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Profile of T and B lymphocytes in individuals resistant to Schistosoma mansoni infection. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:951-963. [PMID: 35132469 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to infection/reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni still arouse great interest and controversy. Some authors demonstrate that resistance to infection is attributed to a mixed Th1 and Th2 response and resistance to reinfection after repeated treatments through mechanisms associated with the Th2 response. Through flow cytometry, the phenotypic characterization of B and T lymphocytes in individuals residing in endemic areas with low parasite loads over 10 years was evaluated for the first time in humans. In this study, individuals with low parasite loads for Schistosoma mansoni had a higher proportion of Th1 and Th2 cells. In addition, lymphocytes from these individuals showed a higher degree of expression of costimulatory molecules CD28 and CTLA-4 and regulatory molecules FoxP3 and IL-10, when compared to individuals with high parasite loads. Our data indicate that the control of the parasite load of S. mansoni must be associated with a Th1, Th2, and regulatory response, and that further studies are needed to elucidate the possibility of mechanisms associated with the hyporesponsiveness of lymphocytes from individuals with high parasite loads.
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Santana JB, de Almeida TVVS, Lopes DM, Page B, Oliveira SC, Souza I, Ribeiro LEVS, Gutiérrez NAG, Carvalho EM, Cardoso LS. Phenotypic Characterization of CD4 + T Lymphocytes in Periportal Fibrosis Secondary to Schistosomiasis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:605235. [PMID: 33692784 PMCID: PMC7937650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.605235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects about 166 million people around the world. It is estimated that 5%-10% of individuals with schistosomiasis develop severe forms of the disease, which are characterized by pulmonary hypertension, ascites, periportal fibrosis, and other significant complications. The chronic phase of the disease is associated with a Th2 type immune response, but evidence also suggests there are roles for Th1 and Th17 in the development of severe disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CD4+ T lymphocyte profile of patients with different degrees of periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis. These individuals had been treated for schistosomiasis, but since they live in a S. mansoni endemic area, they are at risk of reinfection. They were evaluated in relation to the degree of periportal fibrosis and classified into three groups: without fibrosis or with incipient fibrosis (WF/IFNE), n=12, possible periportal fibrosis/periportal fibrosis, n=13, and advanced periportal fibrosis/advanced periportal fibrosis with portal hypertension, n=4. We observed in the group without fibrosis a balance between the low expression of Th2 cytokines and high expression of T reg cells. As has already been described in the literature, we found an increase of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the group with periportal fibrosis. In addition, this group showed higher expression of IL-17 and IL-10 but lower IL-10/IL-13 ratio than patients in the WF/IFNE group. Cells from individuals who present any level of fibrosis expressed more TGF-β compared to the WF/IFNE group and a positive correlation with left lobe enlargement and portal vein wall thickness. There was a negative correlation between IL-17 and the thickness of the portal vein wall, but more studies are necessary in order to explore the possible protective role of this cytokine. Despite the fibrosis group having presented a higher expression of pro-fibrotic molecules compared to WF/IFNE patients, it seems there is a regulation through IL-10 and T reg cells that is able to maintain the low morbidity of this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Batista Santana
- Serviço de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Mota Lopes
- Serviço de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Brady Page
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sergio Costa Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT–DT/CNPq), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edgar M. Carvalho
- Serviço de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT–DT/CNPq), Salvador, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luciana Santos Cardoso
- Serviço de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT–DT/CNPq), Salvador, Brazil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
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Arndts K, Elfaki TEM, Jelden N, Ritter M, Wiszniewsky A, Katawa G, Goreish IA, Atti El Mekki MEYA, Doenhoff MJ, Hoerauf A, Layland LE. Schistosoma mansoni PCR + -infected individuals in the Sudan present elevated systemic levels of chemokines when compared to uninfected and egg + cohorts. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 196:364-373. [PMID: 30724349 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Schistosoma mansoni remain a major health problem in the Sudan where endemic communities, such as those in Kassala and Khartoum states, continue to face severe social-economic difficulties. Our previous immunoepidemiological findings revealed different immune [cytokine and S. mansoni egg (SEA) antibody] profiles in individuals with active infections (eggs in stool n = 110), individuals positive for S. mansoni via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sera (SmPCR+ n = 63) and those uninfected (Sm uninf). As antibody responses to eggs and worms are known to change during infection, we have expanded the profiling further by determining levels of adult worm (SWA) antibodies and nine chemokines in the serum of each individual in the three different cohorts. With the exception of C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, all measured chemokines were significantly higher in SmPCR+ individuals when compared to the egg+ group and in addition they also presented elevated levels of SWA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G2. Multivariable regression analysis further revealed that infection per se was strongly linked to SWA-specific IgG3 levels and CCL5 was strongly associated with a SmPCR+ diagnostic state. In the absence of PCR diagnostics that recognize juvenile worms or schistosomulae motives, identifying schistosome-specific traits should provide better insights into current prevalence rates in endemic communities and, in doing so, take into consideration PCR+ non-egg+ individuals in current treatment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Arndts
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - T E M Elfaki
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - N Jelden
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Ritter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Wiszniewsky
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Katawa
- Ecole Supérieure des Techniques Biologiques et Alimentaires (ESTBA)/Unité d'Immunologie, Université de Lomé, Lome, Togo
| | - I A Goreish
- Animal Resources Research Corporation, Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rangelands, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - M E Y A Atti El Mekki
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - M J Doenhoff
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - A Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site, Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - L E Layland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site, Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
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Rodrigues Oliveira JL, Teixeira MM, Lambertucci JR, Antunes CMF, Carneiro M, Negrão-Corrêa D. Plasma levels of innate immune mediators are associated with liver fibrosis in low parasite burden Schistosoma mansoni-infected individuals. Scand J Immunol 2018; 87. [PMID: 29363152 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the murine model, it was demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are essential to the formation and modulation of Schistosoma-induced granulomatous inflammation. However, the relationship of these immune mediators and disease severity is hard to be established in naturally infected individuals. The current study evaluates the association between plasma concentrations of MIF, sTNF-R1, CCL3, CCL7 and CCL24 and schistosomiasis morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni-infected patients with a low parasite burden. For this propose, 97 S. mansoni-infected individuals were subjected to abdominal ultrasound analysis and clinical examination. Among them, 88 had plasma concentration of immune mediators estimated by ELISA assay. Multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between the plasma concentration of immune mediators and the variables investigated. Although most individuals presented low parasite burden, over 30% of them showed signs of fibrosis defined by ultrasound measurements and 2 patients had a severe form of schistosomiasis. No association between parasite burden and the plasma levels of chemokine/cytokines or disease severity was observed. There was a positive association between plasma concentration of CCL4, sTNF-R1, CCL3 and MIF with gall bladder thickness and/or with portal vein thickness that are liver fibrosis markers. In contrast, no association was found between CCL7 plasma concentrations with any of the schistosomiasis morbidity parameters evaluated. The data showed that CCL24, sTNFR1, MIF and CCL3 can be detected in plasma of S. mansoni-infected individuals and their concentration would be used as prognostic makers of Schistosoma-induced liver fibrosis, even in individuals with low parasite burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Rodrigues Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M M Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J R Lambertucci
- Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - C M F Antunes
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M Carneiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - D Negrão-Corrêa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Figueiredo ALC, Domingues ALC, Melo WG, Tashiro T, de Lorena VMB, Montenegro SML, Morais CNL. Receptor Antagonist of IL-13 Exerts a Potential Negative Regulation During Early Infection of Human Schistosomiasis. Scand J Immunol 2017; 84:284-290. [PMID: 27507682 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The pathology of schistosomiasis is associated with the formation of granulomas, and this process is associated with liver fibrosis. Studies indicate that Th1 cytokines reduce fibrosis in schistosomiasis, while Th2 cytokines play a part in the progression of fibrosis, and IL-13 has a critical role in this process. The IL-13Rα2 receptor, known as a 'receptor antagonist' binds with high affinity to IL-13, and studies have identified that this plays a part in reducing fibrosis and the size of granulomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the function of IL-13Rα2 and cellular immune response in hepatic fibrosis. A negative correlation between IL-13Rα2 and IL-13 was found, suggesting an increase in cytokine in early fibrosis. Initially, a negative correlation between IFN-γ and IL-13 was found in patients without fibrosis, and subsequently, this correlation was found to be positive in patients with severe fibrosis, thereby highlighting a new mechanism for regulating the progress of periportal fibrosis. There was a positive correlation between the profiles of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, suggesting the presence of both responses, thus regulating the disease. The results contribute to a better understanding of the immune mechanisms that control the process of hepatic fibrogenesis in schistosomiasis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A L C Domingues
