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Diniz DG, de Oliveira JHP, Guerreiro LCF, de Menezes GC, de Assis ACL, Duarte TQ, dos Santos IBD, Maciel FD, Soares GLDS, Araújo SC, Franco FTDC, do Carmo EL, Morais RDAB, de Lima CM, Brites D, Anthony DC, Diniz JAP, Diniz CWP. Contrasting Disease Progression, Microglia Reactivity, Tolerance, and Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Two Mouse Strains. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1420. [PMID: 39061995 PMCID: PMC11274029 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071420] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study investigated the innate immune response to Toxoplasma gondii infection by assessing microglial phenotypic changes and sickness behavior as inflammatory response markers post-ocular tachyzoite instillation. Disease progression in Swiss albino mice was compared with the previously documented outcomes in BALB/c mice using an identical ocular route and parasite burden (2 × 105 tachyzoites), with saline as the control. Contrary to expectations, the Swiss albino mice displayed rapid, lethal disease progression, marked by pronounced sickness behaviors and mortality within 11-12 days post-infection, while the survivors exhibited no apparent signs of infection. Comparative analysis revealed the T. gondii-infected BALB/c mice exhibited reduced avoidance of feline odors, while the infected Swiss albino mice showed enhanced avoidance responses. There was an important increase in microglial cells in the dentate gyrus molecular layer of the infected Swiss albino mice compared to the BALB/c mice and their respective controls. Hierarchical cluster and discriminant analyses identified three microglial morphological clusters, differentially affected by T. gondii infection across strains. The BALB/c mice exhibited increased microglial branching and complexity, while the Swiss albino mice showed reduced shrunken microglial arbors, diminishing their morphological complexity. These findings highlight strain-specific differences in disease progression and inflammatory regulation, indicating lineage-specific mechanisms in inflammatory responses, tolerance, and resistance. Understanding these elements is critical in devising control measures for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jhonnathan H. P. de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Luma C. F. Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal do Pará, Campus Bragança, Bragança 68600-000, Pará, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C. de Menezes
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Alexa C. L. de Assis
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Tainá Q. Duarte
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Izabelly B. D. dos Santos
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Flávia D. Maciel
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Gabrielly L. da S. Soares
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Sanderson C. Araújo
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Felipe T. de C. Franco
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Ediclei L. do Carmo
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 67030-000, Pará, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (R.d.A.B.M.)
| | - Rafaela dos A. B. Morais
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 67030-000, Pará, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (R.d.A.B.M.)
| | - Camila M. de Lima
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel C. Anthony
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK;
| | - José A. P. Diniz
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Cristovam W. P. Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
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Gajbhiye S, Bhangre A, Tripathi RK, Jalgaonkar S, Shankar A, Koli PG. Evaluation of Antidepressant Effect of Minocycline in Alcohol Abstinence-Induced Depression Model in Mice. Cureus 2022; 14:e28711. [PMID: 36211101 PMCID: PMC9529019 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Krams IA, Cerda-Molina AL, Contreras-Garduño J. Are Toxoplasma-infected subjects more attractive, symmetrical, or healthier than non-infected ones? Evidence from subjective and objective measurements. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13122. [PMID: 35356475 PMCID: PMC8958965 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites are among the main factors that negatively impact the health and reproductive success of organisms. However, if parasites diminish a host's health and attractiveness to such an extent that finding a mate becomes almost impossible, the parasite would decrease its odds of reproducing and passing to the next generation. There is evidence that Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) manipulates phenotypic characteristics of its intermediate hosts to increase its spread. However, whether T. gondii manipulates phenotypic characteristics in humans remains poorly studied. Therefore, the present research had two main aims: (1) To compare traits associated with health and parasite resistance in Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects. (2) To investigate whether other people perceive differences in attractiveness and health between Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects of both sexes. Methods For the first aim, Toxoplasma-infected (n = 35) and non-infected subjects (n = 178) were compared for self-perceived attractiveness, number of sexual partners, number of minor ailments, body mass index, mate value, handgrip strength, facial fluctuating asymmetry, and facial width-to-height ratio. For the second aim, an independent group of 205 raters (59 men and 146 women) evaluated the attractiveness and perceived health of facial pictures of Toxoplasma-infected and non-infected subjects. Results First, we found that infected men had lower facial fluctuating asymmetry whereas infected women had lower body mass, lower body mass index, a tendency for lower facial fluctuating asymmetry, higher self-perceived attractiveness, and a higher number of sexual partners than non-infected ones. Then, we found that infected men and women were rated as more attractive and healthier than non-infected ones. Conclusions Our results suggest that some sexually transmitted parasites, such as T. gondii, may produce changes in the appearance and behavior of the human host, either as a by-product of the infection or as the result of the manipulation of the parasite to increase its spread to new hosts. Taken together, these results lay the foundation for future research on the manipulation of the human host by sexually transmitted pathogens and parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Indrikis A. Krams
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ana Lilia Cerda-Molina
- Department of Ethology, National Institute of Psychiatry “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz”, Mexico City, Mexico
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Impact of Plant-Based Foods and Nutraceuticals on Toxoplasma gondii Cysts: Nutritional Therapy as a Viable Approach for Managing Chronic Brain Toxoplasmosis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:827286. [PMID: 35284438 PMCID: PMC8914227 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.827286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that mainly infects warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii can encyst and persist chronically in the brain, leading to a broad spectrum of neurological sequelae. Despite the associated health threats, no clinical drug is currently available to eliminate T. gondii cysts. In a continuous effort to uncover novel therapeutic agents for these cysts, the potential of nutritional products has been explored. Herein, we describe findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that support the efficacy of plant-based foods and nutraceuticals against brain cyst burden and cerebral pathologies associated with chronic toxoplasmosis. Finally, we discuss strategies to increase the translatability of preclinical studies and nutritional products to address whether nutritional therapy can be beneficial for coping with chronic T. gondii infections in humans.
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Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces depression in offspring of mice with maternal toxoplasma infection during pregnancy by inhibiting microglial activation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Ginseng Res 2022; 46:62-70. [PMID: 35035240 PMCID: PMC8753429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy has been associated with various mental illnesses in the offspring. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a major bioactive compound obtained from ginseng that has an anti-T. gondii effect and attenuates microglial activation through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. GRh2 also alleviated tumor-associated or lipopolysaccharide-induced depression. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of GRh2 on depression-like behavior in mouse offspring caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy have not been investigated. Methods We examined GRh2 effects on the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring, caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy, by measuring depression-like behaviors and assaying parameters at the neuronal and molecular level. Results We showed that GRh2 significantly improved behavioral measures: sucrose consumption, forced swim time and tail suspended immobility time of their offspring. These corresponded with increased tissue concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine, and attenuated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase or enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the prefrontal cortex. GRh2 ameliorated neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex. Molecular docking results revealed that GRh2 binds strongly to both TLR4 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Conclusion This study demonstrated that GRh2 ameliorated the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring of maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy by attenuating the excessive activation of microglia and neuroinflammation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. It suggests that GRh2 could be considered a potential therapy in preventing and treating psychiatric disorders in the offspring mice of mothers with prenatal exposure to T. gondii infection.
