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Archer J, Cunningham LJ, Juhász A, Jones S, O’Ferrall AM, Rollason S, Mainga B, Chammudzi P, Kapira DR, Lally D, Namacha G, Makaula P, LaCourse JE, Kayuni SA, Webster BL, Musaya J, Stothard JR. Molecular epidemiology and population genetics of Schistosoma mansoni infecting school-aged children situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, Malawi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012504. [PMID: 39374309 PMCID: PMC11458004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In areas of low disease endemicity, highly sensitive diagnostic tools to identify, diagnose, and monitor intestinal schistosomiasis transmission are needed to reliably measure the burden and risk of infection. Here, we used highly sensitive molecular diagnostic methods to investigate Schistosoma mansoni prevalence and transmission along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, five years post-disease outbreak. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Faecal and urine samples were provided by school-aged children situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi. Kato-Katz faecal-egg microscopy and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) rapid diagnostic tests were then performed to diagnose infection with S. mansoni. Urine-egg microscopy was also used to diagnose infection with Schistosoma haematobium. In addition, Schistosoma miracidia were isolated from faecal material using a standard miracidium hatching technique. A two-step real-time PCR approach was then used to diagnose infection with S. mansoni using DNA isolated from faecal samples. Furthermore, isolated miracidia were genotyped to species level through PCR and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were then carried out to identify which previously defined S. mansoni cox1 lineage group S. mansoni miracidia were most closely related to. The measured prevalence of S. mansoni infection varied considerably depending on which diagnostic assay was used. When compared to real-time PCR, faecal-egg microscopy had a sensitivity of 9% and a specificity of 100%. When POC-CCA 'trace' results were considered positive, POC-CCA had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 81% when compared to real-time PCR. However, when considered negative, POC-CCA sensitivity was reduced to 56%, whereas specificity was increased to 90%. In addition, a high degree of S. haematobium DNA was detected in DNA isolated from faecal samples and motile S. haematobium miracidia were recovered from faecal samples. Schistosoma mansoni miracidia were closely related to two independent cox1 lineage groups, suggesting multiple recent introduction and colonisation events originating from surrounding east African countries. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Intestinal schistosomiasis is now highly prevalent along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi just five years post-disease outbreak. In addition, a high prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis persists. The revision of ongoing schistosomiasis control programmes in this area is therefore recommended. Our study also highlights the need for reliable diagnostic assays capable of distinguishing between Schistosoma species in multispecies co-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Archer
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas J. Cunningham
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sam Jones
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Angus M. O’Ferrall
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Rollason
- School of Biosciences, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bright Mainga
- Laboratory Department, Mangochi District Hospital, Mangochi, Malawi
| | - Priscilla Chammudzi
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Donales R. Kapira
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - David Lally
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gladys Namacha
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Makaula
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - James E. LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sekeleghe A. Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bonnie L. Webster
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janelisa Musaya
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Rogers M, Kamath S, McManus D, Jones M, Gordon C, Navarro S. Schistosoma excretory/secretory products: an untapped library of tolerogenic immunotherapeutics against food allergy. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e70001. [PMID: 39221178 PMCID: PMC11359118 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.70001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) is considered the 'second wave' of the allergy epidemic in developed countries after asthma and allergic rhinitis with a steadily growing burden of 40%. The absence of early childhood pathogen stimulation embodied by the hygiene hypothesis is one explanation, and in particular, the eradication of parasitic helminths could be at play. Infections with parasites Schistosoma spp. have been found to have a negative correlation with allergic diseases. Schistosomes induce regulatory responses to evade immune detection and ensure their long-term survival. This is achieved via excretory/secretory (E/S) products, consisting of proteins, lipids, metabolites, nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles, representing an untapped therapeutic avenue for the treatment of FA without the unpleasant side-effects and risks associated with live infection. Schistosome-derived immunotherapeutic development is in its infancy and novel discoveries are heavily technology dependent; thus, it is essential to better understand how newly identified molecules interact with host immune systems to ensure safety and successful translation. This review will outline the identified Schistosoma-derived E/S products at all life cycle stages and discuss known mechanisms of action and their ability to suppress FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Rogers
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Sandip Kamath
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and MedicineJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Donald McManus
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Malcolm Jones
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of QueenslandGattonQLDAustralia
| | - Catherine Gordon
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Severine Navarro
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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3
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Tsukanov VV, Vasyutin AV, Tonkikh JL. Parasites of the liver: A global problem? World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3554-3559. [PMID: 39193571 PMCID: PMC11346153 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i30.3554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic liver diseases can be caused by trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, and protozoa. This pathology is significant because millions of people in different parts of the world have liver parasites, which can manifest themselves in the development of inflammation, liver cysts, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis that are often threatening their lives. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers three species of trematodes, Schistosoma haematobium, Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, to be carcinogens. Complex modern examination methods, in some cases including extensive screening of large populations, are required for diagnosing liver parasites. Treatment of parasitic liver diseases is differentiated and can involve a combination of surgical and therapeutic measures. There is no doubt that the clinical and epidemiological scale allows one to regard parasitic liver diseases as a global healthcare problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav V Tsukanov
- Clinical Department of the Digestive System Pathology of Adults and Children, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Alexander V Vasyutin
- Clinical Department of the Digestive System Pathology of Adults and Children, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Julia L Tonkikh
- Clinical Department of the Digestive System Pathology of Adults and Children, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
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Ristori MV, Guarrasi V, Soda P, Petrosillo N, Gurrieri F, Longo UG, Ciccozzi M, Riva E, Angeletti S. Emerging Microorganisms and Infectious Diseases: One Health Approach for Health Shared Vision. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:908. [PMID: 39062687 PMCID: PMC11275270 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070908] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are newly emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases identifies the following as emerging infectious diseases: SARS, MERS, COVID-19, influenza, fungal diseases, plague, schistosomiasis, smallpox, tick-borne diseases, and West Nile fever. The factors that should be taken into consideration are the genetic adaptation of microbial agents and the characteristics of the human host or environment. The new approach to identifying new possible pathogens will have to go through the One Health approach and omics integration data, which are capable of identifying high-priority microorganisms in a short period of time. New bioinformatics technologies enable global integration and sharing of surveillance data for rapid public health decision-making to detect and prevent epidemics and pandemics, ensuring timely response and effective prevention measures. Machine learning tools are being more frequently utilized in the realm of infectious diseases to predict sepsis in patients, diagnose infectious diseases early, and forecast the effectiveness of treatment or the appropriate choice of antibiotic regimen based on clinical data. We will discuss emerging microorganisms, omics techniques applied to infectious diseases, new computational solutions to evaluate biomarkers, and innovative tools that are useful for integrating omics data and electronic medical records data for the clinical management of emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Ristori
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Valerio Guarrasi
- Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Paolo Soda
- Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.G.); (P.S.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Intervention, Radiation Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention Control/Infectious Disease Service, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fiorella Gurrieri
- Operative Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Umile Giuseppe Longo
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Virology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
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5
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Ekloh W, Asafu-Adjaye A, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Ayivi-Tosuh SM, Quartey NKA, Aiduenu AF, Gayi BK, Koudonu JAM, Basing LA, Yamoah JAA, Dofuor AK, Osei JHN. A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33070. [PMID: 38988508 PMCID: PMC11234110 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33070] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases which affects both humans and animals, is caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is caused by several species of Schistosoma which affect several organs such as urethra, liver, bladder, intestines, skin and bile ducts. The life cycle of the disease involves an intermediate host (snail) and a mammalian host. It affects people who are in close proximity to water bodies where the intermediate host is abundant. Common clinical manifestations of the disease at various stages include fever, chills, headache, cough, dysuria, hyperplasia and hydronephrosis. To date, most of the control strategies are dependent on effective diagnosis, chemotherapy and public health education on the biology of the vectors and parasites. Microscopy (Kato-Katz) is considered the golden standard for the detection of the parasite, while praziquantel is the drug of choice for the mass treatment of the disease since no vaccines have yet been developed. Most of the previous reviews on schistosomiasis have concentrated on epidemiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and treatment. Thus, a comprehensive review that is in tune with modern developments is needed. Here, we extend this domain to cover historical perspectives, global impact, symptoms and detection, biochemical and molecular characterization, gene therapy, current drugs and vaccine status. We also discuss the prospects of using plants as potential and alternative sources of novel anti-schistosomal agents. Furthermore, we highlight advanced molecular techniques, imaging and artificial intelligence that may be useful in the future detection and treatment of the disease. Overall, the proper detection of schistosomiasis using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, as well as development of vaccines or new anti-schistosomal drugs may aid in the elimination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ekloh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andy Asafu-Adjaye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Fynn Aiduenu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Blessing Kwabena Gayi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Laud Anthony Basing
