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Illuminating Host-Parasite Interaction at the Cellular and Subcellular Levels with Infrared Microspectroscopy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050811. [PMID: 35269433 PMCID: PMC8909495 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic protozoan that can cause brain infection and other serious health consequences in immuno-compromised individuals. This parasite has a remarkable ability to cross biological barriers and exploit the host cell microenvironment to support its own survival and growth. Recent advances in label-free spectroscopic imaging techniques have made it possible to study biological systems at a high spatial resolution. In this study, we used conventional Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy to analyze the chemical changes that are associated with infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) by T. gondii (RH) tachyzoites. Both FTIR microspectroscopic methods showed utility in revealing the chemical alterations in the infected hBMECs. Using a ZnS hemisphere device, to increase the numerical aperture, and the synchrotron source to increase the brightness, we obtained spatially resolved spectra from within a single cell. The spectra extracted from the nucleus and cytosol containing the tachyzoites were clearly distinguished. RNA sequencing analysis of T. gondii-infected and uninfected hBMECs revealed significant changes in the expression of host cell genes and pathways in response to T. gondii infection. These FTIR spectroscopic and transcriptomic findings provide significant insight into the molecular changes that occur in hBMECs during T. gondii infection.
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Structural, Functional, and Metabolic Alterations in Human Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells during Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Amelioration by Verapamil In Vitro. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091386. [PMID: 32927732 PMCID: PMC7564162 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is a frequent cause of brain infection. Despite its known ability to invade the brain, there is still a dire need to better understand the mechanisms by which this parasite interacts with and crosses the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The present study revealed structural and functional changes associated with infection and replication of T. gondii within human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro. T. gondii proliferated within the BMECs and disrupted the integrity of the cerebrovascular barrier through diminishing the cellular viability, disruption of the intercellular junctions and increasing permeability of the BMEC monolayer, as well as altering lipid homeostasis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics combined with multivariate data analysis revealed profiles that can be attributed to infection and variations in the amounts of certain metabolites (e.g., amino acids, fatty acids) in the extracts of infected compared to control cells. Notably, treatment with the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil rescued BMEC barrier integrity and restricted intracellular replication of the tachyzoites regardless of the time of treatment application (i.e., prior to infection, early- and late-infection). This study provides new insights into the structural and functional changes that accompany T. gondii infection of the BMECs, and sheds light upon the ability of verapamil to inhibit the parasite proliferation and to ameliorate the adverse effects caused by T. gondii infection.
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Elsheikha HM, Alkurashi M, Palfreman S, Castellanos M, Kong K, Ning E, Elsaied NA, Geraki K, MacNaughtan W. Impact of Neospora caninum Infection on the Bioenergetics and Transcriptome of Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090710. [PMID: 32872199 PMCID: PMC7559149 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the effects of the protozoan Neospora caninum on the bioenergetics, chemical composition, and elemental content of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were investigated. We showed that N. caninum can impair cell mitochondrial (Mt) function and causes an arrest in host cell cycling at S and G2 phases. These adverse effects were also associated with altered expression of genes involved in Mt energy metabolism, suggesting Mt dysfunction caused by N. caninum infection. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis of hBMECs revealed alterations in the FTIR bands as a function of infection, where infected cells showed alterations in the absorption bands of lipid (2924 cm−1), amide I protein (1649 cm−1), amide II protein (1537 cm−1), nucleic acids and carbohydrates (1092 cm−1, 1047 cm−1, and 939 cm−1). By using quantitative synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (μSR-XRF) imaging and quantification of the trace elements Zn, Cu and Fe, we detected an increase in the levels of Zn and Cu from 3 to 24 h post infection (hpi) in infected cells compared to control cells, but there were no changes in the level of Fe. We also used Affymetrix array technology to investigate the global alteration in gene expression of hBMECs and rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMVECs) in response to N. caninum infection at 24 hpi. The result of transcriptome profiling identified differentially expressed genes involved mainly in immune response, lipid metabolism and apoptosis. These data further our understanding of the molecular events that shape the interaction between N. caninum and blood-brain-barrier endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK; (M.A.); (S.P.); (N.A.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-0115-951-6445
| | - Mamdowh Alkurashi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK; (M.A.); (S.P.); (N.A.E.)
