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Roosta Z, Falahatkar B, Sajjadi M, Paknejad H, Akbarzadeh A, Kestemont P. Sex and reproductive development impact skin mucosal epithelium immunity, antimicrobial capacity, and up-regulation of immune-related gene of goldfish (Carassius auratus). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 138:104494. [PMID: 35940383 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the epidermis mucosal capacity of goldfish (Carassius auratus) during different stages of reproductive development in both females and males. In this regard, the activity of mucolytic immune enzymes, i.e., lysozyme, complement and peroxidase, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. There were five stages for females i.e., immature (f1), cortical alveoli (f2), early and late-vitellogenesis (vtg) (f3 and f4) and ripe (f5); as well as two stages for males spermatogenesis (m1) and spermiation (m2). Some stages were also examined for the mucosal antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens. The results showed that the mucosal lysozyme activity increased significantly during vitellogenesis (P < 0.05), but no lysozyme activity was detected in plasma. On the contrary, the complement activity was only observed in female plasma, and it was significantly higher at f3 compared to the other developmental stages. Both the plasma and mucosal ALP and peroxidase activities showed a significant increase by female reproductive development with the highest amounts at f4. Contrary to the female, no significant changes were observed in plasma and mucosal immune agents and biochemistry of the male. The f5-staged goldfish showed the highest antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., Streptococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus (P < 0.05). Our results also represented the up-regulation of lysozyme (c-lys) gene expression by effects of female maturational development in ovary, liver and skin, while male goldfish showed no significant changes in c-lys expression. Moreover, there were positive correlations between c-lys expression, mucosal lysozyme activity and calcium levels in females (P < 0.01). Overall, our findings revealed that vtg process improves mucosal innate immunity that leads to activate antimicrobial components at spawning season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Roosta
- Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran
| | - Bahram Falahatkar
- Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran; Department of Marine Sciences, The Caspian Sea Basin Research Center, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan, Iran.
| | - Mirmasoud Sajjadi
- Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran
| | - Hamed Paknejad
- Department of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Arash Akbarzadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran; Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - Patrick Kestemont
- Institute of Life, Earth and Environment (ILEE), Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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Wesołowska A. Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts. Vet Res 2022; 53:94. [PMID: 36397174 PMCID: PMC9672581 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
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Habig B, Chowdhury S, Monfort SL, Brown JL, Swedell L, Foerster S. Predictors of helminth parasite infection in female chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 14:308-320. [PMID: 33898232 PMCID: PMC8056146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasite infection can impose major consequences on host fitness. Several factors, including individual characteristics of hosts, environmental conditions, and patterns of coinfection, are thought to drive variation in parasite risk. Here, we report on four key drivers of parasite infection-phase of reproduction, steroid hormone profiles, rainfall, and patterns of coinfection-in a population of wild female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in South Africa. We collected data on reproductive state and hormone profiles over a 3-year span, and quantified helminth parasite burdens in 2955 fecal samples from 24 female baboons. On a host level, we found that baboons are sensitive to parasite infection during the costliest phases of the reproductive cycle: pregnant females harbored higher intensities of Protospirura eggs than cycling and lactating females; lactating and cycling females had a higher probability of Oesophagostomum infection than pregnant females; and cycling females exhibited lower Trichuris egg counts than pregnant and lactating females. Steroid hormones were associated with both immunoenhancing and immunosuppressive properties: females with high glucocorticoid concentrations exhibited high intensities of Trichuris eggs but were at low risk of Oesophagostomum infection; females with high estrogen and progestagen concentrations exhibited high helminth parasite richness; and females with high progestagen concentrations were at high risk of Oesophagostomum infection but exhibited low Protospirura egg counts. We observed an interaction between host reproductive state and progestagen concentrations in infection intensity of Protospirura: pregnant females exhibited higher intensities and non-pregnant females exhibited lower intensities of Protospirura eggs with increasing progestagen concentrations. At a population level, rainfall patterns were dominant drivers of parasite risk. Lastly, helminth parasites exhibited positive covariance, suggesting that infection probability increases if a host already harbors one or more parasite taxa. Together, our results provide a holistic perspective of factors that shape variation in parasite risk in a wild population of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Habig
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
| | - Shahrina Chowdhury
- Department of Anthropology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
- Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York NY, 10016, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, Anthropology Program, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Steven L. Monfort