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasmosis: Targeting neurotransmitter systems in psychiatric disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:123-146. [PMID: 34476718 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The most common form of the disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is latent toxoplasmosis due to the formation of tissue cysts in various organs, such as the brain. Latent toxoplasmosis is probably a risk factor in the development of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioral changes after infection are caused by the host immune response, manipulation by the parasite, central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, as well as changes in hormonal and neuromodulator relationships. The present review focused on the exact mechanisms of T. gondii effect on the alteration of behavior and neurotransmitter levels, their catabolites and metabolites, as well as the interaction between immune responses and this parasite in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the neural transmission is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further intensive studies are required to determine the effect of this parasite on altering the level of neurotransmitters and the role of neurotransmitters in the etiology of host behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Daher D, Shaghlil A, Sobh E, Hamie M, Hassan ME, Moumneh MB, Itani S, El Hajj R, Tawk L, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111351. [PMID: 34832507 PMCID: PMC8625914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a prevalent protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a neglected disease in which incidence and symptoms differ between patients and regions. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis manifests as acute and chronic forms. Acute toxoplasmosis presents as mild or asymptomatic disease that evolves, under the host immune response, into a persistent chronic disease in healthy individuals. Chronic toxoplasmosis establishes as latent tissue cysts in the brain and skeletal muscles. In immunocompromised patients, chronic toxoplasmosis may reactivate, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Recently, the association between toxoplasmosis and various diseases has been shown. These span primary neuropathies, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and different types of cancer. Currently, a direct pre-clinical or clinical molecular connotation between toxoplasmosis and most of its associated diseases remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on Toxoplasma-induced and associated diseases with a focus on available knowledge of the molecular players dictating these associations. We will also abridge the existing therapeutic options of toxoplasmosis and highlight the current gaps to explore the implications of toxoplasmosis on its associated diseases to advance treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Ahmad Shaghlil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Eyad Sobh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Malika Elhage Hassan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Mohamad Bahij Moumneh
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon;
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Virus MA, Ehrhorn EG, Lui LM, Davis PH. Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:6634807. [PMID: 34712493 PMCID: PMC8548174 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect up to 30% of the world population, leading to lifelong chronic infection of the brain and muscle tissue. Although most latent T. gondii infections in humans have traditionally been considered asymptomatic, studies in rodents suggest phenotypic neurological changes are possible. Consequently, several studies have examined the link between T. gondii infection and diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, dysphoria, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To date, there is varying evidence of the relationship of T. gondii to these human neurological or neurobehavioral disorders. A thorough review of T. gondii literature was conducted to highlight and summarize current findings. We found that schizophrenia was most frequently linked to T. gondii infection, while sleep disruption showed no linkage to T. gondii infection, and other conditions having mixed support for a link to T. gondii. However, infection as a cause of human neurobehavioral disease has yet to be firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell A. Virus
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Evie G. Ehrhorn
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - LeeAnna M. Lui
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Lan HW, Lu YN, Zhao XD, Jin GN, Lu JM, Jin CH, Ma J, Jin X, Xu X, Piao LX. New role of sertraline against Toxoplasma gondii-induced depression-like behaviours in mice. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12893. [PMID: 34637545 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a neurotropic protozoan parasite, which can cause mental and behavioural disorders. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of sertraline (SERT) on T. gondii-induced depression-like behaviours. In the present study, a mouse model and a microglial cell line (BV2 cells) model were established by infecting with the T. gondii RH strain. In in vivo and in vitro experiments, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SERT in inhibiting depression-like behaviours and cellular perturbations caused by T. gondii infection were investigated in the mouse brain and BV2 cells. The administration of SERT significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviours in T. gondii-infected mice. Furthermore, SERT inhibited T. gondii proliferation. Treatment with SERT significantly inhibited the activation of microglia and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma, by down-regulating tumour necrosis factor receptor 1/nuclear factor-kappa B signalling pathway, thereby ameliorating the depression-like behaviours induced by T. gondii infection. Our study provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the newly discovered role of SERT against T. gondii-induced depression-like behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Wen Lan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Yu-Nan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Guang-Nan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Jing-Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xuejun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
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10