- Animal Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzy Palfreman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK; (M.A.); (S.P.); (N.A.E.)
| | - Marcos Castellanos
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK;
| | - Kenny Kong
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Evita Ning
- Centre for Molecular Nanometrology, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK;
| | - Nashwa A. Elsaied
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK; (M.A.); (S.P.); (N.A.E.)
| | | | - William MacNaughtan
- Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK;
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Sinjab F, Elsheikha HM, Dooley M, Notingher I. Induction and measurement of the early stage of a host-parasite interaction using a combined optical trapping and Raman microspectroscopy system. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e201960065. [PMID: 31710774 PMCID: PMC7065604 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201960065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and quantifying the temporal acquisition of host cell molecules by intracellular pathogens is fundamentally important in biology. In this study, a recently developed holographic optical trapping (HOT)-based Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) instrument is applied to detect, characterize and monitor in real time the molecular trafficking of a specific molecular species (isotope-labeled phenylalanine (L-Phe(D8)) at the single cell level. This approach enables simultaneous measurement of the chemical composition of human cerebrovascular endothelial cells and the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in isolation at the very start of the infection process. Using a model to decouple measurement contributions from host and pathogen sampling in the excitation volume, the data indicate that manipulating parasites with HOT coupled with RMS chemical readout was an effective method for measurement of L-Phe(D8) transfer from host cells to parasites in real-time, from the moment the parasite enters the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Sinjab
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University Park NottinghamUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceUniversity of NottinghamLoughboroughUK
| | - Max Dooley
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University Park NottinghamUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Ioan Notingher
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University Park NottinghamUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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Al-Sandaqchi AT, Brignell C, Collingwood JF, Geraki K, Mirkes EM, Kong K, Castellanos M, May ST, Stevenson CW, Elsheikha HM. Metallome of cerebrovascular endothelial cells infected with Toxoplasma gondii using μ-XRF imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metallomics 2019; 10:1401-1414. [PMID: 30183049 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00136g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we measured the levels of elements in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) infected with T. gondii. ECs were infected with tachyzoites of the RH strain, and at 6, 24, and 48 hours post infection (hpi), the intracellular concentrations of elements were determined using a synchrotron-microfocus X-ray fluorescence microscopy (μ-XRF) system. This method enabled the quantification of the concentrations of Zn and Ca in infected and uninfected (control) ECs at sub-micron spatial resolution. T. gondii-hosting ECs contained less Zn than uninfected cells only at 48 hpi (p < 0.01). The level of Ca was not significantly different between infected and control cells (p > 0.05). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis revealed infection-specific metallome profiles characterized by significant increases in the intracellular levels of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu at 48 hpi (p < 0.01), and significant reductions in the extracellular concentrations of Co, Cu, Mo, V, and Ag at 24 hpi (p < 0.05) compared with control cells. Zn constituted the largest part (74%) of the total metal composition (metallome) of the parasite. Gene expression analysis showed infection-specific upregulation in the expression of five genes, MT1JP, MT1M, MT1E, MT1F, and MT1X, belonging to the metallothionein gene family. These results point to a possible correlation between T. gondii infection and increased expression of MT1 isoforms and altered intracellular levels of elements, especially Zn and Fe. Taken together, a combined μ-XRF and ICP-MS approach is promising for studies of the role of elements in mediating host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa T Al-Sandaqchi
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Chris Brignell
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Kalotina Geraki
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Evgeny M Mirkes
- Mathematics Department, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kenny Kong
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Marcos Castellanos
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Sean T May
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Carl W Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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Characteristic pro-inflammatory cytokines and host defence cathelicidin peptide produced by human monocyte-derived macrophages infected withNeospora caninum. Parasitology 2017; 145:871-884. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNeospora caninumis a coccidian intracellular protozoan capable of infecting a wide range of mammals, although severe disease is mostly reported in dogs and cattle. Innate defences triggered by monocytes/macrophages are key in the pathogenesis of neosporosis, as these cells are first-line defenders against intracellular infections. The aim of this study was to characterize infection and innate responses in macrophages infected withN. caninumusing a well-known cell model to study macrophage functions (human monocyte THP-1 cells). Intracellular invasion of live tachyzoites occurred as fast as 4 h (confirmed with immunofluorescence microscopy usingN. caninum-specific antibodies). Macrophages infected byN. caninumhad increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-8, IFNγ). Interestingly,N. caninuminduced expression of host-defence peptides (cathelicidins), a mechanism of defence never reported forN. caninuminfection in macrophages. The expression of cytokines and cathelicidins in macrophages invaded byN. caninumwas mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK 1/2). Secretion of such innate factors fromN. caninum-infected macrophages reduced parasite internalization and promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in naïve macrophages. We concluded that rapid invasion of macrophages byN. caninumtriggered protective innate defence mechanisms against intracellular pathogens.
