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Evangelista FF, de Laet Sant'Ana P, Ferreira WC, Ferreira TA, Dos Santos ML, de Souza AH, de Andrade FAL, da Silva DA, de Barros LD, Colli CM, Nogueira-Melo GA, Costa IN, Falavigna-Guilherme AL. The Brazilian Toxoplasma gondii strain BRI caused greater inflammation and impairment in anxiogenic behavior in mice, which was reverted by rosuvastatin treatment. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:64. [PMID: 38117414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08038-4] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on anxiety-related behavior and short- and long-term memory impairment in mice infected with acute RH and BRI strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally and after 2 h, oral treatment with rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg/day) was initiated for 4 days. Behaviors related to anxiety and locomotion were evaluated in the open field (OF), and short- and long-term memory through the novel object recognition test (NOR). At the end of the experiments, peritoneal fluid, brain, liver, and lung were collected for T. gondii DNA quantification and histopathological analysis. Infection with BRI strain reduced the dwell time and central locomotion in the OF (p < 0.05), indicating anxiogenic type behavior, while treatment with rosuvastatin reversed this response (p < 0.05). RH strain infection did not alter any behavior in the OF (p > 0.05) and both strains impaired short- and long-term memory (NOR test), but with no significant treatment effect (p > 0.05). The BRI strain was shown to be more damaging in relation to anxiogenic type behavior when compared to the RH strain (p < 0.05), whereas rosuvastatin reduced this damaging effect in BRI. The treatment reduced the parasite load in the peritoneal lavage, liver, and lung of animals infected with both acute strains; however, it significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the inflammatory process only in BRI-infected and treated animals, showing that non-archetypal genotypes are more damaging in rodents. This suggests that rosuvastatin may be a drug with great therapeutic potential against T. gondii mainly to reduce damage from virulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Kang HJ, Mao J, Kim MJ, Yoon KW, Eom GD, Chu KB, Moon EK, Quan FS. The detection of Toxoplasma gondii ME49 infections in BALB/c mice using various techniques. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:418-427. [PMID: 38043537 PMCID: PMC10693974 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are primarily diagnosed by serological assays, whereas molecular and fluorescence-based techniques are garnering attention for their high sensitivity in detecting these infections. Nevertheless, each detection method has its limitations. The toxoplasmosis detection capabilities of most of the currently available methods have not been evaluated under identical experimental conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with various doses of T. gondii ME49. The detection of toxoplasmosis from sera and brain tissues was markedly enhanced in mice subjected to high infection doses (200 and 300 cysts) compared to those subjected to lower doses (10 and 50 cysts) for all the detection methods. Additionally, increased B1 gene expression levels and cyst sizes were observed in the brain tissues of the mice. Importantly, IHC, IF, and ELISA, but not RT-PCR, successfully detected T. gondii infections at the lowest infection dose (10 cysts) in the brain. These findings may prove beneficial while designing experimental methodologies for detecting T. gondii infections in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ji Kang
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30303,
USA
| | - Jie Mao
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Keon-Woong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Gi-Deok Eom
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute (CRI), Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute (CRI), Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447,
Korea
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3
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Miranda Júnior NRD, Santos AGAD, Pereira AV, Mariano IA, Guilherme ALF, Santana PDL, Beletini LDF, Evangelista FF, Nogueira-Melo GDA, Sant'Ana DDMG. Rosuvastatin enhances alterations caused by Toxoplasma gondii in the duodenum of mice. Tissue Cell 2023; 84:102194. [PMID: 37597359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102194] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Infection by Toxoplasma gondii may compromise the intestinal histoarchitecture through the tissue reaction triggered by the parasite. Thus, this study evaluated whether treatment with rosuvastatin modifies duodenal changes caused by the chronic infection induced by cysts of T. gondii. For this, female Swiss mice were distributed into infected and treated group (ITG), infected group (IG), group treated with 40 mg/kg rosuvastatin (TG) and control group (CG). After 72 days of infection, the animals were euthanized, the duodenum was collected and processed for histopathological analysis. We observed an increase in immune cell infiltration in the IG, TG and ITG groups, with injury to the Brunner glands. The infection led to a reduction in collagen fibers and mast cells. Infected and treated animals showed an increase in collagen fibers, acidic mucin-producing goblet cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes and mast cells, in addition to the reduction of muscle, neutral mucin-producing and Paneth cells. While treatment with rosuvastatin alone led to increased muscle layer, proportion of neutral mucin-producing goblet cells, Paneth cells, and reduction of collagen fibers. These findings indicate that the infection and treatment caused changes in the homeostasis of the intestinal wall and treatment with rosuvastatin potentiated most parameters indicative of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Raimundo de Miranda Júnior
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Amanda Gubert Alves Dos Santos
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Andréia Vieira Pereira
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Isabela Alessandra Mariano
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Falavigna Guilherme
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Priscilla de Laet Santana
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Lucimara de Fátima Beletini
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ferreira Evangelista
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Gessilda de Alcantara Nogueira-Melo
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Debora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.
