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Saha S, Mondal C, Mandal S, Ray MS, Lyndem LM. In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Ferulic and Sinapic acid against zoonotic cestode Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819). J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:501-513. [PMID: 39145371 PMCID: PMC11319579 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01689-9] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study is aimed to investigate potential in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of two phenolic compounds Ferulic acid and Sinapic acid against the parasite H. diminuta. Adult parasites collected from infected rat's intestine (maintained in our laboratory) were treated with 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL concentrations of both the compounds in RPMI-1640 media containing 1% Tween 20. Further, one group was treated in Praziquantel as a reference drug and another group of parasites were kept as control. The efficacy was evaluated on the basis of motility and mortality of the parasites. The paralyzed worms were further processed for the morphological and ultrastructural studies and observed through light and scanning electron microscopy. A significant dose-dependent efficacy was found in all treatment and decrease in relative movability value was also recorded in all the concentrations of two compounds treated parasites. The time taken for paralysis in 5 mg/mL of Ferulic acid and 10 mg/mL of Sinapic acid were 1.47 ± 0.04 h and 0.88 ± 0.03 h respectively which is accorded with the standard concentration of Praziquantel. Morphological micrographs revealed pronounced distortion and altered topography of scolex and tegument while histological study showed loss of uniform tegumental integrity with folds and cracks in the treated parasites. Further, extensive alteration in the scolex and irrevocable disruption all over the body surface with loss of trapezoid shape, shrinkage of tegument and sloughing off microtriches were observed in electron microscopic study. The study indicated that both the compounds possess strong activity against H. diminuta and further studies are required to understand their detailed mode of action to exploit them as potential alternative candidates for curing helminthiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiparna Saha
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Chandrani Mondal
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Sudeshna Mandal
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Mou Singha Ray
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Larisha M. Lyndem
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
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Parker W, Jirků K, Patel E, Williamson L, Anderson L, Laman JD. Reevaluating Biota Alteration: Reframing Environmental Influences on Chronic Immune Disorders and Exploring Novel Therapeutic Opportunities. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2024; 97:253-263. [PMID: 38947109 PMCID: PMC11202117 DOI: 10.59249/vunf1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Environmental mismatches are defined as changes in the environment that induce public health crises. Well known mismatches leading to chronic disease include the availability of technologies that facilitate unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, both factors that adversely affect cardiovascular health. This commentary puts these mismatches in context with biota alteration, an environmental mismatch involving hygiene-related technologies necessary for avoidance of infectious disease. Implementation of hygiene-related technologies causes a loss of symbiotic helminths and protists, profoundly affecting immune function and facilitating a variety of chronic conditions, including allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and several inflammation-associated neuropsychiatric conditions. Unfortunately, despite an established understanding of the biology underpinning this and other environmental mismatches, public health agencies have failed to stem the resulting tide of increased chronic disease burden. Both biomedical research and clinical practice continue to focus on an ineffective and reactive pharmaceutical-based paradigm. It is argued that the healthcare of the future could take into account the biology of today, effectively and proactively dealing with environmental mismatch and the resulting chronic disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Parker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University
of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- WPLab, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kateřina Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech
Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Lauren Williamson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky
University, Highland Heights, KY, USA
| | | | - Jon D. Laman
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology,
University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The
Netherlands
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3
