial signaling during PN crossing of the BBB and shed light on the mechanism of Ply-mediated cytotoxicity during meningitis.
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Heimfarth L, Carvalho AMS, Quintans JDSS, Pereira EWM, Lima NT, Bezerra Carvalho MT, Barreto RDSS, Moreira JCF, da Silva-Júnior EF, Schmitt M, Bourguignon JJ, de Aquino TM, Araújo-Júnior JXD, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Indole-3-guanylhydrazone hydrochloride mitigates long-term cognitive impairment in a neonatal sepsis model with involvement of MAPK and NFκB pathways. Neurochem Int 2020; 134:104647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Darling TK, Mimche PN, Bray C, Umaru B, Brady LM, Stone C, Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Lane TE, Ayong LS, Lamb TJ. EphA2 contributes to disruption of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008261. [PMID: 31999807 PMCID: PMC6991964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function is a key feature of cerebral malaria. Increased barrier permeability occurs due to disassembly of tight and adherens junctions between endothelial cells, yet the mechanisms governing junction disassembly and vascular permeability during cerebral malaria remain poorly characterized. We found that EphA2 is a principal receptor tyrosine kinase mediating BBB breakdown during Plasmodium infection. Upregulated on brain microvascular endothelial cells in response to inflammatory cytokines, EphA2 is required for the loss of junction proteins on mouse and human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, EphA2 is necessary for CD8+ T cell brain infiltration and subsequent BBB breakdown in a mouse model of cerebral malaria. Blocking EphA2 protects against BBB breakdown highlighting EphA2 as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayer K. Darling
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Patrice N. Mimche
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Christian Bray
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Banlanjo Umaru
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lauren M. Brady
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Colleen Stone
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Thomas E. Lane
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Lawrence S. Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Tracey J. Lamb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Late Brain Involvement after Neonatal Immune Activation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9573248. [PMID: 31467920 PMCID: PMC6699266 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9573248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The neonatal immune system is still immature, which makes it more susceptible to the infectious agents. Neonatal immune activation is associated with increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, causing an inflammatory cascade in the CNS and altering behavioral and neurochemical parameters. One of the hypotheses that has been studied is that neuroinflammation may be involved in neurodegenerative processes, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluate visuospatial memory, cytokines levels, and the expression of tau and GSK-3β proteins in hippocampus and cortex of animals exposed to neonatal endotoxemia. C57BL/6 mice aging two days received a single injection of subcutaneous lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At 60,120, and 180 days of age, visual-spatial memory was evaluated and the hippocampus and cortex were dissected to evaluate the cytokines levels and expression of tau and GSK-3β proteins. The animals exposed to LPS in the neonatal period present with visuospatial memory impairment at 120 and 180 days of age. Here there was an increase of TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the hippocampus and cortex only at 60 days of age. Here there was an increase in the expression of GSK-3β in hippocampus of the animals at 60, 120, and 180 days of age. In the cortex, this increase occurred in the 120 and 180 days of age. Tau protein expression was high in hippocampus and cortex at 120 days of age and in hippocampus at 180 days of age. The data observed show that neonatal immune activation may be associated with visuospatial memory impairment, neuroinflammation, and increased expression of GSK-3β and Tau proteins in the long term.
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Abstract
Endothelins were discovered more than thirty years ago as potent vasoactive compounds. Beyond their well-documented cardiovascular properties, however, the contributions of the endothelin pathway have been demonstrated in several neuroinflammatory processes and the peptides have been reported as clinically relevant biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies report that endothelin-1 significantly contributes to the progression of neuroinflammatory processes, particularly during infections in the central nervous system (CNS), and is associated with a loss of endothelial integrity at the blood brain barrier level. Because of the paucity of clinical trials with endothelin-1 antagonists in several infectious and non-infectious neuroinflammatory diseases, it remains an open question whether the 21 amino acid peptide is a mediator/modulator rather than a biomarker of the progression of neurodegeneration. This review focuses on the potential roles of endothelins in the pathology of neuroinflammatory processes, including infectious diseases of viral, bacterial or parasitic origin in which the synthesis of endothelins or its pharmacology have been investigated from the cell to the bedside in several cases, as well as in non-infectious inflammatory processes such as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers Disease or central nervous system vasculitis.
