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Zhang M, Wang QR, Hou X, Wang Q, Yang X, Zhou T, Liu X, Wu L, Wang J, Jin X, Liu Z, Huang B. Blockage of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel alleviates the severity of experimental malaria-associated acute lung injury. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 38303078 PMCID: PMC10832208 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria-associated acute lung injury (MA-ALI) is a well-recognized clinical complication of severe, complicated malaria that is partly driven by sequestrations of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) on lung postcapillary induced impaired blood flow. In earlier studies the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel emerged as a regulator of mechanical stimuli, but the function and underlying mechanism of Piezo1 impacting MA-ALI severity via sensing the impaired pulmonary blood flow are still not fully elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the role of Piezo1 in the severity of murine MA-ALI. METHODS Here, we utilized a widely accepted murine model of MA-ALI using C57BL/6 mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection and then added a Piezo1 inhibitor (GsMTx4) to the model. The iRBC-stimulated Raw264.7 macrophages in vitro were also targeted with GsMTx4 to further explore the potential mechanism. RESULTS Our data showed an elevation in the expression of Piezo1 and number of Piezo1+-CD68+ macrophages in lung tissues of the experimental MA-ALI mice. Compared to the infected control mice, the blockage of Piezo1 with GsMTx4 dramatically improved the survival rate but decreased body weight loss, peripheral blood parasitemia/lung parasite burden, experimental cerebral malaria incidence, total protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung wet/dry weight ratio, vascular leakage, pathological damage, apoptosis and number of CD68+ and CD86+ macrophages in lung tissues. This was accompanied by a dramatic increase in the number of CD206+ macrophages (M2-like subtype), upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-4 and IL-10) and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α and IL-1β). In addition, GsMTx4 treatment remarkably decreased pulmonary intracellular iron accumulation, protein level of 4-HNE (an activator of ferroptosis) and the number of CD68+-Piezo1+ and CD68+-4-HNE+ macrophages but significantly increased protein levels of GPX4 (an inhibitor of ferroptosis) in experimental MA-ALI mice. Similarly, in vitro study showed that the administration of GsMTx4 led to a remarkable elevation in the mRNA levels of CD206, IL-4, IL-10 and GPX-4 but to a substantial decline in CD86, TNF-α, IL-1β and 4-HNE in the iRBC-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that blockage of Piezo1 with GsMTx4 alleviated the severity of experimental MA-ALI in mice partly by triggering pulmonary macrophage M2 polarization and subsequent anti-inflammatory responses but inhibited apoptosis and ferroptosis in lung tissue. Our data suggested that targeting Piezo1 in macrophages could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating MA-ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Ru Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinpeng Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- Guangzhou Chest Hospital, Guangzhou, 510095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Central Hospital of Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511400, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lirong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobao Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlong Liu
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Bo Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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Mogaka S, Mulei I, Njoki P, Ogila K, Waihenya R, Onditi F, Ozwara H. Antimalarial Efficacy and Safety of Senna occidentalis (L.) Link Root Extract in Plasmodium berghei-Infected BALB/c Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:8296195. [PMID: 37583959 PMCID: PMC10425254 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8296195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Emergence of Plasmodium resistance to antimalarial drugs presents a major drawback in efforts to control malaria. To address this problem, there is an urgent and continuous need for the development of new and effective antimalarial agents. Senna occidentalis (L.) link extract has exhibited in vitro antiplasmodial activity in many pharmacological studies. To our knowledge, data on its in vivo antimalarial efficacy is still very limited. A recent study demonstrated that polar extracts from the plant roots inhibit Plasmodium berghei proliferation in a mouse model. This study further describes the efficacy and safety of a methanolic root extract of the plant as an antimalarial agent by demonstrating its effect on hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters of Plasmodium berghei-infected BALB/c mice. Methods Rane's test, a curative approach, was used to evaluate the antimalarial efficacy of Senna occidentalis methanolic root extract in Plasmodium berghei-infected BALB/c mice. The effect of the extract on both hematological and biochemical parameters was evaluated using automated analyzers. Kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and brain tissues were harvested from euthanized mice and examined for changes in organ architecture. Results This study demonstrates that methanolic root extract of Senna occidentalis significantly inhibited Plasmodium berghei parasitemia in BALB/c mice (p < 0.01). Infected mice that were treated with the extract depicted a significantly low level of total leucocytes (p < 0.01), red blood cell distribution width (p < 0.01), and a significantly high hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001) compared to the infected animals that were administered with the vehicle only. The infected animals that were treated with the extract exhibited a significantly low level of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05), compared to the infected animals that were given the vehicle only. The level of sodium, potassium and chloride ions, lymphocytes, granulocytes, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width of the infected animals treated with the extract was not significantly different from those of the infected animals that were given the vehicle only (p > 0.05). The extract alleviated organ pathological changes in the infected mice. The extract did not induce any remarkable adverse effect on the growth, hematological, and biochemical parameters of uninfected animals (p > 0.05). In addition, administration of the extract did not alter the gross appearance and histological architecture of the organs, implying that the extract was well tolerated in mice. Conclusions Senna occidentalis methanolic root extract exhibited good antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei and may be safe in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Mogaka