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Aykur M, Malatyalı E, Demirel F, Cömert-Koçak B, Gentekaki E, Tsaousis AD, Dogruman-Al F. Blastocystis: A Mysterious Member of the Gut Microbiome. Microorganisms 2024; 12:461. [PMID: 38543512 PMCID: PMC10972062 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most common gastrointestinal protist found in humans and animals. Although the clinical significance of Blastocystis remains unclear, the organism is increasingly being viewed as a commensal member of the gut microbiome. However, its impact on the microbiome is still being debated. It is unclear whether Blastocystis promotes a healthy gut and microbiome directly or whether it is more likely to colonize and persist in a healthy gut environment. In healthy people, Blastocystis is frequently associated with increased bacterial diversity and significant differences in the gut microbiome. Based on current knowledge, it is not possible to determine whether differences in the gut microbiome are the cause or result of Blastocystis colonization. Although it is possible that some aspects of this eukaryote's role in the intestinal microbiome remain unknown and that its effects vary, possibly due to subtype and intra-subtype variations and immune modulation, more research is needed to characterize these mechanisms in greater detail. This review covers recent findings on the effects of Blastocystis in the gut microbiome and immune modulation, its impact on the microbiome in autoimmune diseases, whether Blastocystis has a role like bacteria in the gut-brain axis, and its relationship with probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat 60030, Türkiye
| | - Erdoğan Malatyalı
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09010, Türkiye;
| | - Filiz Demirel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara City Hospital, Health Science University, Ankara 06500, Türkiye;
| | - Burçak Cömert-Koçak
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Karadeniz Ereğli State Hospital, Zonguldak 67300, Türkiye;
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus;
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK;
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06560, Türkiye;
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Biserova NM, Kutyrev IA, Saitov VR, Kolesnikov IA. The neuro-exocrine secretion: A new type of gland in tapeworms? ZOOLOGY 2023; 160:126119. [PMID: 37683517 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126119] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of exocrine secretion via nervous cells into the host tissue has been discovered in cestodes. In five cestode species of different orders specialized "cup-shaped" free nerve endings located in the tegument have been found. Their ultrastructure is characterized by the presence of a septate junction, a thin support ring and neurosecretory vesicles 90-110 nm in diameter, which are secreted onto the surface of the tegument through a thin pore. The phenomenon is referred to in this article as the neuro-exocrine secretion. We observed a direct relationship between neurosecretory processes in the deep subtegument and free endings in a series of ultrathin sections in two species. The peripheral neurosecretory neurons of species studied are characterized by similar ultrastructural features: size and location; diameter of neurosecretory granules; absence of microtubules and mitochondria in the neurites. The size of neurosecretory granules has been found to decrease from perikaryon towards neurosecretory terminals that lead to the tegument. In two species, we examined the neurosecretion during incubation in the host's blood serum. Depending on the time of incubation we have shown the changes a) in the diameter of the cup-shaped endings, b) in the number of secretory vesicles in the endings; c) changes in number and diameter of neurosecretory vesicles in the processes of neurosecretory neurons in the subtegument. The detected changes differ in D.dendriticus and L.interrupta and, taken together, indirectly confirm the secretory specialization of the cup-shaped endings. Supposed targets for the neurosecretory neurons in the studied cestodes are the following: (a) eccrine frontal gland ducts, especially their terminal regions involved in the release of secretory products; (b) longitudinal and circular muscles in the subtegument region; (c) the basal membrane of the tegument. Besides the discovered secretion vesicles through the cup-shaped terminals, we observed vacuoles derived from the basal membrane of the tegument containing extracellular substances released into the host tissue. Their possible role in the release of neurosecretory substances is discussed. Considering the data acquired via immunocytochemical methods, an assumption about involvement of FMRFamide-like related peptides (FaRPs) in the neuro-exocrine secretion is proposed. Possible functions of the neuro-exocrine secretion are discussed in the context of host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M Biserova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Moscow 119234, Russia; Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia.