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ishida K, Osakunor DNM, Rossi M, Lamanna OK, Mbanefo EC, Cody JJ, Le L, Hsieh MH. RNA-seq gene expression profiling of the bladder in a mouse model of urogenital schistosomiasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.29.601185. [PMID: 38979184 PMCID: PMC11230422 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.29.601185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Parasitic flatworms of the Schistosoma genus cause schistosomiasis, which affects over 230 million people. Schistosoma haematobium causes the urogenital form of schistosomiasis (UGS), which can lead to hematuria, fibrosis, and increased risk of secondary infections by bacteria or viruses. UGS is also linked to bladder cancer. To understand the bladder pathology during S. haematobium infection, our group previously developed a mouse model that involves the injection of S. haematobium eggs into the bladder wall. Using this model, we studied changes in epigenetics profile, as well as changes in gene and protein expression in the host bladder tissues. In the current study, we expand upon this work by examining the expression level of both host and parasite genes using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in the mouse bladder wall injection model of S. haematobium infection. Methods We used a mouse model of S. haematobium infection in which parasite eggs or vehicle control were injected into the bladder walls of female BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was performed on the RNA isolated from the bladders four days after bladder wall injection. Results/Conclusions RNA-seq analysis of egg- and vehicle control-injected bladders revealed the differential expression of 1025 mouse genes in the egg-injected bladders, including genes associated with cellular infiltration, immune cell chemotaxis, cytokine signaling, and inflammation We also observed the upregulation of immune checkpoint-related genes, which suggests that while the infection causes an inflammatory response, it also dampens the response to avoid excessive inflammation-related damage to the host. Identifying these changes in host signaling and immune responses improves our understanding of the infection and how it may contribute to the development of bladder cancer. Analysis of the differential gene expression of the parasite eggs between bladder-injected versus uninjected eggs revealed 119 S. haematobium genes associated with transcription, intracellular signaling, and metabolism. The analysis of the parasite genes also revealed fewer transcript reads compared to that found in the analysis of mouse genes, highlighting the challenges of studying parasite egg biology in the mouse model of S. haematobium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ishida
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Derick N M Osakunor
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Mario Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Olivia K Lamanna
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Evaristus C Mbanefo
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - James J Cody
- Charles River Laboratories, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Loc Le
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Michael H Hsieh
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Department of Urology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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7
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Stark KA, Rinaldi G, Costain A, Clare S, Tolley C, Almeida A, McCarthy C, Harcourt K, Brandt C, Lawley TD, Berriman M, MacDonald AS, Forde-Thomas JE, Hulme BJ, Hoffmann KF, Cantacessi C, Cortés A. Gut microbiota and immune profiling of microbiota-humanised versus wildtype mouse models of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:36. [PMID: 38918824 PMCID: PMC11201864 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence of the occurrence of direct and indirect interactions between the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and the gut microbiota of rodent models raises questions on the potential role(s) of the latter in the pathophysiology of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. However, substantial differences in both the composition and function between the gut microbiota of laboratory rodents and that of humans hinders an in-depth understanding of the significance of such interactions for human schistosomiasis. Taking advantage of the availability of a human microbiota-associated mouse model (HMA), we have previously highlighted differences in infection-associated changes in gut microbiota composition between HMA and wildtype (WT) mice. To further explore the dynamics of schistosome-microbiota relationships in HMA mice, in this study we (i) characterize qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota composition of a distinct line of HMA mice (D2 HMA) infected with S. mansoni prior to and following the onset of parasite egg production; (ii) profile local and systemic immune responses against the parasite in HMA as well as WT mice and (iii) assess levels of faecal inflammatory markers and occult blood as indirect measures of gut tissue damage. We show that patent S. mansoni infection is associated with reduced bacterial alpha diversity in the gut of D2 HMA mice, alongside expansion of hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. Similar systemic humoral responses against S. mansoni in WT and D2 HMA mice, as well as levels of faecal lipocalin and markers of alternatively activated macrophages, suggest that these are independent of baseline gut microbiota composition. Qualitative comparative analyses between faecal microbial profiles of S. mansoni-infected WT and distinct lines of HMA mice reveal that, while infection-induced alterations of the gut microbiota composition are highly dependent on the baseline flora, bile acid composition and metabolism may represent key elements of schistosome-microbiota interactions through the gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Stark
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - G Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - A Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - S Clare
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Tolley
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C McCarthy
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - K Harcourt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - C Brandt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - T D Lawley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J E Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - B J Hulme
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - K F Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - C Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - A Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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8
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Ponzo E, Midiri A, Manno A, Pastorello M, Biondo C, Mancuso G. Insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:86-96. [PMID: 38498078 PMCID: PMC11097794 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2024.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. There are five human pathogenic species, of which Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum are the most prevalent worldwide and cause the greatest burden of disease in terms of mortality and morbidity. In addition, hybrid schistosomes have been identified through molecular analysis. Human infection occurs when cercariae, the larval form of the parasite, penetrate the skin of people while bathing in contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers. Schistosomiasis can cause both urogenital and intestinal symptoms. Urogenital symptoms include haematuria, bladder fibrosis, kidney damage, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Intestinal symptoms may include abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and blood in the stool. Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people and causes approximately 70 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), mainly in Africa, South America, and Asia. To control infection, it is essential to establish sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction. This review provides an overview of schistosomiasis, with a focus on available diagnostic tools for Schistosoma spp. Current molecular detection methods and progress in the development of new diagnostics for schistosomiasis infection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ponzo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Midiri
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Manno
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Pastorello
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mancuso
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
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9
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Bushrow L, Kneuertz P, Maher W, Shilo K. Large Mediastinal Mass as a Rare Presentation of Schistosomiasis. Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241241643. [PMID: 38567392 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241241643] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A 39-year-old woman originally from Northeast Africa sought medical attention for positional dyspnea. Computed tomography of the chest revealed an 8.5 cm hypodense anterior mediastinal mass with peripheral calcifications that raised a wide differential diagnosis including infectious and neoplastic lesions. Following surgical resection, a large cavitary necrotizing and calcified granuloma involving the thymus was identified on histopathological examination. The changes were associated with parasitic eggs that based on their morphology suggested infection due to trematode species. The diagnosis was further corroborated by identification of the increased IgG titers for Schistosoma species (ELISA Kit, NovaTec). The patient's symptoms improved following surgery and praziquantel therapy. This unique presentation emphasizes an unusual manifestation of schistosomiasis that can pose a diagnostic challenge, especially in non-endemic regions. It suggests that mediastinal involvement by schistosomiasis is likely due to an ectopic deposition of the parasitic eggs within a definitive host. Suspicion for schistosomiasis should be heightened based on patient demographics and travel to endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Bushrow
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter Kneuertz
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - William Maher
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Konstantin Shilo
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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10
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Baniya A, Goldy CJ, Ardpairin J, Achi P, Chang YW, Adrianza RC, Vitta A, Dillman AR. Canine Schistosomiasis in the West Coast: Heterobilharzia americana in Two Natural Intermediate Hosts Found in the Colorado River, California. Pathogens 2024; 13:245. [PMID: 38535588 PMCID: PMC10975932 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of infectious diseases presents a significant global health, economic, and security risk. Climate change can unexpectedly lead to the spread of pathogens, vectors, or hosts into new areas, contributing to the rise of infectious diseases. Surveillance plays a crucial role in monitoring disease trends and implementing control strategies. In this study, we document the first discovery of Heterobilharzia americana, a parasitic schistosome of mammals and its intermediate hosts Galba cubensis and Galba humilis along the banks of the Colorado River in California. We conducted multiple samplings of snails from various locations in the region with a previous history of canine schistosomiasis. Nucleotide sequencing of the multiple regions of the snails' and parasites' DNA revealed the coexistence of G. cubensis and G. humilis, both infected with H. americana. Phylogenetic analyses further validate the presence of H. americana in California, suggesting a wider distribution than previously reported. Our findings have implications for public health, veterinary medicine, and biodiversity conservation, contributing to developing effective control strategies to prevent the spread of this emerging infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Baniya
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Connor J. Goldy
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Jiranun Ardpairin
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (J.A.); (A.V.)
| | - Perla Achi
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Yu Wei Chang
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Rose C. Adrianza
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Apichat Vitta
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (J.A.); (A.V.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Adler R. Dillman
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.B.); (C.J.G.); (P.A.); (Y.W.C.); (R.C.A.)