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Mulei
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peninah Njoki
- Department of Medical Science, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ogila
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca Waihenya
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Faith Onditi
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hastings Ozwara
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya
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Scott ME. Helminth-host-environment interactions: Looking down from the tip of the iceberg. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e59. [PMID: 37486085 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
In 1978, the theory behind helminth parasites having the potential to regulate the abundance of their host populations was formalized based on the understanding that those helminth macroparasites that reduce survival or fecundity of the infected host population would be among the forces limiting unregulated host population growth. Now, 45 years later, a phenomenal breadth of factors that directly or indirectly affect the host-helminth interaction has emerged. Based largely on publications from the past 5 years, this review explores the host-helminth interaction from three lenses: the perspective of the helminth, the host, and the environment. What biotic and abiotic as well as social and intrinsic host factors affect helminths? What are the negative, and positive, implications for host populations and communities? What are the larger-scale implications of the host-helminth dynamic on the environment, and what evidence do we have that human-induced environmental change will modify this dynamic? The overwhelming message is that context is everything. Our understanding of second-, third-, and fourth-level interactions is extremely limited, and we are far from drawing generalizations about the myriad of microbe-helminth-host interactions.Yet the intricate, co-evolved balance and complexity of these interactions may provide a level of resilience in the face of global environmental change. Hopefully, this albeit limited compilation of recent research will spark new interdisciplinary studies, and application of the One Health approach to all helminth systems will generate new and testable conceptual frameworks that encompass our understanding of the host-helminth-environment triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Scott
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, QuebecH9X 3V9, Canada
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Saad AE, Ashour DS, Rashad E. Immunomodulatory effects of chronic trichinellosis on Toxoplasma gondii RH virulent strain in experimental rats. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:417-434. [PMID: 36922743 PMCID: PMC10177679 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2191233] [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] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed parasitic infections could affect the host immunological responses and re-design the pathogenesis of each other. The impact of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) co-infection on the immune response remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible effect of chronic trichinellosis on the immune response of rats infected with T. gondii virulent RH strain. Animals were divided into four groups: group I: non-infected negative control; group II: infected with T. spiralis; group III: infected with T. gondii and group IV: infected with T. spiralis then infected with T. gondii 35 days post T. spiralis infection (co-infected group). The interaction between T. spiralis and T. gondii was evaluated by histopathological examination of liver and brain tissues, immunohistochemical expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and β-catenin in the brain tissues, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells percentages, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expression in the spleen tissues. Along with, splenic interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels were measured 15 days post-Toxoplasma infection. Our study revealed that prior infection with T. spiralis leads to attenuation of Th1 response against T. gondii, including iNOS, TNF-α, and CD8+ T-cell response with improvement of the histopathological changes in the tissues. In conclusion, in the co-infected rats, a balanced immune response has been developed with the end result, improvement of the histopathological changes in the liver and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer E. Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Medical Parasitology sub-unit, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia S. Ashour
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman Rashad
- Cytology and Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Effect of the Recombinant 14-3-3 and Major Antigen Proteins of Strongyloides stercoralis against an Infection by S. venezuelensis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081292. [PMID: 36016178 PMCID: PMC9415175 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081292] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, is a neglected parasitic disease that represents a serious public health problem. In immunocompromised patients, this parasitosis can result in hyperinfection or disseminated disease with high levels of mortality. In previous studies, the mRNAs encoding for the 14-3-3 and major antigen proteins were found to be expressed at high levels in S. stercoralis L3 larvae, suggesting potential key roles in parasite-host interactions. We have produced them as recombinant proteins (rSs14-3-3 and rSsMA) in a bacterial protein expression system. The serum levels of anti-rSs14-3-3 and anti-rSsMA IgGs are increased upon infection with S. venezuelensis, validating the use of the mouse model since the native 14-3-3 and MA proteins induce an immune response. Each recombinant protein was formulated in the adjuvant adaptation (ADAD) vaccination system and injected twice, subcutaneously, in CD1 mice that were experimentally infected with 3000 S. venezuelensis L3 to evaluate their protective and immunomodulatory activity. Our results, including the number of parthenogenetic females, number of eggs in stool samples and the analysis of the splenic and intestinal indexes, show that the vaccines did not protect against infection. The immunization with rSs14-3-3 induced changes in the cytokine profile in mice, producing higher expression of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-13 and TNF-α in the spleen, suggesting a Th2/Treg-type response with an increase in TNF-α levels, confirming its role as an immunomodulator.
