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Dean AD, Childs DZ, Corripio‐Miyar Y, Evans M, Hayward A, Kenyon F, McNally L, McNeilly TN, Pakeman RJ, Sweeny AR, Nussey DH, Pedersen AB, Fenton A. Host resources and parasite traits interact to determine the optimal combination of host parasite-mitigation strategies. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11310. [PMID: 38903143 PMCID: PMC11187858 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11310] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Organisms have evolved diverse strategies to manage parasite infections. Broadly, hosts may avoid infection by altering behaviour, resist infection by targeting parasites or tolerate infection by repairing associated damage. The effectiveness of a strategy depends on interactions between, for example, resource availability, parasite traits (virulence, life-history) and the host itself (nutritional status, immunopathology). To understand how these factors shape host parasite-mitigation strategies, we developed a mathematical model of within-host, parasite-immune dynamics in the context of helminth infections. The model incorporated host nutrition and resource allocation to different mechanisms of immune response: larval parasite prevention; adult parasite clearance; damage repair (tolerance). We also considered a non-immune strategy: avoidance via anorexia, reducing intake of infective stages. Resources not allocated to immune processes promoted host condition, whereas harm due to parasites and immunopathology diminished it. Maximising condition (a proxy for fitness), we determined optimal host investment for each parasite-mitigation strategy, singly and combined, across different environmental resource levels and parasite trait values. Which strategy was optimal varied with scenario. Tolerance generally performed well, especially with high resources. Success of the different resistance strategies (larval prevention or adult clearance) tracked relative virulence of larval and adult parasites: slowly maturing, highly damaging larvae favoured prevention; rapidly maturing, less harmful larvae favoured clearance. Anorexia was viable only in the short term, due to reduced host nutrition. Combined strategies always outperformed any lone strategy: these were dominated by tolerance, with some investment in resistance. Choice of parasite mitigation strategy has profound consequences for hosts, impacting their condition, survival and reproductive success. We show that the efficacy of different strategies is highly dependent on timescale, parasite traits and resource availability. Models that integrate such factors can inform the collection and interpretation of empirical data, to understand how those drivers interact to shape host immune responses in natural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Dean
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | - Mike Evans
- Department for Disease ControlMoredun Research InstitutePenicuikUK
- The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesRoslinUK
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Adam Hayward
- Department for Disease ControlMoredun Research InstitutePenicuikUK
| | - Fiona Kenyon
- Department for Disease ControlMoredun Research InstitutePenicuikUK
| | - Luke McNally
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Department for Disease ControlMoredun Research InstitutePenicuikUK
| | | | - Amy R. Sweeny
- School of BiosciencesThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Amy B. Pedersen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Andy Fenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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Pan J, Yao WL, Liu LP, Wang BS, Chai WZ, Huang Z, Fan XP, He WH, Wang WH, Zhang WD. Moniezia benedeni infection increases IgE + cells in sheep (Ovis aries) small intestine. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110169. [PMID: 38520755 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110169] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The concentration of immunoglobulin (Ig) E is the lowest among serum Igs, but it can induces type I hypersensitivity and plays an important role in anti-parasitic infection. The present study aimed to explore the residence characteristics of IgE+ cells in the sheep small intestine and the impact of Moniezia benedeni infection on them. The recombinant plasmids pET-28a-IgE were constructed and induced and expressed in Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3). The rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody was prepared using the obtained recombinant protein as antigen. Finally, the levels of IgE+ cells in the small intestine of healthy (Control group) and naturally M. benedeni-infected (Infected group) sheep were detected analyzed. The results showed that the rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody with good immunogenicity (titer = 1: 128000) could specifically bind to the heavy chain of natural sheep IgE. In the Control group, the IgE+ cells were mainly distributed in lamina propria of the small intestine, and the densities were significantly decreased from duodenum to ileum (P<0.05), with respective values of (4.28 cells / 104 μm2, 1.80 cells / 104 μm2, and 1.44 cells / 104 μm2 in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In the Infected group, IgE+ cells density were 6.26 cells / 104 μm2, 3.01 cells / 104 μm2, and 2.09 cells / 104 μm2 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum respectively, which were significantly higher in all segments compared to the Control group (P<0.05), increasing by 46.26%, 67.22% and 45.14%, respectively. In addition, compared with the Control group, the IgE protein levels were significantly increased in all intestinal segments of the Infected group (P<0.01), however, there was no significant differences among the different intestinal segments within the same group (P>0.05). The results demonstrated that M. benedeni infection could significantly increase the content of IgE and the distribution density of its secreting cells in sheep small intestine. The intestinal mucosal immune system of sheep presented obvious specificity against M. benedeni infection. This lays a good foundation for further exploring molecular mechanisms of the intestinal mucosal immune system monitoring and responding to M. benedeni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Wan-Ling Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Bao-Shan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Wen-Zhu Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Xi-Ping Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Wan-Hong He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Wang-Dong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China.