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Liu M, Solomon W, Cespedes JC, Wilson NO, Ford B, Stiles JK. Neuregulin-1 attenuates experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) pathogenesis by regulating ErbB4/AKT/STAT3 signaling. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:104. [PMID: 29636063 PMCID: PMC5894207 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human cerebral malaria (HCM) is a severe form of malaria characterized by sequestration of infected erythrocytes (IRBCs) in brain microvessels, increased levels of circulating free heme and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, brain swelling, vascular dysfunction, coma, and increased mortality. Neuregulin-1β (NRG-1) encoded by the gene NRG1, is a member of a family of polypeptide growth factors required for normal development of the nervous system and the heart. Utilizing an experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) model (Plasmodium berghei ANKA in C57BL/6), we reported that NRG-1 played a cytoprotective role in ECM and that circulating levels were inversely correlated with ECM severity. Intravenous infusion of NRG-1 reduced ECM mortality in mice by promoting a robust anti-inflammatory response coupled with reduction in accumulation of IRBCs in microvessels and reduced tissue damage. Methods In the current study, we examined how NRG-1 treatment attenuates pathogenesis and mortality associated with ECM. We examined whether NRG-1 protects against CXCL10- and heme-induced apoptosis using human brain microvascular endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells and M059K neuroglial cells. hCMEC/D3 cells grown in a monolayer and a co-culture system with 30 μM heme and NRG-1 (100 ng/ml) were used to examine the role of NRG-1 on blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Using the in vivo ECM model, we examined whether the reduction of mortality was associated with the activation of ErbB4 and AKT and inactivation of STAT3 signaling pathways. For data analysis, unpaired t test or one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s or Bonferroni’s post test was applied. Results We determined that NRG-1 protects against cell death/apoptosis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells and neroglial cells, the two major components of BBB. NRG-1 treatment improved heme-induced disruption of the in vitro BBB model consisting of hCMEC/D3 and human M059K cells. In the ECM murine model, NRG-1 treatment stimulated ErbB4 phosphorylation (pErbB4) followed by activation of AKT and inactivation of STAT3, which attenuated ECM mortality. Conclusions Our results indicate a potential pathway by which NRG-1 treatment maintains BBB integrity in vitro, attenuates ECM-induced tissue injury, and reduces mortality. Furthermore, we postulate that augmenting NRG-1 during ECM therapy may be an effective adjunctive therapy to reduce CNS tissue injury and potentially increase the effectiveness of current anti-malaria therapy against human cerebral malaria (HCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
| | - Wesley Solomon
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Cespedes
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Nana O Wilson
- Fogarty Global Health Fellow (UJMT), Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Byron Ford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside School of Medicine, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jonathan K Stiles
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
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Aaron PA, Jamklang M, Uhrig JP, Gelli A. The blood-brain barrier internalises Cryptococcus neoformans via the EphA2-tyrosine kinase receptor. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20. [PMID: 29197141 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningitis most commonly in populations with impaired immunity. Here, we resolved the transcriptome of the human brain endothelium challenged with C. neoformans to establish whether C. neoformans invades the CNS by co-opting particular signalling pathways as a means to promote its own entry. Among the 5 major pathways targeted by C. neoformans, the EPH-EphrinA1 (EphA2) tyrosine kinase receptor-signalling pathway was examined further. Silencing the EphA2 receptor transcript in a human brain endothelial cell line or blocking EphA2 activity with an antibody or chemical inhibitor prevented transmigration of C. neoformans in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In contrast, treating brain endothelial cells with an EphA2 chemical agonist or an EphA2 ligand promoted greater migration of fungal cells across the BBB. C. neoformans activated the EPH-tyrosine kinase pathway through a CD44-dependent phosphorylation of EphA2, promoting clustering and internalisation of EphA2 receptors. Moreover, HEK293T cells expressing EphA2 revealed an association between EphA2 and C. neoformans that boosted internalisation of C. neoformans. Collectively, the results suggest that C. neoformans promotes EphA2 activity via CD44, and this in turn creates a permeable barrier that facilitates the migration of C. neoformans across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phylicia A Aaron
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mantana Jamklang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - John P Uhrig
