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Burucúa MM, Risalde MA, Cheuquepán FA, Quintana S, Pérez SE, Cantón GJ, Moore DP, Odeón AC, Agulló-Ros I, Scioli MV, Barbeito C, Morrell EL, Marín MS. Transplacental infection by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 induces protein expression of COX-2, iNOS and inflammatory cytokines in fetal lungs and placentas. Vet Microbiol 2023; 287:109912. [PMID: 37952263 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109912] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoAHV-1) is associated with respiratory and reproductive syndromes. Until present the immunologic mechanisms involved in BoAHV-1 abortion are partially known. We studied key elements of the innate immune response in the placentas and fetal lungs from cattle experimentally-inoculated with BoAHV-1. These tissues were analyzed by histopathology. Furthermore, virus identification was performed by qPCR and the expression of the inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-alpha and inflammatory mediators like inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxeganse-2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The viral transplacental infection was confirmed by the detection of BoAHV-1 by qPCR in the placenta and fetal organs, which revealed mild inflammatory lesions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase immunolabelling was high in the lungs of infected fetuses and placentas, as well as for tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the pulmonary parenchyma and cyclooxeganse-2 in fetal annexes. However, the expression of interleukin 1-alpha was weak in these organs. To our knowledge, this is the first study that provides strong evidence of an early immune response to BoAHV-1 infection in the conceptus. Advances in the knowledge of the complex immunological interactions at the feto-maternal unit during BoAHV-1 infection are needed to clarify the pathogenesis of abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes M Burucúa
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Risalde
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Felipe A Cheuquepán
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), FCEyN, UNMDP-CONICET, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Biología Molecular Aplicada, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra E Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Veterinarias de Tandil (CIVETAN) - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadin P Moore
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, UNMdP, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anselmo C Odeón
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, UNMdP, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Irene Agulló-Ros
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Valeria Scioli
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora L Morrell
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Maia S Marín
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Wang X, Chen J, Zheng J. The roles of COX-2 in protozoan infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:955616. [PMID: 36875123 PMCID: PMC9978824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.955616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases cause great harm in animal husbandry and require human-provided medical treatment. Protozoan infection can induce changes in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. The role played by COX-2 in the response to protozoan infection is complex. COX-2 induces and regulates inflammation by promoting the synthesis of different prostaglandins (PGs), which exhibit a variety of biological activities and participate in pathophysiological processes in the body in a variety of ways. This review explains the roles played by COX-2 in protozoan infection and analyzes the effects of COX-2-related drugs in protozoan diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Naheda A, Aqeel S, Khan K, Khan W, Khan T. Immunohistopathological changes in the placenta of malaria-infected women in unstable transmission setting of Aligarh. Placenta 2022; 127:52-61. [PMID: 35970103 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to a combination of physiological and immunological changes. The infection may even affect the growth and survival of the foetus, which mainly occur when parasite enters the placenta. The sequestration of infected erythrocytes may trigger the host response, leading to placental inflammation and altered development, affecting the structure and nutrient transport of placenta. These factors collectively impair placental functions and affect foetal growth. METHODS Pregnant women with peripheral parasitaemia for P. falciparum and P. vivax (20 each) were included in the present study, along with 15 age-matched uninfected healthy pregnant women. Placentae were analysed for the presence of local parasitaemia along with pathological lesions caused due to the parasite. Immunohistochemical staining for CD20, CD45 and CD68 cells was performed for examining the specific leucocytes in the intervillous space of the placenta. RESULTS Of the 20 individuals with P. falciparum, only seven placentae showed parasitaemia, whereas individuals with P. vivax showed no placental infection. The pathological changes observed in the P. falciparum-infected placenta include syncytial knotting, excess fibrinoid deposition, syncytiotrophoblast necrosis, syncytial rupture, thickening of trophoblast basement membrane and increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical staining showed a significant increase in B cells (CD20), leucocytes (CD45) and monocytes and macrophages (CD68) in the P. falciparum-infected placenta (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION The result implies that P. falciparum is responsible for pathological alterations in placenta, affecting the nutrient transport across placenta and foetal growth. The immune cells also migrate to the placenta and accumulate in the intervillous space to show humoral and cell-mediated immunity against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansari Naheda
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
| | - Sana Aqeel
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Khadija Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
| | - Tamkin Khan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
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Functional and pathological role of 15-Lipoxygenase and its metabolites in pregnancy and pregnancy-associated complications. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2022; 161:106648. [PMID: 35577309 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2022.106648] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Maternal lipid metabolism status during pregnancy may have pivotal effects on a healthy pregnancy, the progression of labor, and childbirth. Based on evidence, changes in maternal lipid profile and metabolism is related to various alterations in fetal metabolic status, fat mass, birth weight and can result in serious maternal and fetal complications. 15-lipoxygenase accounts as a key enzyme in metabolizing polyunsaturated fatty acids that generate various inflammatory lipid metabolites. The possible involvement of 15- lipoxygenase and its metabolites in the inflammatory process, cell proliferation and death, and immune response has been postulated. The indicative role of the 15- lipoxygenase enzymatic pathway in the implantation process, stages of pregnancy, embryogenesis, organogenesis, progression of labor, pregnancy period, and pregnancy-associated complications is remarkable. Accordingly, this study will review the research conducted on the role of 15- lipoxygenase in different reproductive tissues, and its pathological role in pregnancy-related diseases to provide more insight regarding the emerging role of 15-lipoxygenase in normal pregnancy.