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Burgess V, Maya JD. Statin and aspirin use in parasitic infections as a potential therapeutic strategy: A narrative review. Rev Argent Microbiol 2023; 55:278-288. [PMID: 37019801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.01.006] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections, including zoonoses, constitute a threat to human health due to the spread of resistant pathogens. These diseases generate an inflammatory response controlled by a resolving mechanism involving specialized membrane lipid-derived molecules called lipoxins, resolvins, maresins, and protectins. The production of some of these molecules can be triggered by aspirin or statins. Thus, it is proposed that modulation of the host response could be a useful therapeutic strategy, contributing to the management of resistance to antiparasitic agents or preventing drift to chronic, host-damaging courses. Therefore, the present work presents the state of the art on the use of statins or aspirin for the experimental management of parasitic infections such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis or malaria. The methodology used was a narrative review covering original articles from the last seven years, 38 of which met the inclusion criteria. Based on the publications consulted, modulation of the resolution of inflammation using statins may be feasible as an adjuvant in the therapy of parasitic diseases. However, there was no strong experimental evidence on the use of aspirin; therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate its role inflammation resolution process in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Burgess
- Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan D Maya
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
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Choopani S, Kiani B, Aliakbari S, Babaie J, Golkar M, Pourbadie HG, Sayyah M. Latent toxoplasmosis impairs learning and memory yet strengthens short-term and long-term hippocampal synaptic plasticity at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus, and Schaffer collatterals-CA1 synapses. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8959. [PMID: 37268701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35971-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating long-term potentiation (LTP) in disease models provides essential mechanistic insight into synaptic dysfunction and relevant behavioral changes in many neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases. Toxoplasma (T) gondii is an intracellular parasite causing bizarre changes in host's mind including losing inherent fear of life-threatening situations. We examined hippocampal-dependent behavior as well as in vivo short- and long-term synaptic plasticity (STP and LTP) in rats with latent toxoplasmosis. Rats were infected by T. gondii cysts. Existence of REP-529 genomic sequence of the parasite in the brain was detected by RT-qPCR. Four and eight weeks after infection, spatial, and inhibitory memories of rats were assessed by Morris water maze and shuttle box tests, respectively. Eight weeks after infection, STP was assessed in dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 by double pulse stimulation of perforant pathway and Shaffer collaterals, respectively. High frequency stimulation (HFS) was applied to induce LTP in entorhinal cortex-DG (400 Hz), and CA3-CA1 (200 Hz) synapses. T. gondii infection retarded spatial learning and memory performance at eight weeks post-infection period, whereas inhibitory memory was not changed. Unlike uninfected rats that normally showed paired-pulse depression, the infected rats developed paired-pulse facilitation, indicating an inhibitory synaptic network disruption. T. gondii-infected rats displayed strengthened LTP of both CA1-pyramidal and DG-granule cell population spikes. These data indicate that T. gondii disrupts inhibition/excitation balance and causes bizarre changes to the post-synaptic neuronal excitability, which may ultimately contribute to the abnormal behavior of the infected host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Choopani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahereh Kiani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Shayan Aliakbari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Babaie
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Golkar