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11
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Wang X, Gong Q, Nie H, Tu J, Fan W, Tan X. High level of C3 is associated with Th2 immune response and liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13029. [PMID: 38465509 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13029] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Long-term infection of schistosomiasis will seriously affect the liver health of patients. The serum of 334 chronic Schistosoma japonicum patients and 149 healthy volunteers was collected. Compared with heathy people, the level of C4 (complement 4) was increased, and the level of C3 (complement 3) was in an obvious skewed distribution. ELISA was performed to detect the serum cytokines, the results showed that the levels of IFN-γ (interferon-γ), IL (interleukin)-2 and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) were reduced, while the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) were increased. In the serum of patients with high C3, the secretion of HA (hyaluronic acid), LN (laminin), IV-C (type IV collagen) and PCIII (type III procollagen) were increased, the activation of hepatic stellate cells was promoted. Exogenous human recombinant C3 made mice liver structure of the mice damaged and collagen deposition. IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 were decreased, while HA, LN, PCIII and IV-C were increased, and the expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β1 in liver tissues were up-regulated. However, the addition of IFN-γ partially reversed the effect of C3 on promoting fibrosis. High level of C3 is associated with Th2 immune response and liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmo Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Quan Gong
- Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hao Nie
- Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Clinical College of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Wen Fan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Tan
- Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
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12
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Yeh YT, Del Álamo JC, Caffrey CR. Biomechanics of parasite migration within hosts. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:164-175. [PMID: 38172015 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The dissemination of protozoan and metazoan parasites through host tissues is hindered by cellular barriers, dense extracellular matrices, and fluid forces in the bloodstream. To overcome these diverse biophysical impediments, parasites implement versatile migratory strategies. Parasite-exerted mechanical forces and upregulation of the host's cellular contractile machinery are the motors for these strategies, and these are comparably better characterized for protozoa than for helminths. Using the examples of the protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium, and the metazoan, Schistosoma mansoni, we highlight how quantitative tools such as traction force and reflection interference contrast microscopies have improved our understanding of how parasites alter host mechanobiology to promote their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Yeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 93093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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13
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Chienwichai P, Tipthara P, Tarning J, Limpanont Y, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Kiangkoo N, Adisakwattana P, Reamtong O. Identification of trans-genus biomarkers for early diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis and progression of gut pathology in a mouse model using metabolomics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011966. [PMID: 38381759 PMCID: PMC10880994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating human diseases worldwide. The disease is caused by six species of Schistosoma blood fluke; five of which cause intestinal granulomatous inflammation and bleeding. The current diagnostic method is inaccurate and delayed, hence, biomarker identification using metabolomics has been applied. However, previous studies only investigated infection caused by one Schistosoma spp., leaving a gap in the use of biomarkers for other species. No study focused on understanding the progression of intestinal disease. Therefore, we aimed to identify early gut biomarkers of infection with three Schistosoma spp. and progression of intestinal pathology. We infected 3 groups of mice, 3 mice each, with Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum or Schistosoma mekongi and collected their feces before and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after infection. Metabolites in feces were extracted and identified using mass spectrometer-based metabolomics. Metabolites were annotated and analyzed with XCMS bioinformatics tool and Metaboanalyst platform. From >36,000 features in all conditions, multivariate analysis found a distinct pattern at each time point for all species. Pathway analysis reported alteration of several lipid metabolism pathways as infection progressed. Disturbance of the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway was found with the presence of parasite eggs, indicating involvement of this pathway in disease progression. Biomarkers were discovered using a combination of variable importance for projection score cut-off and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Five molecules met our criteria and were present in all three species: 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 1α-hydroxy-2β-(3-hydroxypropoxy) vitamin D3, Ganoderic acid Md, unidentified feature with m/z 455.3483, and unidentified feature with m/z 456.3516. These molecules were proposed as trans-genus biomarkers of early schistosomiasis. Our findings provide evidence for disease progression in intestinal schistosomiasis and potential biomarkers, which could be beneficial for early detection of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peerut Chienwichai
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phornpimon Tipthara
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupa Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapohn Kiangkoo
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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14
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Li L, Zhao B, Zheng X, Liu Z, Zou H, Qin L, Zhou X. Diterpenoids with Schistosomula-Killing and Anti-Fibrosis Activities In Vitro from the Leaves of Croton tiglium. Molecules 2024; 29:401. [PMID: 38257314 PMCID: PMC10818740 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The leaves of C. tiglium have been comprehensively researched for their structurally novel bioactive natural compounds, especially those with anti-schistosomiasis liver fibrosis activity, because ethyl acetate extract, which can be extracted from the leaves of C. tiglium, has good anti-schistosomiasis liver fibrosis effects. One new tigliane-type diterpene, 20-acetyl-13-O-(2-metyl)butyryl-phorbol (1), and nine known (2-10) analogues were isolated from the leaves of C. tiglium. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and ECD analysis. All diterpenoids had a stronger insecticidal effect on schistosomula, and compounds 2, 4, and 10 had good anti-liver-fibrosis effects. Furthermore, compared with the model group, compound 2 significantly downregulated the protein and mRNA expression of COL-I, COL-III, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 on TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, compound 2 also regulated the expression of TGF-β/Smad-pathway-related proteins. The results suggest that diterpenoids from C. tiglium may serve as potential schistosomula-killing and anti-liver-fibrosis agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; (L.L.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Biqing Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; (L.L.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; (L.L.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Hengxiu Tang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changsha 410219, China; (Z.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huan Zou
- Hengxiu Tang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changsha 410219, China; (Z.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Li Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; (L.L.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaojiang Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; (L.L.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
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15
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Maharjan S, Kirk RS, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Human growth factor-mediated signalling through lipid rafts regulates stem cell proliferation, development and survival of Schistosoma mansoni. Open Biol 2024; 14:230262. [PMID: 38195062 PMCID: PMC10776228 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230262] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms by which schistosomes grow and develop in humans are poorly defined, their unique outer tegument layer, which interfaces with host blood, is considered vital to homeostasis of the parasite. Here, we investigated the importance of tegument lipid rafts to the biology of Schistosoma mansoni in the context of host-parasite interactions. We demonstrate the temporal clustering of lipid rafts in response to human epidermal growth factor (EGF) during early somule development, concomitant with the localization of anteriorly orientated EGF receptors (EGFRs) and insulin receptors, mapped using fluorescent EGF/insulin ligand. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD)-mediated depletion of cholesterol from lipid rafts abrogated the EGFR/IR binding at the parasite surface and led to modulation of protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signalling pathways within the parasite. Furthermore, MβCD-mediated lipid raft disruption, and blockade of EGFRs using canertinib, profoundly reduced somule motility and survival, and attenuated stem cell proliferation and somule growth and development particularly to the fast-growing liver stage. These findings provide a novel paradigm for schistosome development and vitality in the host, driven through host-parasite interactions at the tegument, that might be exploitable for developing innovative therapeutic approaches to combat human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Maharjan
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland's Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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16
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LoVerde PT. Schistosomiasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:75-105. [PMID: 39008264 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity in the world and almost 800 million people worldwide are at risk for schistosomiasis; it is second only to malaria as a major infectious disease. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects more than 250 million people in 78 countries of the world and is responsible for some 280,000-500,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium. This chapter covers a wide range of aspects of schistosomiasis, including basic biology of the parasites, epidemiology, immunopathology, treatment, control, vaccines, and genomics/proteomics. In this chapter, the reader will understand the significant toll this disease takes in terms of mortality and morbidity. A description of the various life stages of schistosomes is presented, which will be informative for both those unfamiliar with the disease and experienced scientists. Clinical and public health aspects are addressed that cover acute and chronic disease, diagnosis, current treatment regimens and alternative drugs, and schistosomiasis control programs. A brief overview of genomics and proteomics is included that details recent advances in the field that will help scientists investigate the molecular biology of schistosomes. The reader will take away an appreciation for general aspects of schistosomiasis and the current research advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T LoVerde
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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17
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Saidu U, Ibrahim MA, de Koning HP, McKerrow JH, Caffrey CR, Balogun EO. Human schistosomiasis in Nigeria: present status, diagnosis, chemotherapy, and herbal medicines. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2751-2772. [PMID: 37851179 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasitic, trematode blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma. With 20 million people infected, mostly due to Schistosoma haematobium, Nigeria has the highest burden of schistosomiasis in the world. We review the status of human schistosomiasis in Nigeria regarding its distribution, prevalence, diagnosis, prevention, orthodox and traditional treatments, as well as snail control strategies. Of the country's 36 states, the highest disease prevalence is found in Lagos State, but at a geo-political zonal level, the northwest is the most endemic. The predominantly used diagnostic techniques are based on microscopy. Other methods such as antibody-based serological assays and DNA detection methods are rarely employed. Possible biomarkers of disease have been identified in fecal and blood samples from patients. With respect to preventive chemotherapy, mass drug administration with praziquantel as well as individual studies with artemisinin or albendazole have been reported in 11 out of the 36 states with cure rates between 51.1 and 100%. Also, Nigerian medicinal plants have been traditionally used as anti-schistosomal agents or molluscicides, of which Tetrapleura tetraptera (Oshosho, aridan, Aidan fruit), Carica papaya (Gwanda, Ìbẹ́pẹ, Pawpaw), Borreria verticillata (Karya garma, Irawo-ile, African borreria), and Calliandra portoricensis (Tude, Oga, corpse awakener) are most common in the scientific literature. We conclude that the high endemicity of the disease in Nigeria is associated with the limited application of various diagnostic tools and preventive chemotherapy efforts as well as poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Nonetheless, the country could serve as a scientific base in the discovery of biomarkers, as well as novel plant-derived schistosomicides and molluscicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar Saidu
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - James H McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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18
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Zhong H, Dong B, Zhu D, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Liu J, Jin Y. Sja-Let-7 Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in a Mouse Model via Col1α2. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1465. [PMID: 38132291 PMCID: PMC10740823 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a chronic progressive disease with no definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to assess helminth-derived molecules as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse LF. A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced LF was established and sja-let-7 was overexpressed by treatment with a miRNA agomir once per week. After four weeks, serum biochemistry, hepatic hydroxyproline content measurements, liver histology, mRNA expression profiling of fibrotic markers, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. Administration of the sja-let-7 agomir markedly ameliorated hepatosplenomegaly and reduced the liver hydroxyproline content. Liver histological analysis showed significant reductions in collagen deposition in the sja-let-7 agomir-treated mice. Additionally, the mRNA levels of both pro-fibrotic markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines were diminished after treatment. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay and FISH identified the α2 chain of collagen type 1 (Col1α2) as the direct target of sja-let-7. Accordingly, the progression of LF was attenuated by targeting Col1α2 and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
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Sun C, Luo F, You Y, Gu M, Yang W, Yi C, Zhang W, Feng Z, Wang J, Hu W. MicroRNA-1 targets ribosomal protein genes to regulate the growth, development and reproduction of Schistosoma japonicum. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:637-649. [PMID: 37355197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Eggs laid by mature female schistosomes are primarily responsible for the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis and critical for transmission. Consequently, elucidating the mechanism of sexual maturation as well as egg production may lead to new strategies for the control of schistosomiasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in multiple biological processes including reproduction in many organisms, yet their roles have not been well characterized in schistosomes. Here, we investigated microRNA-1 (miR-1), which was downregulated gradually in both male and female Schistosoma japonicum after they reached sexually maturity. The expression of miR-1, as shown with quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), was lower in the reproductive organs of adult females compared with the somatic tissues. Overexpression of miR-1 in adult worms destroyed the morphological architecture of reproductive organs and reduced the subsequent oviposition, which may be due to the activation of apoptosis pathways. Through in silico analysis, 34 potential target genes of miR-1 were identified, including five ribosomal protein genes, called rp-s13, rp-l7ae, rp-l14, rp-l11 and rp-s24e. In vitro dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and miRNA overexpression experiments further validated that these ribosomal protein genes were directly regulated by miR-1. In contrast to the gene expression of miR-1, qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated these ribosomal protein genes were enriched in the sexual organs of adult females. Using RNA interference to silence the ribosomal protein genes in different developmental stages in a mouse model system, we demonstrated that these miR-1 target genes not only participated in the reproductive development of S. japonicum, but also were required for the growth and survival of the parasite in the early developmental stages. Taken together, our data suggested that miR-1 may affect the growth, reproduction and oviposition of S. japonicum by targeting the ribosomal protein genes, which provides insights for exploration of new anti-schistosome strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsong Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 12560 Fanhua Avenue, Shushan District, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yanmin You
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mengjie Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wenbin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Cun Yi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Fudan University, No.207 Ruijin Road II, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jipeng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, No. 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China; National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Fudan University, No.207 Ruijin Road II, Shanghai 200025, China; College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 Daxue West Road, Saihan District, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
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20
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Shakir EMN, Rinaldi G, Kirk RS, Walker AJ. Schistosoma mansoni excretory-secretory products induce protein kinase signalling, hyperkinesia, and stem cell proliferation in the opposite sex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:985. [PMID: 37752334 PMCID: PMC10522684 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male and female schistosomes in copula dwell within human blood vessels and lay eggs that cause the major Neglected Tropical Disease human schistosomiasis. How males and females communicate to each other is poorly understood; however, male-female physical interaction is known to be important. Here, we investigate whether excretory-secretory products (ESPs), released into the external milieu by mature Schistosoma mansoni, might induce responses in the opposite sex. We demonstrate that ESPs adhere to the surface of opposite sex worms inducing the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways, particularly in the parasite tegument. Furthermore, we show that mature worms stimulated signalling in juvenile worms. Strikingly, we demonstrate that ESPs from the opposite sex promote stem cell proliferation, in an ERK- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, in the tegument and within the testes of males, and the ovaries and vitellaria of females. Hyperkinesia also occurs following opposite sex ESP exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that male and female schistosomes may communicate over distance to modulate key processes underlying worm development and disease progression, opening unique avenues for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M N Shakir
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK.