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Vitamin D stimulates miR-26b-5p to inhibit placental COX-2 expression in preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11168. [PMID: 34045549 PMCID: PMC8160000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Increased placental cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity was proposed to contribute to the inflammatory response in preeclampsia. This study was to investigate if vitamin D can benefit preeclampsia by inhibiting placental COX-2 expression. Placenta tissues were obtained from 40 pregnant women (23 normotensive and 17 preeclampsia). miR-26b-5p expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and COX-2 expression were determined by immunostaining and Western blot. HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells were cultured in vitro to test anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in placental trophoblasts treated with oxidative stress inducer CoCl2. 1,25(OH)2D3 was used as bioactive vitamin D. Our results showed that reduced VDR and miR-26b-5p expression, but increased COX-2 expression, was observed in the placentas from women with preeclampsia compared to those from normotensive pregnant women. Transient overexpression of miR-26b-5p attenuated the upregulation of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production induced by CoCl2 in placental trophoblasts. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment inhibited CoCl2-induced upregulation of COX-2 in placental trophoblasts. Moreover, miR-26b-5p expression were significantly upregulated in cells treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, but not in cells transfected with VDR siRNA. Conclusively, downregulation of VDR and miR-26b-5p expression was associated with upregulation of COX-2 expression in the placentas from women with preeclampsia. 1,25(OH)2D3 could promote miR-26b-5p expression which in turn inhibited COX-2 expression and PGE2 formation in placental trophoblasts. The finding of anti-inflammatory property by vitamin D through promotion of VDR/miR-26b-5p expression provides significant evidence that downregulation of vitamin D/VDR signaling could contribute to increased inflammatory response in preeclampsia.
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Torii K, Maeshige N, Aoyama-Ishikawa M, Miyoshi M, Terashi H, Usami M. Combination therapy with butyrate and docosahexaenoic acid for keloid fibrogenesis: an in vitro study. An Bras Dermatol 2017; 92:184-190. [PMID: 28538876 PMCID: PMC5429102 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20176198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A single, effective therapeutic regimen for keloids has not been established yet, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches is expected. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, play multiple anti-inflammatory and anticancer roles via their respective mechanisms of action. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the antifibrogenic effects of their single and combined use on keloid fibroblasts. Methods: Keloid fibroblasts were treated with butyrate (0-16 mM) and/or DHA (0-100 µM) for 48 or 96 h. Results: Butyrate inhibited cell proliferation, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type III collagen expressions, with inhibition of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β type I receptor expressions and increased prostaglandin E2 with upregulation of cyclooxygenase-1 expression with induction of histone acetylation. DHA inhibited α-SMA, type III collagen, and TGF-β type I receptor expressions. Then, the butyrate/DHA combination augmented the antifibrogenic effects, resulting in additional inhibition of α-SMA, type I and III collagen expressions, with strong disruption of stress fiber and apoptosis induction. Moreover, the butyrate/DHA combination inhibited the cyclooxygenase-2 expression, suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory effect than each monotherapy. Study limitations: Activation in keloid tissue is affected not only by fibroblasts but also by epithelial cells and immune cells. Evaluation of the effects by butyrate and DHA in these cells or in an in vivo study is required. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that butyrate and docosahexaenoic acid have antifibrogenic effects on keloid fibroblasts and that these may exert therapeutic effects for keloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Torii
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan
| | - Noriaki Maeshige
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiko Aoyama-Ishikawa
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Miyoshi
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroto Terashi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Usami
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University - Kobe, Japan.,Department of Nutrition, Kobe University Hospital - Kobe, Japan