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Angie Gelli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Alifirova VM, Zhukova NG, Zhukova IA, Latypova AV, Titova MA, Mironova YS, Izhboldina OP, Nikitina MA, Petrov VA. [A role of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2016. [PMID: 28635757 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2016116111174-179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbiota is a community of microorganisms, viruses, protozoa, colonizing the gut. There are tight phylogenetic relationships between the gut microbiota and the human body, the disturbance of which may lead to the CNS dysfunction as well as to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on general and specific aspects of the influence of gut microbiota on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Current theories and models of the relationship between microbiota and brain structures in PD are presented with a specific focus on neurochemical and immunological aspects of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N G Zhukova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - I A Zhukova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - A V Latypova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M A Titova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | | | - M A Nikitina
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - V A Petrov
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
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Cardoso FL, Herz J, Fernandes A, Rocha J, Sepodes B, Brito MA, McGavern DB, Brites D. Systemic inflammation in early neonatal mice induces transient and lasting neurodegenerative effects. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:82. [PMID: 25924675 PMCID: PMC4440597 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to induce acute gliosis in neonatal mice. However, the progressive effects on the murine neurodevelopmental program over the week that follows systemic inflammation are not known. Thus, we investigated the effects of repeated LPS administration in the first postnatal week in mice, a condition mimicking sepsis in late preterm infants, on the developing central nervous system (CNS). Methods Systemic inflammation was induced by daily intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of LPS (6 mg/kg) in newborn mice from postnatal day (PND) 4 to PND6. The effects on neurodevelopment were examined by staining the white matter and neurons with Luxol Fast Blue and Cresyl Violet, respectively. The inflammatory response was assessed by quantifying the expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, high mobility group box (HMGB)-1, and autotaxin (ATX). In addition, B6 CX3CR1gfp/+ mice combined with cryo-immunofluorescence were used to determine the acute, delayed, and lasting effects on myelination, microglia, and astrocytes. Results LPS administration led to acute body and brain weight loss as well as overt structural changes in the brain such as cerebellar hypoplasia, neuronal loss/shrinkage, and delayed myelination. The impaired myelination was associated with alterations in the proliferation and differentiation of NG2 progenitor cells early after LPS administration, rather than with excessive phagocytosis by CNS myeloid cells. In addition to disruptions in brain architecture, a robust inflammatory response to LPS was observed. Quantification of inflammatory biomarkers revealed decreased expression of ATX with concurrent increases in HMGB1, TLR-4, and MMP-9 expression levels. Acute astrogliosis (GFAP+ cells) in the brain parenchyma and at the microvasculature interface together with parenchymal microgliosis (CX3CR1+ cells) were also observed. These changes preceded the migration/proliferation of CX3CR1+ cells around the vessels at later time points and the subsequent loss of GFAP+ astrocytes. Conclusion Collectively, our study has uncovered a complex innate inflammatory reaction and associated structural changes in the brains of neonatal mice challenged peripherally with LPS. These findings may explain some of the neurobehavioral abnormalities that develop following neonatal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa L Cardoso
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Jasmin Herz
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1430, USA.
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Rocha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Sepodes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Maria A Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1430, USA.
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
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15
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Endothelin-1 and its role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Life Sci 2014; 118:110-9. [PMID: 24780317 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelins are potent regulators of vascular tone, which also have mitogenic, apoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties (Rubanyi and Polokoff, 1994; Kedzierski and Yanagisawa, 2001; Bagnato et al., 2011). Three isoforms of endothelin have been identified to date, with endothelin-1 (ET-1) being the best studied. ET-1 is classically considered a potent vasoconstrictor. However, in addition to the effects of ET-1 on vascular smooth muscle cells, the peptide is increasingly recognized as a pro-inflammatory cytokine (Teder and Noble, 2000; Sessa et al., 1991). ET-1 causes platelet aggregation and plays a role in the increased expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, the synthesis of inflammatory mediators contributing to vascular dysfunction. High levels of ET-1 are found in alveolar macrophages, leukocytes (Sessa et al., 1991) and fibroblasts (Gu et al., 1991). Clinical and experimental data indicate that ET-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis (Tschaikowsky et al., 2000; Goto et al., 2012), viral and bacterial pneumonia (Schuetz et al., 2008; Samransamruajkit et al., 2002), Rickettsia conorii infections (Davi et al., 1995), Chagas disease (Petkova et al., 2000, 2001), and severe malaria (Dai et al., 2012; Machado et al., 2006; Wenisch et al., 1996a; Dietmann et al., 2008). In this minireview, we will discuss the role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of infectious processes.