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21
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Fasogbon IV, Aja PM, Ondari EN, Adebayo I, Ibitoye OA, Egesa M, Tusubira D, Sasikumar S, Onohuean H. UCP-LF and other assay methods for schistosome circulating anodic antigen between 1978 and 2022. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad006. [PMID: 37197579 PMCID: PMC10185406 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection of circulating anodic antigen (CAA) is known for its high sensitivity in diagnosing schistosomiasis infection, even in low-prevalence settings. The Up-Converting Phosphor-Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) assay developed in 2008 presented greater sensitivity than other assay methods in use for CAA detection. Our study aims to comprehensively review all studies conducted in this area and thus generate informed conclusions on the potential for adopting the UCP-LF assay for diagnosing this important yet neglected tropical disease. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we generated search criteria to capture all studies in English journals available in the Scopus and PubMed databases on 20 December 2022. A total of 219 articles were identified, and 84 that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and eventually included in the study. Twelve different assay methods were identified with a noteworthy transition from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to the UCP-LF assay, a laboratory-based assay that may be applicable as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test for schistosomiasis. Reducing the time, cost, and dependence on specialized laboratory skills and equipment, especially relating to the trichloroacetic acid extraction step and centrifugation in the UCP-LF CAA assay may go a long way to aid its potential as a POC tool. We also propose the development of a CAA-specific aptamer (short protein/antigen-binding oligonucleotide) as a possible alternative to monoclonal antibodies in the assay. UCP-LF has great potential for POC application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erick Nyakundi Ondari
- Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure & Applied Sciences, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya
| | - Ismail Adebayo
- Department of Microbiology, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Moses Egesa
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deusdedit Tusubira
- Department of Biochemistry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Hope Onohuean
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biopharmaceutics Unit, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
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22
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Licá ICL, Frazão GCCG, Nogueira RA, Lira MGS, dos Santos VAF, Rodrigues JGM, Miranda GS, Carvalho RC, Silva LA, Guerra RNM, Nascimento FRF. Immunological mechanisms involved in macrophage activation and polarization in schistosomiasis. Parasitology 2023; 150:401-415. [PMID: 36601859 PMCID: PMC10089811 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000021] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma. Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune regulation of this disease. These cells acquire different phenotypes depending on the type of stimulus they receive. M1 macrophages can be ‘classically activated’ and can display a proinflammatory phenotype. M2 or ‘alternatively activated’ macrophages are considered anti-inflammatory cells. Despite the relevance of macrophages in controlling infections, the role of the functional types of these cells in schistosomiasis is unclear. This review highlights different molecules and/or macrophage activation and polarization pathways during Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum infection. This review is based on original and review articles obtained through searches in major databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ACS, PubMed, Wiley, Scielo, Web of Science, LILACS and ScienceDirect. Our findings emphasize the importance of S. mansoni and S. japonicum antigens in macrophage polarization, as they exert immunomodulatory effects in different stages of the disease and are therefore important as therapeutic targets for schistosomiasis and in vaccine development. A combination of different antigens can provide greater protection, as it possibly stimulates an adequate immune response for an M1 or M2 profile and leads to host resistance; however, this warrants in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irlla Correia Lima Licá
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Gleycka Cristine Carvalho Gomes Frazão
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Ranielly Araujo Nogueira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Maria Gabriela Sampaio Lira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Vitor Augusto Ferreira dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - João Gustavo Mendes Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Silva Miranda
- Department of Biology, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cardoso Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Amorim Silva
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Flávia Raquel Fernandes Nascimento
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
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23
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Stark KA, Rinaldi G, Cortés A, Costain A, MacDonald AS, Cantacessi C. The role of the host gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12970. [PMID: 36655799 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of schistosomiasis is linked to the formation of fibrous granulomas around eggs that become trapped in host tissues, particularly the intestines and liver, during their migration to reach the lumen of the vertebrate gut. While the development of Schistosoma egg-induced granulomas is the result of finely regulated crosstalk between egg-secreted antigens and host immunity, evidence has started to emerge of the likely contribution of an additional player-the host gut microbiota-to pathological processes that culminate with the formation of these tissue lesions. Uncovering the role(s) of schistosome-mediated changes in gut microbiome composition and function in granuloma formation and, more broadly, in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis, will shed light on the mechanisms underlying this three-way parasite-host-microbiome interplay. Such knowledge may, in turn, pave the way towards the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara A Stark
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Alba Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Alice Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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24
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Tallima H, El Ridi R. Increased hepatic interleukin-1, arachidonic acid, and reactive oxygen species mediate the protective potential of peptides shared by gut cysteine peptidases against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011164. [PMID: 36920999 PMCID: PMC10042345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple antigen peptide (MAP) construct of peptide with high homology to Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1, MAP-1, and to cathepsins of the L family, MAP-2, consistently induced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in challenge S. mansoni worm burden. It was, however, necessary to modify the vaccine formula to counteract the MAP impact on the parasite egg counts and vitality, and discover the mechanisms underlying the vaccine protective potential. METHODOLOGY Outbred mice were immunized with MAP-2 in combination with alum and/or MAP-1. Challenge infection was performed three weeks (wks) after the second injection. Blood and liver pieces were obtained on an individual mouse basis, 23 days post-infection (PI), a time of S. mansoni development and feeding in the liver before mating. Serum samples were examined for the levels of circulating antibodies and cytokines. Liver homogenates were used for assessment of liver cytokines, uric acid, arachidonic acid (ARA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Parasitological parameters were evaluated 7 wks PI. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Immunization of outbred mice with MAP-2 in combination with alum and/or MAP-1 elicited highly significant (P < 0.005) reduction of around 60% in challenge S. mansoni worm burden and no increase in worm eggs' loads or vitality, compared to unimmunized or alum pre-treated control mice. Host memory responses to the immunogens are expected to be expressed in the liver stage when worm feeding and cysteine peptidases release start to be active. Serum antibody and cytokine levels were not significantly different between control and vaccinated mouse groups. Highly significant (P < 0.05 - <0.0001) increase in liver interleukin-1, ARA, and ROS content was recorded in MAP-immunized compared to control mice. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE The findings provided an explanation for the gut cysteine peptidases vaccine-mediated reduction in challenge worm burden and increase in egg counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatem Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail: (HT); (RER)
| | - Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail: (HT); (RER)
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25
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de Korne CM, van Lieshout L, van Leeuwen FWB, Roestenberg M. Imaging as a (pre)clinical tool in parasitology. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:212-226. [PMID: 36641293 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of parasites is central to diagnosis of many parasitic diseases and has thus far played an important role in the development of antiparasitic strategies. The development of novel imaging technologies has revolutionized medicine in fields other than parasitology and has also opened up new avenues for the visualization of parasites. Here we review the role imaging technology has played so far in parasitology and how it may spur further advancement. We point out possibilities to improve current microscopy-based diagnostic methods and how to extend them with radiological imaging modalities. We also highlight in vivo tracking of parasites as a readout for efficacy of new antiparasitic strategies and as a source of fundamental insights for rational design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarize Maria de Korne
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands; Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fijs Willem Bernhard van Leeuwen
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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26
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Zhong H, Jin Y. Single-sex schistosomiasis: a mini review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1158805. [PMID: 37153566 PMCID: PMC10154636 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1158805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by dioecious blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and second to malaria as a parasitic disease with significant socio-economic impacts. Mating is essential for maturation of male and female schistosomes and for females to lay of eggs, which are responsible for the pathogenesis and propagation of the life cycle beyond the mammalian host. Single-sex schistosomes, which do not produce viable eggs without mating, have been overlooked given the symptomatic paucity of the single-sex schistosomiasis and limited diagnostic toolkit. Besides, single-sex schistosomes are less sensitive to praziquantel. Therefore, these issues should be considered to achieve the elimination of this infection disease. The aim of this review is to summarize current progress in research of single-sex schistosomes and host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yamei Jin,
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27
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Comparative proteomic profiles of Schistosoma japonicum male worms derived from single-sex and bisexual infections. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:815-828. [PMID: 36265673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic schistosomes, remains the second most prevalent parasitic disease of mammals worldwide. To successfully maintain fecundity, schistosomes have evolved a lifecycle that involves the cooperation of morphologically distinct male and female forms. Eggs produced by worm pairs are vital to the lifecycle of the parasite and are responsible for pathogenesis. Understanding the reproductive mechanism of schistosomes will help to control infection. In this study, the proteomic profiles of single-sex infected male (SM) worms and bisexual infected mated male (MM) worms of Schistosoma japonicum at 18, 21, 23, and 25 days p.i. were identified through data-independent acquisition. In total, 674 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified for the SM and MM worms at all four timepoints. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that most of the DEPs were involved in biosynthetic processes including locomotion, cell growth and death, cell motility, and metabolic processes such as protein metabolism and glucose metabolism. Schistosoma japonicum glycosyltransferase (SjGT) and S. japonicum nicastrin protein (SjNCSTN) were selected for quantitative real‑time PCR analysis and long-term interference with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to further explore the functions of the DEPs. Sjgt mRNA expression was mainly enriched in male worms, while Sjncstn was enriched in both sexes. siRNA against SjGT and SjNCSTN resulted in minor morphological changes in the testes of male worms and significant decreased vitality and fertility. The present study provides comprehensive proteomic profiles of S. japonicum SM and MM worms at 18, 21, 23, and 25 days p.i. and offers insights into the mechanisms underlying the growth and maturation of schistosomes.
