1
|
Zhang Y, Liang Z, Xing H, Yu C, Liang J, Xu Q, Song J, He Z. A model of pregnancy-associated malaria for inducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in ICR mouse. Exp Parasitol 2024; 257:108686. [PMID: 38158008 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on understanding of placental pathological features and safe medication in pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM), establishment of a stable pregnant mouse infection model with Plasmodium was urgently needed. METHODS ICR mice with vaginal plugs detected were randomly divided into post-pregnancy infection (Malaria+) and uninfected pregnancy (Malaria-) cohorts. Age-matched mice that had not been mated were infected as pre-pregnancy infection group (Virgin control), which were subsequently mated with ICR males. All mice were inoculated with 1 × 106Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected RBCs by intraperitoneal injection, and the same amount of saline was given to Malaria- group. We recorded the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the amounts of offspring in each group. RESULTS The Virgin group mice were unable to conceive normally, and vaginal bleeding, abortion, or stillbirth appeared in the Malaria+ group. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was extremely high and statistically significant compared with the control (Malaria-) group (P < 0.05), of which placenta exhibited pathological features associated with human gestational malaria. CONCLUSIONS The intraperitoneal injection of 1 × 106Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected RBCs could establish a model of pregnancy-associated malaria in ICR mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Zhiming Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Haoyu Xing
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Chuyi Yu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jianming Liang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jianping Song
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Zhouqing He
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santiago VF, Dombrowski JG, Kawahara R, Rosa-Fernandes L, Mule SN, Murillo O, Santana TV, Coutinho JVP, Macedo-da-Silva J, Lazari LC, Peixoto EPM, Ramirez MI, Larsen MR, Marinho CRF, Palmisano G. Complement System Activation Is a Plasma Biomarker Signature during Malaria in Pregnancy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1624. [PMID: 37628675 PMCID: PMC10454407 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a public health problem in malaria-endemic areas, contributing to detrimental outcomes for both mother and fetus. Primigravida and second-time mothers are most affected by severe anemia complications and babies with low birth weight compared to multigravida women. Infected erythrocytes (IE) reach the placenta, activating the immune response by placental monocyte infiltration and inflammation. However, specific markers of MiP result in poor outcomes, such as low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction for babies and maternal anemia in women infected with Plasmodium falciparum are limited. In this study, we identified the plasma proteome signature of a mouse model infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum infection using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. A total of 279 and 249 proteins were quantified in murine and human plasma samples, of which 28% and 30% were regulated proteins, respectively. Most of the regulated proteins in both organisms are involved in complement system activation during malaria in pregnancy. CBA anaphylatoxin assay confirmed the complement system activation by the increase in C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins in the infected plasma compared to non-infected plasma. Moreover, correlation analysis showed the association between complement system activation and reduced head circumference in newborns from Pf-infected mothers. The data obtained in this study highlight the correlation between the complement system and immune and newborn outcomes resulting from malaria in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Feijoli Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Kawahara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Livia Rosa-Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Simon Ngao Mule
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Oscar Murillo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Pulmonary Immunology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Texas Health Center Science at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA
| | - Thais Viggiani Santana
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Paccini Coutinho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Janaina Macedo-da-Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Cardoso Lazari
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Erika Paula Machado Peixoto
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcel Ivan Ramirez
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Martin R. Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andrew AK, Cooper CA, Moore JM. A novel murine model of post-implantation malaria-induced preterm birth. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0256060. [PMID: 35312688 PMCID: PMC8936457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances made in malaria treatment and control over recent decades, the development of new models for studying disease pathogenesis remains a vital part of malaria research efforts. The study of malaria infection during pregnancy is particularly reliant on mouse models, as a means of circumventing many challenges and costs associated with pregnancy studies in endemic human populations. Here, we introduce a novel murine model that will further our understanding of how malaria infection affects pregnancy outcome. When C57BL/6J (B6) mice are infected with Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS on either embryonic day (E) 6.5, 8.5, or 10.5, preterm birth occurs in all animals by E16.5, E17.5, or E18.5 respectively, with no evidence of intrauterine growth restriction. Despite having the same outcome, we found that the time to delivery, placental inflammatory and antioxidant transcript upregulation, and the relationships between parasitemia and transcript expression prior to preterm birth differed based on the embryonic day of infection. On the day before preterm delivery, E6.5 infected mice did not experience significant upregulation of the inflammatory or antioxidant gene transcripts examined; however, peripheral and placental parasitemia correlated positively with Il1β, Cox1, Cat, and Hmox1 placental transcript abundance. E8.5 infected mice had elevated transcripts for Ifnγ, Tnf, Il10, Cox1, Cox2, Sod1, Sod2, Cat, and Nrf2, while Sod3 was the only transcript that correlated with parasitemia. Finally, E10.5 infected mice had elevated transcripts for Ifnγ only, with a tendency for Tnf transcripts to correlate with peripheral parasitemia. Tumor necrosis factor deficient (TNF-/-) and TNF receptor 1 deficient (TNFR1-/-) mice infected on E8.5 experienced preterm birth at the same time as B6 controls. Further characterization of this model is necessary to discover the mechanism(s) and/or trigger(s) responsible for malaria-driven preterm birth caused by maternal infection during early pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicer K. Andrew
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Caitlin A. Cooper
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Julie M. Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Law H, Mach M, Howe A, Obeid S, Milner B, Carey C, Elfis M, Fsadni B, Ognenovska K, Phan TG, Carey D, Xu Y, Venturi V, Zaunders J, Kelleher AD, Munier CML. Early expansion of CD38+ICOS+ GC Tfh in draining lymph nodes during influenza vaccination immune response. iScience 2022; 25:103656. [PMID: 35028536 PMCID: PMC8741621 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide critical help to B cells during the germinal center (GC) reaction to facilitate generation of protective humoral immunity. Accessing the human lymph node (LN) to study the commitment of CD4 T cells to GC Tfh cell differentiation during in vivo vaccine responses is difficult. We used ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy to monitor recall responses in axillary LNs to seasonal influenza vaccination in healthy volunteers. Specific expansion of GC cell subsets occurred exclusively within draining LNs five days postvaccination. Draining LN GC Tfh and precursor-Tfh cells express higher levels of CD38, ICOS, and Ki67, indicating they were significantly more activated, motile, and proliferating, compared to contralateral LN cells. These observations provide insight into the early expansion phase of the human Tfh lineage within LNs during a vaccine induced memory response and highlights early LN immune responses may not be reflected in the periphery. Early response to influenza vaccine is characterized by expansion of GC cell subsets Specific expansion of CD38+ ICOS+ GC Tfh and Pre-Tfh occurs in draining LNs only Activated GC Tfh and Pre-Tfh are also proliferating, expressing high levels of Ki67 Correlation between activated Pre-Tfh and activated c-Tfh suggests a potential origin
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Mach
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - Annett Howe
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Solange Obeid
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Brad Milner
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Cate Carey
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Maxine Elfis
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Bertha Fsadni
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR), Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Tri Giang Phan
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Carey
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Yin Xu
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa Venturi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - John Zaunders