- Gastroenterology Outpatients Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - W G Melo
- Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - T Tashiro
- Department of Physical Education, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - C N L Morais
- Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Elsakkar MG, Eissa MM, Hewedy WA, Nassra RM, Elatrebi SF. Sodium valproate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, with praziquantel ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Life Sci 2016; 162:95-101. [PMID: 27528511 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study explores the potential antifibrotic effect of sodium valproate (SV), an inhibitor of class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, and/or praziquantel (PZQ) on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. MAIN METHODS Male Swiss albino mice were divided into nine groups: group I- normal control (NC); group II- uninfected gum mucilage (GM) treated; group III- uninfected PZQ- treated; group IV- uninfected SV-treated; group V- control S. mansoni infected mice; group VI- infected GM-treated; group VII- infected PZQ-treated; group VIII- infected SV-treated; group IX- infected PZQ+SV treated. All SV administrations were 300mg/kg/day orally and administered for five weeks beginning on the 5th week post infection (WPI). All PZQ administrations were 500mg/kg/day orally and administered for 2 consecutive days beginning on the 7th WPI. Serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, and liver function tests (AST and ALT) were determined. Specimens of the hepatic tissues were examined histologically. KEY FINDINGS Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with SV significantly decreased the serum levels of ALT, TGF-β1 and TNF-α, and the liver tissue hydroxyproline content compared with the S. mansoni infected untreated groups. Histologically, treatment with SV revealed regression of the granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Combined treatment with PZQ and SV produces more favorable biochemical results, and aborted granulomatous reaction compared with either drug alone. SIGNIFICANCE Sodium valproate is a promising anti-fibrotic agent. It demonstrated an anti-fibrotic effect in early stages of S. mansoni infection through downregulation of profibrogenic cytokines, and collagen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed G Elsakkar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Wafaa A Hewedy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Rasha M Nassra
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Soha F Elatrebi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Yu YR, Ni XQ, Huang J, Zhu YH, Qi YF. Taurine drinking ameliorates hepatic granuloma and fibrosis in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2016; 6:35-43. [PMID: 27054062 PMCID: PMC4805782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In schistosomiasis, egg-induced hepatic granuloma formation is a cytokine-mediated, predominantly CD4+ Th2 immune response that can give rise to hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis is the main cause of increased morbidity and mortality in humans with schistosome infection. Taurine has various physiological functions and hepatoprotective properties as well as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. However, little is known about the role of taurine in schistosome egg-induced granuloma formation and fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of taurine as preventative treatment for Schistosoma japonicum infection. Mice infected with S. japonicum cercariae were supplied with taurine drinking water (1% w/v) for 4 weeks starting at 4 weeks post-infection. Taurine supplementation significantly improved the liver pathologic findings, reduced the serum levels of aminotransferases and area of hepatic granuloma, and prevented fibrosis progression. In addition, taurine decreased the expression of the granulomatous and fibrogenic mediators transforming growth factor β1, tumor necrosis factor α, monocyte chemotactic protein 1α and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α as well as the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker glucose-regulated protein 78. Thus, taurine can significantly attenuate S. japonicum egg-induced hepatic granuloma and fibrosis, which may depend in part on the downregulation of some relevant cytokine/chemokines and reducing the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Taurine has potential as preventative & therapeutic treatment for schistosomiasis. Taurine reduced the development of liver pathology caused by S. japonicum infection. Taurine attenuated S. japonicum egg-induced hepatic granuloma and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rong Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xian-Qiang Ni
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong-Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong-Fen Qi
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Bioactive Molecule, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.