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Waknine-Grinberg JH, Even-Chen S, Avichzer J, Turjeman K, Bentura-Marciano A, Haynes RK, Weiss L, Allon N, Ovadia H, Golenser J, Barenholz Y. Glucocorticosteroids in nano-sterically stabilized liposomes are efficacious for elimination of the acute symptoms of experimental cerebral malaria. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72722. [PMID: 23991146 PMCID: PMC3753236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is the most severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, and a leading cause of death in children under the age of five in malaria-endemic areas. We report high therapeutic efficacy of a novel formulation of liposome-encapsulated water-soluble glucocorticoid prodrugs, and in particular β-methasone hemisuccinate (BMS), for treatment of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), using the murine P. berghei ANKA model. BMS is a novel derivative of the potent steroid β-methasone, and was specially synthesized to enable remote loading into nano-sterically stabilized liposomes (nSSL), to form nSSL-BMS. The novel nano-drug, composed of nSSL remote loaded with BMS, dramatically improves drug efficacy and abolishes the high toxicity seen upon administration of free BMS. nSSL-BMS reduces ECM rates in a dose-dependent manner and creates a survival time-window, enabling administration of an antiplasmodial drug, such as artemisone. Administration of artemisone after treatment with the nSSL-BMS results in complete cure. Treatment with BMS leads to lower levels of cerebral inflammation, demonstrated by changes in cytokines, chemokines, and cell markers, as well as diminished hemorrhage and edema, correlating with reduced clinical score. Administration of the liposomal formulation results in accumulation of BMS in the brains of sick mice but not of healthy mice. This steroidal nano-drug effectively eliminates the adverse effects of the cerebral syndrome even when the treatment is started at late stages of disease, in which disruption of the blood-brain barrier has occurred and mice show clear signs of neurological impairment. Overall, sequential treatment with nSSL-BMS and artemisone may be an efficacious and well-tolerated therapy for prevention of CM, elimination of parasites, and prevention of long-term cognitive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith H. Waknine-Grinberg
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Simcha Even-Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jasmine Avichzer
- Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Annael Bentura-Marciano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Lola Weiss
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nahum Allon
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haim Ovadia
- Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (YB), (JG)
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Brissette CA, Kees ED, Burke MM, Gaultney RA, Floden AM, Watt JA. The multifaceted responses of primary human astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells to the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. ASN Neuro 2013; 5:221-9. [PMID: 23883071 PMCID: PMC3745032 DOI: 10.1042/an20130010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The vector-borne pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes a multi-system disorder including neurological complications. These neurological disorders, collectively termed neuroborreliosis, can occur in up to 15% of untreated patients. The neurological symptoms are probably a result of a glial-driven, host inflammatory response to the bacterium. However, the specific contributions of individual glial and other support cell types to the pathogenesis of neuroborreliosis are relatively unexplored. The goal of this project was to characterize specific astrocyte and endothelial cell responses to B. burgdorferi. Primary human astrocytes and primary HBMEC (human brain microvascular endothelial cells) were incubated with B. burgdorferi over a 72-h period and the transcriptional responses to the bacterium were analyzed by real-time PCR arrays. There was a robust increase in several surveyed chemokine and related genes, including IL (interleukin)-8, for both primary astrocytes and HBMEC. Array results were confirmed with individual sets of PCR primers. The production of specific chemokines by both astrocytes and HBMEC in response to B. burgdorferi, including IL-8, CXCL-1, and CXCL-10, were confirmed by ELISA. These results demonstrate that primary astrocytes and HBMEC respond to virulent B. burgdorferi by producing a number of chemokines. These data suggest that infiltrating phagocytic cells, particularly neutrophils, attracted by chemokines expressed at the BBB (blood-brain barrier) may be important contributors to the early inflammatory events associated with neuroborreliosis.