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Ruizendaal E, van Leeuwen E, Mens PF. Peripheral and placental biomarkers in women with placental malaria: a systematic review. Biomark Med 2015; 9:217-39. [PMID: 25731209 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.14.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental malaria (PM) causes significant morbidity in mothers and infants. Diagnosis of PM during pregnancy is however problematic due to placental sequestration of parasites. Host biomarkers may therefore be used as a diagnostic method. In this systematic review most studies focused on inflammatory markers. A trend was observed for increased IL-10 and TNF-α in PM positives. These markers are however unspecific, thus a combination of multiple biomarkers involved in different pathophysiological pathways of PM is indicated. Of interest are inflammatory markers (TNF-R2, CXCL-13), markers of lipid metabolism (APO-B), angiogenesis (sFlt-1) and hormones (estradiol). As the majority of published studies tested biomarker levels only at delivery, more longitudinal cohort studies will be necessary to detect biomarkers during pregnancy that can predict PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée Ruizendaal
- KIT Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis enterocolitis during late stages of gestation induces an adverse pregnancy outcome in the murine model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111282. [PMID: 25365504 PMCID: PMC4218719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) are a significant health problem. Pregnancy, state of immunological tolerance, is a predisposing condition for the development of infections with intracellular pathogens. Salmonella species can cause pregnancy complications such as chorioamnionitis, transplacental fetal infection, pre term labor, abortions, neonatal and maternal septicemia. However, the specific mechanisms by which Salmonella infections trigger these alterations are not clear. In the present work, using a self-limiting enterocolitis murine model, we show that the ingestion of a low dose of S. Enteritidis at late stages of pregnancy (day 15 of gestation) is sufficient to induce massive maternal infection. We found that Salmonella infection leads to 40% of pre term delivery, 33% of abortion and fetal growth restriction. Placental dysfunction during S. Enteritidis enterocolitis was confirmed through cellular infiltration and hypoxia markers (MPO activity and COX-1 and COX-2 expression, respectively). Apoptosis in placental tissue due to Salmonella infection was also evident at day 18 of gestation when investigated by morphometric procedure, DNA fragmentation and Fas/FasL expression. Also, the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-10 was up regulated in response to Salmonella not only in placenta, but also in amniotic fluid and maternal serum. Altogether, our results demonstrate that S. Enteritidis enterocolitis during late stages of gestation causes detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome.
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Chou JP, Ramirez CM, Ryba DM, Koduri MP, Effros RB. Prostaglandin E2 promotes features of replicative senescence in chronically activated human CD8+ T cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99432. [PMID: 24918932 PMCID: PMC4053423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a pleiotropic immunomodulatory molecule, and its free radical catalyzed isoform, iso-PGE2, are frequently elevated in the context of cancer and chronic infection. Previous studies have documented the effects of PGE2 on the various CD4+ T cell functions, but little is known about its impact on cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for eliminating virally infected and tumor cells. Here we provide the first demonstration of the dramatic effects of PGE2 on the progression of human CD8+ T cells toward replicative senescence, a terminal dysfunctional state associated multiple pathologies during aging and chronic HIV-1 infection. Our data show that exposure of chronically activated CD8+ T cells to physiological levels of PGE2 and iso-PGE2 promotes accelerated acquisition of markers of senescence, including loss of CD28 expression, increased expression of p16 cell cycle inhibitor, reduced telomerase activity, telomere shortening and diminished production of key cytotoxic and survival cytokines. Moreover, the CD8+ T cells also produced higher levels of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that the resultant oxidative stress may have further enhanced telomere loss. Interestingly, we observed that even chronic activation per se resulted in increased CD8+ T cell production of PGE2, mediated by higher COX-2 activity, thus inducing a negative feedback loop that further inhibits effector function. Collectively, our data suggest that the elevated levels of PGE2 and iso-PGE2, seen in various cancers and HIV-1 infection, may accelerate progression of CD8+ T cells towards replicative senescence in vivo. Inhibition of COX-2 activity may, therefore, provide a strategy to counteract this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P. Chou
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Ramirez
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Danielle M. Ryba
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Megha P. Koduri
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rita B. Effros