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR), Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony D Kelleher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR), Sydney 2010, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chua CLL, Khoo SKM, Ong JLE, Ramireddi GK, Yeo TW, Teo A. Malaria in Pregnancy: From Placental Infection to Its Abnormal Development and Damage. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:777343. [PMID: 34867919 PMCID: PMC8636035 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.777343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health burden with Plasmodium falciparum accounting for the highest mortality and morbidity. Malaria in pregnancy can lead to the development of placental malaria, where P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes adhere to placental receptors, triggering placental inflammation and subsequent damage, causing harm to both mother and her infant. Histopathological studies of P. falciparum-infected placentas revealed various placental abnormalities such as excessive perivillous fibrinoid deposits, breakdown of syncytiotrophoblast integrity, trophoblast basal lamina thickening, increased syncytial knotting, and accumulation of mononuclear immune cells within intervillous spaces. These events in turn, are likely to impair placental development and function, ultimately causing placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind placental alterations and damage during placental malaria is needed for the design of effective interventions. In this review, using evidence from human studies and murine models, an integrated view on the potential mechanisms underlying placental pathologies in malaria in pregnancy is provided. The molecular, immunological and metabolic changes in infected placentas that reflect their responses to the parasitic infection and injury are discussed. Finally, potential models that can be used by researchers to improve our understanding on the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy and placental pathologies are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Long Ernest Ong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Tsin Wen Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew Teo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tołkacz K, Rodo A, Wdowiarska A, Bajer A, Bednarska M. Impact of Babesia microti infection on the initiation and course of pregnancy in BALB/c mice. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:132. [PMID: 33653384 PMCID: PMC7923482 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protozoa in the genus Babesia are transmitted to humans through tick bites and cause babesiosis, a malaria-like illness. Vertical transmission of Babesia spp. has been reported in mammals; however, the exact timing and mechanisms involved are not currently known. The aims of this study were to evaluate the success of vertical transmission of B. microti in female mice infected before pregnancy (mated during the acute or chronic phases of Babesia infection) and that of pregnant mice infected during early and advanced pregnancy; to evaluate the possible influence of pregnancy on the course of parasite infections (parasitaemia); and to assess pathological changes induced by parasitic infection. Methods The first set of experiments involved two groups of female mice infected with B. microti before mating, and inseminated on the 7th day and after the 40th day post infection. A second set of experiments involved female mice infected with B. microti during pregnancy, on the 4th and 12th days of pregnancy. Blood smears and PCR targeting the 559 bp 18S rRNA gene fragment were used for the detection of B. microti. Pathology was assessed histologically. Results Successful development of pregnancy was recorded only in females mated during the chronic phase of infection. The success of vertical transmission of B. microti in this group was 63%. No evidence of pregnancy was found in females mated during the acute phase of infection or on the 4th day of pregnancy. In the group infected on the 12th day of pregnancy, numerous complications including loss of pregnancy and stillbirths were recorded. During the acute phase of infection, parasitaemia was lower in pregnant females in comparison to infected, non-pregnant control females. Conclusions Acute B. microti infection prevents the initiation of pregnancy and embryonic development if it occurs during the first trimester, and causes severe complications in foetal BALB/c mice in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Chronic B. microti infection has no detrimental impact on the initiation and development of pregnancy, but results in congenital infection of the offspring. Further study is required to determine the extent to which maternal anti-babesial immune responses contribute to compromise pregnancy in the murine model of congenital Babesia infection.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tołkacz
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Str, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland. .,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5A Pawińskiego Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Rodo
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Str, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bednarska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Str, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Omer SA, Sulaiman SM. The Placenta and Plasmodium Infections: a Case Study from Blue Nile State, Sudan. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-020-00214-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
8
|
Usman MA, Ibrahim MA, Salman AA, Sallau AB. Depletion of cholesterol could be associated with modulation of progesterone but not other sex hormone levels during Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans: a cross-sectional study from Zaria, Nigeria. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4143-4150. [PMID: 32951142 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06826-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order for Plasmodium falciparum to grow and survive in its host, membrane biogenesis, fueled by host cholesterol, is essential for these processes. Consistent with this essential role, more insights into the cholesterol pathway would enhance the current understanding of the pathophysiology of malaria infection. To explore its broader potential, we conducted a cross-sectional study and assayed for the serum levels of cholesterol, vitamin D, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and bile acid in both P. falciparum-infected patients and apparently healthy sex-matched participants. Our results revealed that the levels of cholesterol, vitamin D, progesterone, testosterone and estradiol in P. falciparum-infected patients were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to those in control groups whereas the level of bile acid in P. falciparum-infected patients was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to that in control groups. Additionally, cholesterol and the metabolic products with the exception of bile acid had a significant (p < 0.05) association with the parasite density in P. falciparum-infected patients with moderate and high P. falciparum infections. Furthermore, all the metabolic products of cholesterol had an insignificant (p > 0.05) association with the cholesterol in P. falciparum-infected patients with the exception of progesterone which showed a significant (p < 0.05) association with cholesterol in the malaria-infected female patients. Data from the present study demonstrated that progesterone depletion in P. falciparum-infected female patients could be a consequence of P. falciparum-induced decrease in cholesterol.
Collapse
|
9
|
Reis AS, Barboza R, Murillo O, Barateiro A, Peixoto EPM, Lima FA, Gomes VM, Dombrowski JG, Leal VNC, Araujo F, Bandeira CL, Araujo RBD, Neres R, Souza RM, Costa FTM, Pontillo A, Bevilacqua E, Wrenger C, Wunderlich G, Palmisano G, Labriola L, Bortoluci KR, Penha-Gonçalves C, Gonçalves LA, Epiphanio S, Marinho CRF. Inflammasome activation and IL-1 signaling during placental malaria induce poor pregnancy outcomes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaax6346. [PMID: 32181339 PMCID: PMC7056302 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax6346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Placental malaria (PM) is associated with severe inflammation leading to abortion, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction. Innate immunity responses play critical roles, but the mechanisms underlying placental immunopathology are still unclear. Here, we investigated the role of inflammasome activation in PM by scrutinizing human placenta samples from an endemic area and ablating inflammasome components in a PM mouse model. The reduction in birth weight in babies from infected mothers is paralleled by increased placental expression of AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Using genetic dissection, we reveal that inflammasome activation pathways are involved in the production and detrimental action of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the infected placenta. The IL-1R pharmacological antagonist Anakinra improved pregnancy outcomes by restoring fetal growth and reducing resorption in an experimental model. These findings unveil that IL-1β-mediated signaling is a determinant of PM pathogenesis, suggesting that IL-1R antagonists can improve clinical outcomes of malaria infection in pregnancy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Caspase 1/genetics
- Caspase 1/immunology
- Cell Line
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/immunology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Immunologic Factors/pharmacology
- Inflammasomes/drug effects
- Inflammasomes/genetics
- Inflammasomes/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein/pharmacology
- Interleukin-1beta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukin-1beta/genetics
- Interleukin-1beta/immunology
- Malaria/drug therapy
- Malaria/genetics
- Malaria/immunology
- Malaria/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/genetics
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics
- NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology
- Plasmodium berghei/immunology
- Plasmodium berghei/pathogenicity
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium falciparum/pathogenicity
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/genetics
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/parasitology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/prevention & control
- Receptors, Interleukin-1/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-1/immunology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- THP-1 Cells
- Trophoblasts/drug effects
- Trophoblasts/immunology
- Trophoblasts/parasitology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aramys S. Reis
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Ciências Sociais, Saúde e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Imperatriz, MA, Brazil
| | - Renato Barboza
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Oscar Murillo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Barateiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika P. M. Peixoto
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia A. Lima
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius M. Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jamille G. Dombrowski
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius N. C. Leal
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Franciele Araujo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla L. Bandeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosana B. D. Araujo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rita Neres
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo M. Souza
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Centro Multidisciplinar, Campus Floresta, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, AC, Brazil
| | - Fabio T. M. Costa
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Pontillo
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Estela Bevilacqua
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leticia Labriola
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina R. Bortoluci
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Lígia A. Gonçalves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Epiphanio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudio R. F. Marinho