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Key Words
- astrocyte
- blood–brain barrier
- borrelia burgdorferi
- chemokine
- endothelium
- neuroborreliosis.
- bbb, blood–brain barrier
- ccl, cc chemokine ligand
- cns, central nervous system
- csf, cerebrospinal fluid
- cxcr, cxc chemokine receptor
- ecm, endothelial cell medium
- gapdh, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- hbmec, human brain microvascular endothelial cells
- il, interleukin
- moi, multiplicity of infection
- qpcr, quantitative pcr
- tnfα, tumor necrosis factor α
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Brissette
- Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA.
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Maes M, Kubera M, Leunis JC, Berk M. Increased IgA and IgM responses against gut commensals in chronic depression: further evidence for increased bacterial translocation or leaky gut. J Affect Disord 2012; 141:55-62. [PMID: 22410503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, we discovered that depression is accompanied by increased IgM and IgA responses directed against gram negative gut commensals. The aim of this study was to replicate these findings in a larger study group of depressed patients and to examine the associations between the IgA and IgM responses to gut commensals and staging of depression as well as the fatigue and somatic (F&S) symptoms of depression. METHODS We measured serum concentrations of IgM and IgA against the LPS of gram-negative enterobacteria, i.e. Hafnia alvei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Pseudomonas putida, Citrobacter koseri, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in 112 depressed patients and 28 normal controls. The severity of F&S symptoms was measured using the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Scale. RESULTS The prevalences and median values of serum IgM and IgA against LPS of these commensals were significantly higher in depressed patients than in controls. The IgM levels directed against the LPS of these commensal bacteria were significantly higher in patients with chronic depression than in those without. The immune responses directed against LPS were not associated with melancholia or recurrent depression. There was a significant correlation between the IgA response directed against LPS and gastro-intestinal symptoms. DISCUSSION The results indicate that increased bacterial translocation with immune responses to the LPS of commensal bacteria may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression, particularly chronic depression. Bacterial translocation may a) occur secondary to systemic inflammation in depression and intensify and perpetuate the primary inflammatory response once the commensals are translocated; or b) be a primary trigger factor associated with the onset of depression in some vulnerable individuals. The findings suggest that "translocated" gut commensal bacteria activate immune cells to elicit IgA and IgM responses and that this phenomenon may play a role in the pathophysiology of (chronic) depression by causing progressive amplifications of immune pathways.
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Shikani HJ, Freeman BD, Lisanti MP, Weiss LM, Tanowitz HB, Desruisseaux MS. Cerebral malaria: we have come a long way. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:1484-92. [PMID: 23021981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, cerebral malaria remains one of the most serious complications of Plasmodium infection and is a significant burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, where, despite effective antiparasitic treatment, survivors develop long-term neurological sequelae. Although much remains to be discovered about the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, The American Journal of Pathology has been seminal in presenting original research from both human and experimental models. These studies have afforded significant insight into the mechanism of cerebral damage in this devastating disease. The present review highlights information gleaned from these studies, especially in terms of their contributions to the understanding of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Shikani
- Division of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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20
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Frevert U, Movila A, Nikolskaia OV, Raper J, Mackey ZB, Abdulla M, McKerrow J, Grab DJ. Early invasion of brain parenchyma by African trypanosomes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43913. [PMID: 22952808 PMCID: PMC3432051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness is a vector-borne parasitic disease that has a major impact on human health and welfare in sub-Saharan countries. Based mostly on data from animal models, it is currently thought that trypanosome entry into the brain occurs by initial infection of the choroid plexus and the circumventricular organs followed days to weeks later by entry into the brain parenchyma. However, Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms rapidly cross human brain microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and appear to be able to enter the murine brain without inflicting cerebral injury. Using a murine model and intravital brain imaging, we show that bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei and T. b. rhodesiense enter the brain parenchyma within hours, before a significant level of microvascular inflammation is detectable. Extravascular bloodstream forms were viable as indicated by motility and cell division, and remained detectable for at least 3 days post infection suggesting the potential for parasite survival in the brain parenchyma. Vascular inflammation, as reflected by leukocyte recruitment and emigration from cortical microvessels, became apparent only with increasing parasitemia at later stages of the infection, but was not associated with neurological signs. Extravascular trypanosomes were predominantly associated with postcapillary venules suggesting that early brain infection occurs by parasite passage across the neuroimmunological blood brain barrier. Thus, trypanosomes can invade the murine brain parenchyma during the early stages of the disease before meningoencephalitis is fully established. Whether individual trypanosomes can act alone or require the interaction from a quorum of parasites remains to be shown. The significance of these findings for disease development is now testable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Frevert