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Larissa Swedell
- Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York NY, 10016, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, Anthropology Program, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steffen Foerster
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Lucas Dato A, Pacheco-Tenza MI, Borrajo Brunete E, Martínez López B, García López M, González Cuello I, Gregori Colomé J, Navarro Cots M, Saugar JM, García-Vazquez E, Ruiz-Maciá JA, Llenas-García J. Strongyloidiasis in Southern Alicante (Spain): Comparative Retrospective Study of Autochthonous and Imported Cases. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080601. [PMID: 32717912 PMCID: PMC7460300 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease with global prevalence. In Spain, autochthonous cases are concentrated in the Mediterranean basin. We aimed to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Vega Baja del Segura (Spain), comparing autochthonous versus imported cases. METHODS Observational retrospective study of all strongyloidiasis cases from January 2009 to January 2019. Cases were diagnosed by stool larvae visualization, positive culture, PCR, Strongyloides serology, and/or compatible histology. RESULTS We included 36 patients (21 men) with a mean age of 60.8 years ±17.6; 15 cases were autochthonous and 21 imported 80.9% from Latin America. Autochthonous cases were associated with older age (mean 71.3 vs. 53.3 years; p = 0.002), male sex (odds ratio (OR) 5.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-24.68; p = 0.041), and agricultural activity (OR 13.5; 95% CI 2.4-73.7; p = 0.002). Fourteen were asymptomatic, three autochthonous cases presented with hyperinfection syndrome, and two patients died. There was no difference between autochthonous versus imported origin in eosinophilia at diagnosis (93.3% vs. 75%; p = 0.207), treatment received, or clinical response (85.7% vs. 88.9% cured; p = 1). CONCLUSION In our region, imported strongyloidiasis coexists with autochthonous cases, which are mainly in older male farmers who are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Systematic screening programs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucas Dato
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.D.); (J.L.-G.)
| | - María Isabel Pacheco-Tenza
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Emilio Borrajo Brunete
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain
| | - Belén Martínez López
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
| | - María García López
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
| | - Inmaculada González Cuello
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
| | - Joan Gregori Colomé
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
| | - María Navarro Cots
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain
| | - José María Saugar
- Parasitology Department, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto Carlos III, 28903 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Elisa García-Vazquez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Ruiz-Maciá
- Pathological Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja, 03314 Orihuela, Spain; (B.M.L.); (M.G.L.); (I.G.C.); (J.G.C.)
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain; (E.B.B.); (M.N.C.)
- Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.L.D.); (J.L.-G.)
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Sellau J, Groneberg M, Lotter H. Androgen-dependent immune modulation in parasitic infection. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:213-224. [PMID: 30353258 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections modulate the immune system of the host, resulting in either immune tolerance or the induction of pro-inflammatory defense mechanisms against the pathogen. In both cases, sex hormones are involved in the regulation of the immune response, as they are present in the systemic circulation and can act on a wide variety of cell types, including immune cells. Men and women have a different milieu of sex hormones, and these hormones play a role in determining immune responses to parasitic infections. Men, who have higher plasma levels of androgens than women, are generally more susceptible to parasitic infections. Many immune cells express the androgen receptor (AR), and the immunologic functions of these cells can be modulated by androgens. In this review, we will highlight the immune cell types that are sensitive to male steroid hormones and describe their roles during three parasitic diseases, amebiasis, leishmaniasis, and helminthiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sellau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Molecular Infection Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Marie Groneberg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Molecular Infection Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannelore Lotter
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Molecular Infection Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
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Gutiérrez-Amézquita R, Morales-Montor J, Muñoz-Guzmán M, Nava-Castro K, Ramírez-Álvarez H, Cuenca-Verde C, Moreno-Mendoza N, Cuéllar-Ordaz J, Alba-Hurtado F. Progesterone inhibits the in vitro L3/L4 molting process in Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2017. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Progesterone inhibits the in vitro L3/L4 molting process in Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2017; 248:48-53. [PMID: 29173541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the direct effects of progesterone on the morphology, maturation and behavior of Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. The presence and location of possible progesterone receptors in these larvae were also determined. The addition of 8ng/mL of progesterone to larval cultures over 10days reduced larval enlargement, while the addition of 160ng/mL of the hormone increased the enlargement. Up to 62% and 65% of the H. contortus larvae molted from third-stage larvae (L3) to fourth-stage larvae (L4) when cultured in RPMI-1640 media without hormone for 5 and 10days, respectively. The addition of different progesterone concentrations (1, 8, 16, 80 and 160ng/mL) to the larval cultures significantly inhibited the molting process within the same periods. The addition of 8ng/mL or higher progesterone concentrations to the cultures significantly increased larval motility (p<0.05) compared with unstimulated larvae. Flow cytometry showed the expression of progesterone receptors (P4-R) in 15% of the cells from newly isolated H. contortus larvae. When the larvae were cultured for 5days in the presence of the hormone, the percentage of P4-R+ cells remained the same. In contrast, unstimulated larvae showed a significant reduction in the number of P4-R+ cells. Using confocal microscopy, a greater concentration of P4-Rs was immunolocated in the anterior portion of the alimentary tract of the larvae, suggesting that the cells in this region are targeted by the hormone. The results of the present study show that H. contortus larvae have possible P4-Rs and respond to this hormone by inhibiting their molting process, thereby suggesting the participation of progesterone in the larval arrest phenomenon.
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Pedrassani D, Nascimento AAD, André MR, Machado RZ. Dioctophyme renale: prevalence and risk factors of parasitism in dogs of São Cristóvão district, Três Barras county, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 26:39-46. [PMID: 28198911 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dioctophyme renale is a nematode that can be found parasitizing the kidney, peritoneal cavity and, rarely, other organs of canids and mustelids. This disease has high occurrence in the municipality of Três Barras, state of Santa Catarina, thus making this an interesting area to study the epidemiological aspects of infection by D. renale in dogs. Among 197 dogs, 14.2% showed the parasite eggs in urine and 16.4% showed IgG antibodies anti-D. renale in serum samples according to the indirect ELISA method; among seropositive dogs, 15 (37.5%) animals did not show any parasite eggs in their urine. Parasitism was more frequent in females, and there was no finding of interference from age on parasitism. Factors such as water potential and presence of paratenic hosts in the studied region were reported by the owners of dogs and may have contributed to the occurrence of parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pedrassani
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade do Contestado - UnC, Canoinhas, SC, Brasil
| | - Adjair Antonio do Nascimento
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Foo YZ, Nakagawa S, Rhodes G, Simmons LW. The effects of sex hormones on immune function: a meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:551-571. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhi Foo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King Street Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales; UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Gillian Rhodes
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Leigh W. Simmons
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Hwy Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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Sasaki M, Fujii Y, Iwamoto M, Ikadai H. Effect of sex steroids on Babesia microti infection in mice. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 88:367-75. [PMID: 23249689 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-based-differences are known to affect susceptibility to protozoan infections, but their effects on parasitemia and clinical symptoms in Babesia infections remain unclear. We examined the sex-based susceptibility of various mouse strains to Babesia microti Munich strain infection. In all strains, male mice exhibited significantly higher peak parasitemia and more severe anemia than female mice. Testosterone and estradiol-17β treatment caused an increase in parasitemia and aggravation of anemia. Orchidectomized male mice receiving testosterone exhibited smaller splenic macrophage populations three days after infection, smaller B cell populations 10 days after infection, and reduced splenic tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ mRNA expression than mice that did not receive testosterone. Mice receiving estradiol-17β did not exhibit immunosuppressive effects. Thus, a weakened and delayed innate immunity response may lead to acquired immunity failure. The results suggested that testosterone directly affects T or B cells, leading to delayed acquired immunity, dramatically increased parasitemia, and severe anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Sasaki
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
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Sex steroids effects on the molting process of the helminth human parasite Trichinella spiralis. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:625380. [PMID: 22162638 PMCID: PMC3228608 DOI: 10.1155/2011/625380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the in vitro effects of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone on the molting process, which is the initial and crucial step in the development of the muscular larvae (ML or L1) to adult worm. Testosterone had no significative effect on the molting rate of the parasite, however, progesterone decreased the molting rate about a 50% in a concentration- and time-independent pattern, while estradiol had a slight effect (10%). The gene expression of caveolin-1, a specific gene used as a marker of parasite development, showed that progesterone and estradiol downregulated its expression, while protein expression was unaffected. By using flow citometry, a possible protein that is recognized by a commercial antiprogesterone receptor antibody was detected. These findings may have strong implications in the host-parasite coevolution, in the sex-associated susceptibility to this infection and could point out to possibilities to use antihormones to inhibit parasite development.