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Tiberti N, Manfredi M, Piubelli C, Buonfrate D. Progresses and challenges in Strongyloides spp. proteomics. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220447. [PMID: 38008115 PMCID: PMC10676815 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0447] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of high-quality data of helminth genomes provided over the past two decades has supported and accelerated large-scale 'omics studies and, consequently, the achievement of a more in-depth molecular characterization of a number of pathogens. This has also involved Strongyloides spp. and since their genome was made available transcriptomics has been rather frequently applied to investigate gene expression regulation across their life cycle. Strongyloides proteomics characterization has instead been somehow neglected, with only a few reports performing high-throughput or targeted analyses associated with protein identification by tandem mass spectrometry. Such investigations are however necessary in order to discern important aspects associated with human strongyloidiasis, including understanding parasite biology and the mechanisms of host-parasite interaction, but also to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review article, we will give an overview of the published proteomics studies investigating strongyloidiasis at different levels, spanning from the characterization of the somatic proteome and excretory/secretory products of different parasite stages to the investigation of potentially immunogenic proteins. Moreover, in the effort to try to start filling the current gap in host-proteomics, we will also present the first serum proteomics analysis in patients suffering from human strongyloidiasis. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tiberti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
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Esperante D, Gutiérrez MIM, Issa ME, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Mendlovic F. Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1251355. [PMID: 38044996 PMCID: PMC10690632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1251355] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Esperante
- Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina (PECEM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Itzel Martínez Gutiérrez
- Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina (PECEM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mark E. Issa
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Alejandro Schcolnik-Cabrera
- Département de Biochimie et Médicine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fela Mendlovic
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, Huixquilucan, Mexico
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Ramlal A, Nautiyal A, Kumar J, Mishra V, Sogan N, Nasser B. Singab A. Botanicals against some important nematodal diseases: Ascariasis and hookworm infections. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103814. [PMID: 37841664 PMCID: PMC10570706 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103814] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis and intestinal parasitic nematodes are the leading cause of mass mortality infecting many people across the globe. In light of the various deleterious side effects of modern chemical-based allopathic drugs, our preferences have currently shifted towards the use of traditional plant-based drugs or botanicals for treating diseases. The defensive propensities in the botanicals against parasites have probably evolved during their co-habitation with parasites, humans and plants in nature and hence their combative interference in one another's defensive mechanisms has occurred naturally ultimately being very effective in treating diseases. This article broadly outlines the utility of plant-based compounds or botanicals prepared from various medicinal herbs that have the potential to be developed as effective therapies against the important parasites causing ascariasis and intestinal hookworm infections leading to ascariasis & infections and thereby human mortality, wherein allopathic treatments are less effective and causes enormous side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyagari Ramlal
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110012
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia 11800
| | - Aparna Nautiyal
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Life Sciences Park, Electronics City Phase 1, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India 560100
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), First Floor, MTNL Building, 9 Lodhi Road, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110003
| | - Vachaspati Mishra
- Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, University of Delhi, Dwarka, Delhi, India 110078
| | - Nisha Sogan
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Abdel Nasser B. Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt 11156
- Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
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Etebar F, Hosseini SH, Borhani Zarandi M, Moghadasi AN, Jalousian F. The immunomodulatory effects of the C-type lectin protein of Toxocara canis on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e13010. [PMID: 37718988 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13010] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a global zoonosis infection that can cause chronic and long-term toxocariasis in their paratenic host. The excretory-secretory (ES) products of T. canis larvae are considered to be responsible for the Th2 polarization and regulatory immune responses in toxocariasis. The C-type lectin family is one of the most prominent components of ES products of T. canis infective larvae. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of a T. canis C-type lectin recombinant protein (rCTL), on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously treated with 30 μg rCTL, three times at an interval of 1 week. EAE was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 peptide (MOG35-55 peptide) immunization, and weight and clinical scores were evaluated. Real time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the expression levels of T-bet, Gata3, and Foxp3 in splenocytes. In addition, the levels of interleukin 4, interferon gamma, and tumour growth factor-β (TGF-β) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in splenocyte culture supernatants. The results indicated that the rCTL decreased clinical disability scores and delayed the onset of EAE. Furthermore, the data showed that rCTL treatment modulated the immune response, which was associated with upregulation of the mRNA expression of the Foxp3 gene and higher production of TGF-β in rCTL-treated mice. This study demonstrated that rCTL might be a potential agent to ameliorate EAE symptoms by stimulating anti-inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazeleh Etebar
- Faculty of Health, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Museum of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borhani Zarandi
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Jalousian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
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Sveiven SN, Anesko K, Morgan J, Nair MG, Nordgren TM. Lipid-Sensing Receptor FFAR4 Modulates Pulmonary Epithelial Homeostasis following Immunogenic Exposures Independently of the FFAR4 Ligand Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087072. [PMID: 37108233 PMCID: PMC10138935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087072] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of pulmonary free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) is not fully elucidated and we aimed to clarify the impact of FFAR4 on the pulmonary immune response and return to homeostasis. We employed a known high-risk human pulmonary immunogenic exposure to extracts of dust from swine confinement facilities (DE). WT and Ffar4-null mice were repetitively exposed to DE via intranasal instillation and supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by oral gavage. We sought to understand if previous findings of DHA-mediated attenuation of the DE-induced inflammatory response are FFAR4-dependent. We identified that DHA mediates anti-inflammatory effects independent of FFAR4 expression, and that DE-exposed mice lacking FFAR4 had reduced immune cells in the airways, epithelial dysplasia, and impaired pulmonary barrier integrity. Analysis of transcripts using an immunology gene expression panel revealed a role for FFAR4 in lungs related to innate immune initiation of inflammation, cytoprotection, and immune cell migration. Ultimately, the presence of FFAR4 in the lung may regulate cell survival and repair following immune injury, suggestive of potential therapeutic directions for pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie N Sveiven
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Kyle Anesko
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Joshua Morgan
- Department of Bioengineering, Bourns College of Engineering, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Meera G Nair
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Tara M Nordgren
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Nematode-Induced Growth Factors Related to Angiogenesis in Autoimmune Disease Attenuation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020321. [PMID: 36836678 PMCID: PMC9959133 DOI: 10.3390/life13020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data suggest an important role of growth factors in autoimmune diseases and parasitic nematode infections. Nematodes are used in clinical studies of autoimmune diseases and parasite-derived molecules are widely studied for their therapeutic potential in various types of disorders. However, the effect of nematode infection on growth factors in autoimmune disorders has not been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of infection with the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in murine autoimmune models on the production of growth factors. Here, the level of a variety of growth factors related mainly to angiogenesis was evaluated by protein array in the intestinal mucosa of C57BL/6 dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitic mice and in cerebral spinal fluid of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice infected with nematodes. In addition, vessel formation was evaluated in the brains of EAE mice infected with H. polygyrus. A significant influence of nematode infection on the level of angiogenic factors was observed. Parasitic infection of colitic mice resulted in upregulation of mucosal AREG, EGF, FGF-2, and IGFBP-3 in the intestine of the host and better adaptation (infectivity). In EAE mice, infection increased the level of FGF-2 and FGF-7 in CSF. In addition, remodeling of brain vessels was observed, with a higher density of long vessels. Nematode-derived factors are promising tools to fight autoimmune diseases and to study angiogenesis.