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Time budget, oxygen consumption and body mass responses to parasites in juvenile and adult wild rodents. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:120. [PMID: 26932152 PMCID: PMC4774152 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1407-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study of changes in a host’s energy allocation in response to parasites is crucial for understanding parasite impact on both individual- and population-level processes. Experimental studies have explored such responses mainly in a single subsample of hosts per study, primarily adult males, and have only assessed either the overall energy acquisition or expenditure, rather than their different components simultaneously, or the behavioral responses. Accordingly, two fundamental questions arise: why have multiple host strategies evolved to cope with increased energy expenditure? and, which factors determine this variation (e.g. host species, identity, age)? This study provides an important step towards addressing both questions by experimentally disentangling the short-term physiological and behavioral responses of juvenile and non-reproductive adult rodents to natural levels of flea infestation. These two cohorts represent extreme cases of the energy demand continuum, as the former, in contrast to the latter, is involved in growth - a highly energy-demanding process - and may not be able to operate far below its upper limit of energy expenditure, and thus should reduce its energy expenses upon the occurrence of extra demands (e.g. due to parasitic pressure). Accordingly, we hypothesized that the response to fleas is age-dependent and varies according to the age-specific energy requirements and constraints. Methods We monitored the behavior and physiology of juvenile and non-reproductive adult rodents before and after experimental flea infestation. First, we used a model selection approach to search for the factors that best explained the variability in the time budget, oxygen consumption, and body mass change in response to fleas. Then, using a path analysis approach, we quantified the different pathways connecting the important associations revealed at stage 1. Results Compared to their flea-free counterparts, flea-infested adults groomed longer and had a higher oxygen consumption rate, but did not lose body mass. Infested juveniles also groomed longer but grew slower and had a similar rate of oxygen consumption. Conclusions Results suggest that both juvenile and adult rodents suffer from natural flea infestation levels. However, the comparison between the responses of juveniles and adults to experimental infestation, also suggests that juveniles may reallocate their energy expenditure from growth to maintenance, while non-reproductive adults increase their energy acquisition. Such age-dependent responses suggest that juveniles may be constrained by their higher need to rest for full functioning or by an upper limit in energy expenditure. Taken together, our study provides experimental evidence that hosts can compensate for the costs incurred by parasitism through physiological and behavioral plasticity, depending on their age, which probably determines their requirements and constraints. These compensatory responses may have important implications for the population dynamics of hosts and their parasites.