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28
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Skelly PJ, Nation CS, Da'Dara AA. Schistosoma mansoni and the purinergic halo. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:1080-1088. [PMID: 36182536 PMCID: PMC9669209 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Intravascular schistosomes may control immune and hemostatic responses by regulating the nature and amount of selected host purinergic signaling molecules - such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) - surrounding them. Such metabolites are collectively known as the worm's 'purinergic halo'. Host-interactive, membrane-bound, tegumental ectonucleotidases, notably SmATPDase1, SmNPP5, SmAP and SmNACE, can degrade proinflammatory, prothrombotic and immunomodulatory purinergic metabolites like those listed. A common catabolic product is the anti-inflammatory metabolite adenosine that can additionally be taken in by the worms as food. We envision the tegumental ectonucleotidases as having a twofold role at the worm surface: first, they degrade potentially harmful host signaling molecules, and second, they generate vital nutrients around the worms from where these can be conveniently imported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Catherine S Nation
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Akram A Da'Dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Chiamah OC, Ubachukwu PO, Okafor FC, Shoyinka SVO, Ezeasor CK. Low doses and short duration of prednisolone administration in guinea pigs experimentally infected with Schistosoma haematobium: Histopathology of liver and lungs. Exp Parasitol 2022; 244:108425. [PMID: 36379271 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, administration of 5 mg prednisolone for five days pre-Schistosoma haematobium infection in guinea pigs increased susceptibility and produced pathological reactions in the liver and bladder. Since corticosteroids can suppress granuloma formation, maturation, and size, this study sought to investigate if prednisolone given at low doses and short duration can produce granulomatous lesions in the tissues of guinea pigs experimentally infected with S. haematobium. Guinea pigs were shared into six groups: group I and II were the immunosuppressed-infected guinea pigs (I0.5 and I1.5- 20 animals each), group III was the unimmunosuppressed-infected guinea pigs (UI- 20 animals), and group IV, V and VI were the immunosuppressed-uninfected and normal guinea pigs (D0.5, D1.5, and normal- 10 animals each). Prednisolone was given in doses of 0.5 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg to the different groups, a day before infection and on day 5 post-infection. The infected groups were subcutaneously injected with 250-300 S. haematobium cercariae. Screening for S. haematobium eggs in urine and fecal samples of animals, and quantitative analysis for leukocyte and red blood cell (RBC) counts in urine samples of guinea pigs began nine weeks post-infection (WPI). Guinea pigs were killed, perfused, worms recovered and sections of the liver, lungs, and bladder excised for histopathological examination at 6, 8, 11, 14 and 16 WPI. S. haematobium eggs were only seen in urine samples of I1.5 at 15 and 16WPI. Although the parasite eggs were seen in fecal samples of all infected guinea pigs from 9WPI, those of UI were sparse and took longer time to hatch. High leukocyte counts were seen in all immunosuppressed groups at 6WPI, which returned to normal levels in D1.5 and D0.5 at 16WPI. At 16WPI, significant numbers of leukocyte and RBC counts were seen in urine samples of I1.5. The immunosuppressed-infected groups had significant numbers of mature and total worm loads than UI group (p > 0.05). However, the worm burden of I1.5 was higher than I0.5 at 14WPI and 16WPI. Non-granulomatous lesions were only recorded in the liver sections of the immunosuppressed-infected animals and in lung sections of UI and I1.5 guinea pigs. Liver lesions seen were hepatocyte degeneration; necrosis; Kupffer cell involvements as hyperplasia, phagocytosis, proliferation; hyperaemia and haemorrhage, and mononuclear leukocyte infiltration. Lung lesions seen in I1.5 at 11-16WPI were hemosiderin depositions and hyperaemia, emphysema and atelectasis, and mononuclear leukocyte infiltrations while in UI, emphysema and mononuclear leukocyte infiltration were seen only at 16WPI. In the immunosuppressed-infected groups, composite liver lesion scores showed that peak lesion severity was at 8WPI and 11WPI in I1.5 and I0.5, respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.105) in composite liver lesion scores of I1.5 and I0.5. Lung lesion score of UI at 16WPI was significantly higher (p > 0.05) than that of I1.5. Findings from this study show that even at low doses and short duration of administration, corticosteroids can only increase susceptibility of guinea pigs but cannot improve its suitability as experimental models of S. haematobium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Caroline Chiamah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
| | - Patience Obiageli Ubachukwu
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Fabian Chukwuemenam Okafor
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Shodeinde Vincent Olu Shoyinka
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwunonso Kenechukwu Ezeasor
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Girod V, Houssier R, Sahmer K, Ghoris MJ, Caby S, Melnyk O, Dissous C, Senez V, Vicogne J. A self-purifying microfluidic system for identifying drugs acting against adult schistosomes. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220648. [PMID: 36465675 PMCID: PMC9709518 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of novel antihelmintic molecules to combat the development and spread of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by several Schistosoma flatworm species, mobilizes significant research efforts worldwide. With a limited number of biochemical assays for measuring the viability of adult worms, the antischistosomicidal activity of molecules is usually evaluated by a microscopic observation of worm mobility and/or integrity upon drug exposure. Even if these phenotypical assays enable multiple parameters analysis, they are often conducted during several days and need to be associated with image-based analysis to minimized subjectivity. We describe here a self-purifying microfluidic system enabling the selection of healthy adult worms and the identification of molecules acting instantly on the parasite. The worms are assayed in a dynamic environment that eliminates unhealthy worms that cannot attach firmly to the chip walls prior to being exposed to the drug. The detachment of the worms is also used as second step readout for identifying active compounds. We have validated this new fluidic screening approach using the two major antihelmintic drugs, praziquantel and artemisinin. The reported dynamic system is simple to produce and to parallelize. Importantly, it enables a quick and sensitive detection of antischistosomal compounds in no more than one hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Girod
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- CNRS, University of Tokyo, IRL2820 – LIMMS, Lille F-59000, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, UPHF, JUNIA, CLI, UMR 8520 – IEMN – Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, Villeneuve d'Ascq F-59650, France
| | - Robin Houssier
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Karin Sahmer
- University of Lille, IMT Lille Douai, University of Artois, JUNIA, ULR 4515 – LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marie-José Ghoris
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Caby
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Oleg Melnyk
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Senez
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille F-59000, France
- CNRS, University of Tokyo, IRL2820 – LIMMS, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Jérôme Vicogne
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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Pirovich DB, Da'dara AA, Skelly PJ. Schistosoma mansoni phosphoglycerate mutase: a glycolytic ectoenzyme with thrombolytic potential. PARASITE (PARIS, FRANCE) 2022; 29:41. [PMID: 36083036 PMCID: PMC9461710 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating parasitic disease caused by intravascular flatworms called schistosomes (blood flukes) that affects >200 million people worldwide. Proteomic analysis has revealed the surprising presence of classical glycolytic enzymes – typically cytosolic proteins – located on the extracellular surface of the parasite tegument (skin). Immunolocalization experiments show that phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) is widely expressed in parasite tissues and is highly expressed in the tegument. We demonstrate that live Schistosoma mansoni parasites express enzymatically active PGM on their tegumental surface. Suppression of PGM using RNA interference (RNAi) diminishes S. mansoni PGM (SmPGM) gene expression, protein levels, and surface enzyme activity. Sequence comparisons place SmPGM in the cofactor (2,3-bisphosphoglycerate)-dependent PGM (dPGM) family. We have produced recombinant SmPGM (rSmPGM) in an enzymatically active form in Escherichia coli. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of rSmPGM for its glycolytic substrate (3-phosphoglycerate) is 0.85 mM ± 0.02. rSmPGM activity is inhibited by the dPGM-specific inhibitor vanadate. Here, we show that rSmPGM not only binds to plasminogen but also promotes its conversion to an active form (plasmin) in vitro. This supports the hypothesis that host-interactive tegumental proteins (such as SmPGM), by enhancing plasmin formation, may help degrade blood clots around the worms in the vascular microenvironment and thus promote parasite survival in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Pirovich