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexandru Movila
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Olga V. Nikolskaia
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jayne Raper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Zachary B. Mackey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Maha Abdulla
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James McKerrow
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Dennis J. Grab
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Torrecilhas AC, Schumacher RI, Alves MJM, Colli W. Vesicles as carriers of virulence factors in parasitic protozoan diseases. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1465-74. [PMID: 22892602 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Different types of shed vesicles as, for example, exosomes, plasma-membrane-derived vesicles or microparticles, are the focus of intense research in view of their potential role in cell-cell communication and under the perspective that they might be good tools for immunotherapy, vaccination or diagnostic purposes. This review discusses ways employed by pathogenic trypanosomatids to interact with the host by shedding vesicles that contain molecules important for the establishment of infection, as opposed to previous beliefs considering them as a waste of cellular metabolism. Trypanosomatids are compared with Apicomplexa, which circulate parasite antigens bound to vesicles shed by host cells. The knowledge of the origin and chemical composition of these different vesicles might lead to the understanding of the mechanisms that determine their biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Diadema, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Combes V, Guillemin GJ, Chan-Ling T, Hunt NH, Grau GER. The crossroads of neuroinflammation in infectious diseases: endothelial cells and astrocytes. Trends Parasitol 2012; 28:311-9. [PMID: 22727810 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Homeostasis implies constant operational defence mechanisms, against both external and internal threats. Infectious agents are prominent among such threats. During infection, the host elicits the release of a vast array of molecules and numerous cell-cell interactions are triggered. These pleiomorphic mediators and cellular effects are of prime importance in the defence of the host, both in the systemic circulation and at sites of tissue injury, for example, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we focus on the interactions between the endothelium, astrocytes, and the molecules they release. Our review addresses these interactions during infectious neurological diseases of various origins, especially cerebral malaria (CM). Two novel elements of the interplay between endothelium and astrocytes, microparticles and the kynurenine pathway, will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéry Combes
- Vascular Immunology Unit, Sydney Medical School and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Rénia L, Howland SW, Claser C, Charlotte Gruner A, Suwanarusk R, Hui Teo T, Russell B, Ng LFP. Cerebral malaria: mysteries at the blood-brain barrier. Virulence 2012; 3:193-201. [PMID: 22460644 PMCID: PMC3396698 DOI: 10.4161/viru.19013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is the most severe pathology caused by the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The pathogenic mechanisms leading to cerebral malaria are still poorly defined as studies have been hampered by limited accessibility to human tissues. Nevertheless, histopathology of post-mortem human tissues and mouse models of cerebral malaria have indicated involvement of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. In contrast to viruses and bacteria, malaria parasites do not infiltrate and infect the brain parenchyma. Instead, rupture of the blood-brain barrier occurs and may lead to hemorrhages resulting in neurological alterations. Here, we review the most recent findings from human studies and mouse models on the interactions of malaria parasites and the blood-brain barrier, shedding light on the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, which may provide directions for possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A STAR), Biopolis, Singapore.
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a structural and functional barrier that protects the central nervous system (CNS) from invasion by blood-borne pathogens including parasites. However, some intracellular and extracellular parasites can traverse the BBB during the course of infection and cause neurological disturbances and/or damage which are at times fatal. The means by which parasites cross the BBB and how the immune system controls the parasites within the brain are still unclear. In this review we present the current understanding of the processes utilized by two human neuropathogenic parasites, Trypanosoma brucei spp and Toxoplasma gondii, to go across the BBB and consequences of CNS invasion. We also describe briefly other parasites that can invade the brain and how they interact with or circumvent the BBB. The roles played by parasite-derived and host-derived molecules during parasitic and white blood cell invasion of the brain are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willias Masocha
- Department of Applied Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Central nervous system inflammation in disease related conditions: Mechanistic prospects. Brain Res 2012; 1446:144-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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