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Naemat A, Elsheikha HM, Boitor RA, Notingher I. Tracing amino acid exchange during host-pathogen interaction by combined stable-isotope time-resolved Raman spectral imaging. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20811. [PMID: 26857158 PMCID: PMC4746650 DOI: 10.1038/srep20811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the temporal and spatial interchange of the aromatic amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) between human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) and tachyzoites of the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) is combined with Raman micro-spectroscopy to selectively monitor the incorporation of deuterium-labelled Phe into proteins in individual live tachyzoites. Our results show a very rapid uptake of l-Phe(D8) by the intracellular growing parasite. T. gondii tachyzoites are capable of extracting l-Phe(D8) from host cells as soon as it invades the cell. l-Phe(D8) from the host cell completely replaces the l-Phe within T. gondii tachyzoites 7-9 hours after infection. A quantitative model based on Raman spectra allowed an estimation of the exchange rate of Phe as 0.5-1.6 × 10(4) molecules/s. On the other hand, extracellular tachyzoites were not able to consume l-Phe(D8) after 24 hours of infection. These findings further our understanding of the amino acid trafficking between host cells and this strictly intracellular parasite. In particular, this study highlights new aspects of the metabolism of amino acid Phe operative during the interaction between T. gondii and its host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abida Naemat
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Radu A Boitor
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ioan Notingher
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Naemat A, Elsheikha HM, Al-Sandaqchi A, Kong K, Ghita A, Notingher I. Analysis of interaction between the apicomplexan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and host cells using label-free Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2015; 140:756-64. [PMID: 25422831 DOI: 10.1039/c4an01810a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Label-free imaging using Raman micro-spectroscopy (RMS) was used to characterize the spatio-temporal molecular changes of T. gondii tachyzoites and their host cell microenvironment. Raman spectral maps were recorded from isolated T. gondii tachyzoites and T. gondii-infected human retinal cells at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h post-infection. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the Raman spectra of paraformaldehyde-fixed infected cells indicated a significant increase in the amount of lipids and proteins in the T. gondii tachyzoites as the infection progresses within host cells. These results were confirmed by experiments carried out on live T. gondii-infected cells and were correlated with an increase in the concentration of proteins and lipids required for the replication of this intracellular pathogen. These findings demonstrate the potential of RMS to characterize time- and spatially-dependent molecular interactions between intracellular pathogens and the host cells. Such information may be useful for discovery of pharmacological targets or screening compounds with potential neuro-protective activity for eminent effects of changes in brain infection control practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abida Naemat
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Ravi M, Patel J, Pybus M, Coleman JK, Childress AL, Wellehan JF. Meningoencephalitis associated with disseminated sarcocystosis in a free-ranging moose (Alces alces) calf. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2015; 56:872-875. [PMID: 26246636 PMCID: PMC4502859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A wild moose (Alces alces) calf was presented for necropsy due to severe neurologic signs. Histopathologic examination revealed multisystemic inflammation with intralesional mature and immature schizonts. Schizonts in the brain reacted positively to Sarcocystis spp. polyclonal antibodies. Gene sequencing of PCR-amplified DNA identified the species as Sarcocystis alceslatrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Ravi
- Address all correspondence to Dr. Madhu Ravi; e-mail:
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Alkurashi MM, May ST, Kong K, Bacardit J, Haig D, Elsheikha HM. Susceptibility to experimental infection of the invertebrate locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) with the apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum. PeerJ 2014; 2:e674. [PMID: 25493211 PMCID: PMC4260130 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathogenesis is a feature of Neospora caninum infection. In order to explore this in the absence of acquired host immunity to the parasite, we have tested infection in locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). We show for the first time that locusts are permissive to intra-hemocoel infection with N. caninum tachyzoites. This was characterized by alteration in body weight, fecal output, hemoparasitemia, and sickness-related behavior. Infected locusts exhibited progressive signs of sickness leading to mortality. Also, N. caninum showed neuropathogenic affinity, induced histological changes in the brain and was able to replicate in the brain of infected locusts. Fatty acid (FA) profiling analysis of the brains by gas chromatography and multi-variate prediction models discriminated with high accuracy (98%) between the FA profiles of the infected and control locusts. DNA microarray gene expression profiling distinguished infected from control S. gregaria brain tissues on the basis of distinct differentially-expressed genes. These data indicate that locusts are permissible to infection with N. caninum and that the parasite retains its tropism for neural tissues in the invertebrate host. Locusts may facilitate preclinical testing of interventional strategies to inhibit the growth of N. caninum tachyzoites. Further studies on how N. caninum brings about changes in locust brain tissue are now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdowh M Alkurashi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK ; Animal Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Sean T May