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Sayyah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Moradi F, Dashti N, Farahvash A, Baghaei Naeini F, Zarebavani M. Curcumin ameliorates chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced affective disorders through modulation of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:461-467. [PMID: 37009013 PMCID: PMC10008396 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68487.14937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Long-term infection with Toxoplasma gondii is associated with affective disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression) in adults. We aimed to explore the effects of curcumin (CR) on anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in mice infected with T. gondii. Materials and Methods Animals were studied in five groups: Control, Model, Model + CR20, 40, and 80 (with IP injection of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg CR). T. gondii infection was prolonged for four weeks. The animals were then treated with CR or vehicle for two weeks and evaluated by behavioral tests at the end of the study. Hippocampal levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase; SOD, glutathione; GSH, and malondialdehyde; MDA) and gene expression and protein levels of hippocampal proinflammatory mediators (interleukin-1β; IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor- α; TNF-α) were determined. Results Behavioral tests confirmed that long-term infection with T. gondii led to anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Antidepressant effects of CR were linked to modulation of oxidative stress and cytokine network in the hippocampal region of infected mice. These results showed that CR reduced anxiety and depression symptoms via regulation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of T. gondii-infected mice. Conclusion Therefore, CR can be used as a potential antidepressant agent against T. gondii-induced affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moradi
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasrin Dashti
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mitra Zarebavani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author: Mitra Zarebavani. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Office of Vice-Chancellor for Global Strategies and International Affairs, Number 21, Dameshgh St., Vali-e Asr Ave., Tehran, Iran.
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Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection and their role in Egyptian autistic children. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1177-1187. [PMID: 36917369 PMCID: PMC10097734 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07818-2] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a significantly increased incidence rate across the world over the past few years. Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are globally prevalent and have been associated with diverse neurological and psychiatric disorders. A few studies have demonstrated the role of toxoplasmosis and CMV as potential etiological factors for autism. Accordingly, this study was performed to estimate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and CMV infection in children with autism as well as to assess their impact on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score. A total of 45 autistic children (6 girls, 39 boys) and 45 (21 girls, 24 boys) healthy control children were enrolled in our study. Their blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of Toxoplasma and CMV (IgG and IgM) antibodies and DNA by ELISA and real-time PCR (RT-PCR), respectively. Toxoplasmosis was detected in 11 (24.4%) autistic children through the ELISA [10 (22.2%) IgG + /IgM - and 1 (2.2%) IgG + /IgM +]; however, RT-PCR assay recorded only 1 positive case (2.2%), while it was detected in 10 (22.2%) control children through ELISA [9 (20%) IgG + /IgM - and 1 (2.2%) IgG + /IgM +] and 1 (2.2%) by RT-PCR. On the other hand, CMV infection was detected in all autistic children with 44 (97.8%) testing positive by ELISA [24 (53.3%) IgG + /IgM - , 18 (40%) IgG + /IgM + and 2 (4.4%) IgG - /IgM +] and 25 (55.6%) testing positive by RT-PCR assay. In addition, ELISA assay recorded 43 (95.6%) [19 (42.2%) IgG + /IgM + and 22 (48.9%) IgG + /IgM - and 2 (4.4%) IgG-/IgM +] and RT-PCR recorded 21 (46.7%) positive samples in control children with CMV. No significant difference was noted between autistic and control children for the overall prevalence of Toxoplasma or/and CMV infection. Similarly, the CARS score indicated a non-significant difference with Toxoplasma or/and CMV infection. Our data does not show an association between autism and toxoplasmosis or/and CMV infection. Nevertheless, considering that autistic children are at a high risk of contracting these infections, further studies with a larger sample size are recommended.