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Rural Embodiment and Community Health: an Anthropological Case Study on Biocultural Determinants of Tropical Disease Infection and Immune System Development in the USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 10:26-39. [PMID: 36714157 PMCID: PMC9868515 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-023-00282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Biocultural methods are critically important for identifying environmental and socioeconomic factors linked with tropical disease risk and outcomes. For example, embodiment theory refers to the process by which lived experiences impact individual biology. Increased exposure to pathogens, chronic psychosocial stress, and unequal resource access are all outcomes linked with discrimination and poverty. Through lived experiences, race and socioeconomic inequality can literally become embodied-get under the skin and affect physiology-impacting immune responses and contributing to lifelong health disparities. Yet, few studies have investigated tropical disease patterns and associated immune function using embodiment theory to understand lasting physiological impacts associated with living in a high-pathogen environment. Recent Findings Here, we use preliminary data drawn from the Rural Embodiment and Community Health (REACH) study to assess whether pathogen exposure and immune stimulation within a sample of children from the Mississippi Delta are associated with household income. We also test whether immune marker levels-assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using dried blood spot samples-vary between the REACH sample and a similarly aged nationally representative NHANES sample. Immune marker levels did not differ significantly between REACH participants living below vs. above the federal poverty line, yet immunoglobulin E levels-a marker of macroparasite infection-were higher among REACH study participants compared to the NHANES sample. Summary These results may suggest community-level pathogenic exposures (i.e., parasitic infections) are embodied by REACH participants with implications for long-term immune function, potentially resulting in immune aspects that differ from nationally representative samples. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40475-023-00282-z.
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Setshedi M, Watermeyer G. The impact of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal helminth infections on gastric adenocarcinoma and inflammatory bowel disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1013779. [PMID: 36569142 PMCID: PMC9780450 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1013779] [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: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GCA) is the 5th leading cancer globally with an estimated 1.1 million cases reported in 2020. Ninety percent of non-cardia GCAs are attributable to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the most prevalent bacterial infection globally. Rates of H. pylori infection are highest in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet surprisingly low numbers of GCAs are reported in the region. A similar phenomenon is seen with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. These disorders have risen dramatically over the past century in high income countries across the globe, with sharp increases noted more recently in newly industrialized regions. In contrast IBD is rare in most regions in SSA. For both diseases this may reflect under-reporting or limited access to diagnostic modalities, but an alternative explanation is the high burden of infection with gastrointestinal parasites endemic to SSA which may attenuate the risk of developing GCA and IBD. In this mini review we discuss the complex interplay between these microorganisms, GCA, and IBD, as well as a possible protective role of H. pylori and the development of IBD.
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Mpofu TJ, Nephawe KA, Mtileni B. Prevalence and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in goats: A review. Vet World 2022; 15:2442-2452. [DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2442-2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitism, particularly nematode infection, is a major health issue affecting goats worldwide, resulting in clinical diseases and productivity loss. Prevalent gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) affecting goats in South Africa are the Strongyloides papillosus, Eimeria spp., and Strongyles, especially the Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. According to the issues discussed in this paper and by other authors, the prevalence and intensity of various GIPs vary with an animal's location, breed, age, sex, and season. Because GIPs easily develop resistance to chemical treatment, selecting and breeding genetically GIP-resistant animals would be a relatively simple and inexpensive strategy for reducing or eliminating the current reliance on chemotherapy. Potential phenotypic indicators for selecting GIP-resistant goats include parasitological, immunological, and pathological phenotypic markers. Synergistic use of these indicators should be encouraged for a more accurate simplified genotype selection of resistant animals. Genes with Mendelian inheritance, particularly those involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, have been identified in goats. Exploring this knowledge base to develop cost-effective molecular tools that facilitate enhanced genetic improvement programs is a current challenge. Future statistical and biological models should investigate genetic variations within genomic regions and different candidate genes involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, as well as the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect GIP infection levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takalani Judas Mpofu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Bohani Mtileni
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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12
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Monocytes maintain central nervous system homeostasis following helminth-induced inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201645119. [PMID: 36070344 PMCID: PMC9478671 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201645119] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune interactions are crucial for regulating immunity and inflammation. Recent studies have revealed that the central nervous system (CNS) senses peripheral inflammation and responds by releasing molecules that limit immune cell activation, thereby promoting tolerance and tissue integrity. However, the extent to which this is a bidirectional process, and whether peripheral immune cells also promote tolerance mechanisms in the CNS remains poorly defined. Here we report that helminth-induced type 2 inflammation promotes monocyte responses in the brain that are required to inhibit excessive microglial activation and host death. Mechanistically, infection-induced monocytes express YM1 that is sufficient to inhibit tumor necrosis factor production from activated microglia. Importantly, neuroprotective monocytes persist in the brain, and infected mice are protected from subsequent lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation months after infection-induced inflammation has resolved. These studies demonstrate that infiltrating monocytes promote CNS homeostasis in response to inflammation in the periphery and demonstrate that a peripheral infection can alter the immunologic landscape of the host brain.