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Marszalek-Grabska M, Walczak K, Gawel K, Wicha-Komsta K, Wnorowska S, Wnorowski A, Turski WA. Kynurenine emerges from the shadows – Current knowledge on its fate and function. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Shinjyo N, Kagaya W, Pekna M. Interaction Between the Complement System and Infectious Agents - A Potential Mechanistic Link to Neurodegeneration and Dementia. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:710390. [PMID: 34408631 PMCID: PMC8365172 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.710390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the innate immune system, complement plays a critical role in the elimination of pathogens and mobilization of cellular immune responses. In the central nervous system (CNS), many complement proteins are locally produced and regulate nervous system development and physiological processes such as neural plasticity. However, aberrant complement activation has been implicated in neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease. There is a growing list of pathogens that have been shown to interact with the complement system in the brain but the short- and long-term consequences of infection-induced complement activation for neuronal functioning are largely elusive. Available evidence suggests that the infection-induced complement activation could be protective or harmful, depending on the context. Here we summarize how various infectious agents, including bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus spp.), viruses (e.g., HIV and measles virus), fungi (e.g., Candida spp.), parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp.), and prion proteins activate and manipulate the complement system in the CNS. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which the interaction between the infectious agents and the complement system can play a role in neurodegeneration and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Wataru Kagaya
- Department of Parasitology and Research Center for Infectious Disease Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Marcela Pekna
- Laboratory of Regenerative Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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12
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Tong WH, Pavey C, O'Handley R, Vyas A. Behavioral biology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 33494777 PMCID: PMC7831251 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle and a cosmopolitan host range. The asexual part of its life cycle can be perpetually sustained in a variety of intermediate hosts through a combination of carnivory and vertical transmission. However, T. gondii produces gametes only in felids after the predation of infected intermediate hosts. The parasite changes the behavior of its intermediate hosts by reducing their innate fear to cat odors and thereby plausibly increasing the probability that the definitive host will devour the infected host. Here, we provide a short description of such parasitic behavioral manipulation in laboratory rodents infected with T. gondii, along with a bird's eye view of underpinning biological changes in the host. We also summarize critical gaps and opportunities for future research in this exciting research area with broad implications in the transdisciplinary study of host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chris Pavey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Land and Water, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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13
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Monir DM, Mahmoud ME, Ahmed OG, Rehan IF, Abdelrahman A. Forced exercise activates the NrF2 pathway in the striatum and ameliorates motor and behavioral manifestations of Parkinson's disease in rotenone-treated rats. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2020; 16:9. [PMID: 33158454 PMCID: PMC7646065 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-020-00171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons leading to dopamine depletion and problems of movement, emotions, and cognition. While the pathogenesis of PD is not clear, damage of dopaminergic neurons by oxygen-derived free radicals is considered an important contributing mechanism. This study aimed to evaluate the role of treadmill exercise in male Wister rats as a single treatment and as an aid-therapy with L-dopa for rotenone-induced PD. To study the role of the Nrf2- ARE pathway as a mechanism involved in exercise-associated improvement in rotenone-induced PD in rats. METHOD Animals were divided into 5 groups, (Control, rotenone, rotenone\exercise, rotenone\L-dopa, and rotenone\exercise\L-dopa (combination)groups). After the PD induction, rats in the rotenone\exercise and combination groups were daily treadmill exercised for 4 weeks. RESULTS Treadmill exercise significantly improved behavioral and motor aspects of rotenone-induced PD. When treadmill exercise was introduced as a single intervention, it amended most behavioral aspects of PD, gait fully corrected, short-term memory, and motor coordination. Where L-dopa corrected locomotor activity and motor coordination but failed to improve short-term memory and only partially corrected the gait of rotenone-treated rats. When treadmill exercise was combined with L-dopa, all features of PD were corrected. It was found that exercise upregulated some of its associative genes to Nrf2 pathways such as TFAM, Nrf2 and NQO.1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION This study suggests that forced exercise improved parkinsonian like features by activating the Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Monir
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Motamed E Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry (Genetics, Breeding, and Production), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt.
| | - Omyma G Ahmed
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim F Rehan
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Alkom, Menofia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Amany Abdelrahman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt.
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14