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Castaño BL, Silva AA, Hernandez-Velasco LL, Pinheiro APDS, Gibaldi D, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Lannes-Vieira J. Sulfadiazine Plus Pyrimethamine Therapy Reversed Multiple Behavioral and Neurocognitive Changes in Long-Term Chronic Toxoplasmosis by Reducing Brain Cyst Load and Inflammation-Related Alterations. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822567. [PMID: 35572567 PMCID: PMC9091718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects one-third of the world population. For decades, it has been considered a silent lifelong infection. However, chronically T. gondii-infected persons may present psychiatric and neurocognitive changes as anxiety, depression, and memory loss. In a model of long-term chronic infection, behavioral alterations parallel neuroinflammation and systemic high cytokine levels, and may reflect brain cyst load. Recent findings support that in chronic infection an active parasite-host interplay involves an immune-mediated control of tissue cysts. Here, we tested the idea that etiological treatment in chronic phase may add advantage to intrinsic immune-mediated cyst control and impact behavioral changes. Thus, we combined sulfadiazine-plus-pyrimethamine (S+P), the first-choice therapy for toxoplasmosis, to study the association of brain cyst load and biological processes related to the immune response (neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier -BBB- disruption and serum cytokine levels), with behavioral and neurocognitive changes of long-term chronic infection. Female C57BL/6 mice (H-2b) were infected (5 cysts, ME-49 strain) and treated with S+P from 30 to 60 days postinfection (dpi), compared with vehicle (Veh)-treated and noninfected controls. At endpoints (pre-therapy, 30 dpi; S+P therapy, 60 dpi; after ceased therapy, 90 dpi), independent groups were subjected to behavioral tests, and brain tissues and sera were collected. Multiple behavioral and neurocognitive changes were detected in the early (30 dpi) and long-term (60 and 90 dpi) chronic infection. S+P therapy resolved locomotor alterations, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior, partially or transiently ameliorated hyperactivity and habituation memory loss. Analysis after therapy cessation showed that S+P therapy reduced the number of stimuli required for aversive memory consolidation. S+P therapy resulted in reduced brain cyst load, neuroinflammation and BBB disruption, and lowered systemic Th1-cytokine levels. Correlation analysis revealed association between IFNγ, TNF and MCP-1/CCL2 serum levels, brain cyst load and behavioral and neurocognitive alterations. Moreover, principal-component analysis (PCA-2D and 3D projections) highlighted distinction between clusters (noninfected; Veh-treated and S+P-treated infected). Thus, our data suggest that S+P therapy added gain to intrinsic brain cyst control and, direct or indirectly, ameliorated inflammation-related alterations, traits associated with behavioral and neurocognitive alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrios Leda Castaño
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Alice Silva
- Multiuser Laboratory for Research Support in Nephrology and Medical Sciences, Federal University Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Targeting the TLR4/NF-κΒ Axis and NLRP1/3 Inflammasomes by Rosuvastatin: A Role in Impeding Ovariectomy-Induced Cognitive Decline Neuropathology in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4562-4577. [PMID: 35578102 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02852-0] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Postmenopausal hormone-related cognitive decline has gained an immense interest to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapies. The current work aimed to study the possible beneficial effect of rosuvastatin (ROS) on the cognitive decline induced by ovariectomy in rats. Four groups were used as follows: control group, control + rosuvastatin, ovariectomy, and ovariectomy + rosuvastatin. After sham operation or ovariectomy, rats were given saline or oral dosages of ROS (2 mg/kg) every day for 30 days. The cognitive functions were assessed using the Morris water maze paradigm, Y-maze test, and new object recognition test. After rat killing, TLR4, caspase-8, and NLRP mRNA expression and protein levels of ASC, AIM2, caspase-1, NLRP1, and PKR were measured in hippocampus. This was complemented by the estimation of tissue content of NF-κΒ, IL-1β, and IL-18 and serum lipid profile quantification. Rosuvastatin showed a promising potential for halting the cognitive impairments induced by estrogen decline through interfering with the TLR4/NF-κΒ/NLRP1/3 axis and inflammasomes activation and the subsequent pyroptosis. This was complemented by the amendment in the deranged lipid profile. Rosuvastatin may exert a beneficial role in attenuating the inflammatory and apoptotic signaling mechanisms associated with postmenopausal cognitive decline. Further investigations are needed to unveil the relationship between deranged plasma lipids and cognitive function.