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gbedande K, Carpio VH, Stephens R. Using two phases of the CD4 T cell response to blood-stage murine malaria to understand regulation of systemic immunity and placental pathology in Plasmodium falciparum infection. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:88-114. [PMID: 31903675 PMCID: PMC7540220 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infection and malaria remain a risk for millions of children and pregnant women. Here, we seek to integrate knowledge of mouse and human T helper cell (Th) responses to blood-stage Plasmodium infection to understand their contribution to protection and pathology. Although there is no complete Th subset differentiation, the adaptive response occurs in two phases in non-lethal rodent Plasmodium infection, coordinated by Th cells. In short, cellular immune responses limit the peak of parasitemia during the first phase; in the second phase, humoral immunity from T cell-dependent germinal centers is critical for complete clearance of rapidly changing parasite. A strong IFN-γ response kills parasite, but an excess of TNF compared with regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) can cause immunopathology. This common pathway for pathology is associated with anemia, cerebral malaria, and placental malaria. These two phases can be used to both understand how the host responds to rapidly growing parasite and how it attempts to control immunopathology and variation. This dual nature of T cell immunity to Plasmodium is discussed, with particular reference to the protective nature of the continuous generation of effector T cells, and the unique contribution of effector memory T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komi Gbedande
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Victor H Carpio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Robin Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morffy Smith CD, Russ BN, Andrew AK, Cooper CA, Moore JM. A novel murine model for assessing fetal and birth outcomes following transgestational maternal malaria infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19566. [PMID: 31862902 PMCID: PMC6925284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55588-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy is a major cause of severe maternal illness and neonatal mortality. Mouse models are important for the study of gestational malaria pathogenesis. When infected with Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS in early gestation, several inbred mouse strains abort at midgestation. We report here that outbred Swiss Webster mice infected with P. chabaudi chabaudi AS in early gestation carry their pregnancies to term despite high parasite burden and malarial hemozoin accumulation in the placenta at midgestation, with the latter associated with induction of heme oxygenase 1 expression. Infection yields reduced fetal weight and viability at term and a reduction in pup number at weaning, but does not influence postnatal growth prior to weaning. This novel model allows for the exploration of malaria infection throughout pregnancy, modeling chronic infections observed in pregnant women prior to the birth of underweight infants and enabling the production of progeny exposed to malaria in utero, which is critical for understanding the postnatal repercussions of gestational malaria. The use of outbred mice allows for the exploration of gestational malaria in a genetically diverse model system, better recapitulating the diversity of infection responses observed in human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Morffy Smith
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Brittany N Russ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alicer K Andrew
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Caitlin A Cooper
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Julie M Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States. .,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barateiro A, Pereira MLM, Epiphanio S, Marinho CRF. Contribution of Murine Models to the Study of Malaria During Pregnancy. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1369. [PMID: 31275284 PMCID: PMC6594417 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Annually, many pregnancies occur in areas of Plasmodium spp. transmission, particularly in underdeveloped countries with widespread poverty. Estimations have suggested that several million women are at risk of developing malaria during pregnancy. In particular cases, systemic infection caused by Plasmodium spp. may extend to the placenta, dysregulating local homeostasis and promoting the onset of placental malaria; these processes are often associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and reduced birth weight. The endeavor to understand and characterize the mechanisms underlying disease onset and placental pathology face several ethical and logistical obstacles due to explicit difficulties in assessing human gestation and biological material. Consequently, the advent of murine experimental models for the study of malaria during pregnancy has substantially contributed to our understanding of this complex pathology. Herein, we summarize research conducted during recent decades using murine models of malaria during pregnancy and highlight the most relevant findings, as well as discuss similarities to humans and the translational capacity of achieved results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Barateiro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo L M Pereira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sabrina Epiphanio
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio R F Marinho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Morffy Smith CD, Gong M, Andrew AK, Russ BN, Ge Y, Zadeh M, Cooper CA, Mohamadzadeh M, Moore JM. Composition of the gut microbiota transcends genetic determinants of malaria infection severity and influences pregnancy outcome. EBioMedicine 2019; 44:639-655. [PMID: 31160271 PMCID: PMC6606560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria infection in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mouse models for gestational malaria allow for the exploration of the mechanisms linking maternal malaria infection and poor pregnancy outcomes in a tractable model system. The composition of the gut microbiota has been shown to influence susceptibility to malaria infection in inbred virgin mice. In this study, we explore the ability of the gut microbiota to modulate malaria infection severity in pregnant outbred Swiss Webster mice. METHODS In Swiss Webster mice, the composition of the gut microbiota was altered by disrupting the native gut microbes through broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, followed by the administration of a faecal microbiota transplant derived from mice possessing gut microbes reported previously to confer susceptibility or resistance to malaria. Female mice were infected with P. chabaudi chabaudi AS in early gestation, and the progression of infection and pregnancy were tracked throughout gestation. To assess the impact of maternal infection on foetal outcomes, dams were sacrificed at term to assess foetal size and viability. Alternatively, pups were delivered by caesarean section and fostered to assess neonatal survival and pre-weaning growth in the absence of maternal morbidity. A group of dams was also euthanized at mid-gestation to assess infection and pregnancy outcomes. FINDINGS Susceptibility to infection varied significantly as a function of source of transplanted gut microbes. Parasite burden was negatively correlated with the abundance of five specific OTUs, including Akkermansia muciniphila and OTUs classified as Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, and S24-7 species. Reduced parasite burden was associated with reduced maternal morbidity and improved pregnancy outcomes. Pups produced by dams with high parasite burdens displayed a significant reduction in survival in the first days of life relative to those from malaria-resistant dams when placed with foster dams. At midgestation, plasma cytokine levels were similar across all groups, but expression of IFNγ in the conceptus was elevated in infected dams, and IL-10 only in susceptible dams. In the latter, transcriptional and microscopic evidence of monocytic infiltration was observed with high density infection; likewise, accumulation of malaria haemozoin was enhanced in this group. These responses, combined with reduced vascularization of the placenta in this group, may contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes. Thus, high maternal parasite burden and associated maternal responses, potentially dictated by the gut microbial community, negatively impacts term foetal health and survival in the early postnatal period. INTERPRETATION The composition of the gut microbiota in Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS-infected pregnant Swiss Webster mice transcends the outbred genetics of the Swiss Webster mouse stock as a determinant of malaria infection severity, subsequently influencing pregnancy outcomes in malaria-exposed progeny. FUND: Research reported in this manuscript was supported by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (JMM, MM, and MG), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers T32AI060546 (to CDMS), R01HD46860 and R21AI111242 (to JMM), and R01 DK109560 (to MM). MG was supported by Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and University of Florida graduate assistantships. AA was supported by the 2017-2019 Peach State LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Program at the University of Georgia (National Science Foundation, Award # 1702361). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent official views of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or the National Institutes of Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Morffy Smith
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Minghao Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alicer K Andrew
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Brittany N Russ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yong Ge
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mojgan Zadeh
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Caitlin A Cooper
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Mansour Mohamadzadeh
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Julie M Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tufts DM, Diuk-Wasser MA. Transplacental transmission of tick-borne Babesia microti in its natural host Peromyscus leucopus. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:286. [PMID: 29728129 PMCID: PMC5935994 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia microti is an emerging tick-borne pathogen and the causative agent of human babesiosis. Mathematical modeling of the reproductive rate of B. microti indicates that it cannot persist in nature by horizontal tick-host transmission alone. We hypothesized that transplacental transmission in the reservoir population contributes to B. microti persistence and emergence in North American rodent populations. Methods Peromyscus leucopus were collected from Connecticut and Block Island, Rhode Island and analyzed using a highly specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for infection with B. microti. Results In April, 100% (n = 103) of mice were infected with B. microti. Females exhibited significantly higher parasitemia than their offspring (P < 0.0001) and transplacental transmission was observed in 74.2% of embryos (n = 89). Transplacental transmission of B. microti is thus a viable and potentially important infectious pathway in naturally infected rodent species and should be considered in future theoretical and empirical studies. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to report transplacental transmission of B. microti occurring in its natural reservoir host, P. leucopus, in the United States and the only study that provides a quantitative estimate of parasitemia. This vector-independent pathway could contribute to the increased geographic range of B. microti or increase its abundance in endemic areas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2875-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Tufts