| | - Ivan A Kutyrev
- Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Ude 670047, Russia
| | - Vadim R Saitov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Ivan A Kolesnikov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Moscow 119234, Russia
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Mondal C, Mandal S, Saha S, Ray MS, Lyndem LM. Gallic acid and Catechin induce morphological alterations on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2287-2299. [PMID: 37507540 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07929-w] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Tapeworm infections cause insidious and irreversible effects in the infected individuals and some of them have already shown resistance to available drugs. A search for alternative treatment is urgently required. Phenolic compounds are amongst the most researched natural substances for their medicinal use. The present study aims to determine anthelmintic efficacy of two polyphenols Gallic acid and Catechin against the zoonotic rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. Both compounds are potent anti-oxidants and play major roles in combating pathogens, while their anthelmintic property according to our knowledge is yet to be explored. The parasite model H. diminuta was procured from intestine of infected rats raised in our laboratory. Two sets of parasites were treated in vitro with 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/ml concentrations of each Gallic Acid and Catechin separately, another set of parasites were treated with standard dose of Praziquantel in RPMI 1640, while still another set of worms were kept in RPMI 1640 at 37 ± 10C with 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide as control. Motility and structural alterations were the parameters assessed for anthelmintic efficacy of the compounds. After paralysis the worms were processed for morphological, histological, and ultrastructural study and observed under light and electron microscope. Dose-dependent efficacy was observed in both compounds. Shrinkage of suckers, deformed proglottids and architectural alteration of the tegument were observed throughout the body of treated parasites compared to control. Although in terms of time taken for paralysis and mortality Gallic acid was more effective than Catechin, the degree of morphological aberrations caused were almost similar, except histological alteration was more in Catechin treated worms than in Gallic acid. Nevertheless, both Gallic acid and Catechin are suggested to possess anthelmintic efficacy besides other health benefits but extended studies are required to compare their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrani Mondal
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235, India
| | - Sudeshna Mandal
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235, India
| | - Samiparna Saha
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235, India
| | - Mou Singha Ray
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235, India
| | - Larisha M Lyndem
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235, India.
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Wencel PL, Blecharz-Klin K, Piechal A, Pyrzanowska J, Mirowska-Guzel D, Strosznajder RP. Fingolimod Modulates the Gene Expression of Proteins Engaged in Inflammation and Amyloid-Beta Metabolism and Improves Exploratory and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Obese Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1388-1404. [PMID: 37432552 PMCID: PMC10480137 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01403-2] [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] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which has become one of the most important health problems, and is also linked with memory and executive function decline. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that regulates cell death/survival and the inflammatory response via its specific receptors (S1PRs). Since the role of S1P and S1PRs in obesity is rather obscure, we examined the effect of fingolimod (an S1PR modulator) on the expression profile of genes encoding S1PRs, sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1), proteins engaged in amyloid-beta (Aβ) generation (ADAM10, BACE1, PSEN2), GSK3β, proapoptotic Bax, and proinflammatory cytokines in the cortex and hippocampus of obese/prediabetic mouse brains. In addition, we observed behavioral changes. Our results revealed significantly elevated mRNA levels of Bace1, Psen2, Gsk3b, Sphk1, Bax, and proinflammatory cytokines, which were accompanied by downregulation of S1pr1 and sirtuin 1 in obese mice. Moreover, locomotor activity, spatially guided exploratory behavior, and object recognition were impaired. Simultaneously, fingolimod reversed alterations in the expressions of the cytokines, Bace1, Psen2, and Gsk3b that occurred in the brain, elevated S1pr3 mRNA levels, restored normal cognition-related behavior patterns, and exerted anxiolytic effects. The improvement in episodic and recognition memory observed in this animal model of obesity may suggest a beneficial effect of fingolimod on central nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Wencel
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego St., 02106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - K Blecharz-Klin
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St., 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Piechal
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St., 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Pyrzanowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St., 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - D Mirowska-Guzel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St., 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - R P Strosznajder
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego St., 02106, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Weiner A, Turjeman S, Koren O. Gut microbes and host behavior: The forgotten members of the gut-microbiome. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109453. [PMID: 36738776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota refers to an entire population of microorganisms that colonize the gut. This community includes viruses, prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), and eukaryotes (fungi and parasites). Multiple studies in the last decades described the significant involvement of gut bacteria in gut-brain axis communication; however, the involvement of other members of the gut microbiota has been neglected. Recent studies found that these 'forgotten' members of the gut microbiota may also have a role in gut-brain communication, although it is still unclear whether they have a direct effect on the brain or if their effects are mediated by gut bacteria. Here, we provide concrete suggestions for future research to tease out mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Weiner