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8
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Kruschewsky RDA, Cardoso LS, Fernandes JS, Souza RDPD, Lopes DM, Carvalho OAMD, Araujo MI. Immunological Profile in Individuals with Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy. Neuroimmunomodulation 2016; 23:157-167. [PMID: 27606627 DOI: 10.1159/000448521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most serious ectopic presentation of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The pathogenesis occurs mainly via the host inflammatory response to the eggs of the parasite that are stuck in the central nervous system, and the diagnosis is generally made by the exclusion of other neurological diseases. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the immune status of SMR patients and to identify a marker for SMR diagnosis. METHODS We enrolled 15 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of SMR, and the control groups included 17 patients with myelopathy associated with human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and 11 with other neurological disorders. The determination of soluble egg antigen-specific IgE and the levels of cytokines from Th1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory cell profiles and the chemokines MIP-1a and RANTES were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum using an ELISA technique. RESULTS We observed that SMR leads to an increase in IgE levels in the CSF compared to serum, and the levels of IL-13 and MIP-1α were significantly higher in the CSF and serum of the SMR patients than in the patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. The levels of MIP-1α and RANTES were higher in the CSF than in the serum of the SMR group. The ratio between levels of IL-13, MIP-1α and RANTES over IL-10 was positive in the CSF of the SMR patients. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that S. mansoni-specific IgE in the CSF is a promising marker for the diagnosis of SMR and that the cytokines and chemokines associated with the Th2 profile may be important factors in the immunopathogenesis of SMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon de Almeida Kruschewsky
- Serviço de Imunologia, Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Monocyte subsets in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:703653. [PMID: 24757288 PMCID: PMC3976880 DOI: 10.1155/2014/703653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A major issue with Schistosoma mansoni infection is the development of periportal fibrosis, which is predominantly caused by the host immune response to egg antigens. Experimental studies have pointed to the participation of monocytes in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the subsets of monocytes in individuals with different degrees of periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis. Monocytes were classified into classical (CD14++CD16−), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16++). The expressions of monocyte markers and cytokines were assessed using flow cytometry. The frequency of classical monocytes was higher than the other subsets. The expression of HLA-DR, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β was higher in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis as compared to other groups. Although no differences were observed in receptors expression (IL-4R and IL-10R) between groups of patients, the expression of IL-12 was lower in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis, suggesting a protective role of this cytokine in the development of fibrosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the three different monocyte populations participate in the immunopathogenesis of periportal fibrosis, since they express high levels of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and low levels of regulatory markers.
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Impaired lymphocyte profile in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:710647. [PMID: 24348679 PMCID: PMC3855942 DOI: 10.1155/2013/710647] [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: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Th2 immune response in chronic schistosomiasis is associated with the development of periportal fibrosis. However, little is known about the phenotype and activation status of T cells in the process. Objective. To evaluate the profile of T cells in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis. Methods. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the village of Agua Preta, Bahia, Brazil, which included 37 subjects with periportal fibrosis determined by ultrasound. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained by the Ficcol-hypaque gradient and the frequency of T cells expressing the surface markers CD28, CD69, CD25, and CTLA-4 was determined by flow cytometry. Results. The frequency of CD4+CD28+ T lymphocytes was higher in individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis compared to patients with incipient fibrosis. We did not observe any significant difference in the frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing CD69 among groups of individuals. There was also no significant difference in the frequency of CD8+ T cells expressing CD28 or CD69 among the studied groups. Individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis presented a lower frequency of CD8+ T cells, CD4+CD25high T cells, and CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells when compared to patients without fibrosis or incipient fibrosis. The frequency of CD4+CD25low cells did not differ between groups. Conclusion. The high frequency of activated T cells coinciding with a low frequency of putative Treg cells may account for the development of periportal fibrosis in human schistosomiasis.
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