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Doritchamou J, Teo A, Fried M, Duffy PE. Malaria in pregnancy: the relevance of animal models for vaccine development. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 46:388-398. [PMID: 28984865 DOI: 10.1038/laban.1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy due to Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax is a major public health problem in endemic areas, with P. falciparum causing the greatest burden of disease. Increasing resistance of parasites and mosquitoes to existing tools, such as preventive antimalarial treatments and insecticide-treated bed nets respectively, is eroding the partial protection that they offer to pregnant women. Thus, development of effective vaccines against malaria during pregnancy is an urgent priority. Relevant animal models that recapitulate key features of the pathophysiology and immunology of malaria in pregnant women could be used to accelerate vaccine development. This review summarizes available rodent and nonhuman primate models of malaria in pregnancy, and discusses their suitability for studies of biologics intended to prevent or treat malaria in this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Doritchamou
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology &Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Teo
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology &Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology &Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology &Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
TLR4-Mediated Placental Pathology and Pregnancy Outcome in Experimental Malaria. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8623. [PMID: 28819109 PMCID: PMC5561130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria-associate pregnancy has a significant impact on infant morbidity and mortality. The detrimental effects of malaria infection during pregnancy have been shown to correlate with immune activation in the placental tissue. Herein we sought to evaluate the effect of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation on placental malaria (PM) development by using the Plasmodium berghei NK65GFP infection model. We observed that activation of the innate immune system by parasites leads to PM due to local inflammation. We identified TLR4 activation as the main pathway involved in the inflammatory process in the placental tissue since the absence of functional TLR4 in mice leads to a decrease in the pro-inflammatory responses, which resulted in an improved pregnancy outcome. Additionally, a similar result was obtained when infected pregnant mice were treated with IAXO-101, a TLR4/CD14 blocker. Together, this study illustrates the importance of TLR4 signalling for the generation of the severe inflammatory response involved in PM pathogenesis. Therefore, our results implicate that TLR4 blockage could be a potential candidate for therapeutic interventions to reduce malaria-induced pathology both in the mother and the fetus.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sharma L, Shukla G. Placental Malaria: A New Insight into the Pathophysiology. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:117. [PMID: 28791290 PMCID: PMC5524764 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy poses a great health risk to mother and her fetus and results into complications, such as abortion, still birth, intra uterine growth retardation, and low birth weight. The heavy infiltration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs in the intervillous spaces of placenta seems to be responsible for all the complications observed. Infected RBCs in the placenta cause an inflammatory environment with increase in inflammatory cells and cytokines which is deleterious to the placenta. Increased inflammatory responses in the infected placenta result into oxidative stress that in turn causes oxidative stress-induced placental cell death. Moreover, heat shock proteins that are produced in high concentration in stressed cells to combat the stress have been reported in fewer concentrations in malaria-infected placenta. Pathologies associated with placental malaria seems to be the effect of a change in immune status from antibody-mediated immune response to cell-mediated immune response resulting into excess inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and decreased heat shock protein expression. However, we also need to study other aspects of pathologies so that better drugs can be designed with new molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Geeta Shukla
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sarr D, Cooper CA, Bracken TC, Martinez-Uribe O, Nagy T, Moore JM. Oxidative Stress: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Placental Malaria. Immunohorizons 2017; 1:29-41. [PMID: 28890952 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.1700002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental malaria, characterized by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum in the maternal placental blood space and associated inflammatory damage, contributes to poor birth outcomes and ~200,000 infant deaths annually. Specific mechanisms that contribute to placental damage and dysfunction during malaria are not completely understood. To investigate a potential role for oxidative stress, antioxidant genes and markers for oxidative damage were assessed by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry in Plasmodium chabaudi AS-infected pregnant mice. Widespread evidence of lipid peroxidation was observed and was associated with higher antioxidant gene expression in conceptuses of infected mice. To assess the extent to which this oxidative damage might contribute to poor birth outcomes and be amenable to therapeutic intervention, infected pregnant mice were treated with N-acetylcysteine, a free radical scavenger, or tempol, an intracellular superoxide dismutase mimetic. The results show that mice treated with N-acetylcysteine experienced malaria induced-pregnancy loss at the same rate as control animals and failed to mitigate placental oxidative damage. In contrast, tempol-treated mice exhibited subtle improvement in embryo survival at gestation day 12. Although lipid peroxidation was not consistently reduced in the placentas of these mice, it was inversely related to embryo viability. Moreover, reduced IFN-γ and CCL2 plasma levels in treated mice were associated with midgestational embryo viability. Thus, although oxidative stress is remarkable in placental malaria and its mitigation by antioxidant therapy may improve pregnancy outcomes, the underlying mechanistic basis and potential therapeutic strategies require additional investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demba Sarr
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Caitlin A Cooper
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Tara C Bracken
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Omar Martinez-Uribe
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Tamas Nagy
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Julie M Moore
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bracken TC, Cooper CA, Ali Z, Truong H, Moore JM. Helicobacter Infection Significantly Alters Pregnancy Success in Laboratory Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2017; 56:322-329. [PMID: 28535868 PMCID: PMC5438927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter spp. are gram-negative, helically shaped bacteria that cause gastric and enterohepatic infections in mammalian species. Although Helicobacter infection frequently is implicated to interfere with reproductive success, few experimental data support these claims. We therefore retrospectively investigated the effect of Helicobacter infection on murine pregnancy outcome after the identification of endemic Helicobacter infection in an animal research facility. Multiplex conventional PCR analysis was used to characterize Helicobacter infection status in one inbred and 2 transgenic strains of mice in 2 self-contained rooms assigned to the same investigator. Outcomes of timed-mating experiments were compared among Helicobacter spp.-infected and uninfected mice of the same strain; Helicobacter infection was eradicated from the colony through fostering with uninfected dams. Although Helicobacter infection affected fecundity in only one strain of transgenic mouse, the total number of embryos per gravid uterus was significantly reduced in C57BL/6J mice that were infected with a single Helicobacter species, H. typhlonius. Helicobacter infection was also associated with a significant increase in the number of resorbing embryos per uterus and significant decreases in pregnancy-associated weight gain relative to uninfected mice in C57BL6/J mice and one transgenic strain. Helicobacter spp.-infected mice of all tested strains exhibited higher frequency of intrauterine hemorrhaging relative to uninfected mice. These results indicate that naturally-acquired Helicobacter infection not only reduces the productivity of a research animal breeding colony, but also negatively impacts embryo health. Despite these deleterious effects, these data suggest that colonies can be rederived to be Helicobacter-free by Cesarean section and fostering with uninfected dams. This paper provides the first evidence that H. typhlonius infection is sufficient to interfere with reproductive success and embryo health of C57BL/6J mice. Animal research facilities should therefore implement Helicobacter spp. surveillance and control practices to avoid confounding experimental results and to improve breeding colony efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara C Bracken
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Caitlin A Cooper
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Zil Ali
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ha Truong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Julie M Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia;,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu M, Hassana S, Stiles JK. Heme-mediated apoptosis and fusion damage in BeWo trophoblast cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36193. [PMID: 27796349 PMCID: PMC5086917 DOI: 10.1038/srep36193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental malaria (PM) is a complication associated with malaria infection during pregnancy that often leads to abortion, premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Increased levels of circulating free heme, a by-product of Plasmodium-damaged erythrocytes, is a major contributor to inflammation, tissue damage and loss of blood brain barrier integrity associated with fatal experimental cerebral malaria. However, the role of heme in PM remains unknown. Proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblasts and fusion of the mononucleated state to the syncytial state are of major importance to a successful pregnancy. In the present study, we examined the effects of heme on the viability and fusion of a trophoblast-derived cell line (BeWo). Results indicate that heme induces apoptosis in BeWo cells by activation of the STAT3/caspase-3/PARP signaling pathway. In the presence of forskolin, which triggers trophoblast fusion, heme inhibits BeWo cell fusion through activation of STAT3. Understanding the effects of free plasma heme in pregnant women either due to malaria, sickle cell disease or other hemolytic diseases, will enable identification of high-risk women and may lead to discovery of new drug targets against associated adverse pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, United States of America
| | - Salifu Hassana