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Soares GLDS, Leão ERLPD, Freitas SF, Alves RMC, Tavares NDP, Costa MVN, Menezes GCD, Oliveira JHPD, Guerreiro LCF, Assis ACLD, Araújo SC, Franco FTDC, Anaissi AKM, Carmo ELD, Morais RDAPB, Demachki S, Diniz JAP, Nunes HM, Anthony DC, Diniz DG, Diniz CWP. Behavioral and Neuropathological Changes After Toxoplasma gondii Ocular Conjunctival Infection in BALB/c Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:812152. [PMID: 35372100 PMCID: PMC8965508 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.812152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis in mice. However, following ocular infection with tachyzoites, the cause of the accompanying progressive changes in hippocampal-dependent tasks, and their relationship with the morphology and number of microglia, is less well understood. Here, in 6-month-old, female BALB/c mice, 5 μl of a suspension containing 48.5 × 106 tachyzoites/ml was introduced into the conjunctival sac; control received an equal volume of saline. Before and after instillation, all mice were subject to an olfactory discrimination (OD) test, using predator (cat) feces, and to an open-field (OF) task. After the behavioral tests, the animals were culled at either 22 or 44 days post-instillation (dpi), and the brains and retinas were dissected and processed for immunohistochemistry. The total number of Iba-1-immunolabeled microglia in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus was estimated, and three-dimensional reconstructions of the cells were evaluated. Immobility was increased in the infected group at 12, 22, and 43 dpi, but the greatest immobility was observed at 22 dpi and was associated with reduced line crossing in the OF and distance traveled. In the OD test, infected animals spent more time in the compartment with feline fecal material at 14 and at 43 dpi. No OD changes were observed in the control group. The number of microglia was increased at 22 dpi but returned to control levels by 44 dpi. These changes were associated with the differentiation of T. gondii tachyzoites into bradyzoite-enclosed cysts within the brain and retina. Thus, infection of mice with T. gondii alters exploratory behavior, gives rise to a loss in predator’s odor avoidance from 2 weeks after infection, increased microglia number, and altered their morphology in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.
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11
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Yin K, Xu C, Zhao G, Xie H. Epigenetic Manipulation of Psychiatric Behavioral Disorders Induced by Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:803502. [PMID: 35237531 PMCID: PMC8882818 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.803502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to have a complex life cycle and infect almost all kinds of warm-blooded animals around the world. The brain of the host could be persistently infected by cerebral cysts, and a variety of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and suicide have been reported to be related with latent toxoplasmosis. The infected animals showed fear reduction and a tendency to be preyed upon. However, the mechanism of this “parasites manipulation” effects have not been elucidated. Here, we reviewed the recent infection prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the evidence of mental and behavioral disorders induced by T. gondii and discussed the related physiological basis including dopamine dysregulation and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway and the controversial opinion of the necessity for cerebral cysts existence. Based on the recent advances, we speculated that the neuroendocrine programs and neurotransmitter imbalance may play a key role in this process. Simultaneously, studies in the evaluation of the expression pattern of related genes, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and mRNAs of the host provides a new point for understanding the mechanism of neurotransmitter dysfunction induced by parasite manipulation. Therefore, we summarized the animal models, T. gondii strains, and behavioral tests used in the related epigenetic studies and the responsible epigenetic processes; pinpointed opportunities and challenges in future research including the causality evidence of human psychiatric disorders, the statistical analysis for rodent-infected host to be more vulnerable preyed upon; and identified responsible genes and drug targets through epigenetics.