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Yang J, Yang C, Qian J, Li F, Zhao J, Fang R. Toxoplasma gondii α-amylase deletion mutant is a promising vaccine against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:2057-2069. [PMID: 32959958 PMCID: PMC7533317 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with inhibited immunity may develop lethal toxoplasmosis; thus, a safe and effective vaccine is urged to be developed. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) α-amylase (α-AMY) is one of the enzymes responsible for starch digestion. In the present study, we first generated a ME49Δα-amy mutant and discovered that loss of α-AMY robustly grew in vitro but contributed to significant virulence attenuation in vivo. Therefore, we established a mouse model to explore the protective immunity of Δα-amy mutant against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The results indicated that the survival rates of short-term or long-term immunized mice re-infected with the tachyzoites of multiple T. gondii strains were nearly 100%. ME49Δα-amy not only could provide protective immunity against tachyzoites infection but also could resist the infection of tissue cysts. Furthermore, we detected that ME49Δα-amy vaccination could effectively eliminate the proliferation of parasites in mice and prevent the formation of cysts. The significant increases of Th1-type cytokines, Th2-type cytokines and specific total IgG and IgG subclasses (IgG2a and IgG1) confirmed efficiency of a combination of cellular and humoral immunity against infection. In conclusion, ME49Δα-amy attenuated strain can produce strong immune responses to provide efficient protection against toxoplasmosis, which signifies that ME49Δα-amy mutant may be a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Chenghang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Jiahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Facai Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqing400715China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
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15
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Baker TL, Sun M, Semple BD, Tyebji S, Tonkin CJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury? J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:222. [PMID: 32711529 PMCID: PMC7382044 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI and T. gondii infection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI and T. gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur during T. gondii infection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronic T. gondii infection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronic T. gondii infection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiraz Tyebji
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Rehan IF, Mahmoud ME, Salman D, Elnagar A, Salman S, Youssef M, Aziz ARA, Bazh EK, Hesham AEL. Sialylated N-glycan profile during acute and chronic infections with Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3809. [PMID: 32123198 PMCID: PMC7052212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is associated with physiological and psychiatric perturbations. The immune response is interrelated to the progress of anhedonia and despair symptoms of T. gondii-infected subjects. We recently reported that serum N-glycans were altered in mice displayed depressive-like behaviors. However, a novel biomarker that correlated to T. gondii infection and associated behaviors is demanded. Glycomics has been used to find affected glycoproteins during depression. The objective of this study is to investigate serum N-glycomics changes during infection with T. gondii in BALB/c mice, immunocompetent, or in severe combined immunodeficient mice, and after treatment with an immunostimulant; 1-methyl tryptophan. Glycans were examined through glycoblotting-protocol then investigated by MALDI-TOF/MS. Both depressive and sickness-related behaviors were significantly abundant (P ≤ 0.001 each), during acute T. gondii in immunocompetent mice, compared to controls. Only sickness symptoms were evident in immunodeficient mice infected with T. gondii, as associated with high expression level (P ≤ 0.001) of Peak # 15 (2 × Neu5Gc) compared to controls. The alteration of sialylated N-glycan expressions is important to detect the immune status of animals/humans against T. gondii. Moreover, 1-methyl tryptophan reduced depressive-like behavior (P ≤ 0.001) compared to controls. Therefore, sialylated N-glycan (Neu5Ac/Neu5Gc-terminal) is targeted to be used as a novel biomarker of sickness/depressive-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Farag Rehan
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Alkom, Menofia, 32511, Egypt.
| | - Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry (management, genetics, and breeding), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Salman
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Elnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Saleh Salman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, Colorado, USA
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, 71111, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Youssef
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Amer Ragheb Abdel Aziz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Eman Kamal Bazh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Alkom, Menofia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Abd El-Latif Hesham
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
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17
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Cheng JH, Xu X, Li YB, Zhao XD, Aosai F, Shi SY, Jin CH, Piao JS, Ma J, Piao HN, Jin XJ, Piao LX. Arctigenin ameliorates depression-like behaviors in Toxoplasma gondii-infected intermediate hosts via the TLR4/NF-κB and TNFR1/NF-κB signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 82:106302. [PMID: 32086097 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a known neurotropic protozoan that remains in the central nervous system and induces neuropsychiatric diseases in intermediate hosts. Arctigenin (AG) is one of the major bioactive lignans of the fruit Arctium lappa L. and has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities such as neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-T. gondii effects. However, the effect of AG against depressive behaviors observed in T. gondii-infected hosts has not yet been clarified. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of AG against T. gondii-induced depressive behaviors in intermediate hosts using a microglia cell line (BV2 cells) and brain tissues of BALB/c mice during the acute phase of infection with the RH strain of T. gondii. AG attenuated microglial activation and neuroinflammation via the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1/NF-κB signaling pathways, followed by up-regulating the dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels and inhibiting the depression-like behaviors of hosts. AG also significantly decreased the T. gondii burden in mouse brain tissues. In conclusion, we elucidated the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of AG against depressive behaviors induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Ying-Biao Li
- Department of Neurology, Affliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Su-Yun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Jing-Shu Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Hu-Nan Piao
- Department of Neurology, Affliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin, China.
| | - Xue-Jun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China.