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, United States of America
| | - Jonathan K. Stiles
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Heterologous Infection of Pregnant Mice Induces Low Birth Weight and Modifies Offspring Susceptibility to Malaria. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160120. [PMID: 27467392 PMCID: PMC4965193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy malaria (PM) is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, and can arise due to relapse, recrudescence or a re-infection with heterologous parasites. We have used the Plasmodium chabaudi model of pregnancy malaria in C57BL/6 mice to examine recrudescence and heterologous infection using CB and AS parasite strains. After an initial course of patent parasitemia and first recrudescence, CB but not AS parasites were observed to recrudesce again in most animals that became pregnant. Pregnancy exacerbated heterologous CB infection of AS-experienced mice, leading to mortality and impaired post-natal growth of pups. Parasites were detected in placental blood without evidence of sequestration, unlike P. falciparum but similar to other malaria species that infect pregnant women. Inflammatory cytokine levels were elevated in pregnant females during malaria, and associated with intensity of infection and with poor outcomes. Pups born to dams during heterologous infection were more resistant to malaria infections at 6–7 weeks of age, compared to pups born to malaria-experienced but uninfected dams or to malaria-naïve dams. In summary, our mouse model reproduces several features of human PM, including recrudescences, heterologous infections, poor pregnancy outcomes associated with inflammatory cytokines, and modulation of offspring susceptibility to malaria. This model should be further studied to explore mechanisms underlying PM pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bednarska M, Bajer A, Drozdowska A, Mierzejewska EJ, Tolkacz K, Welc-Falęciak R. Vertical Transmission of Babesia microti in BALB/c Mice: Preliminary Report. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137731. [PMID: 26372043 PMCID: PMC4570821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia spp. (Apicomplexa, Piroplasmida) are obligate parasites of many species of mammals, causing a malaria-like infection- babesiosis. Three routes of Babesia infection have been recognized to date. The main route is by a tick bite, the second is via blood transfusion. The third, vertical route of infection is poorly recognized and understood. Our study focused on vertical transmission of B. microti in a well-established mouse model. We assessed the success of this route of infection in BALB/c mice with acute and chronic infections of B. microti. In experimental groups, females were mated on the 1st day of Babesia infection (Group G0); on the 28th day post infection (dpi) in the post- acute phase of the parasite infection (G28); and on the 90th and 150th dpi (G90 and G150 group, respectively), in the chronic phase of the parasite infection. Pups were obtained from 58% of females mated in the post-acute phase (G28) and from 33% of females in groups G90 and G150. Mice mated in the pre-acute phase of infection (G0) did not deliver pups. Congenital B. microti infections were detected by PCR amplification of Babesia 18S rDNA in almost all pups (96%) from the experimental groups G28, G90 and G150. Parasitaemia in the F1 generation was low and varied between 0.01-0.001%. Vertical transmission of B. microti was demonstrated for the first time in BALB/c mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Bednarska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Drozdowska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa J. Mierzejewska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tolkacz
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Coagulation and Fibrinolysis Indicators and Placental Malaria Infection in an Area Characterized by Unstable Malaria Transmission in Central Sudan. Malar Res Treat 2015; 2015:369237. [PMID: 26295004 PMCID: PMC4534634 DOI: 10.1155/2015/369237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate coagulation, fibrinolysis indicators, and malaria during pregnancy. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Medani, Sudan. Sociodemographic characteristics were gathered from each parturient woman (163) and malaria was investigated by blood film and placental histology. Protein C, protein S, antithrombin-III, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels (PAI-1) were measured using ELISA. Results. One (0.6%), three (1.8), and 19 (11.7%) of the placentae showed active, chronic, and past infection on a histopathological examination, respectively, while 140 (85.9%) of them showed no signs of malaria infection. While the mean [SD] of the protein C, antithrombin-III, and TFPI was significantly lower, there was no significant difference in protein S and PAI-1 levels in women with placental malaria infection (n = 23) compared to those without placental malaria infection (140). In linear regression, placental malaria infection was associated with antithrombin-III. There was no association between placental malaria infections and protein C, protein S, TFPI, and PAI-1 levels. There was no association between hemoglobin, birth weight, and the investigated coagulation and fibrinolysis indicators. Conclusion. This study showed significantly lower levels of protein C, antithrombin-III, and TFPI in women with placental malaria infections.
Collapse
|
24
|
Differential roles of inflammation and apoptosis in initiation of mid-gestational abortion in malaria-infected C57BL/6 and A/J mice. Placenta 2015; 36:738-49. [PMID: 25956987 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasmodium chabaudi AS-infection in pregnant A/J and C57BL/6J mice results in mid-gestational pregnancy loss. Although associated with increased systemic and placental pro-inflammatory responses and coagulopathy, the molecular mechanisms that underlie poor pregnancy outcomes in these mice are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the relationships between inflammation, apoptosis and malaria-induced pregnancy loss. METHODS Infection with P. chabaudi AS in early murine pregnancy and term human placental tissues from an endemic setting were assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL staining, real-time PCR, flow cytometry, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS Quantitative PCR reveals accumulation of lymphocytes and monocytes and upregulation of chemokines that attract these cell types in malaria-exposed mid-gestational A/J conceptuses. Monocyte accumulation is confirmed by flow cytometry and placental immunohistochemistry. Concurrent with initiation of malaria-induced abortion, markers of apoptosis are evident in the junctional zone, but not the labyrinth, of A/J placentae. In contrast, mid-gestation conceptuses in infected C57BL/6J lack evidence for monocyte accumulation, exhibiting low or no in situ placental staining despite trophoblast immunoreactivity for the monokine, CCL2. Additionally, placental apoptosis is not consistently observed, and when evident, appears after malaria-induced abortion typically initiates. Similarly, trophoblast apoptosis in term human placental malaria is not observed. Of those studied, a sole common feature of malaria-induced abortion in A/J and C57BL/6J mice is elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor. DISCUSSION Consistent with our previous observations, tumor necrosis factor is likely to be a central driver of malaria-induced pregnancy loss in both strains, but likely operates through mechanisms distinct from placental apoptosis in C57BL/6J mice.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zuzarte-Luis V, Mota MM, Vigário AM. Malaria infections: what and how can mice teach us. J Immunol Methods 2014; 410:113-22. [PMID: 24837740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria imposes a horrific public health burden - hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths - on large parts of the world. While this unacceptable health burden and its economic and social impact have made it a focal point of the international development agenda, it became consensual that malaria control or elimination will be difficult to attain prior to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions occurring between its main players: Plasmodium, the causative agent of disease, and its hosts. Practical and ethical limitations exist regarding the ability to carry out research with human subjects or with human samples. In this review, we highlight how rodent models of infection have contributed significantly during the past decades to a better understanding of the basic biology of the parasite, host response and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zuzarte-Luis
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria M Mota
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Vigário
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Unidade de Ciências Médicas, Centro de Competência de Ciências da Vida, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sharma L, Shukla G. Treatment of pregnant BALB/c mice with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine or chloroquine abrogates Plasmodium berghei induced placental pathology. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:49-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
27
|
MyD88 signaling is directly involved in the development of murine placental malaria. Infect Immun 2013; 82:830-8. [PMID: 24478096 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01288-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a widespread infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium. During pregnancy, malaria infection leads to a range of complications that can affect both the mother and fetus, including stillbirth, infant mortality, and low birth weight. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of placental malaria (PM) infection to determine the importance of the protein MyD88 in the host immune response to Plasmodium during pregnancy. Initially, we demonstrated that Plasmodium berghei NK65GFP adhered to placental tissue via chondroitin sulfate A and induced PM in mice with a C57BL/6 genetic background. To evaluate the involvement of MyD88 in the pathology of PM, we performed a histopathological analysis of placentas obtained from MyD88(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice following infection on the 19th gestational day. Our data demonstrated that the detrimental placental alterations observed in the infected mice were correlated with the expression of MyD88. Moreover, in the absence of this protein, production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was significantly reduced in the infected mice. More importantly, in contrast to fetuses from infected WT mice, which exhibited a reduction in body weight, the fetuses from infected MyD88(-/-) mice did not display significant weight loss compared to their noninfected littermates. In addition, we observed a decrement of maternal care associated with malaria infection, which was attenuated in the MyD88-deficient mice. Collectively, the results of this study illustrate the pivotal importance of the MyD88 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of placental malaria, thus presenting new possibilities for targeting MyD88 in therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
28
|