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12
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Hepworth MR, Hardman MJ, Grencis RK. The role of sex hormones in the development of Th2 immunity in a gender-biased model of Trichuris muris infection. Eur J Immunol 2010; 40:406-16. [PMID: 19950176 PMCID: PMC3549561 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200939589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Trichuris muris infection is an ideal model for defining T-cell-driven immunity, and also provides essential insights that may impact on potential helminth therapies currently in development. Conflicting host variables determine the efficiency of such treatments and we have identified host-derived sex steroid hormones as key factors in the development of immunity. The female-associated hormone 17-β estradiol (E2) significantly enhanced the generation of a Th2 response in vitro; however, this stimulatory effect was found to be dispensable for the generation of immunity to Trichuris in the gender-biased IL-4KO mouse model. In contrast, the male-associated hormone dihydrotestosterone significantly inhibited the T-cell stimulatory capacity of DC and directly suppressed the immune response of male IL-4KO mice, with worm expulsion restored following castration. This finding was associated with dramatically reduced IL-18 mRNA expression suggesting androgens may act via this cytokine to suppress Th2 immunity to Trichuris. This study has critical implications for the development and efficacy of potential helminth therapeutics and identifies host gender – specifically sex hormones – as important factors in the development of Th2 immunity in susceptible and immunocompromised mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Hepworth
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
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Carey MA, Card JW, Voltz JW, Germolec DR, Korach KS, Zeldin DC. The impact of sex and sex hormones on lung physiology and disease: lessons from animal studies. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2007; 293:L272-8. [PMID: 17575008 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00174.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous animal studies have revealed significant effects of sex and sex hormones on normal lung development, lung physiology, and various lung diseases. The primary goal of this review is to summarize knowledge to date on the effects of sex and sex hormones on lung development, physiology, and disease in animals. Specific emphasis will be placed on fibrosis, allergic airway disease, acute lung injury models, respiratory infection, and lung toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Carey
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Marra NM, Amarante AF, Amarante MR. Genetic basis of the resistance to Strongyloides venezuelensis (Nematoda, Rhabdiasidae) infection in mice (Mus musculus). Genet Mol Biol 2007. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572007000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Abstract
The production, differentiation, and presence of male gametes represent inimitable challenges to the immune system, as they are unique to the body and appear long after the maturation of the immune system and formation of systemic self-tolerance. Known to protect germ cells and foreign tissue grafts from autoimmune attack, the 'immune privilege' of the testis was originally, and somewhat simplistically, attributed to the existence of the blood-testis barrier. Recent research has shown a previously unknown level of complexity with a multitude of factors, both physical and immunological, necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the immunotolerance in the testis. Besides the blood-testis barrier and a diminished capability of the large testicular resident macrophage population to mount an inflammatory response, it is the constitutive expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the testis by immune and particularly somatic cells, that represents an essential element for local immunosuppression. The role of androgens in testicular immune regulation has long been underestimated; yet, accumulating evidence now shows that they orchestrate the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression and shift cytokine balance toward a tolerogenic environment. Furthermore, the role of the testicular dendritic cells in suppressing antigen-specific immunity and T-lymphocyte activation is discussed. Finally, the active role mast cells play in the induction and amplification of immune responses, both in infertile humans and in experimental models, highlights the importance of preventing mast cell activation to maintain the immune-privileged status of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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16
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Klein SL. Hormonal and immunological mechanisms mediating sex differences in parasite infection. Parasite Immunol 2004; 26:247-64. [PMID: 15541029 DOI: 10.1111/j.0141-9838.2004.00710.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 442] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence and intensity of infections caused by protozoa, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and arthropods is higher in males than females. The primary thesis of this review is that immunological differences exist between the sexes that may underlie increased parasitism in males compared to females. Several field and laboratory studies link sex differences in immune function with circulating steroid hormones; thus, the roles of sex steroids, including testosterone, oestradiol, and progesterone, as well as glucocorticoids will be discussed. Not only can host hormones affect responses to infection, but parasites can both produce and alter hormone concentrations in their hosts. The extent to which changes in endocrine-immune interactions following infection are mediated by the host or the parasite will be considered. Although males are more susceptible than females to many parasites, there are parasites for which males are more resistant than females and endocrine-immune interactions may underlie this sex reversal. Finally, although immunological differences exist between the sexes, genetic and behavioural differences may explain some variability in response to infection and will be explored as alternative hypotheses for how differences between the sexes contribute to dimorphic responses to parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Klein
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA.