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13
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Karo-Atar D, Ouladan S, Javkar T, Joumier L, Matheson MK, Merritt S, Westfall S, Rochette A, Gentile ME, Fontes G, Fonseca GJ, Parisien M, Diatchenko L, von Moltke J, Malleshaiah M, Gregorieff A, King IL. Helminth-induced reprogramming of the stem cell compartment inhibits type 2 immunity. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212311. [PMID: 35938990 PMCID: PMC9365672 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212311] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric helminths form intimate physical connections with the intestinal epithelium, yet their ability to directly alter epithelial stem cell fate has not been resolved. Here we demonstrate that infection of mice with the parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb) reprograms the intestinal epithelium into a fetal-like state marked by the emergence of Clusterin-expressing revival stem cells (revSCs). Organoid-based studies using parasite-derived excretory-secretory products reveal that Hpb-mediated revSC generation occurs independently of host-derived immune signals and inhibits type 2 cytokine-driven differentiation of secretory epithelial lineages that promote their expulsion. Reciprocally, type 2 cytokine signals limit revSC differentiation and, consequently, Hpb fitness, indicating that helminths compete with their host for control of the intestinal stem cell compartment to promote continuation of their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Karo-Atar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shaida Ouladan
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tanvi Javkar
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Loick Joumier
- Division of Systems Biology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sydney Merritt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Susan Westfall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Rochette
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria E. Gentile
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ghislaine Fontes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gregory J. Fonseca
- McGill University Health Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Division of Quantitative Life Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Parisien
- Department of Human Genetics, Allen Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Department of Human Genetics, Allen Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mohan Malleshaiah
- Division of Systems Biology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irah L. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Downey J, Randolph HE, Pernet E, Tran KA, Khader SA, King IL, Barreiro LB, Divangahi M. Mitochondrial cyclophilin D promotes disease tolerance by licensing NK cell development and IL-22 production against influenza virus. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110974. [PMID: 35732121 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110974] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Severity of pulmonary viral infections, including influenza A virus (IAV), is linked to excessive immunopathology, which impairs lung function. Thus, the same immune responses that limit viral replication can concomitantly cause lung damage that must be countered by largely uncharacterized disease tolerance mechanisms. Here, we show that mitochondrial cyclophilin D (CypD) protects against IAV via disease tolerance. CypD-/- mice are significantly more susceptible to IAV infection despite comparable antiviral immunity. This susceptibility results from damage to the lung epithelial barrier caused by a reduction in interleukin-22 (IL-22)-producing natural killer (NK) cells. Transcriptomic and functional data reveal that CypD-/- NK cells are immature and have altered cellular metabolism and impaired IL-22 production, correlating with dysregulated bone marrow lymphopoiesis. Administration of recombinant IL-22 or transfer of wild-type (WT) NK cells abrogates pulmonary damage and protects CypD-/- mice after IAV infection. Collectively, these results demonstrate a key role for CypD in NK cell-mediated disease tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Downey
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Haley E Randolph
- Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erwan Pernet
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Kim A Tran
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shabaana A Khader
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Irah L King
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Luis B Barreiro
- Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maziar Divangahi
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill International TB Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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15
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Ianiro G, Iorio A, Porcari S, Masucci L, Sanguinetti M, Perno CF, Gasbarrini A, Putignani L, Cammarota G. How the gut parasitome affects human health. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2022; 15:17562848221091524. [PMID: 35509426 PMCID: PMC9058362 DOI: 10.1177/17562848221091524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome (GM) is a complex ecosystem that includes numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic inhabitants. The composition of GM can influence an array of host physiological functions including immune development. Accumulating evidence suggest that several members of non-bacterial microbiota, including protozoa and helminths, that were earlier considered as pathogens, could have a commensal or beneficial relationship with the host. Here we examine the most recent data from omics studies on prokaryota-meiofauna-host interaction as well as the impact of gut parasitome on gut bacterial ecology and its role as 'immunological driver' in health and disease to glimpse new therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Iorio
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Porcari
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Masucci
- Microbiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Microbiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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16
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Oduro-Mensah D, Oduro-Mensah E, Quashie P, Awandare G, Okine L. Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa. F1000Res 2021; 10:1177. [PMID: 36605410 PMCID: PMC9763772 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74363.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one's immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa's populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro-Mensah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Quashie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, LG 581, Ghana
| | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laud Okine
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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17
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Oduro-Mensah D, Oduro-Mensah E, Quashie P, Awandare G, Okine L. Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa. F1000Res 2021; 10:1177. [PMID: 36605410 PMCID: PMC9763772 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74363.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one's immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa's populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro-Mensah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Quashie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, LG 581, Ghana
| | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laud Okine
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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18
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Kusi KA, Frimpong A, Partey FD, Lamptey H, Amoah LE, Ofori MF. High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 4:2. [PMID: 34729457 PMCID: PMC8524298 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13196.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the coronavirus outbreaks described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world has again been challenged by yet another corona virus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infections were first detected in a Chinese Province in December 2019 and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. An infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may result in asymptomatic, uncomplicated or fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fatal disease has been linked with the uncontrolled "cytokine storm" manifesting with complications mostly in people with underlying cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. The severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated mortality has been disproportionately lower in terms of number of cases and deaths in Africa and also Asia in comparison to Europe and North America. Also, persons of colour residing in Europe and North America have been identified as a highly susceptible population due to a combination of several socioeconomic factors and poor access to quality healthcare. Interestingly, this has not been the case in sub-Saharan Africa where majority of the population are even more deprived of the aforementioned factors. On the contrary, sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the lowest levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease, and an overwhelming proportion of infections are asymptomatic. Whilst it can be argued that these lower number of cases in Africa may be due to challenges associated with the diagnosis of the disease such as lack of trained personnel and infrastructure, the number of persons who get infected and develop symptoms is proportionally lower than those who are asymptomatic, including asymptomatic cases that are never diagnosed. This review discusses the most probable reasons for the significantly fewer cases of severe COVID-19 disease and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustina Frimpong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederica Dedo Partey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Fokuo Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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19