Lima FA, Gómez-Conde I, Videira PA, Marinho CRF, Olivieri DN, Tadokoro CE. Intravital microscopy technique to study parasite dynamics in the labyrinth layer of the mouse placenta. Parasitol Int 2013; 63:254-9. [PMID: 23845789 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intravital imaging techniques are the best approach to investigate in situ cellular behavior under physiological conditions. Many techniques have emerged during these last few years for this purpose. We recently described an intravital imaging technique that allows for the observation of placenta physiological responses at the labyrinth layer of this tissue. This technique will be very useful to study many placental opportunistic infections and in this article we reinforce its usefulness by analyzing placental physiological entrapment of beads and parasites. In particular, our results show that small beads (1.0 μm) or Plasmodium chabaudi-GFP-infected-Red Blood Cells (Pc-GFP-iRBCs) cannot get trapped inside small or large blood vessels of popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs). Inside the placenta, clusters of beads could only be found inside the maternal blood vessels. However, Pc-GFP-iRBCs were found inside and outside the maternal blood vessels. We observed that trophoblasts can ingest infected-Red Blood Cells (iRBCs) in vitro and immunofluorescence of placenta revealed Pc-GFP-iRBCs inside and outside the maternal blood vessels. Taken together, we conclude that fast deposition of particles inside blood vessels seems to be an intrinsic characteristic of placenta blood flow, but iRBCs could be internalized by trophoblast cells. Thus these results represent one of the many possible uses of our intravital imaging technique to address important questions inside the parasitological field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávia A Lima
- CEDOC, Departamento de Imunologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu Y, Fernandez C, Alcantara S, Bailey M, De Rose R, Kelleher AD, Zaunders J, Kent SJ. Serial study of lymph node cell subsets using fine needle aspiration in pigtail macaques. J Immunol Methods 2013; 394:73-83. [PMID: 23702165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoid tissues are of intense interest for studies of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in macaques but are relatively difficult to sample non-invasively. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, conventionally a diagnostic procedure for lymphadenopathy, can be used for longitudinal study of tissue cell subsets during HIV/SIV infection. In this study, we serially sampled lymph node (LN) FNA from pigtail macaques and studied cell subsets in the aspect of absolute count, frequency, and functionality by flow cytometry. The median recovered lymphocyte count from FNA samples was 2.01×10(5) (3.0×10(3) to 2.25×10(6), n=38) and median CD4+ T cell subset recovered was 5.94×10(4) (277 to 6.17×10(5), n=38). Although we observed a relatively large variation in the frequencies of cell subsets of FNA samples taken from different time points, the cell subset composition of FNA samples, in particular T cell and CD4+ T cell frequencies, was broadly comparable to whole excised LNs (n=6) and distinct from peripheral blood. A subset of CD4+ T cells that is located almost exclusively in secondary lymphoid tissues, T follicular helper (TFH) cells, was readily identifiable in LN FNAs and the TFH cell frequencies were strongly correlated with B cell frequencies. In vitro functionality of FNA lymphocytes was demonstrated using polyclonal SEB stimulation, resulting in a median 6% of responding CD4+ T cells, comparable to circulating CD4+ T lymphocytes. We conclude that serial sampling of macaque LNs using FNA is a potentially useful method to study the immunopathogenesis of SIV infection and may be extended to HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xu
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
The impact of genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus on placental malaria in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62820. [PMID: 23675429 PMCID: PMC3651086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe malaria, including cerebral malaria (CM) and placental malaria (PM), have been recognized to have many of the features of uncontrolled inflammation. We recently showed that in mice genetic susceptibility to the lethal inflammatory autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), conferred resistance to CM. Protection appeared to be mediated by immune mechanisms that allowed SLE-prone mice, prior to the onset of overt SLE symptoms, to better control their inflammatory response to Plasmodium infection. Here we extend these findings to ask does SLE susceptibility have 1) a cost to reproductive fitness and/or 2) an effect on PM in mice? The rates of conception for WT and SLE susceptible (SLEs) mice were similar as were the number and viability of fetuses in pregnant WT and SLEs mice indicating that SLE susceptibility does not have a reproductive cost. We found that Plasmodium chabaudi AS (Pc) infection disrupted early stages of pregnancy before the placenta was completely formed resulting in massive decidual necrosis 8 days after conception. Pc-infected pregnant SLEs mice had significantly more fetuses (∼1.8 fold) but SLE did not significantly affect fetal viability in infected animals. This was despite the fact that Pc-infected pregnant SLEs mice had more severe symptoms of malaria as compared to Pc-infected pregnant WT mice. Thus, although SLE susceptibility was not protective in PM in mice it also did not have a negative impact on reproductive fitness.
Collapse
|
31
|
Sarr D, Smith GM, Poovassery JS, Nagy T, Moore JM. Plasmodium chabaudi AS induces pregnancy loss in association with systemic pro-inflammatory immune responses in A/J and C57BL/6 mice. Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:224-35. [PMID: 22251385 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2012.01355.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that underlie poor birth outcomes in malaria during pregnancy remain poorly defined. To assess the role of host immune responses, mice known to respond differentially to Plasmodium chabaudi AS infection were studied. Following infection at day 0 of pregnancy, A/J mice developed significantly higher parasitemia than C57BL/6 (B6) mice and succumbed to infection. Both strains had evidence of parasite accumulation in the placenta at mid-gestation and aborted, with significantly higher embryo loss in infected A/J mice on day 9. While infection-induced systemic tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1β in the latter were significantly higher at day 11, day 10 IL-10 levels were higher in B6 mice. No differences in the levels of splenic lymphocyte subsets, neutrophils or monocytes between infected pregnant A/J and B6 mice were observed, with most cell types expanding in response to infection regardless of pregnancy. Antibody ablation of TNF exacerbated infection in A/J mice and did not ameliorate pregnancy outcome. Thus, malaria induces poor pregnancy outcome in both the mouse strains in the context of quantitatively different systemic inflammatory responses. Further evaluation of the roles of soluble and cellular immune components, particularly at the uteroplacental level, will be required to define the most critical pregnancy-compromising mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Sarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sharma L, Kaur J, Shukla G. Role of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the placental pathology of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32694. [PMID: 22396790 PMCID: PMC3291651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental malaria is a common clinical complication during pregnancy and is associated with abortion, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. The present study was designed to delineate the underlying mechanism of placental pathology during malarial infection with special reference to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Experimentally, pregnant BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei infected red blood cells on gestation day 10. The presence of malarial infection in placenta was confirmed by histopathological studies. It was observation that infected placenta had plugged placental sinusoids with parasitized red blood cells and malarial pigments. Interestingly, we found significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde, the index of oxidative stress and decreased activity of catalase, the antioxidant in infected placenta. Furthermore, in infected placenta the oxidative stress mediated apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation assay, ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining and caspase activity. It was observed that oxidative stress begin after second day of malarial infection. Interestingly, it was observed that there was down regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up regulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax in infected placenta, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis which was further confirmed by activation of caspase 9. However, no change in the expression of Fas gene and caspase 8 activity, indicated the absence of death receptor pathway. Thus, it can be concluded that the placental pathology during malarial infection is mediated by mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis occurring due to augmented lipid peroxidation which may in turn jeopardise the materno-fetal relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jagdeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Geeta Shukla
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Avery JW, Smith GM, Owino SO, Sarr D, Nagy T, Mwalimu S, Matthias J, Kelly LF, Poovassery JS, Middii JD, Abramowsky C, Moore JM. Maternal malaria induces a procoagulant and antifibrinolytic state that is embryotoxic but responsive to anticoagulant therapy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31090. [PMID: 22347435 PMCID: PMC3274552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Low birth weight and fetal loss are commonly attributed to malaria in endemic areas, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these poor birth outcomes are incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated hemostasis is important in malaria pathogenesis, but its role in placental malaria (PM), characterized by intervillous sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum, proinflammatory responses, and excessive fibrin deposition is not known. To address this question, markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis were assessed in placentae from malaria-exposed primigravid women. PM was associated with significantly elevated placental monocyte and proinflammatory marker levels, enhanced perivillous fibrin deposition, and increased markers of activated coagulation and suppressed fibrinolysis in placental plasma. Submicroscopic PM was not proinflammatory but tended to be procoagulant and antifibrinolytic. Birth weight trended downward in association with placental parasitemia and high fibrin score. To directly assess the importance of coagulation in malaria-induced compromise of pregnancy, Plasmodium chabaudi AS-infected pregnant C57BL/6 mice were treated with the anticoagulant, low molecular weight heparin. Treatment rescued pregnancy at midgestation, with substantially decreased rates of active abortion and reduced placental and embryonic hemorrhage and necrosis relative to untreated animals. Together, the results suggest that dysregulated hemostasis may represent a novel therapeutic target in malaria-compromised pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W. Avery
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey M. Smith