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Skelly PJ, Da'dara AA. Schistosome secretomes. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106676. [PMID: 36113567 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes are intravascular parasitic platyhelminths (blood flukes) that infect over 200 million people globally. Biomolecules secreted by the worms likely contribute to their ability to survive in the bloodstreams of immunocompetent hosts for many years. Here we review what is known about the protein composition of material released by the worms. Prominent among cercarial excretions/secretions (ES) is a ∼ 30 kDa serine protease called cercarial elastase (SmCE in Schistosoma mansoni), likely important in host invasion. Also prominent is a 117 amino acid non-glycosylated polypeptide (Sm16) that can impact several host cell-types to impinge on immunological outcomes. Similarly, components of the egg secretome (notably the 134 amino acid homodimeric glycoprotein "IL-4 inducing principle of schistosome eggs", IPSE, and the 225-amino acid monomeric T2 ribonuclease - omega-1) are capable of driving Th2-biased immune responses. A ∼36kDa chemokine binding glycoprotein SmCKBP, secreted by eggs, can negate the impact of several cytokines and can impede neutrophil migration. Of special interest is a disparate collection of classically cytosolic proteins that are surprisingly often identified in schistosome ES across life stages. These proteins, perhaps released as components of extracellular vesicles (EVs), include glycolytic enzymes, redox proteins, proteases and protease inhibitors, heat shock proteins, proteins involved in translation/turnover, histones, and others. Some such proteins may display "moonlighting" functions and, for example, impede blood clot formation around the worms. More prosaically, since several are particularly abundant soluble proteins, their appearance in the ES fraction may be indicative of worm damage ex vivo leading to protein leakage. Some bioactive schistosome ES proteins are in development as novel therapeutics against autoimmune, inflammatory, and other, non-parasitic, diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Giri BR, Li S, Fang C, Qiu L, Yan S, Pakharukova MY, Cheng G. Dynamic miRNA profile of host T cells during early hepatic stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911139. [PMID: 36119054 PMCID: PMC9478579 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes undergo complicated migration in final hosts during infection, associated with differential immune responses. It has been shown that CD4+ T cells play critical roles in response to Schistosoma infections and accumulated documents have indicated that miRNAs tightly regulate T cell activity. However, miRNA profiles in host T cells associated with Schistosoma infection remain poorly characterized. Therefore, we undertook the study and systematically characterized T cell miRNA profiles from the livers and blood of S. japonicum infected C57BL/6J mice at 14- and 21-days post-infection. We observed 508 and 504 miRNAs, in which 264 miRNAs were co-detected in T cells isolated from blood and livers, respectively. The comparative analysis of T cell miRNAs from uninfected and infected C57BL/6J mice blood showed that miR-486b-5p/3p expression was significantly downregulated and linked to various T cell immune responses and miR-375-5p was highly upregulated, associated with Wnt signaling and pluripotency, Delta notch signaling pathways, etc. Whereas hepatic T cells showed miR-466b-3p, miR-486b-3p, miR-1969, and miR-375 were differentially expressed compared to the uninfected control. The different expressions of some miRNAs were further corroborated in isolated T cells from mice and in vitro cultured EL-4 cells treated with S. japonicum worm antigens by RT-qPCR and similar results were found. In addition, bioinformatics analysis combined with RT-qPCR validation of selected targets associated with the immune system and parasite-caused infectious disease showed a significant increase in the expression of Ctla4, Atg5, Hgf, Vcl and Arpc4 and a decreased expression of Fermt3, Pik3r1, Myd88, Nfkbie, Ppp1r12a, Ppp3r1, Nfyb, Atg12, Ube2n, Tyrobp, Cxcr4 and Tollip. Overall, these results unveil the comprehensive repertoire of T cell miRNAs during S. japonicum infection, suggesting that the circulatory (blood) and liver systems have distinct miRNAs landscapes that may be important for regulating T cell immune response. Altogether, our findings indicated a dynamic expression pattern of T cell miRNAs during the hepatic stages of S. japonicum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikash R. Giri
- Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuantao Fang
- Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Yan
- Institut für Parasitologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität, Wien, Austria
| | - Maria Y. Pakharukova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guofeng Cheng, ;
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Matsushita S, Hamamoto S, Morita R, Shirano M, Inoue T, Okuma T, Manabe T. A case of Schistosoma japonicum retroperitoneal pseudotumor diagnosed by cone-beam CT-guided coaxial biopsy system. Acta Radiol Open 2022; 11:20584601221129153. [PMID: 36177444 PMCID: PMC9513577 DOI: 10.1177/20584601221129153] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a rare case of retroperitoneal pseudotumor caused by Schistosoma
japonicum that was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous
biopsy in a 15-year-old Filipino male. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) revealed a mass lesion, including a mesenteric artery, in the right
retroperitoneal space. His mother had a history of S. japonicum infection
but his initial stool examination was negative. As schistosomiasis was suspected,
cone-beam CT-guided biopsy was performed to enable transcatheter therapeutic arterial
embolization to be performed immediately in the event of hemorrhage. Histopathological
examination revealed schistosomal eggs. Cone-beam CT-guided technique with a coaxial
biopsy system is a safe and accurate diagnostic procedure for S.
japonicum retroperitoneal pseudotumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Matsushita
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hamamoto
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Morita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michinori Shirano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Okuma
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takao Manabe
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Ouji Y, Hamasaki M, Misu M, Kitamura T, Hamano S, Yoshikawa M. Schistosoma mansoni larvae in vitro cultures using Biomphalaria glabrata extracts. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106636. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Stroke in Patients with Schistosomiasis: Review of Cases in Literature. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 2022:3902570. [PMID: 35923686 PMCID: PMC9343201 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3902570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral vascular comorbidities may occur in patients with schistosomiasis, as described in case reports. Aim and Methods. We have summarized general clinical and neurological features in patients with stroke associated with schistosomiasis, through a review of case reports in the literature. Investigation Outcomes. A total of eight case reports were retrieved. The mean age of patients was 36.42 ± 16.7 (19 to 56 years), four females, three males, and one anonymous sex. Eosinophilia was the most frequent feature at presentation, followed by cardiac abnormalities, confusion, fever, ataxia, hemiplegia, headache, urticaria, dysphasia, and memory impairment. Patients usually present with watershed infarction or intracranial vasculitis. In one case, extracranial carotid arteries presented with inflammation and stenosis. The patient's serology was positive on admission in five cases. Full neurological recovery was reported in three cases, and partial improvement in another three. In two cases, information on neurological outcomes was incomplete. Stroke in schistosomiasis can be caused by haemodynamic impairment, direct lesion to the arterial wall, vasa vasorum obliterative endarteritis, contiguity with a focus of inflamed tissue, or inflammatory intimal damage. Schistosomiasis needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of stroke in people living or coming back from endemic areas. Conclusions Further studies addressing the noncommunicable comorbidity issues related to this condition are needed.