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham , Leicestershire , UK
| | - Kenny Kong
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham , UK
| | - Jaume Bacardit
- The Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) Research Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - David Haig
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK
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De Jesus EEV, Santos ABD, Ribeiro CSO, Pinheiro AM, Freire SM, El-Bachá RS, Costa SL, de Fatima Dias Costa M. Role of IFN-γ and LPS on neuron/glial co-cultures infected by Neospora caninum. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:340. [PMID: 25386119 PMCID: PMC4209861 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes cattle abortion and neurological symptoms in dogs. Although infection is usually asymptomatic, classical neurological symptoms of neosporosis may be associated with encephalitis. This parasite can grow in brain endothelial cells without markedly damages, but it can modulate the cellular environment to promote its survival in the brain. In previous studies, we described that IFN-γ decreased the parasite proliferation and down regulated nitric oxide (NO) production in astrocyte/microglia cultures. However, it remains unclear how glial cells respond to N. caninum in the presence of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of 300 IU/mL IFN-γ or 1.0 mg/mL of LPS on infected rat neuron/glial co-cultures. After 72 h of infection, LPS did not affect the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. However, IFN-γ decreased this parameter by 15.5 and 12.0% in uninfected and infected cells, respectively. The number of tachyzoites decreased 54.1 and 44.3% in cells stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS, respectively. Infection or LPS treatment did not change NO production. On the other hand, IFN-γ induced increased nitrite release in 55.7%, but the infection reverted this induction. IL-10 levels increased only in infected cultures (treated or not), meanwhile PGE2 release was improved in IFN-γ/infected or LPS/infected cells. Although IFN-γ significantly reduced the neurite length in uninfected cultures (42.64%; p < 0.001), this inflammatory cytokine reverted the impairment of neurite outgrowth induced by the infection (81.39%). The results suggest a neuroprotective potential response of glia to N. caninum infection under IFN-γ stimulus. This observation contributes to understand the immune mediated mechanisms of neosporosis in central nervous system (CNS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Etelvina Viana De Jesus
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Alex Barbosa Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Catia Suse Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Moraes Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia Cruz das Almas, Brazil
| | - Songeli Menezes Freire
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ramon Santos El-Bachá
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Silvia Lima Costa
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fatima Dias Costa
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia-UFBA Salvador, Brazil
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Elmorsy E, Elzalabany LM, Elsheikha HM, Smith PA. Adverse effects of antipsychotics on micro-vascular endothelial cells of the human blood-brain barrier. Brain Res 2014; 1583:255-68. [PMID: 25139421 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Although the mechanisms of action of antipsychotics (APs) on neuronal function are well understood, very little is known about their effects on cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB); one function of which is to limit the access of these amphiphilic compounds to the central nervous system. To address this question we have investigated the cytological and functional effects of four APs: chlorpromazine (CLP), haloperidol (HAL), risperidone (RIS) and clozapine (CLZ), at concentrations typical of high therapeutic dosage on a human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) model of the BBB. At ~10 µM all four APs impaired the ability of HBMECs to reduce MTT which was followed by decreased Trypan blue exclusion and increased Lactate dehydrogenase release. These effects were associated with oxidative stress which was partly reversed by incubation in 10mM glutathione. At their EC50 concentrations for MTT reduction, all four APs disrupted cellular ultrastructure and morphology. HAL, CPZ and CLZ increased Caspase -3, -8 and -9 activity, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, data indicative of apoptosis. These events were associated with decreased transcytosis of Evans blue and increased transendothelial potential difference and electrical resistance of this BBB model. These findings suggest that at high therapeutic concentrations, CPZ and CLZ are likely to incur cytoxic effects and apoptosis of BBB endothelia with an impairment of barrier functionality. Such events may underlie the aetiology of neuroleptic associated cerebral oedema and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekramy Elmorsy
- School of Life Science, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottinghamshire NG7 2UH, UK; Departments of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Laila M Elzalabany
- Departments of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Paul A Smith
- School of Life Science, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottinghamshire NG7 2UH, UK.