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8315-5918
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18
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Garnham AL, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Impaired social behaviour and molecular mediators of associated neural circuits during chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in female mice. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:88-108. [PMID: 30807837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a neurotropic parasite that is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Rodents infected with T. gondii display a plethora of behavioural alterations, and Toxoplasma infection in humans has been strongly associated with disorders such as schizophrenia, in which impaired social behaviour is an important feature. Elucidating changes at the cellular level relevant to neuropsychiatric conditions can lead to effective therapies. Here, we compare changes in behaviour during an acute and chronic T. gondii infection in female mice. Further, we notice that during chronic phase of infection, mice display impaired sociability when exposed to a novel conspecific. Also, we show that T. gondii infected mice display impaired short-term social recognition memory. However, object recognition memory remains intact. Using c-Fos as a marker of neuronal activity, we show that infection leads to an impairment in neuronal activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus as well as the amygdala when mice are exposed to a social environment and a change in functional connectivity between these regions. We found changes in synaptic proteins that play a role in the process of neuronal activation such as synaptophysin, PSD-95 and changes in downstream substrates of cell activity such as cyclic AMP, phospho-CREB and BDNF. Our results point towards an imbalance in neuronal activity that can lead to a wider range of neuropsychiatric problems upon T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Alexandra L Garnham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
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19
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Bay-Richter C, Petersen E, Liebenberg N, Elfving B, Wegener G. Latent toxoplasmosis aggravates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour and suggest a role of gene-environment interactions in the behavioural response to the parasite. Behav Brain Res 2019; 364:133-139. [PMID: 30768994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (TOX) is an intracellular parasite which infects warm-blooded animals including humans. An increasing number of clinical studies now hypothesize that latent toxoplasmosis may be a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disease. For depression, the results have been varied and we speculate that genetic background is important for the response to latent toxoplasmosis. The main objective of this study was to elucidate gene - environment interactions in the behavioural response to TOX infection by use of genetically vulnerable animals (Flinders sensitive line, FSL) compared to control animals (Flinders resistant line, FRL). Our results show that all infected animals displayed increased anxiety-like behaviour whereas only genetically vulnerable animals (FSL rats) showed depressive-like behaviour as a consequence of the TOX infection. Furthermore, peripheral cytokine expression was increased following the infection, primarily independent of strain. In the given study 14 cytokines, chemokines, metabolic hormones, and growth factors were quantified with the bead-based Luminex200 system, however, only IL-1α expression was affected differently in FSL animals compared to FRL rats. These results suggest that latent TOX infection can induce anxiety-like behaviour independent of genetic background. Intriguingly, we also report that for depressive-like behaviour only the vulnerable rat strain is affected. This could explain the discrepancy in the literature as to whether TOX infection is a risk factor for depressive symptomatology. We propose that the low grade inflammation caused by the chronic infection is related to the development of behavioural symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Bay-Richter
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark.
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Royal Hospital, 111 Muscat, Oman; Institute for Clinical Medicine, 8000 Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Nico Liebenberg
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240 Risskov, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, AUGUST Centre, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
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20
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Reis DJ, Casteen EJ, Ilardi SS. The antidepressant impact of minocycline in rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:261. [PMID: 30670723 PMCID: PMC6342970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36507-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from recent animal studies suggest that minocycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic capable of regulating immune processes, may possess antidepressant properties. These studies, however, have yet to be comprehensively reviewed. Accordingly, this systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the extant literature examining the effect of minocycline on depressive-like behavior in rodent models. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles that met prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for each continuous measure of depressive-like behavior. The overall effect of minocycline on depressive-like behavior was estimated using robust variance estimation meta-analysis. Separate subgroup analyses were conducted on diseased vs healthy animal models, different rodent species, and immobility-based vs anhedonia-based measures of depressive-like behavior. A total of 22 preclinical studies (816 animals) were included. Overall, minocycline reduced depressive-like behavior in rodents (SMD = -1.07, 95% CI -1.41--0.74, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that minocycline reduced depressive-like behavior in diseased, but not healthy, animal models. Finally, minocycline was found to reduce both immobility-based and anhedonia-based outcomes. These findings suggest that minocycline may be an effective treatment of core depressive symptoms, and that further investigation of minocycline treatment for clinically relevant depression in humans is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Reis
- University of Kansas, Department of Psychology, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA.