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Sondra Turjeman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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Parker W, Patel E, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Laman JD. COVID-19 morbidity in lower versus higher income populations underscores the need to restore lost biodiversity of eukaryotic symbionts. iScience 2023; 26:106167. [PMID: 36785786 PMCID: PMC9908430 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The avoidance of infectious disease by widespread use of 'systems hygiene', defined by hygiene-enhancing technology such as sewage systems, water treatment facilities, and secure food storage containers, has led to a dramatic decrease in symbiotic helminths and protists in high-income human populations. Over a half-century of research has revealed that this 'biota alteration' leads to altered immune function and a propensity for chronic inflammatory diseases, including allergic, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders. A recent Ethiopian study (EClinicalMedicine 39: 101054), validating predictions made by several laboratories, found that symbiotic helminths and protists were associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; p<0.0001). Thus, it is now apparent that 'biome reconstitution', defined as the artificial re-introduction of benign, symbiotic helminths or protists into the ecosystem of the human body, is important not only for alleviation of chronic immune disease, but likely also for pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jon D. Laman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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The Tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta as an Important Model Organism in the Experimental Parasitology of the 21st Century. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121439. [PMID: 36558772 PMCID: PMC9784563 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta is a common parasite of the small intestine in rodents but it can also infect humans. Due to its characteristics and ease of maintenance in the laboratory, H. diminuta is also an important model species in studies of cestodiasis, including the search for new drugs, treatments, diagnostics and biochemical processes, as well as its host-parasite interrelationships. A great deal of attention has been devoted to the immune response caused by H. diminuta in the host, and several studies indicate that infection with H. diminuta can reduce the severity of concomitant disease. Here, we present a critical review of the experimental research conducted with the use of H. diminuta as a model organism for over more than two decades (in the 21st century). The present review evaluates the tapeworm H. diminuta as a model organism for studying the molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology aspects of parasitology, as well as certain clinical applications. It also systematizes the latest research on this species. Its findings may contribute to a better understanding of the biology of tapeworms and their adaptation to parasitism, including complex correlations between H. diminuta and invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. It places particular emphasis on its value for the further development of modern experimental parasitology.
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Noel SC, Fortin-Hamel L, Haque M, Scott ME. Maternal gastrointestinal nematode infection enhances spatial memory of uninfected juvenile mouse pups. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9796. [PMID: 35697723 PMCID: PMC9192650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13971-y] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to factors including maternal infection during pregnancy. Establishment of neural networks critical for memory and cognition begins during the perinatal period, when Heligmosomoides bakeri, a gastrointestinal (GI) nematode restricted to the maternal mouse intestine, has been shown to upregulate expression of long-term potentiation genes in the young rodent pup brain. We explored the impact of maternal infection during pregnancy and early lactation on the spatial behavior of uninfected male and female juvenile mice. Pre-weaned pups of H. bakeri infected dams exhibited less exploratory behaviour compared to pups of uninfected dams on postnatal day (PD) 16 but not PD 17, possibly reflecting a transient fear of an unfamiliar environment and/or a brief neurodevelopmental delay. Our two spatial memory tests show for the first time an enhancement of spatial memory in response to maternal nematode infection regardless of pup sex. At PD 17, pups of infected dams expressed object location memories after 3 h in the Object Location Test whereas offspring of uninfected mothers did not. In addition, at PD 34, juveniles of infected mothers retained their ability to find the escape hole in the Barnes Maze Test for one week whereas offspring from uninfected mothers did not. This finding is even more striking given that spatial memory was positively associated with pup length, yet this maternal infection impaired linear growth of pups. Thus, the positive impact of maternal infection on spatial memory countered any impairment associated with the shorter length of the pups. Overall, these novel findings indicate that a maternal GI nematode infection during pregnancy and lactation positively influences the spatial memory of uninfected juvenile offspring with potential fitness implications for the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Noel
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Liana Fortin-Hamel
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Manjurul Haque
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marilyn E Scott
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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