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Simon O. Owino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Demba Sarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tamas Nagy
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen Mwalimu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Matthias
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lauren F. Kelly
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jayakumar S. Poovassery
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joab D. Middii
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Carlos Abramowsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Julie M. Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Barasa M, Ng’ang’a Z, Sowayi G, Okoth J, Barasa M, Namulanda F, Kagasi E, Gicheru M, Ozwara S. Cytokine expression in malaria-infected non-human primate placentas. Open Vet J 2012; 2:58-64. [PMID: 26623293 PMCID: PMC4655763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites are known to mediate the induction of inflammatory immune responses at the maternal-foetal interface during placental malaria (PM) leading to adverse consequences like pre-term deliveries and abortions. Immunological events that take place within the malaria-infected placental micro-environment leading to retarded foetal growth and disruption of pregnancies are among the critical parameters that are still in need of further elucidation. The establishment of more animal models for studying placental malaria can provide novel ways of circumventing problems experienced during placental malaria research in humans such as inaccurate estimation of gestational ages. Using the newly established olive baboon (Papio anubis)-Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) H strain model of placental malaria, experiments were carried out to determine placental cytokine profiles underlying the immunopathogenesis of placental malaria. Four pregnant olive baboons were infected with blood stage P. knowlesi H strain parasites on the one fiftieth day of gestation while four other uninfected pregnant olive baboons were maintained as uninfected controls. After nine days of infection, placentas were extracted from all the eight baboons through cesarean surgery and used for the processing of placental plasma and sera samples for cytokine sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results indicated that the occurrence of placental malaria was associated with elevated concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12). Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were detected in uninfected placentas. These findings match previous reports regarding immunity during PM thereby demonstrating the reliability of the olive baboon-P. knowlesi model for use in further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Barasa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya,Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (TID), Institute of Primate Research (IPR) P. O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya,Corresponding Author: Mustafa Barasa, School of Health Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya. Tel: +254 720442207.
| | - Z.W. Ng’ang’a
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi. Kenya
| | - G.A. Sowayi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - J.M. Okoth
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - M.B.O. Barasa
- Center for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CDMHA), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), P. O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - F.B.M. Namulanda
- College of Health Sciences, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Moi University, P. O. Box 4606-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - E.A. Kagasi
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (TID), Institute of Primate Research (IPR) P. O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M.M. Gicheru
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (TID), Institute of Primate Research (IPR) P. O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya,Zoological Sciences Department, School of Pure and Applied Sciences (SPAS), Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S.H. Ozwara
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (TID), Institute of Primate Research (IPR) P. O. Box 24481-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hviid L, Marinho CRF, Staalsoe T, Penha-Gonçalves C. Of mice and women: rodent models of placental malaria. Trends Parasitol 2010; 26:412-9. [PMID: 20605743 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are at increased malaria risk. The infections are characterized by placental accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IEs) with adverse consequences for mother and baby. Placental IE sequestration in the intervillous space is mediated by variant surface antigens (VSAs) selectively expressed in placental malaria (PM) and specific for chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). In Plasmodium falciparum, these VSA(PM) appear largely synonymous with the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family variant VAR2CSA. As rodent malaria parasites do not possess PfEMP1 homologs, the usefulness of experimental mouse PM models remains controversial. However, many features of murine and human PM are similar, including involvement of VSAs analogous to PfEMP1. It thus appears that rodent model studies can further the understanding of VSA-dependent malaria pathogenesis and immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for International Health, Immunology, and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen and at Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Krishnan L, Pejcic-Karapetrovic B, Gurnani K, Zafer A, Sad S. Pregnancy does not deter the development of a potent maternal protective CD8+ T-cell acquired immune response against Listeria monocytogenes despite preferential placental colonization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2009; 63:54-65. [PMID: 19912156 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00766.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Listeria monocytogenes (LM) preferentially colonizes the placenta and causes fetal loss and systemic disease during pregnancy. As systemic CD8+ T-cell memory is critical in controlling LM infection, we addressed the issue as to whether it is modulated during pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY Pregnant mice were infected with LM and their immune response was quantified relative to the non-pregnant cohort using advanced immunological techniques. RESULTS Pregnant mice exhibited progressive and massive placental LM infection leading to fetal resorptions. In contrast, they harbored significantly lower bacteria in spleen and liver relative to non-pregnant controls, and rapidly cleared systemic infection. Both pregnant and non-pregnant mice exhibited similar activation of systemic innate immunity. Moreover, LM infection in pregnant and non-pregnant hosts evoked strong antigen-specific cytolytic CD8+ T cells that produced IFN-gamma. Consequently, LM infection initiated during pregnancy afforded long-term protective memory to secondary infection. CONCLUSION Maternal hosts generate a normal Listeria-specific adaptive immunity in particular CD8+ T-cell memory response suggesting that systemic listeriosis during pregnancy may be an immunopathology associated with placental infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Krishnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Poovassery JS, Sarr D, Smith G, Nagy T, Moore JM. Malaria-induced murine pregnancy failure: distinct roles for IFN-gamma and TNF. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:5342-9. [PMID: 19783682 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although an important role for excessive proinflammatory cytokines in compromise of pregnancy has been established, an immunological basis for malaria-induced fetal loss remains to be demonstrated. In this study, the roles of IFN-gamma and TNF in Plasmodium chabaudi AS-induced fetal loss in mice were directly investigated. Pregnant IFN-gamma(-/-) mice experienced a more severe course of infection compared with intact C57BL/6 mice, characterized by high parasitemia, severe anemia, and marked weight loss. However, fetal loss was delayed in these mice relative to intact controls. Because IFN-gamma(-/-) mice exhibited sustained levels of plasma TNF, the role of this cytokine was examined. Whereas splenic tnf expression in C57BL/6 mice was highest 3 days before peak parasitemia, increased placental expression relative to uninfected mice was sustained, indicating that locally produced TNF may be important in malaria-induced pregnancy failure. Indeed, Ab neutralization of TNF resulted in preservation of embryos until day 12 of gestation, at which point all embryos were lost in untreated mice. Histological analysis revealed that TNF ablation preserved placental architecture whereas placentae from untreated infected mice had widespread hemorrhage and placental disruption, with fibrin thrombi in some maternal blood sinusoids. Consistent with a role for cytokine-driven thrombosis in fetal loss, expression of procoagulant tissue factor was significantly increased in the placentae of infected C57BL/6 mice but was reduced in mice treated with anti-TNF Ab. Together, these results suggest that IFN-gamma contributes to malaria-induced fetal loss and TNF is a critical factor that acts by inducing placental coagulopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayakumar S Poovassery
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Association of malaria-induced murine pregnancy failure with robust peripheral and placental cytokine responses. Infect Immun 2009; 77:4998-5006. [PMID: 19687196 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00617-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malarial infection in nonimmune pregnant women is a major risk factor for pregnancy failure. The biological mechanisms that underlie malaria-associated fetal loss, however, are poorly understood. Plasmodium chabaudi AS infection during early pregnancy results in midgestational embryonic loss in naive C57BL/6 mice. To define the immunopathogenesis of this malaria-induced pregnancy compromise, cytokine production in plasma, spleen, and placenta cell culture supernatants during the first 11 days of infection and gestation was studied. In infected pregnant mice, systemic interleukin-1beta and both systemic and splenic gamma interferon levels were elevated relative to those in uninfected pregnant mice, and gamma interferon was also robustly produced within the placenta 1 to 2 days before malaria-induced fetal loss. Although circulating tumor necrosis factor production was not affected by pregnancy or infection, circulating soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II was highest in infected pregnant mice, particularly those undergoing abortion, but decreased at the placental level preceding abortion. Systemic levels of interleukin-10 were also high in infected mice at this time point, but this cytokine was not detected at the placental level. Histological examination revealed that trophoblast giant cells of aborting mice phagocytosed infected red blood cells and hemozoin. Furthermore, in vitro-cultured trophoblast cells isolated from embryos on day 7 of gestation phagocytosed P. chabaudi AS-infected red blood cells and secreted tumor necrosis factor. These results suggest that systemic and placenta-level proinflammatory antimalarial immune responses, in the absence of adequate and sustained counterregulatory mechanisms, contribute to pregnancy loss in this model.