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Topalović O, Vestergård M. Can microorganisms assist the survival and parasitism of plant-parasitic nematodes? Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:947-958. [PMID: 34162521 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) remain a hardly treatable problem in many crops worldwide. Low efficacy of many biocontrol agents may be due to negligence of the native microbiota that is naturally associated with nematodes in soil, and which may protect nematodes against microbial antagonists. This phenomenon is more extensively studied for other nematode parasites, so we compiled these studies and drew parallels to the existing knowledge on PPN. We describe how microbial-mediated modulation of host immune responses facilitate nematode parasitism and discuss the role of Caenorhabditis elegans-protective microbiota to get an insight into the microbial protection of PPNs in soil. Molecular mechanisms of PPN-microbial interactions are also discussed. An understanding of microbial-aided PPN performance is thus pivotal for efficient management of PPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Topalović
- Aarhus University, Institute for Agroecology, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark.
| | - Mette Vestergård
- Aarhus University, Institute for Agroecology, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark.
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20
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Kusi KA, Frimpong A, Partey FD, Lamptey H, Amoah LE, Ofori MF. High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 4:2. [PMID: 34729457 PMCID: PMC8524298 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13196.2] [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] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the coronavirus outbreaks described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world has again been challenged by yet another corona virus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infections were first detected in a Chinese Province in December 2019 and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. An infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may result in asymptomatic, uncomplicated or fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fatal disease has been linked with the uncontrolled "cytokine storm" manifesting with complications mostly in people with underlying cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. The severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated mortality has been disproportionately lower in terms of number of cases and deaths in Africa and also Asia in comparison to Europe and North America. Also, persons of colour residing in Europe and North America have been identified as a highly susceptible population due to a combination of several socioeconomic factors and poor access to quality healthcare. Interestingly, this has not been the case in sub-Saharan Africa where majority of the population are even more deprived of the aforementioned factors. On the contrary, sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the lowest levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease, and an overwhelming proportion of infections are asymptomatic. Whilst it can be argued that these lower number of cases in Africa may be due to challenges associated with the diagnosis of the disease such as lack of trained personnel and infrastructure, the number of persons who get infected and develop symptoms is proportionally lower than those who are asymptomatic, including asymptomatic cases that are never diagnosed. This review discusses the most probable reasons for the significantly fewer cases of severe COVID-19 disease and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustina Frimpong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederica Dedo Partey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Fokuo Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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21
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Blasco X, Manteca X, López-Béjar M, Carbajal A, Castellà J, Ortuño A. Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051300. [PMID: 33946549 PMCID: PMC8147201 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multi-unowned-cat environments can be highly stressful for cats, and infectious and parasite diseases spread quickly and are difficult to prevent. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in cat feces collected from different multi-cat environments and assess the effect of housing conditions on intestinal parasites and FCM levels in order to develop more efficient control strategies. Cat fecal samples from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies were analyzed with coprological methods to detect intestinal parasite patency and determine FCM. Helminth infection was mainly detected in free-roaming cats. In confined cats, protozoa infections were more likely detected in shelter cats than in cattery cats. Exposure to dogs was associated with parasite infection and cats highly exposed to dogs with visual contact and audible barking showed higher intestinal protozoa prevalence than cats that were not exposed to dogs. FCM levels were correlated with enclosure size and protozoa infection. Reducing stress by improving housing in terms of enclosure size and avoiding exposure to dogs may have an impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa. Abstract Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Blasco
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Xavier Manteca
- Animal Science Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anaïs Carbajal
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Joaquim Castellà
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna Ortuño
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Kusi KA, Frimpong A, Partey FD, Lamptey H, Amoah LE, Ofori MF. High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 4:2. [PMID: 34729457 PMCID: PMC8524298 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13196.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the coronavirus outbreaks described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world has again been challenged by yet another corona virus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infections were first detected in a Chinese Province in December 2019 and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. An infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may result in asymptomatic, uncomplicated or fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fatal disease has been linked with the uncontrolled "cytokine storm" manifesting with complications mostly in people with underlying cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. The severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated mortality has been disproportionately lower in Africa and Asia in comparison to Europe and North America in terms of number of cases and deaths. While persons of colour who live in Europe and North America have been identified as a highly susceptible population due to a combination of several socioeconomic factors and poor access to quality healthcare, this has not been the case in sub-Saharan Africa where inhabitants are even more deprived concerning the said factors. On the contrary, sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the lowest levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease, and an overwhelming proportion of infections are asymptomatic. This review discusses the most probable reasons for the significantly fewer cases of severe COVID-19 disease and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustina Frimpong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederica Dedo Partey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Fokuo Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Ivermectin: An Anthelmintic, an Insecticide, and Much More. Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:48-64. [PMID: 33189582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Here we tell the story of ivermectin, describing its anthelmintic and insecticidal actions and recent studies that have sought to reposition ivermectin for the treatment of other diseases that are not caused by helminth and insect parasites. The standard theory of its anthelmintic and insecticidal mode of action is that it is a selective positive allosteric modulator of glutamate-gated chloride channels found in nematodes and insects. At higher concentrations, ivermectin also acts as an allosteric modulator of ion channels found in host central nervous systems. In addition, in tissue culture, at concentrations higher than anthelmintic concentrations, ivermectin shows antiviral, antimalarial, antimetabolic, and anticancer effects. Caution is required before extrapolating from these preliminary repositioning experiments to clinical use, particularly for Covid-19 treatment, because of the high concentrations of ivermectin used in tissue-culture experiments.