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Repova K, Aziriova S, Krajcirovicova K, Simko F. Cardiovascular therapeutics: A new potential for anxiety treatment? Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1202-1245. [PMID: 34993995 PMCID: PMC9304130 DOI: 10.1002/med.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Besides the well‐recognized risk factors, novel conditions increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are emerging. Undesirable emotions and behavior such as anxiety and depression, appear to participate in worsening cardiovascular pathologies. On the other hand, deteriorating conditions of the heart and vasculature result in disturbed mental and emotional health. The pathophysiological background of this bidirectional interplay could reside in an inappropriate activation of vegetative neurohormonal and other humoral systems in both cardiovascular and psychological disturbances. This results in circulus vitiosus potentiating mental and circulatory disorders. Thus, it appears to be of utmost importance to examine the alteration of emotions, cognition, and behavior in cardiovascular patients. In terms of this consideration, recognizing the potential of principal cardiovascular drugs to interact with the mental state in patients with heart or vasculature disturbances is unavoidable, to optimize their therapeutic benefit. In general, beta‐blockers, central sympatholytics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, aldosterone receptor blockers, sacubitril/valsartan, and fibrates are considered to exert anxiolytic effect in animal experiments and clinical settings. Statins and some beta‐blockers appear to have an equivocal impact on mood and anxiety and ivabradine expressed neutral psychological impact. It seems reasonable to suppose that the knowledge of a patient's mood, cognition, and behavior, along with applying careful consideration of the choice of the particular cardiovascular drug and respecting its potential psychological benefit or harm might improve the individualized approach to the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Repova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Aziriova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Krajcirovicova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.,3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Castaño Barrios L, Da Silva Pinheiro AP, Gibaldi D, Silva AA, Machado Rodrigues e Silva P, Roffê E, da Costa Santiago H, Tostes Gazzinelli R, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Lannes-Vieira J. Behavioral alterations in long-term Toxoplasma gondii infection of C57BL/6 mice are associated with neuroinflammation and disruption of the blood brain barrier. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258199. [PMID: 34610039 PMCID: PMC8491889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a mandatory intracellular parasite and the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This illness is of medical importance due to its high prevalence worldwide and may cause neurological alterations in immunocompromised persons. In chronically infected immunocompetent individuals, this parasite forms tissue cysts mainly in the brain. In addition, T. gondii infection has been related to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as mood, personality, and other behavioral changes. In the present study, we evaluated the kinetics of behavioral alterations in a model of chronic infection, assessing anxiety, depression and exploratory behavior, and their relationship with neuroinflammation and parasite cysts in brain tissue areas, blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity, and cytokine status in the brain and serum. Adult female C57BL/6 mice were infected by gavage with 5 cysts of the ME-49 type II T. gondii strain, and analyzed as independent groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postinfection (dpi). Anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity were detected in the early (30 dpi) and long-term (60 and 90 dpi) chronic T. gondii infection, in a direct association with the presence of parasite cysts and neuroinflammation, independently of the brain tissue areas, and linked to BBB disruption. These behavioral alterations paralleled the upregulation of expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and CC-chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES) in the brain tissue. In addition, increased levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), TNF and CCL2/MCP-1 were detected in the peripheral blood, at 30 and 60 dpi. Our data suggest that the persistence of parasite cysts induces sustained neuroinflammation, and BBB disruption, thus allowing leakage of cytokines of circulating plasma into the brain tissue. Therefore, all these factors may contribute to behavioral changes (anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity) in chronic T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Castaño Barrios
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Da Silva Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Alice Silva
- Multiuser Laboratory for Research Support in Nephrology and Medical Sciences, Federal University Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ester Roffê
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Tostes Gazzinelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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