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Elsheikha HM, Alkurashi M, Kong K, Zhu XQ. Metabolic footprinting of extracellular metabolites of brain endothelium infected with Neospora caninum in vitro. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:406. [PMID: 24973017 PMCID: PMC4105892 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival of the intracellular protozoan parasite Neospora caninum depends on its ability to adapt to changing metabolic conditions of the host cell. Thus, defining cellular and metabolic changes in affected target tissues may aid in delineating pathogenetic mechanism. We undertook this study to assess the metabolic response of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) to N. caninum infection in vitro. METHODS HBMECs were exposed to N. caninum infection and the cytotoxic effects of infection were analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliumbromidin (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Metabolic footprinting of the extracellular metabolites of parasite-infected and non-infected culture supernatant was determined by using targeted (Randox RX Imola clinical chemistry analyser) and unbiased RS (Raman microspectroscopy) approaches. RESULTS The MTT assay did not reveal any cytotoxic effect of N. caninum challenge on host cell viability. Measurement of LDH activity showed that N. caninum significantly induced loss of cell membrane integrity in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner compared to control cells. Targeted biochemical analysis revealed that beta hydroxybutyrate, pyruvate, ATP, total protein, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides are significantly different in infected cells compared to controls. RS-based footprinting with principal component analysis (PCA) were able to correctly distinguish extracellular metabolites obtained from infected and control cultures, and revealed infection-related spectral signatures at 865 cm-1, 984 cm-1, 1046 cm-1, and 1420 cm-1, which are attributed to variations in the content of lipids and nucleic acids in infected cultures. CONCLUSIONS The changing pattern of extracellular metabolites suggests that HBMECs are target of metabolic alterations in N. caninum infection, which seem to reflect the changing metabolic state of infected cells and constitute a level of information exchange that host and parasite use to coordinate activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
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Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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Tonin AA, da Silva AS, Thomé GR, Bochi GV, Schetinger MRC, Moresco RN, Camillo G, Toscan G, Vogel FF, Lopes STA. Oxidative stress in brain tissue of gerbils experimentally infected with Neospora caninum. J Parasitol 2013; 100:154-6. [PMID: 24188248 DOI: 10.1645/13-310.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum infection is generally latent and asymptomatic, and it results in the formation of dormant encysted bradyzoites that remain in the brain and other tissues of infected animals for life, causing major economic and pathological problems. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between infection by N. caninum and its damage to brain tissue through the evaluation of biomarkers of oxidative stress during the acute and chronic phases of the disease. Sixteen gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) were divided into 3 groups: Group A (n = 6) was composed of healthy animals, while group B (n = 5) was infected with 0.1 ml containing 2.5 × 10(6) tachyzoites of N. caninum in order to achieve the acute phase, and, finally, group C (n = 5) was infected with a lower dose (0.1 ml containing 5 × 10(4)) of N. caninum tachyzoites in order to produce the chronic phase of the disease. All evaluations were performed on brain tissue on days 7 and 30 postinfection (PI), with assessment of the levels of several biomarkers of oxidative stress, including nitrate/nitrite (NOx), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidation (AOPP), and activity of glutathione reductase (GR). Brain levels of TBARS and AOPP statistically differed (P < 0.05) among the 3 groups when compared to the control group, since both biomarkers showed reduced levels on day 7 PI, and increased levels on day 30 PI. Brain activity of GR increased significantly in animals from group C when compared to groups A and B. On day 7 PI, histological lesions and parasites in the brain were not observed, whereas in the chronic phase group, the infected gerbils (day 30 PI) showed areas of inflammatory infiltrate, accompanied by the presence of the parasite in the brain. These results suggest that the oxidative stress occurs at both time points, but the patterns of the biomarkers are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A Tonin
- Department of Small Animals, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 97105-900
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