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Tiberti N, Buonfrate D, Carbone C, Piro G, Bisoffi Z, Piubelli C. Systemic profile of immune factors in an elderly Italian population affected by chronic strongyloidiasis. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:515. [PMID: 33059754 PMCID: PMC7559927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminthiasis affecting an estimated 370 million people and considered one of the most neglected tropical diseases. Although mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, autochthonous infections have also been documented in north-eastern Italy, even though the transmission presumably stopped decades ago. Because of its peculiar auto-infective cycle, strongyloidiasis can persist lifelong, but the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the maintenance of such a chronic infection are yet to be fully deciphered. Methods Serum levels of 23 immune factors were retrospectively assessed in a subgroup of participants in a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of strongyloidiasis (Strong Treat). Here we included Italian subjects born between 1931 and 1964 and diagnosed with strongyloidiasis between 2013 and 2017 (Ss+, n = 32). Serum samples obtained before (BT) and 6 months (6M AT) after ivermectin treatment, as well as from age- and gender-matched uninfected controls (CTRL, n = 34) were analysed. Results The assessed immune factors showed a general reduced concertation in Ss+ patients and a lack of association with eosinophilia. In our cohort, we did not observe the classical shift towards a type 2 immune response, since Th1 and Th2 cytokines were mostly unaltered. Instead, we observed chemokines as particularly affected by the presence of the parasite, since IL-8, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5 were significantly reduced in concentration in Ss+ subjects compared to CTRL, suggesting that immune cell recruitment to the infection site might be dampened in these patients. This observation was further sustained by a significant increase of CCL4, CCL5 and CCL11 concentrations 6M AT. A significant raised systemic concentration of three growth factors, bFGF, PDGF-BB and IL-7 (haematopoietic growth factor) was also observed post-treatment, indicating a potential involvement in restoring tissue integrity and homeostasis following parasite elimination. Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that, in order to survive for such a long period, S. stercoralis might suppress host responses that could otherwise result in its ejection. Our results offer novel insights in the potential mechanisms of disease tolerance that might take place during this chronic infection, including a potential T-cell hypo-responsiveness and a role for chemokines.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tiberti
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy.
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy.,Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
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25
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Hové C, Trumble BC, Anderson AS, Stieglitz J, Kaplan H, Gurven MD, Blackwell AD. Immune function during pregnancy varies between ecologically distinct populations. Evol Med Public Health 2020; 2020:114-128. [PMID: 32983537 PMCID: PMC7502269 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Among placental mammals, females undergo immunological shifts during pregnancy to accommodate the fetus (i.e. fetal tolerance). Fetal tolerance has primarily been characterized within post-industrial populations experiencing evolutionarily novel conditions (e.g. reduced pathogen exposure), which may shape maternal response to fetal antigens. This study investigates how ecological conditions affect maternal immune status during pregnancy by comparing the direction and magnitude of immunological changes associated with each trimester among the Tsimane (a subsistence population subjected to high pathogen load) and women in the USA. METHODOLOGY Data from the Tsimane Health and Life History Project (N = 935) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 1395) were used to estimate population-specific effects of trimester on differential leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. RESULTS In both populations, pregnancy was associated with increased neutrophil prevalence, reduced lymphocyte and eosinophil count and elevated CRP. Compared to their US counterparts, pregnant Tsimane women exhibited elevated lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, fewer neutrophils and monocytes and lower CRP. Total leukocyte count remained high and unchanged among pregnant Tsimane women while pregnant US women exhibited substantially elevated counts, resulting in overlapping leukocyte prevalence among all third-trimester individuals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings indicate that ecological conditions shape non-pregnant immune baselines and the magnitude of immunological shifts during pregnancy via developmental constraints and current trade-offs. Future research should investigate how such flexibility impacts maternal health and disease susceptibility, particularly the degree to which chronic pathogen exposure might dampen inflammatory response to fetal antigens. LAY SUMMARY This study compares immunological changes associated with pregnancy between the Tsimane (an Amazonian subsistence population) and individuals in the USA. Results suggest that while pregnancy enhances non-specific defenses and dampens both antigen-specific immunity and parasite/allergy response, ecological conditions strongly influence immune baselines and the magnitude of shifts during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hové
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Benjamin C Trumble
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Amy S Anderson
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | | | - Hillard Kaplan
- Economic Science Institute, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Michael D Gurven
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Aaron D Blackwell
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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26
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Lynsdale CL, Mon NO, Franco Dos Santos DJ, Aung HH, Nyein UK, Htut W, Childs D, Lummaa V. Demographic and reproductive associations with nematode infection in a long-lived mammal. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9214. [PMID: 32513991 PMCID: PMC7280280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by macroparasites, such as nematodes, varies within vertebrate host systems; elevated infection is commonly observed in juveniles and males, and, for females, with different reproductive states. However, while such patterns are widely recognized in short-lived model systems, how they apply to long-lived hosts is comparatively understudied. Here, we investigated how infection varies with host age, sex, and female reproduction in a semi-captive population of individually marked Asian elephants Elephas maximus. We carried out 1,977 faecal egg counts (FECs) across five years to estimate nematode loads for 324 hosts. Infection patterns followed an established age-infection curve, whereby calves (5 years) exhibited the highest FECs and adults (45 years) the lowest. However, males and females had similar FECs across their long lifespan, despite distinct differences in life-history strategy and clear sexual dimorphism. Additionally, although mothers invest two years in pregnancy and a further three to five years into lactation, nematode load did not vary with four different measures of female reproduction. Our results provide a much-needed insight into the host-parasite dynamics of a long-lived host; determining host-specific associations with infection in such systems is important for broadening our knowledge of parasite ecology and provides practical applications for wildlife medicine and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nay Oo Mon