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
We have investigated the immunological basis of pregnancy-related Plasmodium berghei recrudescence in immune mice with substantial preexisting immunity. Specifically, we examined the relevance of this experimental model to the study of pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) caused by P. falciparum in women with substantial preexisting protective immunity. We used mice with immunity induced prior to pregnancy and employed flow cytometry to assess their levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) recognizing antigens on the surfaces of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in plasma. After immunization, the mice did not possess IgG specific for antigens on IEs obtained during pregnancy-related recrudescence but they acquired recrudescence-specific IgG over the course of several pregnancies and recrudescences. In contrast, levels of antibodies recognizing IEs from nonpregnant mice did not increase with increasing parity. Furthermore, maternal hemoglobin levels increased and pregnancy-related parasitemia decreased with increasing parity. Finally, parasitemic mice produced smaller litters and pups with lower weights than nonparasitemic mice. Taken together, these observations suggest that levels of antibodies specific for recrudescence-type IEs are related to the protection of pregnant mice from maternal anemia, low birth weight, and decreased litter size. We conclude that the model replicates many of the key parasitological and immunological features of PAM, although the P. berghei genome does not encode proteins homologous to the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 adhesins, which are of key importance in P. falciparum malaria. The study of P. berghei malaria in pregnant, immune mice can be used to gain significant new insights regarding malaria pathogenesis and immunity in general and regarding PAM in particular.
Collapse
|
40
|
Jin Z, Akao N, Ohta N. Prolactin evokes lactational transmission of larvae in mice infected with Toxocara canis. Parasitol Int 2008; 57:495-8. [PMID: 18664391 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2008.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 06/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the trans-lactational maternal-neonatal transmission of Toxocara canis larvae in mice, with particular interest in the role of prolactin in their migration to the mammary gland. Two female mice were infected with 300 T. canis eggs soon after delivery of 27 offspring. After 1 week of breast-feeding, seven larvae were recovered from 4 of 13 offspring. After 2 weeks of lactation, 101 larvae were recovered from all the remaining offspring. Daily prolactin administration (5 microg) was performed 2 weeks before T. canis infection and continued until 2 weeks after infection in six non-pregnant female mice, which resulted in larval accumulation in the mammary gland. Furthermore, prolactin administration in female mice that had been infected with T. canis 4 weeks prior to prolactin treatment induced migration of larvae into the mammary gland. These findings suggest that prolactin is a promoting factor contributing to lactational transmission of T. canis larvae in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongfan Jin
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pregnancy outcome and placenta pathology in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infected mice reproduce the pathogenesis of severe malaria in pregnant women. PLoS One 2008; 3:e1608. [PMID: 18270595 PMCID: PMC2229663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is expressed in a range of clinical complications that include increased disease severity in pregnant women, decreased fetal viability, intra-uterine growth retardation, low birth weight and infant mortality. The physiopathology of malaria in pregnancy is difficult to scrutinize and attempts were made in the past to use animal models for pregnancy malaria studies. Here, we describe a comprehensive mouse experimental model that recapitulates many of the pathological and clinical features typical of human severe malaria in pregnancy. We used P. berghei ANKA-GFP infection during pregnancy to evoke a prominent inflammatory response in the placenta that entails CD11b mononuclear infiltration, up-regulation of MIP-1 alpha chemokine and is associated with marked reduction of placental vascular spaces. Placenta pathology was associated with decreased fetal viability, intra-uterine growth retardation, gross post-natal growth impairment and increased disease severity in pregnant females. Moreover, we provide evidence that CSA and HA, known to mediate P. falciparum adhesion to human placenta, are also involved in mouse placental malaria infection. We propose that reduction of maternal blood flow in the placenta is a key pathogenic factor in murine pregnancy malaria and we hypothesize that exacerbated innate inflammatory responses to Plasmodium infected red blood cells trigger severe placenta pathology. This experimental model provides an opportunity to identify cell and molecular components of severe PAM pathogenesis and to investigate the inflammatory response that leads to the observed fetal and placental blood circulation abnormalities.
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
SUMMARYMalaria infection during pregnancy is associated with poor maternal and foetal outcomes including low birth weight. In malaria-endemic areas, low birth weight is primarily a consequence of foetal growth restriction. Little is known on the pathogenesis of foetal growth restriction and our understanding of the relationship between epidemiological observations and the pathogenesis or consequences of disease is incomplete. In this review, we describe these gaps in our knowledge and also try to identify goals for future research into malaria in pregnancy. Foetal growth restriction results from a complex four-dimensional interaction between the foetus, the mother and the malaria parasite over gestation, and research into its pathogenesis may be advanced by combining longitudinal studies with techniques and approaches new to the field of malaria in pregnancy. Such approaches would greatly increase our knowledge on the pathogenesis of this disease and may provide new avenues for intervention strategies.
Collapse
|
43
|
Achur RN, Agbor-Enoh ST, Gowda DC. Rat spongiotrophoblast-specific protein is predominantly a unique low sulfated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:32327-34. [PMID: 16954212 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m605841200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the human placenta contains a uniquely low sulfated extracellular aggrecan family chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). This CSPG is a major receptor for the adherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (IRBCs) in placentas, causing pregnancy-specific malaria. However, it is not known whether such low sulfated CSPGs occur in placentas of other animals and, if so, whether IRBCs bind to those CSPGs. In this study, we show that rat placenta contains a uniquely low sulfated extracellular CSPG bearing chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains, which comprise only approximately 2% 4-sulfated and the remainder nonsulfated disaccharides. Surprisingly, the core protein of the rat placental CSPG, unlike that of the human placental CSPG, is a spongiotrophoblast-specific protein (SSP), which is expressed in a pregnancy stage-dependent manner. The majority of rat placental SSP is present in the CSPG form, and only approximately 10% occurs without CS chain substitution. Of the total SSP-CSPG in rat placenta, approximately 57% is modified with a single CS chain, and approximately 43% carries two CS chains. These data together with the previous finding on human placental CSPG suggest that the expression of low sulfated CSPG is a common feature of animal placentas. Our data also show that the unique species-specific difference in the biology of the rat and human placentas is reflected in the occurrence of completely different CSPG core protein types. Furthermore, the rat SSP-CSPG binds P. falciparum IRBCs in a CS chain-dependent manner. Since IRBCs have been reported to accumulate in the placentas of malaria parasite-infected rodents, our results have important implications for exploiting pregnant rats as a model for studying chondroitin 4-sulfate-based therapeutics for human placental malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwara N Achur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|