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- UCLA AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Agudelo OM, Aristizabal BH, Yanow SK, Arango E, Carmona-Fonseca J, Maestre A. Submicroscopic infection of placenta by Plasmodium produces Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, inflammation and hypoxia in women from north-west Colombia. Malar J 2014; 13:122. [PMID: 24673747 PMCID: PMC3972514 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large-scale study was set up in order to study the epidemiology, clinical aspects, and immunopathology of gestational and placental malaria in north-west Colombia. In this region, recent reports using a qPCR technique, confirmed frequencies of infection, by Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax, up to 45%. Given the high rates of infection observed both in mother and placenta, a first exploratory study was proposed in order to characterize the effect on the inflammation status, tissue damage and hypoxia in Plasmodium spp. infected placentas. METHODS A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional design was applied to pregnant women with (PM+) and without (PM-) placental malaria. Messenger RNA expression of Fas, FasL; COX-1, COX-2, HIF, VEGF, and the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF, were measured in peripheral and placental blood using a quantitative PCR. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined with a TUNEL assay. RESULTS In total 50 placentas were studied: 25 were positive for submicroscopic infection and 25 were negative for Plasmodium infection. Expression of IL-4 and IL-10 was observed high in placental tissue of PM+, while IL-2 was high in peripheral blood of the same group. Expression of TNF and IFNγ in peripheral blood of the PM + group was high. Similarly, the apoptotic index and Fas expression were significantly high in PM+. However, FasL expression was observed low in PM + compared to PM-. Inflammation markers (HIF, VEGF) and hypoxia markers (COX-1, COX-2) were high in the PM + group. CONCLUSION During placental malaria expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines is up-regulated and markers of hypoxia and tissue damage are increased in cases of submicroscopic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Maestre
- Grupo "Salud y Comunidad-César Uribe Piedrahita", Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.
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Abstract
Pregnant women have a higher risk of malaria compared to non-pregnant women. This review provides an update on knowledge acquired since 2000 on P. falciparum and P.vivax infections in pregnancy. Maternal risk factors for malaria in pregnancy (MiP) include low maternal age, low parity, and low gestational age. The main effects of MIP include maternal anaemia, low birth weight (LBW), preterm delivery and increased infant and maternal mortality. P. falciparum infected erythrocytes sequester in the placenta by expressing surface antigens, mainly variant surface antigen (VAR2CSA), that bind to specific receptors, mainly chondroitin sulphate A. In stable transmission settings, the higher malaria risk in primigravidae can be explained by the non-recognition of these surface antigens by the immune system. Recently, placental sequestration has been described also for P.vivax infections. The mechanism of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation is not completely understood, but fever (preterm delivery), anaemia, and high cytokines levels have been implicated. Clinical suspicion of MiP should be confirmed by parasitological diagnosis. The sensitivity of microscopy, with placenta histology as the gold standard, is 60% and 45% for peripheral and placental falciparum infections in African women, respectively. Compared to microscopy, RDTs have a lower sensitivity though when the quality of microscopy is low RDTs may be more reliable. Insecticide treated nets (ITN) and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) are recommended for the prevention of MiP in stable transmission settings. ITNs have been shown to reduce malaria infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes by 28–47%. Although resistance is a concern, SP has been shown to be equivalent to MQ and AQ for IPTp. For the treatment of uncomplicated malaria during the first trimester, quinine plus clindamycin for 7 days is the first line treatment and artesunate plus clindamycin for 7 days is indicated if this treatment fails; in the 2nd and 3rd trimester first line treatment is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) known to be effective in the region or artesunate and clindamycin for 7 days or quinine and clindamycin. For severe malaria, in the second and third trimester parenteral artesunate is preferred over quinine. In the first trimester, both artesunate and quinine (parenteral) may be considered as options. Nevertheless, treatment should not be delayed and should be started immediately with the most readily available drug.
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Umbers AJ, Aitken EH, Rogerson SJ. Malaria in pregnancy: small babies, big problem. Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:168-75. [PMID: 21377424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Placental malaria is hypothesized to lead to placental insufficiency, which causes fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this review, recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms of pathogenesis by which malaria causes FGR are discussed in the wider context of placental function and fetal growth. Placental malaria and associated host responses can induce changes in placental structure and function, affecting pregnancy-associated growth-regulating hormones and predisposing the offspring to hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Risk factors associated with FGR are highlighted, and potential interventions and studies to uncover remaining mechanisms of pathogenesis are proposed. Together, these strategies aim to decrease the burden of FGR associated with malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Umbers
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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