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17
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Morales-Montor J, Chavarria A, De León MA, Del Castillo LI, Escobedo EG, Sánchez EN, Vargas JA, Hernández-Flores M, Romo-González T, Larralde C. Host gender in parasitic infections of mammals: an evaluation of the female host supremacy paradigm. J Parasitol 2004; 90:531-46. [PMID: 15270097 DOI: 10.1645/ge-113r3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A review of current literature on mammalian hosts' sexual dimorphism (SD) in parasitic infections revealed that (1) it is a scarcely and superficially studied biological phenomenon of considerable significance for individual health, behavior, and lifestyles and for the evolution of species; (2) there are many notable exceptions to the rule of a favorable female bias in susceptibility to infection; (3) a complex network of molecular and cellular reactions connecting the host's immuno-neuroendocrine systems with those of the parasite is responsible for the host-parasite relationship rather than just an adaptive immune response and sex hormones; (4) a lack of gender-specific immune profiles in response to different infections; (5) the direct effects of the host hormones on parasite physiology may significantly contribute to SD in parasitism; and (6) the need to enrich the reductionist approach to complex biological issues, like SD, with more penetrating approaches to the study of cause-effect relationships, i.e., network theory. The review concludes by advising against generalization regarding SD and parasitism and by pointing to some of the most promising lines of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, AP 70228, El Alto, Mexico DF 04510, Mexico
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18
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Cavasin MA, Sankey SS, Yu AL, Menon S, Yang XP. Estrogen and testosterone have opposing effects on chronic cardiac remodeling and function in mice with myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 284:H1560-9. [PMID: 12560213 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01087.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Premenopausal women are much less prone to develop cardiovascular disease than men of similar age, but this advantage no longer applies after menopause. We previously found that male mice have a significantly higher rate of cardiac rupture than females during the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI); however, the effects of sexual hormones on chronic remodeling are unknown. We hypothesized that estrogen (E) may protect the heart from chronic remodeling and deterioration of function post-MI, whereas testosterone (T) may have adverse effects. Mice (4 wk old) of both genders were divided into four groups: female groups consisted of 1) sham ovariectomy (S-Ovx) + placebo (P) (S-Ovx + P), 2) S-Ovx + T, 3) Ovx + P, and 4) Ovx + T; and male groups consisted of 1) sham castration (S-Cas)+ P (S-Cas + P), 2) S-Cas + 17beta-estradiol (E), 3) Cas + P, and 4) Cas + E. MI was induced 6 wk later. Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and left ventricular dimensions (LVD). Myocyte cross-sectional area (MCSA) was measured at the end of the study. In females, both testosterone and ovariectomy decreased ejection fraction (EF) and increased LVD, and when combined they aggravated cardiac function and remodeling further. Testosterone significantly increased MCSA. In males, castration or estrogen increased EF and reduced LVD, whereas castration significantly reduced MCSA. Our data suggest that estrogen prevents deterioration of cardiac function and remodeling after MI, but testosterone worsens cardiac dysfunction and remodeling and has a pronounced effect when estrogen levels are reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Cavasin
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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