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Probst A, Biendl S, Keiser J. Improving translational power in antischistosomal drug discovery. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 117:47-73. [PMID: 35878949 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a poverty-associated tropical disease caused by blood dwelling trematodes that threaten approximately 10% of the world population. Praziquantel, the sole drug currently available for treatment, is insufficient to eliminate the disease and the clinical drug development pipeline is empty. Here, we review the characteristics of the patent Schistosoma mansoni mouse model used for in vivo antischistosomal drug discovery, highlighting differences in the experimental set-up across research groups and their potential influence on experimental results. We explore the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of selected drug candidates, showcasing opportunities to improve the drug profile to accelerate the transition from the early drug discovery phase to new clinical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Probst
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Zhong H, Jin Y. Multifunctional Roles of MicroRNAs in Schistosomiasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:925386. [PMID: 35756064 PMCID: PMC9218868 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.925386] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma. The dioecious schistosomes mate and lay eggs after undergoing a complex life cycle. Schistosome eggs are mostly responsible for the transmission of schistosomiasis and chronic fibrotic disease induced by egg antigens is the main cause of the high mortality rate. Currently, chemotherapy with praziquantel (PZQ) is the only effective treatment against schistosomiasis, although the potential of drug resistance remains a concern. Hence, there is an urgent demand for new and effective strategies to combat schistosomiasis, which is the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play pivotal regulatory roles in many organisms, including the development and sexual maturation of schistosomes. Thus, miRNAs are potential targets for treatment of schistosomiasis. Moreover, miRNAs can serve as multifunctional “nano-tools” for cross-species delivery in order to regulate host-parasite interactions. In this review, the multifunctional roles of miRNAs in the growth and development of schistosomes are discussed. The various regulatory functions of host-derived and worm-derived miRNAs on the progression of schistosomiasis are also thoroughly addressed, especially the promotional and inhibitory effects on schistosome-induced liver fibrosis. Additionally, the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Orish VN, Morhe EKS, Azanu W, Alhassan RK, Gyapong M. The parasitology of female genital schistosomiasis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100093. [PMID: 35719849 PMCID: PMC9198370 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is the gynaecological presentation of Schistosoma haematobium infection, resulting from egg deposition in the female genital tract. Despite the fact that this condition has been reported in the early days of the discovery of S. haematobium in Egypt, its existence has been grossly neglected, causing many women in schistosomiasis-endemic areas to go through a preventable, debilitating, and stigmatizing presentation of FGS. To prevent this, increasing awareness of FGS is necessary for all, especially healthcare providers, to improve the diagnosis, management, and treatment. As proposed by the FAST package project, several healthcare professionals with different specializations are expected to be involved in the management of FGS. It is therefore important that basic updated knowledge on the parasitology of the disease be acquired by healthcare professionals. This review provides basic information necessary to improve the knowledge of FGS among healthcare professionals in areas endemic to schistosomiasis. Armed with these basic details, healthcare professionals can improve their confidence in the management and treatment of FGS, contributing significantly to the control and prevention of FGS in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verner N. Orish
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Komla Senanu Morhe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Wisdom Azanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Robert K. Alhassan
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Margaret Gyapong
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
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Zhou H, Lu Y, Wei H, Chen Y, Limpanon Y, Dekumyoy P, Huang P, Shi P, Lv Z. Stat3/IL-6 signaling mediates sustained pneumonia induced by Agiostrongylus cantonensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010461. [PMID: 35617354 PMCID: PMC9176765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) is well-documented that parasitizes the host brain and causes eosinophilic meningitis. The migration route of AC in permissive hosts is well demonstrated, while in nonpermissive hosts, it remains to be fully defined. In the present study, we exploited live imaging technology, morphological and pathological configuration analysis, and molecular biological technologies to explore the migration route of AC and the accompanying tissue damage in nonpermissive and permissive hosts. Our data indicated that, in nonpermissive host mouse, AC larvae migrated from intestinal wall to liver at 2 hours post-infection (hpi), from liver to lung at 4 hpi and then from lung to brain at 8 hpi. AC larval migration caused fatal lung injury (pneumonia) during acute and early infection phases, along with significant activation of Stat3/IL-6 signaling. In addition, AC induce sustained interstitial pneumonia in mouse and rat and pulmonary fibrosis only in rat during late infection phase. Moreover, during the early and late infection phases, Th2 cytokine expression and Stat3 and IL-6 signaling were persistently enhanced and myeloid macrophage cells were notably enriched in host lung, and administration of Stat3 and IL-6 inhibitors (C188-9 and LMT-28) attenuated AC infection-induced acute pneumonia in mice. Overall, we are the first to provide direct and systemic laboratory evidence of AC migration route in a nonpermissive host and report that infection with a high dose of AC larvae could result in acute and fatal pneumonia through Stat3/IL-6 signaling in mice. These findings may present a feasible to rational strategy to minimize the pathogenesis induced by AC. Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a well-known nematode parasitizing the host brain and is the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. Our study reports the migration route of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in non-permissive host mouse and discovers that the larvae could induce fatal pneumonia in mouse lung during acute and early infection phase characterized by activation of Stat3/IL-6 signaling. Moreover, administration of inhibitors targeting Stat3/IL-6 signaling could significantly attenuate the AC-induced pneumonia of non-permissive host mouse, providing an effective candidate target for intervention of this severe parasitic pneumonia. These findings expand our understanding of Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis and indicate that more attention to AC-induced pneumonia is required when treatment for Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanin Limpanon
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paron Dekumyoy
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Peiyao Shi
- Department of Experimental Diagnosis, Shenzhen Yantian District People’s Hospital, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ZL)
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hainan Affaliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ZL)
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NAD-catabolizing ectoenzymes of Schistosoma mansoni. Biochem J 2022; 479:1165-1180. [PMID: 35593185 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Infection with schistosomes (blood flukes) can result in the debilitating disease schistosomiasis. These parasites survive in their host for many years, and we hypothesize that proteins on their tegumental surface, interacting with the host microenvironment, facilitate longevity. One such ectoenzyme - the nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase SmNPP5 can cleave ADP (to prevent platelet aggregation) and NAD (likely preventing Treg apoptosis). A second tegumental ectoenzyme, the glycohydrolase SmNACE, also catabolizes NAD. Here, we undertake a comparative biochemical characterization of these parasite ectoenzymes. Both are GPI-linked and exhibit different optimal pH ranges. While SmNPP5 requires divalent cations, SmNACE does not. The Km values of the two enzymes for NAD at physiological pH differ: SmNPP5, Km=340µM±44; SmNACE, Km=49µM±4. NAD cleavage by each enzyme yields different products. SmNPP5 cleaves NAD to form nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and AMP, whereas SmNACE cleaves NAD to generate nicotinamide (NAM) and adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR). Each enzyme can process the other's reaction product. Thus, SmNACE cleaves NMN (to yield NAM and ribose phosphate) and SmNPP5 cleaves ADPR (yielding AMP and ribose phosphate). Metabolomic analysis of plasma containing adult worms supports the idea that these cleavage pathways are active in vivo. We hypothesize that a primary function of SmNPP5 is to cleave NAD to control host immune cell function and a primary function of SmNACE is to cleave NMN to generate the vital nutrient nicotinamide (vitamin B3) for convenient uptake by the worms. Chemical inhibition of one or both ectoenzymes could upset worm metabolism and control schistosome infection.
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Sanches RCO, Mambelli F, Oliveira SC. Neutrophils and schistosomiasis: a missing piece in pathology. Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12916. [PMID: 35332932 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic human parasitic disease that causes serious health problems worldwide. The disease-associated liver pathology is one of the hallmarks of infections by S. mansoni and S. japonicum, and is accountable for the debilitating condition found in infected patients. In the past few years, investigative studies have highlighted the key role played by neutrophils and the influence of inflammasome signaling pathway in different pathological conditions. However, it is noteworthy that the study of inflammasome activation in neutrophils has been overlooked by reports concerning macrophages and monocytes. This interplay between neutrophils and inflammasomes is much more poorly investigated during schistosomiasis. Herein we reviewed the role of neutrophils during schistosomiasis and addressed the potential connection between these cells and inflammasome activation in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C O Sanches
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fábio Mambelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sergio C Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Brazil
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Li S, Giri BR, Liu J, He X, Cai P, Jing Z, Cheng G. Characterization of MicroRNA Cargo of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated From the Plasma of Schistosoma japonicum-Infected Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:803242. [PMID: 35295754 PMCID: PMC8918519 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.803242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma is a genus of parasitic trematodes that undergoes complex migration in final hosts, finally developing into adult worms, which are responsible for egg production and disease dissemination. Recent studies documented the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the regulation of host-parasite interactions. Herein, we investigated the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of EVs isolated from host plasma at different stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection (lung stage: 3 days post-infection (dpi), and liver stages: 14 and 21 dpi) to identify miRNA cargo potentially involved in the pathogenesis and immune regulation of schistosomiasis. Characterization of the isolated plasma EVs revealed their diameter to be approximately 100 nm, containing typical EV markers such as Hsp70 and Tsg101. Deep sequencing analysis indicated the presence of 811 known and 15 novel miRNAs with an increasing number of differential miRNAs from the lung stage (27 miRNAs) to the liver stages (58 and 96 miRNAs at 14 and 21 dpi, respectively) in the plasma EVs of infected mice compared to EVs isolated from the uninfected control. In total, 324 plasma EV miRNAs were shown to be co-detected among different stages of infection and the validation of selected miRNAs showed trends of abundance similar to deep sequencing analysis. For example, miR-1a-3p and miR-122-5p showed higher abundance, whereas miR-150-3p and miR-126a showed lower abundance in the plasma EVs of infected mice at 3, 14, and 21 dpi as compared to those of uninfected mice. In addition, bioinformatic analysis combined with PCR validation of the miRNA targets, particularly those associated with the immune system and parasitic infectious disease, indicated a significant increase in the expression of Gbp7and Ccr5 in contrast to the decreased expression of Fermt3, Akt1, and IL-12a. Our results suggested that the abundance of miRNA cargo of the host plasma EVs was related to the stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection. Further studies on the roles of these miRNAs may reveal the regulatory mechanism of the host-parasite interaction. Moreover, the differentially abundant miRNA cargo in host EVs associated with S. japonicum infection may also provide valuable clues for identifying novel biomarkers for schistosomiasis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bikash R. Giri
- Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobing He
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhizhong Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guofeng Cheng, ;
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Zhong H, Gui X, Hou L, Lv R, Jin Y. From Inflammation to Fibrosis: Novel Insights into the Roles of High Mobility Group Protein Box 1 in Schistosome-Induced Liver Damage. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030289. [PMID: 35335612 PMCID: PMC8951358 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic helminthic disease of both humans and animals and the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria. Through a complex migration process, schistosome eggs trapped in the liver can lead to the formation of granulomas and subsequent schistosome-induced liver damage, which results in high mortality and morbidity. Although praziquantel can eliminate mature worms and prevent egg deposition, effective drugs to reverse schistosome-induced liver damage are scarce. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a multifunctional cytokine contributing to liver injury, inflammation, and immune responses in schistosomiasis by binding to cell-surface Toll-like receptors and receptors for advanced glycation end products. HMGB1 is increased in the serum of patients with schistosomiasis and enables hepatic stellate cells to adopt a proliferative myofibroblast-like phenotype, which is crucial to schistosome-induced granuloma formation. Inhibition of HMGB1 was found to generate protective responses against fibrotic diseases in animal models. Clinically, HMGB1 presents a potential target for treatment of the chronic sequelae of schistosomiasis. Here, the pivotal role of HMGB1 in granuloma formation and schistosome-induced liver damage, as well the potential of HMGB1 as a therapeutic target, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiang Gui
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ling Hou
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030031, China
| | - Rongxue Lv
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-021-34293150
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Nation CS, Da’dara AA, Elzoheiry M, Skelly PJ. Schistosomes Impede ATP-Induced T Cell Apoptosis In Vitro: The Role of Ectoenzyme SmNPP5. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020155. [PMID: 35215099 PMCID: PMC8878264 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes (blood flukes) can survive in the bloodstream of their hosts for many years. We hypothesize that proteins on their host-interactive surface impinge on host biochemistry to help ensure their long-term survival. Here, we focus on a surface ectoenzyme of Schistosoma mansoni, designated SmNPP5. This ~53 kDa glycoprotein is a nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase that has been previously shown to: (1) cleave adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and block platelet aggregation; and (2) cleave nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and block NAD-induced T cell apoptosis in vitro. T cell apoptosis can additionally be driven by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In this work, we show that adult S. mansoni parasites can inhibit this process. Further, we demonstrate that recombinant SmNPP5 alone can both cleave ATP and impede ATP-induced T cell killing. As immunomodulatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) are especially prone to the induction of these apoptotic pathways, we hypothesize that the schistosome cleavage of both NAD and ATP promotes Treg survival and this helps to create a less immunologically hostile environment for the worms in vivo.