- Department of Animal Science, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Myanmar
| | | | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Dylan Childs
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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27
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Hecht-Höger AM, Braun BC, Krause E, Meschede A, Krahe R, Voigt CC, Greenwood AD, Czirják GÁ. Plasma proteomic profiles differ between European and North American myotid bats colonized by Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1745-1755. [PMID: 32279365 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Emerging fungal diseases have become challenges for wildlife health and conservation. North American hibernating bat species are threatened by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) causing the disease called white-nose syndrome (WNS) with unprecedented mortality rates. The fungus is widespread in North America and Europe, however, disease is not manifested in European bats. Differences in epidemiology and pathology indicate an evolution of resistance or tolerance mechanisms towards Pd in European bats. We compared the proteomic profile of blood plasma in healthy and Pd-colonized European Myotis myotis and North American Myotis lucifugus in order to identify pathophysiological changes associated with Pd colonization, which might also explain the differences in bat survival. Expression analyses of plasma proteins revealed differences in healthy and Pd-colonized M. lucifugus, but not in M. myotis. We identified differentially expressed proteins for acute phase response, constitutive and adaptive immunity, oxidative stress defence, metabolism and structural proteins of exosomes and desmosomes, suggesting a systemic response against Pd in North American M. lucifugus but not European M. myotis. The differences in plasma proteomic profiles between European and North American bat species colonized by Pd suggest European bats have evolved tolerance mechanisms towards Pd infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beate C Braun
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eberhard Krause
- Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Meschede
- Institute of Zoology II, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Christian C Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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González-Fernández D, Pons EDC, Rueda D, Sinisterra OT, Murillo E, Scott ME, Koski KG. Identification of High-Risk Pregnancies in a Remote Setting Using Ambulatory Blood Pressure: The MINDI Cohort. Front Public Health 2020; 8:86. [PMID: 32292772 PMCID: PMC7121149 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ambulatory blood pressure is a potential tool for early detection of complications during pregnancy, but its utility in impoverished settings has not been assessed. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether maternal infections, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation (MINDI) were associated with four measures of maternal blood pressure (BP) and to determine their association with symphysis-fundal-height (SFH). Methods: Environmental and dietary factors, intake of iron and a multiple-nutrient supplement (MNS), markers of inflammation, protein, anemia, folate, vitamins B12, A and D status, and urogenital, skin, oral and intestinal nematode infections were measured in indigenous pregnant Panamanian women. Stepwise multiple linear and logistic regression models explored determinants of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), hypotension (SBP < 100 and DBP < 60), mean arterial pressure (MAP), elevated MAP (eMAP), and pulse pressure (PP). Associations of BP with intestinal nematodes and with SFH Z scores (≥16 wk) were also explored. Results: Despite absence of high SBP or DBP, 11.2% of women had eMAP. Furthermore, 24.1% had hypotension. Linear regression showed that hookworm infection was associated with higher SBP (P = 0.049), DBP (P = 0.046), and MAP (P = 0.016), whereas Ascaris was associated with lower DBP (P = 0.018) and MAP (P = 0.028). Trichomonas was also associated with lower SBP (P < 0.0001) and MAP (P = 0.009). The presence of Trichuris (OR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.0-44.5) and folic acid deficiency (OR: 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-33.8) were associated with increased odds of eMAP. The odds of low BP was higher in the presence of Ascaris (OR: 3.63 ± 2.28, P = 0.040), but odds were lowered by MNS (OR: 0.35 ± 0.11, P = 0.001), more intake of animal-source foods/wk (OR: 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) and by higher concentrations of IL-17 (OR: 0.87 ± 0.05, P = 0.016). Conclusion: MINDI were bi-directionally associated with blood pressure indicators. In this MINDI cohort, infections, nutrients and cytokines both raised, and lowered BP indices. The presence of eMAP identified pregnant women at risk of hypertension whereas low PP was associated with lower SFH. Therefore, MAP and PP may help in detecting women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in settings with limited access to technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris González-Fernández
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | | | - Delfina Rueda
- "Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé" Health Region, Ministry of Health, San Félix, Panama
| | | | - Enrique Murillo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Marilyn E Scott
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Kristine G Koski
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
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29