| | - Emily J Casteen
- University of Kansas, Department of Psychology, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Stephen S Ilardi
- University of Kansas, Department of Psychology, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasmosis: A pathway to neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:72-92. [PMID: 30476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Our current understanding centres on neuronal changes that are elicited directly by this intracellular parasite versus indirect changes that occur due to activation of the immune system within the CNS, or a combination of both. In this review, we explore the interactions between Toxoplasma and its host, the proposed mechanisms and consequences on neuronal function and mental health, and discuss Toxoplasma infection as a public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
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CCR5 Is Involved in Interruption of Pregnancy in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii during Early Pregnancy. Infect Immun 2017. [PMID: 28630065 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00257-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in pregnant humans and other animals; however, the mechanism of abortion remains unknown. C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is essential for host defense against Toxoplasma gondii infection. To investigate the relationship between CCR5 and abortion in toxoplasmosis, we inoculated wild-type and CCR5-deficient (CCR5-/-) mice with T. gondii tachyzoites intraperitoneally on day 3 of pregnancy (embryonic day 3 [E3]). The pregnancy rate decreased as pregnancy progressed in infected wild-type mice. Histopathologically, no inflammatory lesions were observed in the fetoplacental tissues. Although wild-type mice showed a higher parasite burden at the implantation sites than did CCR5-/- mice at E6 (3 days postinfection [dpi]), T. gondii antigen was detected only in the uterine tissue and not in the fetoplacental tissues. At E8 (5 dpi), the embryos in infected wild-type mice showed poor development compared with those of infected CCR5-/- mice, and apoptosis was observed in poorly developed embryos. Compared to uninfected mice, infected wild-type mice showed increased CCR5 expression at the implantation site at E6 and E8. Furthermore, analyses of mRNA expression in the uterus of nonpregnant and pregnant mice suggested that a lack of the CCR5 gene and the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and CCL3 expression at E6 (3 dpi) are important factors for the maintenance of pregnancy following T. gondii infection. These results suggested that CCR5 signaling is involved in embryo loss in T. gondii infection during early pregnancy and that apoptosis is associated with embryo loss rather than direct damage to the fetoplacental tissues.
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Neurophysiological Changes Induced by Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Pathogens 2017; 6:pathogens6020019. [PMID: 28513566 PMCID: PMC5488653 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most pervasive neurotropic pathogens in the world, the host-parasite interactions during CNS infection and the consequences of neurological infection are just beginning to be unraveled. The chronic stages of infection have been considered dormant, although several studies have found correlations of infection with an array of host behavioral changes. These may facilitate parasite transmission and impact neurological diseases. During infection, in addition to the presence of the parasites within neurons, host-mediated neuroimmune and hormonal responses to infection are also present. T. gondii induces numerous changes to host neurons during infection and globally alters host neurological signaling pathways, as discussed in this review. Understanding the neurophysiological changes in the host brain is imperative to understanding the parasitic mechanisms and to delineate the effects of this single-celled parasite on health and its contribution to neurological disease.
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Hill LJ, Williams AC. Meat Intake and the Dose of Vitamin B 3 - Nicotinamide: Cause of the Causes of Disease Transitions, Health Divides, and Health Futures? Int J Tryptophan Res 2017; 10:1178646917704662. [PMID: 28579801 PMCID: PMC5419340 DOI: 10.1177/1178646917704662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Meat and vitamin B3 - nicotinamide - intake was high during hunter-gatherer times. Intake then fell and variances increased during and after the Neolithic agricultural revolution. Health, height, and IQ deteriorated. Low dietary doses are buffered by 'welcoming' gut symbionts and tuberculosis that can supply nicotinamide, but this co-evolved homeostatic metagenomic strategy risks dysbioses and impaired resistance to pathogens. Vitamin B3 deficiency may now be common among the poor billions on a low-meat diet. Disease transitions to non-communicable inflammatory disorders (but longer lives) may be driven by positive 'meat transitions'. High doses of nicotinamide lead to reduced regulatory T cells and immune intolerance. Loss of no longer needed symbiotic 'old friends' compounds immunological over-reactivity to cause allergic and auto-immune diseases. Inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide consumers and loss of methyl groups or production of toxins may cause cancers, metabolic toxicity, or neurodegeneration. An optimal dosage of vitamin B3 could lead to better health, but such a preventive approach needs more equitable meat distribution. Some people may require personalised doses depending on genetic make-up or, temporarily, when under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Hill
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adrian C Williams
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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