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Wang M, Liu W, Xiong Z, Li Z, Li J, Xu X, Zhang M, Xing M, Ning Q, Wu D, Qi J. Case Report: "Area of Focus" Atypical Trichinellosis and Fascioliasis Coinfection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:881356. [PMID: 35646994 PMCID: PMC9132012 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.881356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic co-infection is commonly observed in natural populations, yet rare in the laboratory. Multiparasitism can have negative effects on the host, ranging from the atypical manifestations to increased mortality, consequently, it may be misdiagnosed and treated with unsuitable anthelmintic medicines. Therefore, reliable diagnosis is critical for appropriate treatment of parasitic co-infection. Herein, we report a case of a 31-year-old woman with persistent eosinophilia and hypoechoic liver lesion on ultrasound. The microscopic examination of multiple stool specimens did not find any pathogens. The patient had serum specific anti-Trichinella IgG antibody by Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA). After treatment with albendazole, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed more lesions in the liver. Subsequently, liver biopsy was performed in this patient and Fasciola hepatica was identified using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) as well as polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with triclabendazole, which is the only anthelmintic drug specifically available against this fluke, her eosinophil count returned normal, and the liver lesions were significantly regressed. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by parasitic co-infection, which merits more in-depth evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziman Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiansha Li
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Xu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyou Xing
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Ning
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junying Qi
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bruschi F, Ashour D, Othman A. Trichinella-induced immunomodulation: Another tale of helminth success. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 27:e00164. [PMID: 35615625 PMCID: PMC9125654 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis is a unique parasite in that both the adults and larvae survive in two different intracellular niches in the same host. The immune response, albeit intense, is highly modulated to ensure the survival of both the host and the parasite. It is skewed to T helper 2 and regulatory arms. Diverse cells from both the innate and adaptive compartments of immunity, including dendritic cells, T regulatory cells, and alternatively activated macrophages are thought to mediate such immunomodulation. The parasite has also an outstanding ability to evade the immune system by several elaborate processes. The molecules derived from the parasites including Trichinella, particularly the components of the excretory-secretory products, are being continually identified and explored for the potential of ameliorating the immunopathology in animal models of diverse inflammatory and autoimmune human diseases. Herein we discuss the various aspects of Trichinella-induced immunomodulation with a special reference to the practical implications of the immune system manipulation in alleviating or possibly curing human diseases.
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Key Words
- AAM, alternatively activated macrophage
- AW, adult worm
- Allergy
- Autoimmune diseases
- Breg, regulatory B cell
- CAM, classically activated macrophage
- Cancer
- ES L1, ES product of T. spiralis muscle larva
- ES, excretory–secretory
- IFN- γ, interferon-γ
- IIL, intestinal infective larva
- IL, interleukin
- Immune evasion
- Immunomodulation
- ML, muscle larva
- NBL, newborn larva
- NOS, nitric oxide synthase
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- TLR, toll-like receptor
- TNF- α, tumor necrosis factor-α
- Th, T helper
- Tol-DC, tolerogenic dendritic cell
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- Trichinella
- Trichinella-derived molecules
- Ts-AES, ES from adult T. spiralis
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Bruschi
- School of Medicine, Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D.S. Ashour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - A.A. Othman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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