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Gentile ME, Li Y, Robertson A, Shah K, Fontes G, Kaufmann E, Polese B, Khan N, Parisien M, Munter HM, Mandl JN, Diatchenko L, Divangahi M, King IL. NK cell recruitment limits tissue damage during an enteric helminth infection. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:357-370. [PMID: 31776431 PMCID: PMC7039810 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic helminths cause significant damage as they migrate through host tissues to complete their life cycle. While chronic helminth infections are characterized by a well-described Type 2 immune response, the early, tissue-invasive stages are not well understood. Here we investigate the immune pathways activated during the early stages of Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb), a natural parasitic roundworm of mice. In contrast to the Type 2 immune response present at later stages of infection, a robust Type 1 immune signature including IFNg production was dominant at the time of parasite invasion and granuloma formation. This early response was associated with an accumulation of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells, with no increase of other innate lymphoid cell populations. Parabiosis and confocal microscopy studies indicated that NK cells were recruited from circulation to the small intestine, where they surrounded parasitic larvae. NK cell recruitment required IFNγ receptor signaling, but was independent of CXCR3 expression. The depletion of tissue-infiltrating NK cells altered neither worm burden nor parasite fitness, but increased vascular injury, suggesting a role for NK cells in mediating tissue protection. Together, these data identify an unexpected role for NK cells in promoting disease tolerance during the invasive stage of an enteric helminth infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Gentile
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Yue Li
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Amicha Robertson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- NYU Medical School, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kathleen Shah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, England
| | - Ghislaine Fontes
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Eva Kaufmann
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Barbara Polese
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nargis Khan
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marc Parisien
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Hans M Munter
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Judith N Mandl
- Department of Physiology, Complex Traits Group, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Maziar Divangahi
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Irah L King
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Sharpton TJ, Combrink L, Arnold HK, Gaulke CA, Kent M. Harnessing the gut microbiome in the fight against anthelminthic drug resistance. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 53:26-34. [PMID: 32114334 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminth parasites present major challenges to the welfare of humans and threaten the global food supply. While the discovery of anthelminthic drugs empowered our ability to offset these harms to society, the alarming rise of anthelminthic drug resistance mitigates contemporary efforts to treat and control intestinal helminthic infections. Fortunately, emerging research points to potential opportunities to combat anthelminthic drug resistance by harnessing the gut microbiome as a resource for discovering novel therapeutics and informing responsible drug administration. In this review, we highlight research that demonstrates this potential and provide rationale to support increased investment in efforts to uncover and translationally utilize knowledge about how the gut microbiome mediates intestinal helminthic infection and its outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Leigh Combrink
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Holly K Arnold
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | | | - Michael Kent
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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A review on the druggability of a thiol-based enzymatic antioxidant thioredoxin reductase for treating filariasis and other parasitic infections. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 142:125-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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32
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Bergstrom BJ, Rose RK, Bellows AS. Stomach nematodes of cotton rats: parasites, commensals, or mutualists? J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We related presence and burden of stomach nematodes to body mass and reproductive allocation in hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) from two long-running field studies in Virginia (1983–1984, n = 286; and 1988–1990, n = 425) and one from Georgia 1987–1989 (n = 459). Eighty percent of rats from the earlier Virginia sample were infected, with mean nematode mass of 1,311 mg. In the later samples, 23% (Virginia) and 33% (Georgia) were infected with mean nematode mass of 493 and 769 mg, respectively. Presence of nematodes was positively correlated with host body length for each sex in each sample. We used analysis of covariance to examine length-adjusted residuals for presence of nematodes and mass of nematodes for association with somatic and reproductive response variables. Both body and reproductive masses were either positively associated or not related to nematode presence in the two low-prevalence samples, and either negatively associated or not related to nematode presence in the high-prevalence sample. No relationships were detected between host mass and nematode mass per host in either sex in any sample. There was no effect of nematode presence on litter size of pregnant females, but there was a positive effect of nematode mass on litter size in Georgia. Recent theory provides several possible explanations for such neutral-to-positive effects of stomach nematodes on host fitness, including the evolution of host tolerance to the parasites, fecundity compensation by the hosts, and positive effects on host health via immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert K Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - A Scott Bellows
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Haque M, Koski KG, Scott ME. Maternal Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Up-regulates Expression of Genes Associated with Long-Term Potentiation in Perinatal Brains of Uninfected Developing Pups. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4165. [PMID: 30862816 PMCID: PMC6414690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of neural networks critical for memory and cognition begins during the perinatal period but studies on the impact of maternal infection are limited. Using a nematode parasite that remains in the maternal intestine, we tested our hypothesis that maternal infection during pregnancy and early lactation would alter perinatal brain gene expression, and that the anti-inflammatory nature of this parasite would promote synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation. Brain gene expression was largely unaffected two days after birth, but in seven-day old pups, long-term potentiation and four related pathways essential for the development of synaptic plasticity, cognition and memory were up-regulated in pups of infected dams. Interestingly, our data suggest that a lowering of Th1 inflammatory processes may underscore the apparent beneficial impact of maternal intestinal infection on long-term potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjurul Haque
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kristine G Koski
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marilyn E Scott
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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