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Adewale B, Heintz JR, Pastore CF, Rossi HL, Hung LY, Rahman N, Bethony J, Diemert D, Babatunde JA, Herbert DR. Parasitic helminth infections in humans modulate Trefoil Factor levels in a manner dependent on the species of parasite and age of the host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009550. [PMID: 34662329 PMCID: PMC8553090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections, including hookworms and Schistosomes, can cause severe disability and death. Infection management and control would benefit from identification of biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. While animal models suggest that Trefoil Factor Family proteins (TFF2 and TFF3) and interleukin-33 (IL-33) -driven type 2 immune responses are critical mediators of tissue repair and worm clearance in the context of hookworm infection, very little is known about how they are modulated in the context of human helminth infection. We measured TFF2, TFF3, and IL-33 levels in serum from patients in Brazil infected with Hookworm and/or Schistosomes, and compared them to endemic and non-endemic controls. TFF2 was specifically elevated by Hookworm infection in females, not Schistosoma or co-infection. This elevation was correlated with age, but not worm burden. TFF3 was elevated by Schistosoma infection and found to be generally higher in females. IL-33 was not significantly altered by infection. To determine if this might apply more broadly to other species or regions, we measured TFFs and cytokine levels (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-33, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-22, and IL-10) in both the serum and urine of Nigerian school children infected with S. haematobium. We found that serum levels of TFF2 and 3 were reduced by infection, likely in an age dependent manner. In the serum, only IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly increased, while in urine IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-22, and IL-10 were significantly increased in by infection. Taken together, these data support a role for TFF proteins in human helminth infection. Billions of people are infected with parasitic helminths across the globe, especially in resource poor regions. These infections can result in severe developmental delay, disability, and death. Adequate management of helminth infection would benefit from the identification of host biomarkers in easily obtained samples (e.g. serum or urine) that correlate to infection state. Our goal was to determine if specific proteins involved in tissue repair and immune modulation are altered by infection with specific helminth species in Brazil (hookworm and S. mansoni species of blood fluke) or Nigeria (S. haematobium species of blood fluke). One of these proteins, Trefoil Factor 2 (TFF2), was elevated in the serum of hookworm infected women from Brazil, while another, TFF3 is higher in women than men, but also increased by S. mansoni blood fluke infection. In contrast, both TFFs were decreased in the serum of Nigerian children infected by S. haematobium, while many pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in the urine, where the eggs emerge from host tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde Adewale
- Public Health Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jonathan R. Heintz
- University of Pennsylvania, Perlman School of Medicine Biostatistics Analysis Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Pastore
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
| | - Heather L. Rossi
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
| | - Li-Yin Hung
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of Amerca
| | - Nurudeen Rahman
- Public Health Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jeff Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of Amerca
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of Amerca
| | - James Ayorinde Babatunde
- Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - De’Broski R. Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of Amerca
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of Amerca
- * E-mail:
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Mitochondria as a potential target for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs against Schistosoma mansoni infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0041821. [PMID: 34339272 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00418-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of parasites resistant to praziquantel, the only therapeutic agent, and its ineffectiveness as a prophylactic agent (inactive against the migratory/juvenile Schistosoma mansoni), makes the development of new antischistosomal drugs urgent. The parasite's mitochondrion is an attractive target for drug development because this organelle is essential for survival throughout the parasite's life cycle. We investigated the effects of 116 compounds against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae motility that have been reported to affect mitochondria-related processes in other organisms. Next, eight compounds plus two controls (mefloquine and praziquantel) were selected and assayed against motility of schistosomula (in vitro) and adults (ex vivo). Prophylactic and therapeutic assays were performed using infected mouse models. Inhibition of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was assayed using Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer. All selected compounds showed excellent prophylactic activity, reducing the worm burden in the lungs to less than 15% that obtained in the vehicle control. Notably, ascofuranone showed the highest activity with a 98% reduction of the worm burden, suggesting the potential for development of ascofuranone as a prophylactic agent. The worm burden of infected mice with S. mansoni at the adult stage was reduced by more than 50% in mice treated with mefloquine, nitazoxanide, amiodarone, ascofuranone, pyrvinium pamoate, or plumbagin. Moreover, adult mitochondrial OCR was severely inhibited by ascofuranone, atovaquone, and nitazoxanide, while pyrvinium pamoate inhibited both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial OCRs. These results demonstrate that the mitochondria of S. mansoni are feasible target for drug development.
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Moreira-Filho JT, Silva AC, Dantas RF, Gomes BF, Souza Neto LR, Brandao-Neto J, Owens RJ, Furnham N, Neves BJ, Silva-Junior FP, Andrade CH. Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery in the Era of Automation and Artificial Intelligence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642383. [PMID: 34135888 PMCID: PMC8203334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The control and treatment of this neglected tropical disease is based on a single drug, praziquantel, which raises concerns about the development of drug resistance. This, and the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms, highlights the urgency for new antischistosomal therapies. In this review we focus on innovative approaches to the identification of antischistosomal drug candidates, including the use of automated assays, fragment-based screening, computer-aided and artificial intelligence-based computational methods. We highlight the current developments that may contribute to optimizing research outputs and lead to more effective drugs for this highly prevalent disease, in a more cost-effective drug discovery endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- José T. Moreira-Filho
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Arthur C. Silva
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rafael F. Dantas
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara F. Gomes
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lauro R. Souza Neto
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Brandao-Neto
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, United Kingdom
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetic, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno J. Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Floriano P. Silva-Junior
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina H. Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Goiânia, Brazil
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Nanes Sarfati D, Li P, Tarashansky AJ, Wang B. Single-cell deconstruction of stem-cell-driven schistosome development. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:790-802. [PMID: 33893056 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes cause one of the most devastating neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis. Their transmission is accomplished through a complex life cycle with two obligate hosts and requires multiple radically different body plans specialized for infecting and reproducing in each host. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies on several schistosome body plans provide a comprehensive map of their cell types, which include stem cells and their differentiated progeny along an intricate developmental hierarchy. This progress not only extends our understanding of the basic biology of the schistosome life cycle but can also inform new therapeutic and preventive strategies against the disease, as blocking the development of specific cell types through genetic manipulations has shown promise in inhibiting parasite survival, growth, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pengyang Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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50
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Houlder EL, Costain AH, Cook PC, MacDonald AS. Schistosomes in the Lung: Immunobiology and Opportunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635513. [PMID: 33953712 PMCID: PMC8089482 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosome infection is a major cause of global morbidity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is no effective vaccine for this major neglected tropical disease, and re-infection routinely occurs after chemotherapeutic treatment. Following invasion through the skin, larval schistosomula enter the circulatory system and migrate through the lung before maturing to adulthood in the mesenteric or urogenital vasculature. Eggs released from adult worms can become trapped in various tissues, with resultant inflammatory responses leading to hepato-splenic, intestinal, or urogenital disease – processes that have been extensively studied in recent years. In contrast, although lung pathology can occur in both the acute and chronic phases of schistosomiasis, the mechanisms underlying pulmonary disease are particularly poorly understood. In chronic infection, egg-mediated fibrosis and vascular destruction can lead to the formation of portosystemic shunts through which eggs can embolise to the lungs, where they can trigger granulomatous disease. Acute schistosomiasis, or Katayama syndrome, which is primarily evident in non-endemic individuals, occurs during pulmonary larval migration, maturation, and initial egg-production, often involving fever and a cough with an accompanying immune cell infiltrate into the lung. Importantly, lung migrating larvae are not just a cause of inflammation and pathology but are a key target for future vaccine design. However, vaccine efforts are hindered by a limited understanding of what constitutes a protective immune response to larvae. In this review, we explore the current understanding of pulmonary immune responses and inflammatory pathology in schistosomiasis, highlighting important unanswered questions and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Houlder
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alice H Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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